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Volume 29, Issue 5

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[Page 1]

Forward through the Four Year Plan

Baha'i National Convention marshals forces for ‘that next great leap’

BY JAMES HUMPHREY AND TOM MENNILLO

have had the first half of the Four Year Plan to refine our methods. Now the

American Baha'i community is ready and obliged to use them as never before “u'llah and

to spread the Message of advance the process of entry by troops.

This was the message at the 89th Baha’i National Convention May 28-31 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare in Rosemont. Illinois, a gathering of energy, love, consultation and information

Right: William Roberts, newest member of the National Spiritual Assembly, speaks briefly after the newly elected Assembly was presented to Convention delegates.

Below: Delegates gather in front of the House of Worship after voting for the National Spiritual Assembly. Photos by

Amethel Parel-Sewell

exchange propelled in part by the words of Wilma Ellis, member of the Continental Board of Counselors: “Now is the time for that next great leap.”

The central business of the Convention came S; y morning, as the votes of 167 delegates elected by Unit Conventions cast prayerfully at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Later that day the election announced: Juana Conrad, Robert Henderson, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Patricia Lock E tants, Dorothy Nelson, James and William

nationwide were

esults were

Roberts are to serve the Baha’is of the United States as the National Spiritual Assembly through Ridvan 1999.

Prolonged applause erupted from delegates, visitors and staff in attendance—850 in all—in congratulation to the new Assembly and in tribute to Alberta Deas, who had served as a National Assembly member continuously for more than a decade.

The addition of Dr. Roberts to the National Assembly represented its first change of membership since 1993. When the new Assembly was presented

SEE NATIONAL CONVENTION, PAGE 19

First-time delegate shares impressions, sense of mission

INTERVIEW BY TOM MENNILLO

hat does someone experience the first time he attends the Baha’i

N;

ational Convention—as a delegate par

itual Assembly, and more than that, cl sen to help count the vot First-time delegate of Pineville, North about his convention:

k experience, including the message: ission he’ carrying home to his Electoral Unit and his feelings about his first-ever visit to the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. ° itial impressions? ht was the recep

What were yout

On Wednesday tion. Being very nervous and excited. Just the anticipation of the convention led me to many thoughts and many feelings, and even questioning whether I was the right person to represent my Unit. However, the reception put me at by k ig the ice and seeing so many fami and getting to sit down and just

Ik to people.

SEE FIRST-TIME, PAGE 20

Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 1: WITH JOYFUL HEARTS WE ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT COUNSELLOR MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE FOR FIVE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING 23 MAY 1998: KISER BARNES, ROLF VON CZEKUS, HARTMUT GROSSMANN, VIOLETTE HAAKE, FIRAYDOUN JAVAHERI, LAURETTA KING, JOAN LIN VITAL INSTITUTION.

» 1998

COLN, PAYMAN MOHAJER AND PENNY WALKER. PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL SHAPOOR MONADJEM, DONALD ROGERS, FRED SCHECHTER, KIMIKO SCHWERIN AND JOY STEVENSON FOR RECORD DISTINGUISHED SELF-SACRIFICING LABOURS THIS

—Universal House of Justice

JUNE 24, 1998

RAHMAT/ MERCY BAHAY ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 5

“PN-S--D-E

PAGE 3

WOMEN’S RIGHTS WORK PAGE 26

Lt Oll 75-YEAR CELEBRATION PAGE 29

Oey REGIONAL INSTITUTES + 5.7 TREASURER’S HONOR ROLL + {6-17 KID'S CORNER - 18 YOUTH NEWS + 33 -CARTA A LOS AMIGOS - 35 5 AGES + 38-4

THE NATIONAL FUND

—— Between May 1, 1997 and April 30, 1998

Goal/All Funds

$22/690,216" Received/All Funds

National Fund Deficit: $2,310,046 See page 3 for details

p of thy heart by the light of love.” —‘Abdu’'l-Baha

[Page 2]LETT

LETTERS POLICY

The American Baha’i welcomes letters from readers, particularly on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the Four Year Plan and the principles of the Writings.

¢ The purpose of the Letters from Readers column is to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or attack anyone.

Opinions expressed are those

of the writers, not necessariily those of the editors.

Letters should be as brief as

possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and may be edited for length and style.

Please address letters to Managing Editors The American Baha’i 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611

e-mail

ERS FROM READ

Make the arts integral to community life

To the Editors:

As members of Arts Afire Baha’i Institute, an institute which encourages, supports and develops artistic expression of the Baha'i teachings and spirit, we would like to commend individuals and groups who are striving to incorporate the arts in teaching the cause of Bahd’u’llah. As Shoghi Effendi stated: “The day will come when the Cause will spread like wildfire, when its spirit and teachings will be presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole.”

Our concern is that some fellow Baha’is consider the arts as a garnish rather than a necessary and_ vital resource in advancing the Cause. We would therefore, like to offer the following suggestions for greater use of the arts in future conferences and Bal gatherings, teaching events, classes, ete.:

Include some artists and art appreciators in the planning of events.

Create a team of people who will

work well together and support all of the program aspects—devotions, _conference sessions, the use of the

ee eecccccceccccccccccceccceseseees

arts, and so forth.

Do not separate the arts programs

from the rest of the event, even if there is an “arts evening.” Make sure that chairpersons are enthusiastic about the

tegration of the arts as part of the event and are helpful to artist participants.

¢ Be open to “other voices,” not just the known, established artists or spokespersons for the arts. Include women and children as well as representatives of diverse cultures.

Assemble a technical team who will

be on hand to do sound checks, set props, run equipment, and so forth.

Foster teamwork among planners,

speakers, arts presenters, technicians and MCs.

Include the ai

s at the beginning of various sessions, incorporating music, poetry, readings, etc.

ion, we encourage Baha’i ists to work at perfecting their crafts and to develop classes for the whole Baha'i community.

We challenge the Baha’i community at large to develop a deeper appreciation for the arts; go to a concert, a play, an art museum or gallery; or better yet, pick up a paintbrush, join a choral group, be ina play—the arts enrich us all!

Artfully yours, Arts Afire Baha'i Institute

N ALL THINGS

‘TARA AZIZ, a S-year-old Baha’i from Huntington, New York, was a- winner in the “Reflections” contest at her elementary school, with a poster on the theme “We are Flowers of One Garden.” With the permission of the school, she is teaching the song and a Baha’{ prayer to her kindergarten class.

KEN CUTLER, a Baha’i pioneer in Central America since 1975, was selected for inclusion in the fifth edition of Who's Who Among American Teachers. A longtime member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras, he teaches at the Mayapan School in La Ceiba. KEN CUTLER WENDY DIESSNER, a Baha’{ in Lewiston, Idaho, recently wrote the Idaho Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt Manual, which was published by the state and distributed for use by more than 40 domestic violence shelters and programs.

JAY GREEN, a 16-year-old Baha’ from Johnsonville, South Carolina, recently received the American Legion School Award, which is granted for courage, honor, leadership, patriotism and academic excellence. He was also one of six youths invited by the South Carolina Race

JAY GREEN

Unity Task Force to attend the “Imagine South Carolina Youth Summit 1998,” sponsored by civic leaders working to eradicate racism. A longtime honor student who participates in music and the student council, Jay serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai.

ALLYSON LARIMER, a 13-year-old Baha'i from West Liberty, West Virginia, recently won a contest sponsored

by the Family Channel with an essay year debaters, included about her experience volunteering with 64 debate teams from

her family at a soup kitchen. A local newspaper story on the award quoted

Allyson as saying that helping others DR. DIETER SCHRODER, a Baha’

boosted her own confidence, while her teacher praised her for entering an essay contest that doesn’t give material priz to the winners. The cable television station instead made donations in Allyson’s name to the Second Harvest food charity, the local Catholic Neighborhood Center and her school.

JERRY LIMBER, a 13-year-old Baha’i from Rockville, Maryland, took second place in the state wrestling tournament in his weight class. He had won the tournament for Montgomery County.

JALAL MOHTASHAMS, a Baha’i who has maintained a 4.0 grade point average in seventh grade at Lincoln Middle School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has been nominated for National Merit Scholar in English and Science. He was part of a team that recently won first place in an engineering contest

sponsored by the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

LEE MUENCH a 16-year-old Baha’ from Morton Grove, Illinois, and a high honor student, earned first place in the Junior Varsity Division of the 1997 Glenbrook National Debate Tournament. His division of the tournament, for second

15 states. LEE MUENCH from Scottsdale, Arizona, was one of three recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award at the May 13 convocation for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Arizona State University in Tempe. Dr. Schroder teaches electrical engineering.

KACEY ANISA STAMATS, a 12-year-old Baha’i from the El Paso County East community in Colorado, has received a Student of the Year Award from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The El Paso County Sheriff's office, the Widefield School District and Webster Elementary School _ selected her for her commitment to the program and her outstanding essay.

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

Vina Parel Ayers, Baha’i International News Service, Sedona Callahan, Ken Duszynski,Glenn Egli, Ken Harper, Ellyn Jaresko, MKDesign, Craig Rothman, Vladimir Shilov, Nancy Wong, Connie Young

[J

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

s to Office of Information ite 233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS ‘Tie American Bans’ welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'i Faith.

‘*Anrictts should be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length.

Puorocraris may be color or black-andwhite prints or slides. Ple: mit photos

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

Deabuines for upcoming issues:

wue dated Aug. |

Aug. 4 for the issue dated Sept. 8

Pease appress ALL rrems for possible pubto Managing Editors, The American

1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 1611 (e-mail

|-_—_—suereccesnenensennsint—————

page 2

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘I ¢ EXCELLENCE

June 24, 1998 [Page 3]

The arts reach, the arts teach

Rochester: ‘Oneness’ celebration moves hundreds with display of many facets of diversity

ING one, not even the planning committee members, expected the multitude that showed up ona wi ay in March to witness “T! n Of the Oneness Of Hum at the School of the Arts in Roch New York. With nea of whom were not Baha'is, the event was an unparalleled success for the local Baha'i community. Audience members wept openly as

500 in attendance, most

y in all its glory displayed what it is capable of:

A dancer glides across the stage, lift-eful pose by a man in a

wheelchair.

Black and white youth together perform a moving display of the s

f early Bal in Persia.

American Indian youth share the

culture which they so valiantly work to

uphold.

The glory of mother Africa is

upraised in a joyful, resounding presen

tal

on of drumming and dancing.

Six of the world’s great religions

honored through an inspi of writings on the onens

g when the people with Down Syndrome performed,” one attendee said afterward. “Very moving. So deeply touched. I think I will have more respect for those people. What made it more dramatic was they were wearing the oneness T-shirt [created for the event], the sami irts I purchased for myself and my wife.” Others called the performance “mind-blowing” and “refreshingly delightful,” while several asked for more information on the Baha’i Faith. An array of food from different countries and cultures was provided by local Baha’is and offered free to all those in attendance. Dishes represented Iran,

Greece, Jamaica, China, Italy, Vietnam, Trinidad, Guyana, and many others. One planning committee member commented, “Seeing 500 people line up to be fed this beautiful gift of food, particularly within the context of the Baha’

Above: A youth group showcases their Native American heritage at “The Celebration of the Oneness of Humanity” in Rochester, New York.

Left: Members of an African drumming group pose with a dancer from the tradition of India. Photos by Glenn Egli,

Rochester, NY

Fast, and knowing the spiritual food they were about to receive afterward, was a most powerful and unforgettable image of the evening for me.”

While people ate and visited with one another, the Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band entertained the crowd in the foyer.

‘The performance was accompanied by a show of middle and high school

SEE ROCHESTER, PAGE 9

Concert and public service tribute builds alliances with like-minded organizations

alte Baha'is in greater Denver, Colorado, are capturing the attention and hearts of residents through concerts sponsored by the Global Visions Arts

Alliance social and economic development project.

The One Human Family Gospel Workshop and Concert on April 19 brought about 325 people to the Metro Denver Baha’i Center and drew heavy coverage from print and electronic media and lots of phone calls expressing interest in the Faith.

Community Builder Awards were presented at the concert to five people for their selfless efforts providing assistance and services to victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and their families when they were in Denver for the trials. April 19 was the third anniversary of the bombing.

‘The event was co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Denver, the Col

orado C Rights Division and the Mountain States Network Against Bigotry.

Valerie Dana, who headed the interfaith council in Oklahoma City that provided economic and spiritual support to the vi s, was emcee, and city/county human rights director James Mejia presented a message from the mayor. director Eric Do; conducted Choir, composed for is event of 50 people of all ages from four states. Dozier sang, played piano and included the audience in the highly spiritual experience.

Solo singing by Archie Evans and Juli Redson-Smith was warmly received, as were instrumental performances by Bill Moore and Stephen Fordham, the regular Denver Baha’i Choir director, who led the backup band.

Many attendees who had never really listened to gospel music commented on

how deeply they were moved.

One of the Baha’is in the choir said

she loved watching the variety of people in the audience standing and clapping their hands and singing “Allah-u-Abha,” including the Rev. Gary Mueller, one of the award recipients, who invited Dozig at his church. r also gave presentations at Metropolitan State College and two local high schools on gospel music, AfricanAmerican history and “The Human Mosaic.” Video footage from these appearances is to be compiled and televised on a community access station.

The choir members themselves ranged in age from 11 to 60-plus and represented African-American, Anglo, American Indian, Hispanic, East Indian and Persian cultures.

Five television stations, including

SEE DENVER, PAGE 10

Enrollments

May 1998 155 May 1997—April 1998 ..... 1,595

THE FUND May 1, 1997-April 30, 1998 Contributions received by

National Treasurer

Received since Goal for May 1, 1997: entire year: $27,000,000

$22,690,216

SET ee,

100% of fiscal year has passed

April 30, 1998

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund $2.897,657

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

International Baha’

Ree

24% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal was 7%)

Continental Baha’i Fund

$407,474

1.8 % of contributions received by National Assembly (goal was 2%)

Other contributions: $757,399

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center

May 1, 1997-April 30, 1998 mp

Revenues @

$19,463,065

Expenses ¥

Resulting deficit: $2,310,046

@ Includes contributions plus revenues

from Baha’{ Publishing Trust, Baha’s

Home, permanent schools, etc.

Y Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ THE SECOND FRONT

page 3

[Page 4]

Columbus makes effective use of race unity video

Anrens of The Power of Race Unity ideo at the Columbus (Ohio) Baha'i Center on April 15 yielded enthusiastic response and a declaration of faith.

Eight seekers attended the program, which began with a chanted prayer in Persian, a meal and inspirational music.

After the video was played, a spirited discussion followed. The chairman of the jazz department at The Ohio State University, an African-American, had

Floridians tally up

Victory 2000 R n south Florida.

Radio spots ary 10. Volunte received 91 respons

‘The same volunteers made follow-up

Its are in from Phase I of the Victory 2000 Media

red on 12 stations between lat who answered the phon and sent out 82 informationa

some very challenging issues to discuss. At the same time, he reiterated that he felt honored to be there.

A woman who came with her daughter firmly stated that she was a Muslim, and the entire evening she seemed very stern-looking. But toward the end of the discussion she said that during the video it took all she had not to cry, that she had been saying to herself all night that this is what she has been looking for. “Where do I sign?” she asked, then hugged everyone.

A professor from the OSU biochemistry department was involved in the discussion, but her husband sneaked out. He later was found on the lower level reading every pamphlet on the Faith he could find. Still later he was engaged in the kitchen with two Local Spiritual Assembly members having a more concentrated fireside.

“Some of the things people said were so beautiful it was so powerful and overwhelming,” wrote Connie Young, an organizer. “I can see at least two or

three of the seekers declaring soon. Wow. One seeker told me—tonight was the first she’d heard of the Faith— that she was sure she wouldn’t sleep tonight!”

‘Two weeks later, on April 30, a showing of the video was held on campus. The director of the Black Cultural Center could not attend. But he offered a conference room with bigscreen television and VCR and said he would help promote the showing. —Submitted by Connie Young @

gains

ampaign

nuary and Febru24 hours per day ets.

‘0 those who received

At home as a Bahai

the packets, ng them to attend fire a ing their permission to have their local Baha’f community call them. As an immediate result, two people declared their faith in Baha’u’llah and 11 sought further contact with Baha’is.

Many interesting stories have emerged from the campaign:

A young Bostonian visiting his parents in Boca Raton left a voice

mail message saying he was so delighted when he heard the radio spots that on his return to Boston, he immediately called the advertised toll-free number and requested information packets for himself and five friends, who reside in New York, Los Angeles, Boston and England.

A Dade County man, who had known about the Faith for some

time, was inspired by the radio spot on the equality of men and women to contact the Bahé’is in Kendall.

¢ A Broward County woman was enthusiastically discussing the Faith with regulars at a coffee shop after attending a fireside and the

Eula M. Milliken chats with Richard Hobbs, administrator of the Baha’i Home in Wilmette, Illi Naw-Riz party. nois, where she has lived just over five years. A woman of lovable charisma, full of laughter and

The executive producer of “Adam’s World,” a radio talk show, smiles, Milliken started attending firesides in nearby Highland Park with Hobbs. Earlier this

called and asked to interview a Baha’s. A member of the Media Task year, at age 78, she became the first resident of the Baha’i Home to sign a declaration card.

Force has been in contact with him.

Another caller, a radio station owner, said he would like to meet

SEE FLORIDA, PAGE 34°

She shared that her heart always has held Baha’i principles. Asked about her feelings upon declaring, she said, “Actually, it’s comforting. | feel | have a friend, Baha’u’llah.” The Baha’i Home, a residence for the elderly, was established in 1958 as a dependency of the House of Worship. Photo by Vladimir Shilov,

formation submitted by Ellyn Jaresko

L UNITY

° ACTION

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA ahé’is here are using The Power of Race Unity to enhance a program to

introduce visitors to the contributions of their state’s earliest known Baha’is.

Forty-three students and seven teachers from a middle school near Charlotte came on a tour bus May 14 to visit the Wilmington Baha’i center, a home donated by Felice Sadgwar, a wellknown African-American believer, upon her passing in 1988.

A well-received short program shared the history of the black community in the area, and a video titled The Talented Tenth—Heritage Rediscovered introduced the story of the Sadgwar family and that of nine others. Selections from The Power of Race Unity also were presented.

A brief talk was given about the Faith and how Frederick Sadgwar and his family were introduced to the Faith by the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory in 1923. He and his 12th child, Felice, became the first Baha’is in North Carolinawhose names are known.

Felice was a music teacher in the New Hanover County Schools and a piano instructor at home. Her sister Mabel Manly, who became a Baha’i in 1975, was an educator, nurse and horticulturist.

The Wilmington community has conducted similar tours in recent months, once as part of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s African-American Heritage Tour, and again for a comparative religion class from the university. Another was planned for late May.

SUBURBAN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS kokie, Evanston, Wilmette and other communities north of Chicago

pooled their resources to benefit from advertising outlets they previously thought unapproachable to promote and broadcast The Power of Race Unity.

Because several communities did not have the Odyssey channel on their cable systems, some arranged for broadcast on cable access channels. Then they bought advertising space not only on cable TV channels but also in local movie theaters, promoting the TV broadcasts as well as the weekly “Morning Fireside” radio program produced by the Baha’i community in nearby Highland Park.

‘These efforts ran alongside a sytematic fireside campaign.

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

aha’is have delivered copies of The

Power of Race Unity videotape to the city Human Rights Office and to Black Student Services at Colorado State University. Also, during the community's regular devotional meeting, about 25 people viewed the tape. And a Baha’ spoke in a class on multiculturalism for teachers being recertified.

PORTLAND, OREGON

Baha’ was asked to write a series of

ticles on the Faith for The Portland

Observer. The first will be on race unity.

An accompanying small ad will be

repeated for 12 weeks, inviting readers to

request information on race unity and the Faith. @

page 4 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

June 24, 1998 [Page 5]NATIONAL*TEACHING* PLAN

Kegional Institutes: ‘with efficiency and love’

egional Training Institutes have been created across the country in response to the Four Year Plan

directives of the Universal House of Justice calling for “centers of Baha’i learning” dedicated to “the raising up of large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.” Here, courtesy of the National Teaching Office and listed region by region, are profiles of the 18 Regional Training Institutes created by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Atlanta, Georgia area: The Atlanta

i in its initial

ic courses on “New Believin English and rming for Victory” in Eng: lish andi Persian, “Teaching the Cause of God” and Core Curriculum teacher training. About 350 bel completed at least one institute course in the last

‘he institute is launching the second phase of its plan to address the specific needs of Local Spiritual Assemblies a

registered groups. This will be with a trainin; tute offei local commun: June titled Course of the Message of the Univers House of Justice.” The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for all local believers to study the 155 B.E.

AAs fruit of its collaborative relationships, 13 Local Spiritual Assemblies and one group have hosted at least one training session.

Over the course of its operation, the Atlanta institute has also had several declarations during or following one of its training courses. At its first institute training in May 1997, one participant was a friend of the Baha’is and wanted to, participate with his wife. He had studied the Baha’f Faith for years, but had not yet declared. One week after he completed the training institute he declared himself a Bahai. He said this course alleviated his doubts and answered all his questions.

Following training courses, the AABI has noticed an increase in personal firesides in the area as well as an increased dedication among believers in offering their servi Since May 1997, more than 50 participants have volunteered to serve the institute in various capacities.

For information contact Rowena Rampersad, secretary,

Avondale Estates, GA (phone 404-299-8075, e-mail ).

30002

REGIONAL TRAINING | _INSTITUTE PROFILES

SOUTHERN STATES

Participants in a recent course on “Teaching the Cause of God,” organized by the Atlanta Area Baha’i Institute, gather for a group photo at the East Cobb Community Center in Roswell, Georgia. Photo courtesy National Teaching Office

Florida: The Magdalene Carney

Baha’i Institute has served for many years and was designated a regional training institute by the National Spiritual Asserhbly in February 1997.

‘This institute has developed a series of program tracks, each including various courses:

Track, A: basic spiritual enrichment.

‘Track B: Assembly and community

development.

Track C: social and economic development. This new track includes “The

Baha'i SED Project” and two literacy courses.

About 450 believers have completed at least one institute course. The institute has plans to develop three new cours ching Christians,” “Teaching Jewish People” and “How to Give a Successful Fireside.” They also plan on establishing a training session for junior youth.

The Carney institute is in the process of establishing an infrastructure at the local level. An example has been the creation of study groups of two to nine believers, who meet weekly for a few hours to study an institute course. This is in addition to the systematic training regularly offered.

These study groups have inspired a greater desire to serve and an enhanced unity among the believers. In some cases, teaching teams have been formed. ‘The institute hopes to establish 30 study groups statewide in the third year of the Four Year Plan. It also hopes to attract 20% of all believers in Florida to be course participants.

Institute courses are used in weekly or biweekly sessions with the Baha’i Youth Workshop and Persian and Latino

believers in southern Florida.

To further collaboration, the MCBI asks Local Spiritual Assemblies to help make preparations for its courses. The institute also is in close collaboration with the Florida State Teaching Committee and the Latin Task Force in South Florida.

For information contact Richard Bauman, secretary,

Jacksonville, FL 32224 (phone 904-992-1826, e-mail

).

South Texas: The Mathew Kaszab

Regional Training Institute, serving the Lower Rio Grande Valley and reaching believers on the border in Mexico, has been in operation for a year and a half.

It has offered Ruhi trainings and has designed courses geared toward further helping Local Spiritual Assemblies understand the role of training institutes and aiding them in creating local teaching plans, also bringing area Auxiliary Board members into this collaboration.

About 30 believers have completed at least one training institute course. An exciting impact of these efforts came last summer when the institute offered to train participants preparing for a teaching project proposed by individual Baha'is. This training was a key motivation for surrounding Local Spiritual Assemblies to endorse the teaching project and thus forge an enthusiastic collaboration.

For information contact Wig De Moville, McAllen, TX 78504 (e-mail

).

District of Columbia area: The

Metro Washington D.C. Regional

Training Institute has operated for eight months and planned its first course

will include the spiritual nature of the Local Spiritual Assembly, consultation, the application of spiritual and administrative principles, and the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly in teaching.

The insti of most nearby Spiritual A consult about the type of training courses most urgently needed. That consultation made it clear that area Baha’ require immediate training in teaching the Faith and building strong communities.

For information contact Rassekh-Milani, secretary, Charlottesville, VA 22903 804-979-1927, e-mail

mblies to

Leila

(phone ).

North Carolina: The North Carolina Regional Training Institute has

operated for seven months and recently held its first course, “The Path Toward Spirituality,” taught by Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai and co-sponsored with the Spiritual Assembly of Asheville. ‘This course was offered for youth across the state and had 31 participants.

Future course offerings are to include “Raising the Call to Serve,” in the Triangle area and in Charlotte; and “The Power of Race Unity” for the next six months in the state’s five major urban centers. The institute plans to target these five urban areas to offer Core Curriculum courses and will offer other specialized courses periodically across the state.

For information contact Lola Schap pell, secretary, Kernersville, NC 27284 (phone 336-9929855, e-mail ).

North Texas: The North Texas

Regional Training Institute has operated for nine months and has prepared a year’s schedule of courses. The institute has also surveyed area Local Spiritual Assemblies for assessment of needs and created a brochure of its course offerings.

