The American Bahá’í/Volume 29/Issue 8/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 29, Issue 8

Teaching plan: Reaping the harvest

AS THE FOUR YEAR PLAN UNFOLDS, the National Teaching Committee is starting to hear more stories of tangible success in the teaching field: steady streams of enrollment coming from unified, systematic efforts. Below are two examples of these successes from the Western region.

In Washington, friendship is a key to connecting hearts

California effort is marked by service, collaboration

BY TOM MENNILLO

tematic teaching efforts of Justice urged in the

than the Baha'is

‘Teaching has been persistent, coop. friendship, and attentive to the needs of s

‘The results:

¢ Snohomish County Southwest: In e 10-12 area residents have declared the Within an extraordi y two weeks in earl people chose to enter the about 20 miles north of

Look no furth de, Sonn aoe

ing

ch recent year,

September crite aching in th Seattle is a monthly dinner fireside

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

d in the Faith in the collaborate for teacha of northern San Diego

hirty-two people have enroll

County, C

In addition, hundred people hav: grams at the Oceanside Baha’i Center since i doors to the public in June 1996.

“Perhaps the greates' i respect developed betw not to mention the desire to work together on a is to promote the C a member of the Inter-Assembly Committee for Teaching (I-ACT) that

attended pro

SEE WASHINGTON, PAGE 21

SEE OCEANSIDE, PAGE 22

Suppression

of Faith rises in Iran

2 death sentences confirmed; dozens of teachers arrested

ourt confirmation of death sentences against two Iranian Baha'is and a series of 32 arrests aimed at

closing down the Baha’i “Open University” in Iran brought fresh condemnations from the U.S. government against the suppression of the Baha’ community in

the country of its birth. These developments came a little over two months after Mr. Ruhe Rowhani, lashhad who was a father

of four, was executed on a disputed charge and changing pretexts.

5. State De t the Revolutionary Court hhad had upheld the death sens of Mr. Siru and Mr. Hedayat who had been arrested in 1997 for conducting Baha’i family life cl thereby violating a ban on B: gious gatherings.

A third man who had been arrested and tried along with the other two in Mashhad was relieved of the death penalty. ‘The sentence of Mr. Ataollah Hamid

ment confirmed

SEE IRAN, PAGE 27

GREEN LAKE MOMENTS

Peter Khan (above), member of the Universal House of Justice, addresses the Green Lake Baha’i Conference in Wisconsin on the role of the individual advancing the plan of God.

The conference Sept. 18-20 also held a significant youth presence (left). Complete report in the next issue.

Photos by Ken Duszynski

OCTOBER 16, 1998

‘ILM/ KNOWLEDGE BAHA'T ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 8

BUD BILLIKEN PAGE 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS —

ew

COMMENTARY/LETTERS + 4 CARTA A LOS AMIGOS = 12

KID’S CORNER » 17

CLASSIFIED + 28-29

IN MEMORIAM °3

PERSIAN PAGES + 32-34

SP ILE TT

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and August 31, 1998

$9,000,000" Goal/All Funds

$5,006,947 Received/All Funds

See page 3 for details

as angels i in world. ... —‘Abdu'l-Baha

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab

‘A Baha‘ Holy Day

Observed between sundown Oct. 19 and sundown Oct. 20
Work should be suspended

“Recall the peerless tributes paid to His memory by the Founder of the Faith, acclaiming Him Monarch of God's Messengers, the Primal Point round Whom the realities of all the Prophets circle in adoration.” (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 81) id ‘Ali-Muhammad, the Bab, was born in z, Persia, in 1819. A beautiful Tablet revealed by Baha’u’llah in honor of the anniversary of the Bab’s birth can be found on page 234 of Tablets of Babd’w'llab. © Further study: Citadel of Faith, p. 81; God Passes By, p. 57; and Some Answered Questions, p. 69

Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah

A Baha’i Holy Day

Observed between sundown Nov. 11 and sundown Nov. 12
Work should be suspended

Mirzé Husayn-‘Ali, Baha’u’llah, was born in ‘Tehran, Per1817. His birth signaled the dawning of the Day of God on earth and the appearance of the Greatest Name of God. “We should feel deeply gratified and thankful to God that at a time when all humanity seems to be struggling in despair we can come together and, with great assurance, feast and be merry over the dawn of a new day; that in the darkness which envelops the world we see the approach of a new light and the breaking of a new era. This is ng and a bounty from God to those who bel and accept His Revelation.” (Shoghi E: Divine Guidance Vol.1, p. 45) ¢ Further study: God Passes By; Letters of the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, p. 41

sia,

true ve in

‘TAKOR BUCK, a 12-year-old Baha’ from Decatur, Illinois, earned a silver medal in sparring and a bronze medal in kata in the 11-13 advanced belts divi- Cc sion in Illinois’ Prairie State Games

fendi, Light of

ly awarded the Ruth Wesserman Scholarship, which provides for a three-week summer course at the cago Art Institute.

Day of the Covenant

A Baha’i Holy Day

Observed between sundown Nov. 25 and sundown Nov. 26
Work is not suspended

“Abdu’l-Baha told the Ba that ... [May 23] was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth. It was the day of the Declaration of the Bab, exclusively associated with Him: But as the Baha’is begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant.” (H.M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p. 523)

Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu'l-Baha A Baha’i Holy Day

Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m.

Work is not suspended

“Tt is clear how that most dire of calamities, that most great dis aster which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bah:

rificed for His meekness, has set our hearts on fire and dis solved our very limbs and members in grief. Darkn tled on

our souls, of blood were our tears. Even the essences of sanctity

cried out in fear, and the gems of holiness moaned and lamented,

while our own inner selves fell to ashes, and there was no peace

left in the soul, no patience in the heart.

“No more does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous s

elodies of the immortal dove :

Khdnum, pp. 148-149)

“The Day of the Covenant, Nov. 26th, and the Day of the Ascension, Nov. 28th,

. must be observed by the friends coming together, but work is not prohibited. In other words the friends must regard observance of these two annive

a as obligatory but suspension of work not to be regarded as obligatory.” (Shoghi Effendi, Letters of the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, p. 89)

L THINGS

Area Technical Institute in Athens, Georgia, was selected for the annual Commissioners Award of Excellence in ‘Teaching. Awarded by the faculty, this honor recognizes innovation and lead

June 27 at the University of Southern Illinois at Edwardsville.

ELIZABETH EUTSLER, a Bahd’i in Belen, New Mexico, recently was presented an award by the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center Chaplain’s Service for her work with the terminally ill. Ms. Eutsler’s colleagues elected her Social Worker of the Year earlier this year.

EDISON FROELICH, an 11-year-old Baha'i from Fayetteville, Arkansas, was presented with a President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and an award for outstanding musicianship on his graduation from Holcomb Elementary School.

SARAH HUTCHISON, an 11-year-old Baha’ from Cedar Park, Texas, received an “All A” award from her school, recognizing her achievement of earning all Asall through

elementary school.

JAMAL ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN, a Baha’i and senior at Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois, was recent

KAMRAN MOUZOON, a Baha’i who is an architect in Houston, Texas, received this year’s Edwin F. Guth Memorial Award for his creative design of fiber optic lighting at a local restaurant. The international competition was sponsored by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

SERENE MYERS, a 16-year-old Baha’i from Asheville, North Carolina, won second place in the state’s annual History Day competition in the individual media category, for her video presentation on “The Impact of Christian Missionaries on the People of Papua New Guinea.” The presentation was inspired by the five years her family pioneered in Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

BEHNAZ ROUHANI, a Baha’i who is a mathematics instructor at the Athens

ership in teaching.

RUSSELL WEST, a 16-year-old Baha’i from Alamogordo, New Mexico, placed first in the computer and engineering category at the Southwestern New Mexico Regional Science Fair in March, for his project titled “Designing a Computer Program to Facilitate the Teaching of Chemistry.”

LAYLI WHYTE, a Baha’i student in Red Bank, New Jersey, was honored in June as her high school’s Outstanding Cooperative Industrial Education Student. She graduated a year early, having completed all her high school requirements as a junior.

JIM RICH, a Baha’i from Knoxville, Illinois, who teaches in neighboring Galesburg, received the first annual award “in recognition of significant and positive contributions to further the cause of human relations and promoting racial and ethnic harmony within our community” presented by the Galesburg Human Relations Commission. He spearheaded a “Not in Our Town” campaign in Knoxville and Galesburg, and coordinates Healing Racism Institutes in Galesburg.

THE FIO sa Cer Ue

BAHAT

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cole Zamir

p ue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL. 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES to Office of Information Se 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611

Iss

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

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

Puot be color or black-andwhite prints or slides. Please submit photos

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

Deapuines for upcoming issues:

Oct. 21 for the issue dated Nov. 23

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

page 2 THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE

October 16, 1998 [Page 3]

mT

SEES FROME TNE EW TE ESET PETER ONT

Hand of the Cause extols role of friends in America

The National Spiritual Assembly sent a gift to the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khanum for her 88th birthday and received the following response, dated Aug. 15, 1998, which should thrill the heart of every American Baha’i.

he beautiful plant you sent me

with such loving greetings and assurance of your prayers touched me very much and was deeply appreciated. The plantis flourishing i inmy tea room in the Master's House where all can enjoy it.

I don’t think people perhaps are aware that I myself was born on Fifth Avenue, in the well-known homeopathic hospital there, and have always felt, through my mother and her family, a particularly close affe tion for New York and New England. And, needless to say, I think a great deal about my ‘native land’ and remember the love ‘Abdu’l-Baha personally showered on the Gre: Republic of the West, and how dis tinguished the services of the American Baha'is have been all over the world, ever since the inception of the Faith in the West, not only as torch-bearers of the Covenant but as pioneers, traveling teachers, and, we trust, in their individual lives where they are known as American Baha’

With warmest Baha’ love, Ruhiyyih @

WLGI helps neighbors weather a hurricane

dlinians had a

for information and inspiration” during the ne Bon25-26, as WLGI Radio

ing all night from

ight onslaught of Huri Aug.

nie on Bahai its new, permanent fi

Situated about 25 miles in! and near Hem

years had tc and evacuate its studi when hurricanes threatened, “as we were broadeasting from a mobile home—not the safest place to be in 100-mile-an-hour winds!” said Laurie Cohen, an announcer whose on-air name is “CJ the DJ.”

But in their new building near Louis G. Baha'i Institute, WLGI staff— Ernest Hilton atie Bodie—decided to keep broadcasting until power was knocked out. “By the grace of God, that never happened,” Cohen said.

‘The center of the storm hit landfall in the early hours Aug. 26 at Myrtle Beach, where many of WLGIS listeners live. Sven though Hurricane Hugo had

Cohen, and

volunte:

youth

ited almost nine years ago, the memory of the devastation is still fresh in our

minds,” Cohen noted. “We stayed on the air all night, bringing our listeners updates on the storm’s

s with tele

progress, doing live interview in meteorologists and local disaster ls who were more than wil inform our li:

ing passages from the ings, prayers for protection,

v tional music to help our ‘family’ ride out the storm.”

One woman called afterward to broadcast had “gotten her home from Myrtle Beach and that she think she could have made it without us.

The Hemingway area itself didn’t f hurricane-force wind

ay the afely” didn’t

Vhen the storm had passed, we were ry but elated that we had been able to the community,” id. ‘Since then, we have had many people say that they listened to us all night and that we were their source for information spiration during the storm.”

serve Cohen

and

American Indian teaching to get new boost

ching reach new

mong Ameri

levels of effectiveness coordination, according to. the

reaching plans submitted by the American Indian ‘Teaching Committee to the National Spiritual Assembly at its September me

ng.

The committee drew up a 29-point proposal for tapping the potential for vastly expanded enrollment. It includes plans both for Ameri

an Indians in general and for those served by each of the

Regional Baha’{ Councils. The g proposal is calculated to be a guide for American Indian teaching well into the next century.

During the rest of the Four Year Plan the American Indian Teaching Committee will solidify its relationship of expert advice and assistance to the Regional Baha’i Councils through the Regional Task Forces the committee has established. All four Regional Coun met or will meet with the AITC. #

ils have

Covenant-breakers’ materials to be shunned FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ee time to time, the National Spiritual Assembly receives inquiries on whether the believers are permitted to read books and other printed material written by Covenant-breakers. Although reading the writings of Covenant-breakers is not forbidden, it is strongly discouraged, as stated in the following letter from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, dated Oct. 29, 1974:

“To read the writings of Covenantbreakers is not forbidden to the believers and does not cor ate in itself an act of Covenant-breaking. Indeed, some of the Baha’is have the unpleasant duty to read such literature as part of their responsibilities for protecting the Cause of Baha’u’llah. However, the friends are warned in the strongest terms against reading such literature e Covenant-breaking is a spiritual poison and the calumnies and distortions of the truth which the Covenant-breakers give out are such

becau:

that they can undermine the faith of the believer and plant seeds of doubt unless he is forearmed with an unshakeable belief in Baha’u’llah and His Covenant and a knowledge of the true facts.”

With the advent of the Internet, Covenant-breakers have established several Web sites. The National Spiritual Assembly feels that the above guidance provided by the Universal House of Justice is applicable as well to the material posted in such Web sites. In addition to not reading the material, it is not necessary to copy the content of such Web sites and forward it to the National Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly has also received reports that Covenantbreakers have sometimes attempted to disrupt efforts by the friends the. Faith online. In such cases, the National Assembly referred. the friends to the following guidance from the Supreme Body:

“The Universal House of Justice feels that, when Bal are teaching in an

to teach

asi

online ‘chat room’ and Covenant-breakers intrude upon the discussion, the friends should not feel obliged to sign off simply because Covenant-breakers are present in this virtual space. They should, however, refrain from knowingly engaging the Covenant-breakers in discussions and, in any case, should avoid being drawn into contentious or disputatious situations.” (From a letter dated Oct. 27, 1997, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

ion, individual believers ived mail from Covenantbreakers. They are advised to'disregard such mail and to either discard it or give it to their Local Spiritual Assembly or Auxiliary Board member for Prote tion. If a Local Spiritual Assembly learns of any Covenant-breaking activity in its community, it should immediately inform its Auxiliary Board member for Protection and/or the National Spiritual Assembly. #

Enrollments

August 1998 ........ September 1998 Since May I, 1998

THE FUND

May 1-August 31, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Goal for May entire year:

$5,006,947 $27,000,000

pt amma geil

18.5% of year’s goal was

met

ved sink 1998:

33% of fiscal year has passed

April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds

exe cacw anit NRRL

International Baha’i Fund PP)

‘The two amounts above 16% of contributions r National Assembly (goal

enone sree mative $70,100

1.4% of contributions res National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $187,208

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center May 1- August 31, 1998

Revenues

$6,516,278

Expenses

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

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

October 16,1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * THE SECOND FRONT

page’3 [Page 4]

HE POWER of Baha’u’Ilah’s message for this Day was vividly demonstrated recently in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, when a once-homeless man related the story of how he became a Baha'i and

what Ridvan means to him.

The Bethlehem community's Holy Days Committee had decided to foster a storytelling mode for the celebration on the 12th Day of Ridvan.

The friends were invited to contribute to an informal retelling of the story, and recent declarants were asked in advance to present their thoughts at the celebration on “What is Ridvan?”

The accompanying letter is a new believer's response. There was not a dry eye in the house that evening when Rashid had finished reading his story. He has kindly allowed The American Bahd’t to print it.

Rashid learned of the Faith when the Baha'is of Bethlehem hosted a special dinner during Ayyami-Ha at the shelter where Rashid was living rious medical problems had left him in this town an hour's drive from his. ative home in Philadelphia.

Just a few days before the dinner, he had offered ardent prayers to God for direction. He specifically asked God whether he should be a Christian again or whether he was truly to continue praying five times a day as his Muslim faith of some 20 years required.

before the meal, he was instantly attracted and, like a moth to a flame, drew near until he became consumed with the love of Bahé’u’llih. Once he

soon declared his faith.

When he heard the reading of a Baha’i prayer —

secured an apartment, he contacted the Baha’fs and —

became a member of this Faith

And on the first day of Ridvan I was asked to write on this day which Bah@’u’lléh h Day of Supreme F that God guide my unworthy yet grateful of the ae Firstly, Pd like 10

life has bean many many tes iS, culminating i in my prance Dh Baha’v Faith. / nid, sia tests have been many: lack of friends, faith, hope, health, meaningful work and family. Yet my inner eye has always been on God.

With my life in the balance, all hope and family gone, like Moses when he crossed the wilderness, I was totally broken down. I was tired and longed for death, and only then did I become the metal which only God could fashion.

In prayer I always asked that God show me the way and place me on the straight path. God sent me to Baha’u'llih to begin this fashioning. To Him Whom God Made Manifest. And from day one my learning began. I have learned, and I quote, that in the world of nature most objects are affected by external influences.

For instance, a piece of iron left on its own is cold and becomes

"COMMENTARY*AND*LETTERS

RASHID’S STORY ——_}

A ONCE-HOMELESS MAN LOOKS AT HIS NEWFOUND FAITH THROUGH THE EYES OF GRATITUDE

“Often suffering helps to release the potentialities within man, bringing to the

surface concealed qualities. | pray to God that my reshaping has begun.” —Rashid, a new Baha’i

rusty. As a result of friction, however, it prod becomes shiny the force of friction, it become even a luminous body

qualities and virtues which remain dormant. Often suffering helps to release the potentialities within man, bringing to the surface concealed qualities. I pray to God that my reshaping has begun.

In my most humble understanding of Ridvan, it is the day that is celebrated to commemorate the manifestation of the One

Whom God Would Make Manifest. It is a day likened to the springtime when all of creation is experiencing a sense of rebirth. When the beauties of God’s creation that are experienced by the of man are made mani:

My personal experience of Ridvan this year is firstly that the seed of the One Whom God Has Made Manifest has been planted in my soul. It has germinated and through my studies it has begun to grow.

For the first time in my life I can hear the thunder and see the lightning. I can see the many colors and smell the many fragrances of springtime. I can feel the unconditional love extended to me by the friends and T can e it back and nothing in return. I can he: songbirds and almost m: thei ly prayers to our Lord. I can feel the presence of the angels as they hover over all of creation telling all of the creation of God’s command “Grow.”

Yes! How great this Day. For a new chapter of our life on this planet has been opened. The One promised has come and through the friends has begun the estabment of a world-embra divine civilization for mankind. ‘The Kingdom of God on Earth is at hand. @

out

Article brings memories of South Dakota pioneer

‘To the Editors:

After reading the article about Maude Barnes [The American Babd’i, April 9, 1998, In Memoriam], where she refers to being introduced to Mr. Louis Gregory through her sister: That was Jean Marie Stapleton—Stapie to us, who knew her so well Maude’s half sister and lived in Minneapolis. A few years later she moved to South Dakota, where she helped to establish the first Baha’i Assembly in joux Falls. She had a wonderful sense of humor, never knew what it was to hold a grudge, and had a lot of com

mon sense.

Shortly after the Assembly was established, we looked over that vast prairie plain of South Dakota and ad

wondered how we would ever sp: the teachings of Baha’u’llah. How er, a year or so before that, someone had built the first radio station in South Dakota and we decided that if we could have a program that would send the words of the Manifestation over the airways, that would be one way to disseminate the Teachings.

LETTEKS FROM READEKS

The American Baha’i welcomes letters from readers, particularly on 's relating to the furtherance of the goals of the Four Year Plan, the principles of the Writings, and response to content in this newspaper.

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 necessarily 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

‘The manager granted us the opportunity to have a program but none of us knew about writing a radio script or writing anything of any kind except letters home. But we chose a topic and found material in the teachings of both ‘Abdu’l-Baha and Bahda’u’lléh and wove them into a script interspersing it with classical music.

‘The manager said we had to have someone of our group do the broadcasting and someone who could read well and who had the best voice. It was Stapie, who had nothing but a grade school education, who the man

ager chose. We had that program for along time. I’m sure it helped us scat tering angels to scatter abroad the divine words.

Stapie spent the rest of her life in Sioux Falls, and as far as I know Sioux Falls never lost its Assembly from the time of its inception, and I often think Stapie had the glue that helped to hold it together. Stapie was one of the earliest African-Americans to step out into the pioneer arena for the first Seven Year Plan of the Guardian.

Frances B. Jones (Edelstein) Palo Alto, California #

Moral principles in practice speak louder than words

‘To the Editors:

It is very interesting to see Baha’i orgaions implementing the moral principles of our Faith.

