The American Bahá’í/Volume 29/Issue 4/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 29, Issue 4

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

RIDVAN 155 MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

SEE PAGES 4-5

epresentatives of the world’s 175 National Spiritual Assemblies cast their ballots

for the election of the Universal House of Justice during the eighth Baha’i International Convention held April 29—May 2 at the Baha’i World Center in Haifa, Israel. Those elected to serve as members of the House of Justice for the next five years are Ali Nakhjavani, Peter Khan, Adib Taherzadeh, Glenford Mitchell, lan Semple, Hooper Dunbar, Farzam Arbab, Douglas Martin and Hushmand Fatheazam. A highlight of the Convention was the first-time participation of a number of National Spiritual Assemblies, most from Asian nations that emerged from the Soviet Union.

Spreading the spirit of unity

National Teaching Plan: A new level of unified momentum

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

eaching momentum in the tes accelerated to a ew level with the broadcasts of

The Power of Race Unity on the Odyssey nel, complemented by teaching activities in hundreds of communities across the country.

In the first 10 days of the national cam

THE POWER OF RACE UNITY: Broadcasts June 7, June 14 on BET Cable Channel 11 p.m. Easterm * 10 p.m. Central * 9 p.m. Mountain * 8 p.m. Pacific

paign, about 6,000 people about the Baha’s I

ither inquired

meeting at the invitation of th Preliminary reports from A’ Advertel, which served respectively as the carrier for the national telephone number 1-800-22-UNITE and the server for the national default system, listed nearly 3,000

‘Inspiring the friends

with his memories

Mr. ‘Aziz Yazdi inspires a gathering of his encounters as a child with ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Mr. Yazdi, who for years was a

Counselor at the International Teachi

=

eral appearances in the Midwest, including a warm-spirited visit at the House of Worship in Wilmette, where 200 people were spellbound with his story of watching the Master pray at the Shrine of Baha’u’llah. Photo by Ken Duszynski

friends at Chicago in April with tales of

ing Center, made a special trip for sev

calls March 28-April 8. In addition, the public Web (www.u org) received about 300 inquiries for literature. A handful of the completed calls were is who wanted to try out the

site

ast majority were SEE TEACHING, PAGE 18

Visions of Race Unity: Baha’is take action in West Virginia

‘he announcement went out to Baha’i commun weeks ago: A television station in Charleston, West Virginia, led its March 13. bro:

st

with a report about the Baha’i perspective on race unity, featuring

with children and contrasting the viewpoint with a small effort to organiz whites-only church in town. That’s the tip of the iceberg. The broadcast is part of a process: transforming the community so swiftly that called it “the end of life as rea that has est in race ind them

one believ

we know it.” In a diverse shown little outward i unity issues, the Bah:

the center of the topic with a

ion continued to report on the community's efforts to 1e with public dialogues at

SEE WEST VIRGINIA, PAGE 31

Devoted servant Florence Mayberry passes away

May 17, 1998

eoceoeeeeee

• ‘AZAMAT/ GRANDEUR

BAHAY? ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 4

“ENS: IDE:

PAGE 6

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PAGES 26-27 ;

THE NATIONAL FUNDS

and March 31, 1998

‘Between May 1,

$25,600,000 Goal/All Funds

$20,463,209 Received/All Funds

National Fund Deficit: $1,705,652

A message from the Universal House of Justice, April 9, 1998:

EEPLY SADDENED LOSS OUTSTANDING VALIANT DEFENSE COVENANT, UNFLAGGING

STAUNCH PROMOTER FAITH FLORENCE MAY- EFFORTS BLAZON NAME CAUSE, INTREPID FARBERRY. HER TIRELESS INSPIRED SERVICES, FLUNG TRAVELS DISTINGUISH HER SPLENDID LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL, IN RECORD ACHIEVEMENTS. ASSURE FERVENT BOTH TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE FIELDS, PRAYERS PROGRESS HER LUMINOUS SPIRIT. CONSPANNING OVER FORTY YEARS, CROWNED BY FIDENT BOUNTIFUL REWARDS ABHA KINGDOM. UNFORGETTABLE DECADE AS COUNSELLOR MEMBER INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE.

~ between the hea world of humanity.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

SEE IN MEMORIAM, PAGE 34 FLORENCE MAYBERRY [Page 2]LETTERS FROM

Be alert for opportunities to share alt; esenge

To the Editors:

As we in the American Baha’f community foaus a national proclamation on the need for racial unity, I would like to sug

• gest that our efforts could be much more

effective if we were alert for particular opportunities that are presented to us.

For example, we know that the media and the American public are very interested in racial issues. But they are much more interested when something like the publi cation of The Bell Curve creates widespread turmoil. The Baha’{ writings address the subject of race and intelligence with teachings that describe intelligence as supernatural, a property of the human soul. We have teachings that address the kind of racial divide that swept the country during the OJJ. Simpson trial. We have teacl that support the principle of affirmative action, an issue that is being hotly debated all around the country today.

If we as a national community would ze the opportunities to share the remees given to us by the Divine Physician at times when they are most relevant to current events, I believe we would be much more effective teachers of this Cause.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, “The opportunities which the turmoil of the present age presents, with all the sorrows which it evokes, the fears which it excites, the lusionment which it produces, the perplexities which it creates, the indignation it arouses, the revolt which it provokes, the grievances it engenders, the spirit of restless search which it awakens, must ... be

ngs

exploited for the purpose of spreading far and wide the knowledge of the redemptive

DANNY BERKMAN, a 10th-grader in Palm Desert, California, was recognized in February as a Golden State Scholar in math for the second year in a row.

ERIN BYRNE, a 14-year-old Baha’{ from Canton, Ohio, was awarded the 1997 Ohio Very Special

Arts Young Soloist

Award, qualifying to

audition for the P

national competition. She sang two arias for the competition: “Le Violette, Gia Soleil del Ganger” and “My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair.” In 1996, she sang “Maid of Carmel” as a soloist with an international choir at its Canton performance.

p—

ERIN BYRNE

ERIC GREEN, a 13-year-old Baha’ from Lake County, California, was chosen as Student of the Month for January by the teachers at the Terrace School.

PRISCILLA L. GRIFFITH, a Baha’ from Temple Terrace, Florida, has been appointed to a five-year term as co-editor of The Reading Teacher, a reading education journal distributed to 63,000 educators worldwide. Dr. Griffith will retain

° power of the Faith of Baha’u'll4h, and for ing fresh recruits into the everswelling army of His followers.” (Advent of Divine Justice, p. 40)

Our local community tries to take advantage of these opportunities. The Assembly is offering to share copies of

• some articles we published in our local

paper on the issues described above. If ¢ interested, please send a self-addressed

envelope to me at the address below.

Bonnie J. Taylor 317 Adams Ave. Glencoe, Illinois 60022

We can become closer

without resort to gossiping

lo the Editors:

+ Recently we learned that 4 good B: friend fell extremely ill, near death. Not too long ago we learned that another dear Baha’i friend had major neck surgery, and another has serious cancer. Besides these

• trials of health, there are those we find out

are dealing with the breakup of their mar

and the list goes on.

Yes, we do eventually learn about these tests and trials of our friends, but always much after the fact. It leads me to suspect two things: 1) we really don't understand the law of backbiting and gossip; 2) we have little or no sense of ourselves as a spiritually bonded community uniquely in love with a single divine source of salvation: Baha’u'llh.

Here I'm just making a query, not

broaching an answer: If I learn that a = Baha'i in my community is facing a health challenge, is it gossiping to call other

her position as a fcaulty member and cochair of the College of Education in the University of South Florida.

CHRIS B. HENNION, a 17-year-old Bahé’i from Norman, Oklahoma, is one of five students from Norman North High School to be designated a’ finalist for a National Merit Scholarship.

Bah. ASHLEY LINEBARGER and RAPHAEL HABEEB’U’LLAH won the girls’ and boys’ competitions, respectively, in an Optimist Club oratorical contest Feb. 28. They represented the ing/Deas Gavel Club, the youth te of the Dawn-Breakers “Toasts Club that meets at the Baha Unity Center in South DeKalb County, Georgia. Ashley enunciated three principles of the Faith in her speech and Raphael quoted the words of ‘Abdu’lBaha in his. Both repeated their speeches, which they wrote, at Sunday devotions at the Unity Center on March 8. The Atlanta Baha’i Youth Workshop facilitated the program.

DELORES J. MARTIN, a Baha’f in Springfield, Illinois, received an Unsung Heroine award sponsored by the public television show To the Contrary. The executive

age, loss of jobs, prolonged difficulties,

eee cccecccccccccescccccccecesesecceeees

° ° ° . °

Baha'i friends asking them to say healing prayers for so and so and asking them to also pass this message on? I wouldn't have to say what the health (or personal) challenge And the other Baha’is understanding the law of gossiping shouldn’t try to get any more intimate information from me or allow their imaginations to go off.

T’m nota doctor or a health care technician, so I can’t offer any medical help. With none of these people have I been a “close, personal” friend, just a friend.

But I can pray. I could share the information with my family and we could pray together. I could bring it up at Feast so the community could pray, and at devotional meetings as well. If it is really serious, a group could hold a vigil. The afllicted Baha’i doesn't have to be “a leader” or well known. This person is our brother, ow ter in Bahé’u'lléh. The power of prayer id care, multiplied by the unity of the community, is omnipotent.

Our sense of community should extend beyond meeting at meetings. Our sense of community iritual bonding, and can be done with “strangers.” In this world, in this point in history, we are such a small minority, and so many of us suffer such hardship because of our belief that our bond has to rest on no other factor than our shared love for Baha'u'llah.

When we hear that a Baha’ is seriously ill, even if we don't know the person specifically, we should yearn for their wellbeing in the will of God and pray for them. The bond should be beyond our life

circumstan our personali our degree of activity in the community. Nancy Yavrom

Citrus Heights, CA

IN ALL THINGS

director of the Springfield Community Federation and former assistant attorney general was honored for her part in a local welfare-to-work program designed as a pilot project for the state. Bahd’-inspired _ principles of consultation ment agencies were design of the project.

DELORES MARTIN

among governtegral to her

PHILIP SCRIBANI, a 9-year-old Baha’s from Mineola, New York, recently won a gold medal at the Y.H. Park Taekwondo School Charity Festival held at C.W. Post University in Pennsylvania.

QUINN WALKER, a 9-year-old Baha’i from Klamath, California,

won first place among _ fourthgraders at the

Del Norte County Speech Tournament with a talk about Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for racial equality.

‘Quinn WALKER

1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 ‘Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ http://tab.usbne.org

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

Baha’i National Center 847.869.9039

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Production Support Ramzia Duszynski

Contributors Baha’i International News Service, Addison Bibb, William E. Dunning, Ken Duszynski, Ajit Giani, Ken Goebel. Frances Hayden, Robert James, Richard Kechmann, Farshad Lanjani, Charleen Maghzi, Quddus Miller, MKDesign, Amy Jill Neeb, William Smith, Nancy Wong, Ruhi Vargha, Lynn Wieties

Photo on page 5 by Artis Mebane | ~~ EE

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the U

States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

SEND_ aDpRESs to. Management Information 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

HA

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS

1 American Baud’t welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahs’i Faith.

• Anricies should be clear and conci

ries may be edited for length.

• Puorocrarus may be color or black-andwhite prints or slides. Please submit photos

that are well composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a selfaddressed envelope.

• Deaputnes for upcoming issues:

May 20 for the issue dated June 24

June 29 for the issue dated August 1

. Sto

PLease ADDRESS ALL rreMs for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Babd’é, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL. 60201-1611 (e-mail ). | se ‘©1998 by the National Spiritual Assembly

of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * EXCELLENCE

May 17,1998 [Page 3]

THE*-SECOND-FRON

Austin takes to the streets

March, rally draw hundreds

Sone made

The Baha’i comm a week of teaching w march and rally on Na hesSumntna ACcemblaarmoanced’ bad purchased a building to replace the current, overcrowded Bal

B from all over ‘ places as distant as New Jersey, Montana, Oregon, California, Kansas, Louisiana and New Mexico took part in the Unity of Mankind March and Rally and the week of activities that preceded it. a

TARGETING DIVERSE AREAS

For several days they split up the city and knocked on doors, handing out about 2,000 invitations to the march and rally. Especially targeted were the 10th Ward, which is primarily A\ and Latino, and the predominantly white Travis Heights area.

Each morning, the teams deepened and performed memorization drills before going out to teach. They also took part in service projects.

An immediate impact was three declarations of belief in Baha’u’llah during the week and a turnout of about 250 for the march.

‘The march proceeded from Huston-Tillotson College to the Fiesta Gardens park. The route was symbolic. It bridged communities by combining the routes blacks and Latinos traditionally marched to the Capitol in seeking

ights.

“We started this because we felt there were a lot of people striving for unity and we had hoped to demonstrate Baha’{ unity, which consists of blacks, browns, whites and all races and felt a march for the unity of mankind is a perfect response for the crying need of this nation,” Ramon Sepulveda explained in kicking off the march.

“We’re here to celebrate the dive: ty of mankind and enjoy each other's

Newly revised

ie eagerly anticipated revision to I Developing Distinctive Babi’ Commu: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies is

completed. Originally publi the manual has become a

blies throughout the Unitec

Among the revisions are additional references from the Universal House of Ju and updates to the current policies of the Natio on a variety of topics.

“With these revisions and an easier-to-use format,” said Theresa Mullen of the Office of Assembly Development, “it promises to be an even more valuable addition to the library of Assemblies and individual Baha’is who wish to better understand the Adminis trative Order and the application of spiritual and administrative principles.”

Most of the manual is a compilation of

The world in Haifa

Delegates from around the world mingle at the Baha’i World Center during the celebration of the Ninth Day of Ridvan just before the Baha’i International Convention in Haifa, Israel. Photo courtesy of National Secretary's Office

Enrollments

March 9B ocsionpuednccincl ee April 98 ..... Total since May I, ‘97: 1,595

company and work towards that peace, love and fellowship,” he said.

A multicolored balloon arch led the way for marchers. Police on motorcycles accompanied the marchers and held back traffic.

Banners proclaiming the oneness of mankind were held aloft, and Baha’i Youth Workshops sang and danced. Neighbors stood outside their homes lookii

marchers and reading the signs.

Then began the rally, attended by about 450. Karen Pritchard of Plantation, Florida, a member of the Southern Regional Baha'i Council, co-hosted with Baha’i gospel Van Gilmer of Washington, D.C.

‘The Austin Baha’f Youth Workshop performed, along with Mr. Gilmer, the San Antonio “country Baha’?” group Los Nice Guys, hip-hop artists Justice Leeg from Los Angeles, and the song-and-dance team of Auxiliary Board member Robert Ramii and Southern Regional Baha’y Council member Lupita Ahangarzadeh.

Counselor Alejandra Miller addressed the crowd about the teaching work ahead and our responsibilities. National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants spoke movingly of the importance of this day.

At 7 p.m. the occasion became more informal, with some of the performers heard again and Baha’is and their guests

mingling to deepen friendships and talk about the Faith. Firesides were held late into the

Organizers promise a bigger, even better nity of Mankind March and Rally next By that time the Austin community will have i its new center in place.

To A LARGER CENTER

‘The present center opened in 1985 in a three-bedroom home that had been converted toa church.

The facility couldn’t long accommodate the growth. There was'ichilittle room for Nineteen Day Feasts or children’s But the search for a new property w spended two years ago because of a of resources. It was only when an individual Baha’i asked the Assembly to revisit the subject and included a check for $1,000 that the quest was renewed.

With that action as a catalyst, the Assembly appointed a task force to develop a plan. A phased approach was adopted, calling for fund raising, the sale of the present center, and search for a new facility.

Shortly after the first major fund-raising event, a 6,500-square-foot office building with ample parking near the old airport became available in a bankruptcy sale. The Assembly made an offer substantially below the building’s value. After a 30-day bidding period, the offer was accepted.

Assembly manual available

the Baha’i Writin; ncluding excerpts from the Writings of the Central Figures of the Faith, Shoghi versal House of Justic

Included are chapters on such subjects ‘The Local Spiritual Assembly; The Formation of the Assembly; Organization of the Local Spiritual Assembly; Consultation; Protection of the Faith; Community Membership; Teaching and Consolidation; The Distinctive Baha’i Community; Holy Days, The Ninet Events; Baha’i Education; External A! Properties; Marriage; Divorce; Burial Law, Wills, and other miscellaneous topics. A list of suggested readings is provided at the end of each chapter, directing the reader to other information on the topic.

“When Developing Distinctive Baha'i Com‘munities was originally published, the intention was to update it on a regular basis—

hence the loose-leaf format. Due to budget constraints and a lack of staff, it was not possible to fulfill this goal,” Mullen said.

“However, with the establishment of an Office of Assembly Development at the Baha’i National Assembly, we hope now to realize this goal, and that Assemblies will not have to wait so long for future updates to the manual.” She added that the office “welcomes suggestions from users of the manual as part of the ongoing revision efforts.”

Every Assembly in the United States should obtain a copy of Developing Distinctive Babd’i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies, and many Assemblies may wish to buy copies of the manual for each of their members. Copies may be purchased through the Baha’{ Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019). @

THE FUND May 1, 1997-March 31, 1998 Contributions received by

National Treasurer

Received Goal for since May 1: entire $20,463,209 $27,000,000

ee aay

of goal has been met

92% o %o of fiscal year

b March 31, 1998 4 April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund

STIL Bt be)

12% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 19%)

International Baha’i Fund $5,068,688

25% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 7%)

OOo erie we ate $273,964

1.3% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $742,860

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center '

May 1, 1997-March 31, 1998

$15,872,840

Revenues @

$17,578,492

Expenses ¥

Resulting deficit: $1,705,652

4 Includes contributions plus revenues from Ba

ne, perm

ing Trust, Ba

t schools, ete.

Y Operating and capital expenses, not

including

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

May 17, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * THE SECOND FRONT _ page 3 [Page 4]

FROM*THE*UNIVERSAL?*H

MESSAGE TO THE BAHA‘’IS OF THE WORLD

for Ridvan, B.E. 155

Dearly loved Friends,

t this halfway mark in the Four Year Plan, we affirm with uplifted learts that the worldwide Baha’i community is breaking new ground tt a dynamic stage in its evolution. The process of entry by troops, upon

which its energies are focused, is clearly advancing.

Three developments brighten our expectations. One is in the solid results being produced wherever training institutes are in operation. Tens of thousands of individuals have over the last two years completed at least one institute course. The immediate effects upon them have been a greatly strengthened faith, a more conscious spiritual identity, and a deepened commitment to Baha’i service. The second pertains to the notable improvement in the conditions affecting the establishment and renewal of Local Spiritual Assemblies. The decision to form these institutions only on the first day of Ridvan, and to do so principally at the initiative of the communities to which they belong, was put into effect in 1997. While there was an immediate but not unexpected drop in the number of Local Assemblies worldwide, the decrease was not very large; in fact, increases were recorded in some countries. This outcome indicates that the process of maturation of these divinely ordained institutions is on course. The third is that a new confidence in teaching is stirring the friends, yielding impressive results in various regions. The potential for a steady and ever-expanding influx of new believers has always been great, and we are able to say with assurance that the capacity to actualize it is methodically being developed more than ever before with the prosecution of the current Plan.

Further to these signs of progress, we are gratified by the marvellous speed with which the construction projects on Mount Carmel proceeded to fulfil the schedule which had been set for the year just ended. Immediately ahead are the establishment in May of three new National Spiritual Assemblies—Sabah, Sarawak, and Slovakia—and the reestablishment of the National Spiritual Assembly in Liberia, raising to 179 the pillars of the Universal House of Justice.

ty We

favours

performed by the individual Hands of the Cause of God, by the International ‘Teaching Centre, and by the Counsellors and their auxiliaries on all continents. ‘The increasing strength of National Spiritual Assemblies also bolsters our certitude in the imminence of resounding victories.

Against this salutary picture of the community's prospects is the confused background of a planet at odds with itself. And yet, amid the widespread desolation of the human spirit, it is apparent that at some level of consciousness there is among the peoples of the world a growing sense of an irresistible movement towards global unity and peace. This sense is being aroused as the physical barriers between peoples are being virtually eliminated by breathtaking advances in science and technology. Nevertheless, a mixed catalogue of world-shaking tribulations and worldshaping developments keeps humanity concurrently dazed and dazzled. The storms and stresses battering the social fabric are incomprehensible to all except the relatively few of the planet's inhabitants who recognize God’s purpose for this Day.

Our fellow human beings everywhere are insensibly subjected at one and the same time to the conflicting emotions incited by the continuous operation of simultaneous processes of “rise and of fall, of integration and of disintegration, of order and chaos”. These Shoghi Effendi identified as aspects of the Major Plan and Minor Plan of God, the two known ways in which His purpose for humankind is going forward. The Major Plan is associated with turbulence and calamity and proceeds with an apparent, random disorderliness, but is, in fact, inexorably driving humanity towards

unity and maturity. Its agency for the

most part is the people who are ignorant

of its course and even antagonistic

Shoghi Effendi has Ma

in His.world-shaping game, for the fuls filment of His immediate purpose and the eventual establishment of His Kingdom on earth.” The acceleration of the processes it generates is lending impetus to developments which, with all the initial pain and heartache attributable to them, we Bahd’is see as signs of the emergence of the Lesser Peace.

Unlike His Major Plan, which works mysteriously, God’s Minor Plan is clearly delineated, operates according to orderly and well-known processes, and has ‘been given to us to execute. Its ultimate goal is the Most Great Peace. The four-year-long campaign, at the midpoint of which we have arrived, constitutes the current stage in the Minor Plan. It is to the achievement of its purpose that we must all devote our attention and energies.

At times it may seem that the operation of the Major Plan causes a disruption in the work of the Minor Plan, but the friends have every reason to remain undismayed. For they recognize the source of the recurrent turbulence at play in the world and, in the words of our Guardian, “acknowledge its necessity, observe confidently its mysterious processes, ardently pray for the mitigation of its severity, intelligently labour to assuage its fury, and anticipate, with undimmed vision, the consummation of the fears and the hopes it must necessarily engender.”

Even a cursory survey of the global scene in recent years cannot but lead to observations fraught with special significance for a Baha’i viewer. For one thing, amid the din of a society in turmoil can be discerned an unmistakable trend towards the Lesser Peace. An intriguing inkling is provided by the greater involvement of the United Nations, with the backing of powerful governments, in attending to long-standing and urgent

page 4 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

May 17, 1998 [Page 5]

matter of trade and finance really implies—a condition which Shoghi Effendi anticipated as an essential aspect of an organically unified world. But a development of even greater moment to the Baha’i community is that a massive number of people are searching for spiritual truth. Several recently published studies have been devoted to this phenomenon. The ideologies that dominated the larger part of this century have been exhausted; at their waning in the century’s closing years, a hunger for meaning, a yearning of the soul, is on the rise.

‘This spiritual hunger is characterized by a restlessness, by a swelling dissatisfaction with the moral state of society; it is also evident in the upsurge of fundamentalism among various religious sects, and in the multiplication of new movements posing as religions or aspiring to take the place of religion. Here are observations that enable one to appreciate the interaction between the two divinely propelled processes at work on the planet. The manifold opportunities thus providentially provided to present the Message of Baha'u'llah to searching souls create a dynamic situation for the Baha’i teacher. The implications for the task at hand are immensely encouraging.

Our hopes, our goals, our possibilities of moving forward can all be realized through concentrating our endeavours on the major aim of the Divine Plan at its current stage—that is, to effect a significant advance in the process of entry by troops. This challenge can be met through persistent effort patiently. pursued. Entry by troops is a possibility well within the grasp of our community. Unremitting faith, prayer, the promptings of the soul, Divine assistance—these are among the essentials of progress in any Baha'i undertaking. But also of vital importance to bringing about entry by troops is a realistic approach, systematic action. There are no shortcuts. Systematization ensures consistency of lines of action based on well-conceived plans. In a general sense, it implies an orderliness of approach in all that pertains to Baha’ service, whether in teaching or administration, in individual or collective endeavour. While allowing for individual initiative and spontaneity, it suggests the need to be clear-headed, methodical, efficient, constant, balanced and harmonious. Systematization is a necessary mode of functioning animated by the urgency to act.

‘Towards ensuring an orderly evolution of the community, a function of Baha’ institutions is to organize and maintain a process of developing human resources whereby Baha'is, new and veteran alike, can acquire the knowledge and capacity to sustain a

HE*UNIVERSAL+HOUSE-+OF+JUSTICE ,

continuous expansion and_consolidation of the community. The establishment of training institutes is critical to such effort, since they are centres through which large numbers of individuals can acquire and improve their ability to teach and administer the Faith. Their existence underscores the importance of knowledge of the Faith as a source of power for invigorating the life of the Baha’i community and of the individuals who compose it.

‘The facts at hand confirm that the Four Year Plan works where a systematic approach is understood and applied. These same facts show that the

institutions of the Faith, in their collaborative efforts at national, regional, and local levels, have clearly been adhering to this understanding. However, with individuals, on whom rests the ultimate success of the Plan, this understanding is less clear. For this reason, we must emphasize to our fellow-believers the importance to their individual effort of this prerequisite of success in teaching and in other undertakings.

As translated into programmes and projects by national and local institutions, the Plan, among other things, gives ‘direction, identifies goals, stimulates effort, provides a variety of needed facilities and materials to benefit the work of teachers and administrators.

This is of course necessary for the proper functioning of the community, but is of no consequence unless its individual members respond through active participation. In so responding, each individual, too, must make a Conscious decision as to what he or she will do to serve the Plan, and as to how, where and when to do it. This determination

enables the individual to check the progress of his actions and, if necessary, to modify the steps being taken. Becoming accustomed to such a procedure of systematic striving lends meaning and fulfilment to the life of any Baha’.

But beyond the necessity of responding to the call of the institutions, the individual is charged by Bahd’u’llih Himself with the sacred duty of teaching His Cause, described by Him as the “most meritorious of all deeds.” So long as there are souls in need of enlightenment, this duty must surely remain the constant occupation of every believer. In its fulfilment, the individual is directly responsible to Baha’u’llah. “Let him not wait for any directions,” Shoghi Effendi urgently advises, “or expect any special encouragement, from the elected representatives of his community, nor be deterred by any obstacles which his relatives, or fellow-citizens may be inclined to place

Nore of his

critics oPeriem he writings of the Central Fig ‘of our Guardian are replete dvice and exhortations concern ie’ individual’s irreplaceable rolé® e advancement of the Car ie“is inevitable that we

should feel impelled, at this particular time in the life of humanity as a whole, to appeal directly to each member of our community to ponder the urgent situation facing us all as the helpers of the Abha Beauty.

Our lot, dear brothers and sisters, is to be consciously involved in a vast historic process the like of which has not ever before been experienced by any people. As a global community, we have, thus far, attained a unique and magnificent success in being representative of the full spectrum of the human race—thanks to the inestimable expenditure of life, effort and treasure willingly made by thousands of our spiritual forebears. There is no other aggregation of human beings who can claim to have raised up a system with the demonstrated capacity to unite all of God's children in one world-embracing Order. This achievement places us not only in a position of incomparable strength, but more particularly in one of inescapable responsibility. Does not every one of us therefore have a’divine obligation to fulfil, a sacred duty to perform towards every other one who is not yet aware of the call of God's latest Manifestation? Time does not stop, does not wait. With every passing hour a fresh affliction strikes at a distracted humanity. Dare we linger?

In a mere two years the Four Year Plan will be concluded, just some months before the end of an unforgettable century. Looming before us, then, is a twofold date with destiny. In extolling the unprecedented potential of the twentieth century, the beloved Master averred that its traces will last forever. Seized with such a vision, the mind of the alert follower of the Blessed Beauty must undoubtedly be astir with anxious questions as to what part he or she will play in these few fleeting years, and as to whether he or she will, at the end of this seminal period, have made a mark among those enduring traces which the mind of the Master perceived. To ensure a soul-satisfying answer, one thing above all else is necessary: to act, to act now, and to continue to act.

Our heartfelt plea at the Holy Threshold on behalf of us all is that we may be divinely aided and richly confirmed in whatever we do/towards meeting the

urgent aim of | the Divine Plan.atso fateladen a momentiin ‘history. ) ee y

May 17,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE _ page 5 [Page 6]

ffort from Baha’is was responsible

for half of the 10,000 letters

‘delivered in early March to U.S. Senate offices, urging that the U.S. ratify the U.N. Women’s Convention (CEDAW).

‘The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Secretary for External s delivered 5,000 letters from is and other of after

Bal CEDAW in the days before

supporters nd March 8, International Women’s Day.

‘The success of this phase of the Campaign for Commitment on CEDAW can be measured by the enormous response from people all over the country, in the more than 30 Senate offices which opened their doors to CEDAW advocates because of those letters, and in the response of the Clinton administration to this outpouring of support for CEDAW.

In addition, several local newspapers ran articles on CEDAW as part of their coverage of International Women’s Day, thanks to the contributions of local CEDAW advocates in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dallas, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Cedar Rapids, lowa; and Salt Lake City, Utah. (If you are interested in seeing any of those articles, contact the National Assembly’s Washington Office.)

‘Two of the senators selected for contact during the campaign have indicated they will support ratification of CEDAW. Sen. Richard Durbin, responding to the great work of the Baha’i community and others in Illinois, was the first to indicate he will support the treaty. Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was next. Other Senate offices are still considering their response.

In a ceremony March 11 celebrating International Women’s Day, President Clinton called on the Senate to consent to U.S. ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All

The Age in Which

© Current Statistics: There were 9.9 million single mothers and 1.9 million single fathers in the United States in 1996. The total of single mothers includes those who maintain their own household (7.7 million) and those who live in the homes of relatives or nonrelatives. The number of single mothers has jumped more than 50 percent since 1980, when it was 6.2 million. (from Census Bureau data)

© Quotation: “The achievement of full equality requires a new understanding of who we are, what is our purpose in life, and how we relate to one another—an understanding that will compel us to reshape our lives and thereby our society.”

—from Tivo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men, statement by the National Spiritual Assembly ¢ Reflections: A note from “one of the

Liiitiressssei reais

(Left to right) Mark Brown of the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs, Dwight Bashir of the National Assembly’s Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, and Pat Rengel and Jim Russell of Amnesty International USA sort thousands of constituents’ letters in support of CEDAW for delivery to U.S. Senate offices in Washington, D.C.