Recently the institute held a Ruhi training was held for assistants to the Auxiliary Board members, and a course for training facilitators. Immediate goals include beginning systematic curriculum development, raising the presence of the institute in the community, and offering courses on social and economic development.

The board of directors has already

‘SEE SOUTHERN STATES, PAGE 34

June 24,1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS page 5 [Page 6]

MEMNGENTRAL sTA

Columbus, Ohio area: Through

the Dorothy Baker Regional Training Institute, in its nine months, about 60 participants have completed at least one course.

Recent highlights include a course facilitated by Auxiliary Board member Hoda Mahmoudi on “The Covenant and Effective Teaching” as well as an institute facilitated by Gwen EtterLewis titled “Reclaiming our Spiritual Heritage: African-American Women in the Baha’i Faith.”

The institute is actively focusing on building harmonious _ relationships among area Local Spiritual Assemblies, the Olivia Kelsey Baha’i School, the Columbus Baha’i Teaching Institute and the Inter-Community Teaching Committee. Race unity will be an overriding theme for future institutes.

The summer course schedule includes training institutes on “Love for the Institutions,” “Living the Life,” “The Joy of Service” and “The Power of Divine Assistance.”

‘To establish a presence in the community, the institute has developed a brochure and is seeking innovative ways of delivering its curricula. The board of directors wishes to help Assemblies in the creation of local teaching plans and is striving to become servants of the greater Columbus community.

For information contact Ben Koen,

secretary, Columbus, OH 43228 (phone 614-853-9433, e-mail ).

St. Louis, Missouri area: Since the

Gateway Regional Training Institute offered its first course in September 1996, about 120 believers have completed at least one course, primarily Core Curriculum courses.

Gateway was the first regional institute in the country to present a Core Curriculum Race Unity Workshop, and it is seeking to develop a race unity pro

gram to meet the needs in its region. ‘To enhance the teaching skills in their area, t institute is pi nting the

course “Every Believer is a Teacher” and developing a concurrent program to promote teaching skills in children.

Another highlight is a “Seeker Follow-up” system. In collaboration with Local Spiritual Assemblies and communities, Gateway has actively trained at least one person per Baha’i community in the “We are Baha’is” course for new believers, hoping to facilitate prompt consolidation of new declarants.

‘To develop a communication network in its area, Gateway is setting up point people at several localities to communicate needs and resources back to the board of directors.

Gateway feels the impact of its programs has inspired believers to arise to greater levels of service and increased regional cohesion.

For information’ contact Dianne Nagy, secretary, St. Louis, MO 63116-4841 (phone 314773-1293, e-mail

).

¢ Milwaukee, Wisconsin area: The

Milwaukee Metro Regional Training Institute has been in operation for nine months. Last fall, the board of directors held a retreat with the Auxiliary Board members serving their area to assess needs and consult on creating a loving environment.

In the winter, the board of directors held a series of gatherings for the Local Spiritual Assemblies, registered groups and individuals in the greater Milwaukee area, to introduce the institute concept. They included music, devotions and consultation on how the institute can best serve the training needs of the

. Milwaukee area.

With the help of the feedback from those meetings, the institute is to begin offering its first course, “To Serve the Covenant,” in June. It is planning a course schedule for the next year and seeking to find at least one core location to hold courses regularly, with additional courses being offered in a wide variety of locations.

For information contact Carolyn Paik, secretary,

Delafield, WI 53018-3019 (phone 414-646-3769, e-mail

).

Minnesota: The Minnesota Baha’i

Institute was founded in 1986. As the Four Year Plan calls for an evolution of teaching institutes into centers of Baha’i learning, the MBI was designated a regional training institute by the National Spiritual Assembly in January 1997.

This institute is offering the courses “From Believers to Teachers,” “Consultation Intensive Series” and “Race Unity Workshop” simultaneously in different parts of the state. About 150 believers have completed at least one institute course in the last year. The institute will play a significant role in the upcoming Minnesota Baha’{ Summer School.

On average, the institute offers a course every other week, with plans soon to offer at least one course a week within the state. Its main goal this year is to establish collaborative relationships with Local Spiritual Assemblies statewide and become a part of their local teaching plans.

The MBI is developing a number of new courses, including “Living the Life as a Bahs’i Youth,” “Response to Opposition,” “Marriage and Baha’i Life” and an audio series on “Inspirational Baha’i Stories.”

The institute recently completed a statewide survey and will be developing new surveys for specific target groups. It is maintaining a Web site, and the board is excited that individuals are approaching the institute asking to be trained.

Loving and close attention received from Auxiliary Board members over the years, the board feels, has been a key to the institute’s development.

For information contact Robert Moshrefzadeh, secretary, Oakdale, MN 55128 5345 (phone 612-739-4304, e-mail .¢

eee Regional Training Institute Conferences hosted by the National Education Task Force helped strengthen the network of training institutes nationwide, provided a forum for consultation, and addressed the specific needs of f the regional training institutes.

The conference for the Southern region was held April 10-12 in Atlanta, Georgia;

institute, members of the Regional Baha'i Councils, Auxiliary Board members and members of the National Education Task Force and the National ‘Teaching Committee.:! ‘Topics included networking among the institutes, needs assessment, administration of training institutes and available educational programs.

Series of conferences helps institutes clarify their paths to service

“[The institute conference in Atlanta] provided

for the Western a wonderful forum the Counselors region April 17-19 at before the end of Bosch Baha’i School; for boards of conference. and for the Central giyectors to share — Mahyar_—Mofidi, and Northeastern P member of the regions April 24.26 their successes — Regional —_Baha’i at Louhelen Baha’i ” Council of — the School. and challenges.” corte States, sid Each conference —Mahyar Mofidi, the conference “prowas attended by Regional Baha’i Council vided a wonderful boards of directors member forum for boards of representing each directors to share regional _ training their successes and

A highlight of each conference was a letter addressed to the participants from members of the Continental Board of Counselors offering five points for consultation. In Atlanta, when participants received the letter halfway into the conference, they immediately adjusted the agenda to consult on the letter. They then faxed the results of their deliberations to

challenges and was a significant first step towards networking among the institutes.” Each conference displayed the dedication of the boards of directors to’ further understand their role, to carry out their duties, and to foster the evolution of the regional training institutes into permanent centers of Baha’ learning.

MWrstern states

Arizona: The Arizona Regional

Training Institute has operated for nine months and is in the process of assessing needs, selecting courses and developing resources.

It is studying local teaching plans from Spiritual Assemblies throughout the state, and hopes to offer cou alignment with specific teaching nee:

The institute would like to plac: major emphasis on youth development and teaching, as weil as training youth to serve in administrative roles. The institute is also creating a database of staff and volunteers.

For information Streets, secretary,

Scottsdale, AZ 85259 (phone 602-451-4119, e-mail

contact Donald

.

Colorado: The Columbine Regional Training Institute has operated for

10 months. It is offering training from Parts 1 and 2 of the “Fundamental Verities” course created by the National Education Task Force and plans to offer Part 3. Ten believers have completed at least one institute course with an overall participation of 30 believers.

The institute is further exploring Ruhi training and other methods. It will be offering courses on “ of Learning” and hopes to deliver training at a Baha’i summer school. A g ‘0 triple the number of its partici in the third year of the Four Year Pla:

It is collaborating with the Colorado East Baha’i Schools Committee, local training institutes, Auxiliary Board members serving the area and Local Assemblies.

‘The Columbine institute is just beginning to see impact from its programs. During one class of “Every Believer Teacher,” a veteran believer remar! that she needed to change her whole life and center it around teaching the Cause of God. Other participants also have responded enthusiastically.

For information contact Kathy Staller, Secretary, Brook Hollow,

Evergreen, CO 80439 (phone 303-674-1478, e-mail

)¢ Oregon: The Oregon Regional Training Institute. has operated for nine months and plans to begin offering courses in the fall.

page 6

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

June 24, 1998 [Page 7]

the Four Year.Plan works where a systematic approach is understood and applied.”

¢ “[Systematization] implies an orderliness of approach in all that pertains to Baha’i service ...”

“(Systematization] suggests the need

to be clear-headed, methodical, efficient, constant, balanced and harmonious.”

‘he Ridvan 155 message from the

Universal House of Justice, as quoted in the passages above, refers again and again to systematization— the arrangement of ideas in an ordered system. Much of the message emphasizes the need for persistent, methodical action.

The National Teaching Plan, to which most U.S. communities have committed themselves, also calls for a systematic approach to accelerating the process of entry by troops: setting goals and developing specific lines of action, then assessing progress.

‘The National Teaching Committee suggests local communities develop a long-range teaching plan that includes arranging for broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity, increasing local fireside activity, sponsoring devotional gatherings, and holding training institutes and deepenings.

Preparing systematically around the ‘most challenging issue’

While Baha'is have been in the forefront of the struggle to eliminate racial prejudice since the early part of this century, we are now called upon to look at the way in which we engage in this struggle. When we actively promote the principle of the oneness of mankind, the “pivot round which all the teachings of Baha’u'llah revolve,” we would do well to reflect on the advice of the Guardian:

“Tesis difficult for the friends to always 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.” (Pupil of the Eye, p. 87)

Although Baha’is are generally more aware and better-prepared to answer questions about racial unity and its implications, we must clearly stand far above anything else that is being used or touted. In light of the Ridvan 155 message, we must exert ourselves in a more orderly, methodical and persistent manner than ever before. In fact, the Universal House of Justice goes further to assert, “Becoming accustomed to such a procedure of systematic striving lends meaning and fulfilment to the life of any Baha’i.”

To help Baha’is systematically strive toward making racial equity a reality,"a series of workshops has been developed to complement the program The Power of Race Unity.

The first workshop for Baha’is is designed to assist the believers to be

wise, considerate and systematic in their preparation for teaching communities about “the most challenging issue” facing this country. This day-long workshop begins by constructing the spiritual framework for race unity work and gives a historic overview of what Baha’is have done to promote racial equality since the early 1900s.

‘The workshop helps participants delve deeply into the National Assembly’ statement The Vision of Race Unity, then look closely at how Baha'i writings answer common questions and concerns related to issues of race. It concludes with training on how to lead discussions with sensitivity and wisdom, and then an opportunity to develop specific steps to take for inviting guests to view The Power of Race Unity.

The five follow-up workshops, designed to be used as firesides and based on material in the first workshop, have been well-received. Baha'is are discovering how eager people are to talk about vital issues like racial prejudice and to learn how to actively and systematically take steps to promote oneness.

Each Assembly was recently mailed a copy of the workshops. If you would like an additional copy of the packet, please call the Education and Schools Office at the Baha’f National Center, (phone 847733-3495, e-mail: ). We have suggested a $5 donation payable to Baha'i Services Fund-Workshops, for each packet to cover the cost of printing and postage.

In October, the institute surveyed all the Local Spiritual Assemblies in Oregon and designated seven areas of training needs: deepening new believers, individual teaching skills/holding firesides, race unity, Local Spiritual Assembly development/strategic teaching plan development, programs for youth/mobilizing youth as teachers, teaching specific populations, and training children’s class teachers. These areas are all in different stages of course development.

The institute provided a full-day orientation for 50 prospective faculty of its role and responsibilities. This January gathering was joined by members of the Auxiliary Board and the Regional Baha’ Council of the Western States.

In April, the Oregon institute also invited select teachers to review and develop materials for courses.

For information contact Lyn Martin,

Corvallis, OR 97330 (phone 541-745-7916, e-mail

)* Southern New Mexico: The Rio Grande Regional Training Institute has operated for a year and a half. Its courses, offered in English and Spanish,

have drawn about 60 participants, some from Far West Texas.

The courses focus on elements of unity, skill development and memorization, spiritual transformation and use of the arts.

The institute hopes to survey local communities and stay in touch with Assemblies to find out more about needs in its area of service and align its courses to those needs. It also hopes to increase the institute’s faculty and will create oneday courses to encourage greater

participation by the believers.

One outcome of the programs has been the reactivation of believers in an area with a registered group. Through increased community activity and teaching inspired by the efforts of the training: institute, the believers formed a Local Spiritual Assembly.

For information contact Carolyn Staples, secretary, c/o Silver Sun,

. Santa Fe, NM 87501 (phone 505-466-2137, e-mail

B

Southern California: The Southern

California Regional Training Insti WESTERN STATES

tute, in its eight months, has offered two courses with 75 believers participating.

The institute plans to incorporate selected Core Curriculum trainers and Ruhi tutors as staff. It also plans, in colJaboration with Auxiliary Board members in its area, to develop a new assistants training course.

A goal of the SoCal institute is to focus on the issue of race unity until the end of the Four Year Plan. They have held a “Towards Oneness Training” for facilitators, conducted by Tod Ewing and Wilma Ellis, members of the Continental Board of Counselors. The facilitators will help staff the institute and will go to assigned areas to deliver this course.

In the third year of the Four Year Plan, the institute hopes to provide opportunities for every Baha’i in southern California to participate in the “Toward Oneness” training institute.

Serving the largest concentration of Bahda’is in the United States, the SoCal RTI is in close collaboration with its Auxiliary Board members to promote their efforts in one voice to the community. They are also seeking to appoint an

Boston, Massachusetts area: The

Boston Regional Training Institute had its board appointed in February.

In the spirit of training itself to foster love and unity, the board of directors has participated in a session based on the compilation “Towards Oneness,” facilitated by Auxiliary Board member Barbara Markert.

The institute has begun consultation on course development and needs assessment for the Boston area. ‘The board is focusing on the role of discussion in participatory methods and on the importance of further unlocking the transformative power of the Baha’i Writings.

Many of the institute’s future courses. will be geared toward university students and Baha’i college clubs.

For information contact Rosenthal, secretary,

Natick, MA (phone 508-655-2442, email ). 3

Rochester, New York area: The

board of the Rochester Regional Training Institute, appointed in February, has elected officers and has begun initial planning, needs assessment and course selection to meet the needs of its area.

‘The institute hopes to utilize the media and publicity opportunities abundant in the Rochester area.

Plans include course offerings on the principle of the oneness of humanity, children’s classes, youth and developing effective teachers of the Cause.

For information contact John Joyce, secretary, Sodus Point,

Caren

NY 14555 (phone 315-483-8223, e-mail .¢

executive director to guide the efforts of their institute.

For information contact Joannie Yuille, secretary, PO Box 857, Monrovia, CA 91017 (phone 818-358-8254, e-mail ). ¢ Washington/North Idaho: The Washington/Northern Idaho Regional Training Institute has operated for six months. In April, it held orientation classes in two locations for one of four courses on “The Dispensation of Baha’u’llih.” A total of 39 prospective facilitators and administrative staff attended. In June, they will complete facilitator training for the three remaining course offerings on Feast and devotional meetings, institutions of the Faith and individual teaching focusing on fireside teaching. All courses will focus on a participatory method.

‘The institute hopes to incorporate the use of the arts in its programs. It has designated eight areas within the region to hold courses.

For - information contact Richard Schaut, Woodinville, WA 98072 (phone 425-486-8908, e-mail +

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

‘page 7 [Page 8]

Pioneering: frequenthy asked questions

he Office of Pioneering seeks to raise up, assist and prepare pioneers, youth and adult, and traveling teachers to respond effectively to the international goals of the current Plan. This article is the first in a series of three answering many frequently asked questions about Serving internationally. A NEW PATTERN FOR SERVICE

At the conclusion of the Holy Year, with the initiation of the Three Year Plan, a new pattern for international service was revealed. In a letter dated March 8, 1995, addressed to a National piritual Assembly, the Universal House of Justice described this new pattern, stating:

“The friends are to consider the entire world as the arena for pioneering and travel-teaching; they are being called upon to fulfill according to their own possibilities, the needs of the Faith in any country or territory or where doors open to them. ... [I]n principle, any believer who arises and leaves his home for the purpose of serving the Cause and settles in another place is a pioneer. Short-term pioneers are those who spend a relatively short period of time in a place, usually from six months to two years, but, under special circumstances, as little as three months. ... Traveling teachers are, of se, those who travel from their place of residence to other localities for the purpose of promoting the interests of the Faith, individually or as participants in projects and programs. Youth-year-ofservice volunteers working in the international field would fall into one or the other of the above categories, depending on their circumstances. ...”

Q: I want to serve internationally,

but | am not sure what I can do.

Ace are many ways open to everyone desiring to serve internationally.

Service on a short-term basis from a few days to three months is considered traveling teaching. This can be done in conjunction with vacation, business, study opportunities, teaching projects within a country, summer or winter schools and any other activities.

For stays of longer than six months, and in special circumstances as little as three months (sometimes as long as you are able to get a visa to some countries) you can serve as a short-term pioneer.

For more permanent’stays of a year or longer, you would be serving as a longterm pioneer. This includes youth serving through the Baha'i Youth Service Corps.

The needs of the Faith throughout the world are diverse and require the talents and abilities of every willing believer. Every pioneer and traveling teacher can play a needed part, from assisting the administration and development of teaching institutes to direct mass proclamation and teaching work, assisting the development of social and economic development projects and Local Spiritual Assemblies, and fostering the unity and development of the local community in reaching new strata of society.

Q: Now that I’ve decided to serve internationally, what do | do? our first step is to contact your Local Assembly. If you do not live under the jurisdiction of an Assembly, contact one close to you whose members. may know you. If there are no Assemblies nearby, turn to your Auxili Board member to consult on your d to serve internationally, to initiate your preparation, and to receive either the ‘Traveling ‘Teaching or Pioncer/Baha’i Youth Service Corps Volunteer form. ‘The Assembly or Auxiliary Board member will also fill out an evaluation form for you An Assembly or Auxiliary Board member may contact the Office of Pioneering to receive the forms. Complete and send the forms as soon as you can to the Office of Pio

“The friends are

to consider the

entire world as the arena for

ing power of Bahd’u’ll4h, set out to serve the cause of his Lord in distant lands.” The Office of Pioneering will work closely with you on your plans for serving abroad, providing as much information as available about both the needs of the Faith and the general conditions in s of interest and guidance for ions. Q: Are there any special preparations | should be aware of? Ver preparation will be both spiritual and material. The first step is to plan to attend a Pioneer/BYSC/SITA

T Institute where you be intensively isted with all aspects

preparing for inten tional service. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

Begin to deepen on

pioneering, teaching and service to the

neering, enclosing a pioneering and Cause. The Office of résumé if possible. Make «yy Pioneering includes in sure your Assembly or travel-teaching.” the packet initially sent

Auxiliary Board member has sent in the evaluation form, too.

Another very important step is to consult with your family to make sure your service will be a source of unity. This is essential whether you are a youth or an adult, single, married, divorced, or in a year of waiting, especially if you plan to pioneer for a length of time. The Office of Pioneering is available to consult with you about any concerns your family may have.

Rely heavily on prayer, meditation and consultation. In its letter of June 27, 1993, introducing the “new pattern for the pioneer call” to the Baha’is of the world, the Universal House of Justice advises: “Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular experience, inclinations and possibil he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirm

—Universal House of Justice

— a ____

to you a bibliography of Baha'i

books and ns that will al to you no matter how you plan to serve. Th materials are also available from your Local Spiritual Assembly.

Develop and maintain spiritual

habits essential to your service. These include prayer, meditation, reading the Writings and memorizing them, if you can. These steps will strengthen your firmness in the Covenant and provide you with the confidence to teach our beloved Faith wisely.

Since a central role of the pioneer

and traveling teacher is to teach the Faith, whether directly or indirectly, the more you practice systematic teaching now the easier and more effective should be your service in another community.

Obedience to the Institutions i:

critical spiritual discipline to practice

People to call at the Office of Pioneering

The Office of Pioneering at the Baha’i National Center has reorganized

in recent months to more efficiently handle inquiries from various _ regions of the United States. If you wish to ask about pioneering or

international teaching, contact the consultant for your region:

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

SOUTHERN REGION: Amanda Respess (phone 847-733-3507, e-mail )

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

OR YOU MAY CONTACT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING AT: 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

beginning with your preparation for serving abroad and continuing at your post. This will save you hardship and difficulties, as the Institutions are best able to guide you in serving the needs of the Faith in the community under their jurisdiction. LOGISTICAL STEPS

Once you have been introduced to

them by the Office of Pioneering and addresses have been provided to you, tell your plans to the National Spiritual Assembly of the country where you are going. They should be able to best answer your questions about preparing spiritually and materially for service in their particular community.

Begin to learn as much as you can of

the language, and about the history and culture of your goal area(s).

If you do not have one, apply for a

passport as soon as possible. Investigate the kind of visa you will need and how long it is likely to take to acquire it. Basic information about vi: and other requirements for U.S. ens, as well as current phone numbers for most consulates and emb: is available through the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs (Web _ site http://travel.state.gov).

¢ If you lack sufficient financial reserve to fund. your projected service, prepare a budget reflecting what you have available, what you can earn before your departure, and what you need to meet the requirements of your service. Present this to your Local Spiritual Assembly and ask its assistance. It is appropriate for your Assembly, rather than you as an individual, to make your need known to your community, other Assemblies or individuals. Your Assembly may also set up a fund-raising plan for you, taking into consideration the needs and resources of the community. In addition, the Office of Pioneering is available for consultation about possibilities for deputization.

Begin early to take care that your

personal concerns are in order: financial, legal, health, immigration, etc. You do not leave your problems behind you when you settle abroad. It is important to take care of these issues so you may be free to teach and serve as well as adapt to your new post. One source of information about vaccinations is the Centers for Disease Control (Web site http://www.cdc.gov). If you are planning to be abroad for an extended period, ignate a trusted friend or relative with power of attorney to handle any legal matters or property concerns.

Since your airline ticket is likely to

be your largest single expense in serving internationally, shop wisely. Check with more than one international travel agency, especially those owned by indiuals from the country you plan to it, as they sometimes have connection to inexpensive airlines. The Office of Pioneering has some helpful information, usually of a general nature, about international travel.

page 8 THE AMERICAN BANA’i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

June 24, 1998 [Page 9]

Service in Namibia leaves enduring ‘traces’

Namibia, an African nation whose language is similar to German. As an interracial couple—Moses is African-American and Ursula is German—they presented a

n its Ridvan 155 letter to the Baha’is of

the world, the Universal House of Jus tice paints a picture of the historic window of opportunity we have before us in the last two years of this century.

The House points out that not only is it a window of opportunity, but an inescapable responsibility. “In extolling the unprecedented potential of the twentieth century, the beloved Master averred forever. Seized ion, 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.”

TIES OF HERITAGE

‘Two Baha'is from South Carolina found their answer in short-term pioneering. Moses and Ursula Richardson, who live in rural Lydia, South Carolina, decided they could give three months to pioneering. ‘They chose Namibia, in southern Africa, as their destination in response to the call of the Universal House of Justice in the Four Year Plan for the North American Baha’fs to “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 [them] ...”

‘The Richardsons were in a unique position to serve the needs of the Faith in

ROCHESTER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Pee eerccccccccccccccccccccces

students’ artwork from around the area. The colorful and inspiring works were on display in the lobby of the School of the Arts be and after the performance.

A group of four Bahd around Rochester had worked eight months to produce the program, in hopes it would help galvanize the en community. Care was taken to invite participation by many cultural and re! gious group:

Sach week for many months, committee members met, prayed together, and found themselves “falling in love with each other's spirit” and complementing each other's strengths, a report from the organizers said.

“As the event drew closer, one obstacle and hurdle after another melted away, as countless members of the community arose and outpourings of heavenly confirmation displayed themselves.

“When the moment came, the committee was awestruck at the clear presence of Baha’u’llah and the Concourse on High,” the report said.

The concert was interpreted for the hearing-impaired, and the interpreter declared her faith in Baha’u’llah less

s from in and

new model of a unified family in an area where racial differences have been critical.

After overcoming several obstacles, including bronchitis, a broken wrist and

“As Moses [Richardson] put it, ‘We come with no agenda but are here to do whatever

we are asked to.’”

—Ursula Richardson, about pioneering in Namibia rr

pneumonia, on Aug. 27, 1997, the Richardsons were on their way to Namibia.

Upon their arrival they were asked by the Baha’ institutions to settle in a special region of the country where there were no other pioneers and to help the local Baha’is effect “a transformation which will lay the foundation for entry by troops in

Following a few days of traveling teaching, firesides and visits with local Baha’s

Moses and ula drove to their new home. They had the bounty of staying with a local Baha’t family during their time in this city. Wrsula recorded that “Just see- expres and happiness that we actually stayed in their home and shared what

ever all we could put together, created a very special bond.”

While in the city, they joined the local in many activities including Sunday prayer meetings and firesides. They helped identify youth who wanted to teach children’s classes for the community and supported them in conducting the lessons.

TEACHING, CONSOLIDATION

In addition to making many local contacts for the Faith and collecting signatures to establish a National Race Unity Day, they helped carry forward the consolidation of the friends in the community. They compiled deepening materials on subjects of importance to the local believers and assisted deepening on the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

While the Richardsons were in this special region of the country, the community saw nine new friends declare their belief in Baha'u'llah.