I read in Health for Humanity’s Guidelines for Regional Networks, Orientation of Volunteers, the following:

“The HH office should consult with volunteers about appropriate sites of service. For example, a person's age, health status, language familiarity, and experience can impact on consultation. Likewi an unmarried couple companionate relationship or an aleohol user would be inappropriate. ..

I find there is a preference for Baha’i students at the University of Michigan among o! npus landlords because the students have a reputation of moral behavior and not drinking.

And now to find that organizations like Health for Humanity are implementing Bahé’ principles in practice is truly heartening.

Violet Wuerfel Clark Highland Park, Michigan #

page 4

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * COMMENTARY AND LETTERS = October 16, 1998 [Page 5]eYOUTHs:

“O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel or mysteries of the mind and spi —Abdu'l-Bahd, Bahé’i Education, p. 41

RUE WEAL

KEY TO FUND GIVING: IT’S THE SACRIFICE

ur beloved Guardian remind

dus that it is the degree of and not the amount that when we give to the Funds:

“As to the idea of ‘giving what one can afford’; this does by no means put a limit or ©

to one’s contributions to the national fund. qT he more one can give the better

other wants and desires on the part of the donor. The harder the sacrifice the more meritorious will it be, of course, in the sight of God. For after all it is not so much the quantity of one’s offerings that matters, but rather the measure of deprivation that such offerings entail. It is the spirit, and not the mere fact of contributing that we should always take into account when we stress the necessity for a universal and wholehearted support of the various funds of the Cause.” (From a letter dated Dec. 31, 1935, to an individual believer)

How might this spiritual principle about giving to the Baha’i Funds apply to one’s efforts to perform heroic deeds of service to the Cause?

True Wealth is devoted to Baha’i youth to further strengthen our connections to the Baha’i Funds. If you have stories or ideas that have increased your understanding of and participation in the Funds, please share them with your Baha’i sisters and brothers in this column! Contact the Office of the Treasurer at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail .¢

10-THE-STREETS, 1O-THE-NATION

Bud Billiken Parade sends Baha’i message to 48 million on TV

BY NICOLE ZAMIR

9 when members

[ was 4:30 a.m. A ask Force woke

of the Bud Bil up to make sure everything w This was the third time the Baha'is would A

American parade in the country.

This year the Bud Billiken P, Chicago would be on national te More than 48 million viewers would hear about the Faith through the float prepared by the task force of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.

In keeping with the National ‘Teachi: Plan, the words “The Power of Unity” crowned the float 3 sun, while the words “ World Emb “The Baha’i the bottom. ‘ House of Worship in Wilmette were also highly vis

A pair of MCs, Elarryo Bolden, 27, and Akwanza “T! humper® Mangum, 24, both of neighboring Evanston, called the audience to account for “how they were living” in their communities. The crowds cheered the “rap without the gat (gun)” and responded magically to the call-and-response approach. The audience went wild when parts of a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were played and Mangum would cry, “The dream is still alive on Martin Luther King Drive!”

On the sidelines, teaching teams passed out cardboard fans bearing the principles of the Faith and the 800-22UNITE number. They also passed out a list of follow-up events at the Chicago Baha’{ Center and a flier titled “Who is Bud Billiken Anyway?”

Kathryn Lucatelli of Evanston and Ilya Brecque of Flint, Michigan, developed an apparently effective strategy. They would go into the crowd a block ahead of the float and talk with people around

AYU erin

Participants in the Bud Billiken Parade—the largest African-American parade in the country—gather on and around the Baha’i float, which was seen by parade viewers on TV across the country. Photo by Kathleen C. Russell

them, and then when the float passed, answer more of their que: bout “who they are” and the Bah: ith.

Lucatelli found many people who had already heard of the Faith. Some were especially shocked that white folks were promoting this message of race unity in their neighborhood. Lewis Walker of Evanston also heard people remarking on the racial mixture, saying “I love it” and “I wish there was more of it.”

After the parade, Baha’fs held a picnic in the park that created more teaching opportunities. Follow-up _ teaching events include a celebration of the oneness of the human family, a panel discussion, an event with choirs of different faiths performing together, a seminar on race unity and a musical night.

“Each year the process gets better and better, more exciting, and includes more follow-up activities,” said Camille Collins of Chicago, a Bud Billiken Task Force member.

The Bud Billiken Parade began in 1929 when a call went out to the children

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKEND AT LOUHELEN!!

Make your College Club part of a united network of Baha’i college students regionally and across the country. The session focuses on mobilization of fresh approaches to teaching and serving on campus. Oct. 30-Nov. I: Louhelen Baha’i School, Davison, MI phone 810-653-5033 fax 810-653-7181 e-mail

A TEXAS YOUTH HAPPENING

Dozens gather at the annual Touchstone Conference for youth, May I-3 at Bastrop State Park in Central Texas. The retreat is organized especially for the deepening and spiritual recharging of youth.

spearh adel Kellum, a prominent Africanan journalist and Chicago Baha’i. Also known as “Uncle Bud,” Kellum formed the Bud Billiken Club to help children recognize and nurture the virtues of honesty, trustworthiness, obedience and respect.

Kellum named the club partly after the Billiken, a Chinese mythical god who represents “things as they should be.” The parade announcer acknowledged this history as the Baha’fs passed by the bandstand.

‘The Chicago Defender, one of the country’s most progressive African-American newspapers—also founded by a Baha’i, Robert Abbott—mentioned the Baha’i Faith’s involvement in the parade three times in the Aug. 9 issue, and included a re of last year’s float. WLS and WGN television put the float on the air and talked about the Baha’is.

Nicole Zamir is a teacher in Northbrook, Illinois. @

VARIETY OF RESPONSE TO HEROIC DEEDS

ledges for the Heroic Deeds of

Service to the Cause campaign, sponsored by the National Youth Committee, are coming in from all ages, from all over the country! Seize the opportunity to contribute one or more of the Heroic Deeds of Service that the National Youth Committee will send to the Universal House of Justice.

To learn more about the campaign, please visit the National Youth Committee Web page (www.usbne.org).

‘To participate in this campaign, please contact the National Youth Committee, c/o Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ).¢

October 16, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i* YOUTH page 5 [Page 6]

‘or almost 20 years, the Miami Beach, Florida, community languished without a functioning Local Spiritual Assembly. A few Baha’fs lived here and there, but meetings were r: Just before Ridvan 154, Baha'is Farideh Paymani and Geor; ia determined that, with a community of 11 believers, it was time to form an Assembly and conduct a massive teaching campaign. The result of the teaching that followed Assembly formation has been a number

The most suc teaching project has been a teaching

Baha’i seminar gains following at university

Neotel seminar on the Baha’i faith at has been such a success at Northwestern University that the college club there is working to make it a permanent course at the institution in Evanston, Illinois.

“Introduction to the Baha’i Faith” brought in 19 undergraduate students who took the seminar for full credit in spring 1998, reported Laila Yazhari, who co-conducted the course along with Keyvan Peymani.

“Almost 50 were interested in taking the class,” Yazhari wrote. “All could not be let in because of school regulations.”

‘The seminar has been offered in 1994, 1996 and 1998—always as a credit course and always conducted by a team of Baha’ students.

Peymani and Yazhari put together a syllabus for the 10-week seminar using Peter Smith’s A Short History of the Baha'i Faith and Hatcher and Martin’s The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. Students had to read a few chapters each week and come in with questions or reactions.

The students also read the Hidden Words and wrote a 2-3 page essay; watched the World Congress video; took a trip to the Baha’i House of Worship; and wrote an 8-10 page paper on a topic of their choice.

‘The weekly classes were two hours long, often featured guest lecturers, and characterized by “lively discussion by the students,” Yazhari wrote. “They were full of questions.”

A variety of races, religions and ages was represented in the class, she said.

‘The report added that the NU Baha’i Club was indebted to Dr. Robert Stockman, coordinator of the Research Office at the Baha’i National Center for helping set up the courses all three times it has been offered.

Past student teams leading the seminar were Ramine and Beth Yazhari (1994) and ‘Tommy Diaz and Avis Judd (1996). #

table set up in the heart of South Beach with a permit granted by the city.

‘The three-month permits are raffled off in a lottery, with 20 nonprofit religious organizations applying for five permitted locations. The lottery began a year ago, and each drawing has seen the Bah: ith end up with a permit.

For the first six months, the Baha’{

table was located in an upscale pedest mall where hundreds of people passed by and heard the glorious news of the coming of the Promised One. As a result, as many as 20 people declared their faith. Many of these people’ live in Miami

Beach or South Florida.

A community of eight believers in neighboring Broward County had been praying to form an Assembly by Ridvan. Its prayers were answered and the Assembly formed when a man named Nestor who visited the booth was so overcome with joy that he declared at the first meeting to which he went. He has been on fire ever since.

Much of the growth and development of the new believers has been assisted with the loving spiritual guidance of Auxiliary Board member Farah Guchani Rosenberg, whose tireless

efforts and many visits to d new Baha’is are a welcome ii to the others in the communit

This handful of Baha’is has frequently with the mayor Commission, presenting pe: ments and proc! message to them.

Mayor Neisen Kasdin—who attended college in Evanston, Illinois, and is familiar with the Bahd’i House of Worship—has high praise for the Baha’is, and when the permit lottery comes up, he lovingly refers to the Baha'is as “the real religion.”

—Submitted by George C. Via @

THE YOUNG AND THE TIRELESS

Above,

Summer is always a time for traveling teachers, especially youth, to go across the country and abroad to proclaim the name of the Blessed Beauty. At left, Daniel Habegger and his sister Charlotte are shown embarking in August from Richmond, Virginia—where Charlotte attends college—on a trip that took them through New York, Ohio, Indiana, North Dakota, Washington and Alaska—where Daniel started college. youths from the Dallas area (from left) Arash Yekrangi, Auzhand Zonozy and Shahriar Yekrangi celebrate their three months of service in Tanzania, Kenya and elsewhere in Africa. Photos courtesy of June Hippchen, Richmond, VA

and Melina Yeganeh, Dallas, TX

Incident insipres columnist to print prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

columnist for a suburban edition of

The Orlando Sentinel newspaper helped spread the Healing Message when he reported on an unusual event at the National Day of Prayer service in Clermont, Florida.

In a July edition of The Lake Sentinel, columnist Mike Archer—who has printed items about the Baha’i community in past months—told of Shirley Reichenbach, who was invited to par ticipate in the public service as a standby in case a pastor didn’t show up. He told how she walked up to the podium and was all set to recite a Baha’i prayer for mankind when she was asked then and there not to read that prayer because it “might offend the pastors who were there.”

“She obediently put the prayer away, substituted a few mild thoughts, and then went home,” Archer wrote.

“Exactly what sort of appeal to heaven, I wondered, is too offensive to be heard on the streets of Clermont?” he continued. “Nothing juicy. The prayer that couldn’t be said in public was reverent, gentle and idealistic.”

His column quoted two paragraphs from the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Baha beginning on page 101 of Bahd’i Prayers. He invited readers to request the full text of the prayer by mail, fax or e-mail. @

page 6 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS October 16, 1998 [Page 7]

SPREADING*THE-TEAC

TRS Ay IR pT THE T

HINGS

Number of teaching stories spring from Illinois fair

t’s the second-largest fair in Illinois,

with 232,488 attendees coming from

Illinois and all over the Midwest, and it was a teaching opportunity that the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Wheaton just couldn’t pass up.

So the Assembly hosted a prominent display booth at this year’s DuPage County Fair on July 22-26. Unified assistance from more than 20 neighboring communities included extraordi volunteer time, literature, display aids, fin: I assistance, announcements of upcoming Baha’f events in the area, and “prayers upon prayers.”

BRIEFLY

NORTHERN VIRGINIA: YOUTH TEACHING WAVE

More than high temperatures accounted for a heat wave this July in northern Virginia. The statewide Crimson Ark youth teaching campaign was a scorcher in itself. )

The 10-day project began on the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County Northwest and the Vi ginia State ‘Teaching Committe: involved more than 60 youth—including some from Arizona—ranging in age from 12 to 25.

After prayer and deepening, three groups fanned out in area communities to teach, ultimately speaking to and performing before more than 1,500 people.

Participant Paymon Hashemizadeh of Sterling, Virginia, was quoted by the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Babd’t Newsletter aying, “This is the best teaching project I’ve ever attended. think it was be ent. In the past we concentrated on how many declarations we could get. This time we didn’t wort We worked on prayer and teachi

‘COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: ADDING TO THE COMMUNITY

The Columbia, South Carolin was blessed with the enrollment of four people into the Faith in late August.

‘Two of the new Baha’is are from India—a pre-med student and an unde: graduate at University of South Carolina. ised Baha’i and has ided to enroll. The fourth is a well-known local newscaster.

DEMING, NEW MEXICO: GETTING VISIBLE

More than a dozen visitors to the Great an Duck Races in Deming, New

0, stopped by the Baha’i booth to

uss the Faith and receive literature.

Don and Kay Welsh were joined by George and Jean Laws and Dan and Connie Beard in setting up and staffing the booth during the Aug. 22-23 event.

Turnout for the festival estimated at 25,000. The Baha’i booth was in wonderful location on the central c where it was readily seen.

The booth was a first for Luna County Baha'is, but plans are already being made for next year. @

use our focus was diffe

le,

rom the moment we started to put up the booth,” said one of Wheaton’s beaming Assembly members, Gerry Holman, “the teaching began and it just never seemed to stop.”

Here are just a few of the abundant teaching stor

A prize-winning painter sponta~

neously started to talk with Bahai children about her work, met other Baha’is working the booth, and later told the friends she had decided to make the Baha’s House of Worship the subject for her next series of studies.

Staffers from the booth of a large

political organization started to come by the Baha’{ booth frequently to chat, “because you folks are an oasis of calm and peacefulness around here ¢ One man, studying the broad array of literature, was shocked when told the materials were all free and that Baha’ss don’t accept contributions: “What! A religion that doesn’t charge? What kind of religion is this?” He left smiling, with a handful of literature. ned mother was taking s given to her pointing out that her family n. Just then another fairgo

A silent proclamation

ONE COUNTRY AND MANKIND ITS CITIZENS.” 770-565-044

A marquee stands in front of a Baha’i-owned business on a major road in Cobb County, Georgia, daily passed by thousands of vehicles. The quote is changed about once a month to reflect the community teaching theme.

Global teaching opportunities beckon

he Office of Pioneering keeps information about long- and short-term international teaching projects. Currently, we have information about oppurtunities in Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hungary, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Solomon Islands and Zambia. In addition to thes

specific teaching projects, 157 other countries have bed their need for traveling teach‘ou are interested in serving ally, please feel free to contact the addresses below.

CONFERENCES, SCHOOLS AND EVENTS

© Uganda: Special invitation to visit the ‘Temple of Africa in Kampala Dec. 23-27. Following the special vi: the Regional Women’s be held Dee. 28 in ‘Teso. ¢ Argentina: Conference on the advancement of women, “Women and Men United for the Advancement of the World of Women,” sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, will be held Noy. 27-29 in Rosario.

nference will

of the France (1898-1998), Nov. 28-29 at pace Austterlitz i he Hand of

Baha’i Youth Service Corps opportunities worldwide listed on page 8

the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khénum has graciously accepted to honor this Congress with her pres © India: / 24-27.

Japan: Association for Baha'i Studies.

Japan seventh annual Conference Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

¢ Netherlands: Second International Conference of the Environment For Nov. 6-8 in de Port.

Singapore: Fifth ASEAN Baha’i Youth Conference, Dec. 17-21.

nce. ian youth conference, Dec.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for further information about these and other urgent needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers. We also have the schedule of deepe: nstitutes and Baha’i camps in Canada and the 1998 program of the Landegg Academy in Switzerland, as well as any other project and event information received after this publication date. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail .¢

er showed her a piece of Baha’ literature and said, “Wait! Look! They believe in Jesus, too.”

Many who stopped by the booth came full of questions, and often spoke in awe of the beauty of the House of Worship in Wilmette.

Over five days, more than 3,000 stickers and 2,500 coloring books, prayer cards, books and pamphlets were given away. The stickers (“World Citizen” and “No Room in My Heart for Prejudice”) and Spanish-language literature went so quickly that the Assembly had to get a rush overnight order for more. @

Teaching Skills

7: Preparing

a brief overview of the teachings

n an earlier article, it was discussed how we may improve our teaching skills by preparing a one- or two-sentence answer to the question “What is the Bahai ith?” After a heard the answer to this question, he may want to learn more about the Faith. Therefore, we should be prepared to give a more detailed overview of the Teachings.

What should this overview say? Should the principles or laws of the Faith be discussed? Are there certain

concepts we should mention first?

Could memorized quotations be included? ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s talks serve model for introducing the Teachings. Shoghi Effendi has encouraged us to study ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s talks as the Master’s “method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be surpassed.” (Deepening #137)

What was ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s “method”? In His summaries of the Teachings, what did He talk about? Was there was a sequence to the principles He disd? Did He fi plain certain principles, such as the independent investigation of truth or the unity of mankind? Did other principles con:

tently appear later in His explanation: Were His talks simple, clear, logical, and well-organized? Did He use analogies

and examples, especially from nature? mining ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s we answers to these questions and arn lessons for how we can more e tively give an overview of the Teachings.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s public talks are found in such books as The Promulgation of Universal Peace and Paris Talks. Many of His “table talks” appear in Some Answered Questions. How can we use His example to prepare a brief overview of the Teachings?

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

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

page 7 [Page 8]

INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I YOUTH SERVICE CORPS OPPORTUNITIES

outh are needed all over the United States and the world. The wide gamut of opportunity includes:

Reaching the masses with the message

of Baha’u'llah. © Deepening new believers.

Conducting children’s classes, youth

classes and other educational activities.

Assisting the admii tive work of

Baha’ Institutions.

Hands-on work with social and economic development projects.
Proclaiming the Faith through the arts.
Supporting the growing number of

training institutes worldwide.

Mobilizing the youth of a region or even

a county.

Teaching fellow students and teachers.
Many more.

In the document “Countries and Territories in Need of Pioneers and Traveling Teachers” from the Baha’i World Center, 79 countries listed specific needs and opportunities for youth pioneers, including many university study options. National Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions also continually write to our national community to advise of the following needs, which serve as further examples of their diversity.

Due to space limitations, the following opportunities are summarized only from letters recently received from Baha’i institutions overseas and do not include the additional needs described in the above-mentioned document compiled at the Baha’i World Center. (Primary languages in parentheses)

mm AFRICA” ae

Botswana (Tswana, English): John Robarts Long-Term Teaching Project and other opportunities. Detailed information available. Cameroon (French): Youth service organizer to help mobilize youth and further organize youth service program. Ethiopia (Ahmaric, Italian, Arabic, English): Youth with office experience to assist the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia with the administrative work of the National Office. Gambia (English): Assist the National Youth Committee and other national committees, as well as the National Office, with their work throughout the country. Help at the Permanent Institute, with the urban pre-school or the Rural Education Center. Madagascar (French): Long-term teaching project needs help in teaching and consolidation in rural villages, training children’s class teachers, social and economic development projects, editing national bulletin. Tanzania (English, Swahili): Assist the Local Teaching and Training Nucleus in Dar es Salaam. Senegal (French): Olinga Teaching Project near Dakar needs French-speaking youth to help with teaching, children’s classes, activities for women and for youth. Abilities in drama welcome. South Africa (Afrikaans, ‘Tswana, Xhosa, English): New Web

oes enthusiastic services of Baha'i y'

leer

If you can arise to meet one of these or other critical international needs, please contact your Local Spiritual Assembly for initial consultation and to receive a copy of the Pioneer/Baha’i Youth Service Corps Volunteer Form. As you work toward your goal, : the Office of Pioneering will also work closely with you. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

site listing youth service opportunities. Zimbabwe (English): Help with development of the permanent deepening institute and teaching the Faith in sec~ ondary schools.