Photo courtesy Office of the Secretary for External Afairs

Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Pronouncing the acronym, CEDAW, the President noted that it was a “cumbersome acronym, but a simple idea.” The Baha’i representative at that event had the opportunity to speak to the First Lady about the 10,000 letters delivered to the Senate offic

Also that day the President sent a letter to Senate leaders announcing that “obtaining Senate advice and consent to the ratification of CEDAW is a top Administration priority during this sesion of Congress.” The President also id in the letter: “I am announcing my goal of having the full Senate act on CEDAW this year, which marks the 150th anniversary of the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York.”

The week of International Women’s Day, the President’s chief of staff called the Senate majority leader and said that

istration wanted a vote on the treaty in this anniversary year of the Seneca Falls convention. And the secretary of state spoke to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the administration’s goal of bringing the treaty to a vote in this year. OUR NEXT ACTIONS

What are the next steps? st, keep writing letters to your senators—those who support the treaty, those who are undecided, or even those who oppose it. An international treaty needs 67 votes to pass the Senate, but the Campaign for Commitment has as a goal a more comfortable “super” majority of 75 senators committed to supporting the treaty. As of this writing, 54 senators are known to be committed to ratification.

Continued letter-writing and phone calls are important. Reach out to business and professional women’s groups,

local _groups working against violence against women, women in academia as well as local church groups if you have not already done so and encourage them to write their senators.

• Second, help develop local or state

resolutions in support of CEDAW. With considerable Baha’f assistance, the New Hampshire legislature just passed a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to consider ratifying CEDAW this year.

Five other sta ed resolut

, Iowa, } tts, New York and South D; Several local governments have also d resolutions, inclu anston, Illinois; Iowa City, Iowa; Burlington, Vermont; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Rockford County, New York; Lexington/Fayette Counti Kentucky; and Broward County, Florida.

If you are interested in this activity, contact the National Spiritual Assembly’s Washington office (see below) for the how-to packet on grassroots orga

on the Senate in very clear terms to vote this year on the treaty, and has used the 150th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention (July 19-20) as a marker. Use or respond to coverage of events leading up to that anniversary as an ion to mention CEDAW and call senators to support a vote for ratification.

American women struggled for their rights. Women in other countries continue to struggle and U.S. support for CEDAW will help them in that struggle. Use stories to show CEDAW as a tool that works for women.

For information or assistance in any of the above activities, contact the National Spiritual Assembly’s Washington office (phone 202-833-8990, e-mail

¢

Ye Live: Chastity emerges as a key to full equality

many single mothers in our country” after attending a Baha’i meeting on the equality of women and men sponsored by the National Committee for the Advancement of Women:

“J am a new Baha’ and also one of the many single mothers in our country. I also serve as a school psychologist in a local school system, consulting with students, parents, teachers and administrators.

“The issue of chastity was brought up in our discussion. As a new Baha’i, I knew it was a moral tenet of the Faith. Although I strive for obedience to many rules in my life, I generally like to feel I believe and und: stand the rationale so that my obedience is not simply blind faith. The concept or purpose of chastity between men and women in society and in my personal life I had explored with myself, but only. briefly

thought about or discussed with other Baha'is until today.

“Sitting in the session today, I realized that this requirement of Baha’u’llah, of God, represents an essential key to dramatic change in the relationshi between men and women. It is through the removal of our empha sexuality and a refocus upon spirituality that equality will occur.

“I could not accept the concept of chastityas simply a moral right or wrong. That is not its purpose. The purpose lies in enabling us all to first see each other as human beings—before we see each othe male, female, black, white, short, tall. Only when abstinence from sex can be viewed by all as a step in the direction of each other in all areas Vhoops! lost my train of thought—

interrupted by one of my female children, for whom I hope the world will be a better place.

“A very spiritual friend of mine recently asked me why I had decided to join an organized religion. The response I gave her was much more deeply cemented by my experiences with you today: that I do not believe we exist independent of each other, but that we were put here not only for our idual growth but also to contribute to the growth of humankind, and that only from religion do I perceive positive growth to have come.

“Thank you for this experience. R. Clark”

What is your community doing to foster a “new understanding of who we ...”? Let the National Committee for dyancement of Women know: 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (eI ). @

ma

page 6 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

May 17,1998 [Page 7]

ot SORTS STROH PRT RTT OT

PROMOTING*THE*’PR

Sone:

INCIP

8 TEE

LES_

Diverse efforts get OneVoice project off to audacious start

is a partial summary of activities

I or plans for the OneVoice campaign, from 27 reports compiled by E1 Horton at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Use these ideas to plan activities for future OneVoice campaigns.

Arizona State University: Booth on central mall about gender equality; presentation of Tivo Wings statement to university head; various evening workshops, talks, and firesides; donation drive for a women’ shelter; survey of campus community about equality, religion and contemporary society; panel discussion with various religions on gender equality issues; invitation to student government to declare Gender Equality Week; celebration with performers, a talk, survey results; coverage in student newspaper.

Northern Arizona University: Presentation of statement to head of university and various deans; panel discussion.

Bryn Mawr College (Pennsylvania) Presentation of statement to pr fireside on the statement; publication in school newspaper; table tents with excerpts from statement in dining halls.

University of California at Berkeley: Ceremony with Councilwoman Polly Armstrong, with the statement presented to the university and the city, and Ba speakers, on The Equality of Women and Men Day; distribution of statement; display table; banners; fireside.

University of California at Davis: Presentations of statement to department heads; various firesides; booth on campus.

University of Southern California: Presentation of statement to university leaders; statement published in school newspaper; talk by Counselor Wilma Ellis on the statement, followed by fireside.

College of DuPage (Ilinois): Display table; distribution of statement and flyers; making friends.

University of Ilinois-Springfield: Presentation of statement to head of school; article in campus newspaper.

Ithaca College (New York): Presenta

—PARTICIPATING COLLEGE CLUBS—

tion of statement to head of school; step dance performance with speaker on gender equality; editorial in school newspaper. (This club just formed, and quickly grew from two Baha’is to eight members.)

Michigan State University: Presentation of statement to president, other activities possible.

University of New Mexico-Albuquerque: Panel discussion on statement; publication of statement in school newspaper; presentation of statement to as many different departments and university leaders as possible.

University of New Mexico-Gallup: Booth to gather signatu s ification of U.N. Convention for E) ee nation of All Forms of Dis Against Women, Ayyam-i-Ha dance for the equality of women and men, with proceeds to benefit a women’s shelter; tion of statement to administraelected faculty, ete.

University of North Carolina at Asheville: “Evening of Women’s Arts,” featuring variety of musicians and poets; public talk titled “Women in the 21st Century from a Baha'i Perspective”; group meditation/visualization on the advancement of women; distribution of statement; excerpts printed in school newspaper; presentation of statement to chancellor.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Presentation of statement to chancellor; statement mailed to other important people; publication of excerpts in school newspaper; public display; public discussion on the equality of women and men.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Booth on quad with distribution of statement, which is also tentatively to be printed in school newspaper.

Princeton University (New Jersey): Presentation of statement to president and some deans; publishing statement in school newspaper.

Rice University (Texas): 80 copies of statement presented to key faculty; fireside on gender equality.

Santa Rosa Junior College (California): Campus display, distribution of statement.

Smith College (Massachusetts): Speaker; publication of statement in school newspaper.

University of Southern Maine: Presentation of statement to appropriate leaders; publication of excerpts from statement in school newspaper; display and distribution on campus; public meet

Statement published in campus newspaper (circulation 42,000); community presentation and discussion on gender equality.

University of Texas at Arlington: Presentation of statement to administrators and professors; display in University Center.

University of Texas at Aus Public talks by a man and a woman on the equality of women and men;

“intera dis ions” —_ where women can talk about the advancement of women without the men speaking, and then vice versa; presentation of statement to president, massive advertising; end-of-week party.

Vassar College (New York): Posted Baha’i_ quotes all across campus, with local Baha'i e-mail address and the national Baha’f Web site.

University of Virginia: Formal display on ‘Two Wings statement; distribution of statement and formal presentation to heads of departments and the student body; public talk and music/arts presentation celebrating the equality of women and men.

University of Washington: Booth in student union, with distribution of statement and quiz game on theme of women’s history; display about women’s history around the world; display on race unity; public talk.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Co-sponsoring public display about the equality of women and men, the Baha'i Faith, and a letter-signing campaign to have CEDAW passed; public talk about U.N. proposals, with display; open prayer meetings.

Californians link up to promote statement

ive communities in Northern C

have joined forces through an intercommunity committee to carry out the Wings of a Bird Project to promote the National Spiritual Assembly’s 1997 state

ifornia groups and busine Later, Two sonally present the statement Two Wings of

a Bire the leaders,

s for such leaders. committee members plan to per The Equality of Women and Men to nviting them to join a seminar,

cussion.

ollege students across the coun try responded in March to the

call from the U.S. Baha’i

National Committee for the Advancement of Women (NCAW5 to dedicate the first week of the Fast, and the first week of Women’ History Month, to teaching the Baha’ principles of equality on their college campuses.

‘The national campaign was called the OneVoice Project. This idea was originally presented to the NCAW by the University of North Carolina at Asheville Baha’i college club. The students envisioned that a great deal of energy, momentum, proclamation and friendships could be built around a unified nationwide effort at colleges.

As one of the objectives of the NCAW is to work with and raise awareness among youth of the need for gender equality, the committee began working with the UNCA club to get college students energized around the campaign. The National Youth Committee was enlisted, and enthusiasti ly offered its network of students as well as other substantial help.

By the end of March, dozens of reports had been received of many ambitious goals on very diverse college campuses. Numerous university executives and leaders received the Baha’ message; campus newspapers across the country ran articles highlighting Baha’i efforts; thousands of students received the statement vo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men; numerous displays were set up at colleges; and Baha’f students across the country were praying in unity for the success of the campaign.

‘The significant effect is that many college-age people are investigating the Baha’ Faith as a result of the unified and often spontaneous action in cooperation with the national campaign.

‘The entire project, with all the coordination involved, electronic press packets sent out, guidance on reaching prominent people, organization of public meetings, of individual firesides, etc., cost the National Baha’i Fund under $100.

‘The committee hopes this will be just the first year of the project. Many clubs didn’t receive information about the OneVoice campaign, but all can start thinking about OneVoice 1999. @

SEEKING PRINT PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

THE AMERICAN BAHA & Brilliant Star

ment on the equality of women and men. po

Sponsored by the Assembly of Concord, California, the project already has held two workshops attended by about 40 people each, coordinators Guity Kiani and Theresa A. Slezak reported to the National Assembly’s Office of Women’s Affairs.

Exhilarated by this success, the project participants intend to search out women leaders in their communities and create a “Woman leader resource bank” of names and organizations. They will ask Spiritual Assemblies to search phone books, newsp: pers, organizations, schools, churches, civic

bly as part of a panel d ‘Those who are interested would eventually be invited to study the ha’i Faith deepening class organized for them. The project was originally proposed to an established Intercommunity Teaching Committee, then approved by the Spiritual embly of Concord. The director of the National Assembly’s Office of Women’s Affairs would like to hear what you are doing to foster the principle of equality between the sexes. Please write to the office at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. #

need a print production specialist

• To assist in production and design of both publications
• To work with authors, illustrators, etc.

• Must be versed in all phases of digital print production
• Experience with Quark Xpress, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Experience with Web design and development

See details in Classified section, page 32 ania eSB eai ea rect ol os Usenet) 12

Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 te 33-3430)

May 17,1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

Page 7 [Page 8]

Plans on track for 1999 conflict resolution/peacemaking event

he National Spiritual Assen

bly is encouraging Baha'is

interested in the field of con flict resolution to consider attending the National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution (NCPCR), the largest conference of its kind in the world.

Past plenary speakers have included President Jimmy Carter, Dean Rusk (former secretary of state), Ruan, Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Martin Luther King II, Vern Bellecourt (founder

of the Native American movemend), Janet Reno (attorney general), Jean-Bertrand Aristide (former president of Haiti) and many others.

‘The theme of this year’s conference is “Weaving a New Beginning: Liberation, Healing and Commu hope to foster a community around key

peacemaking issues that will te for humanity aking for the century. to bring

que cultural approaches to peacemaking and conflict resolution and to develop

Baha’i Faith has presence at historic development dialogue

‘he Baha’i Faith was one of nine jor faiths participating in a hi ation on the role of spi lopment, hosted jointly by the World Bank and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Feb. 18-19 in London. report in the publication Banks World said the World Faiths and Development Dialogue addressed questions such as “What kind of development pol are needed to overcome growing inequality? How can the proper spiritual and material resources be harnessed to create sustainability? What role can the world’ faiths and governments play?”

James Wolfénsohn, president of the World Bank, was quoted as telling the

assemblage that all the faiths could bring their experience together to improve the lot of poor people everywhere. “The ity between us,” he said. “A unity for the concern for physical livelihood, but also spiritual and cultural contin

George Carey, Archbishop of bury in the Anglican Church, sa meeting was an honest sharing of concerns about development and the World

The ialogue was attended by a Baha'i delegation led by Counselor Kiser Barnes of the International Teaching Center. Other religions represented include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and Taoism. #

Stephen Gonzales, J.D., attorney and

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

FOR THE BAHA’I COMMUNITY July 3-5, 1998

An intensive 3-day training seminar designed to improve consultation in dealing with difficult personal and legal problems facing Baha’i communities.

Faculty includes: Valerie Dana, J.D., attorney and mediator ie Fielding, mediator’

Landegg. J’Leim Liese, M.A., conflict resolution

REGISTRATION FORM

professor of conflict resolution

Name

Organization

Address

City State Zip Phone Fax E-mail

°$75 on or before June 15

Registar /

Registration fees:

Make check or money order in U.S. currency, payable to True Justice Center, and return with this form. Fee covers tuition and materials only.

Please return this registration to:

Classes held at: Metro Denver Baha’{ Center / 225 East Bayaud, Denver, CO

For information: Call 303-933-2854 / E-mail

• $100 after June 15

/ Litdeton, Co. 80302-4034

Classes start at 9 a.m. Friday and end noon Sunday

a network of culturally diverse peers. Baha’is who work in the general field of conflict resolution may wish to submit proposals that weave Baha’ principles into organized workshop presentatio ns, panels and/or lectures. mission deadline for workshops or papers is September 1998. Send or e-mail proposals to Ms. Emily I /o NCPCR, ‘airfax, VA 22030 (phone 703993-2440, e-mail ). A local Baha’i NCPCR Planning Committee has been formed under the Local

Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix. The Committee is actively seeking dramatic and performing arts presenters, youth presenters for “Youth Day,” and artwork to be displayed in a hospitality room sponsored by the Baha’i

For more information, or if you are interested in being a volunteer at the conference, please contact Stephanie Fielding at the Baha’i NCPCR Planning Commi

tee, Phoe Arizona 85044 (phone 602-940-7594, email: .¢

tion on “R:

Race unity event in St. rou

Drs. June and Richard Thomas make their keynote presenta1 Unity, An Imperative for Social Progress” at a recent public race unity event attended by about 90 at the St. Louis, Missouri, area Baha’i Faith Information Center. Opening remarks were given by the mayor of Webster Groves, and leaders of a church and a community center also spoke. Local photo

China reaching out to professionals willing to share their expertise

the People’s Republic of China is

experiencing rapid social and economic development. With doors open to the rest of the world, the people of China welcome ideas and consultation in many fields of endeavor, providing an avenue of service for individuals and groups with professional expertise in needed areas.

Activities of this kind can be carried out by traveling to China to consult with Chinese professionals, or by participating in such exchanges with Chinese colleagues here in the United States.

For those who can travel to China, professional fields in which the Chinese are especially interested are:

• ¢ Public health and Western medicine.

¢ Psychology and counseling.

• Women and family.

• Education and moral development.

• Agriculture.

• Computer science.

• Advanced technologies of all kinds.

• Electronics and telecommunications.
• Bioengineering.

• New materials and energy sources.

• Environmental protection.

• Marin
• ° Aero

© Archit

• Marke

pat

ctural engineeri g and advert

• Public relations.
• Business management.

• Many other fields of endeavor.

Upon returning from a recent service project in China sponsored by Health for Humanity, an organization enabling healthcare professionals to offer services and resources throughout the world, one person wrote, “ [T]his was the first time that many of us had traveled to China. Understandably, we were filled with much excitement and anticipation. In a nut- © shell, we fell in love with China. ‘There were many reasons for this. At the heart of our attraction was the nobility of the Chinese people which was evident in their daily lives, in their relationships with one another, and in how they treated us ... their simple, yet dignified lifestyle, genuine love, kindness and friendst Our Chinese brethren left an indelible mark on our s we cherished every moment we spent with them. The impression we left on the Chinese seemed to be equally deep. They, too, were moved by our spirit.”

If you would like within the next few years to travel to China to consult with

in your field, please act Susan Senchuk (phone 847: 3506, e-mail

page 8

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

May 17,1998 [Page 9]

TDTSTRIBUTION- SERVIC

E

ALL 800-999-9019

Toward Oneness “”

compiled by Tod Ewing $4.00 (TO)

sen from the Baba wns S|

Includes sections on Principles Regardi ignificance and Effects of Prej

Prejudice.

69 pp. Palabra Publications

A compilation on Racial and Cultural Issues

Race and Cule, How to Address Issues of Prejudice, and How to Eliminate Racial

Teaching the Cause V Ruhi Institute Book 6 $6.00 (TC6)

ries is designed

‘Teaching the Cause

Rui Institute

Book six in the Ruhi to train ctive te: The three parts cover the following: ‘tual Nature of

Teaching explores the spiritual dimensions ching, The Qualities and Attitudes of the Teacher helps to develop humility, courage, wisdom, and other qualities and attitudes of

a capable teacher, and The Act of Teaching examines how to teach, building skills necessary for individual teaching and participation

in organized projects. 149 pp. Palabra Publications

A Fittttitts

The Light of Unity

Healing Racism (LU) bulk priced per copy as follows:

1 copy $1.25 100-499 copies $.65 2-9 copies $1.00 500-999 copies $.50 10-99 copies $85 1000 copies andup —_-$.40

This is a full-color booklet containing extracts from the Baha’i writings on the subject of racial unity. Although specifically developed as a follow-up piece to the national media initiative, this collection will have a broad appeal due to the general nature of the quotations and attractive format.

32 pp.

Baha'i Publishing Trust, U.S.

p Baha’is and the Bible ~ D by Gary Matthews

information below

OND) nk examination of the Bible e nd of its posiaith: Are the Secret has Old and New ‘Testaments divinely of the pired? How Second Coming Christ’s Glo- Baha possess? To what rious Return ? extent should we by Gary take the Bible litMatthews 2 e erally? Does the one oWne Bible itself clai information below (SSC) Wisiedene to be G

and only” revs tion? An essential deepening tool for Baha’is and Christians alike. Stonehaven Press

Holy Hook of Gnd

‘This pamphlet explains that Baha’u'll4h satisfies biblical conditions for the Second Coming of Christ, in the same way that Jesus Himself fulfilled Old Testament promises of the coming of the

Me: . A challenging introduction to the claims.and station of Baha’u’llah.

Stonehaven Press

10 copies 100 copies 1000 copies

The Glory of Christ

A Baha’i Testimony by Gary Matthews see pricing information below

. y : See @ Christianity If progr essive revele tion is true, eadithe why did Jesus Christ call Himself Spent the only i Baha’i Faith Frequently Asked Questions

not the historical by Gary Matthews

Jesus, but that see pricing infor

universal divine mation below Spirit which (CBF) st sonst Who was Jesus all the Manifesta- Christ? What do tions. The reader believe

oe i about the Incarnation, the

the le, the Resurrection, §

“We testify that

claim that this. orld te shea the [ml

sori Hesied'he Rall Heaven and Hell? Using tradition_Same eternal ory upon alt | Christian language, and emphaVoice speaks to- Busnes ng common ground, this pamday through “Seaming wt phlet offers brief but challenging Baha'u'llah. scene answers to these and other qi Stonehaven “anata tions. Press

Stonehaven Press

PRICING ON PAMPHLETS FROM STONEHAVEN PRESS

$.35 each $.25 each $.18 each

May 17, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page 9 [Page 10]

A Closer Look

Reading the Qur’an for Central-Meanings by Dr. Arashmidos Monjazeb

$6.95 SC (CLS)

is examination of the central work of Islam reveals the teachings of Muhammad to

be one of the great monotheistic religions of the world. Those attempting to study and understand the Qur’én freed from any preconceived notions and negative presentations learned in the past will find this book most helpful.

51/2” x 81/2”, 56 pp.

Arashmidos Monjazeb

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

ing and s to become truly in this es work of

excercises,

tions, questions for study.

Hent for use in train

institutes and personal deep

ening.

5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, 222 pp. Palabra Publications

i ahs ai ec eC

Day Break

Studying the Baha’i Teachings Day by Day

compiled by Christine Kurzius-Krug $16.95 SC (DBS)

A carefully chosen selection of passages from the writings of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi E ji and

the Universal House of Justice to answer

the questions often asked by young people and to assist in the daily study of the

Baha’s teachings.

4 1/4” x 6”, 464 pp.

George Ronald, Publisher

Multiple Author Refer

System —

Trial Version

$3.00 CD ROM (MARSTV)

‘This trial version of the popular MARS search and retrieve software gives the user access to the complete MARS for Windows program for 30 days. Try it out!

Crimson Publications

A Guide to Studying

Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 19631986

$7.95 SC (SGMUHJ)

This guide is designed for a systematic study of the recent compilation of mess from the Universal House of JusThematically oriented, thoughtand well-organized, this

an be adapted to a range interests and settings.

6” x 9”, 117 pp.

Baha’i Publishing Trust, US

tic provoking

Acuasnene MESSAGES Usevnan! Hots oF Jose

1963-1986

‘Tre Tyaxo Bros ‘ov na: Fomsuarive AGE

PTL ep ean hoyhag lystery Revealed

The Reincarnation

Mystery Revealed

by Dr. HM. Munje

$6.95 SC (RMR)

A critical look at the religious. belief of reincarnation and possible approaches to explaining this widely held belief in light of the i of the Bah:

8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, 100 pp. Baha’i Publishing Trust, India

Two Wings of a Bird — Economy Edition - 50pk The Equality of Women and Men Bulk pricing available as follows:

Packs of 50 1 $10.00 2-4 $8.00-each

5-9 $6.00 each 10+ $5.50 each

A full-color, economy version of the statement by the National Spiritual

Assembly on the equality of women and men.

Baha’i Publishing Trust, U.S.

Baha’i Marriage and Family Life

Selections from the Writings of the Baha’i Faith

$11.95 SC (BMFL)

An excellent resource for anyone concerned with creating

and sustaining a healthy marriage and family life. Explains the Baha’i viewpoint on subjects such as love, dating, marriage, parenting, family relationships, and divorce.

5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, 85 pp. Baha’i Publishing Trust, U.S.

Deer and

“om rita

The Baha’i Faith

The Emerging Global Religion by William S. Hatcher and

J. Douglas Martin

$18.95 SC (BFEGRS)

This revised edition includes a new chapter covering the most ré developments of the Ba updated statis of the most popular introductions to the Named by the Brittanica Encylopedia asa book of the year in religion.

5 1/2” x 8”, 252 pp.

Baha’i Publishing Trust, US

aed

wr

arog | ‘R ay

A

Co Raa ae

Coral and Pearls ©

Some Thoughts on the

Art of Marriage

by Mebri Sevidvash

$11.95 SC (CAPS)

Married? Engaged? Thinking about the future? Coral and Pearls looks at some of the reasons why relationships fail to thrive and offers practical suggestions for keeping our marriages vibrant, joyous and intact.

5” x 73/4”, 116 pp.

George Ronald, Publisher

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

May 17, 1998

[Page 11]

The Ayyam-i-Ha Surprise

by Stacey Coverstone

illustrated by Anja Shanmugampillai $5.95 AHS

nily is busy getting

baking cookies, wrapping presents, and decorating the house. and

brate these days of Ayyém-i-Hi. Brilliant Books

~ Mariana and the Mountain of God by Stacey Coverstone illustrated by Mary Firman $6.25 (MMG)

After watching a videotape about the Arc on

“Mountain. Ge

Mariana...

pired to do all she can to

he help build the Mountain of God with an empty piggy-bank?

Brilliant Books

For Children! 3

A Baha’i Alphabet Book

by Anne Breneman

illustrated by Barbara Casterline $6.95 (BAB)

“A? is for ‘Abdu’l-Bahé... and

airplane, animals, and Africa. An ABC for Baha’i

children, through Deeds, Kindness, and Prayer, all the way to Zeal. With a few ducks and kan

1 Can Teach by Shidan Toloui-Wallace illustrated by Salka Holtz

$4.00 (ICT)

Black-and-white illustrations and a simple text that encourages young children to become teachers of the Faith. Also suitable as a coloring book.

28 pp. Palabra Publications

Stewardship and

Development

A Desktop Reference for Spiritual Assemblies and Treasurers

$8.95 (SAD)

hip Eletea Dav) (yeencals

THT | \

‘The first publication of its kind in the U.S. since the late 1970s, this valuable booklet includes a deepening on the fundamental spiritual principals of the Fund with several passages never before published, as well as in-depth guidance for local treasury management. In addition, extensive appendices includes passages from the Writings and sample forms for use in managing the local funds. Comprehensive references to such topics as accurate accounting for contributions, earmarking, propipting, tax deductibility and fund-raising make this expandable document a must-have resource for Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals alike.

garoos and pan- 145 pp. das and zebras Office of the Treasurer, Baha’i too! National Center Brilliant Books SHIETO : | cope TITLE quantity | cost eAcH | ToTAL DAYTIME TELEPHONE #( +) PAYMENT METHOD O CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED SHIPPING CHARGES/SALES TAX SUBTOTAr O CREDIT CARD UNITED STATES:ADD 10% (MIN. $2.00, MAX. $10.00) SHIPPING OVISA O MASTERCARD OAMER.EXP. O DISCOVER CANADA:ADD 15% (MIN. $3.00) SALES TAK ear caiBty INTERNATIONAL: ADD 40% (MIN. $5.00, VIA AIRMAIL ONLY) SALES TAX: SHIPMENT TO TENNESSEE ADDRESS ADD 8.25% TOTAL EXP. DATE SIGNATURE

Baha’i Distribution Service * 5397 Wilbanks Drive + Chattanooga,TN 37343

May 17,1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ BAHA‘i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page 11 [Page 12]

ES stories about establishment of local Baha’i ters shows that timing is everything: Great patience is necessary, but sometimes the moment has to be seized.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

Sometimes hopes and dreams are a long time in the making.

Gladys Roberts, secretary of the Colorado Springs Assembly from 1934 to 1974, wanted a Baha’s center.

In 1979, when she was moved to a nursing hom Baha’{ possessions were donated to the community a auctioned, bringing in $1,922.66, which was dedi to a Baha’{ Center Fund. Within a year that 2 nearly doubled, but there was a long way to go.

It got increasingly harder to meet in homes and rented rooms. By 1986 the community itself nearly doubled to 75 adults, 28 children and eight youths—but still only $15,000 in the Center Fund.

Arrangements were made to meet at a health facility in return for services. For the next 10 y community provided counseling, engineering, painting, building, landscaping, indoor plant maintenance— often involving dozens of Baha’is and their friends. But in 1996 the facility changed management and it was time for the Baha’is to move on.

Serious research into buying a B:

center began by

Purchase of the Baha’i center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the culmination of a local process of consultation and fund-raising that substantially got started in 1979. Local photo

Some of the friends had strong opinions. Fortunately, devotion to the Assembly and its decisions outweighed attachment to personal view:

Through all of this, the center fund steadily« increased while the friends learned patience and detachment. Yet there was an urgent need for a center to further the process of entry by troops.

Immediately excited, they arranged for all but two Assembly members to see the property. After a phone poll, an offer was made and accepted.

Three weeks later, Feb. 18, 1998, a spiritual meeting was held in the new Baha’f center. A temporary sign was proudly hung and a large portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, bequeathed by Senobar Fallahi, was brought to its long-awaited home. Prayers for the departed were said on behalf of Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Fal nd others who had helped pursue the goal of a Baha’ center.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA The Baha'i community of Indianapolis is still workg On its permanent center. But time’s a-wasting, the Local Spiritual Assembly decided recently.

So in an innovative move, the Assembly leased an apartment to serve as a multi-purpose Baha’i office.

The Assembly acted after consulting with the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies during an Assembly development weekend in Wilmette.

“The requirements of the Four Year Plan and the recently announced nationwide media/teaching campaign demand a more visible Baha’ presence,” the Local Assembly told local believers in a Feb. 8 letter.

“We need a place that can be used as a headquarters for the many teaching programs in our goals—pro gr

1988. Loca

‘Time

hopes ran high.

after time,

nyt)

ions were suggested and considered, and properties were too

price w: w:

THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqtiqu’llah should be made to “The Baha’f Huquiqu’llah Trust” (please write your Baha’{ identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees:

¢ Dr. Amin Banani, (phone 310-394-5449)

• Mr. Stephen Birkland,

(phone 612-484-9518)

• Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

(phone 216-333-1506)

¢ Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, (phone 508-582-9216)

Santa Monica, CA 90402 Arden Hills, MN 55112 Rocky River, OH 44116

Lunenburg, MA 01462

Due to a recurrent illness, Trustee Dr. Elsie Austin is unable to receive

payments for Huqiqu’ll4h at this time.

Inquiries about Huqiqu’llih should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqiqu’llah Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116.

Payroll deduction not recommended for making Huqiiqu’llah payments

ae time to time requests are made for a procedure to make automatic regular payroll deductions for Huqtqu’lléh. You may, of course, choose the way in which you wish to pay your Huqtiqu’lléh obligation that is convenient to you. But direct automatic payroll deduction is not recommended for the following reasons:

• Some employers deduct a percentage

as a fee for their service, and may not even inform you of thi

¢ The bank informs the Trustee of the total deposits, but not of each individual payment, with the identity of the payer so

the Trustee can issue prompt receipts.

By far the most important reason is that automatic uniform deductions rob you of the spiritual benefits of applying the Law of Hugqtqu’llah as Baha'u'llah has intended it—particularly the requirement to distinguish between your “needful” and other expenses. In other words, the act of calculating what you owe is in itself a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. While regular automatic payroll deductions are a very good and conscientious way of contributing to the National Baha'i Fund, they are not appropriate to Huqtiqu’llah. @

Finally, an ad for a comme: brought to the attention of the Assembly. It discussed briefly, and two members were look into it the following day.