In a note to the Office of Pior Ursula wrot

ring, hort-term pioneering ... has its unique challenges both for us and the community/country we went to.” She explains, “We did not have that much time to ‘set up house’ as we would if we pioneered for a long time. That made us feel more ‘we need to do something.’ Neverput it, ‘We come with no

agenda but are here to do whatever we are asked to, I brought only my prayer book and the Hidden Words’—for me it was nd “The Power of ed very well h a good time and we re truly thankful for this

learned a lot. We opportunity.” @

Avery special set of performers captured the hearts of the audience at the “Celebration of the Oneness of Humanity.” Photo by Glenn Egli, Rochester, NY

than a week after the performance.

Eyen the preparations were an inspiration, as one Baha’{ reported about a friend who helped in the kitchen:

“T told [the friend] that I was going early to help set up and she wanted to help, too. I couldn’t get her out of the kitchen. I mentioned that she should go eat, but she insisted that she was having fun. ‘I feel like I belong here.’ She saw the multicolored, multi-aged family working together. She saw and heard adolescents respecting adults

and helping eagerly. She asked many questions about the Faith and kept saying, ‘I’ve been looking so long for this.”

As a result of the program, a newly energized community is at work to ensure that the momentum released by this event is not lost, already planning future events and activities to advance the process of entry by troops. —Submitted by Roya Bauman, Alloysia Haynes, Carl Appleton and Jaci Ayorinde of Rochester, New York

GLOBAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

TEACHING PROJECTS

Baltic States: Dr. Muhajir Mass-Teaching Project, Jul

Bolivia: Permanent ‘Teaching Project, Santa Cruz.

Botswana: John Robarts Long-Term ‘Teaching Project.

Cameroon: ‘Teaching projects, including one affiliated with a regional institute center for training new believers.

Caribbean: Luces del Caribe Teaching Project throughout the region.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Nine zonal teaching projects.

Ecuador: Expansion and Consolidation Project.

El Salvador: Assisting in ongoing deeping and social and economic development projects at the Badasht Insitute, Jamaliyyth

Insitute, and New Garden Baha’i Institute.

Guatemala: Assisting in teaching, consolidation/deepening, and human resource development projects at the Ruhiyyih Project, Chimaltenago Shiraz Project, and the

National Network of Institutes.

Guyana: On the Wings of Words Literacy Project.

Hungary: Békéscaba Long-Term ‘Teaching Project.

Ivory Coast: Various teaching projects.

Jamaica: Assisting teaching and consolidation efforts including the William Sears Teaching Project, assisting Baha'i Youth Workshops, and helping with a radio show.

Madagascar: Roddy Lutchmaya Long ‘Term Teaching Project.

Malawi: Ongoing teaching projects.

Mexico: Furutan Project—teaching on college campuses, and an exchange program with the Huasteca Potosina.

Romania: National “Queen Maria” July

Russia: Marion

Slovenia and Croati Croatian Teaching Plan.

Solomon Islands: 1-3 months assisting a Bahai Youth Workshop, teaching, and developing creative youth activities in a rural village.

Sweden: Teaching Project.

Zambia: Various rural teaching projects. (CONFERENCES, SCHOOLS AND EVENTS Bahamas: Summer School, July 6-18.

Brazil: National Unity Conference, June 11-14.

Colombia: July 3-5.

France: Summer School, Aug. 22-29.

Hungary: Summer School, Aug. 17-23.

New Zealand: Association for Bahda’i Studies Conference, July 1-12.

Sweden: Training seminar for developing skills to teach the Faith.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, email: ) for:

Further information about these and

other urgent needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers.

Schedule of summer schools, deepening

institutes and Baha’{ camps in Canada and the 1998 program of the Landegg Academy in Switzerland.

Updates on projects and events.

aching Project

Slovenian and

National Youth Conference,

June 24, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA

BRIEFLY

“LIFTED UP” IN SPRINGFIELD Musical and dramatic performances proclaimed the Faith at one of Springfield, Illinois’ most distinguished churches, in an April 25-26 event that drew many seekers and people of capacity.

Caroline Mackay of Duncan, British Columbia, using her voice and harp, “raised the call of Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha in such an effective and wonderful way that the souls of the audience were truly ‘lifted up unto the realm on high,” the Springfield community reports.

After her Saturday night performace at the First Presbyterian Church—which was the church of the Abraham Lincoln’s family, recently renovated to be one of the premier halls for musical performance— the pastor invited Mackay to sing at the regular Sunday morning service.

SAN ANTONIO RISING The two-year-old musical group Los Nice Guys in San Antonio, Texas, is no longer toddling but running as bookings pour in from non-Bahé’t organizations.

The group formed at the beginning of the Four Year Plan, inspired by its emphasis on the arts. With anywhere from one to four of its members, the group has performed for an AA retreat, a city-sponsored Earth Day event, a new age church and a women’s meeting of the National Conference.

The San Antonio Baha’i community has a well-focused race unity campaign under way, centered around the distribution of Unity Ribbons. Band members give these ribbons out at every concert and ask people to wear them in support of race unity.

The music of Los Nice Guys, written by Larry Magee, includes upbeat country songs such as “I’m a Buddhist-Baptist-Catholic-Jew,” lively songs of Baha’i Scripture in Spanish, some rock and blues, and slower lyrical songs in both Spanish and English.

Los Nice Guys can be contacted at

San Antonio, TX 78232 (daytime phone 210-4911235, e-mail ). @

(From left) Tiara Green, Anna Cordova, Juli Cordova and a friend gather in the wings as the Metro Denver Baha’i Choir (upper right) breaks between songs. Photo courtesy Denver Baha'i community

DENVER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Peer ccc rec ccccccccccc ccc cecsecs cee esseesesseseceesseseeees

Channel 11 from Colorado Springs, were there, as were the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News.

An April 14 article in the Post—placed next to the daily weather map—is probably what sparked interest from Channel 9. That station conducted advance interviews and broadcast announcements about the event starting with its 6 o’clock news April 17.

At that point, Global Visions’ phone started “ringing off the hook,” RedsonSmith reported.

‘The announcement aired all weekend, with “Metro Denver Baha’i Center, 99 S. Grant St.” displayed across the screen. Channel 9 interviewed Dozier on its morning news the day of the concert.

The positive coverage continued the next week, when Channels 7 and 9, reporting on issues involving race, referred to the unity presented by the concert.

In addition to Mueller, honorees were Mary Ann Castellano of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, who moved many to tears with her brief comments on her work with the bombing victims; the Rev.

Lucia Guzman, executive director of the Colorado Council of Churches; and Robin Finegan and Krista Flannigan, co-directors of the Colorado/Oklahoma Resource Council, a coalition of victim/witness assistance professionals.

At the end of the awards ceremony, Susan Lewis Wright sang “Bird,” about the soul taking its flight to the next world.

The sponsors are meeting to discuss making this joyous, community-building activity an annual event, and one of Denver’s most prominent women in gospel music (nationally known as well) wants to be part of it next year.

Discussions are under way to continue a gospel/multicultural singing group, as well as a band. All the non-Baha’i participants in the choir said they want to come back to the center to continune singing or attend programs.

The event followed on the heels of a successful benefit concert staged by Global Visions in December, titled “Songs from a Persian Garden.” The event, which drew 400 people, featured several vocal, instrumental and dance soloists as well as the Denver choir.

Teaching, giving closely linked

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

« Tt [the teacher] also strive to

‘obtain adequate knowledge of the Teachings and reflect the virtues of that knowledge in his daily life.” —Universal House of Justice, Ridvin 1984 message to the United States

Here is one of those teachings: “...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 elimin: ” —Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Dec. 8, 1947, to an individual believer

Other teachings: “The practice of giving to the Fund strengthens the connection between the believer and the Cause and enhances his identification with it.” — Universal House of Justice, Sept. 17, 1992

Also: “Contributing to the Baha’i fund constitutes an act of spiritual discipline which is an intrinsic element of the devotional life of the individual.” — Universal House of Justice, ibid.

‘The better teacher is one whose identification with the Cause is stronger, whose life reflects the virtues acquired from that identification, who can bring spiritual discipline to the task, whose devotional life is deeply rooted, vital and dynamic.

Prayer helps the teacher achieve these qualities; it’s interesting to know that giving does, too.

We tend to understand giving to the Fund as something we do for the Institutions. That may be why Assemblies are sometimes accused of always asking for more money, and why friends can get annoyed at the thought that they will be trying to get more from us.

But if we realize that giving is actually for our own benefit, to make us better Baha’is, the pattern changes. Giving is even for the benefit all those who thirst for the Faith. Giving will make us better teachers.

Teaching Skills Exercise 4: Challenging others to investigate the Faith

Sens people who hear about the ‘aith take the initiative to investigate it. However, many will never look into the Cause unless and until they are challenged to do so. Thus it is very important to learn the skill of challenging others to examine the claims of Baha’w’llah and His Faith.

‘The Universal House of Justice, in one of its messages, called upon Baha’f youth to “boldly challenge” and “invite” their contemporaries to “examine” the Cause and “join” the Army of Baha’u’llah. (Messages From the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 134)

In challenging others to investigate the Faith, we must balance courage with wisdom, audacity with tact. We must not proselytize, of course. Rather, the teacher should, in an appropriate manner, chal lenge those whom he feels have the capacity to be challenged.

We are told to “use great tact and challenge strong souls and lead weak souls.” (The Individual and Teaching #79) The approach depends on the teacher’ personality and relationship with the seeker.

Here are a few examples of how a teacher might challenge another to investigate the Faith:

¢ “If you are seeking tru you will find it in the Baha’ You should seriously consider investigating it.”

“You really should consider examining the Baha’ Faith. It will change your

life.”

“T believe the Baha’i Faith provides

the answers to the social and spiritual problems of our time. I challenge you to

put its answers to the test.”

“Many people adhere to the religion

of their parents, the religion they were born into. But this is simply an accident of nature, dependent upon where we were born. Should we not investigate other Faiths to see whether they may be true?”

“If you are strong in your own beliefs,

what do you have to lose in investigating the Baha’i Faith?”

° “The claim and the life of Baha’u’llah are so stupendous that they demand our scrutiny.”

¢ “Baha'u'llah is the Messenger of God for this day. I challenge you to investigate His claim.”

“Bahé’u'llah’s claim is so great that no

sincere Christian should fail to examine what Baha’u’llah has taught.”

“Baha’u'llah says, ‘This is the Day in

which mankind can behold the Face, and hear the Voice, of the Promised One.’ His claim is so great that it must be either true or false. Because there can be no middle ground, I urge you to investigate it for yourself.”

¢ “If Christ really has returned, wouldn’t you want to know?”

“What is our accountability on the

Judgment Day if we have rejected without investigating? Didn’t Jesus admonish us to watch?”

¢ “This is a matter of great spiritual urgency. Please do not dismiss it lightly.”

How do you challenge others to investigate the Faith?

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

page 10 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS —_June 24, 1998 [Page 11]epeagpras onscreen oe nat poner

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THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page 13

[Page 14]

i

~ ADMINISTERING the

How to make sense of a multitude of appeals for money contributions

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

M2 Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals have written or phoned to advise the Office of the ‘Treasurer and Development that inundated with appeals for money: local Baha’i centers 10 states away, youth projects and involving kids they hav of, teaching projects in countries half a world away. Then there are the more “normal” requests like the neighbors’ Arc fund-raiser. What do you do, these friend:

Fortunately, there is guidance. It involves priori ng borders, and independence.

PRIORITIES

he most challenging and

” was the rtion in a letter, written on

behalf of the Universal House of 1993, that set

Justice on Oct. 31, the Are as priority. least until 2000.

“The beloved Guardian has explained that the general and national interests of the Cause take precedence over local ones; thus contributions to local funds are sec

Believer discovers

Fe the start this column was designed to elicit questions, comments and responses from the readers. ‘To bolster its interactive nature from time to time we share some of the inspiring letters that tell of the impact of the sacred law of Hugqiiqu’llah in the lives of believers who obey it. Here is a recent one: “For several weeks I had found myself in an agitated state over the impoverished conditions of my fellow humans all over the planet. I was giving regularly to the Fund and believed that the Faith was the ultimate answer to these problems. But neither that knowledge nor the thought of giving more or of giving to non-Baha’i agencies concerned with world hunger—nor anything else I could think of doing. me a respite from my anxiety. Memories of suffering I had seen in Third World countries continued to haunt me, and I didn’t know what to do. “Then I heard there was to be a talk about Huqiqu’llah. I flew to that meeting! Before thea I had not paid attention to Huququ’llah. It was for me something that the Persian Baha that Americans were not yet obliged to observe. But at that meeting I heard about the spiritual

ondary to those to national funds,” wrote the U al House of Justice (Lights of Guidance, p. 259), confirming the principle that there is a hierarchy of need within the Administrative Order.

The progression is clear: The Arc, the International Fund, the Continental and N: and then the local fund. The magnitude of the financial requirements may differ, but the order of priority is unmistakable.

This allows us to screen or filter some of the requests that we get. Are we current, for example, on our goals for the National Baha’i Fund? If we are, then perhaps we can entertain the request for the youth trip, but if we are not, then the National Fund should come first.

CROSSING BORDERS

From time to time members of communities outside the U. tried various means to raise money here. The worth of the projects they seek to fund is rarely in question, but in line with the priorities, the National Spiritual Assembly has had to decline assistance in many cases. ‘The Universal House of Justice ‘has given guidance-on this matter, too:

“The House of Justice has advised

S. have

a number of National Spiritual Assemblies that they should not develop the habit of requesting pport from their and that in ¢: there are urgent or specia them ... they should turn to the House of Justice. ... You should respond with candor to the requ for financi stance you receive. The fact that you have decided resolutely to contribute as much as you to the International Funds of the aith is a sound reason for your inability to contribute to projects in other countries, except with respect to our collaboration goals. Indeed, it would be a good lesson to others to know that, at this critical period when the needs at the E World Center are so great, you are focusing your financial priorities in th The House of Justi sible to your concern about fundrai ing activities in the United States. ... As you know, knowledge about parlarly worthy projects is communicated by a myriad informal ways, and individuals in your community may thus be moved to contribute towards them. ... However, institu

SEE FUND APPEALS, PAGE 34

financial avenue for helping humanity

HUQUQU’LLAH

THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqéqu’lléh should be made to “The Baha’f Huqiqu’llah ‘Trust” (please write your Baha’i 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,

44116 (phone 216-333-1506) ¢ Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, (phone 508-582-9216)

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

Lunenburg, MA 01462

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

receive payments for Hugiqu’llah.

Inquiries about Huqtiqu’llah should be referred to one of the Trustees

or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqtqu’llh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

solution to the economic problems. We Baha’is had often used that phrase at firesides when speaking of the Baha’f principles, but we had not ne rily really understood the meaning of our words or of how economic problems would be solved. I realized then that the institution of Huqitiqu’llah would play a major part in that solution. It would furnish the means whereby the

extremes of

wealth and poverty would be eliminated and a more equitable distribution of resources achieved.

“That was it! That was the answer! I thus felt spiritually ‘called’ to Huqtqu’llah some time before the law Decne wu pplicable, y and enthusiasm ard ibe that I made my first Huqdqu’lléh payment.” @

CAUSE

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 ee 847-733-3472, e-mail

ANNUAL AUDIT DUE JUNE 30

‘The annual audit report for Local Spiritual Assemblies is due to the National Spiritual embly by June 30. The audit form was led to all Local Assemblies in mid-May. A’ reminder: If your Assembly uses the services of a professional firm, a copy of the audit, including the management letter, should be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly as soon as possible following its completion.

CORPORATE MATCHING FOR MDS AND HH. Many companies match the charitable contributions made by their employees. If friends in. your community are employed by companies following this practice, those friends might like to know that Mottahedeh Development Services and Health for Humanity, both notfor-profit agencies under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly, can accept con- | tributions and grants from other than Baha’f sources. Employees of the federal government who participate in the Combined Federal Campaign can also name either of these agencies to receive their contributions. STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS At least 160 Stewardship and Development Seminars were offered around the country over the last year.. Those who attended expressed an enthusiastic response. Hosted by Local Spiritual Assemblies and led by trained facilitators, these seminars offer an opportu~ nity to explore the guidance given us in the Sacred Writings and by the Universal House of Justice on the spiritual nature of supporting the Funds of the Faith, Part 2 of each seminar explores the practical aspect of managing the local treasury. This fall, Spiritual Assemblies will again have the opportunity to host additional seminars. If your Assembly would like to host a seminar, please contact Jennifer Torrence at 847-733-3421 or e-mail

m:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll for 154 B.E. includes 801 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 200 registered groups. Congratulations to these Assemblies and groups that have demonstrated consistence and reliability in their contributions to the National Fund. The Honor Roll is released each year at the National Convention and appears on pages 16-17 in this edition of The American Babad’t.

“The unity of the believers, rich and poor alike, in their support of the fund will be a source of spiritual confirmations far beyond our capacity to envisage.” —Universal House of Justice,

Sept. 17, 1992

page 14 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE

June 24, 1998

[Page 15]

seen

Story-telling creates new spark for Feasts in California

BY SEDONA CALLAHAN

haring stories with one another Se: es each person’s heart. And

that is why Feasts in the Baha’f community of Toro-Laguna Seca, California, now truly feel like one family coming together around the table.

This small and struggling community on the Central Coast of California has held the Nineteen Day Feast regularly during its long existence. But Peso change has come about j few months through a slight restructuring of the busin i

In the past, the community followed the business format ui

others: The secretary and correspondence, the treas a local and national trea

ry report, other committee reports are offered, and the chairperson asks the community members to consult and offer suggestions or recommendations to the Local Spiritual Assembly. Many times, there was no consultation.

A few months ago, based on the suggestion of a returned pioneer from Venezuela, this routine was altered. Community members are now asked at the beginning whether they have any Baha’i news or stories to tell—interna

tional news first, then national, regional and local ne

Because several community members have family and friends who are pioneering in other countries, they are encouraged by the community to tell about them.

One young man related how his brother, a professional fisherman, docked in Fiji after three months at sea and attended a local Baha’{ Feast. An

Summer course on Persian open in Wilmette

es is still time to register for the

intensive Persian language course to be held July 19-Aug. 8, sponsored by the Persian-American Affairs Office in collaboration with the Wilmette Institute.

Session: Three weeks, five hours a

day, five days a week. Program will include cultural activities to support and enhance classwork.

¢ More information/To register: Contact the Persian-American Affairs Office, Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3526). Payment should be made in advance. @

older couple just returned from a teaching trip to Mexico entertained all with stories of the people they met. Another couple described connecting electronically with family members abroad. Another man told of his correspondence with a young Baha’f man in Uganda. When the al arena, stori then the secretary reads the National sembly’s Feast letter. ng this new format, all of the busiof the community is taken care of.

ends move to the nation

A SPIRITUAL

OAS

Mew

Was are invited to participate in the 1998 Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’lAdhkar. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from the Mother ‘Temple a spiritual _ oasis in which to relish a ' memorable experience.

The treasurer's report is a part of local news, for example, but it is all told in story fashion, rather than report form. The result is that all community members eagerly contribute to this sharing of stories

even the children, t to tell, for example, that they n e-mail from a cousin who is pion or about their experiences while on pilgrima

The stories often lead to serious consultation and recommendations to the Assembly.

One result is that the Toro-Laguna

who

got a

Seca community, working with the Assembly of an Ugandan community, is helping to pay for the education of two recently orphaned Baha'i children in Uganda.

Thus by the time refreshments are brought out for the social portion of the Feast, the friends are already feeling a close bond of connection with other nd continue to were begun

community me nbers

dasa the business Sedona Callahan is a member of the ToroLaguna Seca community. @

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT

Audio-visual and fil

n programs { Bookstore shopping

ided visits to the Baha'i Home, Publishing Trust, Media Services, House of Worship, Natio: ment sessions from the Nai , Wilmette Institute and House of Worship

Center onal ‘|

ching Office, Pioneering

arden teaching, guiding opportunities

Option to read in daily devotional programs in the Auditorium

lasses and acti

Also: group photo,

y bring f

enrolled Baha’is.

's for youth and children age 4 and up

akeshore park with beach, and other free time d family, but should underst require supplementary explanation for visitors who are not

nd that some

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

Registration for weekend of August 13-16 is still being accepted; please register by July 5.

Family name of your travel group

umber in your party _

Telephone: Home Work Address City State ZIP Code Country

List name(s) and Baha’f ID numbers of all registrants. Attach an additional sheet if needed. Indicate Children/Youth ages and ID numbers (ages 4 and up may register). Some youth-specific activities will be included. A complete program for children is planned. Infant

care and child care will not be provided.

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

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

Please make check payable to Baha’i Services Fund and send with this form. Canadian or Mexican monies must be

sent by cashier’s check in U.S. dollars.

HOTEL/TRANSPORTATION/MEALS

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

If so, number of rooms needed

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

Number of people in each room___

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

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

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

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

June 24, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE _ page I5 [Page 16]eee eee eee

SRNL LA AP IRIN TI ADM

10068 ORO HS FCA

1997-1998 TIRIEASUIRIER’S IHIONOR IROILIL

‘e are very pleased to publish the Community Honor Roll for 154 B.E., a list of the 801 Local Spiri distinguished themselves by the diligence and care they displayed in financial support of the N: To be listed in the Honor Roll, a community must have contributed to the National Baha’i Fund: ¢ Fifteen times or more during at least 12 of 19 months of the Baha’i year;

At least 10 of 12 Gregorian months through the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) between March 1997 and February 1998; or
With the same regularity through a combination of ACS and mailed contributions.

Congratulations to those communities, which have demonstrated unity and maturity in their consistent, regular and reliable contributions.

al Assemblies and 200 registered groups that Spiritual Assembly over the past year.