AMERICAS

Alaska (English, indigenous languages): Several teaching projects and summer Alcan youth institute programs. Belize (English, Spanish, indigenous languages): Caretaker of Baha'i center and visitor's center host needed. Bermuda (English): Youth with performing arts workshops needed. Bolivia (Spanish) Variety of opportunities from teaching projects in warm Santa Cruz to work with Radio Baha’i or social and economic development projects in the cool highlands. Help with Youth Workshop development needed. Brazil (Portuguese): The School of the Nations needs volunteers to serve at the school, work with the Baha’i community and assist with community development in the Brasilia-area favelas. Canada (English): The Maxwell International Baha’i School has ongoing needs for volunteers in areas such as administrative, finance and personnel, gardening, student services, academic and facilities services. Chile (Spanish): Volunteers needed at Colegio Nur in Santiago to help with administrative and teaching work for six months to a year. Colombia (Spanish): Seven-week “year of service deepening course,” offering ideal preparation for Latin American service posts, offered twice per year at Ruhi Institute. Costa Rica (Spanish): Active Dance Workshop in San José open to more volunteers. Ecuador (Spanish): Guayaquil project, functioning around planned Baha’i activities in rural communities with full logistical and training support of the national and regional teaching committees. Many youth participants. E/ Salvador (Spanish): Variety of needs for volunteers at the Jamaliyyih Baha’i Institute, New Garden Baha’i Institute, Badasht Institute or Ridvin School, or supporting the local youth efforts on other fronts. Guadeloupe (French): Help with national office administration and the development of the training institute. Guatemala (Spanish): Ruihiyyih teaching project in Petén, located in the tropical rain forest and Mayan ruins area, needs youth to help with direct teaching, community development, children’s classes, deepening and training believers. Haiti (French): Serve at the

Anis Zuntzi school teaching English, oral French, and arts and crafts, among others. Jamaica (English): Assist youth workshops, teach in rural areas, help with the radio show and/or a television conference, with institutes and other training programs, teach children’s classes, or do administrative work at the National Center. Mexico (Spanish): The Furitan Project focuses on promoting the Cause among students and faculty of universities. Panama (Spanish): Project Muhijir, working to establish a model community to accelerate the process of entry by troops in an area of Panama City via teaching, children and youth classes and public school presentations. Venezuela (Spanish): Three “entry by troops projects” and an ongoing year of service program supported by local youth, incorporating proclamation,

teaching, consolidation, theater, music and other aspects, need 6-10 youth at a time for at least six months’ service. Knowledge of Spanish a must. Low living costs.

Cambodia (Khmer, English, French): Coordinate movement of traveling teachers within Cambodia. Kazakhstan (Kazakh, Russian): Help the 200+ Baha’ youth of Kazakhstan develop Youth Workshops. Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz and Russian): Open new areas of the country to the Faith and work towards their development. Macau (Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Portuguese): Variety of ongoing opportunities at the increasingly renowned School of the Nations, as well as office administrative assistant needs. Thailand (Thai, English): The Santitham School, a social and economic development project of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand, needs dedicated volunteers for periods of at least six months. Other urgent needs in Asia: Contact the Office of Pioneering as soon as possible.

~ “AUSTRALASIA

Cook Islands (Cook Island Maori, English): Visiting youth performance groups needed to help local youth reach a wider audience through drama, dance and music. Eastern Caroline Islands (Carolinian, English, Japanese): Youth teaching, development and consolidation work. Kiribati (Gilbertese): ‘The Ootan Marawa Bahai School needs mature youth to serve as teachers’ aides,

helping the school’s 30 students to learn English and helping with various school-related social and economic development proj Mariana Islands (Chamorro, C; ian, English): The Marianas Baha’i School on Guam offers service opportunities for one or two youths as teachers’ aides in the nonprofit school guided by the National Spiritual Assembly. Marshall Islands (Marshallese, English hing, development and consolidation work, continuance of dance/drama workshops. Samoa (Samoan, English): Guide at the temple, work with children at the Montessori Baha’i School near the temple, help organize displays and Baha’i literature at book sales, teach and deepen new believers, teach children’s classes, learn new songs with youth and other friends, and more. Solomon Islands (Pidgin, English): Drama, music and dance abilities needed for development of youth in villages. Tonga (Tongan, English): Youth to assist with development of existing youth workshop. Tuvalu (Tuvaluan, English): Encourage local youth and help develop children’s classes. Vanuatu (French): Drama, music and dance abilities needed for development of youth in villages.

EUROPE’

Europewide: European Baha'i Youth Council project encouraging youth to serve in small teaching groups in European countries, initially Macedonia. Administrative assistant in Council office also needed. Baltic States (Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Russian): Muhajir Mass-Teaching Project. Belarus (Belorussian, Russian): Youth to serve at the National Office, preferably with computer skills, to staff Baha’{ centers and carry out teaching work, with option to study Russian simultaneously. Art and music especially effective in the teaching work. Bulgaria (Bulgarian): Dynamic youth to lend assistance to the work of the National Youth Committee and other work. France (French): Periodic needs for volunteers at the Office of Public Information of the Baha’i International Community in Paris. Iceland (Icelandic, English): Urgent need for experienced Baha’i Youth Workshop member with artistic and organizational ability. Lithuania (Lithuanian): Study engineering or medicine in English at Kaunas Medical Academy for an annual tuition equivalent to U.S. $3,000! Malta (Maltese, English, Italian): Urgent need for youth to join teaching project aiming to establish the first National Spiritual Assembly of Malta by end of Four Year Plan. Poland (Polish, some German): Dance workshop facilitator/coordinator, national office worker, “community builder,” carpenter. Switzerland (French, German, Italian): Periodic needs for volunteers at the office of the Baha’i International Communityin Geneva and at the Baha’i National Center in Berne. @

page 8

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

October 16, 1998 [Page 9]

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

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Healing Baha’ Faith

convictions relative to a higher authority. Using precepts and arguments from three

disciplines with something to say on the y, namely philosophy, scind religion, Dr. Hatcher explores h fascinating insight an ages-old problem with freshness and

by Williams S, Hatcher

subject of mora

en

igor, the considerable force of the arguments provided by ion itself. A truly groundbreaking effort into one of the

bringing into this m the Bal i

able debates of our t individuals claim to speak with “authentic morality.”

5 1/28 1/2”, 155 pp. Baha’i Publishing Trust, United States

, a time when so many factions and

Would You Have Known Jesus? by Jobn Adler $3. ae $25.00/100, $180.00/1000 (WYHKJ)

n Jesus?” is a question that many teachers Christian, but without risk of In thi sashes the question is put directly in the xt of Christian belief and brought into the present by presenting v'lldh as the Promised One foretold by st. At once challenging and subtle, this pamphlet may well help a seeker to look more closely into their own hearts for the answer to this question.

Stonehaven Press

The Divine Art of Revelation

Divine Art of Revelation by Jobn S. Hatcher $4.95 SC (DAR) Adapted from Dr. Hatcher's popular book The Ocean of His Words, this stand-alone revision of the first chapter of that work deals specifically with the concept of rev tion as form. This insightful analy: and the conclusions drawn offer the reader an excellent framework for regarding the role of art in a religious context and, more importantly, the benefits of deeper understanding derived from the examination of revelation in this context.

5 1/2”x6”, 60 pp. Baha'i Publishing Trust, United States

Ali’s Dream

The Story of Baha’u’llah by Jobn S. Hatcher

illustrated by Mary Holveck $22.95 SC (ADS)

A revised edition with all new illustrations to highlight this favorite story about Ali, an eleven year old boy whose life becomes a quest for the meaning of

a dream. Weaving scenes from the history of the Baha’ Faith into the narrative, John Hatcher draws out of this story universal truths about sacrifice, suffering, and spiritual qualities in a way that allows a personal identification with these qualities and with a cause greater than one’s own self.

6”x9”, 333 pp., illustrations

Baha’i Publishing Trust, United States

te

72am

page 10 THE AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ BANA’ DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

October 16, 1998

[Page 11]DIST TRIBUTION: TSER’

MLE} Te

Reliance Ben Koen and the Unity Ensemble $15.95 CD (RCD)

Reliance, a dynamic journey of jaz ing soulful vo

saxophone includIs of two Hidden Words, follows Dizzy ing unity in di teners. Powerful and compelli x,

The Magic Bird

magic flowers found in the tone yeas his sound fall oF eHe cry ae Bonet peace aii joy.” Quinn Arts 52 minutes $15.00 CD (MBCD)

‘This album is the Quinns’ uniquely beautiful soundtrack of this world-renowned travel teaching production. Fourteen songs that capture a

fi Susan Lewis Wright portion of the drama of events associated with Bird ‘ the birth of the Baha’ Faith.

73 minutes

Susan Lewis Wright $15.95 CD (BCD), $10.95 CS (BCAS)

Bird, about the soul taking its flight to the next world, is the title song on the brand-new release from nationally ger-songwriter Susan Lewis Wright. Regarding her first album, Down In Mexico, Recording Magazine wrote, “Judy Collins has nothing on Susan. Neither does Joan Baez for that matter.”

51 minutes

Dash Crofts Today

Dash Crofts

$15.95 CD (DCTCD)

You may think you know Dash Crofts’ music,

but your experience won’t be complete until you add this one to your collection! Yes, those

ctive vocals are the:

changed to reflect a j

er approach to life. 39 minutes

Walking from Jerusalem to Mecca Dirk Anderson and Jerry York

$15.00 CD (WJMCD), $10.00 CS (WJMCS)

A blend of smooth harmonies and exotic instruments breathe life into heartfelt compositions that journey through jazz, pop, and world music sounds. Features guest vocals by Lynn Rosser and Mary Davis. Produced by Chris Ro

39 minutes

Str CODE TITLE Quantity | cost eAcH | TOTAL DAYTIME TELEPHONE #( +) PAYMENT METHOD O CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED O CREDIT CARD UNITED STATES:ADD 10% (MIN. $2.00, MAX. $10.00) SUE at

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October 16,1998 | THE AMERICAN BANA’‘i ¢ BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE page II [Page 12]

ESPANOL

Letter to the friends Carta a los amigos de from the Latin-American Task Force la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

Dear and Esteemed Friends In the commentary on the Strih of 2 Queridos y Estimados Amigos todos los libros en la dispensacién in the Cause of Baha’w’llah: Joseph—which Baha’u’lléh calls “the ‘ en la Causa de Baha’u’llah: Babi—el Bab Hama a los “pueblos del We all celebrate birthdays of fam- first, great nd mightiest” of all ‘Todos celebramos el nacimiento de — Oeste” a “que salgan de sus ciudades y ayuily members and friends whom we _ books in the B pensation—the —§ familiares y amigos a quienes amamos y den a la Causa de Dios.” love and cherish. But in this month Bab directs the “people of the We . apreciamos. Pero en este mes de 's evidente, entonces, que para of October we have a most special “issue forth from your cities and aid the < octubre tenemos un dia muy especial nosotros aqui en el Occidente también, day to celebrate—the Birth of the Cause of God.” que celebrar—el Nacimiento del Bab, nuestro mandato de ensefar, de esparcir Bab, without Whom there would be It is clear, then, that for those of 3 sin Quien no existiria la familia Baha’i. —_la Palabra de Dios, de servir Su Causa, no Baha’i family. us here in the West also, our com- ° En el Occidente, con nuestro calen- _ viene originalmente del Bab Mismo, en el In the West, with our solar calen- mand to teach, to spread God’s $ _dario solar, este sagrado evento cae el nacimiento de esta Fe. Aquellos que dar, this sacred event is marked on Word, to s i dia 20 de octubre. Sin embargo, segtin _ respondieron a la Llamada del Bab son Oct. 20. However, according to the originally from the Bab Hi $ _ elcalendario lunar en el Oriente, el Bab conocidos como los “Rompedores del lunar calendar in the East, the Bab at the very birth of this . nacié el primer dia del mes de Muhar- Alba” y el amado Guardian ha llamado a was born on the first day of the Those who responded to the Call § ram, y Baha’u'llih el segundo dia del _ nosotros, los creyentes del Occidente, s

month of Muharram, and Baha’u’llah

of the Bab are known to us as “the

mismo mes (en diferentes afios), y

“descendientes espirituales.” |Que her

on the second day of that same Dawn-Breakers” and the beloved . Baha’u’llah dice que “estos dos dfas se con- noble y bendita que tenemos! month (in different years), and Guardian has called us, the believ- e sideran uno solo a la vista de Dios.” Puesto Cuando leemos acera de nuestros Baha’u'llah states that “these two days ers of the West, their “spiritual ¢ que todos somos una sola familia y, en “antepasados irituales”—grand

are accounted as one in the sight of God.” Because we are all one family and, in the words of Baha’u’llah, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,” it will be necessary for the Universal House of Justice to decide whether these two Holy Days are to be celebrated in future on a solar or a lunar basis.

But Who is He Whose birth we celebrate?

In the Tablet of Ahmad, Baha’u’llah says of the Bab, “Verily He is the King of the Messengers and His Book is the Mother Book, did ye but know.”

When the Bab was summoned before high religious and governmental officials in Tabriz and asked Who He claimed to be, His reply was: “I am, I am, I am the Promised One! ... Verily, I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples of both the East and the West to obey My word, and to pledge

allegiance to my person.”

descendants.” What a noble and blessed heritage we have!

When we read about our “spiritual heroes and heroines like Mulla Husayn, Quddis, ‘Tahirih and others—it is as though we have met them, and we are uplifted and inspired. This we can do because their lives have been recorded for all generations. We know who they are, how they became upholders. of this Most Great Revelation, and all that they did in God’s path.

All of you, beloved friends, are among their spiritual descendants. We also wish to know who you are, how you became followers of Baha’u’llah, to learn of your journeys in the path of this Cause. So please fill out the form below and send it to us. We eagerly await our opportunity to meet you all.

With loving Baha’i greetings, Latin-American ‘Task Force

e e e e

PARA EL CENSO DE LOS BAHA'IS HISPANOS EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS

las palabras de Baha'u'llah, “La tierra es un solo pais y la humanidad sus ciunecesario que la Casa i estos dos Dias Sagrados se celebren en el futuro a base solar o lunar.

Pero, ¢Quién es nacimiento celebramos?

En la Tabla de Ahmad, Baha'u'llah dice del Bab, “Verdaderamente, El es el Rey de los Mensajeros y Su Libro es el Libro Madre si lo supierais.”

Cuando el Bab fue ordenado a presentarse ante altos oficiales religiosos y gubernamentales en ‘Tabriz, y le preguntaron Quién decia que era, Su respuesta fue: “;¥o soy, Yo soy, Yo soy el Prometido! .., En verdad Yo os digo, que incumbe a los pueblos, tanto de oriente como de occidente, obedecer mi palabra, y jurar lealtad a Mi persona.”

En el comentario sobre el Strih de José—el cual Baha’u’llah Hama “el primero, mis grande y mds poderoso” de

Aquél Cuyo

(fo GeO Ne a NGM Mi UPR Uay

héroes y herofnas tales como Mullé Husayn, Quddts, Téhirih y otros—es como si les hubiéramos conocido, y nos sentimos elevados S Esto lo podemos hacer porque sus as han para todas las generacione: bemos quie! como llegaron a ser sostenedores de esta Mas Grande Revelacién, y todo cuanto hicieron en el sendero de Dios. ‘Todos ustedes, amados amigos, se encuentran entre los descendientes espirituales de ellos. También queremos saber quienes son ustedes, como Ilegaron a ser seguidores de Baha’u’llah, informarnos de las jornadas de ustedes en el sendero de esta Causa. Asi, por favor, Ilenen el formulario a continuacién y envienlo a nosotros. Esperamos gozosos la oportunidad de conocerles a todos ustedes Con carifiosos saludos Baha’

La Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana @

Srta. / Sra. / Sr. : Ud. es o ha sido miembro de ... ?/Are you or have you been a member of . Miss / Mrs. /Ms. / Mr. Cuerpo de Consejeros Continentales/Continental Board of Counselors Direccién/ Cuerpo Auxiliar/Auxiliary Board ____ Address Asamblea Espiritual Local/Local Spiritual Assembly Ciudad/ Estado/ Cédigo postal/ Asistente a un miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar/Assistant to Auxiliary Board member ___ City State ZIP code ¢A quién?/To whom?, tbat Numero telef6nico/ Niimero de fax/ Comité nacional/National committee Telephone ( ) x_( ) Comité local/Local committee Direccién de correo electrénico/ gCuantos miembros de su comunidad Baha’ son latino: Bsmnailaddrese, How many members of your Baha’i community are Lating ai derorigea’ ¢Cuantos en su Asamblea Espiritual?/How many on your Spiritual Assembly? __ Country of origin Enviar a la Comisién de Trabajo éEn donde Ud. se hizo Baha’i2/ ata laa eee . Where did you become a Ba (773) 509-0466 Vienna, Virginia 22181

page 12. THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * LATIN AMERICAN TEACHING October 16, 1998 [Page 13]

Extended ‘Verities’ class aims to raise teachers

osch Ba “Fun

School is offering

sal House of Justic National Spiritual Assembly

systematic training and development of our human resources.

idy of the various ith is intended as a fountive presentation of the al Spiritual ning institute

within their localities to these no cost to the individuals or in

Those who enroll are required to attend all three weekends to complete the training: Nov. 6-8, Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 11-13. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants so it is important to reserve early. Future three-weekend sessio be offered later in the winter and sp1

This new training institute series is funded through the generous monthly

Aworkshop on teaching Southeast Asians was an important part of the ninth National Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion Conference, Aug. 28-30 at Bosch Bah: School, which drew more than 100 participants. Workshop groups gathered in five circles so all could consult in their native languages—Laotian, Hmong, Vietnamese,

ve Cambodian or English. Facilitators for each group then shared discussion results and will teaching suggestions. The U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office sponsored the event. For more information on the office’s work, call 847-733-3547. Photo courtesy US. Baha'i Refugee Office

Rose, will approach the issue of equality and the complementary roles of women and men from a mystical perspective: the tablets of wllih referring to the Divine Feminine as the Mother and Lover/Beloy

Thanksgit weekend, Nov. 27-29, the Youth ing Conference will bring friends to Bosch to deepen and discuss top

cd.

ies of particular interest to young adults, such as communi health and hea ng, and cha id by Ali Be, to youth a ages

s and courses, beg with the Wilmette Institute’s cou Islam presented by Muin Afnani and ‘his will be an outstanding class on the origins, teachings and scripture of Islam and its relationship to the Baha’i Faith. Pre-registration is required, so call early and reserve your spot!

Winter break brings:

A College Institute program of serious study, service and transformation.

contributions Bosch receives from local communities in support of this program.

Other special events this fall include a MusicFest and Auction Weekend Oct. 23-25 with the outstanding Per

and renowned guitarist Jamie Findlay oy a relaxing weekend of mar Author Michael Sours will present a study course on his newest book The Station and Claims of Baha'u'llah on. Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Like his previous books, this latest work will help Baha’is better understand the relationship of the christianity. He will explore the challenging 'llah about His Revelation and the day

A Grassroots Education Conference for those

involved in providing Baha’ education in schools.

Winter School with Sheila and Amin Banani and

their personal recollections in “Glimpses of the Guardian,” and Jerry Sinclair on “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue in Today's World.” Check the Bosch

velous enahaitntent delicious food and great fellowship W¢ are living in. to uplift your heart and inspire your spirit. A public concert will be held Saturday evening. All funds raised will go

toward the purchase of new dining room furnishings.

Visa lottery open with October deadline

yen U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office wishes to notify: the friends that the

government has opened its “Diversity Visa” lottery to give many non-U.S. citizens the chance to gain residential status with reduced waiting time. Applications must be received via regular mail by noon Oct. 31, 1998. Eligibility is open to those born in any country except Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong exempted), Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom and dependencies (Northern Ireland exempted) or Vietnam. Lottery “winners” will be notified between April-July 1999. They may apply for residency on Oct. 1, 1999. Applicants must have high school education or two years’ ” work experience in the past five years on a job requiring two years’ training. Application is free; there is no form. Information must. be clearly written or typed on a blank sheet of paper, and must include: Full name of applicant (last, middle, first; last name underlined). Applicant's date and place of birth (city/town, district/county/; nation).

Names of spouse and children under 21 (if any), with birthdates/places.

(Each spouse may apply separately and include spouse and eligible children.) _

Complete mailing address and home country if different from oe of Hes
Applicant’s signature.
Photo of applicant (1.5” by 1.5” or 4em by 4 can with name tiiheed on

reverse side, fastened to application sheet with clear tape. sBigpen enyeloperciza for nialling te spplicarion ¥'¢-lOsiwrideland 315-454 high ee cm by 8-11 cm). be return | iddress on the upper left of the front

“Healing and Integrating Wo A Fuller Understanding of Bal Nov. 13-15, presented by ‘Terry Ci

brochure for a fuller description of these programs and

en’s and Men’s Hearts: Mystical Theology,” lhane and Magdalene

events in late winter and spring. If you have not received a brochure and would like one, please contact us. Hope to see you soon—at Bosch!

Conference celebrating women in Persian culture draws 1,000

Me than 1,000 people from three continents gathered to celebrate the role of women in Persian culture at the eighth annual conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association, Sept. 3-6 in Rosemont, Illinois.

‘The association was created in 1991 through the initiative of the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Persian American Affairs, which annually organizes the conference. Persian and American participants

came from around the U.S. and countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

Presentations and performances were devoted to the central theme, Woman in Persian Culture. A number of presenters and participants were not members of the Baha’{ community. There were concurrent sessions in Persian and English and special classes for children.