‘ial property at the right

ked to

like a Hispanic teaching campaign, a weeklong race unity day camp t Kingdom of God Project,” the letter explained.

summer, and the Building the

SEE BAHA'I CENTERS, PAGE 35

Guardian clarifies purposes of Baha’i National Convention

wi are the purposes of the National Convention?

Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf dated Nov. 18, 1933, specified that the Baha’{ Convention has a “twofold function of electing the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the Cause.

As further illumination on the Admii trative Order, the beloved Guardian wrote:

“The administrative machinery of the Cause ... should both provide the impulse whereby the dynamic forces latent in the Faith can unfold, crystallize, and shape the lives and conduct of men, and serve as a medium for the interchange of thought and the co-ordination of activities among the divers elements that constitute the Baha’i community.”

Also, Shoghi Effendi wrote that this gathering poses challenges both to the individual and to the community: to “reinforce the motive power of our spiritual activities” as well as “raising the standard of administrative efficiency so vitally needed at this advanced stage of our work.”

A letter written on the Guardian’s behalf cautioned the friends against viewing the Administration as “an aim in itself” and against failing “to grasp the spiritual and moral development which is its purpose to achieve.” He wrote:

“The Convention meetings are not intended to be purely administrative.

The National Spiritual Assembly looks forward to welcoming delegates, special guests and visitors to the 89th ‘Baha’ National Convention on May 28-31 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. A telephone hot line has been established to provide answers to common questions about the Convention:

847-733-3569

Pec rccccccccccccccccccccccces

‘Their main and essential purpose is to enable the assembled delegates and friends to have a deeper and broader vision of the Cause through an increase in the spirit of unity and of whole-hearted co-operation.” With regard to the potential outcomes of the Baha’{ Convention, Shoghi Effendi pointed to “the unique functions it fulfils in promoting harmony and goodwill, in removing misunderstandings and in enhancing the prestige of the Cause.” He said the work on the plans of the Faith can gain “tremendous impetus” from the “consultation and mingling of the friends” at Convention, and the valuable role of the delegates in carrying back to their fellowbelievers “a very real awareness of the work in hand and the needs of the hour.” # Excerpts from National Convention, a statement and prepared by the Research

compilation Department of the Universal House of Justice.

page 12. THE AMERICAN BANA’i * ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE

May 17,1998 [Page 13]

SEETHER IC TRY TTC RT STI CRI PTT

“ADM

DMT NIS7

Friends advised to keep watch against abuse of hospitality

it is generally known that most

B E are generous and sympathetic, it is not uncommon for them to receive appeals for financial and other kinds of emergency help from itinerant Bah: and others who claim to be Baha’is or friends of the Faith. it is left to the discretion of the friends pond as they see fit, it should be rememthat the Baha’i community is not a traveler’s aid or social service agency prepared to assist the needs of itinerants, other than in some select cases.

Although Baha’u’llah has told us to “be a home for the stranger ... an answerer of the cry of the needy,” no Baha’f should presume that the hospitality of his fellow Baha’is is his due. Bahé’u’llah also states, “No man should enter the house of his friend, save at his friend’s pleasure, nor lay hands upon his treasures, nor prefer his own will to his nd’s, and in no wise seek advantage over him

Thus, Baha’u’llah makes hospitality the prerogative of the host and not of the guest. Common courtesy requires that an individual should not impose himself upon anyone without prior invi hould be especially conscientious in this respect.

Many years ago the Guardian expressed the

Give to National Fund

2 its May 30, 1997, message to all National piritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice wrote: “A Regional Baha’i Council can be authorized by the National Spiritual Assembly to act as its agent in operating a regional branch of the national Baha’i fund.” The Supreme Body also suggested that each Regional Council encourage “believers within its region to contribute to various funds of the Cause, including the regional branch of the national fund, with the aim that, in due course, the entire expenditure for the region would be provided by the believers in the region.”

Question: Some of the friends have asked whether this means that they can send contributions directly to the Councils.

Answer: For the time being, contributions for the work of the Regional Baha’i Councils should be sent to the National Baha’i Fund with a notation by the donor that it is their wish for the gift to be dedicated to a Regional Council.

Any checks received by one of the Councils will, at the instruction of the National Assembly, be endorsed to the National Fund and

before it a case of urgent distr endeavor, first, to have it relieved by the individual’s own family, and second, to exercise the right of all citizens to employ all civil instruments of help and distress. Therefore, when people who are traveling call upon Assemblies or individual Baha’is for financial assistance or food and lodging, they should in most instances be directed to the local social service or traveler’s aid office. For ready reference, every Assembly should know where these offices are located it community, their telephone number and, ideally, the people within the organizations who can handle such emergencies. In many communities, the police department can provide this information.

Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that a person from the U.S. or another country will contact an Assembly or believer, claiming to be a Baha'i but having no Baha’i credentials or other forms of identification. Before offering aid to such a person, it is advisable to check with the Office of Community Administration and Development at the Baha’{ National Center to verify that the person is indeed a member of the Faith and does not have a pattern of taking advantage of the good will of the friends. @

for Regional Councils

processed at the National Center, while the funds themselves will be used to cover the expenses of the Council that received the donation originally.

All financial management is currently being carried out at the national level in light of the statement of the House of Justice in its Dec. 12 message to the National Spiritual Assembly: “We appeal to them at this crucial moment not to expend too much time on formulating new procedures or refining the mechanics of their operations. Their accumulated knowledge of Baha’i administration and the assistance in advice and in practical terms that they will receive from the Counsellors and the National Assembly will enable them to get on with their vital tasks without any delay.”

How and -when these procedures will change will be better understood as the work of the Councils develops. There is a range of administrative arrangements that could be conceived that would increase efficiency while still maintaining the link between the friends in the four regions and the Councils created to serve them. @

Glimpses at two ways of sacrificing for the Cause

RALLYING TO CONTRIBUTE ON A RAINY NIGHT

More than 50 hardy souls braved an El Niftio downpour to attend an intercommunity fundraiser in Whittier, California, on Feb. 7, where an international potluck dinner was followed by inspirational talks by Saeed Amanat and Auxiliary Board member Burrell Bullock.

More than $9,200 was raised for the National Baha’{ Fund at the event, planned by the EU 139 Intercommunity Committee and hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Whittier. #

MAKING IT GROW A LITTLE AT A TIME

Loose pennies (and nickels and dimes) really can add up when they’re going to a good cause.

‘That’s what the Baha’is of Roanoke County, Virginia, are discovering as they collect change every fourth Feast and send the-amount raised to the Baha’{ International Fund.

The contributions are being made in the name of Baha’is around the world who would like to give but cannot—people to whom our spare change would be major income. #

May 17,1998

ISTERING*THE*CAUS

SOT

ERSTE TT

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 »

TAX FORMS RECEIVED BY MANY LOCAL ASSEMBLIES Yu Spiritual Assembly may have received forms for filing taxes this year. From time to time the Internal Revenue Service may do a mailing of forms to certain organizations. Generally, Assemblies are not required to file tax forms. However, please be aware that a property-owning Local Assembly may be required to file when part or all of its property generates income. This is the case with Baha’ centers where a portion of the property is rented. BAHA’L ID NUMBERS ARE ESSENTIAL lease continue to encourage the friends in your community to include their Baha’{ ID numbers on every contribution check they send to the National Fund. Often, names. appearing on checks are not easily matched with the name on. one’s membership file at the National Center; add to that a change of address for which we have no record, and we have no means for matching the contribution to an existing record. Every effort is made to ensure that contributions are accurately accounted for, even to the extent of writing a letter or calling the contributor when possible. However, our best efforts are not always successful, resulting in some contributions being allocated to gifts for charity. We know that everyone prefers that this not happen, so please use your Baha’i ID on every check. STOCKS MAY BE AN OPTION FOR GIVING ¢ friends are always looking for new ways to support the work of the Cause. Some of the friends may be | unaware of one of their options. With the recent rise in. values, some may find themselves owners of stock that increased dramatically in value since the time of purchase. ‘This can present both opportunities and challenges. Making a gift of the stock to the Faith is an option that the contributor might not have considered, and it can reduce the contributor’s overall tax obligation. Please share this information with the friends in your community. If someone is interested in exploring this option further, have them contact Rebecca Wilson (phone 847-733-3476, e-mail y

A REMINDER ABOUT FUND APPEALS A individual and community projects expand in cine and frequency, appeals for funds to support these efforts are becoming more frequent as well. To avoid inundating the believers with constant requests for money, it is suggested that all appeals for funds for special projects (centers, teaching projects, etc.) be reviewed by the appropriate institution. For instance, it is preferable that individual believers seek the guidance of their Local Spiritual Assemblies prior to seeking financial support from other believers or other Spiritual Assemblies. In turn, Local Spiritual Assemblies will wish to inform their Regional Baha’ t Council and consult with that institution prior to broadcasting an appeal to other Assemblies or friends outside their jurisdiction. This process will unify our efforts and ensure that they are guided by a divinely ordained institution.

“our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Baha’u’llah—Divine in origin— that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated. Non-Baha’is cannot contribute to our work or do it for us; so really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work as this will lead to the healing of the nations.’

From a letter dated Dec. 8, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi @

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE _ page 13 [Page 14]CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES

Conferences look at spiritual side of professions

how to use the tools of these prof to further the Cause of the Baha’u’lléh

International Dialogue on Education, July 10-15

With presentations representing Anes a; and the Ameri offers an exchange of ide public- or private-school educators, € cially those involved in B: inspired education projects. include well-established educato1 Paul Lample, Baha’{ World Center; Dr. Irene Taafaki, Marshall Islands E Project; Duncan Hanks and Cindy Hanks, Nir University; Dr. Iraj Ayman, National Baha’i ucation and Schools Office; and members of the National Baha’{ Education ‘Task Force.

This exciting five-day session address es How can education

theory, practice, and processes be improved through the application of Baha'i principles and Baha’j-inspired approaches? How can educational ins tutions, in the non-Baha’i sector, be improved from within through the work of Baha’j-inspired educators and ideas?

The session also includes a Young

(From left) Mary Darling of Louhelen Baha’i School poses with Dr Elizabeth Bowen, Dr. David Ruhe, Margaret Ruhe, Dr. John LeBlanc and Dr. Joanne Langley during “The Physician’s Challenge” March 27-29, the first in a series of professional development conferences at the school. Photo courtesy Louhelen Baha'i School

Educators’ Workshop designed to allow more-established educato:s to consult i. small groups with younger, aspiring edu cators, and to share experiences an1 insights on_ professional development and paths of service. Conflict Resolution, Consultation, Justice and Baha’i Community Life: Developing Unifying Responses to Conflict, June 12-14

Facilitated by the Baha’i Justi ciety, this session explores the question:

How should Baha’i communities deal with the conflict surrounding us in a collapsing society? It focuses on creating healthy, community-building responses to conflict within the Baha'i and the greater communities, Participants will study the conflict resolution movement, learn about the model used at the new Corinne True Justice Centers in Denver and Los Angeles, deepen their consultation skills, and explore application of the principle of justice to society.

Fazli when he spent five years

researching the gravesites of two prominent early Baha'is. And it led to a second such devotional effort, a training institute he conducts on “The Love of God and Teaching.”

Fazli has taken the one-day institute on the road to about 45 locations in the United States, Canada, western Europe, Adrianople and the Holy Land.

I: was a labor of love for Mehrdad

‘The course purpose is to deepen our “understanding of the consecration nec_ essary for us to become steadfast and inspired teachers of the Faith,” Ken Bowers, secretary of the National ‘Teaching Committee, explained in a letter to select Local Spiritual Assemblies. - Fai describes it similarly. “The friends in the West have a

‘so that is how they teach,” he said.

“But teaching is little about message

a the mind and much about _meshi

great focus on the faculty of mind, —

Institute brings out role of love in teaching

Smyrna of Jinab-i-Munfb, whom ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke of so lovingly in Memorials of the Faithful. He also found in France the grave of Thomas Breakwell, the first English Baha'i. When that grave was restored, Fazli attended the commemoration.

At the urging of Universal House of Justice members, he took what he had learned about these two devoted early servants of the Cause and combined it with information about two others, ‘Abdu'l-Vahhab Shirazi and Lua

The story of their lives constitutes one of three parts of the course. Another explores Writings of Bahd’u'lléh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd on the love of God and writings of Shoghi Effendi on how this relates to teaching. The third section looks, step by step, at how the flame of love can be acquired, sustained, and flourish within us.

A typical course takes 4% hours, although Fazli can ae it to eight

"may contact Fazli at

Seattle and Walla Walla, Washington; the University of Maryland; and Italy and England.

At each stop he encourages the friends to write a detailed evaluation so he can continually improve the course. ‘Thoughtful and overwhelmingly glowing responses have arrived from Spiritual Assemblies in Birmingham, Alabama; Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Indianapolis, Indiana. Also writing were the Kansas Winter Baha’i School and the Baha’f Council for England.

At least in Birmingham, Fazli’s course hit really close to home. Lua Getsinger’s brother, William “Jack” Moore, is believed to have been the first Baha'i pioneer to that city, and the community has been learning about his life story in connection with this year’s centenary of the Faith in the state and the South.

Communities wishing to receive further information about the course

College Station, — Te 77845 (phone 409-690-6001, e-mail

‘Therapists Conference:

of a Bird, May 22-25 Facilitated by, the National Commit dvancement of Women,

Two Wings

for practitioner: ioral medicine, m:

health disciplines focuses on the principle of the equality of women and men in

the community and explores strategies for strengthening and preserving Baha’{ families. A children’s program

runs concurrently. First topic: The Physician’s Challenge The series began with “The Physi ing the medical profes

sion helped participants focus indi initiatives, community and group initiatives, and global service projects to serve the Baha'i Faith even more directly. Facilitated by Drs. David Ruhe and Elizabeth Bowen of the United States; Joanne Langley and John LeBlanc of Canada, it offered physicians the opportunity to consult on pressing questions and issues s What is it to be a Baha’i_ phys Getting Acquainted with Baha’u'llah’s Standards; The Millennium and the Science of Medicine; Approaches to Ethics; and Exploring International Projects for/by Baha’i Physicians. Participants left with individual plans and clear lines of action to rise to new heights of service to Baha’u’llah.

NABI improves buildings, campus

ae Native American Baha’ Institute has conducted a series of building improvements over several months, to benefit the institute’s programs and beautify the 40-acre grounds.

A new staff trailer was installed to provide housing for the volunteer youth coordinator, along with an overflow of female youth volunteers.

NABI also added a double-wide office trailer so all administrative staff can work under one roof. In the past, the administration office was on the opposite end of the grounds from the research and program development office.

‘This opened up greater space for youth and children’ programs, allowing them to be held in separate classrooms.

Added outside lights not only add to the safety of the grounds but help beautify them as well. The lights have aided many children and elderly visitors who take part in NABI programs. They also make it easier to walk on many of the trails that were once covered in darkness.

NABI also added a new parking lot, with lighting, to handle traffic overflow from its increase in visitors and program participants. @

page 14

THE AMERICAN BAHA’I ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES May 17, 1998 [Page 15]

Bosch plans summer full of music

( vss your summer started on the right “note” by attending one of

the music sessions offered at Bosch Baha’i School in June and July.

We are pleased to host our fourth annual Choral School and second annual Cl dren’s Music Camp, June 21-27. Thes sessions are being held concurrently to allow for fun intergenerational activities as well as individualized classes. In addition to choral practice, workshops will be offered in sight singing, voice, music theory and choral conducting. Children will participate in sports and garden activities for a balanced program of physical, spiritual and musical training. Children must be 8 or older to participate. Directors will be Tom Price and Jamie Findlay. Don’t forget to bring instruments!

‘The Youth Music Academy, July 7-14, is first of its kind in the Baha’ world. High school, college and university vocal and instrumental students from around the world will come together for a week to study with outstanding teachers and to explore the Baha’i Writings on the spiritual aspects of the musical arts. Instruction will be offered on strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboard, percussion instruments and vocal music. At the final concert, students will perform an original oratorio written for this performance by academy director Victor Wong. Contact Bosch for an application form. Audition tapes are required.

Also this summer will be the third annual Ocean of Light Pacific Islanders ‘Teaching Conference, July 2-5. Counselors Ben Ayala and Violette Haake, as well as Samoan Princess ‘Tosi Malietoa,

Students have a ball during recreation time at Bosch’s Spring Children’s Academy, designed to promote race unity as well as fun. Photo courtesy Bosch Baha'i School

have been invited to attend. The loving spirit of this gathering, the mu: sharing of culture, the enthu: spreading the Word of Bahda’u’llah throughout the Pacific re; makes this an outstanding event each year.

Winter rains have given way to spring showers, green hillsides are carpeted with wildflowers—it’s a beautiful to be at Bosch!

Those who attended the Mysticism Conference, April 2-5, enjoyed abroad spectrum of presentations. Plenary speakers included noted British scholar Stephen Lambden; Amin Banani, profes sor emeritus of history and literature from UCLA; Sheila Banani; Terry Culhane; and Jack McLean, author of Dimensions in Spirituality. Workshops on a variety of topics were presented by Venustiano Olguin, John Thelen-Steere, Linda Cicada and Derek Cockshut.

The New Believers/Seekers Weekend that ran concurrently with the Mysticism Conference was also a big success, as participants enjoyed the classes and music of Jan Faulkner and Darrell Metcalf.

ime

‘The Spring Children’s Academy focused on the theme of race unity, tying into the campaign of the National Spiritual Assembly to raise the first generation of prejudice-free children. They had a great time in th ir classes a nd games, provided service

, and enjoyed toasting

inging at the bonfire and their special candlelight dinner. 5 Academy July 25-29 will continue to explore the topic of race unity. These programs strive to develop the students’ capacity to see themselves as catalysts for change in their family, school and community.

We look forward to a sunny and busy summer with the friends at Bosch. We hope to see you, too! @

Wilmette Institute updates

¢ Spiritual Foundations program: Registration is still open for the summer session of the Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program. If you can come to Wilmette for three weeks, July 18-Aug. 8, to study Baha’i community life and governance, please apply immediately. Tuition is $825, dormitory lodging will be $440 and the fee for three s a week is $55. Some lable. . Correspondence Course: Registration is open for a correspondence course on the Revelation of Baha’u’llih, 1868-92 (the ‘Akka period) to be conducted July 3-Dee. It will examine all the major works of Baha’u’lléh revealed during the period: the Kitib-iAqdas, tablets revealed after the Aqdas, and the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. You do not have to aken the course on the 1853-68 period, which will be offered again next year. 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 , Wilmette, IL 60091; call its 24hour information line, 847-733-3595; its Web site (www.usbnc.org/wilmette); call the registrar, Heather Gorman, at 847-733-3415; or fax the Institute at 847-733-3563. @

PERMANENT SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES: Bosch Baha'i School, 408-423-3387, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Green Acre Bah’ School, 207-439-7200, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 Louhelen Baha'i School, 810-653-5033, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 Louis Gregory Bah Institute, 803-558-9131, 1313 Willams Hil Read, Hemingway, SC 29554 | __ Native American Bah Instiute, 520-587-7594, Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506

Session on Louis Gregory’s example caps spring programs at Green Acre

reen Acre Baha’i School’s spring programming continues Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, with a special program by James Sturdivant that celebrates the life of a true pioneer for race unity in America.

“The Exemplary Life of Mr. Louis Gregory and My Response in the Four Year Plan” follows the path of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, who dedicated his life to the Cause of Baha’u'llah. This course will examine the admirable qualities of Mr. Gregory’s life, his actions and their impact, the lessons from them, and how we can set our own goals in light of his example as we approach the end of the Four Year Plan.

In other upcoming programs:

• Auxiliary Board members Mary K.

Makoski and Barbara Markert discuss individual initiative and teaching in the remaining minutes of the Four Year Plan on June 12-14 in “A Million Minutes & Me: Changing The World.” This will include ion with the’ Regional

east Regional Baha’i Gospel Choir.

• Staff members of the Baha’i National Center's Office of Community Administration present a Local Spiritual

Assembly Development Forum June 26-28 with a variety of workshops on the Local Assembly's role. Ask about a special discount rate for communities that nd three or more.

• The first full summer session runs

June 26-July 1, opening with the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Forum described above, followed by “The Art of Effective Communication.” Fafar and Jack Guillebeaux discuss barriers to communication—in the family, the community or the workplace—and offer powerful communication tools that take into account both thinking and feeling:

• Also offered June 26-July 1 will be

Camp Green Acre, coordinated by Barbara Higgins Nelson for children in grades 3-6. Please note that while all other Green Acre summer include classes for ages 3 and up, C: Green Acre will be the only program

musician Eric Dozier presenting “In ‘That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’: Images of Baha’u’llah in African-American Spiritual Music Trad: ” Also, Ladjamaya Green-Mahoney and Jaine Toth will present “Reaching the Hearts Through the Arts: Discovering the Artist Within,” aimed at helping participants unleash the ability of the arts to empower, transform and attract hearts. Ladjamaya, Eric Dozier and the Northeast Regional Baha'i Gospel Choir will perform Sunday, July 5, in the summer's first Concert-Picnic on the Piscataqua.

¢ A Junior Youth Institute for those in grades 6-8 will also be offered July 3-8 by facilitators Peter and Danielle Oldziey. s ssions continue July 10-15 -depth study of Tablets of Babd’w'lldh \ed by Ahang Rabbani. The course will include the history of the ‘Tablets’ revelation, their relation to other Writings and a scholarly analysis of their contents and allusions. Also, Jane Faily will present “Our Individual Response,” on the potential God has

stories of how the early heroes and heroines of the Faith arose in service.

• July 10-15 will also feature a Youth

Institute for those in grades 9-12 facilitated by Carmine and Anna Consalvo.

• Also offered July 10-15 will be a 32hour Core Curriculum Teacher Training course for Spiritual Edu

Children. Included are the first of the curriculum for ages 6-12.

• A four-day summer session will be

offered July 25-29, with Bob Harris presenting “I Will Be a Happy and Joyful Being.” The session will explore the role of humor and how the central figures of the Baha'i Faith used it. Also,

‘Make a Statement” with Janet and Rodney Richards and Barbara Harri will discuss ideas for sharing and promoting the statements The Vision of Race Unity, Two Wings of a Bird and The Promise of World Peace.

Green Acre’s summer sessions continue through Labor Day Weekend. For further information or to register, please contact the school (phone 207-439

Bal uncil of the Northeastern — offered for children this week. given each individual, the process pre- 7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail States and a performance’ by the North- * The week-of July 3-8 will feature ribed for realizing that potential, and ). May 17,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 15 [Page 16]

“T'CONSOLIDATING* THE’ VICTORIES

Regional schools across the country help kindle development of the Faith

—WESTERN REGION— CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN, JUNE 26-28 Program: “Entry by troops and the Individual” with Joel and Esther Orona. Core Curriculumtrained teachers for children. i i Pines near Yucaipa, CA.

housing. Sports, outdoor recreation. Fees: Adult/Youth $100, Pre-youth (10-14) $85, Child G-9) $55, Infant free, Family discount.

Ontario, CA 91764 (phone 909-983-1022, 909735-1509). 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 6-10) $30. Contact: Don Woodland Park, CO 80863 (phone 719-6873351, e-mail ). Pre-register byJune 14. FOUR CORNERS, JULY 22-26 Program: “The Role of the Individual in Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops.” Facilities: Dorm housing, tent/RV sites; dining hall and picnic tables. Sports, outdoor recreation. Contact: Bill Bright, Gallup, NM 87301 (phone 505-722-0039). Preregister by July 15. MONTANA (JOHN H. WiLCOTT), JULY 26-31 Program: “ the Process of Entry by ‘Troops—The Role of the Individual” with Shannon Javid and Erica Toussaint. Full youth and children’ pfograms. 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 recreation; fee for swimming or riding. Fees: Adult $140, Youth/Child (7-17) $120, i) $85, (0-3) $25. Contact: Sandi Marisdotter, Hate na, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-526, e-mail or b

Pre-register by July 13. OREGON EAsT, AUG. 8-11 Program: “The Individual and Spiritual Transformation” with Joseph Sheppherd. Children’ 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

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

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

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

Contact: Jim Smith,

Lebanon, OR 97355 (phone 541-259-1417, email ). Pre-register. by Aug. 1.

OREGON WEST YOUTH RETREAT, JUNE 19-22 Program: Speakers include Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi

Members of four Regional Baha’i School committees—California South, Colorado East, Four Corners and Utah—gathered April 3-5 in Cortez, Colorado, in a “School for Schools” session for consultation and development, hosted by the National Schools and Education Office and the Four Corners School Committee. A similar

Fee: $75. Contact: Emie Sheehan, Medford, OR 97501 sai 541-773-1621, e-mail ). Pre-registration required

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

Richland, WA 99352 (phone 509-9431236). Pre-register by June 14.

—SOUTHERN REGION— FLORIDA, JULY 1-5 “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 ase 954-742-8116, email ). KENTUCKY, SEPT. 4—7 Program: “The Role of the Individual in Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops” with James Sturdivant. Full children’ program. Location: Kentucky Leadership Center, Faubush, KY. Facilities: Cabins with multiple bunks or hotelstyle rooms for 1-4 people. Pool, gym, outdoor recreation. Fees: Course fee $15 ($35 for fami Meals/odging 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,

KY 42044 (phone 502-362-4228, email ). Free Saturday breakfast if you register by Aug. 20.

MARYLAND (_ DAYSPRING,”, Juty 30-AuG. 2 Individual’ Role in the Advancement of Civilization.”

Location: Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD. Facilities: Dorm housing, meals at cafeteria. Pool,

workshop for committees in the Southern and Central regions was planned for May 15-17 in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo courtesy Education and Schools Office

‘Troops: the Individual” with Farah GuchaniRosenberg, Auxiliary Board member. Children’s and youth classes available. Location: Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Conference Center, Canton, MS. Fees: fee $5 by May 15. Conference fee $111.50; includes lodging/meals. Contact: Alma I. Smith, Vicksburg, MS 39180. SOUTH CAROLINA, JUNE 12~14 Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops—Focus on the Individual.” Keynote speaker: Dr. Wilma Ellis, member of Continental Board of Counselors. Please bring a copy of The Advent of Divine Justice. Location: Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, SC. Facilities: Dorm housing (please bring linens), meals at dining hall. Other lodging available Georgetown. Fees: Registration fee per person: Early $15, onsite $20. Discount for large families. Lodging/meals per day: Adult/Youth (12-up) $25, Child (under 12) $20. Contact: Emie Hilton (phone 803-558-9881). TENNESSEE BAHA'I INSTITUTE, SEPT. 4-7

TBA

Location: DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle, TN. Facilities: Dorm-style or cabin lodging, area motelsavailable. Swimming, sports, outdoor recreation. Fees: Lodging depends on accommodations; meals: Adult/Youth/Pre-youth $51, Child $43, Infant free. Contact: Kaihan Strain, Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 423-842-1750). Preregister by Aug. 15. VIRGINIA “ HEMLOCK HAVEN,” JUNE 19-21 Program: “Spirit to Heart: Sharing Baha'u'llah’ 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

—CENTRAL REGION— ILLINOIS “HEARTLAND,” AUGUST 5-9 Program: “Reassessing Your Role in the Four Year Plan.”

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 Baha’ 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.

KANSAS, JULY 3-5

Program: “Express Yourself: Using the Arts to” ‘Teach the Baha’ Faith.”

Location: Tall Oaks Conference Center near Lawrence, KS.

Facilities: Cabins, special needs housing, RV/tent spaces. Outdoor recreation, swimming.

Fees: Adult $85-100, Youth $75-90, Pre-youth $65-80; Infant free.

Contact: Gray Bishop, Derby, KS 67037 (phone 316-788-5378). Pre-register by June 20.

MINNESOTA “WILLIAM SEARS GREAT NORTH Woops,” AUG. 12-16

“The Role of the Individual in Advaneing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops: Instilling the

Fire of Teaching in Every Believer” with Hoda Mahmoud and others. Special Friday night multicultural arts/music program. Location: Camp Onomia near Onamia, MN. Facilities: Dorm rooms, camping; lake and outdoor recreation, game room. Fees: Adult: Full session about $160, day student $50. Reduced rates for youth/children. Contact: Ali Mahabadi, mouth, MN 55441 (phone 612- 557-6039 or 612379-8535). WISCONSIN “MARION STEFFES,” JULY 13-17 Program: “Advancing the Process of Entry by ‘Troops—Focus on the Individual.” Children’: 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.

NOTICE: GREEN LAKE BAHA’| CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED A WEEK LATER THAN USUAL

WISCONSIN— GREEN LAKE BAHA'I CONFERENCE, Sept. 18-20 Program: Special guests include the Regional Baha’{ Council for the Central States and William Hatcher. Location: Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI. Facilities: Meals and lodging at the center. Fees: Basic fees (accommodations additional): Adult (18-up) $20, Youth/Child (2-17) $10, Family $40. Contact: Lori Block, Green Bay. WI 54301 (phone 920-432-110). For accommodations: contact the conference center (phone 800-558-8898).

— NORTHEASTERN REGION— NEW York, AUG. 14-23 Program: Speakers to include Joy Leary, John Hatcher, Laurie Early, Peter Murphy.

on using The Dawn-Breakers as a teaching strategy gym, tennis court. Location: Knox College, Galesburg, IL.

book; Dr. Khalil and Sue Khavari on the Art of | Contact: Ingrid Olson, Hemdon, More information: Brochures to be mailed in Location: Oakwood School, Poughkeepsie, NY. Speaking to Groups. Seekers welcome. VA 20170 (phone 703-481-8393, e-mail May; information to be posted on Web site Facilities: Dorm rooms; gym, tennis courts. ‘Location: Sis-Q Meadows Camp, Cave Junction, OR. ). Pre-register by July 1. (empath.vp.uiuc.edwheartland/). Fees: Depend on length of stay.

Facilities: Dorm-style accommodations in wilder- MISSISSIPPI, JUNE 5-7 Towa, Juty 17-21 Contact: Tom Cody, PO Box 355, Lincolndale, ness setting. Bring sleeping bag. Outdoor recre- Program: “Advancing the Process of Enuy by — Program: “Copper to Gold” with Lisa Smits and NY 10540 (phone 914-248-5963) @

page 16 THE AMERICAN BAfiA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES = May 17,1998 [Page 17]

QSuMMON THE PEOPLE

Kinapom

TO THE

F

OD

How much Our Challenge: MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM

did it cost? Goal for efficiency was met

ae essential purpose of the media aspect of the national teaching plan is

to bring in growing, measurable response from non-Baha’is who come into contact with the Baha’i Message through television, radio or other communications media. In such a way we can vastly expand the number of people that individual believers can teach.