ALABAMA Chico Monrovia San Luis Obispo Jefferson County Lakeland Aurora KANSAS Birmingham Chino Hills Monterey San Luis Obispo La Plata County Largo Bloomington Butler County Florence Chula Vista Moorpark County NW Lafayette Lee County Bolingbrook Derby Homewood Citrus Heights Moreno Valley San Luis Obispo Lakewood Leon County Champaign Dodge City Jasper Claremont Mountain View County South Larimer County Manatee County Chicago Hutchinson Jefferson County Clovis Mt. San JacintoJD San Marcos Longmont Marion County Crystal Lake Kansas City Madison Concord Murrieta San Mateo Louisville Miami i Darien Lawrence Montgomery Corona Napa San Mateo County Loveland Nassau County Decatur & Newton ‘Tuscaloosa Covina Nevada County South JD. Northglenn Orange County Deerfield Overland Park Culver City Central San Rafael Pueblo East Des Plaines Wichita ARIZONA Cupertino Nevada County SW San Ramon Westminster Orlando Downers Grove Winfield Avondale Dana Point Newark Santa Barbara Osceola County East Peoria Chandler Danville Newhall JD Santa Clara CONNECTICUT Palm Beach Edwardsville KENTUCKY Chino Valley Diamond Bar Newport Beach Santa Clarita Farmington Town — County Central Elgin Boyle County Cochise County SW El Cajon North Fork Santa Hartford Palm Beach Evanston Jefferson County Coconino East El Cajon JD Novato Santa Cruz County Norwalk County South Glen Ellyn Jeffersontown Flagstaff E1Dorado County NW Oak Park North Oxford Town Pembroke Pines Glencoe Lexington Fountain Hills E1 Dorado County SE Oakland Santa Maria Plainville Pinellas County Glenview Louisville Ganado Chapter Escondido Oceanside Santa Maria JD Ridgefield Town Polk County Hoffman Estates Gilbert Eureka Ontario Santa Paula Roxbury Town Pompano Beach Joliet LOUISIANA Holbrook Fair Oaks- Orange Santa Rosa Stamford Sarasota La Grange Avondale Houck Chapter Orangevale Orange County Santee West Hartford Sarasota CountyNorth Mahomet “Township Baton Rouge Mesa Fairfield South JD Saratoga Town St. Petersburg Maine Township East Baton Rouge Oro Valley Fallbrook San Orange County Seal Beach Beach Naperville Parish Paradise Valley Diego West JD Sierra Madre DELAWARE Tallahassee Northbrook Jefferson Parish East Peoria Fillmore Orinda Simi Valley Dover Tamarac Oak Park La Place Phoenix Folsom Oxnard Sonoma County SD #4 New Castle Wilton Manors Park Forest Lafayette Pima County Fremont Palm Desert South San Francisco County North Park Ridge Monroe North Fresno Palm Springs Spring Valley New Castle GEORGIA Peoria New Orleans Pima County Central Garden Grove Palmdale Stanford County West Alpharetta Rockford Ouachita Parish Pima County Gilroy Palo Alto Stockton Sussex County Athens-Clarke - Roscoe Township Shreveport South Glendale Paradise i Wilmington County Skokie St. Tammany Pinal County Glendora Pasadena ale Adanta Springfield Parish SE Prescott Goleta Petaluma Temple City DISTRICT OF st St. Charles St. Tammany Scottsdale Hanford Placerville Thousand Oaks COLUMBIA Urbana Parish West Sierra Vista Hayward Pleasanton Three Lakes JD Washington Waukegan Sun City Healdsburg Poway ‘Tiburon Wheaton MAINE ‘Tempe Hemet Prunedale ‘Toro and Laguna —- FLORIDA Cobb County Wilmette Auburn ‘Tucson. Inglewood Rancho Cucamonga Seca Altamonte Springs — South Woodstock Augusta Yuma Irvine Rancho Palos ‘Tuolumne CentralJD Atlantic Beach Cobb County SE. Dexter Town. La Canada Verdes ‘Tustin Brevard County Cobb County West INDIANA Eliot Town ARKANSAS Flintridge Redlands Union City Bréward County Columbia County East Angola Kingfield Fayetteville La Crescenta Redondo Beach. Upland South Columbus Bloomington Portland Little Rock La Habra Redwood City Vacaville Charlotte County Dalton Bloomington South Portland Rogers La Mesa Richmond Vallejo Citrus County De Kalb County Township Russellville Lafayette Ridgecrest Ventura Clearwater Central Gary MARYLAND Laguna Beach Riverside Ventura County Collier County DeKalbCountyNorth Indianapolis Annapolis CALIFORNIA * Laguna Hills Riverside JD Victorville Cooper City Fulton County Kokomo Anne Arundel Agoura Hills Laguna Niguel Rocklin Vista Coral Springs Central Lafayette County East Altadena Lakeside Roseville Walnut Dade County Cental Glynn County Mishawaka Baltimore Anaheim Lakewood Sacramento Walnut Creek Dade County Gwinnett County — Mount Vernon Baltimore County Arcadia Lancaster Sacramento County SE Jest Hollywood North North Muncie “Central

Arcata Lemon Grove Sacramento Coun- Dade County Hall County South Bend altimore County Arroyo Grande Livermore ty NW South Lithonia Vincennes West

Bakersfield Lomita San Anselmo. Windsor Deerfield Beach Peach County Calvert County Belmont Long Beach San Bernardino Yorba Linda Fort Lauderdale Savannah 1OWA Carroll County Berkeley Los Alamitos San Bernardino Gainesville Valdosta Ames Frederick County Beverly Hills Los Altos MCD-Victorville COLORADO Greater Gainesville ; Cedar Falls Gaithersburg Boulder Creek Los Angeles San Clemente Arapahoe County _ Hillsborough IDAHO Cedar Rapids Greenbelt

Brea Los Gatos San Diego Arvada County East Ada County Council Bluffs Laurel

Burbank Madera Sierra JD San Diego County Aurora Hillsborough Boise Davenport Montgomery Burlingame Manteca North JD Boulder County NW * Idaho Falls Des Moines County East Calabasas Marin County San Francisco Boulder County Hollywood Lewiston Towa City Montgomery Camarillo Mariposa County San Jose Colorado Springs _ Indian River Moscow Mount Vernon County North Campbell Martinez San Juan Capistrano Cortez County Valley County Sioux City Montgomery Capitola Milpitas San Leandro Douglas County Jacksonville Warren County County NW Carlsbad Mission Viejo San Leandro Hay- Fort Collins Key Largo ILLINOIS Waterloo Montgomery Cerritos Modesto ward JD Glenwood Springs Key West Arlington Heights County SE

page 16 THE AMERICAN BANA’i * ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE —_June 24, 1998 [Page 17]

Montgomery County South Montgomery County SW Prince Georges County North Prince Georges County South Rockville Takoma Park

MASSACHUSETTS Amherst Town Arlington Town Barnstable Town Boston

Bourne Town Brookline Town Cambridge Chelmsford Town Concord Town tmouth Town thampton Town Foxboro Town Ipswich

Lexington Town Longmeadow Town Lowell

Malden Marlborough Medford

Milford Te

Nantucket

Newton Northampton Northfield Town Salem

somerville

South Hadley Town Springfield Wareham Town Watertown Town Westford Town

Wilbraham Town ~

Worcester

MICHIGAN Allen Park Ann Arbor Big Rapids Bloomfield Township Canton Township

Grand Rapids Hart Township Holland Huntington Woods

Marquette Midland

Township

k Park

ield Township

Southfield St. Joseph Troy

White River

‘Township

Ypsilanti Township

Aitkin County Arden Hills Baudette Beltrami County Clearwater County Coon Rapids Duluth

Eden Prairie Edina

Falcon Heights Foley

Golden Valley Grand Rapids. Greenwood Little Canada Maple Grove May Township Minneapolis Minnetonka Moorhead Plymouth Roseville Sartell

St. Louis Park St. Paul Stillwater

West St. Paul Woodbury

MISSISSIPPI Gulfport Jackson Vicksburg

MISSOURI Columbia Franklin County Jefferson City Kansas City Phelps County Rolla

St. Charles

St. Charles County St. Louis

St. Peters Springfield University City Webster Groves

MONTANA Bozeman Butte-Silver Bow Flathead County Great Falls Helena

Missoula

NEBRASKA Aurora

Bellevue

Gering

Grand Island Lincoln

Nebraska City North Platte Scottsbluff County

NEW HAMPSHIRE Concord

Exeter Town Keene

Lebanon Manchester Nashua Peterborough Portsmouth

Wolfeboro Town

NEW JERSEY Bloomfield

Clifton

East Brunswick ‘Township

Franklin Township Glassboro Hamilton Township Hopewell Township Lakewood Township Lawrence Township Matawan

Montclair Township Piscataway Township. Ridgewood ‘Teaneck

Trenton

Ventnor City

NEW MEXICO Alamogordo Albuquerque Aztec

Belen Farmington Gallup Hobbs Las Cruces Lincoln County Los Alamos County Los I Pajarito

Rio Rancho Roswell

San Juan County Sandoval County North

Santa F

Santa Fe County +

nas

NEW YORK Albany Amherst Town

Beacon Brookhaven Town Buffalo

Clarence Town Garden City

Geneva

‘Town nwich Hempstead Town

Islip Town Ithaca

Mount Vernon

New Paltz

New York City NathHempaead Town Olean

Orchard Park ‘Town

Perinton Town Pittsford Town Rochester

Schenectady Smithtown Town ‘Tonawanda Town

ter Town White Plains

NEVADA Boulder City Carson City

Churchill County Clark County West -Las Vegas . North Las Vegas Paradise Town Reno

Sparks

Sunrise Manor ‘Washoe County South

NORTH CAROLINA Asheville Buncombe County Carrboro

Cary

Chapel Hill Charlotte Chatham County Durham.

Durham County Greensboro. Hamlet

Henderson County High Point Matthews

Orange County Raleigh

Wake County Wilmington Winston-Salem

NORTH DAKOTA

Jamestown Minot

OHIO

Bainbridge Township Bexley

Bowling Green Bucyrus Chesapeake Cleveland Heights Columbus Dayton

Delaware Jackson Township Kent

Kettering Macedonia Mansfield Mentor

Miami Township Poland

Shaker Heights Stow

Sylvania

Toledo

Urbana Warrensville Heights

Weller ‘Township Yellow Springs

OKLAHOMA Edmond Midwest City Moore Norman Oklahoma City Ponca City Sapulpa Shawnee Tulsa

Yukon

OREGON Ashland Beaverton

Bend

Benton County Burns

Clackamas County NW

Clackamas County South

Clatsop County Coos County Corvallis Deschutes County Douglas County Eugene

Forest Grove Greater Grants Pass

Hillsboro

Jackson County Jefferson County Klamath Falls

La Grande

Lake Oswego

Lane County Central

Me) Medford Milwaukie

Pendleton Portland

Roseburg springfield rd

Jallowa County Vashington County North Washington County South West Linn

PENNSYLVANIA Altoona Bethlehem

Lower Merion Township Philadelphia Pittsburgh State College

‘Tredyffrin Township Warren

RHODE ISLAND Hopkinton Town Warwick

SOUTH CAROLINA Aiken,

Anderson County Charleston Columbia

Conway

Cross

Florence

Greater Darlington Greenville Greenwood County Horry County Lexington County North

Mauldin

North Augusta Pendleton

Pickens County Spartanburg

Summerville SOUTH DAKOTA Custer

Pierre

Rapid City

TENNESSEE Brentwood Chattanooga Franklin

Hamilton County Hendersonville Johnson City Maryville Memphis Murfreesboro Nashville Rutherford County Shelby County Williamson County Wilson County

TEXAS Addison

Allen Arlington Austin

Bedford Bellaire Benbrook Canyon Carrollton Cedar Park College Station Colleyville Coppell Corpus Christi Dallas

Del Rio Denison Denton Duncanville Eagle Pass Edinburg

El Paso Flower Mound Fort Worth Frisco Garland Grand Prairie Grapevine Harris County NW

Harris County SW Houston Hurst

Irving

Lake Jackson League City Lewisville McKinney McAllen Midland Missouri City North Richland Hills

Odessa Pasadena Plano Richardson Round Rock San Antonio The Colony The Woodlands Travis County Tyler

Victoria

Waco

West University Place Williamson County

UTAH

Logan

Ogden

Salt Lake City Salt Lake County Sandy

South Ogden

VIRGINIA Albemarle County Alexandria Arlington County

McLean

Mount Vernon Newport News Norfolk

Reston Richmond Roanoke Roanoke County Scottsville Stafford County Staunton Vienna

Virginia Beach

VERMONT Bennington Town Brattleboro Fairfax Town Norwich Rochester Town Shoreham Town

WASHINGTON Aberdeen Anacortes

Auburn

Bellevue Bellingham Bothell

Bremerton Cowlitz. County CD 3 Edmonds

Everett

Issaquah

Juanita

King County E. Central King County S. Gentral King County SE Kitsap County Central

Kitsap County South

Lake Forest Park

Lakewood

Makah Reservation Mercer Island Moses Lake

Mount Vernon Mountlake Terrace Mukilteo Newcastle’ Normandy Park Olympia

Pasco

Pierce County CD 3 Port Angeles Pullman.

Raymond Redmond

Renton

Seattle

Shelton

Shoreline Snohomish County SE. Snohomish County SW Snohomish County North

Spokane

Spokane County CD 1 ‘Spokane County CD2 ‘Tacoma

Thorston County East

‘Toppenish ‘Tumwater University Place Vancouver

Walla Walla

West Richland Whatcom County CD3 Woodinville Yakima

Yakima County CD I

WISCONSIN Algoma

Antigo

Appleton

Beloit

Cedarburg

De Pere Delafield

Eau Claire Farmington Town Fond du Lac Greenfield Janesville Kenosha

La Crosse Madison Milwaukee Muskego

New Berlin Oshkosh

Portage County Sheboygan Stevens Point Sun Prairie Waukesha Waukesha Township ‘Wausau Wauwatosa

West Allis Wilson Township Winchester Township Winneconne WEST VIRGINIA Charleston Jefferson County

Morgantown Princeton

Laramie #

June 24,1998 | THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE page 17 [Page 18]

Brilliant Star KID’S corner

Roich & Noble, tee

“... 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!

The answer to last issues activity is LIANG which means ‘light’ or ‘bright’ in Chinese. It is pronounced LEE (like BEE) and ONG (like ONG). LIANG the LION has a new phrase to share with you! It's an important one:

UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION When every Bahai contributes to the Bahai Funds, this is called Universal Participation. The Universal House of Justice says that when we have Universal Participation, our communities and the world will grow and will be blessed! Liang the Lion welcomes any stories or ideas you have about giving to the Funds! You can contact him at the Office of the Treasurer (mail: 1233 Central St. - Evanston, IL 60201-1611 / e-mail: nwong@usbnc.org) Until next time, Liang wants to share some more of Bahaulllah's wonderful words with you!

O SON OF BEING!

Thou art my lamp and My light is in thee. Get thou from it thy radiance and seek none other than Me. For I have created thee rich and have bountifully shed My favor upon thee.

— Bahdaullah, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah

radiance: great brightness, love, kindness, joy

bountifully: plentiful, abundant, more than enough

Color each box according to their symbol and discover what we have when universal participation happens!

@ RED A, ¢ & rl, AN, 0,°P, R, ST, 1G°V, X RED

v YELLOW x PURPLE vy |x |x [® Jo [@ [nN [x [nw [® T= [® [x |x [@ |k x |x |= © |® © 1 ln © 1 © 1O lo Ie 1k 1é Te C2 Ce ee es PS el Sen ers ean ee (a Ce aS : C7e 4k as (= 4a Palani ols (eee 46 A |® [© [© |/@ |» [> lc |v |» |@ |® | |® |e |2 ® |®@ 16 | |®@ |v fk |v [P |» [© 1O © 1 |@ p 1@ 16 |®@ |@ Tw [F [TP Tk lw (© |® |® |[® fe x [x [= [© [© [© lw [x fw [© |® |® [aA [x [x x |X [x Je 1©@ 1O@ 1O Tw [© |O |O@ [Te [xX [X [Xx x |x [x [x [@ 1@ [6 1@ 1@ |@ 1@ [xX [xX TX [TX PON AK Nk eS Ne ND TD TRA KR Re K DK Sy | eC SE ESE. CE | a |S | po | oun Foe | sO | > cfoseFfog

LA TU WS

Weare LOOKing

for KIND-Hearted — artists, ILLUSTRATORS,

educators, WRITERS, and

PhotOgraphers to contribute their talents to Brilliant Star.

Our upcoming themes:

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

Hrilliarit Star 1K Color?

Brilliant Star Special Edition 1998 in color and an accompanying music tape with a theme song by Red

and Kathy Grammer are now available from: Bahai Distribution Service 5397 Wilbanks Drive Chattanooga,TN 37343 1.800.999.9019 Fax: 423.843.0836

Special Edition was created for use in the Bahai Summer Schools. For information on attending summer classes, contact: Education and Schools Office 8477333492 or at their e-mail address ( )

THE AMERICAN BANA’i * BRILLIANT STAR KID‘S CORNER _—_June 24, 1998

page 18 [Page 19]

¢ Wilma Ellis noted the current Plan continues previous Pla ve of carrying the healing me: ty of humankind and said the National Assembly has responded with a dual emphasis on race unity and the advancement of women.

d the Ridvan message’s injunction that the individual, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, “not

wait for any directions.”

She asked: Do we really believe in the power of race unity and in the equality of women and men? Are we really prepared to sacrifice to accomplish these aims?

Jacqueline Left Hand Bull keyed on the message’s

plea for systematization. She quoted the message that our efforts need to be “clear-headed, methodical, efficient, constant, balanced and harmonious.”

NATIONAL CONVENTION, contwwueo From pace 1

eee rece reece reece eeeee eee ee sees sees sees esses esses e ese sees EEE EE EeEE EES ES EEO SEOS ESE EOOEOSE SEDO OOEE EEE OE SOEEEE EEE Eeeee®

to the delegates that evening, he was invited to the

podium—‘Reporting for duty,” he quipped—and

recited a heartfelt prayer for assistance.

irman James Nelson, in the evening, introduced the

nbly and its other newly elected officers: Dorothy ice-chairman; Dr, Henderson, secretary-general;

Dr. Kazemzadeh, secretary for external affairs; Mr. Davis,

Cereal enbijimembecie who over the years has traveled exten ing work, served as head of the Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ Institute, and participated in international work for the equality of women and men. She was praised in addition for her spiritual approach to the National Assembly work, her loyalty and her mastery of the essentials of consultation. She was warmly, sometimes tearfully, applauded when invited to speak to the gathering.

Dr. Deas challenged the American Baha'is through their delegates: “We need your sacrifices, we need your tenacity, we need to be audacious when we talk about Baha’u'llih.”

Harking to the Guardian's assertion that one soul can cause the spiritual illumination of a continent, she s need to see 50,000, 100,000 believers come into this Canse” by the end of the Plan. “We cannot just socialize each other and teach each other. ... We have to embrace humanity.”

‘The gathering was also marked by a National Teaching Committee report designating the midpoint of the Four Year Plan as the beginning of a “performance phase” of the teaching plan after two years of a “building phase” that involved the first efforts in Atlanta and activities surrounding the first wave of nationwide broadcasts (see box).

The first day of the Convention took a celebratory tone, highlighted by a summary of the National Assembly's annual report that was filled with a triumphant succession of accomplishments (see box).

Old friends greeted each other after long absences;

pontaneous applause broke out frequently Thursday night as members of the National Spiritual Assembly listed a dazzling array of achievements since Ridvan 1997, in response to directives of the Four Year Plan, in these and other areas:

Development of the institutions, with four

Regional Baha’i Councils established and 75 percent of the country’s Local Spiritual Assemblies undergoing training.

Strengthening the consolidation of the Faith

through training institutes (18 regional, 350 local) and Core Curriculum courses.

Earning prominent national and local roles in

women’s rights and dialogues toward race unity. In particular, Baha’is are leaders in the national campaign supporting ratification of the U.N. convention to eliminate discrimination against women, and 100,000 copies of Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men have been distributed.

A new energy from youth, who have formed

200 performing workshops and carried out a

new friendships sprang up left and right. Members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counselors carried the joy of the recently completed International Convention in the Holy Land. And all looked back in amazement at a year that saw the U.S. Bah’i community making great strides toward redefining itself. (See box below)

‘To be sure, solemnity blended with joy at the start, as inter| performer Red Grammer sang a meditative setting blet of Ahmad, accompanied only by his gu

left the gathering in deep silence for close to a minute.

But after prayers in Persian, Spanish and English, proceedings get under way with a roll call of the delegates from across the country and prayerful that placed Dorothy Nelson as convention chairman im Davis as secretary.

Left Hand Bull joined Dr. E! lor, in sharing enthus' nvention.

rsity of humankind was unequaled by [nearly] any gathering we've had,” Ms, Left Hand Bull said. She was impressed at the Haifa convention by “all the National Spiritual Assembly members in their 20s and 30s who were reporting on the victories they've already had,” and now are analyzing and planning their next steps.

Dr. Ellis passed along the reminder by the Hand of the Cause ‘Alf Muhammad Varga that the Faith has grown from 500,000 adherents in the time of the Guardian to more than 6 million.

In addition, a pre-release version of the video presentation on the International Convention moved the Convention-goers Saturday night.

‘The presence of several distinguished guests added an extra note of inspiration: Mildred Mottahedeh, Eunice and Leonard Braun, Nancy Phillips and Gayle Woolson.

On the second day, the business of consultation got

is, her felsm from the Inter

record number of service and teaching projects.

A revolution in national communication, with

19 new titles produced by the Publishing Trust and revamping of The American Baha’i, Brilliant Star and World Order.

Increase in efforts in social or economic service to humanity, on a local level through Unity

Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles and nationally or globally through Health for Humanity, Mottahedeh Development Services and the Rabbani Trust.

A 20 percent increase in unrestricted contributions to the National Fund, and a goal for the

upcoming year of $27 million contributed by the friends to all funds through the National Treasurer.

A total of 567 U.S. pioneers in place outside

the United States and 3,376 international teaching trips, including 97 trips by AfricanAmericans to Africa, and 97 Youth Service Corps participants, .

The National Teaching Plan and media initiative (see box, page 23).

In response the individual, in the words of the Supreme Body, “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.” In this we would do well, she said, to restudy the Tablets of the Divine Plan and The Advent of Divine Justice, as well as the Ridvan messages and the Dec. 26, 1995, letter to the Counselors. @

Mildred Mottahedeh (left) is greeted by fellow special visitor Eunice Braun alongside Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, member of the Continental Board of Counselors. Photo by Tom Mennillo

under way in earnest, fueled by a reading of the Ridvan 155 B.E. message of the Universal House of Justice—our marching orders for the year—and the National Teaching Committee's presentation on the National Teaching Plan, which already has helped accelerate teaching and local community development. (See boxes, pages 22-23) The four Regional Baha’f Councils earned sometimes-thunderous ovations with brief presentations on their actions and plans in the last five months. They involved race unity and diversity development efforts, teaching campaigns, youth emphasis and work with regional training institutes, among other area: Other presentations were given during the Convention by the Board of Trustees of Huqtiqu’lléh in the United States and the National Youth Committee. During consultation, delegates lined up on either side of the meeting hall waiting their turn at a microphone. Those who had not yet spoken at the Convention got priority at all eight formal consultation s Discussion by the delegates was frank a loving, focused on the goals of the Four Year Plan and how the national and local communities can achieve them. Severtes and visitors commented on the great degree own in the consultations. ion set aside for American Indian believers. Phyllis Sheridan, a member of the Assembly of Macy, Nebraska, was invited to say a special healing prayer for Native American B Te was noted the ‘at 1998 marks 50 years since Macy elected the country’ first Assembly whose members were all indigenous believers. After reading part of a letter from the Guardian paying tribute to that Assembly, Ms. Left Hand Bull reminded the friends of the significant role American id the need to

esentation on Huqtiqu’llah, trustee Amin d that the Right of God is an integral part of Baha’ life and represents the privilege of pro

SEE CONVENTION, PAGE 23

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ NATIONAL CONVENTION 1998

page 19 [Page 20]

CONVENTION

REFLECTIONS

LENNEL GRACE MAYWOOD, ILLINOIS

I got a lot of spiritual energy from this Convention, from seeing old friends and talking to them, sharing ideas, opportunities to listen and to reflect. I need it because we lost our LSA this year and it’s a pretty serious blow. ... If we all do our jobs better it wouldn’t be an issue, and a 50-year-old Assembly wouldn’t go out of existence. What can I do to improve the situation? It’s like I feel thirsty and I need some water. I had a desire to feel better spiritually and this desire was fulfilled. I got around other people who feel great, who feel well, and I absorbed that. I feel better because I am taking home hopefulness, upliftedness and spiritual clarification. @

Displays, workshops help national agencies connect

BY TOM MENNILLO

agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly traveled with 89th Baha’i National Convention attendees.

Displays and workshops provided convention-goers with one-on-one access to representatives of the various agencies and lots of fliers, brochures, and other handouts.

Just as important, they allowed agencies not only to deliver a message but sign up potential volunteers such as pioneers, authors and illustrators, and skilled resource people.

‘The Baha’i Publishing ‘Trust booth, for example, vividly demonstrated the process of how a book gets made—from manuscript proposal to press run.

“We're hoping to interest potential authors and illustrators,” said Terry Cassiday, staffing the display, “and we'd like to get out information to them so that people know a little more about the process of how to submit a manuscript and what’ involved in selecting a manuscript for publication.”

At the Office of the Treasurer display, Jeremy Phelan and others chatted amiably with passers-by.

“We have here a number of giveaways: on the writing of a will, which is very important, on alternatives people can consider for giving to the Funds. And Spiritual Gifts, which has been particularly popular with

[: was a two-way, pothole-free street that

kids, where they’tell uis what they're happy for in their lives and share that with all the friends here,” Phelan said.

But he believes the personal contact to be just as critical. “We want them to see we're real people, not just a stamp on your check, that we're here to help,” he said.

Lynne Yancy of the Research Office hoped convention delegates and visitors came away with a sense of the department’ function.

“All we do is read, read, read and respond to the friends with what we find out,” she said. “And helping the friends get things straight, and helping the writers.”

Fortunately, “They're writing things better and more surely, and it’s very fun to read.”

At the convention, Yancy also was representing the Institute of Baha’i Studies and the Wilmette Institute.

“I really wish people would sign up for this [Wilmette Institute], especially the short courses that are coming up this summer. You don’t have to be a full-time, fouryear student, but you still get the advantage of in-depth knowledge of Baha'u'llah’ Writings, which is really good.”

Meanwhile, a series of workshops was conducted for convention non-delegates.

The Education and Schools Office presented “The Evolution of the Core Curriculum” and “Implementing The Power of Race Unity Video.”

The Office of Pioneering offered “Have You Heard the Call?” several times.

“Spiritual Gifts” and “Where There’s a Will” were popular sessions by the Office of the Treasurer, while its “Communities Considering a Baha’i Center” session drew an especially large audience.

Participants in a workshop titled “The National Media Initiative and the Evolving Role of the National Teaching Committee” received the same opportunity to ask questions about the teaching campaign that delegates got in their consultation.

“Local Spiritual Assembly Integration System” allowed the Information Services Office to explain progress toward decentralizing many record-keeping functions. The schedule now is for all Assemblies to participate by September.

The Office of Assembly Development offered “A Sense of Partnership: The Individual and the Local Spiritual Assembly.”

The Board of ‘Trustees of Hugqiqu’llih also presented a workshop, as did the national AfricanAmerican and American Indian teaching committees, the LatinAmerican and Chinese task forces, and the National Committee for the Advancement of Women. @

FIRST-TIME DELEGATE, continuen From pace 1

Pee e reece cece cece eee c cece eee reese eee eee reese reese eee eee eeee eee eee EES EEE EOE E SOE EEE EEE EEE SEED EEE Eee Eeseeeeeseeee®

Even more so the next morning at the delegate deepening; we were blessed to have two Counselors lead the deepening. And when we sat at tables in little groups, my group just basically took me by my arm and led me through the whole process of what I was supposed to do and answered every question I had. The questions were answered with such love and excitement. That really helped me in ways I can’t describe. ...

And then was the excitement of my first time being in Chicago and being in Wilmette. That was even much more enjoyed with going to the House of Worship for the Ascension [of Baha’u’llah observance]. I remember sitting on the bus and all of a sudden I saw the House of Worship appear and my heart just dropped. And I tell you, it’s just an unbelievable experience that everybody needs to have.

What are you going to telll the friends back home in your report?

I took a lot of notes. When I get back I will filter everything and put it in a way I'll be able to explain.

First of all P'd like to let my area know the atmosphere that was here. ... And I'd like to share with my community the important things I highlighted such as having a loving and nurturing community, the major emphasis on consolidation, share some information that was discussed by the National ‘Teaching Committee, which I think is doing a wonderful job for the Faith in the United States because of the research information that has gone out. That information can help us do what we're supposed to be concentrating on, which is going to receptive souls. ...