The Baha’{ personage central to the conference was Bahiyyih Khanum, the daughter of Baha’u'lléh titled the Greatest Holy Leaf. Though exiled at an early age from Iran along with Bahé’u’lléh, the Holy Family and their companions, and never returning to her native land, she continued to observe Persian customs

throughout her life. The Greatest Holy Leaf also achieved a high degree of literary excellence in Persian and Arabic.

Morning and afternoon sessions were essentially devoted to talks on such subjects as “Image and Description of Woman in Persian Literature,” “Women’s Movement in Iran,” “Woman in Ancient Persia,” “Woman’s Challenges at the Workplace,” “Woman in Persian Paintings, Music and Poetry” and “Qurrat’ul-‘Ayn, the Precursor of Women’ Literary Tradition in Iran.”

Other presentations were titled “The Liege Lady of the People of Baha: The Greatest Holy Leaf,” “Baha’i Women in Tran After the Revolution of 1979,” “The Place and Mission of Women in the Baha’i Faith,” “The Role of Women in the Future Baha’i Civilization,” “The Heroism of Baha’i Women in Iran in the 1900s,” “The First Baha’i Committee for the Advancement of Women in Iran” and “The Services of Western Baha’i Women in Iran.”

Evening programs consisted of musical, dramatic and dance performances.

The Association plans to publish texts of presentations soon.

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’‘i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

page 13 [Page 14]

OLIDATING* THE

LETTERS ON LOUHELEN

Are you a youth considering the possibility of offering a period of service? Do you want to know something about what it might really be like to serve at a Baha'i school? The following is an actual letter written by a youth, Heidi Unterschuetz, who has completed a year of service at Louhelen Baha'i School. Louhelen has openings for additional Baha’i Youth Service Corps volunteers. Contact Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison MI 48423 (phone 810653-5033, e-mail ).

I have rarely seen Mother Nature so

generous to a specific place. I have enjoyed walking the woods, lying in the dandelions, and running away from the iso enjoying nature! The winters are cold, harsh, and very windy, and seemingly never ending, but they are also beautiful. Pure white snow, snow

ball fights, snow angels, shoe skating on the parking lot, it’s fun.

Louhelen is beautiful in other ways. too. The spi that surrounds unlike any I’ve felt. The people here are incredible. I have had the chance to get to know the mothers, fathers and friends behind the Louhelen administration. They are firm and flexible, yet serious and dedicated to serving the school and the friends.

Louhelen is wonderful, but remember, “no guts, no glory.” It’s hard, too. ‘The hardest s come with the Baha’i community, believe me. We all know, however, that tests are a bounty that help us grow and strengthen our souls. Some of the rules and r here are difficult, but to me it’s just not worth the disunity to argue with them. ‘They usually turn out to be in your own best interest anyway.

One thing about Louhelen is that it’s in the middle of nowhere, a small town with your basic necessities. Most of the time you are pretty isolated from the

Spreading beauty in Tampa

community of Tampa, Florida, gathers in late July to tend to an inner-city park in desperate need of “TLC.” A six-hour cleanup project spearheaded by the Local Spiritual Assembly was carried out by a group of dozens, with the Bay Area Youth Workshop at its nucleus, and materials donated by the city of Tampa. The Baha’i community plans more service events, including the painting of a mural over a graffiti-ridden site in October.

outside world. Unless, of course, you have a means of transportation. We had none besides walking or biking into town, sometimes catching a ride with the school van or staff going in. ...

The schedule here is usually somewhat regular, work five days a week, about 40 hours. Since it’s volunteer work, I got about $50/month from my shampoo, an ly Putty, ete. he greatest thing about a year of service here for me was how much I learned about my own spirituality and how I can better s and teach others. There are deepenings here for youth that are great for helping you with that. This year has helped me figure out a lot about myself in other ways, too. Like how to deal with people in friendships and the general public, and even family. I am nowhere near done growing and learning, but Louhelen has helped put me in the right direction and guided me along the first few steps.

Well, I could go on forever, but right now I am writing this at 2 a.m. and I have to work at 9 a.m. Sometimes this is the only time I can get personal things done like cleaning my room, which I found to be very necessary if you are used to living in a house with more than one room. I also take this time to write friends and family. If you do come here, remind your friends well in advance and an hour before you leave to-write you. I check my mailbox regularly in hopes that people remember that I’m only 6 hours away and still alive [NOTE: e-mail is now available for youth volunteers].

Well, if you do decide to serve here I won't be here, but my spirit will be! (Not to mention I can always jump in the car and road trip here to meet you.) I hope this has helped you and prompted you to consider a year of service at Louhelen.

Love and prayers, Heidi

Heidi Unterschuetz is enrolled in the college degree program at Landegg Academy

in Switzerland @

SERVICE, PARTICIPATION AT BAHA'I SCHOOL INSPIRE FRIENDS TO SHARE EXPERIENCES

How does attending the Baha’i schools help advance the process of entry by troops? On Aug. 9, the staff of Louhelen Baha’i School received the following letter, which beautifully expresses the significant influence of attending Baha’i school sessions.

Dearest friends at Louhelen:

For the longest time I have been encouraging the friends from this area Cennsyttani) to perrake of the won

s to go there, and Sen one

as I am about the Louhelen experience, I suppose you start sounding like a broken record!

But recently a family from our area decided to travel to Louhelen and take their two children. Since their return, they have not stopped talking about Louhelen. ... they were truly moved by their experience there and felt that the entire staff was so embracing and devoted. Now there are more people spreading the news of the wonderful service and kind, loving attention that is given at this magnificent Baha’i school. At Feast, they gave a wonderful tribute to those working at Louhelen and encouraged all the friends to attend

mended for creating this beautiful

atmosphere. ... you may not r how much your attitude and hard work affects the friends who visit there. When the s good, they return to their communities revitalized and working even harder to serve their Lord and bring back this love to share with the friends and encourage the teaching work. In a very profound way, it can be said without a doubt that your work at Louhelen is greatly advancing the process of entry by troops.

‘Thank you so much for everything you are all doing to contribute to the destiny of this great school, and keep up the wonderful work. We are truly grateful.

Green Acre fosters ‘Life of Spirit,’ far-reaching vision

Cc Acre’s fall programming continues Oct. 23-25 as Farah Guchani-Rosenberg facilitates “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” an intensive training course devised by the Magdalene Carney Baha’i Institute in Florida. Topics include Understanding the Baha’i Writings, Prayer, and Life and Death. Students become equipped to begin and develop training institute activity that provides insight into spiritual matters, imparts knowledge of the Faith, and helps develop skills for service. Attendance at all sessions is required (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon). A course booklet is provided for a nominal fee.

The Office of Pioneering at the Baha’ National Center will conduct a Pioneer ing/BYSC/SITA Institute Oct. 29—-Nov. 1 for those looking to pioneer, teach abroad, or serve in the Baha’f Youth Service Corps. ‘The institute will include sessions on Senive International ‘Teaching Areas (SITA). A $15 materials fee applies.

On Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Peter Oldziey presents “Don’t Yell At Your Watchman,” a journey of learning to see the end in the beginning. Discover how changing the way we view our tests can alter our environment and our response to the increasing challenges we face as the Major and Minor Plans of God advance toward the Lesser Peace.

Also featured Oct. 30-Nov. 1 will be a Junior Youth Session facilitated by Joycelyn Jolly for those in grades 7-9, to discuss

the unique challenges they face as bearers of the Name of God in this Day. Please note: This session is not an institute. Students will be housed with parent(s) or approved sponsor. Enrollment is limited.

Counselor Tod Ewing will present “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue: Meeting the Challenge With Honor” Noy. 27-29. ‘This text-based study explores creating vibrant models of unity in our communities, with applications for “deliberately cultivating” freedom from racial prejudice. It will draw on the recently published compilation Toward Oneness.

Kambeze Etemad will facilitate the “Apostles Training Academy,” a limitedenrollment Youth Study Intensive Dec. 11-13 for those in grades 10-12. This

transformative program features study and preparation to become Apostles for Baha’u’llah. Contact registrar for application, which must be submitted by Nov. 16.

Local Spiritual Assemblies that would like to hold a weekend retreat at Green Acre’s Ole Bull Cottage during December, January or February can contact the registrar for information on special rates.

‘To encourage diversity in attendance, Green Acre offers special discounts on all its fall programs: 20% off for registration 30 days in advance, and 50% off for first course attendance since June 1994.

For further information or a program brochure, please contact Green Acre (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail

.¢

page 14

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES — October 16, 1998 [Page 15]

TEES AP RIE ROT

ARTE

CONSOLIDATING

NST ON SLAM RTE ORR

‘Revelation’ course to be expanded

he Wilmette Institute is offer| See its series on “The

Rev n. of Baha’u’llah” a second time—now divided into four sixmonth courses, in response to the students’ request for more time. ‘The first course will be offered Jan. 1-June 30, 1999, and covers 1853-1863, the period of Baha’u’l

revelation systematically.

Residential requirement: None. You may complete the course from home by e-mail, mail, and telephone.

E-mail: Access to e-mail is highly recommended but not required The course will have a “listserver” (e-mail discussion system) on which

assigned a mentor who \ and comment on the learning pro js

University credit: There may be ways the courses can be taken for credit through your university. For details, contact the Wilmette Institute (phone 847-733-3415, fax 847-733-3563, e-mail

Wuat Courses Do You WANT? The Wilmette Institute intends to create a dozen new correspondence courses over the next few years. They would last three to six months and enrollment. would cost $100-250.

Please tell us the three courses that most interest you from the list below, or other topics you think would make excellent courses:

An introduction to the Baha’t Faith.

+ The writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

lah’s revelation before His declaration in the Garden of Ridvan. Some of His greatest works are studied—the Hidden Words, the , the Four Valleys and

xems of Mysteries and the Tablet of the Maiden.

‘Tuition: $225, or $180 per person if registering as part of group of three or more. Finan aid be available.

Who can take the course: Anyone 18 or older. The courses are not designed for scholars, but for anyone who wis

s to study the

students can di with fellow students. not have e-mail digest of e-mails twice a month.

Conference call wish to talk to fellow students, conference

Homework: The course is divided into study uni involves reading texts, then completing a le: ji

completing an outline of a subjec

mate! creat

assignments. Those who do Il be mailed a

r those who

ls will be provided.

Each unit

tabout that

xpression of the ogy al; or a project of your own ‘very student will be

Manual is put to use globally

he new release of the desktop ref erence manual, Stewardship and Development, is earning praise from its users both here and overseas.

John Walke: surer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Aust wrote, “The book on ‘Stewardship and Development’ ffers many ideas and will be of great n deepening the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the local Treasurers. in their responsibili n relation to all the Funds of the Faith. ... Once many thanks for your assi may I commend you on the quality of presentation of all you

Other National Spiritual A that have received these ma include Canada, New Zealand, India, a and Honduras. The Cana National Assembly sent two members of its Treasury staff to participate in the last of the four regional f: training sessions, held at Gre: in August.

The treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, Washington Araujo, who was sent by his National Assembly to participate in the first training session for volunteer facilitators, commented to Office of the ‘Treasurer staff, “The book and all the presentation materials will be very useful. I have already started translating some of the parts that fit our circumstances in Brazil.” And in a later e-mail

Mr. Araujo reported, for the wonderful seminar. ... Now I’m preparing three seminars about Spiritual Education for the Funds. ... and other activi spired by the friends in the USA.”

Facilitators trained by the National Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer to deliver presentations using the book

and its accompanying presentation had this to say about the new resource

“The materials were thorough, interesting and generally well-organized. The manual’s discussion of spiritual principles relating to development, fund raising, and rificial giving to the Fund were particularly good.”

“(What I found most useful was)

. the logical presentation of the materials indicating a shift in perspective to include a larger view of spiritual worlds.”

The manual, which complements Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities as a resource material for Local Spiritual Assemblies, is available through the Baha’i Distribution Service. The 1998 additions and corrections supplement brings many new extracts from letters of the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice, plus a new chapter titled “Local Baha’i Centers: The Next Stage in Your Community’s Development.” ®

materi;

Students interested in should cor

The minicourse on Baha’i theoloffered

Institute at Bosch Baha’i School Oct. ( 30-Nov. | has been canceled.

Baha’

igning up t the Wilmette Insti

by the Wilmette

). = The writings of Shoghi Effendi. Se Upcoming courses on the Revelation of Baha’u’llah: 1863-68: July 1—-Dec. 31, 1999 1868-74: Jan. 1—June 30, 2000 1874-92: July 1-Dec. 31, 2000

yaa Wells eigenen they ralate th ons Fale:

Scriptures and prophecies of other religions.
Creating strong Baha’i marriages and families.
The spiritual development of the individual.

+ Baha'i administration.

Developing Baha’i communities:
Teaching the Faith.
The social teachings of the Faith.

Please use or copy the response form on page 31 and mail to the Wilmette Institute, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or e-mail your list

).

Regional schools around U.S. plan fall and winter sessions

R ional schools across the country are planning fall and winter sessions. Among those with plans in place by press time:

Nov. 6-8: Wisconsin Family Weekend

Program: “Falling in Love with adult, child, youth classes. Center in

Brownsville, WI. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53090 (phone 414-338-3023 or 414-338-3389). ¢ Noy. 20-22: Royal Falcon Baha’i Winter School at Pensacola Beach, Florida Program: Speakers to include David Whitfield and Kim and Julian McQueen. Registrar: Penny Sebastia Loxley, AL 36551 or cor Carol Payne (phone 334-774-0020, mail ).

Novy. 26-29: Menucha Baha’i School

(Western Oregon)

Portland. Program:

Personal Spiritual ‘Transfor

the Process of Entry by Troops. Speakers to include Joan McBride and William Allmart.

Cost: Adult $140, youth $100; more private lodging, $180.

Registrar: Oregon Committee West c/o Portland, OR 97213. Pre-register with 50% deposit.

More information: Lynne Nesbit (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail

).

¢ Nov. 26-29: Florida Baha’i School

Facilities: Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach.

Baha’i_ Schools

acilities: Conference center east of

Program: “Action.” Speakers include John Hatcher, Howard — Tangler, Javidukht Khadem and others; Persian

ions; youth and children’s class ar and for more information: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-9421844, e-mail » Pre-register, pay by Nov. 9 for 20% dis count.

ne Center, 2300 Cens, Montana.

Program: For youth and mature preyouth. Tentatively to be on marriage and preparing for marriage.

Cost: $60-$85 dependir modation; food and ce included.

Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter,

Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406442-7526). Pre-register with $10 deposit per person.

More information: E-mail Kay Mal

on accom

ence fees

oney ( ) or see the Web. site (www.nvdi.com/mtbahai/mbs/). ¢ Jan, 1-2, 1999: Heartland Baha’i School (Illinois)

Facilities: Springfield Hilton, Spring

field, Ilinoi

Program: “Strengthening the F; Nuclear, Extended and Spiritual”; cl es on marriage, preparation for

marriage, parenting, aging, individuals

genpeel, Aurora, IL 60504 (phone 630-898-0520). More information: See the Web site (empath.vp.uiuc.edu/heartland/).

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

page 15 [Page 16]

“CONSOLIDATING ®

THE VICTORIES

STATE OF THE PROFESSIO

BAHA’iS IN BUSINESS SEE HOPE FOR INFLUENCE OF SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES

“[T]here must be revived among the individual believers a sense of mission, a feeling of empowerment to minister to the urgent need of humanity for guidance and thus to win victories for the Faith in their own sphere of life.

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

If you were a Baha’i when you entered business, how did your Baha’i identity influence your choice of field and how has it influenced steps you have taken within the field?

Dan Caldwell: I would not work in or accept positions in businesses that made or peddled intoxicating products such as beer, alcohol or cigarettes.

Carl C. Ewing: The provision of a service with dignity and excellence.

Dorothy A. Marcie: I was a Baha’{ when I decided on my field—organizational behavior—and to be an academic. I don’t think being a Baha’f had much influence on my decision.

Douglas McAdam: It caused me to consider if my business was something vitude to God

of value in terms of s

and humanity. It

so made me more confident to succeed in that I used prayer and meditation as well as my intellectual skills. And it made me detached and accepting disappointments with radiant acquiesence.

If you weren’t a Baha’i when you entered business, what role did being a business person play in your decision to become a Baha’i and how has becoming a Baha’i influenced steps you have taken within the field?

Steven C. Hall: I tried to apply many value-based principles intuitively and always felt out of step with the prevailing business world.

I became a Baha’ in 1993. In attending and participating in the 1996 Istanbul U.N. Conference, Habitat II, I became aware of the worldwide move

ment to values-based business through the World Business Forum in Istanbul and the European Baha’i Business Forum (EBBF), which I joined. Exposure to Baha’is and others in business committed to change both strengthened and empowered my resolve to continue, refine and improve my means and methods in business to achieve success with the core principles of EBBE. This experience also led me to a decision to expand my business to allow me the time and resources to

be of greater service in this Cause.

“I think the virtuous life Baha’u’llah exhorts us to have would be appreciated in

most workplaces.”

—Dorothy Marcie, Nashville, Tennessee

“It’s a fine balancing act keeping a Baha’i perspective in a corporate arena of backbiting, one-upmanship, etc.” —Dan Caldwell, Round Rock, Texas

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

Be people who responded to an online survey say they have a critical

‘role to play in modeling marketplace practices that are service- and values-driven. If they successfully do that, these believers say, others will recognize such practices as not only the right thing to do but profitable as well. In this second article on Baha’is in various fields seeking to advance the Cause in their own spheres, The American Baha’i asked several survey questions on the “Baha’i Business Forum for the Americas” e-mail list. Response was invited from entrepreneurs, business principals, executives and managers. Responses were received from five people. All were edited for length.

ABOUT OUR RESPONDENTS Dan J. Caldwell of Round Rock, Texas, is environmental, health, safety and security manager for a global orthopedic manufacturer. Carl C. Ewing of Tucson, Arizona, is managing partner of Terraplen Architects/Planners, an architectural and planning services firm that specializes in public swimming facility and other recreational design. Steven Chandler Hall of Unionville, Connecticut, is a principal in Greenwich Building Consultants, which manages projects in the custom-home and hospitality markets. He also is exploring sustainable development projects. Dorothy A. Marcic of Nashville, Tennessee, is director of graduate programs in human resource development at Vanderbilt University. She wrote Managing with

the Wisdom of Love.

Doug McAdam of Homer, Nebraska, is a training consultant who uses the “science of reality” approach developed by Marian Crist Lippitt and based on Baha’i writings.

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

Douglas McAdam: Most are related to prejudices I observe, or the lack of di ty and respect being manifested in speech and behaviors. And consultation is not something I find readily acceptable and practiced in my busine:

I believe that personal hidden agendas have caused me terrible problems. Then, too, is the problem of being considered antisocial for not drinking or joining in with sexist or racist jokes.

On the good side I find that though others are not really socializing with me, they will come to me for personal problems and advice. I feel they know I will be

honest and give them truth.

Dorothy A. Marcic: Not backbiting or getting drawn into political battles. Keeping the attitude of working towards unity, though often that is very hard. Sometimes it is hard to see the positive in certain other people.

Generally, I have found self-righteousness does not lend itself to drawing others closer. I wish we could learn more to ask the question, “What could I have done (what can I do) to make the situation turn out better?”

Isee over and over again the importance of developing strong relationships with

Is there a fine line you have to tread in bringing a Baha’i perspective to your work?

Dorothy A. Marcie: I think the virtuous life Baha’w’llah exhorts us to have would be appreciated in most workplaces, mine included. I am careful not to mention the Faith too much, but most people know I am a Baha’i.

Steven C. Hall: Fortunately for me, I am the principal of a business with a partner (of another faith tradition) who in most respects shares the values I hold.

We firmly believe that good values lead to the best results. Our challenge is to develop and impart these values in a business which is notoriously low in values and business practices: that of design and construction.

I am not at all shy about promoting values which I believe make practical sense in both improving business and the quality of life for all. If appropriate, I will mention the Faith, my membership in the EBBF, and our search and to transform business to being nd values-driven, in contrast to being solely profit-driven.

Dan Caldwell: It’s a fine balancing act keeping a Baha’ perspective in a arena of backbiting, one

corporate upmanship, e!

Douglas McAda ot exactly. I mention the Faith as casually as Christians mention going to church or something, but I don’t push it on

anyone.

Carl C. Ewing: Not at all.

co-workers. When things get difficult, those are the ones who stand up for us.