‘The process is very sophisticated, involving careful testing and analysis of programming content and results from live tests. Over time the results have shown our increasing ability to reach more people for less money.

‘The first two-week test of The Powerof Race Unity in Atlanta yielded about one direct response for every $50 spent on air time. By industry standards this was @ very respectable showing; for us it was unsustainable.

‘That test told us a great deal about when people tended to watch, and who they were. Refinements based on this knowledge yielded an average of one call per $18 spent over the next three months.

‘The aim of the Odyssey broadcasts was to drive the level of efficiency even further, to $10 for every call. This was achieved, and can be considered extraordinarily good, especially since we are a relatively unknown religion.

PRICE PER RESPONSE

As our experience with using The Power of Race Unity increases, we gain more phone contacts from the public for our money.

$50

gis

Ea” be: sa 93 27 = June July-Aug. 1997 1997

¢ national media initiative is only one element of the

national teaching plan. The Universal House of Justice

has made it clear that a number of efforts must proceed

together if we are to make a significant advancement in the

Four Year Plan. These speak to the development of individu als, communities and institutions. Together they make for a harmonious, ongoing, evolving pattern of Baha’s life.

“The iccerg of energy and resources expended by local comtounding,” says Ken Bowers, a ene of the National “Teaching Committee. “It has also been heartening to see, based on the scores of reports. that we have received, that, in general, attention has been paid to all the elements of community life necessary to advance the is Suey by troops. For example, a great deal of atten

all participate according to our own individue local resources.

“The challenge now is to sustain the overall effort, recognizing that we are committed to a long-term s. Over time our communities need to evolve into r and closer conformity with the spirit of the Teachings of the Faith—from activities into a divine and spiritually enriching system of community life. This will attract and confirm more people than anything else.”

PROCLAMATION IS NOT EVERYTHING

“The National Teaching Committee has said this before,” Bowers continued, “but it is worth repeating that the proclamation component of the plan is meant as an enhancement for individual and local teaching effort. In no way is it a substitute. What we are trying to do is to find ways of getting

e seekers into local communities and in contact with in other words, we are trying to increase the opportunities for teaching.

‘ oo ' ey. Wee

Jodie Hulti (left) and Julie Anderson of Eugene, Oregon, flank the banner that welcomed visitors to an event centered on the first showing of The Power of Race Unity in March at the Eugene Baha’i center. Photo by Quddus Miller

“But this does not mean that the fri hould simply wait for the phone to ring. Local communities, in the aggregate, have far more ability than the National Assembly to generate interest in the Faith on the part of individual seekers. What we are doing is learning lessons that will help us all to do this better. We are all in this process together.

“The individual believer has a particular responsibility in this regard. If the individual does not act, then the plan cannot succeed.

“Tt is important to remember that institutions do not teach the Faith, per se. The National Assembly does not teach the Faith, nor do Local Assemblies. Even the National Teaching Committee, in spite of its name, does not teach the Faith.

“What the administrative institutions can do is to foster favorable conditions within which the individual can arise to ‘spread the divine fragrances.’ But the heart of the matter is

SEE MOMENTUM, PAGE 24

being developed for the coming year:

tions representatives,

WHAT’S COMING THIS YEAR

In addition to the June broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity on Black Entertainment Television, the following plans are

• New programs. U.S. Baha’i Media Services is developing a video program on women's issues. SIDCorp (the Satellite Initiative Development Corporation) is working on several new programs, the first on the theme of prayer and worship, and others

on community life and indigenous peoples. SIDCorp is continuing its collaboration with the National Teaching Committee.

• News media strategy. A national public relations strategy is being developed, aimed at gaining coverage for the Faith

in news media. The plan will involve approaches to the national media as well as training for regional and local public rela

• Radio production. Plans are being developed for radio programming targeting specific audiences, especially LatinAmericans and African-Americans. Details will be published as soon as possible.

• Staying on the air. There will be future national broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity, and possibly other programs,

in 1998-1999. Details on channels and time slots are being worked out, and will be published as soon as possible.

May 17, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN _ page 17 [Page 18]

What the early results of media initiative tell us

A ccording to the National ‘Teaching Sommittee, the results of the initiative to date offer a number of important lessons:

There is an audience for the Baha’ Faith. The relatively large response to the Odyssey broadcasts shows that vast numbers of people will be attracted to the Faith if we share the Message with them. The success of local communities in attracting people to teaching events also shows this to be true.

It should be remembered that the initial broadcasts were a very small beginning that opened a window to the real pot we face. Everything we have experienced is in perfect harmony with the observations of countless scholars and commentators on religious trends—namely, that vast sections of the U.S. population are spiritually, in search of beli address their needs.

• Audiences can be defined and

reached through systematic effort. The Power of Race Unity was developed in collaboration between a group of independent Bal producers, known as the Satellite Initiative Development Corporation (SIDCorp), and the National Teaching Committee. The U.S. Bahé Media Services agency also contribu significant effort.

‘The video was developed through an extensive process of testing and revision, using focus groups of non-Baha’i ‘This was to ensure the message was conveyed in a positive way and to find out what

“on the move” f systems that

CHALLENGES FOR NEAR-FUTURE ACTION nates te tel ear eta er require energetic national, regional and local action:

• Development of human resources. Success in proclamation increases the

need for effective teachers, and for people trained to administer community affairs. Regional training institutes have been established to provide programs for these needs. Locally sponsored programs are in place in a number of areas as well.

+ Effective follow-up. We need to learn how to follow up with people who contact us to learn about the Faith. This means greater effectiveness in virtually every aspect of community life, as well as in initial encounters with seekers.

• Development of community life. We know Baha’i community life is not simply

alist of activities. Rather, it is a pattern of life that manifests the spiritual forces released by the Revelation of Baha’u'llah and proves the efficacy of His Teachings. This requires that the believers strive to build truly united, loving communities that embrace all people.

• Expanded outreach. The NTC and others will continue to work on reaching new

audiences with the Baha’i message. Plans have been developed for public relations approaches to news media, for new videos and literature, radio and the Internet.

• A sustained learning process. The most important thing of all is that

the believers everywhere continue their activities, while refining them as necessary. This will require constant activity, a readiness to try new things, and the

willingness to learn from mistakes.

groups of people tended to respond best.

‘Thus the final version of the program was. much different from the original draft.

‘The focus group tests were a good predi tor of the response to real broadcasts. This that a systematic process of audience analysis works very well.

Ethel Crawford, member of the National Teaching Committee, credited members of SIDCorp for their determination to stay with this process of testing and evaluation:

shows

Youths pitch in

Young volunteers from across the Chicago metropolitan area, gathered in the lunch room at the Baha’i National Center, help assemble and roll out some of the hundreds of National Teaching Campaign materials for mailing to participating Baha’i communities across the country. Youths from Ohio also came to help out. Photo courtesy National Teaching Office

AN EXERCISE IN UNITY

t the beginning of the Four Year Plan the Universal House of Justice asserted that one of our two main challenges is “...to mount a campaign of teaching in which the broad membership of the community is enthusiastically, systematically and personally engaged, and in which the activation of an extensive training program will ensure the development of a mass of human resources...” It is fair to say that significant progress has been made on both fronts. As crucial as plans and processes are, more important are

“Everyone learned a great deal from this process, but it should be acknowledged that the newness of itall meant that the friends at $IDCorp had to sacrifice a great deal of extra resources and energy. Afterall, this really was the first time anyone had ever approached the development of teaching materials in this way. The contribution they made was more than a video—itis a totally new way of looking at how we address audiences with the Baha'i Message.”

• Sensitivity to the audience is essential. One of the key lessons is abundantly

‘confirmed in the Writings of the Faith— that a key ingredient for teaching success is the capacity to b itive to the needs and viewpoints of others. This lesson carries over into all teaching activities, and is worth considering in every aspect of Baha’{ community life.

¢ The American Baha'i community is ready and willing to arise. The response to the natic e shows we have a large core of dedicated believers in every corner of the country, willing to do what it takes to advance the process of entry by troops.

“This is a significant thing not only from a practical organizational standpoint,” ford said, “but also from the standpoint of our collective spiritual unity, which is what attracts the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty. There can be little doubt, based on what we hav. these past few weeks, that this community has rallied behind the National Spiritual Assembly and is marching forward with audacity and determination.”

“We now know that we can generate response to the Baha'i Message at a sustain able rate,” Crawford added. “What more, our capacity to attract people is bound to s our knowledge and experience increase. It is not beyond reasonable expectation that thousands, tens of thousands, or perhaps hundreds of thousands of people will want to know about the Faith in the near future.”

ave

TEACHING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE | .

from individuals who saw the broadcasts on Odyssey and became interested in knowing more about the Bahé ith.

“The National ‘Teaching Committee hoped that the broadcasts would yield about 2,400 calls,” says Alejandro Melendez, a member of the committee. “This would be a rate of one call for every $10 spent for a he number of calls was i sed to some extent through local promotion of the broadcasts, which entailed

“Even

parate costs. f we factor these out of the total, then we still reached the goal,” Melendez said. “This is very important, becau: assures the sustainability of the effort.” ‘The National Teaching Committee also arranged for a random survey of Baha'i beginning about one week itiative. This survey, carried out by non-Baha’i professionals to help ensure objectivity, was designed to gauge the extent and success of local teaching activities conjunction with the national effort. “The results of this survey were nothing

into the

less than extraordinary,” Melendez, said. “About 4 out of 10 communities had devel

oped and implemented teaching activities e to the national initia ities of virtually every description. Most of them had firesides, devotional meetings, public talks and local

proclamation activities. ‘The friends were

as a direct respons tive. They held ac

very vigorous about inviting people to attend meetings to see the video and to ith. As a result of the survey, we can safely project that slightly more 3,000 people attended Baha’i teaching s of one kind or another.”

st » showed that another 5 out of 10 communiti ature plans for local teaching. M were to be carried out within a few we from the time of the survey. Only 1 community in 10 had not yet made a plan.

“Tt has been two decades since we have seen this pace of teaching activity in the USS.,” Melendez said. “We are clearly at a new level, and poised to win great victories in the second half of the Four Year Plan.”

had made definite st

the spiritual qualities of love for the Blessed Beauty and for humanity, of unity, of perseverance and of sacrificial commitment to our sacred task. As the beloved Guardian stated:

“Perseverance is the magnet that will, in these days, attract the promised blessings of the Almighty Author of our beloved Faith. Unity and harmony constitute the basis on which the structure of

these activities can securely rest. Self-sacrifice, audacity, undeviat ing adherence to the essentials of the Faith, will reinforce that structure and accelerate its rise.”

page 18

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN = May 17, 1998 [Page 19]

Tale of two cities: One uses Odyssey, one plans without it

BY TOM MENNILLO

aE 9 cities—one with the Odyssey Channel and one without—typify the rich variety of community responses to the national media initiative.

In Chattanooga, Tennesee, residents could view The Power of Race Unity on cable TV.

But 120 miles northwest in Lebanon, ‘Tenssee, a Nashville suburb, the program unavailable on cable.

Chattanooga Baha’is instituted a multilayered teaching effort to take advantage of the broadcasts

A billboard, bus placards and radio announcements invited people to watch the show or to call for information on how they could “join the Baha’is in helping Chattanooga bridge the racial divide.”

Events sponsored by the Baha’is for that purpose include

¢ Firesides seven days a week in various parts of the city (including the University of TennesseeChattanooga campus), the county, and beyond.

• Prayer meetings each Wednesday evening.

• Weekly worship services following the prayer

meetings with talks on such topics ‘as “Many Faiths, One God,” “Ye Are the Leaves of One ‘Tree and the Fruits of One Branch,” “Women and Men: Two Wings of a Bird,” “Strengthening F: ilies,” and “Consultation: A New Way to Solve Problems.”

‘The Baha'is also opened a public information center in Eastgate Mall, which draws customers primarily from the minority community. Chattanooga’s Baha’i Center is in the Hixson area a few miles from Eastgate.

In addition, a public meeting was hosted on the university campus April 4 titled “Worlds Apart Then, Side by Side Now: A Model for Racial Healing.”

Featured speakers were Jayne Mahboubi and Ashburn Searcy, Baha’is who are descendants of slaves and slave owners, respectively, in the same small south Georgia town.

Debbi Hampton, in opening the program, told the more than 40 attendees that eradicating racial prejudice is difficult even for Baha’is, who strive to make

Communities in New York

BY FRANCES HAYDEN

n Westchester County, New York, the media initiative has mobilized the friends there like no other recent event.

Intercommunity cooperation has begun to be a reality in a county that is economically and culturally a unit but politically is divided into some 40 i . These municipalities are often made up of several villages, and to make matters even more confusing some villages are divided so that half are in one town and half in another.

Using such tools as The Lamplight newsletter and electronic mail, multicommunity Holy Day celebrations, a county-wide prayer vigil, and occasional multicommunity feasts and fellowship, the communities are beginning to develop a regional identity.

‘There is even some cross-border cooperation with Fairfield and Litchfield counties in Connecticut, including the Hushmand Taraz Teaching Institute in Norwalk.

‘Things begin to take shape last fall when a large meeting was held in the home of one of the beli ers. Thirty-two people attended, and with the guidance and advice of the assistants small groups were formed to work together on goals of the Four Year Plan and the National Teaching Plan.

A diverse audience in Lebanon, Tennessee, views The Power of Race Unity video as a prelude to discussion about ways to bring about harmony in their community. Photo by Tom Mennillo

their personal and community lives a workshop for putting into practice the teachings of Baha’u’llih. “T¢’s not about just making nice, but creating something new,” she said, adding that while the speakers wouldn’t be addressing the Baha’ Faith directly, “whatever they say will be framed within a Baha’ context because the oneness of humanity is pivotal to their beliefs. This is the age for reunification of the human ra: The speakers were interviewed on-camera by reporter Alison Starling of WDEF-TVI2, the CBS affiliate in Chattanooga, before their talk. ht before, up in Lebanon, the Bah Wilson County held a public showing of The Power of Race Unity followed by a discussion of concrete lents can take to bring the races together. a Baha’ community. Most Baha’is in the county live in the Mt. Juliet area to the west. But Lebanon, with its virtual wall of separation between black and white and several recent racial incidents, is a focus of efforts by Wilson County Baha’is. The friends have forged relationships with the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter and other leaders of thought. The Spiritual Assembly of Wilson County

recently sent a letter urging community leaders to crimes by finding izens

“respond appropriately to thes ways to open honest dialogue between all ci so that healing can begin and this insidious di: of racism can be eradicated.”

In the letter, the Baha’is offered their experience i building unity and declared they stand “ready to aid in the necessary process of healing racial hurts and building strong relationships among all Wilson Countians.

It concluded, “Over the next weeks we will be offering models of race unity through various media presentations and workshops. We are committed to this effort ‘for the long haul’ and we invite others to join us in this commitment to the power of race unity in Wilson County.”

The April 3 program was the first of these events. It was attended by 16 brave souls who ventured out amid a violent storm that spawned several destructive tornadoes.

Joyce Maneck introduced the night’s program, saying its aim was to “show the video and use it as a catalyst to discuss what can be done in Wilson County to resolve some of the issues between the races here.”

The video, she explained, contains models of what people around the country are doing. Perhaps, she said, attendees could use them to spark ideas for further dialogue and action by area residents.

An hourlong discussion ensued, with attendees—Baha’is (including three new believers) and non-Baha’is—enthusiastically voicing their ideas.

Another event the Baha’is are planning is the Wilson County Race Amity Conference on June 14 at the James Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon.

The conference will feature:

¢ A panel discussion with area citi improving race relations.

¢ Multicultural children’s activities.

• Entertainment (led by country singer Dan

Seals performing his inspirational “We Are One”) reflecting the diversity of the community.

• Presentation of three race unity awards to

county residents, including a “lifetime achievement” award. @

work as many parts of one body for teaching efforts

By the time the media campaign hit, they were accustomed to working across city boundari

• New Rochelle installed a line with which to

connect to 800-22-UNITE

• White Plains worked with the Gannett newspapers to publish the “Help America Heal the

Racial Divide” ad, which the newspapers liked so much they agreed to increase its size and place it in triple the original circulation area.

• Cortlandt agreed to send out the initial literature to

all respondents to the television show and 800 number.

• Several local access cable stations agreed to air

The Power of Race Unity. In Mount Vernon, an a: tant high school principal was so impressed with the video she asked the Baha'is to host a 45-minute workshop at a youth forum with the theme of race unity.

• In addition to the national broadcasts scheduled

on BET in June, local public access broadcast has been arranged for Larchmont and Mamaroneck, two. communities without Baha’ss, beginning in April.

• A Baha’ physician was interviewed on a local

talk show about “Racism as a Disease.” He mentioned the Baha’i prescription, the Central Figures and the 800 number. He was surprised the next week to learn that the executive director of the hospital in which he works saw the show at home and was impressed.

• A countywide and some local Web sites are up

and running and beginning to be promoted.

‘The number of respondents to the program has been small because Odyssey is seen only for limited hours and in limited localities. But the quality of responses has been heartening.

One person told how she was spiritually guided to find the ad in a pile of old newspapers and then to watch The Power of Race Unity on Odyssey. Her call was caught live by a believer who had been praying and waiting by the telephone. She that it was meant for her to meet this Baha’, that she had been following the Baha’i Faith for a long time, and that now is that time for the world to hear our message.

A man in Mount Vernon, which has a large African-American population, saw the ad and was stirred. Unable to catch the broadcast, he called the 800 number and received literature. He read it all and found it “compelling.”

‘The second Mount Vernon respondent, and the sixth overall in the county, made contact with the Faith in a very touching way. When the Baha’i line was checked, there was one new message, marked “urgent” by the caller. She sounded like a teenage girl. The call was received at 6:59 p.m., and almost certainly she had just watched the 6:30 p.m. broadcast on a public access channel. #

May 17, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘I ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

NOILOV TW9071 ¢ ALINA "IVWNOILVN

page 19 [Page 20]

NATIONAL UNITY e LOCAL ACTION

Chicago suburb’s success springs from unlucky turn

BY KEN GOEBEL

A perfect example of how something bad can bring good:

One day a Baha’ from Highland Park, Illinois, was driving home on the highway from a contracting job in Wilmette. The Baha'i was almost home when he heard a loud bang. Looking around and into the rear view mirror, he observed the muffler bouncing off the side of the road.

Looking to kill some time while the car was being repaired, he remembered that an old friend worked ata local radio station just down the street and went to pay her a visit. Asking about the station’ programming, the Baha'i was told there was a variety, including religious shows featuring Hassidic Jewis Muslim, conservative Christian, and Catholic perspectives.

As it happened, a church was canceling its contract in a month, so time was short for the Assembly of Highland Park to decide and to act.

“Tt was a hard sell at first. None of us knew anything about radio, other than where the on and off buttons were!

“But we had the option of canceling our contract with the station after 60 days at $80 per half-hour show if things didn’t work out. So we said, ‘What the heck, let’s go for it,” the Baha’ said.

Suitable Baha'i programs were tough to find. So the friends decided to put on their own show, taking advantage of the area’ abundance of learned and deepened Baha’és to interview, with a mountain of stories and information to share.

“Sometimes a microphone can humble even the best of them, so after some auditions through on-air trial and error, we found an interviewer and we were on our way,” the Baha’ said. “We named the show ‘Morning Fireside’ and after six months of on-air experience, we started sounding pretty good.”

‘Then came word that the station was being sold to a big downtown Chicago station that wanted the air time to put on a syndicated show from Los Angeles.

Te was fun while it

‘Morning Fireside’ can be heard every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in four states to a potential 4 million listeners.

sted, thought the Baha’i. But then he found through casual conversation with a radio engineer that this new station was selling time on the weekends—for a little more than double what the Bahd’is were paying.

Back to the Assembly, where it was decided other communities must get involved.

“So we pitched the idea of moving our show to a bigger station at a higher cost to our neighboring communities of Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston and Glenview,” the Baha’i said. “Enthusiastically, all of them said, ‘Let’s do it. We’re in. How much do you need?” and now, after ayear and a half, this still-evolving ‘Morning Fireside’ can be heard every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in four states to a potential 4 million listeners.” It has been a useful tool in promoting the cable telecast of The Power of Race Unity. Four shows were dedicated to promoting the video.

So the next time your muffler falls off your car, don’t get mad. It could be a good thing. @

Power of Race Unity

broadcast wins over school official in Racine

SUBMITTED BY AMY JILL NEEB

e tiny Baha’i Group in Racine, Wisconsin, was delighted when the multicultural coordinator for

the school district expressed an interest in taping The Power of Race Unity broadcast and making it available for teachers to use in the schools.

But that was by no means the only exciting response to efforts in Racine, home to one of the first Local Spiritual Assemblies in the United States, to support the national teaching initiative.

• On the first Saturday of the campaign, the nearby Milwaukee Baha’i

community aired the video on a network television channel. Minutes after the broadcast, the first telephone call was received, and the friends promptly sent out an information package including The Bahd’is magazine, the race unity statement, and a flier listing firesides.

¢ A family of three attended a video showing in a believer's home that included dinner and a long discussion about race unity and related topics.

• Avery interested seeker called during

the campaign, was sent information, and then visited the home of a Baha’s family to pick up additional reading mater

• An individual who had been inv

gating the Faith received a copy of the flier and later met with a believer.

• A Baha’ youth was granted permission by the principal to post the fliers in

his high school. He also invited several teachers and students to the events.

A flier was posted at the local library.

• A neighboring Baha'i group provided

radio advertisements about the broadcast.

Monthly firesides will continue, and the friends have also begun to hold monthly social dinners. They feel these consistent efforts are important, even if they have nor guests at first, so that when seekers do contact them, events are in place.

Councils boost local endeavors

egional Baha’f Councils have taken actions in development of the national plan

‘See bottom of page for report from the Council for the Northeastern States): SOUTHERN STATES

• Coordinating Teams appointed by the Regional Council were particularly

effective in maximizing the efforts of the friends in designated areas where there

are a large number of Assembli

s, such as Atlanta, Metro D.C. and the Greater

‘Triangle Area of North Carolina. These Assemblies pooled their resources, and

obtained a lot of publicity and enthus

sm for the video.

• Distribution was approved for race unity material produced by the Southern

Race Unity Committee, titled Accepting the Challenge: Creating Vibrant Models of Unity in Diversity. This booklet helps the friends in a safe environment explore the

issue of racism and race unity within themselves, and within and without the Bah

community. It was sent to every Assembly and group in the South. Additional copies are available from the Race Unity Committee c/o Chuck Egerton, Asheboro, NC 27203-5826. ‘The Southern Council would be very interested in knowing how we might be of

greater a

istance to the Friends with the Power of Race Unity Campaign or any

other issues. The Assemblies and friends can reach the Council at Oakland Park, FL 33309 (e-mail Ds CENTRAL STATES

‘The Council supports the local tea

iatives through prayer, consultat

assisting with networking, directly encouraging support of the plan and sharing

SEE REGIONAL COUNCILS, PAGE 24

Boston-area task force, communities shine in their resourcefulness

SUBMITTED BY WILLIAM SMITH

e Coordinating Task Force for the Boston

Area knew it had a lot of ground to cover:

‘ in its area of influence in eastern Massa-~

chusetts, northern Rhode Island, southern Maine

and New Hampshire, only the Boston and Brook line, Massachusetts, cable TV systems carried the

Odyssey cable channel.

‘Then another challenge arose: They found out

just before the broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity that those systems were dropping Odyssey.

So the task force, an agency of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Northeastern States, determined to become even more resourceful with the $30,000 raised for proclamation from Local Assemblies, groups and individual believers.

‘The Regional Council reports that three time slots on Sunday mornings and four on Friday mornings were bought to broadcast the program on WABU-TV. That station reaches 1.2 million households on 130 cable systems.

Airing of the program also was arranged on the Global African International Network, which airs

on several Massachusetts cable systems. The show “Carribscope” on that system interviewed Arlene Brock, a Baha’i from Belmont, Massachusetts, who is a native of Barbados.

‘To promote the broadcasts, they advertised in 50 local community newspapers and on highviewship channels in a number of cable systems. Borrowing an idea from an intercommunity committee based in Skokie, Illinois, they bought advertising time on movie theater screens.

A special Web site for seekers containing basic information on the Baha’i Faith, news of upcom

page 20 THE AMERICAN BANA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

May 17, 1998 [Page 21]

BY ADDISON BIBB

‘he Four Year Plan and the teaching campaign are bringing home to us the vital role children can play in our local initiative By inviting their teachers and friends to view The Power of Race Unity on television or inviting them to firesides, and by behaving in school and setting a good example, children are making an impact on their communities. In Columbus, Ohio, children are not biding their time waiting to be of service. They are learning how to teach and

are teaching everywhere they go. “In the c the Olivia

strategically to become a foundation piece for the whole Columbus’ area in entry by troops,” explains David Hansen, a teacher in the class for children 8 to 12 years old.

The resulting Enayati-Reza’i project is named for two Bah: were killed in Iran last July. “The cl memory of these two men, is developing training intsitute courses to be offered to the Baha’i community, as well as for firesides and deepenings for those people

efocused itself

Anisa Lanjani (left) and Camillia Brown team up for study of the Baha’i Writings on the subject of life after death at the Olivia Kelsey Baha’i School in Columbus, Ohio. Photos by Farshad Lanjani

investigating the Faith,” Hansen said. ch child has selected a re: topic for independent study with at least one adult mentor.

Negin Chang's course on the Kitab-iAqdas will challenge anyone. 5 taking an in-depth look at specific laws on crime and punishment and on her ach

Shaheen Tedjarati, Solomon Atkins and Richard Thomas share a light moment at an April meeting between the Regional Baha’i Council for the Central States and members of several institutions in the Columbus, Ohio, area along with directors of the Dorothy Baker Regional Teaching Institute. The meeting was to discuss Local Assemblies’ activities in support of the media component of the National

Teaching Plan. Local photo

ing public events, and a digitized ad for the video were especially developed for this campaign.

Also, the phone system organized by the area’s Baha’fs has been-retrieving inquiries from all telephone exchanges in the campaign area.

All this was carried out with the hard work of public relations coordinators from 26 communities, mobilized by the task force.

‘The first results have been evident in public meetings organized by at least 15

communities in the area. |

Tn Concord, Massachusetts, about 40 people—mostly non-Baha’fs—showed up for a meeting for the premiere of the program.

In neighboring Marlboro, the mayor was among the guests at the public premiere, and spent a long time discus: the need for a “unity approach” with the Baha’is. The mayor agreed to meet again with Baha’i community representatives to discuss race unity the city. @

Teacher David Hansen says the Olivia Kelsey Baha’i School is a foundation for entry by troops in Columbus, Ohio.

One student, Payam Lanjani, has been using the Baha’i Writings to create art. Another student, Brandi Williams, that she has daily opportunities to teach her teachers and noon-aides at school about the Faith and any of her friends who will listen.

child is working to memorize prayers and sacred Writings.

Other children are studying and giv. ing presentations on such topics, which they selected themselves, as “The Abha Kingdom,” “The Life of Baha’u’llih,” “Life After Death,” “The Treatment of Animals,” “The Arts,” and “Baha’u’llah’s Life in Prison.”

ays

SEE CHILDREN, PAGE 24

Billboards central to Houston project

SUBMITTED BY AJIT GIANI

peace colorful billboards proclaiming principles of the Faith sprang up all around the Houston area in late April, as the Baha’is of that Texas city launched a massive media campaign with a goal of making the majority of the 4.2 million people in the metro area aware of the Baha’i Faith.

LA FE BAHAY

Each of the four

billboard designs i C

(one in Spanish) we

invites viewers to call UNA HUMANIDAD

or e-mail the commu

Llamenos: (713) 529-1919 www.bci.org/h

nity for more information. They were placed so that an estimated 25 percent of the greater Houston population will see one each day. Many of them will see the message numerous times over 30 days.

After the first month the number of billboards will be reduced to 18, strategically placed to reach 10% of the population every day.

Only days after the first billboards went up, the community launched a radio advertising campaign on the most popular AM and FM stations, designed to be heard by 700,000 people daily. The community planned to run about 20 onei s per week on three station

A multi-line phone system is in place at the Houston Baha’i center, with volunteers answering the phones seven days a week. Callers are offered the choice of going to one of 30 firesides in the area, hav’ teacher visit, or having information mailed to them. All callers will receive a follow-up letter withna week of calling or e-mailing the community.

jouston

THE BAHA'I FAITH

ONE GOD ONE HUMANITY

Call us: (713) 529-1919 www.bci.org/houston

Billboards in Houston proclaim in English and Spanish.

The plan is made possible by the great sense of love and cooperation amongst the friends in the greater Houston area, and by the sacrifice of time and resources by the friends. #

May 17,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN page 21 3 [Page 22]

OT TE TT ELST TTT

ii

NA

Santa Clarita attracts hundreds on Web swiftly

ings at a higher rate, leading a community walk to feed the hungry, helping plan a citywide International Festival for this fall, and participating in the local InterFaith Council and an annual women’s conference.

And community members are making a point of gathering to say teaching prayers for every public meeting or fireside, which doubtless helps the community spirit.

Still, the media proc rate. It

oO LeTEACHING* PLAN

cable TV company in rita, C: ifornia, was impressed. ads promoting the local Baha’i toll-free phone line

and Web site were the best they had ever seen, their entative said. So in addition to the time the i community paid for, the cable company offered to run the spots free when openings came

up.

The viewers and Web. browsers were

mation campaign is elabo

and weekly public-access programs, the Internet cludes newspaper ads and announcements,

ite—sponsored by the Santa arita and mailers, fliers, and letters and e-mail messages to all JD communities in their proclama- past seekers.

ign—received over 1,000 ‘The first contingent of 188 cable TV ads was to

after it was posted. Baha’is in the Santa Clarita Valley of Califor- ® run through Ridvan on such channels as CNN, Dis nia pose after a park cleanup, one of several community involvement projects they participate in. Local photo

covery, USA, Lifetime and HDLN. In mid-April the community was contemplating buying more ad time further into the future. The four 30-second ads

another way,” a report on the camince the average age of residents in our ity is about 18.5 years, and assuming the

us, in just 14 days!”

were primarily from among the 85,000 our community, over 1% of our adult coms searched for the Faith, and knows about

they use were prepared by a comy On the radio, meanwhile, fully 500 commercial spots proclaiming the

into the future.

any in San Diego.