‘We don’t get together with people in our Unit as much as we should, so what I will probably try to structure is a sit-down lunch or dinner where we can all be together, or [like last year] have something out at a/park. And Id like to give the opportunity to as many people in our Unit who came to the Convention to express how they felt about it.

Tell me about being a teller. ‘The opening day of Convention I was blessed with being

Delegate David Henderson speaks during consultation. Photo by Tom Mennillo

selected as one of the tellers, and when I heard my name called out my heart dropped again. I didn’t know what to do, but the head teller [David Young] did an excellent job.

Working with the tellers confirmed that the process of how we hold our elections is a bounty—unique, completely spiritual. It put to rest any doubts I might have had in the process of how we go about electing our National Spiritual Assembly: the prayers before the voting, the way we vote, and just how the atmosphere is set before you vote.

And the staff at the House of Worship made sure we felt welcome and that we had everything we needed. It’s just a tremendous feeling to see the sacrifice that so many people make, people behind the scenes that normally we wouldn’t see or recognize. But there are many people who are making these conventions what they are, from the security to the staff to the greeters at the door, all the youth who are here volunteering.

What has the Convention experience meant to you personally?

Having my wife here has been a pleasure. This is not just an affair for the individual. ... And that has brought us closer to be able to hear the recommendations and suggestions from the delegates together. And having such a

large group of Baha'is from my Unit—there are approximately 16 of us here from the Charlotte area [including five youth]—is nice to know. And for myself I’ve had the opportunity to spark some dialogue at the convention

about the issues of our youth. ... My heart feels lighter for being able to do so.

What did you learn from the consultation on youth that will help you?

I think the key moment for me in regards to the youth was when a delegate got up and asked, “Does the National Spiritual Assembly see a problem pertaining to our youth?” ... Juana Conrad got up and the answer was that, yes, the National Spiritual Assembly sees the: critical situation with our youth. Hearing that answer, I realized that the situation would be addressed and it would be addressed correctly.

What it tells me asa Youth Workshop coordinator is that the role of coordinators is even that much more important. No matter what we go through in our individual lives we still have to be there and give an immediate sacrifice of our time to our youth. It charged me up and I’m ready to go back and meet with my group. What was it getting up to speak during consultation?

I thought it would make me a little bit nervous, but just because of the atmosphere I felt I was in my own living room among friends, so I was really at ease. ... Thad a listening ear.

What other consultations really stood out for you?

‘The open consultation at the House of Worship after we cast our ballots. Being a teller I was off in a room, but they had hooked up a feed into our room so we could hear the consultation. I was removed physically from the consultation but was there spiritually. I was able to hear what was being said... and just by listening I was able to pick up good ideas I can take back to my own community.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

page 20 THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ NATIONAL CONVENTION 1998

June 24, 1998 [Page 21]

Having been inspired by a day of consultation with Counselors Wilma Ellis and Jacqueline Left Hand Bull fresh from their attendance at the International Convention, we, the delegates assembled at the 89th Baha’i National Convention, send to you our most loving greetings.

We are eager to tell you of the power unleashed at this gathering by your Ridvan letter, particularly as that guidance exhorts us as individuals to focus on personal teaching and to become more systematic in all our endeavors to serve this beloved Cause. How clearly your message confirmed, yet again, that the success of the Four Year Plan is dependent on individual initiative coupled with the support of our divinely guided consultative bodies. You reminded us that individual initiatives become empowered and unleashed through the continued development and utilization of ‘Training Institutes. You have also made us aware of the urgency with which we must prioritize all our actions and use every moment in the rapidly narrowing corridor of time remaining in this, the final plan of this century. It is with this understanding in mind that we commit ourselves

to develop individual teaching plans

to measure and monitor our progress

to encourage the Local Institutions on which we serve

to systematize their own plans and efforts, and

30, 1998 i é

to inspire and motivate the friends at our Convention

wisdom of your Ridvan letter.

While we are painfully aware that from a purely statistical point of view, our community does not yet demonstrate the quantitative growth we sorely long to achieve, the delegates have become conscious of a more subtle but no less significant type of growth. First, we cannot help being encouraged by the evolving maturity and caliber of the consultation among the delegates. Second, we have shared one and all our enthusiasm for and total support of the well wrought initiatives already inaugurated under the leadership of our National Spiritual Assembly with its ongoing media campaign “The Power of Race Unity” which has garnered an unexpectedly propitious response. Third, we have been tremendously excited by the substantive reports given by the newly-elected Regional Baha’i Councils. Indeed, your wisdom in creating this institution has been made readily apparent here, for it is obvious they have taken to heart your exhortation to “press forward quickly.”

In closing, let us assure you how seriously we take your advice and how intensely we feel your loving and prayerful support. In return, we pledge to you “to act, to act now, and to continue to act.”

Delegates to the 89th Baha’ National Convention

MESSAGES TO AND FROM THE CONVENTION

To the Delegates to the 89th Baha‘i National Convention of the United States, May 31, 1998

Dearly loved friends,

Your message of hope and determination has impelled us to the conviction that great victories hover on the horizon of your community. You have only to reach for them in a thrust of action fit for champions. The plan of the United States is set, its early results promising, its prospects high. Nothing must distract the members of this community now: for this is the time, the right time, for their preparation and their effort to yield magnificent fruit. Be confident, too, that the unfailing assistance of the divine Concourse is accessible to any individual who will arise to serve the major aim of the Four Year Plan. Forward, then, to new frontiers of achievement! And rest assured that our loving prayers surround our dear couorkets throughout that specially

ea os

With lovin

To the National Conventions of the Baha'is of Alaska, Greenland and the United States, May 16, 1998

Dear Babd’s friends, As we gather in Montreal to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’é of Canada, we greet you, our sister communities of the North American Continent and of Greenland, with hearts and souls filled with deep awe and humility, but also with a profound sense of love and joy at the indescribable bounty bestowed upon us all. Together, we share a common heritage and a common destiny.

At this extraordinary juncture in the history of the Cause of God, at this mid-way point in the Four Year Plan which closes

the Century of Light and brings us closer

ion of the fiftieth anni on of our first Nation Assembly, the Baha’i National Convention of Canada wi first to acknowledge, with abiding

sages of love it Has received from the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause of God. As well, we

tion of the Baha’i community of Canada to th i iri mbly and Baha'i community of the United States whose love and support during the past

fifty years has been constant. The presentation to us by the representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, following the expressed instructions of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, ofthe original Tablet of the Divine Plan dated April 5, 1916 addressed to Canada by the Master, was one of the most intense and poignant moments of this Convention and once again called to our attention the eternal bond which unites our two communities.

Our fiftieth anniversary celebrations were particularly blessed by the presence of a substantial number of Indigenous dele

es and observers. This reminded us so lly of the special place which the

itants of this continentoccupy in of the Divine Plan and of their special mission in the spiritual awakening of this continent.

It is the fervent hope of the Canadian National Convention: that the Bahd’is of the North American continent and of Greenland unitedly surge forward to arrive victoriously at the fulfillment of the Four Year Plan.

With deep Babi’ lave, The National Convention of the Baha'is of Canada

A special connection

Believers who are American Indians or are pioneering on reservations gathered for a group photo after Saturday night’s consultation. With the group was longtime National Spiritual Assembly member Alberta Deas (right), who moved in recent months to the Navajo Reservation. Photo by Tom Hennillo

FIRST-TIME DELEGATE, conrimueo

‘The Counselors at the deepening [early Thursday] did such a wonderful job of emphasizing that we should focus on national concerns and on the advancement of the process

of entry by troops and the Four Year Plan. ‘There was a great amount of emphasis at Convention based on the individual believer and taking individual initiative. We as indi viduals need to come to bat, geta hit, do what we need to do for the Faith.

What was particularly memorable to you about the rest of the program?

One of the most memorable moments for s been the singing. Somebody would ing and we would sing songs, and y touched me because I’m really ing in religious life the gospel music I grew up to love.

‘The other thing would be the presentation of the [preview video] about the International Convention. I haven't had the opportunity to go to the Holy Land, but just by seeing those pictures and the way it was presented I felt like I was at the Holy Land and itbrought tears to my eyes. ... It helped me get a sense of what the Baha’ Faith is really doing. Were you able to visit many of the displays by the offices and agencies of the National

2

Not really, because every time I tried to move down the hall a delegate would grab my arm and start talking to me, people I had never met before. And for me that’s been so wonderful. I don’t know as many Baha’is as I would like to, but I feel like now I have met some people who will be friends for a lifetime. #

SHERDEANA JORDAN

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

T feel that great energy and love just surrounding me. ...the workshop on effective teaching in the AfricanAmerican community . very soul-stirring to me. It was amazing the love you felt in this meeting. As the spiritual Dawn-Breakers of this time we have to focus more on the organic unity of mankind. I've been asked to go to Africa as a member of the youth dance workshop and teach the Faith in different African countries. Soheil Zargarpoor, who coordinates the project “Generation Hope,” is putting together a group of youth to participate in this teaching. I am very excited about it! ®

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ NATIONAL CONVENTION 1998 _ page 21 [Page 22-23]

CONVENTION REFLECTIONS

SUSANNE AMENT BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA

Tes the first National Convention I’ve attended. I was able to attend the first National Convention of the U.S.S.R. in 1991 and it was an sion. Here it feels like a raderie that I didn’t know s a wonderful moment when one tes got up and said, “Baha’u'llih s eaven to be one of followers. I heaven to be among you Baha'is!” It touched my heart so much! I met many wonderful friends. I am pe and Iam using a guide dog, and when I there are so many people

energy to the community!

Top right: Members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly are presented to delegates. From left are William Roberts, Jack McCants, Robert Henderson, Juana Conrad, Firuz Kazemzadeh, James Nelson, Patricia Locke, William Davis and Dorothy Nelson.

Bottom hie Convention-goers look over the wide array of books, pamphlets, magazines, audio and video and other materials on display at the Baha’i Distribution Ser vice booth in the lobby at the Holiday Inn O'Hare.

Photos by Amethel Parel-Sewell

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

RESULTS AT THE END OF THE TWOYEAR “BUILDING PHASE”:

Results from the six broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity on the Odyssey channel complemented by the Web site, new phone network, and teaching activities in hundreds of communi 5.

Some 6000 individuals either inquired

about the Baha’i Faith or attended a Baha'i meeting at the invitation of the believers within 10 days. That number has grown by another 4,000 since then.

90% of local communities had d

oped or were developing teaching acti ities in conjunction with the broadcasts or as a follow-up.

VICTORIES:

The tempo of teaching has accelerated; growth should follow.
National and local teaching approach

es are more systematic, complement ¢ National and local activi are wider-ranging, more “seeker-friendly.”

Local community-building is lending

vitality to this accelerating process. WHAT THIS MEANS:

There are seekers and we are finding them.
We are communicating with defined

audiences. If we do it right, people will respond.

Research will help us learn about the

different audiences we can reach.

PLANS FOR THE TWO-YEAR “PERFORMANCE PHASE”:

NEXT STEPS IN PROCLAMATION:

Refine our message, continue our systematic public outreach.

Improve our public relations.

s more closely on the spiritual needs of women.

Labor to extend the range of our appeal.

NEXT STEPS IN COMMUNITY DEVE

velop human. resources,

on regional and local training

Step up community development and strengthening of mblies.

Focus on consolida

ion of enrollees.

NEX’

IN EXPANDING OUR NETWORKS:

Work to embrace a racial/ethnic

diversity that more closely reflects the changing makeup of American population.

Provide a model of race relations that

will offe: I of hope.

Maintain the campaign launched by

the National § ual Assembly to. empha

ve gender equality.

More details to be presented in the next issue of The American Baha’i

“involve reinforced wit Red Grammer, Van Giese Susan Engle, and Eric Dozier with the Midwest Baha’s Gospel Choir.

singers Smaller groups led by Dozier drew dozens of listeners at late-night gatherings in the hotel lobby Friday and Saturday nights.

Spontaneous side meetings sprang up to organize and hold a youth forum, and to discuss the development of training institutes.

Consultation on greater attention to American Indian Baha’fs led to a gathering of indigenous believers and pioneers to Reservations and a gift of a contribution to the nation’s first all-American Indian Spiritual Assembly.

Several important new works were introduced through the Baha’t Distribution Service booth, including “The Light of

Unity: Healing Racism,” a booklet for the public designed to complement the “Vision of Race Unity” teaching effort.

The delegates composed a message of greeting to the Baha’is in Iran. @

Regional Baha’i Council

vacancy filled

ickie an of usec ood

Northeastern States, filling the ted when William lected to the NationSs Assembly.

The Secretariat of the National Assembly announced that Ms. n received the highest number of votes in the region among those not elected to the Council November 1997. This automatically designates her to fill the vacancy, according to a National Assembly decision taken in response to Section 2.2.5 of guidelines included in the Universal House of Justice’s message of May 30, 1997, to National Spiritual Assemblies.

The National Assembly has ruled its members ineligible to serve on a Regional Council.

Current members of Regional Baha'i Councils in the United States are to serve until May 23, 1999. The Council for the Northeastern States is to choose a chairman, as Dr. Roberts held that position. @

Top: Members of the Midwest Baha’i Gospel Choir and a few other singers spread

Red Grammer performs a song for the Fund at the beginning of the

their harmony (and harmonies) during an impromptu songfest after the Saturday night Convention session. Above: Children enjoy the crafts and activi

hosted by Brilliant Star magazine in the hotel lobby. The first color issue of Brilliant Star, for which Red and Kathy

Friday morning session of the Con- Grammer created a theme song, was presented at National Convention.

vention. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Photos by Amethel Parel-Sewell

page 22

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * NATIONAL CONVENTION 1998

June 24, 1998

CONVENTION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

viding the means for the Head of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice.

Dr. Banani said letter after letter to the trustees testifies of the transformative power of Law of Huqiq, h he act of distinguishing between our needs and wants is a spiritually maturing experience. It makes people happy.”

Another trustee, Daryush Haghighi, urged Local Spiritual Assemblies to deepen the friends continually on the Law of Huqtiq. Affordable materials include a readily available videotape— “the best substitute for having a teacher present”—and a_soon-to-be-released audio version of the video.

The delegates voted to send a gift and letter of appreciation to longtime Hugqtqu’llah trustee Elsie Austin, who recently resigned because of poor health.

In the youth presentation, Youth Committee members Ramine Yazhari and

zabeth Dwyer reported on the firstever Convention youth forum,which was quickly organized Saturday night. It brought the youth together to discuss their challenges in bringing about entry by troops, Dwyer said. They shared news of lots of initiatives, but also tackled chastity, school situations, backbiting and other tough issues youth face.

Yazhari outlined the Heroic Deeds of Service campaign through which American Baha’i youth are being challenged to “deepen on the spirit of heroism, connect with it, and pledge acts of service in that spirit.”

‘The convention was stirred next by the reading of the Universal House of Justice’s response to the message of love delegates had sent to the Supreme Body.

At Convention’s close, the Counselors imparted final thoughts to put a signature on the gathering.

Recalling the youth report, Dr.

said young believers’ heroes should come from our Baha’i extended family. In fact, she said, teaching need not be a “family destroyer.” Take the children with you, she urged, and help them fulfill their responsbility to God to teach. Another concern she expressed was that we have become so comfortable with the current Baha’i community that we fear nurturing new Baha’{s. What will it take? “We need a little talk between our hearts and Baha’u'lléh,” she said. Ms. Left Hand Bull asked each convention attendee to pray for God’s help in making a personal teaching plan for the coming year. Pray, too, she said, that delegates can communicate successfully the essence of the Ridvan message and the it of the convention. She fervently pleaded that th the Convention take home a sense of mission that lasts long after the “blush is gone.”

CONVENTION

REFLECTIONS

JANICE SADEGHIAN WASHINGTON, DC

‘The experiences were some of the most uplifting I have ever had opportunities to be with the Cc selors and to be a part of the el tion process overwhelm One of the special m actual voting for the N I just wish that all the American Baha’i community could be here and experience everything. One of my suggestions during the consultation was the intercommunity coope! It would be great s that are working on ue of intercommunity coop

A. Twas in

step in commu: { feel that this Convention was the tion of the World Order, that we elected one of the pillars of the Universal House of Justice. @

EXAMPLES OF DELEGATES’ CONSULTATION SUBJECTS:

Individual initiative.

Refining our message to invite diverse humanity to examine the Faith.

Making decentralization of the

Administration work.

Core Curriculum and training institutes.
Spiritual Assembly development.

More effective use of all mass

media, including the Internet.

¢ Participation and training of youth and children, with a focus on moral development.

¢ The involvement of the Faith in the life of society, especially in collaboration with like-minded groups.

¢ The need for systematic action and study materials to support growth and develop communities.

Cultivating the divinely revealed principles of race unity and gender equality in the hearts of men and women of

all races, and recognizing that those two principles are interlinked. @

CONVENTION REFLECTIONS Photos by Ken Duszynski Interviews by Ramzia Duszynski

June 24, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * NATIONAL CONVENTION 1998

page 23

[Page 24]EIGHTH*INTERNATIONAL*CONVENTION

Scenes from the Righth International Convention

Baha'is from more than 160 countries gathered April 29-May 2 at the Baha’i World Cen

ter in Haifa, Israel, to elect the Universal House of Justice. Almost 1,600 delegates from

all 171 National Spiritual Assemblies in the world cast votes in this holy event.

The Baha’i International Convention is held only once each five years. This one was very

special for being the last to be held in the 20th century. #

Right: The members of the newly-elected Universal House of Justice from left: Hushmand Fatheazam, Douglas Martin, Farzam Arbab, Hooper Dunbar,

lan Semple, Glenford Mitchell, Adib Taherzadeh, Peter Khan, Ali Nakhjavani.

Below: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khanam addresses the delegates early in the Convention.

(to vote PUBLIC OL IRELAND,

Above and Left: Members of National Spiritual Assemblies engage in the solemn yet joyous act of casting their votes for the Universal House of Justice.

wt

PHOTOS COURTESY BAHA’i INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE

page 24. THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION June 24, 1998 [Page 25]

‘To the members of National Spiritual Assemblies assembled at the Eighth International Baha’i Convention

Dearly loved Co-Workers,

In a short few months, a century and thirty years will have elapsed since the Promised One of All Ages was forcibly brought to this land as a prisoner in exile. The powerful adversaries arrayed against Him intended this to be the final act towards the obliteration of His divine mission. But they had no perception of the triumphal promise divinely imparted to Him when, according to His own testimony, “banners of light” welcomed His arrival in ‘Akké, and the “Voice of the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.”

A significant new stage towards the ultimate fulfilment of that great expectation is evident in your having gathered here in this very land on this auspicious occasion as representatives of the burgeoning communities being raised up in His Name throughout the length and breadth of the earth. We hail with uplifted hearts what you have done here. For through your participation in a uniquely conceived electoral process you have fortified the crown of that world-embracing administrative structure of which your Assemblies are the indispensable pillars; and through the clarity, cogency and discipline of your consultations you have opened vistas on the progress that must be achieved in a brief time. But what has impressed us even more deeply is that the manner of your conduct has reflected a degree of love and unity rare for so variegated a gathering of humanity as you represent. We are immensely encouraged by these indications of an accelerated process of maturation among members of institutions that must in the fullness of time play jor role in guiding the destiny of nations. Considering all that has transpired during these eventful days,

Message from the Universal House of Justice to International

Convention delegates

May 2, 1998

moment for the Four Year Plan—as that turning point when there must begin to be realized the full range of its aim and possib If not now, for what other occasion shall we wait? Surely, the friends at home looking forward with anxious hearts to your return are eager to lend their wholehearted support to the audacious actions you will wish to undertake. This is the time when you will want to pursue more urgently and _ effectively your God-given duties, for apparent in you are the signs of a new confidence, a recharged energy, and a reconsecrated spirit. These will enhance your capacity to rally the friends to teach and to a ¢ their other important responsibilities as never before.

May the unity that has permeated the Convention exercise its influence on all National Assemblies, the generals of the Army of Light. May this unity emanate from them with a force of love that will envelop and galvanize their national agencies, the local institutions and individuals residing within their national jurisdictions, and that will embrace the advice and endeavours of the Continental Counsellors and their auxiliaries. ‘Thus may it be seen in each country that, in contrast to the contentious attitudes of the world, the unity of the Baha’f community is an outer reflection of that inner reality that motivates the divinely ordained institution charged with directing and coordinating the community's affairs. Beloved friends, yours is the enviable privilege at this time of contributing to a systematic mobilization that can raise up the human resources capable of bringing about the enlistment of an ever-swelling company of new recruits under the banner of the Most Great Name. The plan is set, the path clear. Onward, then, with confidence, with vigour, with speed!

The Universal House of Justice

Photos above: The gathering places of the International Convention delegates turned into a kaleidoscope of human diversity.

Left: Visitors enjoy newly finished terraces of the Arc above the Shrine of the Bab, overlooking central Haifa.

June 24, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BANA‘i © E1GHTH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

page 25 [Page 26]

Baha'is help civic group, VIPs make ringing statement for women’s rights

n array of 20 prominent speakers Aistee! a message of equality at

he Philadelphia Regional Baha’i ‘er for the International Women’s Day Challenge to Ratify the UN Women’s Convention (CEDAW), attended by more than 100 people on March 8.

Emcee for the program was New Jersey state Sen. Diane Allen, a former local TV news anchorwoman. Others who made brief but powerful speeches included Pennsylvania state Rep. Connie Williams, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Happy Fernandez, the mayor of a nearby town, township commissioners, the president of the area chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, a b ness leader, the head of Philadelph delegation to the Beijing Women’s Conference, a visiting representative from the London group Women Against Rape, a U.N. representative from the Society of Friends (Quakers), two Baha'is, and others.

Each speaker was presented with the statement Tivo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men.

‘The event was initiated and principally organized by a board member for the local chapter of the World Federalist Association (WEA), who called on the Baha'is to provide a meeting place and help with the arrangements.

“There is no doubt that a great contributor to the success of the event was the fact that the Baha’is did not act alone in organizing a major public event,” said Homa

Massachusetts walk brings ‘joy,’ inquiries

Six Baha’is from Newton, Massachusetts, discovered that their “Help America Bridge the R Divide” T-shirts were an attraction when they took part in a Walk for Hunger on May 3.

Along the eight-mile stretch, “people kept walking up from behind and asking us about what we were wearing and what we represented,” said one participant. “We ran out of our pamphlets and regretted not having brought more

‘The participant concluded, “The joy these inquiries brought us totally refreshed us. We felt a great satisfaction and have decided to embark on such walks again.” @

(From left) Lisa Longstaff of Women Against Rape in London, Tanzanian activist Margaret Awiri and Homa Tavangar of the Baha’i National Committee for the Advancement of Women greet at the International Women’s Day Challenge in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy National Committee for the Advancement of Women

‘Tavangar, one of the Baha'i co-organizers.

“Wherever possible, diverse volunteers were enlisted for assistance. The fact that so much unity went behind the effort was very much reflected in the program, as so many people commented during the event,” she said.

‘Three television stations covered the event at the Baha’i center and showed brief clips during the evening news. Some newspapers covered the event and two radio interviews were held.

The idea for the event came from JanMarie Rushforth of the WEA, who three years ago had attended meetings at the Baha'i center. Aware that the National Spiritual Assembly is co-chair of the cam

paign for U.S. ratification of CEDAW, Rushforth felt the Baha’is would serve as natural allies for such an event. The Bahd’is shared that idea, especially since the National Spiritual Assembly had encouraged communities to hold programs for International Women’s Day.

Rushforth and other volunteers from various civic groups did a great deal of legwork and planning. The Bahé’is’ involvement was primarily to help with tasks the WFA could not perform: videotaping, photography, helping with media contacts, and beautifying the center. A spur-of-the-moment Baha’i task force emerged to set up refreshments in conjunction with the WEA coordinator, to help ensure a dignified setting.

In order to accommodate 20 speakers at the 90-minute program, each speaker was limited to three to five minutes. The novel format resulted in a dynamic, energized program expressing a wide variety of opinions and approaches.

Several people said they were inspired to attend the event by a radio interview on one of the most popular morning shows in the region, featuring Ms. Tavangar, who serves on the Baha’i National Committee for the Advancement of Women.

Advertised several days in advance, the interview highlighted the Baha'i center and mentioned the Power of Race Unity campaign. Many calls came to the station inquiring about CEDAW and International Women’s Day. —Submitted by the National Committee for the Advancement of Women

THE BALANCE IS SHIFTING

‘he National Committee for

the Advancement of Women would love to hear your personal and community stories that reflect the shift in balance described by ‘Abdu’l-Baha when he wrote:

“The world in the past has been ruled by force, ... But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals ... an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced.”

—quoted in Bahd’u'llab and the New Era: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

Please send accounts of your community’s activities to: National Committee for the Advancement of Women, Baha'is of the United States,

Washington, D.C. 20036 e-mail

Donations for shelter lead to continuing commitment of service by Baha’is in small Georgia community

he Baha’s group of Fayetteville, Georgia, experienced the joy of helping others when it donated

items to the local shelter for battered women. In the spirit of Ayyam-i-Hi, the friends discovered a community need and helped to fill it.