Dan Caldwell: Being humble, a servant, a team player, trying to practice consultation in eat-or-be-eaten corporate environment where the real bible in the boardroom is Sun Tzu’s The Art of War:

Carl C. Ewing: Not entering into the political games for the purpose of getting contracts. We have built the business on reputation instead—with succes

Steven C. Hall: The normal challenges we all experience in applying moral values in our lives. I m no distinction between work and life.

To what extent is the business world seen by its practitioners and the public as a catalyst for unifying the forces of society?

Carl C. Ewing: | am not sure that this is seen as a goal or even a desirable thing. Many people don’t even see the benefits of a unified society.

Douglas McAdam: Well, as I have often heard in opposition to my attempts to share a holistic philosophy of life with others in business, “Money makes the world go round.” Money,

profit, power that comes from the bu ness world appears to be quite a unifier and yet at the same tim sunifier. Steven C. Hall: Business (trade and commerce) has been a vital and integral force in the development of the human race around the world since before the dawn of history. Our curiosity and desire for a better life are written in the archae

ological record. We tend to isolate business as separate, polluting, bad, or multinational “other” entities outside our “normal” lives. Yet we are the consumers who have created and sustain these entities. From about 10 to 15 years ago, a very

SEE BUSINESS, PAGE 35

page 16

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

October 16, 1998 [Page 17]Brilliant Star Ki’s c%: PoONERs

RRR Ee a a eee ts Be eee

Fill in the missing vowels in this puzzle! Booey

COMPLETE THE LIST of good qualities by putting the missing vowels (a/e/i/0/U) where they

belong in the word. The first quality is done for you as an example. See if you can guess the words without using the list of vowels.

Remember! Any Baha’i can give to the Funds, no matter what age! And, it’s not about how much you give, but what it means to you when you give, even if it is a penny, a quarter, a dollar, five dollars or more! So the next time you go to feast, don’t forget that you have the opportunity to practice being disciplined by contributing to the Funds!

Fund activity by Office of the Treasurer

Answers to last issue’s Race Unity word search

rich & Keble, toe

LIANG THE LION learned what the Universal House of Justice says about giving to the Funds. It is an act of “spiritual discipline” or doing what God wants and tells us to do. What qualities help us to be disciplined or help us do what God wants us to do? Find out by solving the puzzles below!

Unfinished Word

PSTN CeMNYCol cs! ANA

US hited aon

LV

KNDNSS

GNRSTY

CMPSSN TRST U DTCHMNT AEE

EEEIO

phy

Op 0} sn quem sjuared Ino Jo poo JeYM BuIOp :aouaIpaqo

way Aq payjonuod Sulaq jou Ing SssuTjoaj INO SufUIadxa :UaWYOLIEq SulyIouIos 10 9UOIUIOS SUTANTIAg “ISNA,

wot djay 0) SunueM pue duoaUIOs J0J Sule :uoIssedwiog

Ajaaryj VAIS 10 areys 07 ssousuIIM :AyISoIIUID

SJIYIO JO SsoujNYSnoyi pue oj ssoudpuas :ssoupury

QUODUIOS 10J SUIYI] 10 SSutjoajJ SuoNs ‘uoNIeINR Jo Jamod ay) :2A07

ONINVAW YISH.L GNV SYAMSNV JH. SV SadH

PARRA A,

ZR SS

Do you want to be a PEN PAL? Do you have something to submit to BRILLIANT STAR like Photographs, stories, pOeMS, or DRAWINGS? Tell us what you are doing lately in your Baha'i community!

Our upcoming themes: Force of Transformation Dynamics of Prayer Study of the Holy Texts Inspired to Teach

Send mail to: Brilliant Star (Submissions) Managing Editor BRILLIANT STAR c/o Bahai Media Services 1233 Central St.- Evanston, 1160201

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October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BANA’ * BRILLIANT STAR KID'S CORNER

page I7 [Page 18]tote titoneenstariomertortunmumnyntestoomreuntintarts

SeUMAAAANASananananmetonnceumnsenthenecen cr ammmmcncmceumue Cen

REGIONAL*SCHOOLS

Two ‘glimpses of future’: schools in Minnesota, Tennessee

CURRICULA Des perspectives on their educational roles mark the two schools.

The Minnesota committee, explained Tabibi, is “trying to proion for the people that when they leave the camp—not nece ily will they have listened to a nic and been uplifted, but 2 ind try to put th: do something about it.”

“And because of that, the committee has tried to incorporate a lot of hands-on workshops,” Tabibi said.

Goal number one, however, remains ering love and The school, Tabibi said, areal glimpse of what the Baha'i community will look like in the future and living in that community: cooperating and having a good time at it, not grudgingly, but hopefully doing things for other people and realizing what Baha’i community life will be like in the future, Bah

The Minnesota program

aralk tually can go into action and

home

relies on

many source:

“This ye e started Our new Cooperation with the Minnesota Baha’ Training Institute. They are doing our youth program and our afternoon optional roundtable discussions. We have given them direction on what we want and the subjects, and they are finding the teachers and putting the programs together,” Tabibi said.

Robert Moshrefzadeh, corresponding secretary of the training institute, said it developed 11 courses for the school: “Nine for the adults, one for the youth, and one on the Internet.”

Of the adult courses, three focused on Baha’i administration, three on the Baha’i response to opposition, and three on Baha'i family life (parenting, marriage, and the equality of women and men).

Moshrefzadeh said the provide all the school’s courses next year.

“That's what we are all about: Offer courses that are needed to train people. And so we are a resource to them and they

remy ry Bah

"and the word that I heard emphasized this morning by Dr. Bushrui was patience— with the institutions even. Most of us are cross with them every now and then.” —Nerci Mahboubi, Knoxville, Tennessee

also help us,” he said. “It is collaborati

Feedback the institute receives will help it fine-tune the courses for wider application, Moshrefzadeh said.

“We contact those people in about a month and ask them how they have used that course since they took it,” he said. “If it hasn’t affected them in some way after about a month, we have to do something,

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TOM MENNILLO

‘Two Baha’{ summer schools. ‘Two very different settings. Two programming philosophies within an overall theme of the individual’s role in the Four Year Plan. Two sets of dearly held traditions. One spirit. ‘The William Sears Great North Woods Baha’i School convened in mid-August at a Lutheran camp on the shore of one

of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. Tennessee Bah:

Day weekend.

{ Institute occupied a mountaintop Episcopal conference center over Labor

‘Together they are representative of the dozens of regional Baha’i schools that dot the United States and annually draw thousands of believers—young and old, of all backgrounds—eager to recharge their spiritual batteries.

Uplifting talks and thought-stimulating workshops play a role in this experience. So do recreation, entertainment and fellowship.

The bottom line is that when they must reluctantly pack up and return to the “unreal world,” school attendees are better

prepared to model the Baha’ pattern of life

Nine- and 10-year-olds at Tennessee Baha'i Institute’s annual concert “hold up love

and wi

address it.”

He said the workshop approach to courses at the Minnesota school is valuable: “I think when you make a course interactive it sort of forces the participants to think. You bring people together and they can benefit from each other’ opinion:

Among Minnesota’ sessions:

A race unity workshop came from the

Core Curriculum race unity training.

A presentation on the individual and

the Local Spiritual Assembly was pulled from an Assembly development module.

Regional Baha’i Council member

Lynn Wieties came from Missouri to lead study of spiritual transformation.

Then there was the youth curriculum, written for the institute by Lea Iverson.

“My husband [Vern] and I have been doing youth retreats for the past 18 years,” she said, adding that they have studied longer-term retreats such as the weeklong one at Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute in South Carolina.

“Then we met a woman from Australia and she said that their youth go through a peace program that’s a two-year course,” Iverson said. That program, which involves correspondence with teachers year-round, is “a little bit pricey, but there are many, many families that sacrifice so their kids can do this. And they found a profound deepening level that their kids experience through it,” she said.

So when the training institute contacted Iverson to write a course for youth at summer school, she got the committee to expand it to a year.

“We're now [midway through the

” as they belt out the song “Soldiers

God’s Army.”

school] in our third module and there are things that have to be changed, but cally the youth are engaged,” she said.

‘Tennessee’s adult program leans more to the inspirational, said school committee chairman Iraj Radpour.

“We have held this school now for 18 years, and every year what we do is look at the message of the Universal House of Justice and pick the theme from that message. The national Education and Schools Office also corresponds with us and says this is the theme we would like for you to do. Other than that ... financially, program-wise, we've learned to do it all ourselves,” he said.

Class scheduling policies leave much time for independent study and fellow

p, he added.

“What we wanted to do 18 years ago was to create an atmosphere of love and unity more so than the academic achievement of the talks,” Radpour said. “We feel that bonding with each other in the school is much more important than what they learn intellectually.”

Radpour says proof that the school has met its goal lies in the number of people who attend.

“We had in the beginning maybe eight,

crocced See psiilia winds cules RR working on developing our new state of mind and what that means.” —Becky Smith, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

the year ahead for a humanity desperately seeking such a vision and path.

10 youth and now we have over a hundred youth who come, and they look forward to coming. We have lots of people coming from different states, so we believe the power of attraction of the people for each other is what brings them in. It really doesn’t matter what program we have, what speakers we have because they come regardless of that.”

He called the

facility “wonderful” because of its ible location and because the pas contains everything in a small area. But he acknowledged i rash ration an’t handle more than 500 to and because of that we don’t adverti don’t really push it.

“So we're looking forward to having a bigger facility somewhere, although we're not sure if having a big audience will be as effective as having a emall ou more closely knit group,” Radpour said.

The Tennessee school featured three main speakers in its adult program: Counselor Tod Ewing; Suheil Bushrui, holder of the Baha’i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland; and Mehrdad Fazli, who has been traveling nationally and internationally presenting his “Testimonial on the Love of God and Teaching.” All three found time to meet with the youth as well.

Other talks were given on the role of storytelling; health and the Baha’ Faith; international traveling teaching; and the Middle Tennessee Regional munity Center project. In addition, Mr. Ewing and Auxiliary Board members Jahangir Cyrus and Mary K. Radpour hosted afternoon dis on. Dr. conducted a Per

s limi

Zom

‘The youth program was coordinated by George Minter and Mehran Baheri. Most youth activities were held at the National Army Reserve center about three miles away to provide elbow room.

Children’s classes, under the tutelage of Laura Nance, followed the Brilliant Star special issue curriculum, with its theme “It’s Up to Me.” One real hit was the “mighty Covenant training camp” adapted by the 11- and 12-year-olds for use by the other grades.

page 18

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * REGIONAL SCHOOLS — October 16, 1998 [Page 19]

see pasoniee a

RANI INR SR AC RIT AN RO NORLI

CARR IRARARANAGRRE ARR OeRRRR IAIN NRE:

REGIONAL*SCHOOLS

LOLITA

FDI

THE SETTINGS

MER ‘ota’s school easily accommodated the 230 people who drove

nearly two hours north from the Twin

Cities area or much longer, in many cases,

from small communities across Minnesota,

North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The several dormitories and all-season retreat center of Camp Onomia (not to be confused with the nearby town of Onamia) hold about 375 beds, and camping by tent or trailer is available for the many fami trying to hold down attendance costs. The center is on a bluff overlooking Lake copee.

S

“It’s a wonderful place away from the chaotic old world order, to escape from it. And for my son, since he’s been born he’s been coming here and it’s something he looks forward to every year. It’s helped to establish his Baha’i identity.” —tiz Pawlik, St. Paul, Minnesota

‘The number of registrants is just right, though, to organizers. Any more, they said,

would compromice. the

intimate nature of

areas for volleyball, four squares, and kickball.

TBI, as the ‘Tennessee school fectionately known throughout the region, fills DuBose Conference Center and its facilities to the brim.

This year attendees numbered 540, down only about 70 from last year despite considerable Labor Day weekend competition.

Most people stayed in the three-story Claiborne Hall dormitory or the two-story, motel-style Bishops Hall. Others camped on the grounds or occupied cabins, and dozens populated motels and lodges nearby Monteagle.

License plates in the DuBose parking lot showed concentrations of attendees from Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama and points in Tennessee. Other cars sported tags from Mississippi, North Carol na and other states.

‘They all had to climb Monteagle, the bane of truckers along Interstate 24. But they were rewarded with the sight of this beautiful campus dominated by Spanish mission architecture—white stucco and burnt-red roofs—and the feel of air blessedly cooler than in the cities below.

Recreational pursuits are fewer at DuBose. The outdoor pool and the volle

ball pits lured a number of young folke. But

the first night of that school. It featured singing acts, a balletic number ano/drums duo.

nd af ‘Two events have become traditional: tion and the youth talent show.

In the delightful talent show, straight performances were interspersed with wickedly funny skits, many featuring young adults who have attended TBI all their lives.

With all respect to the country song,

Kids of various ages get the opportunity to make noise—in this case, on hand-carved instruments— during the talent show at the Minnesota Bah:

chool.

visiting from Vancouver, British Columspoke inspirationally about teaching. He touched hearts with stories about his father’s personal relationship with bdu’l-Baha and about Baha’u’llah and Badi.

Members of the ‘win Cities Bab Youth Workshop described a recent trip to several states in the Plains and the West and spoke excitedly about Project Wildfire (see story helow).

the school—not to mention lengthen the meal lines in Friendship Hall and overflow general s in Braun Chapel. Recreation means swimming and boating on the lake; more swimming in the ndoor pool; billiards, table tennis, and foosball; shuffleboard; and a field boasting

lounging i

a courtyard or on the deck was

a sport enjoyed by m

catch up on a year’s worth of news.

THE NIGHT LIFE

pene at both s Is ed to special programs.

‘Tennessee’s annual concert wa

this was the re: tion,” as the spirit of thi beyond and Kail

ny attendees eager to

‘hools were devot

bidd

held

1 “Grundy County Aucocc: selling things. Iraj Radpour an Strain kept up a humorous patter, while many of the obje g were returned to be sold again.

In Minnesota one night, A:

And a group of youth who had just come back from Honduras told about their time assisting the Tierra Santa orphanage, operated under Bahi’i principles. Another evening featured local American Indians: a storyteller, a singer, Ji, andadrum group. @

asion went

s of the

Ys

Project Wildfire gives youth a galvanizing force in Minnesota

‘TOM MENNILLO

M nesota Baha’s youth have responded to the call of the Universal House of Justice to make teaching efforts sustained and s :

‘The result is Project Wildfire, a Baha’ i Youth Service Corps troupe that will travel around the state and beyond to reach out with the message in a way fulltime students are unable to do.

Eleven youths from Minnesota, several other states, France and the Netherlands are taking part the first year. They began three weeks of training in late August before kicking off their travels.

Alison Milston, 20, of Stillwater, Minnesota, said a large contingent of youth involved with the Twin Cities Baha'i Youth Workshop recognized that they were reaching an age “where we’re very interested in doing a period of service kind of in between high school and college or in the middle of college.”

A year ago they came up with the idea for Project Wildfire and brought it to the Spiritual Assembly of Little Canada, Minnesota, which embraced their plan and agreed to tackle sponsorship.

“Since then it’s been a really affirming process of taking steps and finding confirmations, and really running into stumbling blocks but finding ways for it to continue to come along,” Milston said.

Barry Klann, 18, of Rochester, Minnesota, said a feature of Project Wildfire “is that we can go into a community and teach for three weeks instead of three days, and we can put

Alison Milston and Barry Klann are taking the opportunity to serve the Faith for an extended time in their home state. Photo by Tom Mennillo

into deeds the words of the Universal House of Justice.” He said the youth will be “using the Workshop method of teaching, which is public proclamation through the performing arts, but also we’re going to use firesides, direct teaching, street teaching, and focus a lot on consolidation to make our teaching efforts more well-rounded and hopefully more effective.” Milston, who has completed two years at the University of Minnesota, said that each place they visit, the youth plan to spend the first week or several days “doing extensive proclamation in the community, ideally leading up to some kind of a large public concert,” she said. “Then the following week or several days are

with deepenings for any or just firesides, times to meet with seeknd answer questions and build friendships.” The Workshop has performed in Canada and K: n and participated in national Workshop projects far away as Anchorage, Alaska.

Klann, who just graduated from high school, said he expects to benefit greatly from the experience.

“Tm really keyed into spiritual transformation and dedicating every waking moment to teaching and serving,” he said. “Just realizing this project gives me lots more opportunities to take advantage of and to seize. Just being of rvice to Baha’u’llah and reaping all the benefits that come along with d and through all the tests, of cours nts come from Ohio, Michigan, , along with the international contingent, “so it’s really exciting getting to work with a really diverse team reflecting the diversity of the Baha’i community.”

‘They said the project sends a message that youths don’t have to “run off” somewhere to do a year of servic

“T think this really empowers youth to continue to look for opportunities in their own community,” Milston said. “There’s so much we can do right here at home.”

‘Two coordinators will facilitate logistics for the troupe and act as ons to the sponsoring Assembly. A task force under the Assembly also will assist the project.

Information on the project and how to help can be obtained from Project Wildfire, c/o the Milstons,

Stillwater, MN 55082. @

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA’I ¢ REGIONAL SCHOOLS

page I9 [Page 20]

MEDIA INITIATIVE RESULTS: AN ANALYSIS

The National Teaching Committee reports what it continues to learn from a campaign that has brought 63,000 contacts

How many people did broadcasts and related activities really reach?

s reported in the Sept. 8, 1998, edition of The American Bahd’t, the nd wave of national broadcasts

of The Power of Race Unity, conducted in June, yielded a fairly high response on both our Web site and our toll-free phone line. The total was about 3,400 requests for information from non-Baha’is. They were spread out fairly evenly across the country, with slightly higher concentrations in the South and West.

‘There was also a definite trend toward urban and suburban responses because:

This is where most potential respondents live, our research shows.

¢ The cable channels we greater penetration in these are:

As of this writing we have received:

About 9,000 phone calls on the tollfree line.

About 6,000 non-Baha’i user sessions

on the Web site, yielding about 500 requests for information.

‘The number of calls is much higher during broadcast times, but there is also a fair amount of activity during “down time.” We have been receiving an average of 250 phone calls and 110 Web us

sed have

sions per week even during periods without national programm About half the users are not Baha’is, according to a survey they have been filling out.

We also surveyed 150 Local Spiritual Assemblies in mid-July, to determine the extent of their support for the initiative. It is important to state that the sampling was truly random, not a listing of the communities that we know are active.

Here are some data from the survey: Jommunities sponsoring race unity events of some kind: 79%

Communities sponsoring

Day: 68%

Neighborhood race unity dialogue:

36%

Healing Racism Institute: 20%

Public meeting(s): 66%

Campaign to promote the national

broadcasts: 77%

Campaign to promote local broadcasts: 66%

Other types of events: 58%

Collaboration with non-Baha’f organizations on race issues: 68%

A survey in April had shown most comhad regular devotional meetings, firesides, race unity training and other activities. At that time some 90% of communities had organized or made plans for specific activities to complement the plan. The July survey showed that 79% had actually done so as of that time.

Based on the survey, we projected that by mid-July, at least 50,000 non-Baha’is had attended locally organized events associated with the plan. This was after eliminating the high and low reports, as is normally done in surveys to reduce the margin for error.

We believe that number is an under

Race Unity

enter.

HONG at bielvaad chen cages of thie Can idle thee laa fentinities el no longer have to pay setup charges or monthly fees to participate,” said Gwen Ellis, media initiative information liaison for the National ‘Teaching Office. x

One feature has been dropped: the option for a caller to talk to a Baha'i right bi belgie puige er eae idl

Keep the phone staffed for th

count because:

None of the 2,000 or so registered

grou, the U.S. were part of the survey.

The survey did not take into account

individual initiatives that did not lead to attendance at community events. Both of these would likely add significantly to the total.

Obviously, the number of those actually in some measurable way to our efforts is only a small fraction of those who have been exposed to the Message in the past few months.

One very concrete indicator is the June Internet ad campaign. Some 75,000 people saw our race unity banner ad on Yahoo! and 1,850 were interested enough to enter our Web site.

responding

‘Ellis said.

If this proportion holds true for other activities, even if only in a very rough way, then we can project hundreds of thousands have been exposed to the Baha’i Faith. We are assured in the authoritative texts , in the long run, no such efforts are wasted.

‘The total of 63,000 people known to have contacted us in some way since March is a good beginning, but only a beginning. This averages 40-50 contacts per community over several months, or only a handful per community per month. There is clearly room for improvement, since it is reasonable to visualize hundreds of interested people in nearly every locality. We still have a long way to go before we reach our potential.

How effective has the entire teaching plan effort been? \ X Je do not have an exact count of the number of people who have declared their belief in Baha’u’llh as a direct result of the broadcasts. We can project from our random sampling taken in April, assuming a similar rate during June, that about 100 people have enrolled.