Faith are to run months

°

‘The reports in this section do not represent all the innovative and energetic efforts natiomwide in cooperation with the National Teaching Plan, but here are some more of the victories space allows us to report:

i : An

Wo Washington: independent civic group called

Bridge Builders is rallying behind the theme “The Power of Race Unity” and will support the Baha'i community$ public discussion on the topic, to be held some time near Race Unity Day.

Though Baha'is in the Wenatchee area have been instrumental organizers and participants in the annual Martin Luther King Day activities sponsored by Bridge Builders, a letter on their behalf said the vote of support was surprising and “will give the Baha’i community complete autonomy in creating a meaningful and memorable public statement on race unity.”

rtland, Maine: Regular public access cable broadcasts are not the only race amity activity

this Assembly has engaged in. The community is involved, with other organizations, in a pr restore and convert the third-oldest black church in the country, the “Abyssinian Church,” into a black history museum. ilwaukee, Wisconsin: Baha'is here arranged for 19 showings of The Power of Race Unity starting in late March. Some of them were not only on public access channels, but as well on network television affiliates. ake County, Florida: Several months of persistent contact with two local newspapers paid off for this community west of Orlando. A columnist for the Lake Sentinel attend

New Mexico gets a jump-start

ew Mexico Baha'is began the New Year with a boost for the Four Year Plan teaching goals.

About 100 believers met on NawRiz at the Albuquerque Baha'i Center to hear Auxiliary Board members, Regional Baha’{ Council and Spiritual Assembly representatives and members of the Latin-American Task Force and the National American Indian Teaching Committee. A surprise visit brought Alberta Deas, a National Spiritual Assembly member now living on the Navajo Reservation.

They ended up forming task forces whose members will stay in touch by email, telephone and travel me Believers also swung behind a project to bring The Power of Race Unity to New Mexico television audiences.

Auxiliary Board members Quill Head and Brent Poirier were everywhere during the daylong conference, encouraging and consulting with the friends.

Poirier noted that the conference was one of the last acts of the highly active Paradise Hills Local Spiritual Assembly, absorbed into Albuquerque at Ridvan this year. “This is a model for individual initiative channeled through the administration and then supported by a wide spectrum of the believers,” he said.

‘Task forces set goals and shared ideas at the end of the gathering, ‘These included a media group, an extension of the Media Task Force in the state's largest city. That group immediately focused on raising the cost of an independent presentation of

Rhea Coleman (left) of Hurley, New Mexico state coordinator for traveling teaching, and Nancy Stern of the sponsoring Assembly of Paradise Hills participate in a small-group consultation on teaching at the Area-Wide Search Conference in Albuquerque. Photo by Richard Kochmann

The Power of Race Unity, since only one community in the state has the Odyssey channel on cable.

‘The statewide group heeded Head's caution that everything must be ready and in place, including systems to handle inquiries and enroll believers, before the media push brings them to our doors.

Other task forces are concentrating

on intercommunity coordination, as well as reaching Native Americans, youth and women.

New Mexico believers also formed a team called Arts Afire to use the arts and the state’s artists in the effort.

‘The conference “made me proud to bea Baha'i,” said one excited participant at the end of the afternoon. “It gave me focus and courage,” another said. Submitted by William £, Dunning

5 teach

Lake County should be doing something.” Jose, California: In addition to advertising the program's Odyssey Channel broadcast in print for four days, the San Jose friends arranged showings of The Power of Race Unity on public access TV and at a public meeting in the newly acquired South Bay Baha'i Center. The community is also planning to work with the Dr. Martin Luther King Association, a support group for the King Center in Adanta, in hopes of co-sponsoring a showing of the video at the African American Community Center Agency. ‘acksonville, Florida: A nineday teaching campaign is being geared to the Power of Race Unity theme, beginning June 5 with the th annual presentation of Unity n Diversity Awards. The television program will be broadcast on several stations, and throughout the nine days will be shown as the catalyst for discussion groups at libraries and university gatherings. Culminati ¢ Unity Day, the week will include a variety of ts including evening programs, picnics, musical offerings, and a number of direct teaching efforts. It is intended to fulfill a goal: everyone in Jacksonville will have heard of the Baha’i Faith by the end of the Four Year Plan. efferson City, Missouri: Regular showings of The Power of ace Unity on local access cable were supplemented when the local group Christians United for Racial Equity—made up mostly of church leaders—asked for a private

article concentrating on the Fait ings on unity, its worldwide scope and its power to transform individuals,

“[T]his little band is part of an idea that could someday reshape human history in much the same way Christianity has done,” Archer wrote.

‘The response was quicker than the community had ever received: “From the first article we had five seekers and two phone calls—one man saying he wanted to _ in race unity activities. The meetbecome a Baha’i,” a letter from the Local __ ing also led to the interview of a Spiritual Assembly said. “We don’t get the Baha'i by a priest for his weekly [Odyssey] TV channel and we thought _ television show. #

showing at their meeting. The video was followed by intense discussion about the need to be active

ed a public meeting that used a video program on progressive revelation in carly April,

The columnist, Mike Archer, wrote about the Faith in the April 6 and April 8 editions, the latter

NATIONAL UNITY e LOCAL ACTION

THE AMERICAN BAnA‘i

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN May 17, 1998 [Page 23]

Who called in when the program aired?

Nore review of the respondents to the ational broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity. shows these early results by mid-April:

• We do not yet know how many calls were routed to local communities, and in how many states.

On the national default system, calls came in from 44 mainland states. Texas received the most calls, then North Carolina, Virginia and California. Some came from Hawaii, Jamaica and the Virgin Islands.

• 65% of the responses are from women.

¢ African-Americans appear to be in the slight majority of respondents, although in many cases the race of the caller was not clear.

“These results say some significant things about our audience,” said Bill Geissler, a member of the National Teaching Committee. “First, there are people in virtually every part of the country who will respond positively to the issue of race unity as presented by the Baha’ Faith. So there is no community that should feel left out.

“Second, women are the primary respondents. We experienced the same thing in focus group tests and in Atlanta. It is important to note that every

knowledgeable commentator on American religious trends says that women are the driving force behind conversion. Our own survey of new believers who came into the Faith during 1996 and early 1997 wg aoe ey ee same Pecporos Ore

“Third, it is very significant that most of the respondents are African-American, especially cor sidering that they are a relatively small proportion of the Odyssey Channel's viewership. This means that we stand to get even better results by broadcasting on channels that have a higher proportion of African-American viewers, such as Black Entertainment Television.

“The overall consistency of our experiences in focus groups, in Atlanta, and now on the national level, demonstrate the value of a systematic process of learning and experimentation. This paves the way for a multitude of efforts that will reach new audiences with the Teachings. It should also encourage experimentation in local communities.” #

WHEN YOUR PHONE RINGS

Here are a few tips that might be helpful when an inquirer calls you after seeing a broadcast of The Power of Race Unity:

• Most respondents are women. It is preferable for a woman to

answer the phone whenever possible. If you receive a recorded message from a woman, always have a woman call her back.

• Establish trust first. This is more important than information. It is essential that we be friendly and helpful, and not insist

‘on offering more than a person wants to know. Some people may want the literature and nothing else; some might be excited and want to know a great deal over the phone. Be ready to accommodate them, but do not insist.

Remember, most people do not call to enroll. There is no need to push them toward the Faith. They have already taken a risk by calling us, and we need to show ourselves worthy of trust.

• Keep a list or database of callers. Send out initial literature

with a cover letter, then follow up at appropriate inte-vals, especially with invitations to local events. But do not overwhelm them. Some people may respond only after they have

_ received a lot of information. But if a person asks to have no fur4 ther contact with you, honor that request. @

Training institutes are a resource for your community’s preparation

he Universal House of Jus tice stated in its Ridvan 153

message to the Baha’is of the

world, “What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material resources, their abilities and their time to the development of a network of training institutes on a scale never before attempted.”

‘This statement has become the call for developing necessary human resources for entry by troops in this country.

The National Spiritual Assembly, in response to this urgent goal of the Four Year Plan, has established 18 re; training institutes across the nation,

each with its board of directors and all eventually to be supervised by Regional Baha’i Councils.

‘They are responsible for providing the friends with formal, systematic training programs geared toward training new and veteran believers in the fundamental verities of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah.

‘Training institutes in the Four Year Plan play a critical role in helping the friends become more knowledgeable teachers in the Cause and developing in each participant a deep love for Baha'u'llah. These centers of Baha’i learning are crucial to sustaining the teaching efforts of the friends and will be important contributors to the second half of the plan.

Regional Training Institute locations:

Northeastern States: Boston, Mas: chusetts; Rochester, New York.

Southern States: Atlanta, Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; Northern ‘Texas; Southern Texas; Virginia.

Central States: Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minnesota; St. Louis, Missouri.

ional

a. Photo courtesy Education and Schools Ofice

Western States: Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Southern California, Southern New Mexico, Washington/Northern Idaho.

There are also more than 300 local training institutes nationwide, sponsored by Local Spiritual Assemblies. Their primary mission is to raise up “large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.”

In April, the National Teaching Committee hosted Regional Training Institute Conferences at Atlanta, Bosch Baha’i School and Louhelen Baha’i School. These conferences provided forums for consultation, deepening and networking among the regional training institutes.

Shelley Rastall of the National Teaching Office said, “These conferences were an important step in providing the

ants gather at a Regional Training Institute Conference recently in Atlanta,

vision for the regional training institutes, and in emphasizing the key relationship between building up the human resources of the Faith and advancing the process of entry by troops.”

Each regional institute, in collaboration with Local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members,

• Planning training courses based on

the study of needs in each area.

• Offering programs in support of

local and regional teaching plans.

Several longer-established RTIs have developed program tracks and ongoing study groups, and appointed subcommittees to help their work.

Many regional institutes offer Core Curriculum courses and other programs developed by the National Education Task Force. Others use the Ruhi model or are developing study programs to meet the needs of each region. @

WORKSHOPS CREATED TO ENHANCE USE OF RACE UNITY VIDEO

Ae s of workshops has been proluced as adjunct materials with the video program The Power of Race Unity. ‘This came as a result of a meeting among the National ‘Teaching Committee, the National Education Task Force and the Education and Schools Office at the Baha’ National Center.

The workshops are aimed at several purposes, includin,

• Becoming familiar with the Baha’i

Writings on race unity.

• Developing skills for organizing

meetings and gatherings on the issue.

¢ Understand the individual’ role in helping to establish race unity.

• Recognizing the progre

the field within the Baha’i tion to the larger society.

• Becoming an active promoter of

race unity.

This workshop material has been sent to all Local Spiritual Assemblies. Please contact the one nearest you to obtain copies workshop materials, especially if you are interested in conducting the workshop.

For more information, please contact the Education and Schools Office (phone — 847-733-3492, e-mail

made in th in re

‘These workshops are meant to encourage the believers to take advantage of the Race Unity training activities in their area, and are not meant to replace the comprehensive Race Unity ‘Training component of the Core Curriculum. They are also specifically designed to support the National Teaching Plan through the use of media and be a tool that the friends can use in their efforts to meet America’s most challenging issue of racism. @

May 17, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

Page 23 [Page 24]

First small step represented a learning process

Te broadcast of The Power of Race Unity on the Odyssey cable channel was a perfect first step into national proclamation of the Faith, says Pamela Zivari, director of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Public Information and member of the task force that planned the media initiative.

“Tt was a great ‘trial balloon,’ because we could test all aspects of our approach without necessarily being whelmed,” she said.

Odyssey was available in about 40 percent of Baha’i communities. Even where it is available, it is not a highly watched channel. As a first step this was preferable to a channel with high penetration.

“There were many things we needed to learn in order to see what would be involved in a national campaign of this kind,” says Zivari. “As it turned out, there were many challenges and unexd developments.” amples:

• No one anticipated that~ the

response of local communities to the campaign would be as high as it was.

over

The original estimate was that 350 communities would sign up, based on the best recorded case of local support for a national teaching initiative. The actual result was 1,100.

“That was a wonderful response, but it taxed our resources to the limit,” Zivari said.

casts. Again, this was because the time for processing was underestimated, not only by the task force, but also by AT&T. Fortunately, all calls were routed to the national termination line and so were not lost.

© Within three weeks, the Baha’i Distribution Service sold a volume of

“There were many things that we needed to learn. ... As it turned out, there were many challenges

and unexpected developments.” —Pamela Zivari, director, Office of Public Information

——$ rrr

• The release of the final version of

the video took longer than expected. This was not due to any lapse in planning. Rather, because it was the first time anyone had gone through a testing process of this kind, people underestimated the production schedule.

° The telephone service presented problems. Many communities did not receive local routing in time for the broad CHILDREN » CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

lot of confidence about being a Baha’i. And I know that when I reach the age of maturity, that I will stay a Baha’i,” states Brandi.

“My friends listen. I guess that they are sort of gradually getting interested, but I just teach them bit by bit. This has helped me be proud to be a and that really helps me teach the Baha’i Faith,” aya Ma’ani, who

s studied some of the letters of ’u'llah and His proclamations to the rulers of the world.

e students have been asked to develop their own courses not only because they are going to become teachers but so that they can become an example to the whole community, both

youth and adults alike, that everyone must be a teacher,” explains Han:

They are practicing research, public speaking, asking questions and being of service.

“They'll be going out and teaching people who are 30, 40, 50, 60 years old and fulfilling the mandate that we all have to teach and deepen on the principles and verities of the Faith to become ready to embrace large numbers of people entering the Baha’{ Faith,” concludes Hansen. ewhere, communities are having similar experiences:

¢ Th all Baha’i community in Uvalde, Texas, did not plan to more than quadruple in size through teaching children. It happened when a_ handful of Baha’{ adults, who had been struggling

teaching literature that normally takes six months. The level of demand was far beyond what had been expected. “These are a few of the things: we experienced. We have learned from all of them,” Zivari said. “We have to expect such challenges as a natural part of any new endeavor. The important thing is to learn what we can from each experience and then move on to the next

cece ccccccccccccccccc ccc cccccsecccescccces

to form an Assembly for years, took time out of their busy schedules to take a few of the local children swimming at the river on a hot summer afternoon.

On the way they talked about the Baha’ Faith and said prayers together and sang songs. The adults offered love, service and hospitality to the children and youth of their neighborhood. Now Uvalde is an active community composed primarily of youth.

¢ In Huntington Park, California, the children’s cl s in the park attract not only children. Through this initiative entire families have become Bahda’is, proving that when you teach the children you reach their parents as well. @

ARE YOU READY? ee ee esa ae

• Hold varied proclamation activities
• Promote the video and broadcast

widely all media

• Promote 22-UNITE

• Make sure phone system can

receive more han ie call ae time

• Promote the public Web site

www.us.bahai.org

• Hold varied teaching activities—both

community and individual

+ Have strong | procedures in a. contact seekers immediately ea keep track of them b. have many events to take seekers to, especially firesides

¢. deepen all declarants quickly

TELL US ABOUT IT! The National Teaching Committee is eager to hear about local activities across the country. Your information is extremely important in helping us gauge the efforts

nationwide liad our ‘planning. Please request a copy of our media survey:

• By mail to the National Teaching Office

c/o National Baha’i Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201;

• By fax ee 733-3502); or

• By e-mail .

An Moran version of the survey can be filled out through the Internet at the National Baha’i Administrative Web Site, www.usbnc.org will need to log in at this site with your Baha’i ID number). @

REGIONAL COUNCILS

information. At the local level we have met with communities throughout the region and encouraged a focused and systematic response to the national plan using the media, recognizing that this is a tool or catalyst for our current teaching work.

Many times a request for help is something that may be directed to national or regional resources that already exist. Networking is a major focus here.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

WESTERN STATES

In addition to encouraging communities toward specific activities prescribed in the Four Year Plan, the Regional Council has been formulating its initial plans to:

‘Develop collaboration with the Assemblies and the friends.

Support the strengthening of Local Spiritual Assemblies—the focal centers of activity.

• Devise region-wide youth programs, and promote collective

eeccccccccccce

endeavors by the youth.

¢ Enhance, nurture, and network training institutes.

¢ Help improve Unit Convention quality and attendance.

• Accelerate present expansion and

consolidation efforts under way, and foster initiatives aimed at reaching all strata of the diverse human family in this region. Submitted by Lynn Wieties, Charleen Maghzi, Robert James @

level of effectiveness. We are now going to be much more prepared for the next series of broadcasts as well as to serve local communities better.

“Overall, the positive aspects far outweigh any problems that arose. The results in terms of respondents is proof of that. But there is another way of judging the effort,” she said.

A MORE UNIFIED PROCESS

“A number of agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly collaborated to make the media initiative possible. In addition, literally dozens of individual Baha’is volunteered their services on various aspects of the effort. It was an incredible experience, very unifying and joyous, to work with all of these talented and devoted people.

“At the National Center, it has led to a more unified process. The National Assembly’s agencies now think more in terms of collective strategies. As this process is sustained it will also lead to more and more effective collaborations with the Regional Councils and the friends in local communities.” @

MOMENTUM,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

that the individual must act.”

CAN A FAST PACE BE SUSTAINED?

“Some péople have asked whether it will be possible to sustain a high pace of activity,” Bowers added. “Of course, we should be realistic about what we can do over the long term. We should not exhaust ourselves ense, we need to think like athon runners, rather than like sprinters.

“We all recognize that there are natural cycles to community life. There are times when we are relatively busy as compared with other times. But overall, what we need is a long-term commitment to high levels of service. Our capacity will increase as we move forward systematically and with faith.

CRUCIAL TIMING

“We have a wonderful window of opportunity, in that there are many Americans who are ready to listen to what we have to offer. But windows of opportunity sometimes close, so we need to act now before such a thing happens.

“Let us remember how urgent the need is to share the Message of Baha’wllah with our countrymen. The Universal House of Justice has repeatedly stressed this, noting the intense and pitiful suffering of the masses of humanity. We really cannot afford to relax in our sacred task. x

“If we can increase our understanding of the divine process, as the House of Justice has advised, and if we rely on the Blessed Beauty, then we will feel less overwhelmed and more ready to bear this burden for His sake.” #

page 24 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ©

SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

May 17,1998 [Page 25]KID’ S*CORNER

Brilliant Star KID’S corner

Reich & Noble, toe

. make me a cause of bounty to the human world, and crown my head with the diadem of eternal life --. *

Rich & Noble, too is about the Bahai Funds. Kids can and do give to the Funds and help the world tremendously by doing so! » In every issue of The American Bahai, you will find Rich & Noble, too in the Kid's Corner with Bahaullah’s words to remind ourselves just how rich and noble we truly are! You will also see a lion whose name you can discover below by solving the puzzle.

Rich & Noble, too (and lion) introduced by Nancy Wong,

There are 26 letters in the alphabet. To figure out the lions name, list out the alphabet beginning with the letter A and ending with Z. Then match the numbers 1 through 26 to the letters. Afterwards, place the letter with the matching numbers below in each of the suns. You will find out the lion's name! We'll help you get started ...

& Ac |e Biase Di |e38: iB .. you finish! S Shor gs Ss 1 2 3 4 5) 6 Sse gieie Seis cies fee | O @ © @ © Be ies ® &3s 2: 12 9 1 14 fe

Find out the correct answer, meaning and pronunciation of the lion's name in the next issue of The American Bahai! If you have stories or ideas about the Bahai Funds, please share them with the Office of the Treasurer (mail: 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 phone: (847) 7333424 e-mail: ). Until next time, here is some food for your rich and noble soul ... O SON OF BEING! Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation. —Bahdaullah, The Hidden Words of Bahaulllah

VYWS

We are LOOKing

_ for KIND-Hearted

artists, ILLUSTRATORS,

educators, WRITERS, and

photoerapiers to Cather their talents to Brilliant Star.

Our upcoming themes: 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 Bahai Media Services 1233 Central St.- Evanston, IL 60201 tel/847853.2355 - fax/847,256.1372

Pee Star

+k Colbert {Ex SUBSCRIPTION FORM ©vOr?

Please enclose payment. Canadian/International orders enclose international money order or bank cheque drawn

i 2, ni x nts N

We have great news! Brilliant _ ona US. bank in U.S. dollars. To charge your credit card

Star Special Edition 1998 has Re account, give number, expiration date and name.

4 Baha'i ID #

just been released for use in

Bahai summer schools. This Street VISA/MC#/AMEX

edition is REALLY SPECIAL

because it is in COLOR, yes City & State Zip Exp. Date

COLOR! Red and Kathy Grammer

also wrote a theme song for it Phone E-mail Name on Account

called ‘It's Up to Me!" 7

“ASPECIAL cassette tape with MARK YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Signature required for credit card orders

this and other songs will com: Ww $18 United States, one year (six issues) Total @figlased

we $32 United States, two years

plement the new COLOR issue!!! $18 All other countries, surface mail, one year Mail to: Baha’i Subscriber Service

For information, contact the Educa- | YC $32 All other countries, surface mail, two years 5397 Wilbanks Drive « Chattanooga, IN 37343

tion and Schools Office at (847)733- x $28 Air mail, one year Fax: 423-843-0836 _ ‘ > E-mail;

3492 or at their e-mail address (

$52 Air mail, ‘two years ©

H 8 am

May 17,1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ BRILLIANT STAR KID'S CORNER _ page 25 [Page 26]

A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH ‘COMMITTEE

Dear Baha’i sisters brothers, Allah-u-Abha!

‘he National Youth Committee is excited to announce the “Heroic Deeds of Service to the Cause” campaign in this issue of The American Baba’. Please join us in this campaign that is an act of love and support for our beloved Universal House of Justice. As we cross the midpoint of the Four Year Plan, and as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Conference of Badasht, let us remember the Baha'i heroes of the past, and let us become the heroes and heroines of the present and future! Summer has always been a time of increased activity for ' Baha’ youth. Youth from around the country will arise this summer and, armed with the love of Baha’u’llah, dedicate themselves to heroic — acts of tefching and service to the Cause. A few of the teaching and service opportunities available to Bahdi’i youth are listed on Page 27 for your convenience. ; Eyery month, the National Youth Committee offers prayers at the House of Worship in Wilmette for the Baha'i youth of the United States. As we begin a summer of service together, the committee sends you these prayers, its wholehearted support and its deepest love. @

and

cS

“we look to the members of the Baha'i community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

—Untiversal House of Justice, Ridvin 153 B.E. to the Baha'is of North America

What will be YOUR ‘heroic deeds of service’

what is this campaign? lhe Heroic Deeds of Service to the C: nationwide effort by Baha’f youth to the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’fs of the United States for the Four Year Plan. s of the American Baha'i community have the inction of being described as the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-Breakers of a Heroic Age. The summer of 155 B.E. marks the 150th anniversary of the conference of e, with its call to heroism, is summoning the Baha’is of the United States to recall these early heroes of our Faith, to honor the sacrifices they made to lay the foundation upon which our current si the Cause rests, and to vindicate the distinction that we have been give s their spiritual descendants. Who better than the Baha’f youth to lead the way?

How are Baha’t youth involved in this campaign?

Baha’ youth around the nation each are pledging to perform one heroic deed of service to the Cause that will support the Four Year Plan. Youth are being asked to pray, to deepen and to think deeply about what makes an action heroic, and then to choose one action they can take that, for them, would be heroic.

Having decided on these personal heroic deeds of service to the Cause, the youth are asked to fill out pledge sheets describing their plans and why they consider the deeds to be heroic. Adults are also welcome to participate.

The National Youth Committee will collect the pledge sheets and send them as a gift to the Universal House of Justice. It will be a gift of love, faith and support from the Baha’i youth of the United States, a demonstration that they have heard the call of their Supreme Institution and have responded with all the effort and strength of their souls to become heroes in the path of service to Baha’w’llah.

what is a heroic deed?

For each person the word “heroic” will mean something unique. A heroic deed involves sacrifice, idealism, love and faith. It involves hard work and persistence. Some heroic deeds are noticed by everyone; some are only known to the

person who performs them.

Heroic actions involve reliance on the power of God rather than on oneself. ‘Abdu’l-Baha has said, “If the susceptibilities of the spirit control him, there is no created being more heroic, more undaunted than man.” (Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 264)

The spirit in which a deed is performed is the most important thing, and Baha’f youth are being asked in this campaign to connect with the spirit of heroism, then to convert that spirit into a thousand different individual deeds that are all heroic in their own way.

@How can I get involved?

If you would like to participate, please fill out a pledge sheet and send it to the National Youth Committee. To help you achieve the proper spirit in choosing your heroic deed, before filling out the pledge sheet, please pray and deepen about what it is to be heroic, and think deeply about what kind of action would be heroic for you. If you don’t have an official pledge sheet, just use a blank piece of paper that includes the following:

1. What heroic deed of service to the Cause, will you perform? If your deed is of a private nature, you may describe it in a general way that conveys the spirit of your efforts without including details.

2. Why is this heroic for you?

3. What other thoughts or quotes do you have related to heroism?

4. Your name, age, address, e-mail, phone number.

Individuals who send in pledge sheets will be contacted some time after their sheets have been received to see what was easy or difficult about converting their pledges into action (not to check up on them).

Please send this information to the National Youth Committee at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201 (e-mail

).

“Canst Thou see any who have championed Thy Self, or who ponder on what hath befallen Him in the pathway of Thy love? Now doth my Pen halt, O Beloved of the worlds. ...

“Dost Thou wail, or shall I wail? Rather shall I weep at the fewness of Thy champions, O Thou Who hast caused the wailing of the worlds.”

5 —Bahéa’u'llih, the Fire Tablet @

Badasht can be an inspiration for our spiritual. renewal

BY MONA KASHARI

G rise in His Name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of

ultimate victory.” With these words His Holiness the Bab sent forth the Letters of the Living to teach and spread the news of the coming of the Lord of Host

The followers of His Faith, though young in age, were armed with His Name. They arose, sacrificed and gave their all in His path.

‘The Guardian of our Faith, the sign of God on earth, described our station as nd of the who, by their

the heirs of the legacy which the Letters of the Living have left mankind. We have the honor of following in their spiritual footsteps, and, with the same heroism and sense of mission, spread the Faith of the Blessed Perfection to all corners of this country.

In July we will celebrate the 150th rsary of the day when Mullé sayn, followed by 202 Ba up the Black S journey to the

Mashhad mene a ing to him the Bab’s turban and conveying the news that a new name, that of §$ id ‘Ali, had been conferred:upon him by his Master. ‘Adorn your’ head,’ was the

message, ‘with My green turban, the emblem of My lineage, and, with the Black Standard unfurled before you, hasten to the Jaziriy-i-Khadra’, and lend your assistance to My beloved

is.’ Mulla Husayn immediately a nbled his compar his steed, and gave the signal for their march. All along the route, Mulla

vited the people to

mer be a voyage of spiri1 exownl for all of us. That we all as "i youth and coland up with a united effort to increase our love for Baha'u'llah and

create a spiritual fire that not only attracts new believers into the Faith but kindles such a blaze in their hearts that they too will arise to join us in establishing the New World Order of Baha'u'llah.

Let us practice the example of the Dawn-Breakers in our daily lives and, with a sense of commitment, stand up to fulfill the goals of the Four Year Plan as the “most enthusi supporters.” May . the spirit of Qudd Mullé Husayn, ‘Tahirih and all those holy souls, who gave their lives for our beloved Faith, be with each and every one of us during the summer months.

May they inspire, guide and confirm all our efforts in fulfilling the goals of the Four Year Plan. #

page 26

‘THE; AMERICAN BAHA‘E *-YOUTH, — May:li7,.1.998, [Page 27]SE ERE EE

“SYOUT

South Africa trip was an act of faith, a lesson in planning

hree Boston _ youths.

refused to let go of the

dream of traveling to

South Africa to serve the

Faith, and the result was a

25-day trip that included performances for

more than 2,000 people in eight localities.

The “Re-evolution Productions” teach ing trip by Nuri Chandler-Smith, Ali

Anastasio and Jeremy Owens—members

of the Boston Baha’i Youth Workshop—

was the fulfillment of efforts that had been

in the works for well over a year and were made possible by some timely assistance.

‘Traveling under the name of “Boston

Group” or “Indigenous Soul,” the per

formers were practically adopted by the South African Baha'is, who often referred to them as their “children.” For most of the trip the Boston Group was joined by Jon Ikgopoleng from Mmabatho, whose teaching experience, talents, and radiant smile were of great assistance. The foursome visited village chiefs, night clubs, middle schools, high schools, universities, and the offices of government officials.

Everywhere they went they gave a brief introduction of themselves and the Faith, and discussed the principles of the oneness of the human family, the equality of women and men, and the need to rely upon God in times of hardship.

Since their return to the United States, there have been many informal and formal presentations on the events of the trip, and the Re-evolution Productions Web site (www.re-evolution.org) has been posted.

For youth who are thinking about embarking on inter

Jon Ikgopoleng (left) joined the “Boston Group,” Ali Anastasio, Nari Chandler-Smith and Jeremy Owens, for much of their teaching/performing trip through South Africa. Local photo

national or domestic projects of their own, the project planners have compiled several factors that helped them in achieving their goals: “First and foremost, it is vital to consult on any plans of action with Local Spiritual Assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, and their assistants. Gain as much training as possible in studying the writings and participating in teaching projects. Every member of this group had been involved in some combination of a Year of Service, Baha’i Youth Workshop, and College Club. And never forget the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, ‘As ye have faith, so shall your powers be.”

Also, contact with the Office of Pioneering assures that communication with institutions abroad, as well as your preparatory steps, are focused and forward-moving.

‘The genesis of the trip came in 1994, when the Youth

Workshop submitted a proposal to KLM airlines’ “Bridging the World” contest: to take the Workshop to South Africa to promote racial unity between youth of the United States and South Africa. They didn’t win the contest, but the seed of the idea was planted.

In 1995, Robin Chandler (Nuri’s mother) was awarded a Fulbright grant to spend a year lecturing at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Chandler served as key link in the revival of plans for a teaching trip.

‘Two youths went on a fact-finding trip to South Africa in 1996, consulted, drew up a proposal and budget, and submitted them to the Spiritual Assembly of Boston. They proposed a trip by six to eight youths who would teach about the Baha’i Faith through the arts, taking videos and photos for future presentations and a Web site.