They found that laundry supplies, luding baskets, soap, and quarters for use at the coin laundry were women did not have when they moved into the shelter. In addition to these supplies, the Baha'is donated greatly needed table lamps and school suppli

When the items w delivered, Shahla Mottahed, Amelia Cutting and Borna Mottahed presented the director of the shelter with a copy of Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men, with the thought that it will find a permanent place in the shelter’s library.

The Fayetteville Baha’is plan to continue to provide items and tutoring as needed throughout the year. @

items most

Fayetteville, Georgia, Baha’is (left to right) Bernice R. Hunter,

Hunter, Ava

Mottahed, Vicki Arendt, and Sandy Cutting load a van with supplies for the local shelter for battered women. Photo courtesy Fayetteville Baha'i community

Page 26

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

June 24, 1998 [Page 27]

Grant helps Health for Humanity in literacy campaign

Hen for Humanity, a service and development organization under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly, was awarded a $12,550 grant to support the first year of a literacy promotion program for pre-schoolers in the West Side of Chicago.

The grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan, brought to a total of $25,550 the grants awarded for this effort over two years, according to project director Dr. Richard Czerniejewski. “We are now able to purchase the books for the children, employ the community person who will oversee the program at the WestTown Neighborhood Health Center, and manage all the details of conducting a successful effort,” Czerniejewski said.

The program, called “Prescribe a Book for Children,” is an outgrowth of the “Reach Out and Read” program that began at Boston (Massachusetts) City Hospital in 1989. It provides books for children in poverty-level families every time they get a well-baby checkup at the center from 6 months to 5 years old.

The doctor encourages parents to share the books with their children “in an atmosphere of love and fun,” the project director said. Meanwhile, communi

Baha’i Chair professor addresses

ty volunteers read to the children in the waiting area.

Reflecting the population of the area served by the health center, the program will provide books in English, Spanish, Polish and other languages. Health for Humanity is conducting the program in cooperation with the local Department of Health, the Chicago Board of Education and the Humboldt Park Public Library.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1930 to “help people help themselves through the practical application of knowledge and resources to improve their quality of life and that of future generations,” the foundation states. It focuses its grants on programs for health, food systems and rural development, education, philanthropy and volunteerism, in the Americas, the Caribbean and southern Africa.

Health for Humanity, with 1,300 active supporters worldwide, also conducts projects in Albania, Bolivia, Cameroon, Honduras, Los Angeles, Atlanta and other locales. For information or to receive the Health for Humanity Newsletter, contact its office at Glencoe, IL 60022 (phone 847-835-5088).

Health for Humanity volunteer Pat Armbruster shares a book with pre-schoolers at Chicago’s WestTown Neighborhood Health Center, as part of the “Prescribe a Book for Children” program. Health for Humanity organized the project in cooperation with several civic and government groups. Photo courtesy of Health for Humanity

‘Calling All Colors’ movement

ceremony for new citizens

r. Suheil Bushrui, holder of the

Baha’i Chair for World Peace at

the University of Maryland, delivered

the keynote address Feb. 20 to a citizenship ceremony in Baltimore.

More than 1,000 people gathered to

Pictured at the citi;

the poem and requested a copy. Other senior officials of the INS displayed great interest in the mission of the Baha’f Chair and the ideals of the Baha’i Faith.

The following lines from “The Bounty of America” encapsulate the call for

nship ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland, are (left to right) Mary

Bushrui, INS Commissioner Doris Meissner, Baha’i Chair holder Suheil Bushrui, INS Deputy District Director Warren Lewis and singer Lloyd Marcus.

celebrate the naturalization of 313 immigrants from 52 countries. The significance of the occasion was underscored by the attendance of Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner Doris Meissner and INS Deputy District Director Warren A. Lewis.

Dr. Bushrui’s inspiring speech was followed by a passionate recitation of his poem “The Bounty of America.”

The invitation to Dr. Bushrui was an example of the critical contribution the Baha’i Chair can make to American society by fostering unity and diversity. It also testified to the high esteem in which the Chair is held.

Following the formal ceremonies, Meissner expressed her admiration for

peace and unity that resonated in the War Memorial Building:

“I have come to erect the edifice of your glory

“With my other brothers, the Indian, the Eskimo, the European, the Asian and the African;

“And in your love be united with the Red, the White, the Yellow and the Black

“T have come to embrace every one of your religions

“So that I become one with the Indian and the Hindu, the Jew and the Christian, the Moslem and the Baha’.

“How rich you are in your many sons,

“In your many faiths, and in your thousand tongues.” @

spreads to southern Florida

nspired by the Calling All Colors con ferences in South Carolina, Baha’is in south Florida have initiated programs in public schools as a social and economic development project.

The planners sought permission to hold conferences during the school day that would include all students. A target school was selected and several preliminary m ings were held with the principal and s On the ane ontc 13, the first s

dent assemblies gath children: ve that the nounced that race unity would become a larger part of the school curriculum.

After brief remarks by the principal, students were greeted by Justin Rosenberg, age 10, who read a statement introducing Calling All Colors as “a club for children who want to remind other kids that even though people look different, we are all really equal and the same. ... I think we all s on the le that counts, not the outside. Its whats in our hearts and how we treat everyone that’s

important. We are all members of one human race.”

Justin then read a poem he had found in Brilliant Star called “Family,” and Jordan Campbell, age 8, read from the book We're All Alike, We're All Different.

A skit titled “The Gingerbread Cookies,” performed by the Bahai Youth Workshop, depicted cookies made from one batch of dough that nevertheless argued about which color was the best. A jon-and-an: ion with the

emblies were concluded with i of “We Are Drops.” One cher n vigoro i ing the words while the song she was later g eption at th he principal, teacher: were helpful and all made positive comments. Student participation was lively throughout.

Members of Calling All Colors. will continue to consult with h other and school officials on the best ways to reach children of various ages and backgrounds. @

Guest column expounds unity principles

A Baha’i in Los Angeles reached out

rough The Sun in San Bernardino County, California, to make people aware that the roots of ethnic strife start in the home.

Lenise Jackson-Gaertner, president of Mothers for Race Unity and Equality, wrote a Point of View column in the newspaper May 4 explaining how attitudes instilled in the young traditionally have resulted in discrimination and violence against those outside their culture.

She called for mothers and other women,

as the primary teachers of their children, to “educate themselves on these issues and acculturate their female and male children toward safeguarding human life and having a higher moral consciousness.”

And she presented a convincing argument that the same dynamic played out in societies around the globe is at work in our inner cities, where gangs and others seek the “acquisition of political and economic power, material comfort and personal respect” through warlike behavior. @

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES _ page 27 [Page 28]

Baha’is play leading, supporting roles Fallbrook in national convention for religious PR ‘tiends

aha’is were prominently ityvolved April

23-25 when Louisville, Kentucky, hosted the national convention of the Religious Public Relations Council (RPRC).

The interfaith organization, founded in 1929, lists 58 denominatia:ns and religious affiliations in its nvembership directory and has 11 chaptess throughout the United States. About: 100 members attended the conventiony.

Nancy Harris, public inforrnation officer of the Baha’is of Greates Lou and president of the RPR@ Lou chapter, served as conventiom chair. She

ff

Baha'i youth Shabnam Cyras sang the prayer for the opening of the convention.

Jim Wilde, a Baha’ in Whitesburg, Kentucky, presented a wartkshop on

“| learned how to say Baha’u’llah, too. | had to say

it in my head several times. Has a nice ring to it.”

—Bob Abernethy, host of PBS series Religion and Ethics Weekly

ond workshop. But a tape of the first session was played in its place, and word of mouth brought a large audience to its showing. Jsing the overall theme of symbols, a’{ speaker Navid Kanani used a photo of the House of Worship in India to briefly explain the symbolism of the number nin

The Baha'is pi

nt had numerous

copy of the unity prayer in Spanish and assured that there are Baha’is in Santiago. Copies of The Babd’is magazine were made available on a table outside the workshop area and 11 were taken. Also, luncheon speaker Bob Abernethy, host of the PBS series Religion and Ethics Weekly, mentioned the Founder of the Baha’f Faith in his talk. Noting that he often has to pronounce unfamiliar words in his

“The Changing Role of P\blic Relations Prat s in the Smformation — When Age.” Bec: t-minn te circum- Hermos stances he was unable to present a sec- _ iar with the Baha’

attendees about the

‘aith, she was given a

programs, he said, “I learned how to say Baha’u’llah, too. I had to say itin my head several times. Has a nice ring to it.”

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

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Registration form

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reaching out | on race unity

he Spiritual Assembly of Fall brook, California, has begun to draw fellow residents of this scenic avocado-growing village north of San Diego into a dialogue on race unity.

About 40 people attended a panel discussion held to initiate the dialogue. Panelists included Jerry Donahue, a retired man who had started an after-school program, primarily for Latino children, to provide help with schoolwork and self-esteem.

Another panelist, Sandy Coleman, a Baha’f, spoke of the efforts made by the North County Racial Healing Institute.

A staff member at Fallbrook High School praised Keli Lovejoy, a Baha’i youth in the school’s student government, saying she has transformed the cultural heritage week from a fragmented event that tended to polarize the students to a single unified assembly that celebrates the contributions of many cultures in one place.

Another speaker was Randal Mejah, a Native American raised in San Diego. He said he knew racial prejudice having been raised in a white community, but also spent the last 20 years living on the Pala reservation, so he also knows prejudice “from the other side, too,” as he put it. Each panlist spoke five minutes.

Sylvester Scott, an African-American Baha’i from nearby Temecula, was moderator. He recounted how initially he was only peripherally interested in the subject of race, but a number of years ago he was asked by the Baha’is to research and address this issue. As a result of that work, he has been asked to speak at many meetings across the country.

Among the several references Scott read from various sources, one pointed out that by 2000 half the people on the globe will be Asian, the largest cities in the world will not be in Europe or the United States, the majority language will not be English, and the majority religion will not be Christianity.

A nice closing touch was the unveiling of the Fallbrook Ministerial Association's new “Friendly Fallbrook” bumper sticker. An assoc tion member explained that the cado with continents painted on it represented the world, and that the cut-out paper doll figures colors—linked around the avocado, hands—represented the

ciation, Thellie Lovejoy, for her efforts to make this bumper sticker project a reality. @

page 28

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

June 24, 1998 [Page 29]

mpeg

CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES

Mrs. Sears helps Milwaukee celebrate 75th anniversary

Sears recently

arguerite Sears returned 5 i home to help the Milwauk

to her one-time

in, Baha’i community celebrate » its 75th anniversary.

More than 200 Baha’is and guests from around the country gathered at a gala dinner, at which Mayor John Norquist proclaimed April 26 “Baha’i Day” throughout the city.

The Central States Regional Baha’i Choir graced the afternoon with several spirituals, and professional trumpeter David Young of Evanston, Illinois, d:

ty’s theme “Celebrating 75 Years of

Racial Harmony.”

In her keynote speech, Mrs. Sears recounted her early years in Milwaukee. It was in this city that she met her husband, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, and a few of their courting stori took place there, as mentioned in his wellbeloved book God Loves Laughter.

Mrs. Sears, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, also noted that her father, Charles Reimer, was one of the five meat packers who started and named the Green Bay Pa football team.

the progress Baha’is have made, she said, “We have a long way to go.”

The Milwaukee Baha’i community truly has come a long way since its beginnings in 1923. Its center, established in 1968, is the site of thriving children’s classes, weekly devotional services, deepenings and firesides.

The Milwaukee Spiritual Assembly, serving what was once the third-largest Baha’i community in the country, was blessed with a special tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

“The Assembly ye have established in

led the audience with several pieces, including a musical interpretation of a _ thin; tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. th:

Also, longtime Baha’{ and Milwaukee — sp resident Jerry Johnson played an original song in keeping with the communi

Portland-area friends flock by hundreds to Naw-Ruz festival

Naw-Riiz celebration turned into one of the biggest ver held in the Portland, Oregon, area.

nverged on the st together and enjoy fellowship, performances of American and Persian dance from the

aha’ ever More than 350 Bal ind their friends community of Lake Oswego to break the

music—plus a blending of the styles heritages of China and Tonga.

A highlight was a dance and prayer honoring the new year by Roman Orona, a Lake Oswego Baha’i of Apache and Yaki heritage. He later led the whole group in a tradi tional social dance.

“T counted close to 200 friends marching in twos followwrote Patricia Campuughed in the and it all reminded equiring of us both solitude and commu ing Roman up and down the aisles,” sano in a report on the event. “The friends excitement and joyful confusion of this me of the Faith’s nion, study and feast.”

The Spiritual Assembly of Lake Oswego reports it is planning to make the area-wide gathering an

annual event. @

But Mr. Ri

teaching the Baha’i Faith. And is what Mi —the need for Baha’fs in Milwaukee and throughout the world to teach and keep teaching. While applauding

’s real pass

on was one

's stressed in her

great gl

Roman Orona, a Lake Oswego, Oregon, resident, organized ceremonial and social dances for the Naw-Raz celebrati the Portland, Oregon, area. More than 350 people participated in the celebration. Photo courtesy Portland, Oregon community

Correspondence course students cite results from Revelation of Baha’u'llah session

‘he Wilmette Institute’s second correspon dence course on the Revelation of Baha’u’llah, 1868-92 (‘Akka period), runs July 3—Dec. 27. Registration will be open until July 3 or until the course fills to its 75-student limit.

Students taking the first course on the Revelation of Baha’u’llah, 1853-68 (the Baghdad and Adrianople periods), report that this method of studying the Baha'i writings is helping them fulfill goals of the Four Year Plan that call for a “systematic approach” to acquiring “the knowledge and capacity to sustain a continuous expansion and consolidation of the communit

Using the course’s materials, correspondence students have been giving firesides and deepen

ings—several for the first time. One student helped form a new Local Spiritual Assembly. Others report greater confidence in explaining the Faith to others and an increased desire to teach the Cause.

‘Tuition is $200, or $160 per student for a local study group of three or more. Students will receive 17 assignments over the six months, each to be completed within a week.

For information, contact Heather Gorman, registrar, at the Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-7333415, e-mail ). Information is available on the Web (www.usbne.org/wilmette) or the 24-hour automated information line, 847-733-3595.

that town is an effulgent ray from the Realm of Glory,” it read. “I pray that men’s hearts may become illumined thereby and their souls rejoiced by this lad tidings ... the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee @

Trumpeter David Young of Evanston, Illinois, performs at the 75th Anniversary gala in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The gathering was also treated to reminiscences of Wisconsin Baha’i life from Marguerite Sears. Photo courtesy Milwaukee community

Women’s retreat discusses life roles

ixteen women : ge girls met n the mountains of Cc ‘old, Yalifornia, March 28-29 for their firstever women’s retreat to discuss the equality of men and women and people’s roles in thi

The gathering a direct result of a Chicago-area ‘conference held last December by the National Committee for the Advancement of Women. Patti Lacefield of Clovis, California, had attended that confere:

At the retreat,

”—Submitted by

Lac

ing Powers,” “Women’s Suffrage,” “Téhirih,” “The Portrayal of Women in Books, TV and Movies,” “Matriarchal and Patriarchal in History,” and “What the New Day Will Look Like.”

Also, the presenters read and answered questions on the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. @

SEEKING PRINT PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘’{ & Brilliant Star

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 36 To inquire or apply, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430)

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 29 [Page 30]

yLID A? rae

LI

NG*’TH

TH

‘VICTORTE:

The Baha’i Sunday morning children’s program at the San Diego Baha’i Center was recently joined by staff of the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office. The children, mostly Hmong, were led in a round of songs by Tony Killeen (second row right), who encouraged them to suggest verses for the song “Love Is Something If You Give It Away.” For more information about the work of the Refugee Office, call 847-733-3547. Photo courtesy U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office

wn Order

Your window to teaching, deepening and external affairs work

The Winter 1997. you to find wa ngs, and for

-98 issue of World Order is hot off the press and beckons it in your teaching work, for personal and group deep

Nelson, explores “The Spiritual DimenPersonal Experiences.” An enlightening article for attorneys, ed in conflict resolution, and anyone who longs to hear how the

system can be infused with moral principles and a genuine respect ind for the individual.

Jim Stokes concludes his essay on the evolving meaning of the biblical story of Joseph as it flows through the scriptures of successive dispensations. In World Order's Spring 1997 issue he explored the story in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In the final installment the story of Joseph reaches its universal significance in the Babi and Baha’ traditions.

An editorial on unity and diversity as hallmarks of a world civilization and a review of Giuseppe Robiati’s Faith and World Economy round out the

It’s not too late to obtain a copy of World Order's Fall 1997 is 100th anniversary of the birth of the Guardian and the 40th of issue, being used as a text by the Wilmette Institute, contains a long editorial assessing Shoghi Effendi’s legacy after one hundred years; an essay by Sandra Hutchison on “Shoghi Effendi and the American Dream,” a study of The Advent of Divine Justice; an overview of the Guardianship by Geoffry W. Marks; a review of God Passes By by Firuz Kazemzadeh; and a review of six books about Shoghi Effendi by Howard B. Garey. Order copies and use them for personal deepening on the Guardian and the basis of classes for local institutes.

SHIP TO: To subscribe Address Fill out form, mailto: City & State Baha’i Subscriber ZIP/Postal Code Country Service w Daytime Phone or e-mail 5397 Wilbanks Drive S015 79; Chattanooga, TN : 37343-4047 Address Phone 800-999-9019 City & State (Single issues available ZIP/Postal Code Country ce Pecos orders for $5 {1s this a gift for person listed in “Ship To”? Circle one: Y at: Plus shipping/handling) a ytime phone e-mail or fax ne Snot: Credit card order? Circle one: VISA MC Discover Amex enclosed. For Canadian Credit card## or international orders Exp.Date enclose an interna- Cardholder sign here tional money order or bank cheque drawn on Type of subscription (check one): I year 2 years. U.S. bank in U.S. dol- United States: $19 _ $36 es poyable fe peel All other countries, surface mail _ $19 _ $36 scr ve: All other countries, air mail $24 __ $46

Youth deepening retreat gets Hmong youth involved

Aves deepening retreat signed for Hmong youth in Merced, California, was recently conducted by Tru Chang, a Baha’i youth, with his wife and sister and attended by U.S. Baha'i Refugee

on the material studied.

At the end of the retreat, several young Hmong women ages 10-20 said they would like to share letters with female friends from other cultures and other places in the United States.

‘To take part in this letter exchange, please contact the U.S. Baha’f Refugee Office at the Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3547, email

Tru Chang (far right) leads a deepening retreat for Hmong youth sponsored by the Merced Baha’i community. Pictured left of center is Lillian Jensen, their friend and

mentor. Photo courtesy U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office

Central States Badasht conference aimed at inspiring youth to action

oe rise and conquer” is the battle

ry this summer as the Baha'i youth of the Central States come together to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Conference of Badasht by dedicating themselves to completing the Four Year Plan goals in this region.

This daylong conference, sponsored by the Regional Baha’i Countil of the Central States, is set for July 11 at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The focus will be on the role of youth in the Four Year Plan, with the aim to inspire to action all who participate.

This event will draw its strength and spirit from the original conference of Badasht in 1848, where the independent nature of the Revelation of the Bab was established. Tahirih had a great impact on the emancipation of women globally through the symbolic act of removing her veil. Most of the 81 participants were youth. They left the 22-day conference with a new identity and sense of dedication.

A full day of devotions, speakers, presentations, art, and music is on

the agenda. Members of the Continental Board of Counselors, National Spiritual Assembly, National Teaching Committee and Regional Council will share their wisdom and help motivate the friends into action.

The program is designed for high school through college-age youth, most specifically for those of the Central States, but pronyone: is welcome to attend.

Support by the local institutions to assist youth to attend will be invaluable. Meals and lodging will not be provided, but a list of convenient restaurants and hotels are to be sent to Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Central States. If you cannot attend, please send a picture of yourself and your pledge of service to the Faith so your spiritual presence can be felt.

For registration information or to volunteer, contact Badasht Conference, Baha’f House of Worship, 100 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-853-2300, e-mail

.¢

June 24, 1998 [Page 31]“CONSOLIDATING*THE* VICTORIES

Service, learning are central to Green Acre’s mission

BY TOM MENNILLO

atmosphere. at sums up the Green Acre Baha'i School experience co-administrators Jim and Jeannine Sacco and their staff foster on the Eliot, Maine, campus. The Saccos arrived in October 1995 from their pioneer

where they served

-owned School of

the Nations.

When the Four Year Plan was promulgated, they pored over it with Green Acre’s advisory board and developed a vision for aligning the school’s offerings to the Plan.

‘The result has been a focus on fostering spiritual transformation in individuals, communiand institutions alike.

There are classes on teaching, on training institutes, on Local Assembly development, on the Persian and African-American (and soon Latino) cultures, and so on. Programs are devoted to pre-youth and youth, and Au: iary Board members and their assistants.

The process of transformation begins the minute visitors set foot on the historic grounds along the Piscataqua River separating Maine from New Hampshire.

At orientation, they hear the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha on putting the Baha’{ teachings into practice and are asked to consider the concept of service to each other, the institutions, and the Cause.

“Tt sets a wonderful tone,” Jim said. “The friends respond wholeheartedly to that. It creates an environment in which they can feel the unity growing

the week or*weekend pro

gresses He noted, “We don’t want

assive mode like e-star hotel

people in a they’re at being w attendee has a such as talent show coordinator.

Green Ac ‘ory plays a large role in setting the tone for stay on campus.

Vi ncouraged to isit the room where the Master received visitors during his week at Green Acre in 1912.

“People say things like they ison draining from m or that their spiritual baties have been recharged,”

5 hi

A

‘ors are

Hed the M 1994, letter from the Universal Hou: of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly stressing that spiritual rela~ tionships form the basis of community life and that the instituti ist to foster that.

Non-B ense thi irit.

“Green Acre is away from the madding crowd,” said Jeannine, “an island of peace in the middle of a frenetic world. It’s always been that way since the days of Sarah Farmer. People of all backgrounds can come together and delve into spiritual truths.”

Jim said many of the older residents have worked at Green Acre from time to time and have pride in it.

At the school’s open house during Eliot Festival Days each year, “old folks come up and tell us stories of their service here and how they met people from all over the world who broadened their horizons,” he said.

“A woman who comes here remembers being held on ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s lap as a child,”

added Jeannine. “Green Acre is dear to he: z

Sixteen parcels «around Eliot totaling 250 acres are owned by the National Spi tual Assembly, and 19 buildings house activities. Numerous Baha’is own propert they intend to deed to the

lot to take care of, Jim annine acknowledge. “We work closely with the Properties Department at the Baha'i National Center and have an excellent staff that keeps them in shape,” Jim said. Jeannine noted the rah mer Inn and the Olé Bull

ry old. But new planned as well with resources”—including mphitheater, a campground, lower-cost housing, a meeting hall to hold 500, and new

classrooms.

As Green Acre points to the future, it is continuing a decades-long commitment to of humankind. The is hosting a series of meetings on race unity bringing together organizations from all along the seacoast.

“Given this exemplary life of Louis G.» Gregory and_ his example of teaching and nobility and dedication to the race amity conferences that were held here year after year, this i a part of our heritage that we are giving a lot of attention to and are seeing lots of confirmations in terms of greater participation of minorities in our programs,” said y

“You know, the Baha’fs are known here as people who work patiently and steadfastly ... on the issue of the unity of the races,” he said, “and the people

Young students at Green Acre Baha’i School take a game break during a recent school session. Photo by Pepper Oldziey

of this area have come to count on us as supportive of thes efforts.”

Green Acre also has extended a welcoming hand, through the Baha’ International Community, to possible collaboration with the United Nations on substance abuse prevention.

‘These types of programs and the increasing rental of school facilities by outside groups such as the Jewish Temple Sisterhood, the Quakers, and the Lyman Fund environmental group are winning friends for the Faith—and helping Green Acre’s bottom line.

Baha’

MORE ABOUT GREEN ACRE.

. Though few had partic

Fellowship board of trustees, townspeople came out in droves to defé

pated previously in elec

“We're gaining ground slowly” toward self-sufficiency, said Jim. “Even though we have more people attending, which means more revenue, it’s also very expensive to carry a professional staff as we do and to care for this large a property with this many buildings ... and we haven’t raised our pri

“We're sort of looking at it in terms of our spiritual mandate, which is to deepen the friends, have them leave here feeling stimulated and refreshed and also to foster the spirit of fellowship among the friends,” he said. @

voted early in the century to preserve Green Acre’s connection with

n of the Green Acre

an anti

slate of candidates, showing support for founder Sarah Farmer.

use became Baha’is at Green Acre. Hand of the there and is buried nearby.

of the G. Gregory spent many ye

Two Hands

use Louis

‘Abdu’l-Baha said a House of Worship and a great Baha’i unive

located in the vicinity.

ity would be

This is the first in a series of articles profiling the permanent Baha’i schools in the United States. Louhelen and Bosch

schools will be profiled in future issues.