We have received nearly a dozen declarations of faith on the Web site, plus two people who had withdrawn from the Faith who asked to be reinstated after watching the program.

We should not necessarily expect instant enrollments from the broad sts. They are not designed for , but rather to generand elicit an immediate se to obtain literature. It is that they should be The enrollment rate involves ctors that have to be measured ned over time.

Now that we have some data in hand the National Teaching Committee is paring to take a closer look at the characteristics of the respondents, and to assess the nature of the interaction between these individuals and the Baha’is. already are clear from

respon by that m

judged

The total response from nonBaha’is has been good. This is an

encouraging result considering the limited extent of the broadcasts and the limited life of the paign to date.

The friends in general have

responded to it and undertaken local teaching and community activities. By every account, and also from our surveys, there is a new level of enthusiasm about teaching, and a rapidly increasing sense on the part of the friends that their communities are more united and happy. The types of activities show attention to the guidance from the Universal House of Justice, because communities are taking on a wide array of activities that reinforce each other.

cam

What are some of the future projects being planned on the national level?

¢ At least three broadcast-quality tapes are expected to be available by winter 1999. We are researching a ability on national channels begining in March. In addition we will have a s of 30-, 60- and 120-second commercials.

The three half-hour programs will be The Power of Race Unity, The Power of Prayer and Two Wings of a Bird. The third is being produced by the National Spiritual Assembly’s Media Services Department. The Office of Public Information will prepare media packets on the themes of each program, and the Baha'i Publishing Trust will have new literature to give seekers addressing

each of these issues. These programs will run nationally in March and April (pending availability of time slots), and regularly through the rest of the Plan.

© We are working with SIDCorp, Gary Bulkin and others to produce new video programs addressing different themes. SIDCorp plans to have a video on indigenous peoples ready within a few months, as well as an introductory tape in Spanish. They are also producing a video titled The Power of Personal Transformation.

Each of the themes will have complementary training and dialogue

materials, similar to those produced for

The Power of Race Unity.

will contain all pertinent information on seekers, tracked by a wide range of data fields, and a system for monitoring follow-up efforts. We will publish a full description when it is complete. It will be dy for the fall broadcasts.

The new toll-free phone system is

rea

SEE FUTURE PROJECTS, PAGE 23

page 20

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

October 16, 1998 [Page 21]

WT ONATT ONAL TB

ACHING* PLAN”

Tests reveal some strong lessons about our broadcasts

TESTING OF UPCOMING VIDEO PROJECTS

New video productions are being tested with focus groups administered by independent professional Gene Telser of San Diego, who is not a Baha’.

¢ 30-minute program: The Power of Prayer

The program, a production of the Satellite Initiative Development Corporation (SIDCorp) already had been revised significantly since previous tests. An Aug. | focus group of randomly selected non-Baha’is in suburban Chicago responded remarkably well, and two reasons were identified:

The theme of prayer is not controversial and is more traditionally associated

with religion than is the theme of the first video, race unity.

The producers at SIDCorp have clearly learned important lessons from experience and are more aware of how the message should be formatted and presented.

° Eight new commercial spots These are designed as “stand-alones” to generate phone calls; they do not promote our 30-minute programs. Four of the spots were produced by SIDCorp and four by Gary Bulkin, a professional producer from San Diego.

New versions of these commercials will be ready in time for fall broadcast, and

we will send them out to all communities for local use.

WASHINGTON, continueo From PAGE 1

eocccecccccce Peeccccecccccccesccscceeoccs

sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly and supported by all the friends.

Seattle: Sixteen people since midDecember have embraced the Faith, most as

a result of one continuing fireside. Hostess Parvaneh Edraki uses hospitality combined with consistency, follow-through and audacity to love people into the Assembly secretary Norma Ci

‘The spirit and energy have spread to other parts of the region, says Mahnaz Javid, cohost of the suburban fireside with her husband, Shannon.

A dinner fireside has sprung up in Kitsap County, and there are seven new Baha’is in Vancouver, Washington.

“We're reaching critical mass,” Javid said, “experiencing high receptivity that was not there even two years ago.”

Pointe Middle School i

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

the “red teaching book” that has aided so

ie is fascinating to watch people as they ee our video presentations for the first time. In the past these sessions have been the scenes of some hostile reaction. But in recent tests they have become gradually more positive as we have learned what to do—and what not to do.

Baha’u'lléh wrote, “Every person who in

some degree turneth toward the truth can himself later comprehend most of what be seeketh. However, if at the outset a word is uttered beyond bis capacity, he will re ofuse to hear it and will arise in opposition.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 3) After conducting our evaluations with . this warning in mind, we are growing more confident about the lessons we are learning about sensitivity to our national audience. Among them:

The Faith can meet with a great

deal of suspicion and cynicism, espe

eecccccccccccccce

supported by 14

Local Spiritual Assemblies, gather outside the weekly school’s meeting place, Harbour Mukilteo, southwestern Snohomish County,

fashington.

Order and principles of the Faith.

eoce

cially from people first hearing about Viewers tend to want to define the Faith a cult, so we have to take great pains to establish we are not. For example, the videos show: people who are clearly “mainstream”: happy, balanced, involved in society, respectable (i.¢., they have jobs), kind to their children, etc.

People tend to react against anything perceived as “foreign,” taking it

as indication of a cult, or at least that the Faith is not for “regular” people. Every presentation has to show an American context. For example, viewers have reacted strongly against. World Congress footage, any descriptions of the history of the Faith showing people in foreign garb (such as the early Persian believers), scenes of places outside the U.S., and so on. It is

SEE TESTING, PAGE 22

SEATTLE

‘s attracted by fireside in the bigger city are mainly women, and many are minoriti

“focuses on ers lik a ee eae said an admir¢ Mahnaz Javid.

“Parvanech pursues seekers as

true friends, with love and warmth,” Crampton added. “She mel

through their initial skepti

As in the suburban effort, Edraki follows up by inviting seekers to individual firesides where they s one on one. She also encourages them to attend , including

other Baha’i events deepenings. When

someone declares, Edra

SOUTHWEST

he fireside near Edmonds has been

held month in and month out for 12 years, even when hosts Mahnaz and Shannon Javid are absent. Fifteen to 30 seekers typically attend a dinner.

Keys to success, Mahnaz Javid said, are making friendships and getting involved in organizations of like-minded people to advance the principle:

She says area Baha’is genuinely love to

‘h and continuously work on ly and as institutions. id the monthly fireside features a dinner served “with hospitality and the ‘aith.” Next is a multi-course spiritual repast: music, prayers, a talk focusing on spiritual subjects, and sharing of literature on the topic.

Guests sign a book and_ indicate whether they want to receive a periodic flier announcing upcoming firesides and events. They also are asked what they might like to read about or hear.

Emanating from this hub activity are lots of complementary efforts to share the teachings of Baha’u’llah:

Weekly follow-up firesides. As the

next step, new seekers are taken through

many direct teaching efforts. They have an opportunity to have questions answered one on one and to request literature on specific topics.

All are given a pi k. Also popular are The Babd’is magazine (about 2,000 copies have been given a far), Gleanings, Call to Remembrance,

Wings of a Bird and T Unity statements.

A Weekly Sunday school that has

embraced many non- children and supported by 14 Spiritual s y given time about 150 children and 200 adults are registered.

The school, Javid said, is a magnet for parents seeking a “non-dogmatic spiritual education” for their children. It is held in a public place and provides a welcoming environment for everyone.

“Diversity diner” nights where people of all backgrounds are encouraged to

share their food and culture.

Consistent deepening of new

believers. People who declare their belief through participation in one or more of these events embark on a deepening program focused on fundamental verities, the Central Figures, the Administrative

e Vision of Race

s ee a a year, until

to act on ae own. > Javid sah

And act they do. New Baha’is regularly bring family members, friends and neighbors to the firesides and Baha’i cla rs do the same. One, an educator like Mahnaz who accompanied her to a s at Louhelen Baha’i School, brought 20 people to a fireside.

Thus, the process goes on—fueled by a spirit of unity, by obedience to the Universal House of Justice, and by a feeling of connection with the sacri of beleaguered believers in Iran. “Several martyrs have connections to this community,” Javid said. “We serve in their name to redeem their sacrifice, with total reliance on the Concourse to aid us spiritually.”

She recalled the 1995 National Convention in downtown Chicago, where each delegate was presented with a rose bearing the name of a martyr. Shannon Javid, a delegate, gave his rose to Mahnaz who later discovered that this martyr has a daughter named Mahnaz.

“J am spiritually connected to her,” Mah, Javid believes. “And his spirit is confirming us and guiding souls to us.”

ssion

lly hands every member of the family a declaration card.

Crampton, who has started a ly fireside of her own, said Edraki and Javid have “brought a quality to firesides that [many] Americans have to relearn.”

She noted her own fear of as a bari

“bothering someone” r she needs to surmount. The United States is becoming

much colder,” said Crampton, who spent years in Mexico. “As result, we have such an opportunity to teach the Faith. Kindness and love can attract people to you.” She says one of Seattle’s declarants worked for the United Nations relief efforts in Africa. He later moved to Seattle but didn’t sense a lot of love there until he met the Baha’is Women in the Faith have a special role to play, says Crampton. “They can make girlfriends of [female] seekers,” she says, “especially white women taking the extra step to make friends of black women and then giving it time.” #

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 21 [Page 22]RRR I

RPP ERY SE Te

NAL

TEACHING

Pra

2 aE

Friends of the Faith deserve opportunities to be our co-workers

i Recent number of people esponding to the broadcasts ask to get involved in “projects” like the ones profiled in the race unity video. In some communities the friends have accommodated such requests.

The notion needs to spread that we should allow people to become involved with us in whatever way their interests lead them, whether or not they

express a desire to j the Faith or learn about our doctrines with an eye toward possible conversion. We can trust that, given time and exposure to the Teachings, they will be won over to full acceptance.

In the near future a significant group of friends of the Faith may well emerge. These people will be quite aware of us, will understand and appreciate our

ene CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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encompasses that area.

The four Assemblies and one group that form the North County Coastal IACT began three years ago to develop a multi-phased, well-organized plan that helped them gain these wonderful results.

During Phase I the I-ACT developed a mandate, chose a project, and began planning. With a focus on teaching the Latino and minority populations in their area, the I-ACT developed a variety of community-based act s. Fora place to bring people together, a center

yas found in a redevelopment area in downtown Oceanside. The communities hold monthly fund-raisers top support the center, as well as selling scrip from local merchants.

Phase II focused on setting up the center as a hub of teaching activities. Each Assembly organized activities for one night of the week, and the I-ACT planned activities that would appeal to people in the surrounding area, includ

eeccccece

ing free English-as~

econd-language

is incorporated into fir and ‘many other activities, and sos emphasized. Guest artists such as eaforth and Liz Loellen perform nter regularly. hers from as Canada, Indiana, Nebraska, Arkansas and North Carolina have traveled in to work with local Baha’is for a day, or as long as a year.

Phase III included developing personal connections with seekers. They are bringing together people with common interests or backgrounds, which helps make seekers comfortable and gives them a reason to return.

Nick Athens, a Baha’i who had lived in a small village in southern Mexico, gave a fireside at the center. He had learned some songs in the native dialect of the village so he sang them to his audience. One visitor began to sing along. He was from the very village where Nick had lived!

at the far away as Bulgaria,

principles, and will often be closely involved in our activities. Yet they may not become believers right away. We tend to want people to accept the Faith quickly, and we often have little patience for those who fail to do so within what we consider to be a reasonable period.

Our challenge is to sincerely value the contributions of those who are

ecccccoe

Alan Hoffman and his wife had spent some time in El Salvador. One visitor to the center was from El Salvador, so the I-ACT put them in touch with each other. The three have become good

ded an emphasis on individual, matic teaching. While the Assemblies and individuals conti to provide financial support, Oceanside is working on a phased plan to assume more responsibility for the entire running of the Center and for its financial support.

The I-ACT is planning to establish a training institute and hopes to open another center in a different area of the LACT.

In the meantime, members of the Iting and studying locales of ssful teaching proects to disss how they got going, what's keeping the projects going, and how they are managing.

—Contributors: Katrina and Jerry Sjoberg and Virginia Healy

PHASE |; AUGUST 1995—APRIL 1996 * PLANNING During this phase, all Asembles as well as individual Bahas in San Digo County vere ited to two weekend meetings (one in September and one in October) at the San Digo Babi

Center. San Diego County

was divided into four Inter-Assembly Committees fr Teaching

The North County Coastal |-ACT is made up of four Assemblies (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach) and a registered group (Del Mar).

Development of mandate

The committee stayed within the mandate’s guidelines despite pressures to go beyond them.

+ Designation of first project area Oceanside was chosen because its population is diverse

Choosing and renting a Baha'i center

in ethnicity, economic classes and age group.

PHASE II: MAY 1996-APRIL 1997 * PROJECT LAUNCHING May—Opened center for Baha'is to see and contribute furnishings and supplies; appointed Design Review Task Force to coordinate and maintain furnishings, colors, etc. June—Public grand opening attended by mayor, two City Council members. The San Diego Baha'i Youth Workshop performed during the parking lot dedication ceremonies. Refreshments were served inside. In the children’s room, attendees stapled cutouts of their hands to the Tree of Humanity gracing one wall.

+ Center as hub of teaching activities

Each of the five Assemblies sponsored an activity on a certain night of the week-—every week. In addition, every five months each community hosted a month of Saturday night firesides with music and refreshments. Monday: Carlsbad community outreach; Tuesday: Solana Beach fellowship dinner; Wednedsday: Encinitas deepening; Thursday: Oceanside Spanish language firesides

Friday: Vista youth deepening

PHASE III: MAY 1997—-JUNE 1998 * MAINTAINING THE PROJECT

Nightly events continue, including:

Saturday night firesides. Some themes are racial unity, equality of women and men, politics and religion, world peace.
Sunday activities, such as intercommunity Baha'i school, devotional programs with fellowship brunch, afternoon deepenings.

Intercommunity Holy Day celebrations.

PHASE IV: JULY 1998-PRESENT * INDIVIDUAL, SYSTEMATIC TEACHING ‘As Oceanside takes on more responsibility for the existing center, the I-ACT is looking at Phase IV, to concentrate on three objectives:

Encouraging individual Baha'is to systematize their approach to teaching.

+ Establish a training institute to help that systematization.

Opening a second Baha'i center, in the southern part of the I-ACT area.

- parochial language: expres

attracted to our community, welcome association with them, and not display too great anxiety over their conversion.

This is not to say that we should not invite people to join the Faith. On the contrary, we should make it clear that they are welcome to investigate and become members. But we must be ready for those who are inclined to take their time before doing so. @

TESTING

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

very good to show racial diversity, but within a clearly American context.

We have to show our principles in

action; otherwise we invite skepticism and scorn. People are far more interested in what we do than in what we say. It works well to present ourselves as people who work systematically to implement high ideals, and who have achieved promising results.

We cannot come across with an

attitude of superiority, as if Baha'is are morally better than others or have completely solved our problems about race, spirituality or anything else.

We have to demonstrate we are

involved in the world around us, not isolated from others.

Presentations should give a clear

sense of the essentially spiritual nature of our religion, even when addressing “social” issues.

We need to demonstrate the participatory nature of the Faith,

emphasizing its democratic elements and involvement of the members in all activities. Many people are intrigued by our lack of a clergy.

We should convey a sense of room

for personal choice (within certai its) and opportunity for diversity and differences. This helps portray progressive and accepting religion.

It must be completely clear that we

are a community of faith and that we worship God in ways that are recogr able and attractive to religious people.

Ivis essential to emphasize a commitment to children, marriage and family

life. Women are the primary audience, and we have to connect on the: attract them.

Whenever possible, it is important to

offer testimonials of respected nonBaha’is who acknowledge and appreciate our contributions to society.

We have to avoid the use of

ions that people outside the Baha’i community might find hard to understand. Some are not so obvious but have a great impact

We need to express that the Baha’

community has joy, and that to be a member is a happy experience. People want to be part of a happy and welcoming group.

Many of these points already could be gleaned through careful reading of the Sacred Texts. And of course, not only do we have to proclaim our ideals—we have to live them as well. #

asa

page 22

THE AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

October 16, 1998 [Page 23]

NATIONAL*TEACHING*® PLAN

National Teaching Committee is picking up the pace of research

National Teaching Committee is olving quickly to enhance its capacity to conduct in-depth analysis on ral fronts. Among issues we will pursue over the coming months: ‘SURVEYS OF RESPONDENTS AND FOLLOW-UP Now that we have some specific data on broadcast response we will begin to survey the respondents through a process of random sampling. We hope to learn more about their backgrounds and what attracted them in the pi ions. In addition, w will survey respondents and local communi ties to gauge the quality of follow-up efforts. We have just established a survey tem on the “Dawn of a New Day” public Web site, asking users to answer basic about their backgrounds and as a way of obtaining clues as to how we might better present the Faith.

MULTI-PHASE SURVEY We have set in motion a plan for studying the behaviors, attitudes and

perceptions of the Baha’is in this country, to measure key indicators of the spiritual well-being of our community. The first series of surveys will explore these issues:

1. Religious backgrounds

2. Interracial contacts and friendships idy of factors affecting fund contributions

4. Individual involvement and satisfaction with Baha’f community life

5. Individual engagement, attitudes and relationships with institutions of the Faith

6. Individual engagement in teaching

7. Marriage and family life

8. Volunteerism and activism

9. Minority participation in community life

10. Religious practices (prayer, deepening, etc.)

Some of these issues been covered in previous surveys, but now we intend to get into a little more detail. In some cases we have borrowed questions from other

national research agencies, to obtain data that can be used to compare our communi ty with other faith groups. These surveys will help us build a general picture of the American Baha'i community. This will serve as a starting point for future, more indepth research as well as a tool for strategic planning. Our results will be published a soon as they are ready. We hope to have the first series completed by mid-October.

Meanwhile, we have maintained contact with a number of Baha'i schola: are exploring similar issues.

TRAINING INSTITUTES

A few regional training institutes and a number of significant locally sponsored institutes are offering courses. The National Spiritual Assembly has directed the National Teaching Committee to continually assess the regional training institute programs, and to report the results to the Regional Baha’i Councils and to the friends in general. A successful approach will entail

who

close collaboration with the Councils and with the boards of directors of the institutes.

As a first step, we are assembling a group of professi who specialize in evaluation of educational programs. After consulting with them we will ask them to propose a strategy that will include working with the Councils and the institutes to administer meaningful evaluations. We expect that such analysis will cover not only the impact of programs on individuals, but also on local communities, as well as the general level of engagement with and support of the institutes on the part of the Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘SURVEY OF NEW BELIEVERS

is just as important to know the charac-s of those who are enrolling as thos who have responded to the broadcasts. A system will be put in place to automatically individuals on issues related to thei 2) s in becoming believers. This should be in effect by the fall. @

Challenges remain before us

Festival welcomes 8 into the Faith

Participants in the Arts Festival over Labor Day weekend at Brighton Creek Conference Center tend to

an American Indian traditional salmon bake.

The event at the Baha’i-owned center near Yelm, Washington, drew more than 600 people, and inspired eight itors to declare

Photo courtesy of Richard Kendell

FUTURE PROJECTS, continuen From pace 20

coos operating, and will help capture and track calls more efficiently.

The Office of Public Information

is developing a plan to target mainstream media by _ presenting “newsworthy” items for press coverage. As you know, U.S. media coverage of religion has changed dramatically. In particular, there is a spirit of appreciation for diversity of thought, so we are not only included, but often have a de nite advantage over _ traditional religions—provided we know how to exploit the opportunities.

Success in such efforts will yield a degree of credibi that no paid programming can achieve for us. (But we believe that both can and should be done.) The Regional Council of the Northeast has recog

ecccce nized this and is actively pursuing a plan in its area to effectively reach out to the media. It is an essential aspect of proclamation and teaching.

© We are interested in adapting current materials as interactive educational tools for the Internet. In the not-too-distant future we would like to have courses on the Faith, and on. various specific aspects of the Faith, available to non-Baha’is in this format. We are already discussing this with some friends who have professional experience in this field. We will publish news as it develops.

We also hope to develop radio

commercials and programs in 1999, especially targeting ethnic audiences such as Hispanics and African-Americans.

National Teaching report to ne most recent

face in he country. “These 1 remain We have achieved much so far: T f teaching is up, and so are

s at all levels are more systematic and complementary.

Proclamation, public relations, devotional meetings and other activities are orgainzed

in more harmonious patterns that are also ker-friendly.”