‘The fundamental goals of the proposal were: to implement the objectives laid out by the Universal House of Justice, to contribute to the process of entry by troops, and to humbly attempt to perform the “heroic deeds of service to the Cause” which will “astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world,” called for in the Four Year Plan.

Specific directives from the Four Year Plan that served as inspiration included: increased use of the arts in expansion and consolidation, the central role of youth in the arts, believers of African descent serving as as a source of “encouragement and inspiration to their African brothers

SEE BOSTON TO AFRICA, PAGE 35

Making the summer count: teaching and service opportunities

—NSIDE THE UNITED STATES— ment as well as other governmental or 882-5573, e-mail © Baltic States, July-September CENTRAL REGION NGO organizations. Current °El Dorado County, Games, Dr. Muhajir Mass-Teaching Project: Using © Wilmette, Illinois, May-September include ratification of the U.N. treaty toend May 23-25 the arts, street teaching, literature stands, House of Worship discrimination against women, support for Gold Fever Conference: General sessions on _ public meetings and firesides for mass

Needs: guiding, garden teaching, tour guiding, ushering, and choir members. Contact: Pamela Barrett (phone 847853-2325)

• Rochester, Minnesota, June 20-27

Rochester Minnesota ‘Teaching Project Contact: Barry Klann (e-mail

)

NORTHEASTERN REGION

• Eliot, Maine, June 18-Sept. 7

Green Acre Baha’i School Needs: food service, maintenance, housekeeping, children-pre-youth program, recreation, library, office assistance, bookstore/cafe. Contact the school at: 188 Main St, Eliot, ME. 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, = 207438-9940, e-mail

© Long Island, New York, July Tis Intensive Teaching Project Contact: Sandy Nosseir (phone 516-2892006, e-mail ). © Warwick, New York Hidden Words Project: International endeavor to set the Hidden Words in English to music. Contact: Samyar Bukovean, Warwick, NY 10990 (e-mail ). SOUTHERN REGION

© Washington, D.C., June-August Office of the Secretary for External Affairs handles relations between the National

Spiritual Assembly and the federal govern U.N. funding, and opposition to religious

persecution. Contact: Glen Fullmer, 202-833-8990 ¢ Fayetteville, North Carolina, June 26-July 18 Badasht Conference/Teaching Project: Main themes are transformation, teaching, consolidation. Contact: Badasht Institute via Web site (www.badasht.dawnpt.com). © Charlottesville, Virginia, July 9-19 Crimson Ark Virginia Statewide Teaching Project Contact: Sum Mehrnama (phone: 703-4506397, e-mail Jor Joel Adriance (e-mail ).

¢ Hemingway, South Carolina Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute Needs: general program support, agriculture, education, radio station Contact: Sophia Berhane (phone 803-5585093, e-mail )

‘WESTERN REGION © Tuscon, Arizona, May 20-June 15 Badi Project: Driving across the southern half of the United States offering firesides in various localities along the way. Goal is to focus on the smaller communities and present the Faith through drama, slide show and interaction. Contact: ‘Tucson, AZ 85719 (phone 520-770-1157, fax 520 the global perspective of the Faith, the Four Year Plan, race unity. More specific sessions on equality, race unity, Huqtiqu’ll4h, the Covenant and spiritual transformation. Contact: Debra Clark (phone 530-621-2123).

• Santa Cruz, California, June 16-Sept. 8

Bosch Baha’i School

Needs: Experienced children’ teachers, recreational director/certified lifeguard. Also, cabin counselors for Summer Children’s Academy July 24-29 (must be 18 or older), Youth Institute Aug. 1-6 (must be 19 or older) and Junior Youth Institute August

8-13 (must be 16 or older). Contact: Linda Bedford (phone 408-4233387, e-mail ).

• Salt Lake City, Utah, July 3-12

Color Me Human Conference/ Teaching Project: Service projects, performances, and workshops to raise a generation free of prejudice! Contact: Russ Coover (phone 801-3282989, e-mail )orJan Saeed (phone 801-582-3135, e-mail ).

— INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES—

• Honduras, July-August

‘Tierra Santa: Working in a home for 119 abandoned children. Helping with their studies, deepening their faith, teaching new dances for their workshop, and taking them Contact: Lea Iverson (e-mail

)

teaching while also participating in the PanBaltic summer school for consolidation. Contact: Arild Drivdal (e-mail ), registration deadline May 31.

• Ivory Coast, July-November

Project Audacity: Goal is to advance the process of entry by troops. Contact: Joubine Eslahpazire (phone 0140-78-87-80, e-mail ( ) or Sulianne Benhamed (phone 01-46-55-60-51, e-mail )

© Taiwan, July 15—August 15 ‘Taiwan Youth Workshop Contact: Cathy Hsiao Ru-hsiu (e-mail

).

¢ Juarez, Mexico

Edna Ford Continuous Teaching Campaign: Teaching the Tarahumara Indians, students and professors at the Autonomous

University. Deepening believers.

Contact: Judrez Local Spiritual Assembly (e-mail ), Mike Pietrzak (e-mail Jor Carl Ewing (e-mail ). ¢ Monterrey, Mexico

Project Furutan: Ongoing project in Northern Mexico. Direct teaching to university teachers and students through campus teaching, conferences, firesides, youth Contact: Ryan Stump (e-mail

May 17,1998 THE AMERICAN BAnA’i * YouTH page 27 [Page 28]

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

Motivated by the recent election of the new Universal House of Justice, we wish to discuss the Administrative Order. One of the most important aspects in the deepening of new Baha'is is instilling into their hearts an attitude of profound love, respect and absolute obedience toward the sacred Institutions of the Faith—an expression of fidelity to the Covenant and one of the distinctive characteristics of the true Baha'i.

Mistrust and lack of respect toward the insti Ea

ENGLISH

Letter to the friends Carta a los amigos de from the Latin-American Task Force la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

shall flow the spirit of the oneness of mankind. These institutions are of a unique character, for Baha’u’llah Himself has given them to us, together with the laws necessary to govern their operation.

‘The human race has never known such institutions. They are, in truth, a “new creation” from God Himself through His Supreme Manifestation. For this reason in the Baha’i community, unlike society in general, there is no conflict between the administrative and the spiritual. Quite the contrary: The institu tions of the Baha'i

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Babawllab:

Con motivo de la reciente eleccién de la nueva Casa Universal de Justicia, discutiremos en esta oportunidad el Orden Administrativo. Uno de los aspectos mas importantes en la profundizaci6n de nuevos Baha'is, es el de infundir en sus corazones ese profundo amor, respeto y absoluta obediencia hacia las sagradas Instituciones de la Fe, actitudes que son a la vez expresién de fidelidad al Convenio y una de las caracteristicas distintivas del verdadero Baha'i.

En el ambiente social de hoy, en mayor © menor grado, la desconfi

Las instituciones del

divinamente ordenadas de Su Fe, los canales mediante los cuales fluiré el espiritu de Ia unidad de la humanidad, y que son instituciones de caricter extraordinariamente nico, pues Baha'u'llah Mismo nos las ha dado, junto con las leyes necesarias que gobiernan su operaci6n. La humanidad no ha conocido jamas instituciones como estas. Son, en verdad una “nueva creaci6n” del Mismo Dios a través de su Suprema Manifestacién.

Es por esto que en la comunidad Baha'i, a diferencia de la sociedad en general, no existe _conflicto entre lo administrativo y lo espiritual. Al contrario,

The institutions of the

tutions and social Administrative anza y la falta de Orden Administrativo las instituciones del symbols y of Baha’i Administrative Order are by espe} hacia les a Orden Administraauthority,. it may Ord b i nature spiritual, instituciones y los Baha’i son de naturaleza__ tivo Baha'i son de be said, have ler are nature spir- and represent the simbolos sociales de sue, naturaleza espiritumore or less ¢ tual d Y t a8 means by which autoridad, se han espiritual, y representan al, y representan el become thecom-  !€ual, and represen le the regenerating convertido, por asi el medio por el cual el medio por el cual el

decirlo, en el comin — denominador de la dindmi mon denominator of today social dynam‘

spirit brought by Baha’u’llah_exercises its revitaliz espiritu. regenerador traido por Baha’u'llah ejerce

means by which the regenerating spirit

espiritu regenerador traido por Baha’u’llah

When coming 5 HLS ing effect on ca social. Al ingre- su efecto revitalinto the commu- brought by Baha’ u'llah RUMmRieaSHohih Sige Corel ntercs ejerce su efecto revital- —izalor sobre la nity as new exercises its revitalizing Effendi stated: Baha'is dentro de la izad bre | humanidad. Dice Baha'is, we may ff h fs “For Baha’u'l- % comunidad, es posi- \zador sobre la Shoghi Effendi:

bring some of effect on jumanity. lah, we shall read- ble que. traigamos humanidad. “Reconocere that attitude with us.

But as Baha’is we learn not only to trust the institutions of the Faith, to obey them and cooperate with them, but also to respect and love them sincerely. How does this transformation take place?

The renewing force of the unifying Message of Baha’u’llah, accepted with true sincerity, brings about a radical transformation of the individual and hence of society. It brings into being a new creation. The institutions of the Baha’i Administrative Order are in the same way a new divine creation capable of transforming the world.

Paradoxically, most efforts being made today to establish peace and unity are carried out through the institutions of the existing social order, which are incapable of achieving that purpose. They are, as Christ expressed it, “the old bottles” inadequate to contain “the new wine”:

“No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment; else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.” (Mark 2: 21-22)

Baha’u'llah has brought to mankind not only the “new wine” of world unity but also the new “bottles” to contain the divinely ordained Institutions of th, the channels through which

ily recognize, has not only inbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. ... He, as well as ‘Abdu’l-Baha after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a body of laws, established definite institutions and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy. These are destined to be a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument for the establishment of the Most Great Peace, and the one agency for the unification of the world, and the proclamation of the reign of righteousness and justice on earth.” (from Call To the Nations)

Dear friends! As we rejoice in the election of the new Universal House of Justice, the Supreme Institution of the Faith by means of which God guides us today, it is necessary to strive for the strengthening among us of the spirit of loving unity, of support and of obedi ence toward the sacred Institutions of the Faith. God has ordained them as the sole means for achieving the peace and well-being of mankind. The Guardian stated:

“That is why the Baha’is must turn all their forces into the channel of building up the Baha’s Cause and its administration. They can neither change nor help the world in any other way at present. But if they build up the Baha’f pattern, they can offer it as a remedy when all has failed.” (In a letter from Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in Bahai News, March 1951) @

POPC CCOCOEOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESOOOO HOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO SEES OES SEES SOSESOOHOOOOOOOOOOO HOSES EEEEEEE SEES OOOO OS

con nosotros algo de esta actitud. En contraste, como Baha'is aprendemos no solo a confiar en las instituciones de la Fe, a obedecerlas y a cooperar con ellas, sino también a respetarlas y a amarlas de coraz6n. ¢Como se opera esta transformacién?

La fuerza renovadora del Mensaje unificador de Baha’u'lléh, aceptado con verdadera sinceridad, opera en el individuo y por ende en la sociedad misma, una transformaci6n radical. Hace surgir una nueva creacion. Las instituciones del Orden Administrativo Baha’i son asf mismo, una nueva creacién divina capaz. de transformar al mundo.

Paraddjicamente, los esfuerzos en favor del establecimiento de la paz y de la unidad realizan hoy en su mayoria a través de las instituciones del orden social existente, las cuales son impotentes para lograr dicho propésito, porque son, como lo dijo Cristo “los recipientes viejos,” ineptos para contener “el vino nuevo”:

“Nadie arregla un vestido viejo con un remiendo de tela nueva, porque el remiendo nuevo encoje y rompe el vestido viejo, y el desgarr6n se hace mayor. Ni tampoco se echa vino nuevo en cueros (0 recipientes) viejos, porque el vino nuevo hace que se revienten los cueros, y se pierdan tanto el vino como los cueros. Por eso hay que echar el vino nuevo en recipientes nuevos.” angelio de San Marcos, capitulo 2, versiculos 21 y 22).

Baha’u'llah no solo ha traido a la nidad_ el “nuevo vino” de la unidad sino también los nuevos “recipipara contenerlo: las Instituciones

mos rapidamente que Baha’u'lléh no solo infundié en la humanidad un nuevo espiritu regenerador. ..- El, ademas, lo mismo que ‘Abdu’l-Baha después de El, a diferencia de las Dispensaciones del pasado, clara y especificamente formularon un conjunto de leyes, establecieron instituciones definidas_y proveyeron los elementos de una economia divina. Ellas estén destinadas a conformar un modelo para la sociedad futura, un instrumento supremo para el establecimiento de la Mas Grande Paz, el nico factor para la unificacién del mundo, y la proclamacién del reino de la rectitud y la justicia en la tierra.” (Llamado a las Naciones, p. 40).

jQueridos amigos! Al tiempo que nos regocijamos con la eleccién de la nueva Casa Universal de Justicia, la Institucién Suprema de la Fe mediante la cual Dios nos guia hoy, es necesario velar por el fortalecimiento entre nosotros del espiritu de amorosa unidad, de apoyo y de obediencia hacia las sagradas instituciones de la Fe. Dios las ha ordenado como el ti i para lograr la paz humanidad. El Guardian ha declarado:

“Bs por eso que los Baha'is deben canalizar todas sus fuerzas en la construc

al mundo de ninguna otra era en el

presente. ... Pero si construyen el modelo Baha'i, podran ofrecerlo como un reme dio cuando todo lo der casado” (En una carta de Shoghi Effendi para un creyente individual, publicada en Babd’f News, Marzo de 1951) #

page 28 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * LATIN-AMERICAN TEACHING

May 17, 1998 [Page 29]

Youth Congress points to action

i I “~wenty-five countries were represented by 662

youths at the first Latin American Baha’ Youth Congress in January at Santiago, Chile, which raised “a consciousness of the need for action” in the participants, according to a report from the four national youth committees sponsoring the event.

More than 60 indigenous believers from four countries participated, and the presentation of their music and folklore was a high point of the event.

Members of the Continental Board of Counselors, who held their meeting in Santiago at the same time, also were present and gave their support. :

Eleven people attending the Congress declared their faith in Baha’u’! Thousands more heard of the Faith as the media, particularly radio and newspapers, covered different aspects of the program.

A letter received from the Universal House of Justice “became the foundation of many of our reflections,” the national youth committees of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru reported jointly. “A letter from our beloved Hand of the Cause of

God ‘Amatu’l-Bahé Rohfyyih Khénum was also re d and distri ibuted to all the participants as a

artistic workshops, teaching projects, institutes, teaching in indigenous areas, methods of deepening and consolidation, external affairs and mass media.

“The youth actively eee and reflected « on ig development of their a z the capacities to take i ships, gain the collaboration of others in service to the Faith and society, and convert into action the decision of the consultative bodies,” the report

sion with guest speake d an indigenous memby presented their views and pereetcial ns related to the Latin American youth movement. Thi: on was complemented by an array of di sponsored by eight non-governmental organizations advocating social development. “This activity

allowed a number of guests to observe the dive in our community, exchange views with the Baha’is, and enhance our mutual understanding,” the report said.

“The Challenge of Youth,” one of three documents written to address the development of the

source of ion.” Youth p

TEACHING

¢ Colombia: irteen simultaneous teaching campaigns throughout the country brought 800 new believers into the Baha’i Faith earlier t

“Among the more outstanding achievements was the immediate response of the believers to participate wholeheartedly in teaching, especially the youth,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported, noting that 144 teachers arose and seven volunteered to serve as pioneers

DEVELOPMENT

© Albania: The new National Center of the Albanian Baha’{ community was inaugurated Jan. 10 in Tirana, the capital, during a ceremony filled with celebratory talks and music, attended by 150 of the friends from across the country as well as Austria, Belgium, Dubai, Italy and Malta.

A highlight was the reading of a mes sage from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Rihfyyih Khanum. “It was an expression of love for the Albanian Baha'is, sent by this great lady, who a few years ago had marked a brick of the building with her signature during the groundbreaking ceremony,” a report from the National Spiritual Assembly said.

• Bangladesh: Volunteers from the

Dhaka Baha’i community vaccinated 220 children in the Fatullah district of the city, “an area not served by any other team during the ... January National Immunization Days,” according to a report.

In the same area, doctors from the Baha’i communiuty treated 60 patients and dispensed medicine at no cost during the vaccination campaign.

° More from the Baha’i International ‘News Service is available on the Administrative Web site (www.usbnc.org).

pants chose one of seven areas for the emphasis in their study during the conference:

Congo, pays its respects during a visit to the customary chief in recent months. Photo courtesy Baha'i International News Service

youth movement, was distributed during the day. It was also used in the teaching campaigns in Chile following the congre:

PIONEERING NEEDS OUTLINED BY THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

At Ridvan 153, the Universal House of Justice addressed the believers in North America statin, {4 s members of the North American Bahé’i community, you enter the Four Year Plan with a brilliant cord of progress in fulfilling the mandate issued by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the eight decades since you received this mandate, your prodigious exertions have carried the Message of Baha’u’llah to all parts of your continent, and throughout the entire length and breadth of the planet. You have played a critical role in the establishment of the framework of the Administrative Order and in the sustained proclamation of the Faith. These tablets launched you on a worldwide enterprise which you, and the generations to succeed you, are called upon to continue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the Formative Age and into the Golden Age of the Baha’i Dispensation.

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

+“... 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.

Name(s): LD. 4S): Name(s): LD. #(s): Street: City, State, Zip: . Z American Indian _____ African descent ____ Hispanic background ____ Other COUNTRIES FROM TO MAIN PURPOSE Please attach any comments.

May 17, 1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ INTERNATIONAL NEWS

page 29 [Page 30]

EN 8 i Ec >

STONS*OF*RACE®

Counselors energize L.A. co-workers in unity field

Cue ‘Tod Ewing and Wilma Ellis hosted a conference on “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue” that left the Baha'is stunned by the depth of emotion that racial issues can evoki

‘The 120 participants from the L. Is duly i impressed with the importance that the elimim has for the future of America and

‘Theater, housed in the Yenter adjacent to the L.A.

zy Gillespie recently built Unity Baha’i C cultural

that o1

n Bah; friends to remember that began to sing and pray beginfrom Los Angeles, ning with the simple chant of Dorothy Laidley, was in matter[s] where race Name. Some moved to comme s choked with “There are three th enters, a hundred times while others sang that stand out in my life: more consideration and songs with tears on

my pilgrimage, the World Congress, and this weekend conference the most challenging is

M the overall program. vocal trio Soul Folks, s Ron Brown and Barnes, rapper ‘Tom Emerson and an impromptu group of L.A.-based Baha’i musicians, dubbed by Dr. Ellis as The Guys Who Show Up to Play Music, kept the mood elevated.

ALL IN THE WRITINGS

A central principle the counselors stressed was: Everything we need to understand about what race unity is and how to eliminate racial prejudice can be found in the sacred and authoritative texts of the Baha’i Faith.

Study material packets were distributed to the attendees. A compilation of excerpts from the Baha’{ Writings on racial and cultural issues called Toward Oneness was made available.

After small-group study on the role of individuals and institutions in addressing diversity, the friends were divided Saturday into 11 fictitious Spiritual Assemblies to consult on a case study in race relations. e interaction of the Auxiliary Boards with Spiritual Assemblies was also closely examined, as was the delicate nature of race issues in, today’s America.

A direct reminder came from a message of Shoghi Effendi as quoted in Pupil of the Eye: “It is difficult for the friends to remember that in matter[s] where race enters, a hundred times more consideration and wisdom in handling situations is necessary than when an issue is not complicated by this factor.”

After prayers Sunday morning, Dr. Ellis disclosed

on

ic was a vital par of The

“It is difficult for the

wisdom in handling situations is necessary than when an issue is not com plicated by this factor.” —Shoghi Effendi, quoted in sp Pupil of the Eye

some of the pain th: Baha'i, as a woman, and ing to take off the “mask” of pretense and conventionality. It was the shared sorrow that can only be exchanged when loving trust is established and linked heart to heart, face to face, soul to soul. riends said the talk so moving as to be shattering, and one remarked that Wi ad “brought iton hom am

Mr. of spirit, devotior Covenant. But he

ing’s brief comments were about radiance and holding on for dear life to the his talk short to allow the i ace to digest the morning's events. Spontaneously, the friends

their cheeks. A MOVING WoRSHIP PROGRAM

The weekend gained even greater spiritual intensity when the gathering attended a Sunday worship program with Fernando Huerta ker and guest singer David Doughtry of First Angeles Church. One person in attendance was moved to declare his faith in Baha t her of these programs by itself would have filled the hearts of many seeking a 5 tual experience. But taken in tandem, and following the prayer, study, and spirituality from the previo} ions, they put the weekend conference into an entirely different category: inspiration for action.

Later, as Baha’fs of African descent from acros: Southern California joined the meeting, Mr. Ewing encouraged them to travel to Africa Universal House of Justice directed in its Ridvan 153 Message to the followers in North America.

Jihmye Collins, an African-American Baha’i artist from the San Diego area, added his encouragement, relating how his Spiritual Assembly had even deputized him to travel to Africa.

The friends in Los Angeles are hoping to build on the momentum from the April gathering with the fourth “Vanguard of the Dawning” conference in June, which will feature numerous speakers and musicians, and is aimed at “uplifting the hearts of the African-American community,” its organizers say.

—Submitted by Randolph Dobbs, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, and Lenise Jackson-Gaertner

Perec eee ee eee eee rece ese sess eeesseeees esses eeeee ee eee EeEE EES EO EEE EESESESESESOSSES ESSE SESESEEOES TOSSES SESE TEESE S SESE ESOS EEEEEEE®

Michael and Karen Sadar-Watt act in a play on the early lives of Louis and Louisa Gregory, an interracial couple whose marriage was facilitated in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Local photo

Drama used to stimulate diversity outreach in Texas

aps Baha’f communities in Texas’ Brazos Valley have used tage performance by a Louisiana couple, portraying Louis and Louisa Gregory, as a springboard for outreach toward a diversity of humanity in their region.

The communities of College Station and Bryan combined forces over Valentine’s Day weekend to present a multimedia Black History Month program featuring the drama by Karen and Michael Sadar-Watt of Slidell, Louisiana.

Karen adapted the play on the Gregorys’ early lives and marriage from the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, To Move the World by Gayle Morrison. Also included were slides, songs and rap celebrating tolerance and diversity.

‘The program was presented three times over the weekend, drawing diverse audiences.

At the North Bryan Community Center, they performed for about 30 children enrolled in a Saturday program, as well as several adults. Saturday evening’s event at Neil Elementary School auditorium drew several seekers.

MEDIA RECOGNITION

Sunday’s performance in College Station, home of Texas A&M University, was attended by a local newscaster who interviewed the performers afterward. A segment where they discussed how to build bridges across the races aired that evening.

The two Baha'i communities are collaborating on further teaching and proclamation efforts and hope to reach out to blacks and Latinos living in the Brazos Valley, as well as to the large population of Chinese students studying at the university.

Karen Sadar-Watt, a nurse-midwife, says she was inspired by seeing the dramatic presentation at the second Baha’s World Congre: New York City.

She and Michael, who is studying welding, travel at least once a month to present the production in the South. They welcome inquiries and have sent monologues and copies of the play to individuals who wish to perform it. They can be reached at 504-781-1034. @

Friends in Springfield garner a central role in newly formed “study circles”

wr the mayor of Springfield, Ilinois, announced she was forming a city wide Study Circles program to foster communication and improve race relations in Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, the local Baha'i community sprang into action.

Three local Baha’is met March 6 with Mayor Karen Hasara and her Study Circles program coordinator, Sandy Robinson.

Mayor Hasara and Robinson viewed a 20 minute version of The Pawer of Race Unity in the mayor’ office. Both officials were greatly impressed by the Baha’i stance portrayed in the video and in the National Spiritual Assembly’ 1992 statement The Vision of Race Unity. The three Baha’is—Bedi Mesbah and Delores Martin of Springfield and Mike Lang of Sherman—offered the use of the Springfield Baha’ center as a meeting site for the Study Circles program. The mayor gratefully

accepted.

In addition, the Baha'is offered copies of the race unity video and statement for use in the program. They also promised to publicize the program on the local Baha’f cable-access television program, and invited Hasara and Robinson to appear on the show.

‘Twelve local Baha’is were among the first 120 people citywide who registered for the Study Circles program, to begin in April.

Under the program, groups of 10 to 12 people from diverse backgrounds meet weekly for six two-hour discussions. Each session focuses on one aspect of racial harmony and diversity.

Springfield-area Bahs'is plan to actively promote the Baha’i teachings on race unity in the Study Circles program, which culminates in early summer with the development of a citywide plan of action. @

page 30 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i © VISIONS OF RACE UNITY

May 17, 1998 [Page 31]

Friends in Denver take the message nationwide

Be from metropolitan Denver and ‘other areas in Colorado played a very visible role in the President’s Initiative on Race when it held town meetings in Denver on March 23-24.

More than 30 Baha’is attended the mee: ings. They were allotted several seats in the special section reserved for groups that were known for commitment to race healing.

During the public comment segments, individual Baha’is spoke passionately of the need for racial healing in the United States and the importance of spirituality in curing the disease of racism.

The comments of several of the friends were reported by local and

WEST VIRGINIA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

the local library, even as the public

E Though attended by few, those early dialogues resulted in some solid contacts, including a state attorney general’s assistant.

• Contact with the Upward Bound

organization resulted in a 100-student dialogue on race April 4 at nearby West a State College, and a well-publid march three days later, attended by the student body president. College President Hazo W. Carter Jr. was pre sented with the video The Power of Race

leston Baha’i Race Unity

taking the lead in organiz. ing Race Unity Week June 14-21, with the highlight to be a Human Ribbon of up to 8,000 people stretching along four miles of the Kanawha River in town.

Byron Hoggatt of the Local Spiritual Assembly ‘wrote that this story is as much about “following the instructions” as about riding the wave of confirmations the Universal House of Justice said would be released as the process of entry by troops advance:

RECENT TESTS

Charleston, whose Assembly was first formed in the 1930s, had lost the numerical strength to maintain it by the Holy Year of 1992-93. Even as pioneers moved in and native West Virginians returned to shore up the community, the Baha’is had to call on the power of true consultation and obedience to endure the fire of Covenant-breaking in nearby Huntington.

It was before this backdrop that the Assembly entered into intense deepening, aided by The Miracle of Governance, to raise the spirit and maturity of its consultation. “Each Assembly meeting would begin with a reading of the Prime Requisites and the Spiritual Laws of consultation,” a report says. “The character of the Assembly’s consultation changed and a new spirit was infused into the community.”

‘The friends held town meetings characterized by deep and fruitful consultation, organized regular family dinners,

“and put new vigor into the Monday night firesides at the library. The results included what has been a rarity: “A number of native West Virginians came

national media outlets.

Valerie Dana, a Baha’{ attorney from Denver, was quoted on local news and the national Newshour with Jim Lebrer. She told the panel that racism is America’s most challenging issue, not just one of the most challenging issues, as former Transportation Secretary Frederico Pefia had stated earlier. She said that racism is a disease like a cancer that needed more than a Band-Aid approach, and that the president's idea of one America must also be mindful of unity in diversity.

Seymour Weinberg, a Baha’i_ who returned to college as a senior citizen and is the president of the Metropolitan State

into the lives of the friends who, much to our astonishment, asked to be Bah: They likened their development to the weaving of a Persian carpet on a loom of love and unit he interaction of the Assembly (design work) and the individual (handiwork) create a community life (pattern).” ENTER THE MEDIA INITIATIVE

By early March, as the media initiative of the National Teaching Plan was being developed, the Local Assembly had taken steps to’ participate: it.approved a budget and received the material:

‘Television Channel 3 was the last local media outlet to be presented with a media packet, along with a videotape of The Power of Race Unity. This happened

“The Assembly had already opened the door for the opportunity to make contact with the news station by approving the campaign, and the rest was just ‘chop ping wood.’” —tLocal media coordinator in Charleston, West Virginia

———

to be the day after the station aired a report about a man trying to start a whites-only church. Asked about his reaction, the community media coordinator said, “I guess you could say the Baha’is are on the other extreme, we love everyone.”

The material was sent to a reporter who, was evidently hungry for the chance to present a positive story and, on talking with the Baha’is, was interested in the discussion on the Lesser Peace and raising the first generation of prejudice-free children.

Thus aired the ground-breaking tele-. vision report March 13 on the 11

College Baha'i Club, closed the public com ment session with an eloquent speech about

the importance of spirituality in the healing of racism and urged the panel not to forget the role of religion in its work.

Baha'is presented the president’s panel with a copy of The Power of Race Unity, which was warmly received by the panel’s representative. They also handed out fliers on both days announcing the televised showings of the video.

In addition, Bahé’is played a role in preparing the community for the town meetings.

Roberta Smith Lange, a Baha'i from Douglas County, served as co-facilitator for

.

O’Clock News, and later follow-up reports by Channel 3 on the public race unity events and dialogues organized on the WV State campus. The ground is tilled and relations are amiable for future events.

“The Assembly had already opened the door for the opportunity to make contact with the news station by appro’ ing the campaign, and the rest was ju ‘chopping wood,” the local media coordinator said.

ORGANIZING ON CAMPUS

Meanwhile, encouraging contact was made with Barbara Cary, the state college’s coordinator for Upward Bound, an organization supporting those who are in their families’ first generation of college students.

“She previewed the video and fell | in love with it,” the Assembly reports.

‘The historically black college was still stung from the previous year’s racial troubles at a nearby high school, and Ms. Cary found the mood receptive for organizing student dialogues, as well as setting the stage for founding of race unity clubs at the high school—all with the steady involvement of Baha’is.

‘This effort involved cooperation of student organizations from the state college and the private University of Charleston, for the first time in anyone’s memory.

At the race unity march on campus. April 7, Dr. Carter, the college president, welcomed any information that he might be sent on the Multi-Racial Unity Project spearheaded by a Baha’s educator at Michigan State University, Dr. Richard Thomas.

For Upward Bound’s part in the Baha’i-organized Race Unity Week, Ms. Cary is planning an event for 500 high school participants from across the state to create banners on which they write “pledges” to build one America.

In the meantime, the Baha’i youth were invited to return to Upward Bound’s last meeting before graduation on May 2, to perform the “Zipopo” dramatic workshop dealing with moral dilemmas. This workshop originated in Russia and was developed in English by a Baha’i youth workshop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Submitted by Byron Hoggatt @

a dialogue on education and race at preliminary town meetings organized by the Colorado Coalition on Race Relations.