Mr. Hofman drops in on Bosch session

Peres in the May 15-17 concurrent sessions at Bosch Baha’i School for the Association for Baha’i Studies Regional Conference and the San Jose Community Retreat, were treated to the unexpected pleasure of Mr. David Hofman, former member of the Universal House of Justice and his wife, Kathleen Hyatt Hofman, visiting Bosch. Mr. Hofman was the opening speaker Friday evening for the conference, “Profound Faith and Fi Thought: Developing Baha’i ship.” Saturday evening following a program of music and dance, Mr. Hofman showed slides of Mount Carmel and the Are projects for the participants of both sessions and those who came just for this special evening.

In addition to Mr. Hofman’s contributions, the ABS Conference presented a workshop on scholarship and presentations of papers on a variety of subjects, both completed papers and works in progress. The program for the San Jose Community Retreat featured Mehrdad Fazli on the “Love of God and Teaching.” This was a spiritually rejuvenating weekend for both groups, with loving fellowship and beautiful spring weather, at last.

The Social and Economic Development Conference facilitated April 17-19 by Robert Phillips provided participants the opportunity to write recommendations for projects for “Boschville,” after interviewing staff members and collecting necessary information. Students found this practical experience very helpful in putting theory to work.

Two other sessions were held that

(From left) Shamim Imani, Mary Eiland and

Njeri Kamau gather at the Marriage and

Family Youth Training Conference in April at Bosch. Photo courtesy Bosch Bahai School

busy weekend. A Marria ly Youth Training C tated by Marsha Gilp:

and Ann

Miller using Core Curriculum materials, provided study of the pertinent

ortant topic with many opportunities to demonstrate learning through the arts and role-playing. The Wilmette Institute’s course on the Old and New Testaments was presented by Dr. Robert Stockman, director of the Wilmette Institute and head of the Research Department at the Baha’i National Center. The last of the scheduled series will be Sept. 11-13 with Behrooz Sabet on “The Baha'i Faith and Philosophy.”

Looking ahead, a bu: children, youth and music s scheduled, as well as our family general sessions and very special teaching conferences, the Ocean of Light Pacific Islanders Conference July 2-5 and the Southeast Asian Leadership Roundtable, August 28-31. Dates of upcoming programs are listed on the Calendar, page 44.

An important conference on “AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction,” sponsored by the Baha’i Network on AIDS, Sexuality, Addictions and Abuse, will be held Sept. 25-27. This conference, held previously in various locations throughout the country, will this year be at Bosch. @

ummer of

Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture:

Dr. William S. Hatcher

Hotel reservations and rates:

E-mail

CV982322 to book air travel. Reservations: Phone 800-361-7585

Phone 800-363-0735, fax 514-288-2469,

Air travel: For discounts on air tickets, use Air Canada and quote Event Number

The Covenant: Pivot of Oneness

Association for Baha'i Studies 22nd Annual Conference Sept. 24-27, 1998, Hétel du Parc, Montréal, Québec Conference Web site: www.bahai-studies.ca/~absnam//news/conferences/1998.html

Topics and Themes Lectures, panels, arts presentations, seminars and workshops on:

History/significance of the concept of “covenant” in world religions
The concept of “covenant” in the Revelation of Baha'u'llah
Covenant and law: international, civic, personal, spiritual
Covenant, world order and global governance
Expressions of covenant in personal, family, and community life

Brown at

“Love Power and Justice,” by

TO REGISTER (Please register for each person attending the conference):

By phone: call 613-233-1903 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
By fax: Transmit completed form(s) to 613-233-3644, a 24-hour fax line. You can have a registration form faxed or te

to you by calling 613-233-1903 during the office hours listed above.

By mail: Send your completed registration form to 34 Copernicus Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, KIN 7K4.

Fees in Canadian dollars (4 days): By July 31

Individual (ABS member): $80 Individual (non-member): $120 Couple (member): $140 Couple (non-member): $190 Senior/student (member): $60 Senior/student (non-member): $85

Ask about one-day rates, rates for children, financial assistance.

Authors’ Corner: Authors meet with participants and sign books (authors contact Barry

Children’s conference: Ballsiay ¢ program for

5- to 12-year-olds. Also sessions and outings for pre-youth ages 12 to 15.

Association for Baha'{ Studies Annual Meeting

and Members’ Luncheon on Sunday.

Other features

ABS by Aug. 31).

by Aug. 31 On-site $90 $100 $130 $140 $160 $180 $210 $230 $70 $80 $95" $105

BRIEFLY

SPANISH RADIO IN YAKIMA

KDNA, a Spanish-language public radio station in Yakima, Washington, has interviewed Baha’is from na and Moses Lake about race unity and the equality of women and men, as a result of ongoing contact with th tion.

Quotations by Baha’u'llsh opened and closed the interview, which clearly identified the speakers as members of the Baha’i Faith and furnished addresses and phone numbers.

In addition, the Baha’i communities served by KDNA are contributing to a monthly Baha’i program, “El Jardin de los Nifios,” earlier reported in a photo and caption in the April 9 issue of The American Bahai.

Featuring stories with Ba moral themes and Baha’i children’s songs, the program is scheduled the first Friday of each month.

FRONT- PAGE TREATMENT AT USC

A front-page article in the Daily Trojan newspaper spotlighted a series of Baha’ Club-sponsored events at the University of Southern California promoting the equality of women and men, coinciding with International Women’s Day in early March and organized as part of the nationwide OneVoice campaign.

The article noted plans by Baha’ Club members to hand out statements of their beliefs on a campus plaza and to make presentations to deans and directors on campus to further understanding of the Faith. Club members Arghavan Rahimpour and Samir Koirala were quoted in the article about the Baha’i principles of gender equality, and member Tajalli Greengus was quoted inviting anyone on campus “dedicated to racial unity” to join the club. @

Nebraska summer school

Information on this summer's Great Plains Baha’i School session in Nebraska was inadvertantly omitted from the May 17 issue of The American Baha’i. That information is as follows: Dates: July 23-26 Program: “The Individual Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops” with Mehrdad Fazli, James Borland Jr., Sharon Firooz, Bob Waddell; music by Susan Lewis Wright and Ralph Southern; youth classes by Melissa Cleaver; children’s classes.

Location: University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Facilities: Air-conditioned lodging; classrooms and nursery. Pool, sports, bookstore.

Fees: Adult (13-up) $89-109 with lodging, $39 meals only; Youth (7-12) $69 with lodging, $19 meals only or with sleeping bag; Children (up to 6) $49 with lodging, free for meals only or with sleeping bag.

Contact: Colin Taylor,

North Platte, NE 69101 (phone 308534-4939, e-mail B Pre-register by June 30 with ae of $10 per person or $15 per family. #

page 32

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

June 24, 198 [Page 33]

Finding another world here at home

BY SAHBA ROHANI

6¢ Anywhere,” I thought, “except in the United States.” had always heard these amazing stories of youth who had gone to other countries to serve the Faith; in Asia, South America, Africa. I couldn’t wait until it was my turn to go to some foreign country, and come back with amazing stories about the villages I visited and the communities I worked with. It was the first year of the Four Year Plan, and I knew I had to make it memorable. “Anywhere,” I told the Office of Pioneering, “except the U.S.” Amonth later Lended up at the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. So there I was, in the U.S. But Bahé’u’lléh always answers our prayers, one way or another, because Hemingway is like no U.S. I have ever known. They told me I would feel as though I was in a different country, but it was more like I was in a different world. Everything was new to me; everything was foreign. There were times when I was so alone and had no one to turn to but Bahéa’u’lléh. Other times I was completely surrounded by wonderful people. Words cannot express the deep feelings of

love and respect I have for the people I met while serving. I saw for myself the principles of the Baha’{ Faith manifested in their lives, and this is what affected me. This made me realize the special potency of this Gift of God, this honor of bearing the name: Baha’.

I served in the Education Department, working with children and youth from the community directly surrounding the Institute. Also, as do all youth volunteers serving at LGI, I had the opportunity to proclaim the name of the Blessed Beauty over the air waves on Radio Baha'i. While I was there, I took the opportunity of being on the air for granted; I was happy to have a night off. But now, I would do anything, just to be in that studio for one minute. Anything—I didn’t know what I had until it was gone.

Trealized when we serve our lives are no longer our own. Anything that needed to be done, I knew I had to help do, with a smile on my face. Clean, rake, garden, cook, and then clean some more. My life belonged to the Institute and its needs. It was about forgetting who I am, forgetting what makes me comfortable. It was about letting go of all my personal opinions and realizing it’s all for Baha'u'llah. Everything I did, everything, was about serving Him.

My heartaches, I have a lump in my throat and tears in my

Sahba Rohani (center) gathers with friends in Hemingway, South Carolina.

eyes as I sit here writing this short description of my year of service at the Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute. No mere words can describe the feeling of knowing it is all for Baha'u'llah. I knew that no matter where I was, or what I did, it was all for Him. I found myself there. I found my Faith there. I fell in love with Baha'u'llah. Most people say, “I went away for my year of service,” but I say, “I went home.”

Sabba Robani is a student at the University of Arizona in Tucson. @

The first-ever National Convention Youth Forum gathers after being organized quickly by members of the National Youth Committee, along with other young Baha’is, attending the Convention May 30.

Photo by Tom Hennillo

_ Phone'847-733-3499 ¢ Fax 847-733-3502

YOUR THOUGHTS ARE INVITED AND WELCOMED

The National Youth Committee would love to hear from you! We welcome:

+ Pictures of youth activities.

+ News and information about teaching/conference/service opportunities.

Questions and feedback.
Artwork, essays, and poetry.

National Youth Committee * Baha’i National Center

1233 Central Ave. * Evanston, IL 60201

‘Heroic Deeds’ campaign brings in pledges of service from youth

Some pledges submitted so far:

“I will provide support for one youth serving for a year of service in.a French-speaking

African country. Material support of at least $1,000, advice and counsel, support for pioneer institute, and one Tablet of Ahmad on their behalf every day that they are there. This is heroic for me because there is a call for delegation, and my heroes are people that inspire me to perform heroic deeds, and I consider a year of service in a country as difficult as these as heroic. Thus by helping (and hopefully inspiring) some to perform a heroic deed, I may be heroic.”

“I have never held an official fireside or discussion group before, preferring instead to take

the supporting role. Also, as a not-so-new new Baha’{ I have a need to overcome many of the perceptions of inadequacy that many of us face as Baha’is. Qualities needed for the fulfillment of this objective: detachment, faith, certitude, sacrifice. ‘Nothing whatsoever is unattainable. Endeavor, ceaseless endeavor is required. Nothing short of an indomitable will and determination can possibly achieve it.’ —‘Abdu’l-Baha”

¢ “T intend to carry out a three-pronged spiritual campaign: personal spiritual development, community development, teaching. [Examples of each category given] These are all small deeds and not necessarily heroic in themselves. But taken together, I think their impact will be powerful. I look at where I am today and in some ways I am very proud because I know that the distance I have covered in the year and a half since I declared is immense. The Faith is no longer my parents’, it is mine. At the same time, I know that I have a great deal of potential, strength and dedication that I have not even begun to tap into. And my life is quite comfortable now, and I am fairly content, but I know that I could be doing so very much more. So this will be my “heroic” deed, waking myself up out of my state of inertia, and incorporating the Faith more and more into my daily existence until it is at the center of my thought and action even as it is already at the center of my heart.” #

“We look to the members of the Baha’i community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the

Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

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

heroism and sending in pledges for the Heroic Deeds of

Service to the Cause campaign. The National Youth Committee will collect hundreds of pledges that will be sent to the Universal House of Justice as a gift from the Baha’i youth of the United States.

If you would like to participate in the campaign, please send a letter or e-mail to the National Youth Committee that includes the following:

1. What is the heroic deed of service to the Cause that you will perform? If your heroic deed is of a private nature, you may describe it in a more 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.

5. The date by which you expect to complete your heroic deed of service to the Cause.

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. #

\ 7 outh around the country are deepening on the spirit of

June 24,1998 | THE AMERICAN BANA’i* YOUTH _ page 33 [Page 34]SORT NENT TPL HEY YT EN MTR PT Pe

“co

FLORIDA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

with the Bahi’is—even if they never aired any spots on his station. He had had contact with Baha’is in Boston and thinks Baha’is t people.

Running pa is effort, the Latin American Teaching Committee of South Florida has been organizing a 30-minute live radio program every Saturday night on a station that reaches from Miami to Orlando and at times to large parts of the Caribbean.

Response from listeners been very positive. An 800 number is given out numerous times during the program and there are usually two or three responses requesting information packets during each program. One of the Victory 2000 campaign’s declarations was from this program.

In gearing up for Phase II of the media campaign, the friends were to finalize estimates for showing. various commercials on BET and Lifetime and were looking into running five spots per day for 10 days during prime time. The target groups are AfricanAmericans and women. @

SS

IN

Fe, ae of progress in fulfilling the mai

tions to succeed you, are called upon. mative 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.”

noticed an impact of their programs on i In response to a training institute offered on teaching, one believer said taking the course was life-changing. After another course on the Fast, two veteran Bahé id they gained new insights and practical skills.

For information contact Jacquelyn Oswald, secretary,

Richardson, TX 75080 (phone

214-231-4261).

Central Texas: The Aguila del Cielo

Local Training Institute is one local enterprise that has operated on the scale of a Regional Training Institute, and its board has participated in RTI training.

Its Spanish name translates into English as “Eagle of the Sky.” Its organizers were lovingly and patiently trained by Alejandra Miller, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors, who encouraged them in their understanding and implementation of the institute.

About 150 believers have completed at least one training institute course total of 300 partici I.

Some of the institute’s goals for the third year of the Four Year Plan are to

nts ov

SOUTH ERN STATES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

evaluate its work every three months and make necessary changes to the courses and administration, establish a PR committee to inform friends of upcoming trainings and encourage attendance, and to carefully plan courses for the fourth year of the Four Year Plan addressing teacher training, Local Spiritual Assembly training and extensive courses on race unity.

It has planned curricula through 1999, published a schedule and created a Web page. The institute has had success in integrating pre-youth, youth and adults into courses. It continues training in Ruhi, Core Curriculum and workshop formats.

Programs it has offered are showing signs of impact on its core group mem

comral

‘onfident it will begin to s benefit from increased sp understanding and teaching. For information contact Nossa, Secretary, Pflugerville, TX 78660 (phone 512-990-0201). @

Susan

PIONEERING NEEDS OUTLINED BY

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

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

6 s members of the North American Bahé’i community, you enter the Four Year Plan with a brilliant indate issued by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the eight decades since you received this mandate, your prodigious exertions have carried the Message of Bahé’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 generato continue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the For

“... the descendants of the early inhabitants of your continent

tion they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent, in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.”

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

should be ever mindful of the vital contribu

form to the Office of Pioneering.

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

please indicate your background and trip information below.

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

COUNTRIES

FROM TO

Name(s): LD. #(s): Name(s): LD. #(s): Street: dsm he City, State, Zip:

American Indian _____ African descent _____ Hispanic background ____ Other

MAIN PURPOSE

Please attach any comments.

FUND APPEALS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

.

tions and individuals outside your jurisdiction should not mount fundraising activities without your — explicit approval.” —letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, April 26, 1993

‘The same principles apply at the local level. In addition, the National Assembly has often advised Local Spiritual Assemblies to use one other measure: Does the project bring a benefit to the friends in our care? “Benefit” can be defined in many ways, but the question is still on target. How does a center in Ohio help a small community in New Mexico, except perhaps in a very indirect sense?

INDEPENDENCE

Which brings us to the final set of s. The guidance of the Universal House of Justice and of the Guardi on community development ma clear that we are meant to pay as we go, and if we don’t have the resources locally, we probably should not commit to a project.

“The steps to be taken [in developing SED projects] must necessarily begin with the Baha’f Community itself, with the friends endeavoring, through their application of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant.” Universal House of Justice, Oct. 20, 1983

“There are two principles which the House of Justice feels are fundamental to the generality of such projects of social and economic development, although, of course, there will be exceptions. The first is that they must be built on a substructure of existing, sufficiently strong local Baha?’ communities. The second is that the long-term conduct of the project should aim at self-sufficiency and not be dependent upon continuing financial support from outside. .

“The second principle must take into account that any project started by the Cause should be designed to grow soundly and steadily, and not to collapse from attrition. In other words, external assistance and funds, Baha’i and nonBaha’, may be used for capital acqui tions, to make surveys, to initiate activities, to bring in expertise, but the aim should be for each project to continue and develop on the strength of local bor, funds and enthusiasm even if all external aid should be cut off.” —Universal House of Justice

So if your Assembly feels that the long-term development of the person or community ing your help would be better served by them finding their own resources internally, you have your answer to the funding request.

Using these three sets of criteria may help you and your community to find your way through the thickets of paper and letters, with greater confidence that you are on the firm ground of principle. #

page 34

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CONTINUED

June 24, 1998 [Page 35]SRT I eye PET eT PF PRET

— LATIN

Soren oy mena

°AME

ICA

N°TEACHI

CS PLENTY EIN PRE TES TET OTS

ENGLISH

Letter to the friends

from the Latin-American Task Force

‘To each of the dear friends in the Cause of Baha'u'llah:

Where are you?

“Put it in writing, please, put it in writing. ...” A believer said to a Baha’ who had just enrolled in the Faith, “You know, those of you who have had the immense privilege of finding Bah@’u'lléh after long years of search should write the story of that search for the benefit of future generations of Baha’is, and for the inspiration of all the friends. So, please, tell your story, write it down.”

Did this believer do it? How many of us have done it? Have you, dear reader?

Ponder for a moment on how limited would be our knowledge of the evolution and history of the Faith without those dedicated souls who “put it in writing” for our enlightenment and education.

This task force is asking each and every Latino Baha’i in the United States: How did you become a Baha’i? Are you the first or the only one in your family? In your city? Tell us your story, put it in writing, attach some photographs and send it to us. We want to create an archive for future historians of the Faith about the Hispanic Baha’is in the United States, and perhaps we may even publish some of those stories in this space.

We do not know how many Latino Baha’is there are in this country, where they learned of the Faith, how and where they serve the Faith, what have been their contributions to its work, etc.

Are you a member of a community or of a Spiritual Assembly with a large number of Hispanics? Can you tell us the story of your communi including who the first Hispanic believers were? Are there any photographs or documents of that time? Can you send us a photograph of your Local Spiritual Assembly and

the names of its Latino members?

As the evolving process of the Faith unfolds and the floodgates open to the torrent of new believers, the story of those “dawn-breakers,” of the first believers of this and of earlier generations, will be lost, perhaps forever. Do you know of other Latino Baha’is in the United States from past generations? Can you document their story?

Nabil’s Narrative was possible in part thanks to the information he had available about the people and events of that time. And what a magnificent epic it is, and how privileged we are to be able to derive from it an intimate knowledge of so many of the first followers of the Faith.

Perhaps we feel that our little story in itself is not important. And we might be right. However, in terms of i cal perspective, it is very important, because it constitutes part of the development of the Faith in this part of the world, and as such needs to be documented. The materials gathered will be preserved in the archives of the National Baha'i Center. So, let us pass down the history of our Faith as we have carved it.

You will also notice we are saying both “Hispanic” and “Latino,” because both terms are in use. So we would also like to know in which way you refer to yourself,

And while we are all occupied with writing, let us also fill out the form below. If necessary, make copies for others. We need a national census of Latino Baha’is in the United States, and this is a modest but good beginning. Please, help us tell your National Spiritual Assembly who and where you are, and let future generations of Baha'is know about you and your community.

With loving greetings to each and every one of you, dear friends,

The Latin-American Task Force

ESPANOL

Carta a los amigos de la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

A Cada Uno de los Queridos Amigos en la Causa de Baha'u'llah: ¢En donde estis?

“Escribelo por favor, escribelo. Una creyente le dijo a una Baha’ recién entrada en la Fe, “Sabes, aquellos de ustedes que han tenido el inmenso privilegio de encontrar a Baha'u'llah luego de largos afios de busqueda, deberfan escribir la historia de esta biisqueda para beneficio de futuras generaciones de Baha'is y para la inspiracién de todos los amigos. Asif que, por favor, cuenta tu historia, escribela.”

éLo habra hecho? gCuintos de nosotros lo hemos hecho? “Tt, querido lector?

Reflexiona por un momento acerca de lo limitado que seria nuestro conocimiento de la evoluci6n e historia de la Fe sin aquellas almas dedicadas que “lo pusieron por escrito” para nu tra ilustracién y educacién.

Esta comisi6n pregunta a todos y cada uno de los Baha’is latinos en los Estados Unidos: :Cémo te hiciste Baha’? Eres ti el primero o el Gnico en tu familia? ¢En tm ciudad? Cuéntanos tu historia, escribela, anexa unas cuantas fotografias y envianosla. Queremos crear un archivo para futuros historiadores de la Fe acerca de los Bahd’is hispanos en los Estados Unidos, y quizds hasta podriamos publicar algunas de esas historias en este espacio.

No sabemos cuantos Baha’is latinos hay en este pais, en donde conocieron la Fe, cémo sirven a la Fe y en donde, cuales han sido sus contribuciones al trabajo de la Fe, etc.

Eres miembro de una comunidad o de una Asamblea Espiritual con gran némero de hispanos? Puedes contarnos la historia de tu comunidad, incluyendo quienes fueron los primeros creyentes hispanos? ¢Existen fotografias o documentos de la época? ;Puedes enviarnos una fotografia de tu Asamblea Espiritual Local y los nombres de los

miembros latinos?

A medida que se desenvuelve el proceso evolutivo de la Fe y se abren esclusas al torrente de nuevos creyentes, la historia de aquellos “rompedores del alba,” de los primeros creyentes de esta y de anteriores generaciones, se perdera quizd para siempre. ¢Sabes de otros Baha’fs latinos en los Estados Unidos de pasadas generaciones? ¢Puedes documentar su historia?

El Relato de Nabil fué posible en parte gracias a la informaci6n de la cual 1 dispuso acerca de los personajes y eventos de la época. Y cudn magnifica epopeya es, y cudn pri iados somos de poder derivar de ella un intimo conocimiento de tantos de los primeros seguidores de la Fe.

Quizés pensemos que nuestra pequeiia historia en si no es importante. Quizas tengamos raz6n. Sin embargo, en términos de perspectiva historica, es bien importante, ya que constituye parte del desenvolvimiento de la Fe en esta parte del mundo, y como tal necesita ser documentada. Los materiales recopilados serén preservados en los archivos del Centro Baha'i Nacional. ‘Transmitamos, pues, la historia de nuestra Fe tal y como la hemos labrado.

Habras notado también que decimos tanto “hispano” como “latino,” pues ambos términos se usan. Asi, quisiéramos saber también de cual manera tu te describes a ti mismo.

Y mientras nos ocupamos en escribir, Ilenemos igualmente el formulario abajo, y si es necesario, hacer copias para otros. Necesitamos un censo nacional de Bahé’is latinos en los Estados Unidos, y este es un modesto pero buen comienzo. Por favor, ayidanos a comunicarle a tu Asamblea Espiritual Nacional quién eres y en d6nde estas, y deja que futuras generaciones de Baha'is sepan de ti y de tu comunidad.

La Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

las

Para el Censo de los Baha'is hispanos en los Estados Unidos (For the Census of Hispanic Baha‘is in the United States)

Srta. / Sra. / Sr. Enviar a la Comisi6n de Trabajo Latinoamericana Miss / Mrs. / Ms. / Mr. Send to Latin-American Task Force Direccién/ por correo a/by mail to: Address Vera Breton, Vienna, Virginia . Ciudad/ Estado/ City State ZIP Code por fax a/by fax to: Larry Kramer, (773) 509-0466 Numero Telef6nico/ ‘Telephone Number por e-mail a/by e-mail to: LATFORCE

June 24, 1998

lassifii in The American

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

‘AT THE BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER Administrator, the Baba’i Home. Provides for management and supervision of all aspects ap eaeatnes of the Baha’ Home, a licensed, sheltered care home for the aged. Provides quality of service to the residents and ensures supportive cooperation among all employees in accordance with the principles of the Baha’ Faith. Ensures empl ees work as a team, particularly in deliver and continuity of quality resident care. Supervises a staff of about 20 full-time, part-time and time-as-reported employees. Responsible for awareness and compliance with federal, state, local and departmental regulations, policies and procedures. Must be a member of the Baha’ Faith in good standing; a high school graduate; experience and education in health care ae tration and application and training in gerontology preferred; supervisory experience desired. Knowledge and experience with basic financial accounting procedures desired; should be able to work holidays, weekends and extended hours as required. Proficiency in IBM-compatible computers preferred. Oral and written proficiency in the English language required. Willingness to live on premises desirable.