Local efforts at community-building are

lending vitality to this accelerating process. We have also learned a great deal about our audience and our mission:

There are seekers who want to hear the

Baha’i Message, and we are finding them.

We have begun a systematic dialogue

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

Different audiences require different

information. One size cannot fit all. We learn to differentiate through research.

We are drawing new members and

inquirers mainly from the most “seeking” segment of the population: “Baby Boomer” aged, socially progressive, mainly women. The National Teaching Committee plans several lines of action:

We will refine our message and continue our systematic public outreach throughout the Four Year Plan.

We will improve our public relations

approaches to the media.

We will focus more closely on the spiritual needs of women, and become more

effective at addressing their concerns

We will labor co extend the range of our

appeal—we must continue to address African-Americans and expand to cover other minority populations.

Among the challenges:

We need to swell the ranks of seekers and

to provide for them the gift of teaching. This requires development of human resources on an unprecented scale. We must align

with our to the

ing programs more closely

to add more eff friends’ enthusiasm.

Community development and the

strengthening of Local Assemblies 2

generally are looking for enrichment from community. Where communities are involved in multiple activities, they should be coordinated to strengthen each other and function as parts of a whole.

Consolidation of new believers cannot

be left to chance. We must work to ensure those who become Baha’is also become participants in community life.

Race unity and equality of women and men will remain pillars of our strategy:

A sustained effort has been made to bring

our views on racial harmony before a wider

audience. We must work further to reve disturbing fact: in the United States all minorities remain underrepresented within

our active Baha’ family.

A new component to our national out+h will soon address gender equality.

It is essential to keep learning as we act:

Institutions don’t teach the Faith—they can provide “favorable conditions” for individual action. Keys are to seek knowledge, apply knowledge to our strategies, and communicate knowledge to others.

The National Teaching Committee believes the community is essentially on the right track. Bahd’i activities in most places are fundamentally the right ones, and need only to be expanded and refined.

Most importantly, we must always have faith in Bahd’u’llah’s power to confirm even the humblest of efforts.

The Plan of God is moving forward, His unseen Hand is moving humanity forward to its rendezvous with Baha'u'llah. Every tangible indicator supports this, and it is affirmed in the recent assertions of our Supreme Institution. Surely all the friends are sensing the same thing. And surely now, more than ever before, will our united efforts yield victories that will astonish and inspire the world. #

October 16,1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 23 [Page 24]

Birmingham takes unity discussion to public

BY LISA N. PUZON

Bae reached out and drew citi of Birmingham, Alabama, into a di

perspective with a weeklong. ser worl kshops Aug. 1-9 on the most cha

lenging and vital issue. The local community sponsored LeNise Jackson-Gaertner of Los Ange

les, founder and president of Mothe For Race Unity And Equality, as a pri cipal presenter in the teaching/deepening effort.

_ The first step for the Bah:

cipation in a citywide conve nd inequality milar concerns whom

racism, poverty the people with s they met there later attended a pre tion by Jackson-Gaertner at the Birmingham Baha’i Center.

in a workshop at the Smolian ational House at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, JacksonGaertner spoke on how racism has affected all members of the human race. Exercises helped attendees explore how their own experiences of this injustice

San Jose leadership on race unity grows

al Jése| Calinnes Babs re scerurening cheic leadership

in race unity efforts, with three community members invited to help the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission start a local dialogue on race relations.

Baha’f involvement was sought soon after Baha’is supported and presented a statement ata San Jose forum that was part of the president’ initiative on race relations. This effort came at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Also recently, the Baha’is of San Jose and neighboring cities have been active in utilizing the broadcasts and video of The Power of Race Unity:

The program has been shown several times since June on a

local cable channel, made possible through the Baha’is’ longstanding connection with the Martin Luther King Jr. Association.

The San Jose State University Baha’i Club has loaned the

video to Gabe Reyes, the university president’ adviser for campus

_ climate, and hopes to use the video for events during the coming

year.

The national cable showings of the program were promoted

in the San Jose Mercury and other local newspapers.

In addition, the theme for this year’s Service Awards Banquet— held annually by the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose—will be human rights, and the Assembly hopes to present awards in the ‘categories of race relations and the equality of women and men.

‘The Baha'i community has forged its leadership in race unity

eee ere ee a

with two Bahi’is serving on the group’ board.

Bahd’i youth have participated and often at the

MLK “Good Neighbor” Breakfast, and the Baha’ Youth Workf ba svat radars dra

have molded their attitudes and lives. an The next day, Baha’is from the local communities and other states attended

LeNise Jackson-Gaertner (center) enjoys a moment with Michelle (left) and Bheki Madiala of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at an August gathering at the Baha’i Center in Birmingham, Alabama, that followed up on a citywide convocation on race issues.

afternoon designed for them Writings were incorporated.

n_ specifically which many of the

In an interview a day later conducted by the religious editor of the Birming much for

y during the rights movement. With this respectful gesture, a common bond was formed and the editor

was so moved that she invited J

future. This page article in the religious se a color photograph of Jackson-C standing in front of a banner with the name Baha’u’llah in gold.

Wednesday night, Jackson-Gaertner moderated the wee e dialogue at the Birmingham Senter, regular y attended by members of the Nz

ference for Community and J skillfully used a blend of visu s and exer understanding about th

The following weekend was s an all-day workshop in Honwille, and the week closed with a special talk with the Baha’{ youth, teachers and parents at the Birmingham Baha’{ Center. @

_ Baha'is urged to help encourage

payment of U.N.

[ae Baha’is, groups and Local Spiritual semblies were called on in August by the National Spiritual Assembly to join the effort to get the United States to pay its debt to the United Nations.

Stalled payment of U.S. dues to the global organization—the debt totals $1.5 billion—has hampered U.N. operations. The United States is at risk of losing its vote in the General Assembly in

The National Assembly’s letter and

dues by U.S.

the U.S. obligation.

“The financial solvency of the United Nations and its agencies is at stake as is the credibility and leadership of the United States in world affairs,” noted the National Assembly’ letter.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly also stressed the importance of the United Nations as a unique body that has worked since its inception to advance universal peace and uphold

ankesatlessmeol esata iran maybe fendon ines of una debt is paid. e Baha er

ina leer eo Gomimunicies au ae ar ele omnin vas smthegm Nason, or trtherintrmatin oth te ed at Assembiy urged Baha'is (0 campaign, contact the Office of the Scans Cee call and write their memb eg zation at the U.N. since Congress to convey a Secretary ee ai a f message: ‘The U.N. is impor- DC 20036 (phone 202-833-8990, hile the U.N. is not tant. Congress should pass fax 202-833-8988, yet the organization ce necessary legislation to enable ecinvall )

the U.S. to pay the full $1.5 billion in dues and arrears to the U.N. and its specialized agencies this year—and it should do so without imposing burdensome conditions on payment.”

‘The Baha'is are part of the U.N. funding campaign, an ongoing cooperative effort undertaken by numerous organizations and their grassroots memberships in the past three years.

During that time:

The U.S. has gotten deeper into debt to the

United Nations.

Funding legislation has become bogged

down in unrelated issues and hampered with numerous imposed conditions for payment of

“St represents an ee

important step in the direction of international cooperation and deserves continued support.”

Any Baha’{ who has not yet done so is urged immediately to contact the offices of his or her members of Congress on the U.N. funding issue.

Congressional staff frequently say they rarely hear from U.N. supporters and frequently hear from U.N. detractors, according to non-governmental organizations involved in the campaign.

Because of an unusually heavy legislative schedule, Congress likely will be working on the U.N. funding issue through the end of the year.

page 24 THE AMERICAN BANA’i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES October 16, 1998 [Page 25]“PROMOTING* THE*PRINCIPLES

Seneca Falls event creates groundwork |*~

stern New York Baha'is’ part in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the women’s rights movement reverberated beyond the July 16-19 gathering at Is, as the Baha'i view

Seneca point on the equality of women ined a foothold with

and men g: like-minded groups and people.

At the end of the nationally publicized Seneca Falls gathering, held on the anniversary of the firsts Women’s Rights vention in that city, the chairperson of Celebrate ’99 made a point of inviting the Baha'is to po pate in next year’s festivities. And a minister attending a follow-up meeting pledged to tell her congregation a story of h.

Many participants commented positively about the Bahé message as presented at the Women’s Expo nt in Women’s Rights National Park. ‘That tent held 40 displays set up by organizations from around the country, addressing many ues surrounding the advancement of women.

The first Women’s Rights Conference, in 1848 at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, was highlighted by a Declaration of Rights and Sentiments unveiled by Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

At roughly the same time, the Conference of Badasht in Persia was the scene of a stunning dec

AURORA, ILLINOIS: PUBLIC PRAISE FOR FESTIVAL

Baha’ efforts to initi; Cultures in Aurora, Illinois

uupport for the Aug. 1 event.

inaugural fe

groups would jointly sponsor. ‘The edito

would feel mor

out—

monocultural socie’

make for themselv: Tt went on: “

going to hell, the Baha community have de stop it from happening.”

The newspaper urged residents to “not only take part with our ey

and our wallets, we need to e1 our hearts.”

‘he Beacon News urged residents pate in, not just attend, the fe | and envisioned athe larger event the next year that many

ed the Baha’is for instigating “what some people comfortable withchance to step outside the s many people

instead of just complaining about how the world is is in our ided to try to are

age

laration of the emancipation of women by Téhirih among the early Babi

From the start, the Baha acted in unity to part in the 1998 celebration. The only believer living in Seneca Falls— due to have a baby—contacted surrounding communities in advance and got commitments for help. Then at the an ry event, 23 devoted fri from 14 Baha’i communities took turns all four days working at the Baha’f di:

Homa Sabet ‘Tavangar, repre

aot

sentative of the National mmittee for the Equality of Women and Men, was warmly anplauded for her presentation on the need for forward motion on the e of equality.

The Western New York Baha’i Choir, with singers from Ithaca, Rochester, Buffalo, Olean, Geneva and Phelps, participated in a stage performance A dramatic reading by Dennis Smith and Judy Phillips brought the spiritual connection of Tahirih and the Conference of Badasht to the stage.

Combined Rochester/Buffalo Baha’i Youth Workshops performed a powerful and unified Martyrs’ Dance. The dance team of ‘Tara Alton and Yohannes Murphy impressed audience with their Equality Dance. David Moore from Itha

BRIEFLY

And it concluded, “Maybe that sounds

a little naive, but maybe the Baha tude is the one we need to adop'

jate a Festival of , prompted the local newspaper to editorialize

DAVIE, FLORIDA: SUPPORT FOR FRIENDS IN IRAN

Baha’

martyrdom — of

pression of the Faith in Iran. The summer night Broward Community College v illuminated by prayer, singing, fli ering candles, and radiant hearts.

and Baha'i comrhunities.

by The Sun-Sentinel as I on thi

boat togethe

we fight for each other we are not

going to get anywhere.” os Sev

ral major area

event. A N

mothers and daughters, Roya Bauman sang the soul-stirring “Tahirih, the Pure One.” A tapestry by Vikkie Hu Poiri er, presented at the International Conference in China attracted many vis ca introduced his own song for Baha

s led a candlelight walk June 30 in Davie, Florida, in response to Ruhollah Rowhani and the continuing sup outside

‘The more than 70 marchers came from the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish As Rabbi Harold Chaim Richter was quoted ng, “We Unless

newspapers and television stations covered the York Times column by

Inter!

in) 1905508 tors to the ta

isplay.

A.M. Rosenthal regarding religious n—includ that of » was published in The Sun Sentinel, Broward County’s

largest newspaper.

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: NOTICE IN NEWSPAPER

Baha’is in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area parlayed the proximity of two Holy Days with Race Unity Day into an exte: feature article on the Faith in The Patriot-New:

The article, accompanied by two photographs, described the significance of the Holy Days—the D ion of the Bab and the Ascension of Baha’u’llih—and noted the ath

is would be

ing again June 14 to promote racial harmony.

Also touched on in. the article were the spiritual paths taken by

several area Baha’is and the principles of the Faith. #

Afterward, more than 100 people attended a 90-minute faith Worship Service at

ity Church in downtown Roberta Oecse Seneca Falls.

Ida wonderful story of ih and the spiritual importance

Above, members of the Rochester and Buffalo Baha’i Youth Workshops perform in tribute to the sacrifices of the early Babis at the nationally publicized gathering in Seneca Falls, New York, marking the 150th anniversary of the first Women’s Rights Convention. At left, Dennis Smith participates in a dramatic presentation linking the 1848 convention in Seneca Falls to the Conference of Badasht, held at about the same time.

Photos by Glen Eli, Rochester, NY

of the connection to Seneca Falls. A visiting minister-was so moved by this story that OcseSiegle gave her the script, and the minister said, “I will tell this story to my congregation over the next two weeks.’ —Submitted by Edward Phillips #

Baha@’i-involved dialogue launches newspaper column

Acar of five dialogues on race in San Bernardi10 County, California, has spawned additional meetings and a weekly newspaper column.

Baha'is from Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Pomona, Chino Hills, Montclair and Diamond Bar were among participants in the dialogue. After the first series of five meetings were completed, some participants talked about ways to keep the dialogue going.

From the consultation came a monthly newspaper column, “The Human Family,” featuring personal stories, quotes and resources on “cultivating tolerance and acceptance of a culturally and ethnically diverse society.”

Participants approached their local paper, the Daily Bulletin, which serves 12 communities, with the idea for the column. A co-editor and a reporter who has done several articles on'the Faith were very receptive and said they wanted to run the column once a month for a year.

Foundations for the column were laid over the years. An Institute for the Healing of Racism has been sustained for the past eight years and the principle of race unity has been stated in all articles on the Faith. #

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BANA’‘i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

page 25 [Page 26]

Local activity and the National Baha’i Fund

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

‘he National Baha’i Fund at the end

of August was roughly $1.5 million below the level needed to meet the U.S community’s international and national commitments. One reason suggested by that local activities have ng more money, so there is less available for the National, Continental and International Funds. This suggestion raises important strat s for the community. What kinds of activity are we talking about? What are the priorities? And should local expenses dampen national giving? Fortunately, there is some guidance that covers these issu First, let us look at local activity. In support of the national teaching plan, literally hundreds of Assemblies and groups have launched a whole range of new activities. Many of them have invested money in local print, video and radio exposure. Devotional and social meetings are up; book and pamphlet purchases outpace historic levels. Across the U.S., local groups are doing the things the National Teaching Committee has suggested they do, and they are seeing results. Many of these activities cost money. If carried out as part of the larger process the Teaching Committee

s.

Is IT A NATIONAL ASSEMBLY-SPONSORED EVENT?

eports in recent months indicate that certain believers organizing fund-raising events have led hosts and participants to believe the events have National Spir itual Assembly sponsorship.

The activities in question were not, in fact, sponsored by the National Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly does occasionally organize specific acti

often with the aid of individual friends and Local Spiritual Assemblies. Examples include the 1995 meetings associated with the visit of Universal House of Justice member Mr. Nakhjavani, and a round of gatherings called last year to discuss the needs of the Baha’j International Fund. In each case, all participants received letters from the National Spiritual Assembly in advance of the event. No activity is organized on behalf of the National Assembly without official, and often individ ual, written notice to participants.

If you have questions concerning fund-raising activities in your area, you are encouraged to contact the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3472, fax 847 733-3471, e-mail ).

advocates, they will produce ré

A more costly endeavor is acquiring a local Baha’i center, and indications are that a steadily growing number of communities are prospecting for one of their own. The average cost of recent center purchases appears to be about $300,000, though data are still incomplete. Are communities saving for their own places? It appears so.

These are all legitimate expenses to make, especially if the costs result from a well-conceived consultative process. Are they in line with current priorities, though?

pace have we have a clear and definite ordering of priorities, at least through the end of the Four Year Plan. First comes the Arc, which the National Assembly has asked believers to support through increased contributions to the Baha’i International Fund. Then come the requirements at the continental and national levels, which the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have both said take precedence over the “local interests” of the Cause. Then come local and individual needs.

As earlier articl shown,

Cassette tape helps educate on Sacred Law

lee than 3,600 copies of the c: sete tape Hugtiqu'lldh: The Right of God were mailed to Local § Assemblies and Bahé’i groups nationwide over the summer, as a project of the Board of Trustees of Huqtiqu’llah in the United States with the assistance of the National Spiritual Assembly.

In a letter sent with the mailing, the Trustees expressed the hope that “this tape will be used for educational purposes among the through

believers

presentation in small meetings or to be made available to the friends so that they could listen to it in their own time.”

‘The tape addr the Sacred Law of the Right of God in two par

A brief overview of the history of the

Faith, the revelation of the Law of Huqiqu’lléh in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and development of the institution of the Huqtiqu'lléh.

Principles, some details and spiritual

dimensions as gleaned from the writings of the Central Figures of the Faith and the Universal House of Justice.

‘The videotape on Huqtiqu'llih, from

PUI e ae |

which the cassette tape was adapted, suggested for deepening sessions in Baha’i schools and other larger meetings. It contains rare historical pictures and incorporat egments filmed in the Holy Land with participation of the Hands of the Cause of God ‘Ali Muhammad Varga and ‘Ali Akbar Furdtan. Copies of either tape may be ordered for personal use, or to be made available in community libraries, from Badiyan Productions, Greenwood, MN 55331. The audiotape may be ordered by phone at 612-4744714 (fax 612-888-5250). @

Mt ie ee)

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

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

Mr. Stephen Birkland,

(phone 612-484-9518)

Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

(phone 216-333-1506) Inquiri

Santa Monica, CA 90402 Arden Hills, MN 55112

Rocky River, OH 44116

about Huqtqu’llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to

the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqtqu’llih Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116.

In this priority ranking, can we say that giving to the national or international Funds should be put on hold for a while, so our Ic ty can get its cei ter? Here is what the beloved Gi secretary wrote on his behalf, as quoted in Stewardship and Development: A Desktop Reference, p. 116: “He hopes that the Stuttgart friends will so arrange their affairs that this new undertaking will not prevent them from assisting the national interests of the Cause and lending them their full support.”

As important as many local expenditures are for the Faith, we can see that they should not crowd out higher priori The key really is to show our otion by increasing our giving, and expecting of ourselves that all our priorities can be met. The Universal House of Justice wrote in 1989, “Now is the time for the dearly-loved members of this community, renowned as the champion. builders of Baha’u’llah’s rising World Order, to consecrate an increasing measure of the material resources with which they have been so richly blessed to the pressing needs of the Cause of God.” And the reward we will receive? “In doing so,” the House of Justice continues, “their sacrifices will attract an even greater measure of divine blessings, and will bring them abiding satisfac

Letters show spiritual side of giving to Fund

From time to time the Office of the Treasurer receives inspiring stories from the friends reminding us of how our fellow Baha’is apply the spiritual side of giving to the Fund. Here are a few:

Olympia, WA: Enclosed is a check

in response to your letter of July 17, 1998, regarding the current de! the National Fund and the “summer swoon.” We currently subscribe to the automatic contribution system, but we decided to send these additional funds. Our consultation on this subject was detailed and illuminating, but in the end the conclusion was to send about half of our current bank balance. We will encourage the believers in our community to increase their donations to replenish the account. Please use these donated funds as you see fit.

Norfolk, VA: We send this to the

National Fund with thanks for all of our blessings during 19 years of marriage. It’s our anniversary present to the fund.

Stillwater, OK: Whenever I see a

penny on the ground, I pick it up. Sometimes I’m blessed with a nickel or a quarter. I always thank God for these “Pennies for Peace” as I call them. Now

nd then I add some of my own pennies. check for the Arc represents two y collection of “Pennies for Peace.” I know every little bit helps. #

page 26 THE AMERICAN BAHA

¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE October 16, 1998 [Page 27]

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 (phone 847-733-3472, e-mail

APPROPRIATE INVESTING FOR ASSEMBLIES

The ional Spiritual embly’s Financial roup recently reviewed and updated the investment policy for the National Spiritual Assemb! investment policy is useful guidance for the investment of the assets of Loc tual Assemblies as well. The entire policy can be found in the 1998 Additions to the Stewardship and Development manual. The manual, including the additions, lable for $10.95, or the additions can be ordered separately for $2. Call the Baha'i Distribution Service at 800-999-9019. USE CONTRIBUTION SLIPS SENT WITH RECEIPTS

When a local treasurer gets a receipt for direct contributions to the National Fund, it comes with a form to accompany the next contribution. The form will have the name and ID number of the Assembly preprinted, and have spaces provided to break down the contribution as needed. Use of these forms greatly helps the Accounting Office, because contribution data appears in a consistent form that can be easily read and entered into the computer. As treasurer of your Local Spiritual Assembly, please make sure to detach this form from the receipt, fill it out, and put it in the return envelope along with your community’s next contribution. Thank you for your assistance.