In Pueblo, at a regional meeting in response to the president’ initiative, Bob and Pat Haugen were busy sharing the Baha’i message on the healing of racism.

‘The Governor’ Citizen’s Advocacy and Outreach Facilitator requested a copy of The Vision of Race Unity. Agatha Jackson, executive officer for the state Department of Human Services, said she notified all her staff about a Baha’i-organized institute for the Healing of Racism/Dialogue Racism.

Among the other Baha’is participating was one who traveled from Oklahoma. #

BRIEFLY

DIALOGUE IN DURHAM

The Eye, For One Race Unity ” rea in Durham, North Carolina, b begun a series of eight race dialogues at their Baha’i center. These dialogues, designed to promote racial understanding and reconciliation, began Feb. 6 and will run through May 29, culminating in a Race Unity Day Picnic on June 13. Topics include “Race Relations in the Workplace,” “Creating MultiRacial Communities,” “Racial and

Ethnic Relationships,” “Interracial Marriage,” “Rearing Children in a Multi-Racial Home,” “Religion and Racial Harmony,” and “The ‘Trian gle Latino Community.

As a result, the Baha’is have been asked to join the City Human Relations Commission Committee on Racial Understanding.

Also, two Bahé’is (one a Unity ‘Team member) appeared on a PBS talk show for 45 minutes discussing this initiative specifically and the oneness of humanity in general.

‘The Durham Fair Housing Violation Bureau is considering the possibility of requiring attendance at the dialogues for people who violate religious/racial fair housing laws.

For more information about this initiative or the Eye, For One Race Unity Team, please contact Nancy Rustam at or Anyema Kirtz at

OUTREACH INVOLVING MEDIA The first in a series of dialogues on race relations at the Tarrant County, ‘Texas, Baha’i center drew about two dozen people and coverage by two local newspapers.

In the articles, participants told reporters from the Arlington Morning News and the Fort Worth StarTelegram about their varied experiences and about the Baha’i Faith’s commitment to race unity.

Several color and black-and-white photographs in the Fort Worth newspaper showed smiling participants of many backgrounds, including African, European, and Iranian. #

May 17, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * VISIONS OF RACE UNITY _ page 31 [Page 32]

lassified notices in The American

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER Assistant Sponinator, ee Program, U.S. Babd’t Refugee Office. Helps the Refugee Coordiatee in executing the work of the office. The employee is primarily responsible for work associated with refugees, asylum seekers and diplomatic matters. Should have excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and flexibility in performance of routine and non-routine tasks, as well as typing/word processing skills. Will be responsible for drafting letters and reports without supervision, helping carry out other functions of the office, ing track of the status of all

and asylum cases. ain computer files, data ind office systems. te meeting and travel specialist experienced in hospitality supervision with strong organizational good SeuaRetee of hotel bu: research, contract negotiation, meeting room arrangements, food functions and accommodations. Should know travel industry; Appollo or other travel system experience elpful Will reconcile bills and claims. Must be able to work under pressure and handle several meetings at the saine time. Work schedule flexible, considerable weekend work required. ‘The Baba’i Encyclopedia Project ing a part-time adi

Apoule copy, with various research tas! tu: imum of 60 wpm, have excellent ter skills, sound judgment, strong writing and edit lls, and the ability to produce professional-quality work.

If interested in either position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233, Central St., 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 admini: trative duties to support operations of the Office of the Secretary

irs, including suj

soley ing, property tation and coordination \d travel coordination. Minimum 3-5 years’ rel administrative/supervisory experience, working e: e with basic accounting and budgeting procedures, experience with bi software including high proficiency in Word 6.0, and sound understanding of Baha’{ administration and principles. College degree preferred. If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHA’i SCHOOL Full-time assistant cook sought for summer. Must love people and food and be self-motivated. Will oversee all aspects of meal period from dining room setup to preparation and serving of food to cleanup of kitchen. Must have knowl ge of food safety, proper food handling. and kitchen sanitation; also knowledge of operation/maintenance of food service equipment, including convection oven,

agement and Baha’f

ments and camera/film.

familiarity with Baha’ Writings.

cialists, and much more.

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

¢ 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

STAFFING NEEDS AT THE BAHA’{ WORLD CENTER in Haifa, Israel: DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS: Employees to serve the Universal House of Justice and the International Teaching Center by monitoring data on the progress of teaching plans and-national community growth and activities. Requires strong interest or experience in research/analysis in social science or related areas. Good to strong English skills; interpersonal and communication skills; basic math required. Computer and Web-related skills a plus. INFORMATION SYSTEMS SERVICES: Critical need for programmers with experience supporting Oracle financial and human resource packages, and Oracle database administrators/programmers who can convert applications to graphical user interfaces. Also, several individuals with a background in technical support/computer skills training are sought.

ACCOUNTING: Accountant in Comptroller's Office with three to five years’ experience (including general ledger, budgeting, financial analysis) plus knowledge of computerized accounting system. Knowledge of foreign currency translation helpful. Four-year degree or equivalent experience needed. GARDENS OFFICE: This office has the privilege of maintaining and expanding the gardens at Bahji, the most holy spot on earth. Also under its care are the gardens surrounding the Mansion of Mazra’ih, the Ridvan Garden, the soon-to-be developed Junayn Gardens north of Mazra’ih and—when completed—the terraces on Mount Carmel and other gardens of the Baha’i World Center. The following professional staff are needed: Gardens Coordinator; needs background in life sciences, 5 to 10 years’ experience in man i administration, organizational, communications and leadership ability. Senior Horticulturist; minimum 5 to 10 years’ experience in ornamental horticulture/gardens management (related degree preferred), organization, supervisory, and people skills. Junior Horticulturists; degree in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related field, at least one year’s experience, ability to supervise Baha’i youth and local workers. Arborist/Tree Care Specialist; 5 years’ experience pruning and maintaining ornamental trees, supervisory ability, related degree preferred. Mechanic/Purchasing Agent; experience in repair of small equipment, demonstrated ability to maintain records, scheduling and inventory control.

Positions advertised previously in The American. Baba’t: ARCHIVES OFFICE: Professional archivists with qualifications and experience in archival science, writing skills in English. People with strong skills in Persian and Arabic and ability to communicate in English, for work with original Tablets. Microfilming workers with archive/library experience in work with docu RESEARCH OFFICE: Research assistant with high skill in Persian and Arabic

and knowledge of Baha’{ Writings in those languages, plus computer skills. Translator with excellent skills in Persian, Arabic and English as well as

We are also looking for skilled tradespeople, photographers, floor care spe To apply, please contact Baha’i World Center, Office of Personnel, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (e-mail

is

ranges, steamers, dishwashers. Minorities encouraged to apply. Contact James M. Sacco, Co-Administrator, Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207438-9940, e-mail ). Maintenance worker. Enthusiastic, industrious, spiritually motivated. General knowledge of custodial duties, building maintenance and repair, grounds work, and mechanical systems he elpful. High ski nterior/exterior painting a plus. Work environment requires a resourceful person dedicated to courtesy, meticulous attention to detail. Minorities, women encouraged to apply. Professional training available. Contact Eric Nelson, Facilities Manay a Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800 (phone 207-439. 7200, fax 207-438-9940, ).

e-mail

AT Bosc BAHA’i SCHOOL Assistant facilities manager sought for Bosch Baha’f School. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for Bore ch; hel pdliecs 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, condo, light industrial, etc,), with at least 3 years supervising 3 or more workers. Basic computer literacy (database, spreadsheet, word processing) is necessary; CAD experience desirable. Onganiestlon/eGnslGHeA skills, flexibility

J Bedford, Ce rator, Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408423-7564, e-mail ).

THE AMERICAN BAHA’| & BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE

Print Production Specialist for Babi’ Media Services. Provides production support for The American Baba’ and Brilliant Star magazine. Assists in design and layout of both publications. Works with printers and outside vendors to ensure smooth production of each issue; with freelance authors, illustrators, writers and designers to acquis content for both publications. Qualifications include a strong command of all phases of digital print production, including design, layout, photo editing, copy editing, production, and digital Prepress; a minimum of two years’ experience with Quark cae and Adobe Photoshop in a newspaper, magazine or other print production environment; experience with Ilustrator and Freehand verbal and written communicatior ay. to work with minimum supervi

If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

I in abilDe

INTERNATIONAL

ids 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 especi: ify desired: Health and Western medicine, psychology/counseling, women and family, education and moral development, agriculture, computer science, advanced technologies of all kinds, electronics/telecommunications, i neering, new materi environmental protection, marine s aerospace, architectural engii keting/advertising, public relations, busiany other fields. If within the next few years you are willing to make a trip to Ch nese professionals in your field, please contact sue 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 f AFRICA: Botswana— cu Officer, Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority. rakiaies Shelter manager. Central A lic—Population devel fine (UNFPA). Cameroon—World Bank financial management specialist. Céte dIvoire (Ivory Coast)—Information systems specialist, finance manager. Ghana—Executive director, national development planning/poverty reduction/social investment fn Liberia— Field project manager. Mali—USAID team Ree ler, information and communication. Mozambique—Senior auditor. Zambia—Teachers, basic education adviser. Zimbabwe—Project development coordinator, disaster mitigation and preparedness coordinator, Africa monetization technical adviser. AMERICAS: Bolivia—Child survival project manager. Chile—Program officer. Colombia—Business development officer, economist (CIAT). Guyana— Volunteer trainers for literacy project. Haiti—Field director (NDI).

page 32. THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CLASSIFIED

May 17, 1998 [Page 33]

[RR LE A

Honduras—Yeachers. Jamaica—Project coordinator. Mexico—Community service program (AFSC); teachers, Unive! dad ae Gamers Roo. Suriname—Clinical specialists. Turks & Caicos—Government doctor. Venezuela—Caretakers for National Institute, computer outlet store for sale. ASIA: Armenia—Small business lending specialist, finance delegate, technic: struction delegate, contracting spe 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 ser. India—Vice

al-New Era High School, pro1. Japan—Engineering . teachers, R&D mechanical engineer. Kazakbstan—Country representative for ACDI/VOCA, engineering ger, R&D mechanical engineer. ty ESL teacher, program uter/telecommunications). Kyrgyzstan—Finance and administrative manager. Macau— Teachers. Russia— s lin teachers, financial controller. Philippines—IRRI director general and director for external relations, librarian—Asian Development Bank. South Asia—Development managers. Thailand—Volunteer ph Taiwan—Teachers. Ukraine—Envir mental law liaison. Uzbekistan—Ci director (OSI). Vietnam—Field proj manager, (Vietnam and Southeast Asia) industry consultants. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—Natural resource economist-tropical agriculture, professor of economics, secretary general (CIVICUS), postdoctoral fellowship/research fellowship in international relations. Kiribati—Printin, setup/training for National Assembly. Mariana Islands—Physician at health center on Rota. New md—Lecvurer in economics. Papua New Guinea— Senior program manager (UN). Solomon Islands—Custodians at the Baha’i Center. Western Caroline Islands—Self-suppertng assistant to the National Assem ly secretary.

OPE: Austria—Legal officer (IAEA), personnel officer, head-Office of Internal Audit and Evaluation support, senior auditor, Bosnia—Senior media professional. Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary language, Montessori teacher.

-—Economists. Hun University lecturers and professors for CEP, head of office (IOM). Ireland—Research post for Northern Ireland Economic Research Center. Italy—Agricultural officer, information officer for TV, legal officer, personnel officers (legal matters and other), statistician, food security officer, Cerestronic editor, statistician (FAO), project leader (CGIAR), weather and climate specialists. Kosovo—Project direc

manager (com

nator (UN). Ukraine—Program director (Geonomucs education). United lom—Information management culty appointment, director—Policy eae Institute Westminster, dean and director of business school, readership in economics and deputy director-Center for Study of African Economies, lectureship in economic theory and mathematical economics. MULTI-REGIONAL: Agribusiness consultants worldwide, project managers, social development consultants, international management consultanc! tants for private, public, and social development, intermediate technology consultan\ chers for African Prosity faculty to (Irkutsk

and Vladivostok), Europe American Refugee Commit cancer treatment/preve Europ

reast on, Central rn and Censh teaching fellows in apbteauCnal trai

dinator for WWE Caribbean. Edu

titute), cae representaCEO for Central nterprise Fund. Manfor SAC Intern

Asia (EI TO. Clinical legal eee for Albania, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine, Central and Eastern Europe, NIS. Associate liaisons for Belarus, Bosni

Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. Civic educators and organizers for Eastern Europe (NDD). Peace Corps: foresters, parks and wildlife, environmental education and awareness. Water and sanitation engineers, Agronomists for Action Against Hunger. Internships (some paid posifon) 4 roductive health program, rural self-1 eRe HIV/AIDS education. Global Classroom Inc. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employment. All positions require a minimum of an ESL/EFL certificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. URGENT NEEDS HONDURAS—Elementary and secondary school teachers. INDIA—Experienced, qualified vice incipal for the New Era High School. MACAU—The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secpace teachers.

MON ISLANDS—Self-supportoe copie to serve as custodians of the Baha’ Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

733-3509, e-mail For an application, contact ‘Arghavan— Rahimpour at

YOUTH

Visit China: High School Youth Summer Student Exchange! Twenty youths age 14-17 will participate in a language, culture and friendship exchange trip to Inner Mongolia, Peoples Republic of China, sponsored by the School of the Nations, Macau and Baotou Gang Yuan Foreign Language and Culture Exchange Center. July 10-early August or July 18-August 8. Estimated cost $450-$660 per person, plus round-trip airfare to Macau. Applicas: June 1, 1998. For

nd application information, conn Senchuk (phone 847-7333506, e-mail ).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

If you're considering moving to help an Assembly, there is a need for Baha'is in Palm Coast, Florida, next door to St. Augustine and just an hot Orlando and many of its attractions. The

Local Assembly was formed during Rid54 (April 20, 1997) and continues to ng, deepening and

cee for the success of the reformation of the Assembly are deeply ppreciated. For further information plese contact the chair, Paul Locher tiene 904-445-6656, ), or the secretary, Ken

Kalantar (phone 904-446-7854, e-mail i

The College of Charleston in South Carolina—founded in 1770 and maintaining a strong liberal arts curriculum—invites Baha’f students to help the work of a small but budding college club in an institution where receptivity to the

‘Teachings is high and tuition is relatively low. Charleston is the birthplace of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, and one of the nearly finished projects of the local community is a museum in his name. For information, contact Nahal Badiian, College of Charleston Baha’i Club (phone 803-762-0067, e-mail

b

ARCHIVES

‘The National Baha’i Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of th Guardian to the following indi Amelia Buxton, Elise Pumpelly Parkes Cadman, Danny Caldwell, Day Caldwell, ne Caldwell, Harry Caldwell, Geo. Caleoper, Ward M. Calhoon and Elizabeth Callaway. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who

might have the: asked to contact the Na Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847- 869- 9039).

d

Several free information sheets on local archives and records are ble from the National Baha’f Archi

to send a request w to the National Baha’i Archives, Central, St., nston, IL 60201-1611 ( phone 847-869-9039).

WANTED

of Nevada Las Vegas = ates, where are you? UNLV is celebrating its 40th anniverary this year, and our Assembly (Paradise Township, Nevada) will present a plaque inscribed with an appropriate quote about education-from.

ritings. We would like to have a scroll with the names of Baha’{ graduates to present with the plaque. Contact Marion West-Hoffman (phone 702-7291050, fax 702-739-1553).

summer residential session.

‘Title: (Ms./Mrs. /Mr./ Dr.)

Family name

"Intensive Persian Language Course 1998 — Sponsored by the Persian-American Affairs Office in collaboration with the Wilmette Institute.

WHEN/WHERE: July 19-Aug. 8 in Wilmette, Illinois, at the same time and facilities as the Wilmette Institute’s Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization

SESSION: Three weeks, five hours a day, five days a week. Program will include cultural activities to support and enhance classwork.

COSTS: $450 for tuition, study materials ¢ $20 per night for dormitory MORE INFORMATION: Call 847-733-3526.

TO REGISTER: Please complete this form and send it, with a check for the appropriate amount, to the Persian-American Affairs Office, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

tors, nurses, nurse midwives, obstetri- (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, | First name Middle initi cians, child psychologists, pediatric neu- e-mail ). rologists, child welfare specialists, epi Address demiologists (DOW). Luxem i Lending/credit specialist (EIB). Nether- For the past eight years, Baha’is from all City State Jands—Senior officer ISNAR, water over the United States have traveled Come ZIP/P. ~, try ostal Code enterprise development rofessional, Ssoughan Russia to spread the message director general. jlanid—Junior lectarer of Bakf’u'llah, ‘The Mariok Jack Project! © | iHome phone Worerene in public policy. Portugal—Consultants has been-responsible for the creation of in agricultural and al development. more than 35 Assemblies and has been a Fax E-mail Romania—Junior lecturer in political sci-__ testimony to the power of the Faith to 1 ence. Russia—International finance, eco- _unite the hearts of peoples of different Tplan to stay in the dorm from to (dates), nomic development/regional investment cultures and nations. This summer, we 3 for the Miah f specialist, facility protection officers, are going again and would love your except forthe Di gs) .0 — agricultural lending/credit specialist, assistance and/or participation. Don’t focdiullof nights. international finance, women’s issues miss out on this wonderful opportunity 9 -legal specialist. Slovakia—English to serve our beloved Cause. For more My check # for $ is enclosed. teacher. Switzerland—Professor for information, please contact Lois Willows entrepreneurship and innovation, senior _ (phone 310-274-5674, e-mail e training officer, director-division of ) or the Office of Pio- Signature Date international trade (UN), special coordi- _ neering (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847May 17,1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * CLASSIFIED _ page 33 [Page 34]

el ME!

Florence Mayberry, world teacher, International Counselor

lorence V. Mayberry’ view of her life f= worldwide service to the Cause of

God—as a member of two National Spiritual Assemblies, on the first Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas, and later at the International Teaching Center—was summed up in the title of her autobiography: The Great Adventure.

Embracing the Baha’i Faith in 1941, she quickly became an enthusiastic teacher. She had the privilege of meeting Shoghi Effendi on her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in early 1957. Her travels for the Faith took her to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Latin America and every continent north of Antarctica.

“She cared, deeply, about everyone she met,” said Lynn Wieties, who traveled often with Mrs. Mayberry in her last years. “Ian see her now, so tall and elegant, bent down a bit and looking into the eyes of whomever she was talking or listening to. ... They were important, they mattered.”

Mrs. Mayberry passed away April 8, 1998, in Conway, Missouri, the home of her early childhood.

Most of her youth was spent in Missouri and in Santa Paula, California. Her family moved to Reno, Nevada, in the late 1930s. ‘There she met and married David Mayberry. She maintained contact with her first Baha’ teacher, Elizabeth Carpenter of Santa Paula. When Mrs. Mayberry declared her belief in Baha’u’llah, within a day her husband, mother, brother and sister-in-law also entered the Faith.

Moving back to California (and years later to San Antonio, Texas), she and her husband were staunch workers for the Faith. After Mrs. Mayberry recovered from a serious illness she resumed her education and, following the ina letter from the Guardian, launched a deep study of the Bahd’i teachings. After the Continental Teaching Conference of 1953 in Chicago, she responded

Donald Erby served in China

Don Erby served on the home front and in China.

neer, died April 2, 1998, at

Ds Erby, beloved age 67. Don was blessed to have had the opportunity to pray at the Holy Threshold just thi

Although Don and | returned to the United § because of his health, Don w: and planned to return to the pioneering field. He was unable to fulfill this wish here, but hi be with all those serving our beloved Cause.

Donald Erby was born in Sacramento, California, on Jan. 10, 1931. He declared in May 1966. In 1971 he was asked to homefront pioneer to South Carolina. He stayed for eight years, traveling throughout the South giving firesides, deepenings and Bible classes.

In 1995 Don and Serene went to China. Don’s

s February.

dear wife, S$ , had ates less than a year ago s determined to get well

spirit is sure to

health required that they return to the United States in 1997. With his eye set on returning to China and his heart set on serving his fellow man, Don continued to share his knowledge with others until the

day he ascended.

By those who knew him, Don has been touchingly described as “an old-time

believer ... mature,”

a man who “understood the value and power of love and

prayer” and had “a great love for the Cause.” #

June Meese was pioneer in Bolivia

sed away Aug. 19, 1997, ng post in Santa Cruz, age 67 Born into a Bah

{ family, she had before model of service in her mother, Ellen s, a Knight of F Hah.

At 58, after visiting her mother in Paraguay in 1988, June fell in love with the country and the people and settled there in 1989. This allowed her to be close at hand to help her ailing mother.

In August 1993, following her mother’s death, June hoped to remain in Paraguay. However, she was offered a position in Bolivia where her sister was pioneering, and in 1994 she settled there.

June worked actively with, and loved her association with the youth of Santa cruz. Unfortunately, her health failed her and she was forced to return to the States. She returned to her post in Bolivia in May 1997, a mere three months before she succumbed to cancer. @

to an invitation from the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and taught the Faith across that country.

In 1954 she was among the 18 members of the first Auxiliary Board assisting the Hands of the Cause of God in the Western Hemisphere. Her travels expanded to all parts of the United States, Canada and Alaska, and she also served on the National Spiritual Assembly for two years.

On her pilgrimage, she recalled, the Guardian directed her, “Tell your family to scatter and teach, scatter and teach!” Her mother set her sights on Europe, while David and Florence Mayberry and their son, Michael, settled in Guadalajara, Mexico. Still serving on the Auxiliary Board, Mrs. Mayberry was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico when it was formed in 1961. Meanwhile, her teaching work took her to several Central American countries, especially to indigenous villages.

By the time the Mayberrys returned to the United States in 1963 for business reasons, Mrs. Mayberry was established as a writer, having published a children’s book and continuing to write mystery stories.

When the Continental Boards of Counselors were created in 1968, Mrs. Mayberry was among the first contingent appointed in North America. Five years later the Universal House of Justice established the International Teaching Center at Haifa, Israel, and Mrs. Mayberry was one of three Counselors named to serve alongside Hands of the Cause in that body.

As a Counselor she traveled to teach and serve the Cause in many countries, Tran, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Japan, C! New Zealand.

In 1983 she and her husband returned to the United States and settled first in North Idaho, then back in Missouri. Her husband passed away in 1994.

Bernice Wood recalled fondly in Hong Kong

Or National Spiritual Assembly received the following e-mail message for the Local Assembly of Seattle from the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Hong Kong on March 30:

“Our grief at losing our Baha’s sister, Bernice Wood, was offset by our learning of the care your assembly was taking in ensuring her proper burial. She was a loyal and dedicated pioneer to Hong Kong who deserves our every respect. ...”

Bernice Marie Jarvis Wood was born March 11, 1910, in Tacoma, Washington. As a child she loved to play the game “Around the World with Nellie Bly” and dreamed of visiting those exciting places.

Bernice took a job as adminis assistant in the Medical Supply Di

ch the United Eons and enjoyed

She first visited Hong Kong in 1949 on her way from China to

‘Thailand.

After working in a number of different countries she returned to Hong Kong in 1960 as a pioneer. At that time the community was very small, with only one Local Spiritual Assembly. Her apartment often served as a place for meetings.

In 1967 Bernice left Hong Kong for Hawaii, but returned in 1970 and remained there until ill health caused her to return to the United States in 1990.

She served as secretary to the National Convention in April 1974 that elected the first National Assembly of the Baha’is of Hong Kong and Macau. After the National Baha’{ Center was purchased in the late 1960s, she assured that firesides were held every Friday and they continue to this time.

Bernice was a gentle soul with a kindly word for everyone. Her heart failed her, and she passed away peacefully March 12, 1998, a day after her 88th birthday.

Easter Berry New York, NY February 19,1998

R. Thomas Blazier Indianapolis, IN

Jerald B. Dorsey New Orleans, LA March 30, 1998

Robert Finney Belle Glade, FL

IN MEMORIAM

Majdeddin Manavi Rancho Palos Verdes, CA February 14, 1998

Conway, MO

March 20, 1998 August 18, 1997 April 8, 1998 January 25, 1998 February 22, 1998 Marie Brodie Grace A. Fountain William R. McBride Jr. Howard Rose Paul Stirneman. Raleigh, NC Chico, CA Hattiesburg, MS Tucson, AZ Paradise, CA March 5, 1998 March 5, 1998 March 4, 1998 November 1997 February 19, 1998 Peggy H. Carson Sarfaraz Jiveh Deloris Mitchell Farzaneh Samii Gordon W. VanWieren Alamo Heights, TX Hanford, CA Hemingway, SC Sierra Madre, CA Marietta, GA January 5, 1998 March 18, 1998 January 16, 1998 April 5, 1998 March 7, 1998 Stuart Charns Leonard Kroll Barbara J. Nicholas _ Ralph Sanderson Bradley Zahrai Juarez, Mexico Brooksville, FL Los Angeles Portland, ME Norman, OK March 16, 1998 November 14, 1997 March 7, 1998 March 14, 1998 March 2, 1998 Marian A. Lawyer Ow EI Cajon, CA

Gwendolyn Pagani Vernon, CT April 3, 1998

Florence V. Mayberry Georgianna M. Quinn ‘Tucson, AZ

Donald P. Steinwachs ‘Tucson, AZ March 1, 1998

Frank Stewart Oklahoma City, OK

page 34 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i IN MEMORIAM

May 17,1998 [Page 35]

Stuart Charns served Cause in U.S., Mexico

tuart Charns ascended to the

Abhé Kingdom on March 16, 1998, in Juarez, Mexico, after having been a stalwart of the Faith for 28 years. He was 47.

Stuart embraced the Baha’i Faith 19-year-old at the University of Wi consin in Whitewater. He studied reli gion as a minor subject in college along with his math major. His father recalls Stuart was interested in religion all through his youth, even once aspiring to be a rabbi.

In his career as an industrial engineer, Stuart had the opportunity to serve the ‘aith in many areas of the country. He loved traveling to teach, especially in isolated communities, and was adept at reaching people of all backgrounds with his story-telling ability. In addition, he helped inspire believers both in the U.S. and Mexico to arise and increase their activity in the Faith.

One of his abiding interests had been learning about religions of the world, both the major ones and the not-sowell-known ones. Friends throughout the Phoenix, Arizona, area fondly remember his numerous fireside talks and the comparative religion seminars for which he won the respect and admiration of those from every religion involved.

In the words of a representative from one religion, “Stuart was the only one who came to these meetings without a hidden agenda. All the rest of us were

trying to get our point of view acro: But Stuart truly had a pure heart.” His family and friends will sadly miss delightfully wry sense of humor. “He made everyone laugh,” recalled Paul, his youngest son. “I’m sure he is making ‘Abduw'l-Baha laugh now.” ssembly members who served with n in the Gilbert, Arizona, Baha’i valued his keen ana

community greatly lytical mind and his sense of detachment, which greatly facilitated consultations.

fall, on one of his frequent bus ness trips in Mexico, Stuart’s ability to isputes and fluency in Spanish won the admiration of a busin who invited him to be a plant manager in Juarez. Stuart first commuted to the job from E] Paso, Texas, then moved into an apartment in Juarez. He passed away from carbon monoxide emitted by the apartment heating system.

Stuart is credited with many accomplishments: He was a standup comedian in college; wrote books on religious subjects; developed board games and a Baha’i-themed calendar; played the guitar and wrote classical music for various instruments; spoke Mandarin, Cantonese, Rus 5

He is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons, Daniel and Paul; a daughter, Leslie; a brother, Larry; and his parents, Isadore and Frances Charns. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeffrey and Donald. #

an

é

Mary Lou Ewing helped open New Mexico to Baha’i Faith

Mary Lou Ewing opened New Mexico to the Baha’i Faith along with her husband, ‘Tom Ewing, at the beginning of the Guardian’s first Seven Year Plan. Mary Lou passed away December 19, 1997.

In addition to serving on various area and regional committees, she was corresponding secretary of the Albuquerque LSA for almost 50 years before moving to Florida.

Described in the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker’s biography as “one of the brilliant lights of Dorothy’s heart,” Mary Lou became a Baha'i in Lima,

Ohio, in 1935 and remained always a close friend.

She was a professional pianist, the coordinator of several programs with Pueblo Indians through the Save the Children Community Development Foundation, and later the administrative tant to the provost at the University of New Mexico.

She is survived by her second husband, Clarence Danhof of Sarasota, Florida;

her daughter, Annette Chakerian of

Albuquerque, New Mexico; and two granddaughters.

Alice Sinclair pioneered in ’60s

Alice Sinclair departed this life Dec. 2, 1997, after a long life of service to the Faith. She was 87. e and her husband, Dale, pioneered to Guatemala, serving there for five years. In 1965 Dale received his degree, but learned they would have to wait at least a year for a job to open in Guatemala.

So the Sinclairs set their sights on settling in Honduras, where they remained for 6 years until they were able to go

back to Guatemala. Lack of work and health concerns required that they return to the States, where they continued to actively work for the Faith in every community where they settled.

The Sinclairs served at the Baha’i National Center while they investigated possibilities for returning to an international pioneer post. Though that wish was never fulfilled, they were able to homefront pioneer and save Assemblies where they resided.

please call 847-733-3547.

Tayebeh Aboonour (center left) welcomes Sua Ly Her (left) and Mrs. Her’s grandchildren Kue, Toua, Ma and Yang at a dinner at the San Diego, California, Baha’i Center, where Mrs. Aboonour was honored for nearly 20 years’ service to the local Southeast Asian community. For information on the work of the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office,

BAHA’i CENTERS, conriueo From pace 12

nt ie friends were changing fees and policies.

“We need a place where stop by and pick up literature or talk toa Baha’i,” the letter continued. “We need a place where the Assembly can meet and keep its records. We need an office where Baha’i volunteers can answer callers who respond to the national media campaign. We need a place where a change in policy won’t stop our community from having Feasts.”

‘The apartment-office, and access to the complex’s community room, will fulfill

BOSTON TO AFRICA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

and sisters,” and making use of the “reservoir of human and material resources unmatched elsewhere in the Bab world.”

‘The Spiritual Assembly of Boston forwarded the proposal to the National Office of Pioneering, and following consultation on the response, “Re-evoluti Productions: The South Africa Proje: received institutional approval on July 1, 1997.

Still, departure was planned for late July or early August. After three weeks of frenetic fund-raising, Re-evolution did not have the money or time for the South

those needs. And the Assembly foresees it will “increase our desire and willingness to sacrifice for a larger, more fitting space that we can truly call our own.”