Assistant Coordinator for Refugee Proseus Baha'i Refugee maa 1 Refugee Coordinator in executing work of the office. The employee is oe marily 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 typin; o/word processing skills. Will be responsible for drafting letters and reports without super-_ vision, ‘helping g carry out other functions the office, and keeping track of the s of all refugee, immigrant and asylum cases. tain computer files, databases

rienced in hospitality supervision with strong organizational skills, good understanding of hotel business, site research, contract negotiation, meeting room arrangements, food functions and accommodations. Should know travel industry; Appollo or other travel system experience. helpful. Will reconci

handle several meetin; Work schedule flexible, considerable weekend work required. The Baba’ Encyclopedia Project is seeking a full-time administrative assistant to support its editorial team. Maintains a variety of files and records, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy, assists with various research tasks. Must type a minimum of 60 ree have excellent computer skills, sound ment, strong writing and editing skills, ee the ability to produce professionalquay work. ff interested in any of these positions, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I &

BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE Print Production Specialist for Baha’i Media Services. Provides production support for The American Babd’t and BrilJiant Star magazine. Assists in désign and

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. ° . 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: In addition to the following opportunities for service, the World Center is looking for skilled carpenters, painters, plumbers, photographers, floor care specialists and much more. Terms of service can be 18 or 30 months, or indefinite, depending on the requirements of the position. HEALTH SERVICES: Urgent need for a registered nurse with minimum 10 years’ experience. Emergency care nursing or first aid experience is preferred. 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; particular need for proofreaders for project to enter texts of Tablets into computer database in the original languages. Microfilming workers with archive/library experience in work with documents and camera/film. RESEARCH OFFICE: Research assistant with high skill in Persian and Arabic and knowledge of Baha’i Writings in those languages, plus computer skills. Translator with excellent skills in Persian, Arabic and English as well as familiarity with Baha’{ Writings. DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS: Employees to monitor data on progress of teaching plans and national community growth and activities; requires strong interest or experience in social science research/analysis, basic math, good to strong English skills, interpersonal skills. Computer/Web 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 positions for people with background in technical support/computer skills training. ACCOUNTING: Accountant with 3-5 years’ experience (general ledger, budgeting, financial analysis) and four-year degree or equivalent, plus knowledge of computerized accounting system. Foreign currency knowledge helpful. GARDENS OFFICE: This office has the privilege of maintaining and expanding the gardens at Bahji, the most holy spot on earth. Also cares for the gardens at 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. Professional needs: Gardens Coordinator; needs background in life sciences, 5—10 years’ experience in management and Baha’{ administration, organizational, communications and leadership ability. Senior Horticulturist; minimum 5~10 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. If interested in serving, please contact Baha’i World Center, Office of Personnel, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (e-mail

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 acquire 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 Xpress paiate igtshon in a newspaper, magazine or other print production environment; experience with IIlustrator and Freehand; skill in verbal and written communication; ability to work with minimum supervision. If interested, contact the Office of Human. Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHA’| 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 knowledge of food safety, proper food handling an kitchen sanitation; also knowledge of operation/maintenance of food service equipment, including convection oven, ranges, steamers, disl Gener NiaGabes 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,

|. High inting a plus. Work environment requires a resourceful person dedicated to courtesy, meticulous attention to detail. Minorities, women araged to apply. Professional training available. Contact Eric Nelson, Facilities Manager, Green Acre Baha’{ School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800 (phone 207-439- 7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail

AT BOSCH BAHA’i SCHOOL Assistant facilities manager sought for Bosch Baha’i School. Responsible for maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles for ieee helps direct the work of volunteers. Respon fi ing and maintaining ope s and system documentatic on all renov: , 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. or nization/consultation skills, flexibility

enthusiasm are essential. Contractor eaeianee very desirable. Vehicle maintenance skills desirable. Contact Mark J. Bedford, Co-Administrator, Bosch Baha’{ School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408423-7564, e-mail i

ble for

INTERNATIONAL

Friends interested in participating in professional and academic exchanges with colleagues from China, here at home or abroad, can be of great service to this rapidly developing country. The following fields are eae desired: Health and Western medicine, psychology/counseling, women and family, education and moral development, agriculture, computer ence, advanced technologies of all kind electronics/telecommunications, bio-engineering, new ma and energy sources,

environr tection, n rectural engin: keting/advertising, public

ness management, many other f within the next few years you are willing to make a trip to Ch una to eon oe I

Sancti (phone 8475 33-3506, e-mail )

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement. AFRICA Botswana—Chief executive officer (Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority). Central African Se development Cameroon—World Bank ieee ees ‘alist. Cape Verde—Monitoring and evaluation specialist (Food Aid Program). Céte d’Ivoire—Information systems specialist. Ghana—Fxecutive director, National Development Planning/Poverty Reduction/Social Investment Fund, internal auditor (FAO). Gambia—Manager for Permanent Institute. Guinea—Materials development assistant. Mali—USAID team leader, Information and Communication. Madagascar—Reproductive health project adviser. Mozambique— Senior auditor. Zambia—Teachers. Zimbabwe—Project development coordinator, disaster mitigation and preparedness

coordinator, Africa monetization technical adviser.

AMERICAS aks Compan gn eae o Fea ld Survival Project manager. Chile— Program officer. Colombia Bosna development officer, economist (CIAT). El Salvador—Professional administrative and management support services (USAID). Guyana—Volunteer trainers for literacy project. Haiti—Field director (NDI). Honduras—Teachers. Jamaica— Senior lecturers (management) UWL Mexico—Teachers, Universidad de Quintana Roo, English teachers. Paraguay— Beekeeping technical trainer. Suriname— Glial srecalians Turks & Caicos—Government doctor. Venezuela—Caretakers for National Institute, computer outlet store for sale. Virgin meee aren ter/cabinet maker (Volunteer for National Spiritual Assembly). ASIA Armenia—Small business lending specialist, finance delegate, technical construction delegate, contracting specialist, Peace Corps director. Azerbaijan—Community health education manager, field coordinator, administrative officer, country director for IRC. Cambodia—Disaster preparedness delegate, HIV/AIDS program adviser ). Georgia—Communication specialist (IEC), chief technical adviser (health roject). India—Vice principal New Era High School, program manager, communications specialists (IEC). Japan—E! teachers. Kazakbstan—Country representative for ACDI/VOCA, engineering manager, R&D mechanical engineer. Korea—University ESL teacher, program manager (computer/telecommunications). Kyrgyzstan—Finance and sdministrative manager. Macau—Teachers. Russia— Sakhalin teachers, financial controller. Philippines—IRRI director general and director for external relations, librarian Asian Development Bank. South Asia— Development managers. Se ar ject assistant (HIID MPP). Tatwan— feachers. Uzbekistan—Country director (OSD), Peace Corps director. Vietnam— Industry consultants.

AUSTRALASIA Australia—Natural resource economist tropical agriculture, professor of economics, secretary general (CIVICUS), postdoctoral fellowship/research fellowship in international relations, director Executive MBA Program. Kiribati—Printing setup/train for National Assembly. Mariana Islands—Physician at a health center on Rota. New Zealand—Lecturer in Economics. Papua New Guinea—Senior Program Manager (U.N.). Solomon Islands— Custodians at the Baha’i Center. Western Caroline Islands—Self-supporting assis~ tant to the National Assembly Secretary.

EUROPE Austria—Legal officer (IAEA), personnel officer. Bosnia—Senior media professional. Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary lanfrre’ Montessori teacher. Finland— ‘esearch fellows (3) WIDER. France—

Economist. Germany—Economists. Hungary Univers lecturers and professors

for CEP, head of office (IOM). Iceland— Lecturers in mathematics/statistics/physics. Ireland—Research post for Northern Trefad Economic Research Centre, economic/financial strategists. Italy—Agricultural officer, TAR officer ot legal officer, personnel officers (legal matters and other), food security officer, project leader (CGIAR), weather and climate specialists. Kosovo—Project directors, nurses, nurse midwives, obstetricians, child psy

chologists, pediatric neurologists, chil welfare specialists, eeiaeraiole ists (DOW). -—Lending/credit specialist (EIB). Netberlands—Senior officer ISNAR, water enterprise development professional, director general, economist (Global Climate Change). Poland—Junior

lecturer in public policy. Portus Sonsultants in Ericalearalil rer aaa ment. Romania—Junior lecturer in political science. Russia—International finance, economic development/regional investment arecelit cility procection officers, agricultural lending/credit specialist, interata finance. ocokia saath teacher. Switzerland—Professor for entrepreneurship and innovation, senior training officer, director/division of international trade (U.N.), special coordinator (U.N.), Web site developer (UNHCR). Ukraine—Program director (economics education). United Kingdom—Information management faculty appointment, director Policy Studies 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, foreign exchange strategists, co-ordinators (4) for International Save the Children Alliance. MULTI-REGIONAL sultants worldwide, pro| development. Agri(ICRAF). Managing controller, operations board Corp.). Public rela(worldwide), communicaLatin America

(IEC). Teachers for African Program of b ity faculty to teach on military ba: (irku

Vladivodstok), Europe and A sector experts for IMF. American Refugee Committee. Breast Cancer ‘Treatmenv/Prevention Central Europe;

English Teaching Fellows . Teachers in international training in women’s and development projects, entrepreneurial

marketing specialist for L: in

rector of operations, spiona communications eaoraiestoe for Fin Latin America/Caribbean. Manager of Rapid Biological Assessment Program (Francophone Africa). Educational Services Institute (ESI) is recruiting instructors. Multi-disciplinary team for WRI (World Resources Institute). Country representatives for Africare. CEO for. Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund. Managers and specialists for SAC International. Economists for Latin America and Asia (EIU). Clinical legal specialists for Albania, Romania, Baga and Ukraine, Central and Eastern Europe, NIS. Associate Liaisons for Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. Civic educators and organizers for Eastern Europe (NDI). Program director for Plan International. Peace Corps—Foresters, parks and wildlife, environmental education and awareness. Water and sanitation engineers, Agronomists for Action Against Hunger. Director European sales (England). Senior sales manager (U.S./Latin America) 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. Internships (some paid positions)—reproductive health program, rural self-help, HIV/AIDS education.

URGENT NEEDS

Honduras—Elementary and secondary school teachers.

India—Experienced, qualified vice principal for New Era High School.

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

Solomon Islands—Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Baha’s Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

For additional is 1, please contact the Office Enieaete A Baha’i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

oo ————————

WESTWARD ... HO! Head ’em up and move on out to Cheyenne, Wyoming! Here's your opportunity to be a “true pioneer” in a progressive Western city that boasts a huge shopping center, hosital, an Air Force base, businesses and friendly people. Nearby, you'll find ranches, beautiful scenery, camping, skiing, lakes, horses, buffalo and quiet places for solitude. A wholesome place to raise your family while having fun. Cheyenne lost its Assembly last year and we want to get it back. For Cheyenne Baha’fs, e-mail and for an “Old West Trail Explorer Adventure Guide and Wyoming Vacation Planner” phone 800-530-5714 or fax 701-250-9772.

The Warwick, Rhode Island, Baha’i community is acting to expand membership and consolidate the community. We are seeking homefront pioneers who would like the challenge of living and teaching in a predominantly Catholic state (80%+). Warwick is on Narr: tt Bay, 10 miles south of Providence a e from Boston, New York

in southern New nd Vermont, and Green ool. Our culturally s several univers!

g Brown University. With affordable living and housing costs, Warwick is within commuting ince of high-tech firms surrounding the Boston metropolitan area. If interested contact Charles R. Roderick (phone 401-7382479, e-mail

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‘The Baha’{ group of Clarksville, Tennessee, is in great need of homefront pioneers, so if being needed makes a difference and you can commit to our community, please fly here on “wings of spirit.” Retirees, doctors, lawyers and those who can set up their own business would have an advantage, but if you have to work, low debt is best. Austin Peay State University has a need for Baha’i students. If interested please contact Larry Clark,

- Clarksville, TN 37040 (phone 931-552-4997).

PROJECTS WITHIN U.S.

Want to travel and teach this summer? ‘Then come to South Carolina. The State Teaching Committee is hosting an intensive traveling teaching project Jul 4-Sept. 7. For more information call the committee at 800-735-4445.

Opportunity to serve the Faith among the Southeast Asian Bahd’is in areas of California, Georgia, Oregon, Washington and more. As stated in the Four Year Plan: “In North America, there are

opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on earth. ... immigrants, students and refugees from all parts of the planet, drawn from all the major racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds of humanity.” Help welcome these beautiful souls into the Baha’f communities of these areas, assist in deepening them and help to meet their needs in social and economic development. You should find employment and housing, preferably in ae proximity to the Southeast Asian community in the area you choose. For more information, call the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office, Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3547).

WANTED

Musicians, dancers, writers, artists, healers: Is your calling to teach the Faith full-time through your music or art? ‘Would you like to form a collective and help start a Creativity and Healing Institute to help suffering souls and promote entry by troops? Inspired by the recent Artists’ Gathering, I would like to network with you in the hope of establishing a project to express a love and spirit that will transform and heal hearts and lives. If the unity of the group is strong enough, thi happen! I am also interested in pioneering new forms and styles of music and art, especially using improvisation. I play electric guitar and keyboards, and my musical influences are classical, rock, jazz, new age, avant-garde, and Indian classical. Anyone who is interested in supporting such a project is asked to contact Bob Charnes,

Voorhees, NJ 08043 (phone 609-772-2195; e-mail

).

‘The National Baha’{ Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Amelia Buxton, Elise Pumpelly Cabot, S. Parkes Cadman, Danny Caldwell, David Caldwell, Elaine Caldwell, Harry Caldwell, Geo. Caleoper, Ward M. Calhoon and Elizabeth Callaway. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 602011611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Several free information sheets on local archives and records are available from the National Baha’s Archives. Any local Baha’{ community wishing a set is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha’s Archives, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Doctor recognized for saving baby’s life

Baha’i physician’s role in savAw the life of a baby born swith a severe heart condition zwas recounted recently in a feature story in the “Florida Magazine” section of the Orlando Sentinel. When Roxanne Edwards-Barbee, a Baha’f in Lake County Florida, west of Orlando, recognized the newborn’s problem, he was “minutes from death—or brain damage— caused by a lack of oxygen,” according to the article.

“This is one of those one-in-amillion cases, a life-and-death situation, that reaffirms why we are trained to do things a certain way,” Edwards-Barbee was quoted as saying. “It gives me goosebumps to think that he could have died.”

The baby was rushed by helicopter to Florida Hospital in Orlando, where three heart procedures were performed in the next few days. He now is 3 years old and healthy. @

June 24,1998 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i¢ CLASSIFIED _ page 37 [Page 38]

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June 24, 1998 [Page 41]

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House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World -- Ridvan 155

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page 42 THE AMERICAN BANA’i ¢ PERSIAN

June 24, 1998 [Page 43]

INTERNATIONAL?N

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TEACHING

Enrollment of 1,225 souls in projects from October through January, reported at a teaching conference in ‘Tai adu state.

¢ A trip undertaken by an Auxiliary Board member and his family through the Turumunga area that resulted in more than 300 declarations.

¢ A three-month mass teaching project involving fifteen friends in the state of Kerala, resulting in enrollment of 276 people and spreading of the Divine Message to more than 5,000. ¢ Japan: Takamatsu Community Radio has launched a weekly interview program that regularly features Baha’is, who are invited to speak freely about life after death, prayer or any other aspect of religion, and to quote liberally from the Baha’i Writings, the Baha’ News of Japan reports.

The opportunity for this proclamation of the Faith arose as the answer to a “fervent prayer” of a longtime pioneer in Takamatsu. When she saw an announcement of the new program, which was looking for people who could talk about spiritual matters, she immediately met with the person in charge.

As a result, Baha’is were scheduled to be on the program regularly for several months beginning in January. The program, titled “Fine, Fine Day,” has an audience of 8,000 to 10,000.

A group of Baha’i children in Mauritius presented a skit on “World Citizenship” during a recent teaching campaign. Photo courtesy Baha'i Interntaional News Service

Slovenia and Croatia: The Baha’

Faith was included in a 30-minute program on religions aired late in April by Slovene National Television. A crew filmed Baha’fs in several localities, including rehearsals by the Slovene Dance Workshop.

According to a report by the Continental Board of Counselors, they also filmed the friends singing and reciting prayers in a fireside setting.

Crew members who hadn’t known about the Faith were heard to make comments such as “This is the religion for the new age,” and “If this is what Baha’is are all about, then we are all Baha’is.”

DEVELOPMENT

© Iceland: In the western town of Isafjérdur, Inga Dan wanted to do something to commemorate United Nations Day Against Racism. With the help of two non Baha'i women, and later a women’ club, she created a project with the theme of Human Resources and Unity to “unite and introduce the various cultures to each other” and help people recognize each other's potential.

‘The project quickly reached about 6,000 people in seven towns—and of 35 nationalities, according to a report from the Continental Board of Counselors. So the group planned a grand celebration in Isafjérdur.

It drew about 500 people, hundreds more than the school hall they hired could hold. A prominent television reporter drove the 10 hours from his station to cover the event and told the organizers, “This initiative is far more important than you can imagine and is just the beginning of something bigger.”

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

¢ Hawaiian Islands: The National Spiritual Assembly hosted a buffet dinner last

spring to honor Kiribati’ President Teburoro Tito, who was in Hawaii to attend a conference of leaders of Pacific nations.

“We believe this was the first time a head of state been hosted at our National Bah: enter,” a National Assembly report read.

Ben Ayala, member of the Continental Board of Counselors, mentioned his 10year association with Kiribati and outlined two major social and economic development projects being carried out by Baha'is in that nation. He also acknowledged that the president had long ago translated the Compilation on the Covenant into the native language, I-Kiribati.

For his part, the president shared the ideas discussed at the Pacific Island leaders conference, particularly about developing village and family life. He noted, “not to boast,” that his uncle was the first native Baha’ in his country. ¢ Cuba: The Baha’f display at the Cuban International Book Fair earlier this year attracted “many prominent intellectuals and government officials, in addition to attracting an overwhelming number of constant seekers,” a report from the Continental Board of Counselors stated.

Baha'is also made public comments on the Baha'i Writings, introduced the book Introduction to the Philosophy of Babid'u'lldh by Washington Araujo of Brazil, presented literature to recipients of awards for contributions to Cuban culture, and met with the cultural affairs minister and a representative of the Ministry for Religious Affairs.

The External Affairs Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexicohelped organize the Baha'i presence, and the U.S. National Assembly donated a number of books.

Quinn A. Baley Karen R. Chapin Consuelo Candion Longoria Fries, VA Mocksville, NC Harlingen, TX April 2, 1998 December 22, 1997 March 1998

IN MEMORIAM

‘Tissa Pathiraja Metairie, LA February 4, 1998

Gerald Abas Susan Brumm Frank Haendel Ghodsi O. Mahmoudifar Verona F. Suhm Rogers, AR Alhambra, CA. Branford, CT Belen, NM Suitland, MD April 15, 1998 April 8, 1998 May 12, 1998 April 2, 1998 April 5, 1998 Jose Lopez Aguinaga Mary Buzan Charles B. Hassan Crystal H. Marvig Dory Tomberg Harlingen, TX Phoenix, AZ Gilroy, CA Hawley, MN North Palm Beach, FL March 1998 April 21, 1998 April 8, 1998 April 29, 1998 January 18, 1998 Behle Alley Wofford Caldwell Dorene G. Heppa Billie J. Merritt Ronald E. Van Pelt Tualatin, OR Gainesville, FL Annapolis, MD Richmond, CA Ann Arbor, MI April 27, 1998 January 22, 1998 April 15, 1998 April 26, 1998 April 21, 1998

Clarice P. Weil Scottsdale, AZ April 21, 1998

Ronald A. Baudendistel Veneta J. Cotton Delia M. Lopez Helen R. Reed Sadie M. Wheeler Dayton, OH La Mesa, CA Sylmar, CA Dayton, OH Hartsville, SC April 19, 1998 April 1, 1998 October 16, 1997 February 25, 1998 March 26, 1998 Ethel Belshaw Lyle Christenson George W. Loxterman III Ronald C. Scarberry Bernice Wood Bozeman, MT Ogden, IL Chula Vista, CA Deming, WA Seattle, WA April 2, 1998 March 26, 1998 March 23, 1998 April 17, 1998 March 12, 1998

Alice C. Brayboy KarrowJ.Dehtan —_ Rouhangiz Mahingostar Ellen Smith

Lafayette, CO San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA Hemingway, SC ma) April 24, 1998 May 5, 1998 April 1998 February 1998

Casey Walton, local stalwart in Nashville

asey Walton, who served on the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, Tennessee for

more than 44 consecutive years, passed away May 5, 1998.

He was known to everyone “Never Better,” because of ing response when friends asked, “How are you, Mr. Walton?”

In addition to his service on the iritual Assembly, Mr. Walton a delegate to the nal Convention. Only last year at his own request he retired from the Assembly when his he felt his health was getting in the way of service.

H survived by his wife, Alice Walton, and a daughter, Marsha Lample.

June 24, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * INTERNATIONAL News / IN MEMORIAM

page 43 [Page 44]

bly or its a agencies t th Baha’ National (

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assemphone 847-869-9039 ‘the Baha'i

207-439- 7200; fax 207-43

ae, 358 093; a 03: ierican Baha'i Ins

ic Islander Teaching chool.

Studies at Louhes of the Beloved

“The Hidden Words.” n Acre: Junior Youth at Gettin’? Up Mornin’: Images of Bahd’w'llh in African-American Spiritual Tradition”/“Reaching the Hearts Through the Arts: Discovering the Artist Within.”

5: Concert-Picnic at Green Acre: Ladjamaya, Eric Dozier, N.E. Baha’i Gospel Choir.

7-14: Youth Music Academy at Bosch. Application and audition tape required.

10-15: Three programs at Green Acre: “The ‘Tablets of Baha’w’llah”/“Our Individual Response”; Youth Institute; Core Curriculum teacher training.

10-15: Two programs at Louhelen: “International Dialogue for Education”; Youth Eagle Institute: “The Role of Youth in America.”

Il: Conference of Badasht 150th Anniversary: Conference for youth and young adults, sponsored by Regional Baha’ 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.

18-23: Persian on at Boscl Divine Plan and Kitab-i-Aqdas.

24-29%: “Spiritual Parenting” at Louhelen.

25-29 “I Will Be a Happy and Joyful Bein, “Make a Statement” at Green Acre.

25-2% Children’s Academy at Bosch.

$i-Aug, Se “Creating Equality”/“Investigation of Reality” at Green Acre.

5t-Aug. 5: “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” at Louhelen.

ablets of the

1-6: Youth Institute atBosch} For students entering 10th through 12th grades in the fall.

2: Concert-Picnic at Green Acre: Reunion Concert.

5-7: “Social and Economic Development” at Louhelen.

7-12: ‘Two programs at Green Acre: “The Destiny of the Soul”/“Servant Leadership” and Youth Institute.

7-12: “Journeying Into O1 ‘The Individual, the Institutions, and the Four Year Plan” at Louhelen.

8-13: Junior Youth Institute at Bosch. For students entering seventh through ninth grades in the fall.

14-19: “Creating a Just and Substance-Free Society” at Louhelen.

14-19: “The Secret of Divine Civilization/Baha’i Development” at Green Acre.

15-20: “Unlocking the Power of the Individual”/“The Spiritual Transformation Process”/“Building Community: Pastoral Care” at Bosch.

21-26: “My Powerlessness and Thy Might’/“The ‘Transforming Power of Love” at Green Acre.

21-26: “Music: A Ladder for the Soul” at Louhelen.

22-27: “The Destiny of the Soul/Abdu'l-Baha: His Life and Writings/A Rewarding Approach to Teaching

Bible-Based Christians” at Bosch.

28-30: Southeast Asian Community Builders Round ‘Table Discussion Conference at Bosch, with concurrent youth conference. Special ion to Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian individuals as well as any others interested. Sponsored by U.S. Baha’ Refugee Offic

28-3, “Applying Baha’ Principles to Busines Green Acr

28-3 “ atl onhelen.

(28-30 Massanetta Springs Bahay School near Seauton, Virginia, To inquire, register or volunteer for coordinating duties, contact Mehrtash Olson, Norfolk, VA 23508 (phone 757-489-1212, e-mail )

at

ters of the Baha’i Administrative Order”

Eric Dozier leads an impromptu choir session during a break between

To avoid unnecessary mailing label to: Information

vic acquiring a Post Office box, your re ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

4-7: Homecoming include Marguerite Sears, Dr. June Thomas, Dr. Richard ‘Thomas.

4-7: “Heroic Deeds

4-7: Bay Area Baha

ty Institute. Contact National Offi

6 Concert-Picnic at Green Acre: performer!

6: Desert Rose Open Golf Tournament, Francisco Grande Golf Resort, Casa Grande, Arizona. Entry fee supports Desert Rose Bahs’s Institute. For information phone 520-466-7961 or e-mail

11-13: Wilmette Institute course on “The Baha'i Faith and Philosophy” at Bosch.

12-13: Peace Fest at Louis Gregory Institute. Includes daylong festival of the arts and Sunday unity worship vice geared toward the awareness of unity and peac

24-27: Conference on AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction. at Bosch. Sponsored by BNASAA.

Association for Baha'i Studies 22nd annual

er

on. page 32. 25-27: College Club Weekend at Louhelen. 25-27: College Club Weekend at Green Acre. 25-27: Youth Leadership Weekend at Louis Gregory Institute.

A nationwide list of summer schools, June through September, was published in the May 17 issue of The American Baha’i. See listing for Nebraska on page 32. For information, please call 847-869-9039 and ask for the Education and Schools Office.

ii National Center, 123 \ddress (B) must be filles

in. Please allow three weeks for process

National Convention ses- A. NAME(S) sions, including members of Baha’i National Center A a — staff and other conven- 2 tion-goers. Photo by Amethel A Ibe ay Parel-Sewell 3.

Ibe

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