‘That permanent home for Indianapolis Baha’is on West 62nd Street is in the works, with water/sewer hookups requested and architectural plans being developed.

Completion will be dictated, though, by the material sacrifices of community members, in concert with the community overall goals for expansion, consolidation, administration, and community development through the end of the Four Year Plan. #

African community to be able to plan and schedule.

When all parties had conceded that the South Africa Project was to go unfulfilled, a bequest came into the possession of the Spiritual Assembly of Boston. With the help of a portion of these funds, Re-evolution now had enough to transport three individuals across the Atlantic Ocean.

Phone calls were made to the National Youth Committee of South Africa, the length of the trip was shortened to four weeks, the date of departure was backed up by two weeks, and the trip was a reality!

‘Theme i

Advance registration fee

association's address is 34 Copernicu 613-233-1903, fax 613 3644). To

).

This year’s ABS Conference set for Sept. 27-28

The 22nd annual Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies has been set for Sept. 25-27 at the Hétel du Parc, Montréal, Qi “The Covenant: Pivot of the Oneness of Humanity.” The conference will feature lectures, panel discussions, arts presentations, participatory seminars and workshops. A children’s conference will be held at the same time. is $80 for ABS membet bers or those who register on site. A scholarship fund is available.

A registration form will be published in future issues of The American Baha'i. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN7K4 (phone

about accommodations at the Hotel du Parc, call 800-363-0735 (e-mail

Canada.

fees are higher for non-mem

‘The

May 17, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’

NEWs/IN MEMORIAM/CONTINUED

page 35 [Page 36]

P enya Cals AS Ord Gey Col ASL pal 5 le ys opti Glan glo 5) pile ol 2298 (ee Guyly he Gre PVD ay SF ALS ge deoys Gyle Glel LI 22985 SGI ota gate aI Gs 3550 59 25 dey Be dodo dlex hE S jl Sy © So kee Cole Gb) gy Cul Sue uF Ss 6S odes oat july Mle JS jl Ly Gr Gol SL + BES gd gee Ly Ben SG SS gy eS gs ST Gly 23 ope 4 6 Ge Gel Ce oer 4s 239 wales ols! GSonsl rete Gly 32 48 er So 2 gles, dibs 4 cLeol stat So! Cue Jo le Leanze Soo jb 25 hel Gaile lL AS ghiie Glee 7 |) dlp ty 1S (A eg eels oS pe Glo of ay Ge shel Ole 3! GL 5 ge the ctl, ab 9 iS deler Epoye ly 39 HEL: yb 4 BIS 5 Ly glengs 5 ayer 2 alee GI Ly of 219 Gk at Gs Ses Gk BP oe? ty ol He PS ot Hy Spe Sg ol ee Le Gye WY Bn BG ype 32 Sir Gh rls shalt gah AS lve

sr Obj 59525 cle _~ UW INTENSIVE PERSIAN COURSE H wan b SV glel clel a0! bo he Shoo td IS PKG ote 49 Cabsy Lape seul Gyle Jl GG 49 aus Obj Hane Peta ek S cht ny) «glnB, leks Baby ay wal Slr! we 52 Jl! gow ale gle JLo CuST AG Yer V4 GI LS © latin Sie WS gy Sob, .cutls sald dele 4 CL sald aelol cols 0 55, 5 jy Jel Goods 4 SS Gly Sas voodls -oy dale US 22 oud $9723 GIS Gly PLES Cus Ve get WSUS Glee 4 Yo FO asin a Ub scuul GYo Gy ee eG she 255g glare de lel spel do tty OL! c5L, wdegls role Gals G3Suel=,,31 01 (ATV) VYP-POYN cgals 5)lus

Js YY ca3 «gl, des PSs

“oli Tay" W Syke Sly yleo AJito

(G5 pl So ees oslplb wal oke GIG

Yo 4 cad

"GUiae Gals” WT Bylot ile Syleo Adio

BYo 4 Cad icles all geal 259 tats

9 le COLE" IE Byte Sil@ Sjleo dle

DYs A a3 i gagre sab Ss int, “ool otg

Sapte OLLI 51 ey! HLS «eyo JLs 406 yaung5y

JYo VF cad ASUS OMe oe “sly ply

4139 A Ble yim g WO 09> 3! lndiigd

JY VO Cad esilgiel He ine ek

4 ert Sad (EC CO) p tbe CULM oly

JY9 00 nS tgs Ly 25s GSE uh

GS 153955 Ne tee Vie Ly jie Lad

JVs Fad slules ailey, he

Co saree Ie OI Ls Cagd Cook 39

JY9 VO nS slate

forks dh las Sle ob & yb gual

V2 VO Cad ELE) de Mery gi GSE

due5 <Collete Gouvian 42,5 WS Cong GULEL

JY VY Cad coal bb ie

DY VA cand QSL deter Ole Jl dT Gf yl

elm 5 ytd GLO , opplh Opim

DY Faye nS lie Sym ae lo orl Gols Gly stl 6 ghiieu de

rayls Job ls JL el St b Ob Ss

(Avs) V--F0Y0 soils Ls

AU! ggi>

Se pert Col potions june gliwys jf

Baha'i Huququ'llah Trust «>, 42 |, U1 §9i>) ALL JLo! Grim Glel I SS Sls 4 |

Mrs, Thelma Khelghati Lunenburg, MA. 01462-2125 Dr. Amin Banani

Santa Monica, CA 90402-3154 Mr. Stephen Birkland

Arden Hills, MN. 5511-3756 Dr. Darvush Haghighi

Rocky River, OH 44116-1124

AU ago

HUQUQU'LLAH BSicazS/ pee Usa ltollisl ess con) jl um SI OUT atl apie cle pa 2S apt orl 55 1928 jails A Gye Glee & 5 29h Clay glibc LBA one yb slarcal glue Ske be Gre 4 lel Oleg Gly Grito gel abo

ater yet 2d ok SI obey ol Cup Comal» AS Cad 09,5 Coby ys Lee Galore jf ode OYLI sera 4 le Je Iyer YG Ly Sie gay

wl

LaJle 255 Gye Gel Gly Sp! ob; ool obye 22 Sytem Soo GlayytS gb; tS Ky 22 OUT oly Je gly gly ya 4 Ky ail ge slpee IK onl

ly CLOW! cdby> Gly ashe ge glinys U slgntey gals L as {53 YL 59 aS slows ole ls gSitl 9» We Gly Jie 5: (YY) APYEANS: cgi BLS wales

e-mail so GIT Grogs 9 obite

89TH BAHA'I NATIONAL CONVENTION

FV GVA 5h he lS angi 5 slate Cilej5) 44 59 Holiday Inn O'Hare 42 ole Ju gs sdb sale SAS spiel CJL 59

ext lo alT p52 abl WS 3S gle Aba Jy per Boye wy gt ilS JS GI BL Sos he Gly Ji Glacl Oba! SS woud gyal gyal Bol 5 ONS HLyo slerte

ae OLLy 2 Hl JSe JL gre v2 Gas bs Ly gylol pb 5 CHS 6S theo cel rol aS GIGI 4 ley, tee jl y CALI RLS IS hel Gar Cpe gree ay 250 Clie PRL BAS BSS gt th whl bo wre ob at, wy on, te» olSanls le jh y Sole 225 4 5 Sly Shwe 12 Ogee, CL0ls oyu Boy

patg CLE! CSL 9 & he oS Glu & sls ath be Zyl 42 oS,% HL,9 aehite ty he giles, Jie WS popare Ht Als frole ola Cul 00505 Gane (AFY) VY-YON4 245 3, 036 ckots

NEW PUBLICATIONS

5! 392 Images: International, CS + Jeu! als JO! 59 ta) Gly af Lb Sols 2998 ee G9 25 29 Shy! Orpe cul artle Ope Cll Lepare Gane GET lel pd UT So YA cad caddy 1s Oper pet jrae old GI GL ae WES oYs YY ca Aah by piar lb 4p MN Cand pitt ua (par YO YY GE ae & ad GAIT) Ole tees gYo ¥8 Gilde ole L CLL, Qt GUime OLS 6639 Of it 2 9 pb syle Gltl teodlie Cle lit

page 36 THE AMERICAN BANA‘i ¢ PERSIAN

May 17, 1998 [Page 37]

995 ae Gases eS ey le Mae OIL Gupad ay jy Cul CEDAW of 06,5 ol ne

Cul cds oboe

G ote SILI >» bby oH! cle 9 HS oe eld aol Guyb 5! 355 CYL Gly glk. Vy pS shang Lae Gules 0S AS ge Cul, AS Copa

a aa Ne Ve ele Je Le ols Jy! 52 SN gags FS wali d Les Gale 59 Ly sl 3b. ely) 52 nay maa Sly! Lol le jl of A) Aa Gp Be 22 Ge ibs, Jie Gb a elel Gb 5 ob sled - 35 Slee jy- we vila Joyrd Lyglin 362 4 gles gl glob Sus

ls YT L on Ly SF Gly sku jg 52 dhe cored ole 5! af stl SUB opt Job om Dewy sil 9S rials Cole 5,5i+ AS dy Grp eres pre! CILI 51 Durbin ly S 95 pel ol So 5 clel Goegls w ltl po apn 9S sald AAS 5 ,Sie gly yas SN by a9 Cyl 5 coerte GU SI2 ILI 5I nile scatils UI y,Sde glug

Che ele we Je wt NV by, de GUT AS IS 3) lee jy CHS 9 Spt of > rcs CTU arp Gey 0g pole 2 58 tly tele MLL a al! Slaw Bree act pee GY Coils 5 Cutls CS p4 5,Sin ay aa yalind 59 cle! pg GIL oly 4S Said le ST Lyk sb

BIL? aby aS Oley copad G aS LT GI Her ype tl ge lol WS GLI! Cul ty 50 toed SS ook

Hab AIS 4 oligee Lb ele! a! cuss ©

& He LG ad Glywle w of golud 5 tai Glos gal ep ad Gly ties aelal gbT sb. 22-254 oats gly W S31 do col p5¥ Le Gales 4S wihorS ages Lal. jl je Of bw ob JL SPP ort he Gap 4 | a Sie ghy ore tl alot glee Wl elo! Goole Jal ob; aber 5h obj a SL SF Goobjl b alse Glegljl. glacl 4 Rts glut 5 5 a> Ly UT cule 5 COS ls one 4» cit ale

wae SESS

G doer the 32 See orl) gL Wy v2 Lb * +99 Ob5 de Clans 03) ghey wpa Gly LI «lol SoS & New Hampshire plisrys ILI jules Lene adore GI at Glee py aS 95 yale clacliabs cepa a ly Me gly gly aS Cul ot Lol clays

ASE ly b sir Geol, jf lial Lb «

1955 QU A> wh Yad 59 hs pe Sr bb, Gy ose

SS by AF Coed my ct wale Lol L pope F 9p de 93 25

SSs by WSS ols ASI gh; aS LT 5I eek b beth oly obj 6S Cul yp ao er a

AS AntsS oleae WL obpre & Ls yo» WAS GL cos ls by obT 05s Ue ol olicel 1S Seren ty Syed adsl LS gle 52 L ols

G case lS Ble 5 ly supe Gall UL © wipe JKal Upton ay UBT by pales

ila, Slr REVISED ASSEMBLY MANUAL AVAILABLE fle al ANA AAU esos slat oa Vaal

piesa Lots 2S go hu Gls ble ul hel eae epee ool oS G ob of Gh cls wry ote SILI pl 32> Jour lbs, bbe cual

USI de pers oul jI ste Ob Sib 4 LS 5 copll pel Jule 5! lee ale aS 4b Biles BL» Gr Sls Jie se Ge scum GSES

Ollb Goya Lvl, ol jl Sox ey 9 hel joe Sy Oper UT y Sle pl od SI cede teas ER Hl pel Jalen 25] Cond Le Gly Jsbu Gliel, ued tubes bbe JS lee Wly ble Souda 4 tim So yyte tober Bou 4 mobil Saaole Gell p Sod 5 bs tal dele 52 Cupae ely) spel C5 taj grr} 9s Che 5 Spr Ll 9 odd plSol SEAS 5 chil tel DU tab del coy 295

dance OYL 59 Glee giles falas dan 4 WS eaticlssalsy sili cdamaas rages ( es aces how oles gine HL Wl |b “bs, Sow Gly by 3She de peme jl Glens 15ls waged lol 25 slael jl

Gb Salo b “ks, bbe chil’

128 Glee 5 slo Folin Sly WUT CIP ene (A+) 494-4-18 cles gis Ls OG) de Olas 6; ology WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS CEDAW

1S putty ope Waals AT » ody 5

doce fle ghjls gue shel jh SS Sly tole wud Qb5 Gyi> HL >

Glas) toll (AUS glye aSiey sie blag

Ao ge fS5 Gb5 Ly Glinas 56 AS LB to Gling ele SI b WE PSI casas ge Se St5 |, Odyssey 10+ glSusry 5! BI galply Ataygtles LS Yl WS SLE QWrtry toys aS leaSit 49 4,Sie eb, dans cog ols GL cco ety gbT cual vad gale tty sly bubs » 49 The Power of Race Unity aL» (toy 39 a ENN Cele age NE 4g aye V So coy (BET) Set 3 pal tae CYL! (3-5 tel ele 5! -22 sel, Black Entertainment Television whe | a9d ahs GEEILS 9556 bol Gl ol Gh oF ath ety GUI! ee aby ol x 12S Qype Gite Cope b Sle pe he ead lac! I Soo SS ES w ool 22 ine Webby ie SF oy 2 lbs! Obs WS BLS Gperee GI ote GIT opt Ce Cay 39 1 Aea,S Gls «Lol & Odyssey 48.4 gr 5! > ES Sle pl ky> gMbI nS Cuddy 1 BET Seb aS col gal UBS! gal Jot ols cable gin Gest jl Gaty slo Odyssey 452% ply dw oye sland Gul 5 tro 5° Gngtle | BET St gary pty GE cul 298 cal pila ge ASz 5 terre fA wails obo & by als pp WSs Soo lb Ol Slin po JL 59 glings aT 2 OLSILe gl QS 5 Cul OL

pri

shee al > Gta, Hy f Gils Gab» Ss Ndr ole 59) Ayaly Daly Ue 7 le

cel a Cod 99 GS2 GEaely esuleg St 1 Ib 4%

Moby gas a43 51 SL af SIDCorp cS ,4 © WS jul Curr pol JE 42 Cal “Walp Ory Grn” Gl 5 SS Epeye WS Cul So by ae wage dale pay pre So aby gpdye cules be Read L 95d GylSer 4 liner 5S OS 4 wala dale aah! oles 55

daly ee toby, SH gd Gal, Ub, © pits BLS of Gan oS Cul ago Cora Go Gene Bap l srtsi ames L;S

Ble Aaa Gly Galangal) GO ea © Gh 4S cel ag Cee 59 opal) GlelSaul shal 5 glLinp pel 2tle gly Glou,S wit weld cb obj JO!

MNS 52 Cd>y Gord Gry Me Sy? Gestey bere 4 Gils Stes Gard Grey Cl wp thy olizae ant Jlrs we JLr 52 Ga

May 17, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * PERSIAN page 37 [Page 38]

020 IS GHA spel Bylol yo 4S Cod l,l

ol om ly Glee’ tip Olu tl JN AS peneel 5 LS EL pape ole LAT 5! oy GaSe alee © arale Ol> cle der Jolt 5 pge Gey SL Cul 4 oly tele Ole sel Ole Gry * ceed Gl GHESLS sb S42 OS ee 29 Sole ast sles, G5 Ff Cul ee ga SL Bile rele Lb drole clacl .254 oder sole clash gn Cree 5 SI SLL aul) 4 4 sath ws bs ed ye dole Y pli © 4 lee Ge Sol ob Gly cba Obs sald ably pl US PUI 5 pr jl GAty olde & bs Gly Soul, ~b Jb» st,S seul odd deg aS Gol, sbpatel 9 Lslal pyle 5 perme Ajpel © cel shade el mal jl lel Goods Sige 995 Gla calla) aS! Jer gae 5s alot etl of Oke! og 9 apd 4 alte b pls Lb See 4S oe Gly Glo oh gel 02 Leaebin Chol 5 pate iret ool ys plasd pols Hee Grp 4 93, iI Sal Se oS i Orre 9 SU 5 GL apert jl y path atl SL Ser 9 pi Ate 9d OLLAA GI JL ge 2 ole 114d ST ula ita a> 8 he Read Sng by Sy jl OY the deulyl 59 4S Gledde py SY jl ey CLw tel ody 2) GID & CHS Oy p0 Joy! ay Lgl 5) lio ae 4S Cons acuile jp © Spare cole cela 52 Lal 8) sakes Slee, coalye 9 el SO OU. 0235 bs .Lel & CJL! ft corte GAS 5 Geers SEE GS sacl | els Restearira lees) seyiasp 1) less) glee sap) © wale ge FS yh; 13S PRA | CoAT glingenlen gals BL 5! is lb alee GI Glew 52 4F Ae pe Yolo 22a pyles 035 DUB) Ol 5 gle dead clacl jI SL P22 Ay) WS dares ol Ley GS gl WS eth te pt a Se GL sce CYL 5! abt siete spy Gilg Ctry Whee & ae dla cot! gb; «sb sgt MT Cand Ay A gee jd gtelasT Glory 5 Ceul] Cosa 59 VARY NASN JES Gf aS LT SI toys mem AS LS pe eee jl CLS

AS ryt 095 eed Way old I Sle I oly GELS 39> Slant BN Gl te oS oS ps hs tls Geb, 39 eelye rey O°”

asia ez G ay, Ly 5 Lay, 02S ob Sag tal 59 bb sly el ib, wh GT Qby! jl ae 2S yoy mw Cb Glob, Ele 129 1 Jl ¥> Gf ote Obs ts le dad lac! 3l VS Slee pl dbs ej > ee oe 1 opel ctle 193901 90 4> bo & odet Cwd 4 ZU

poised ge apd GOAL 51S ay? Gents © weed Ny eS Slypnt derle 52 aS Cul gl SI Grieg aby Bay & pape SF hoo ne Ql 39 AS AS ge CMS> gal 5! silosls Odyssey 15 Bae IIS ole 92 pre LL all ply S are tS sale Cle ooh;

JN She toby Ary SF 9S Hs freld

jar 4 Siler pl Wh! Gly gets Ge pF aber SL dae celacel pyle gbiatils Glo tegy cul 2 Srl dele I Sox Ge ty SF Cul onl Gl SOI Gly Be 9 Giles lb SB Sb & sul oye Sly,

ALS ali b She pl & ylie Gre © Soptey CB pend QUI 9 9S Sluis pire 9 ble hs Gltae Le "gals dey cape! Tne g Sb ts Le dead y fis (ue gs SN ey 39S be Syptey ced oa ange Gla, Ob

BAS ee rg tubes a SUS Ole oS db

B93 pe Sj! Sole pol 5 AS sill ade 4 Cul Cul GH wis

9 LjLS 5 Cpe wy AS Col ope slow © GL Clee 5 WIS oll alSo art ob bs Colpo ay Ly be gal tly Le WUT pee Vlas 4 alSes ylie a plod oS silo ge glu be SI SY oldtiye w glEd! 4 gldesy gays 4 olT & scold Sole pel ahs Sle

9 rdtlove be otnce SILI Sly tule © BS Ge iby dine Whe uy fly cull plas 9 Mtg pe o9 clol 5! Glew be 4S Col on! jl sl Cod ob ab po uy aS silealeT 5528 gpl US pie sarees JL ube 5 ty iy Hb Sh eS ers | Saal sing 99 AF SO Ky

pris aS dilne 4 Olw ti be J

pon el eae Beans) lace oles olla tol

dee Ate GBP Shi ols Gy 39 Pie Chee tose pphine dill Qopee oe!

dori ctl phe! Judiou ele MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE palo silo gy Soleo pyoe 4 ibs YAMA fal 4 E90 atlpol pad CLL 4 wily Cs lass 5 poser lee Florence Mayberry S762 Gail ysld ove 52 Gite lll 5 pb Sas Olu Aloe 3 hes he Gill OAS 5 als Jee 0d JST ay Sle Jee 5! jglare ste 52 pl cults Lpae yo Copae ad tpl 3 als pbs eS gee lon balls pl Lett sly slime poles 5 Glin 5 age tole BW] gail y trlet, ul, ala! sajlu ge jGline Ly by gltsy> OLN! ee Ce» LB Ce thn isd wy 1 Lt thle ot! OS yo Lt oS 5, pt Weebl col aS LE oe rks! Josthow

&tS by TEACHING PLAN

The Power of Race (giytsy Lp ioe 4 4S tls Gels , Odyssey 14 5! Unity ege! wb Sole pol Gb ABS Cryo ot Jo

wcual 29,5 Gopui vinie

i Ne Vogt dally ool Jo! jay V0 59 QBS ge 5 ey Glee pl HL» o SUS Gb w dee CS ph Glaule 59 ebol Osco %

AG BL VA jt hal Ga SIS Glee Bhys LM! aS ly tt ls ihe fF en! BSE Garb 5 BV + ape 5 at Job Gls pl le hie 5 Barty Chk» Gow G5plS 2S

VO 4S 993 peel Olas 5 gle deed Pate CLE! juts 5 US ls ib Sri eb, By du Spo ol 59 y whd ge Ya Ve gb ini Goby oy wed 9163)

oljle Sy jl ob 5 de id Ly Sie toby gtry tb WS oS Culdys Slept LUT ahs GELS gamer 5 Sly ele 92 4 LL Slt dee SS OGG! AS Ly! oat SU bi! ol Bb Say aos onl " ASL oe

PAs

Fe dal cons a bi! gil 50 4S ul AI op cele toys Fed) gs lb oS oy of 5 2 PAS Oey she 5! poets S2b ub, cant Del 4 bye Goods 5 obks oll

page 38 =THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ PERSIAN

May 17, 1998 [Page 39]

Forms are placed on the roof of the International Teaching Center build ing for a star-shaped skylight. Photo by Ruhi Vargha

WORK PROCEEDING ON HATZIONUT AVENUE

Hatzionut Avenue was undertaken just before the opening of

the Baha’f International Convention. The avenue was lowered to help provide an uninterrupted walk from the bottom to the top terrace.

Retaining walls on both sides of the street also have been built, and the precast panels are in place. Although much of the stone cladding of these walls is complete, masonry work will continue for a while due to the massive dimensions of the walls, which require more than 26,000 square feet of stone.

T: last concrete pouring for the slab of the bridge over

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER STRUCTURE VIRTUALLY COMPLETE

t TY ith completion of the final arched portion of the roof structure fa A the Monument Garden, a milestone has been reached in constru

of the International Teaching Center building. The structure is prac tically complete, so finishing and services will become the main focus of the work.

another exciting phase of construction. The same team of French artisa installed the marble in the Center for the Study of the Te: engaged in th for the Teaching Center.

Installation has progressed smoothly, and the front colonnade of eight columns and two end pilasters has been raised, each about 26 feet high with an Ionic-style capital.

Scaffolding and supports have also been put up for construction of the front portico ceiling. This will consist of 10 panels of precast slabs, supported by the building’s outer wall and a system of beams spanning the colonnade. Work also has begun on the rear colonnade of 12 columns, each nearly 20 feet high with a Tuscan capital.

The stone cladding of the auditorium in the common area of the Teaching Center complex has begun. Floor tiles for the foyer and lobbies are being prepared in Italy.

UPPER TERRACES IN VARIOUS STAGES

11 to 14 above Hatzionut Avenue. Higher up, intensive landscaping of Terraces 15 to 19 continues at the crest of the mountain.

The structure of the building under Terrace 1, which will house a mechanical pump room, garden storage and security station, is 85 percent complete. Above it the structure of Terrace 2, with concrete steps and pools, has been finished. Its geometric curves and contour walls also have been construct ed and it is being prepared for inner landscaping.

Looking down from a balcony on Terrace 19, one can see He terraces down to Hatzionut Avenue in different stages of development.

On Terraces 19 to 15, inner and outer planting is receiving the final touches. The structures of Terraces 14 to 12 are clearly evident with their contour walls, geometric curves and concrete steps all constructed. Concrete pools are completed for two of them, while piping work is under way on ‘Terrace n underground mechanical room, to hou large transformer, is being built west of Terrace 14. ing items for the interior of the building under Terrace 11 are receiving attention. Marble, millwork, skylights, doors, windows, in fact all finishing items have been ordered and are in the process of being prepared and delivered to the site.

G onstruction is in progress on the first two terraces at the foot of Mount Carmel and on Terraces

STRONG ROOM IN THE ARCHIVES EXTENSION READY FOR PURGING

i gaiecant section of the newly built extenon to the International Baha months of purifying the environment in the rooms for long-term storage of important records and relics.

The “Strong Room” and an adjacent “Cold Room,” state-of-the-art conservation areas for Sacred Writings and precious artifacts of the C Figures of the Baha’i Faith, are mechanically complete. Electrical and ventilation systems, marble flooring, painted walls, steel shelving and hanging panel systems are all in place.

Purging of the rooms begins with activation of the air-conditioning system to clear out all fumes from paint, glue or other sources.

Left: Placement of marble columns progresses on the front colonnade at the International Teaching Center building.

Above: From the Upper Terraces above the Shrine of the Bab, various scages of construction work are evident down to Hatzionut Avenue. Photos by Ruhi Vargha

May 17,1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS _ page 39 [Page 40]

22-24: “Pioneer forRace Baha’i School.

22-24: Two sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School: “Who are the New Baha’is?”; “Two Wings of a Bird.”

22-24: Conference of Nur, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: “Attaining Spiritual Maturity” with Javidukht Khadem, Bob Harris and Dr. Michael Penn. Register by May 1; contact Bob and Judy Basso,

Harrisburg, PA 17110 (phone 717-599 ity” at Green Acre

5939).

22-25: Utah Baha’i School, Clear Creek Family Ranch near Zion National Park. Register by May 15; contact Shokouh Imani, Layton, Utah 84040 (phone 801-771-0586).

22-25: Marriage enrichment weekend at Bosch Baha’i School.

23-24: Gold Fever Conference at Indian Creek School in Placerville, California. Call 530-626-0341. 28-31: Baha’i National Convention, Holiday Inn

O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois. See form on page 5.

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

at Louhelen

12-14 “A Million Minutes and Me: Changing the World? at Green Acre Baha’i School.

12-14: Two sessions at Louhelen Baha’ i School: “Conflict Resolution, Consultation and Baha'i Community Life” and Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly Development.

12-14 Wilmette Institute short course on Islam at Bosch Baha'i School.

12-14: “Majnun and Layli: Both Wings—Searching for a Lifelong Mate,” youth retreat campout with Auxiliary Board member Dianne Bohannon-Letzer and Adib Koslow, held at

¢, Michigan. For information phone 906-228-7668 or 906-226-3252.

21-26: Children’ Institute at Louhelen Baha'i School.

18-21; Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institute at Louhelen Baha'i School. Contact National Office of Pioneering.

19-21: “Vanguard of the Dawning” conference for AfricanAmerican Baha'is, Los Angeles Baha'i Center. Fees: Adult $19, Child $9 ($5 each for more than two). Contact Lenise JacksonGaertner (phone 909-825-2974); e-mail information requests to and cc: )

26-28: Badasht Memorial Conference and Teaching Project, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Three days of workshops followed bya 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

or )

26-July 1: Summer Session 1 at Green Acre Baha’f School: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Forum and “The Art of Effective Communication.”

26-July 1: Camp Green Acre for children in grades 3-6, Green Acre Baha’ School.

27-July 1: “The Arts and Teaching” at Louhelen Baha'i School. Sunday concert with Dan Seals and others.

Two delegates enjoy a

moment during the Baha’i” International Convention

in Haifa, Israel, during Ridvan. Nearly 1,000 National

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

Zentral Pi Fuoquirng = Boek Of ic< bassist rates siden) must be filled in, Please (This also updates the National Center's database.)

2-5: Ocean of Light: Islander Teaching Conference at Bosch Baha’t School.

3-8: Persian American Baha'i Studies at Louhelen Baha’f School: “The Life and Writings of the Beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi”; “The Hidden Words.”

3-8: Two programs at Green Acre Baha’i School: Junior Youth Institute; also “In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’: Images of Baha’u’lléh in the African-American Spiritual Music Tradition”/”Reaching the Hearts Through the Arts: Discovering the Artist Within.”

5: Concert-Picnic at Green Acre Baha’i School: Ladjamaya, Eric Dozier, N.E. Baha’i Gospel Choir.

7-14: Youth Music Academy at Bosch Baha’f School. Application and audition tape required.

10-15: Three programs at Green Acre Baha’t School: “The Tablets of Baha’u’llah/Our Individual Response”; Youth Institute; Core Curriculum teacher training.

10-15: Two programs at Louhelen Baha’ School: “{nternational Dialogue for Education”; Youth Eagle Institute: “The Role of Youth in America.”

11: Conference of Badasht 150th Anniversary: Conference for youth and young adults, sponsored by Regional Baha’f Council for the Central States at the Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. For information e-mail

17-22: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth (12-15) at Louhelen Baha’{ School. ‘

18-23: Persian Session at Bosch Baha’i School: ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan and Kitab-i-Aqdas. Most classes presented in Persian.

24-29; Family and Friends session: “Spiritual Parenting” at Louhelen Baha'i School.

25-29: “I Will Be a Happy and Joyful Being/Make a Statement” at Green Acre Baha’i School.

Children’s Academy at Bosch Baha’ School.

(dress and Svanston, IL three weeks

Spiritual Assembly mem- A. NAME(S) bers from around the world were delegates to ! Po the convention. x oe Photo by Artis Mebane a 3) ae 1D#

4.

1De B. NEW RESIDE! C. NEW MAILING ADDRE: Street Addi Street Address MAY 17, 1998 oe é “ALAMAT/GRANDEUR * B.E. 155 Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable) City City State Zip code State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER,

we do not have the same last

name. We do not want extra

, $0 please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID. number(s) listed above.

Name of new Baha'i Community Moving Date ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

FE WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)

‘Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

G. WE RECE ‘TRA COPIES BECAUS H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

oO the last names and addresses ‘on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as

pear on the national 1D numbers, and the that we will receive

only one copy.

[10 household reccives only ‘one copy of The American Bahi’f. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

THE AMERICAN BAKA’