WILL PREPARATION

Having our will and testament in place is not only important, but is a law of the Kitib-iAqdas. As treasurer, one of your services to the community will be to make information available on preparing a will. The Office of the ‘Treasurer has a brochure called “The Writing of a Will,” available in English and Persian, prepared to inform the friends about the importance of having a will and how to get started. A dozen copies cost $3.50 and they can be ordered from the Office of the Treasurer at 847733-3472.

Advisor

The new

iS av:

INVOLVE THE CHILDREN

Remember that the children are interested in knowing about the Funds too. Children are especially creative and energetic in their view of the Funds, and tend not to see the barriers to giving that adults often do. Nancy Wong, in the Office of the Treasurer, is responsible for programs to educate children and youth in the Funds. For ways to involve children more in Fund-related activities, contact Nancy (phone 847-733-3424, e-mail ).

“Every Baha'i, no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence — that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Baha’u’ {ah will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, | his readiness to support materially the Divine institutions of his Faith.”

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National — Spiritual Assembly, July 17, 1937)

‘STATUS OF THE ACCUSED

Death sentences were confirmed

for Mr. Sirus Zabihi Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat Kashefi Najafabadi; they were informed of this orally while they were in prison in Mashhad.

The death sentence for Mr. Ataollah

Hamid Nasirizadeh was commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment. He was to be transferred to a prison in Kerman.

The accused have been given a

chance to appeal to the court that sentenced them. Unlike in their original trial or April retrial, they will be permitted to hire their own lawyer.

Baha’j lawyers are not permitted to

practice in Iran. In rare instances when Muslim lawyers have undertaken to defend Baha’is, they were subjected to harassment and abuse.

whicl

BACKGROUND ON THE DEATH SENTENCES IN IRAN

From a document released Oct. 2 by the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Secretary for External Affairs

HOW AN APPEAL THROUGH THE IRANIAN COURT SYSTEM WORKS ¢ The lawyer may meet the defendants in prison. He may be permitted to see the court file, but may not photocopy any of the documents.

The defense amounts to a written statement prepared by the lawyer,

included with the subi Court to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court studies the file and, if satisfied that proper procedures were followed, will refer the case to one of its branches.
The judge or judges of this branch, without meeting with lawyers or

anyone else, reviews the file and confirms or annuls the verdict.

The secretive manner in which death sentences were conveyed to

Messrs. Moghaddam and Najafabadi, without any evident documentation, raises serious questions about how the authorities intend to deal with international reaction to the sentences.

After Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani was executed in July, the Iranian government at first denied his existence and then his execution. But faced with

worldwide protests, the government raised the spurious accusation that Mr. Rowhani had been executed for crimes against national security.

sion made by the Revolutionary

LACK OF DOCUMENTATION RAISES CONCERN

IRAN, continuen From PAGE 1

POPC CCOE OOOO CELE OEE LE EEOE OEE E OOOO OEOEEETEOOO EE EEO OEE EEEOEE

Nasirizadeh was commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment, and he was ordered transferred to a prison in Kerman. “We strongly urge President [Mohammad] Khatai

i to n Oct. ccuting peocontrary to ples.”

ensure that these ea 2 statement from the White House said. “ ple for the practice of their religious faith the most fu ‘al human rights prins

Also Oct. 1 s revealed that 32 Baha'i educators in 14 cities had been arrested since Sept. 29. All were instructors for the Baha’{ Institute for Higher Education, known informally as the Open Unive At the same time, Iranian officials confis sroom equipment and plundered the homes of Bahé the country.

One of the 32 arrested, Mr. Gholamhosain Amini, was released soon after in Tehran. He reported having been told by a government official that the Baha’i educational institution must be closed.

“We deplore this attack on followers of the Baha’i faith,” the White House’s written statement said, urging Tran’s president to “ensure the release of all Baha’is who and

cutions are Not ¢:

acros

have been arrested for the peaceful observance expression of their faith.”

Since the early 1980s the Iranian government has barred Baha'is from universities because of their religious beliefs. Through the Open University, Baha’i educators have been providing university-level instruction to college-age youth in private homes.

All Baha’is who had been faculty in Iranian universities were dismissed shortly after the Islamic Revolution.

Within a day, reports and reactions on the incidents appeared on the Associated Press, Reuters, United Press International and other news wires from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France.

‘The two Baha’is on death row in a Mashhad prison— along with Mr. Rowhani and Mr. N; sentenced to death in January or February afte als at which they received no legal representation.

‘The three whose sentences were recently reviewed were granted a second in April, but were denied the right to choose their own lawyers.

Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Najafabadi were informed orally in late September that their death sentences had been confirmed. They now have the opportunity to appeal to the court that sentenced them. They may choose their own lawyers, which for Baha’is is notoriously difficult.

“It is particularly disturbing that the confirmation of the death sentences was conveyed orally,” said Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly’s secretary for external affairs. “This suggests that the Iranian authorities are trying to conceal this m: riage of jus %

PLIGHT OF THE BAHA’iS IN [RAN

This information is drawn from a “current situation” report released July 22 by the National Spiritual Assembly:

The Baha’i Faith is not recognized as a legitimate

religion; as “unprotected infidels,” Baha’is have no legal rights. :

More than 200 Baha’is have been executed since

1979, solely on account of religion. Dozens of Baha’is are in prison, compared with nearly 750 in 1986.

Baha’is are denied jobs and pensions, and barred

from universities. Baha’i marriages and divorces are not recognized. The right to inherit is denied.

U.S. and world response: Congress has adopted

seven resolutions condemning Iran’s persecution of Baha’is and urging religious rights for -he community. The 1997 U.N. General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/52/142) calls for emancipating the Baha’i community.

Up-to-date news releases on the situation of Baha’is in Iran continue to be sent to public information representatives for Baha’i communities across the country. Relevant documents and updates can be found on the National Spiritual Assembly’s Administrative Web site (www.usbnc.org) or the “Dawn of a New Day” public Web site (www.us.bahai.org).

Mr. Rowhani, executed by hanging on July 21, had been charged with converting a Muslim woman to the Baha'i Faith, a charge the woman refuted. The head of mic Revolutionary Court in Iran first denied his execution and even referred to Mr. Rowhani as an “imaginary individual.” Iranian authorities later acknowledged the execution but stated Mr. Rowhani had been executed for crimes against national security.

“In the light of statements made by President Khatami, we had expected there would be an improvement in the situation of the Baha’is in Iran. This week’s mass arre: of teachers and the confirmation of two death sentences on purely religious grounds are further evidence of a coordinated campaign by the Iranian Government aimed at the destruction of the Baha’i community,” Dr. Kazemzadeh was quoted as saying in an Oct. | news release.

President Khatami had addressed the American people on television early this year, stating that he shares many values cherished by Americans, including “religiosity, liberty and justice.” ®

October 16, 1998

‘THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * News/CONTINUED

page 27 [Page 28]

sin The American d free of charge eof relat

ing 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

Project Manager for the Bahai House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois

Will supervise ongoing restoration and conservation of the Holiest

development projects at the N: Center, permanent schools and inst s. Will provide technical guidance ign, project devel agement, acqui agement and construction. ualifications include professional i minimum of eight years’

anes standards of maintenance of the properties which are a sacred trust of the National Spiritual Assembly. Please send résumé to the Offi Human Resources, 1233 Central Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 8473427, fax 847-733-3430). For more information about the position, please contact Louis Offstein, Sup) port Services Coordinator at the Baha’ National Center (phone 847-733-3435, ).

e-mail

‘AT THE BAHA’| NATIONAL CENTER Accountant, Office of the Treasurer. Applicant should have strong interpersonal and analytic skills aad te familiar with integrated PC-based accounting software. Experience in implementing internal control procedures is highly desirable. Must have degree in accounting or equivalent accounting experience. Some travel required. Must be able to maintain a sense of humor while working in a fast-paced, flexible environment. Appreciation for the importance of coudtlentality essential. Administrative Assistants. Several openings possible. Will initiate and coordinate clerical and secretarial functions required in effective implementations of-administrative needs. Must be deepened Baha’i well grounded in the spiritual principles and administration of the Bah: ith. Must perform administrative duties in a mature, efficient and professional manner; must be familiar with computer word processing applications (Windows 95, Word, e-mail and various databases extremely helpful); good communicator, highly organized, confident and capable

of working steadily, often on many ae at once. Must be able to speak, read and write English.

istrative a: ditorial team.

y of files and records, litorial corrections from hard copy, assists with various research tasks. Must type a minimum of 60 wpm, have excellent computer skills, sound judgment, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to produce profe: quality work.

If 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).

seeking a part tant to support

nal

Service opportunities at the Baha’i World Center

‘THE MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Are in Haifa, Israel, have the following opportunity for service:

Interior designer. Needs experience in execution and supervision.

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

STAFFING NEEDS AT THE BAHA’f WORLD CENTER in Haifa, Israel: In addition to the following opportunities for service, the World Center is looking for skilled carpenters, photographers, floor care specialists and much more. Terms of service can be 18 or 30 months, or indefinite, depending on job requirements. MOST CURRENT: Telecommunications Engineer who can help develop and manage the Baha’f World Center's telecommunications infrastructure, in and around Haifa with data and voice links to Jerusalem and Akka. Needs skill in managing Nortel SL-100 & Meridian 1 (81C) or other large PBX switching systems; designing, installing, managing cable plant infrastructure; coordinating with local telco for installation/management of T-1, E-1, ISDN and Central Office Trunk (COT) circuits; experience with wireless communications. Executive secretaries to initiate and respond to correspondence; write, analyze, summarize reports and manage multiple tasks (requiring strong organizational/supervisory skills and Baha’f administrative experience). Administrative assistants for routine correspondence, reception, scheduling, clerical work (ability to manage multiple tasks essential, word processing experience preferable). Alarm installer, experienced, with knowledge of central station software (specify types of panels, receivers and software you are familiar with). Experience with both hardwire and wireless systems helpful. English proficiency essential. 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, technical support/computer skills training. WORKS OFFICE: General maintenance technician; multiple trades (electrical, plumbing, painting, masonry, metal work) needed for preserving and restoring Holy Places and maintaining/renovating staff accommodations and offices. 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 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’f Writings in those languages, plus computer skills. Translator with excellent skills in Persian, Arabic and English as well as familiarity with Baha'i 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. 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 Ridvin 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’f World Center. Professional needs: Gardens Coordinator, needs background in life sciences, 5-10 years’ experience in management and Baha’i 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’ youth and local workers. Arborist/Tree Care Specialist; 5 years’ experience praning and maintaining ornamental trees, supervisory ability, related degree preferred. Mechanic: '; 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 ).

‘AT WLGI RADIO BAHA’ Radio Coordinator to manage operation of the Baha’ radio station in Hemingway, South Carolina. Will help formulate and implement plans for development of station operations, facilities and servic evaluate the station’s performance, ly in relation to its audience; supervi recruit and evaluate personnel; formulate a budget; oversee communications within and outside the Baha’ community; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; promote Baha'i standards among station staff, volunteers and members of the commu

entire 3 years radio management experience or 5 years related management experience, including fina: administrative experience; record of human. relations and communications skills. Desired: Master's degree in radio broadcasting or equivalent experience; wide-ranging knowledge/experience in all aspects of radio station operations; training in principles of Baha’i Radio. 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’i SCHOOL Maintenance worker. Enthi

acl nvironment requires a resourceful dedicated to cour met ulous

il. encouraged to apply. Profes snl training available. Contact James M. Sacco, Cs

188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800 (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, email ).

INTERNATIONAL openings for English

China: Numerov

country. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to tention, it Abas not have the resources for actual job placement. AFRICA GMC) public he health care nurse public health physician (IMC),

g ator (IMC), team leaders (CRS), agricultural team leader (IRC) Benin—Proje ger health . Burundi—Primary health are e/health educator (IMC), finance (IMO), micro-credit officer (IRC), assistant country representative (CRS), community health nurse, intern primary health care nurse, field managers (IRC), site manager/construction ata manager (IMO), shelter manager. Céte d’Ivoire— In: ional development and capacity building specialist. Etbiopia—Program manager (HII). Gambia—Manager for Permanent Institute. Gbana—Crop protection officer (FAO), country project officer (FAO). Guinea—Emergency sexual and gender-based violence program manager (IRC), emergency reproductive health manager (IRC), community health coordinator (ARC), medical coordinator (ARC), reproductive health coordinator (ARC), deputy director (IRC). Kenya— MCH trainer (IMC), director of administration (ILRD), country program adviser (UNAID), medical coordinator Kakuma Refugee Camp. Liberia—Education program managers (IRC), administrative and finance officer (ARC), program manager (ARC), income generation program coordinator (ARC). Malawi—Project associate (HID), country director (Care). Mozambique—Child survival training coordinator, program manager (HNI). Nij gia Dineetor Resource and Crop Management Divion, director Crop Im EEA) eee

sion, economist (IITA). Rwanda— Team leader (CARE), field coordinator (IRC), Unaccompanied Minors Program technical adviser (IRC). Senegal—Adviser Population and development (UNFPA), small enterprise development trainers. Southern Africa—Senior technical adviser (Abt Assoc.), senior agricultural adviser (Abt Assoc.), senior infrastructure adviser (Abt Ass senior water adviser (Abt Assoc.), senior special education adviser (MCDI). Sudan— Health officer (WV), water engineer (MCSD, commodities officer (IRC), emergency water and sanitation mana; (IRC), capacity building manager RO), health officer, "held manager aRC ). Ta zania—Re; ed nurse (IRC), program evaluator (IRC), private sector participation adviser, performance management

Page 28

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ CLASSIFIED

October 16, 1998 [Page 29]

systems adviser. Uganda—Country proram adviser (UNAIDS).

marketing adviser (PSI).

AMERICAS Babamas—Self-supporting couple to caretake National Center. Bolivia— Senior adviser (IPPF). Brazil—International transactional attor ney (WW Legal Consultants), project manager (C) Costa Rica—Political and ecological resource economist. El lor—Counry director (PCI), regional coordinator advocacy training, teachers, tutors, traveling teachers for SED projects. —Regional coordinator advocacy training. —Volunteer trainers for literacy project. Haiti—ANR sector coordinator (CARE), program manager (FINCA), director human rights education. Honduras—Teachers. Mexico—Nurse trainer (Doctors of the World), training and institutional development director (INC), Chiapas program director (CI), Marine resource social scientist. Panama—BioDarien Project coordinator. Peru—Country representative (PACT), roject manager (CRS PROMESA). Saree Rico—Water supply project. Trinidad and Tobago—*eam leader, procurement specialist (MCDI). Turks Caicos—Marine resource economist, environmental planner, marine policy and resource planner, government doctors, health educators. Venezuela—Caretakers for National Institute.

ASIA Azerbaijan—Reconstraction program officer (IRC), small enterprise develo) ment and micro-credit specialist URC), reconstruction program pfficer. Bangladesh—Senior program adviser (CARE), technical adviser for training (INTRAH). Burma—Special projects director (PSI). Cambodia—Coordinator (AFSC), legal officer assistant and development adviser, am manager GND. Hong Rome Tatieananlassoe: ate, tax attorney and project finance associate (ww Legal Consultants), international law and policy government relations (GE). India—Regional manager (WEP). Japan—ESL ates Kazakhstan—Engineering manager, R&D mechanical engineer, Au Pair/teacher. Korea—University ESL teacher. Mongolia—Information communications specialist (PACT), economic growth adviser. Laos—Program management adviser. North Korea—Analyst (CRS). Pakistan—Field coordinator (IRC). Philippines—Financial investigator and treasury auditor (Asian Development Bank), information technology manager (IRRI). Siberia (Russia)—English teachers (Chita). Tajikistan—Project manager reproductive health and child survival, project adviser private farm support (CARE). Thailand—Medical coordinator (ARC), clinical coordinator (ARC), country director (IRC), country program adviser (UNAIDS). Tatwan—Teachers. Vietnam—Transportation project.

AUSTRALASIA

Jobnston Atoll—Network administrator and senior analyst. Kiribati— PE set-up/train for National Assembly. = rae—Assistant attorney general. Papua New Guinea—Professor and head of Department of Business Studies, University of Technology. Solomon

s—Custodians at the Baha’i Center. Western Caroline Islands—Self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary.

EUROPE Albania—Commercial law Liaison (CEEL)). Austria—Safety information officer, regional project manager, waste information specialist (IAEA), short- and long-term project managers, section head

(IAEA). Bosnia—Country director (IRC), program manager (IRC), project manager information centers (IRC, Bulgaria—Commercial law liaison (CEELD. Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, En; secondary language, Montess France—Strategy consultants. Germany—Manager and director manufacturing operations, program adviser (CARE), Au Pair for one year, professor “Building of Social Systems,” personnel officer (ESO). Ireland—Lecturer in business studies. Italy—Records administration officer (FAO), finance officer (FAO), contracts officer (FAO), senior officer (TAC of CGIAR), senior forestry officer (FAO), fishery resources officer (FAO), economists (FAO), commodity specialist (FAO), administrative director. Kosovo—Microbiologist/lab specialist and birthing and prenatal specialists (Doctors of the World), emergency program officer (MC), food security consultant (IRC), emergency coordinator (IRC), emergency project officer Oe Neth eianes aniomacion systems administrators, analysts, applications programmers, linguists (OPCW),

rofessorial director Economic and Social Institute, research fellows international law, senior lecturer in international relations and development. Romania—Country director (PCI). Russia—Children’s health specialist (Doctors of the World), biomedical research fellow, head of business consulting, partner audit-head of oil and gas. Slovakia— Teachers and English teachers. Sweden—Assistant professor total quality management, project manager, professor in project management, associate professor in project management, Chalmers U. of TERRCOe Switzerland—Trade analyst (ITC), head of Planning and

jomputerization Service ), marketing research analyst, head Global Affairs ‘Team for World Economic Forum, chief water, sanitation and health, chief urban environmental health, technical officer, director Division of Finance (WHO), international corporate editor, business development analyst, head of media relations, assistant corporate editor. Ukraine—Clinical legal specialists (CEELD), senior adviser dre), program director (economics education), Economic Reform Program adviser, commercial law adviser. United Kingdom—Quality enhancement economist, senior economic adviser Edinburgh.

MULTI-REGIONAL

Inventory management technician, training specialist, supply management snalye curriculum development specialist (Lear Siegler). Project management personnel Latin America Africa NIS (FINCA). Capacity building and advocacy consultants and staff (Yugoslav states). Project manager former Soviet Union (ARD). Rule of law specialists Francophone Africa (ARD). Rule of law specialitst Latin America (ARD). Director Africa Program (International Human Rights Law Group). Program director (African grantmaking foundation). Program manager East Central and Southern Africa (Gatsby). International banking advisers Eastern Europe former Soviet Union. Regional director East, Southeast Asia and Oceania region (IPPF). Livestock Restocking Project officer, Burundi and Rwanda. Support services for agricultural projects, project identification and development, sustainable project management (CTS). Teaching for economists, Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union. English Paco fellows (ETF). English teachers (Lear Siegler). Teachers in international training in women’s and development projects, international sales and marketing. USAID trainers Central and Eastern Europe and NIS. Advocacy training specialists (ADF). FMS contract

administrator, training specialist, si management analyst. Area rep) tives e Mainland Southeast a Central America (World Neighbors). Managers and specialists for SAC International. Water and sanitation engineers, Agronomists for Action Against Hunger. Internships (some paid positions) reproductive health program, rural self-help, HIV/AIDS education. Volunteers in Africa and Latin America (Visions in Action). Rule of law I ns, criminal law liaisons, Central, Eastern European and NIS ( I). Volunteer country sts (ATUSA). F internships ventral Asian region. Senior special education adviser (Habitat for Humanity). CEELI law related opportunities in

19 countries throughout the world. GFA medical public health staff and shortterm consultants. International Medical Corps (IMC). Global Classroom Inc. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overst mployment. All positions require a minimum of an ESL/EFL certificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. Peace Corps—Foresters, parks and wildlife, environmental education and awareness, crop extension, soil science, agriculture education, agriculture economics and farm management, small animal husbandry, large animal husbandry, water and sanitation engineering, urban planning, business management. Cooperatives, accounting.

URGENT NEEDS BAHAMAS—Need self-supporting coule to serve as caretakers for the

‘ational Center.

BELIZE—Couple or individual to serve

as caretaker for Baha’{ Center in Bel mopan, national capital.

COSTA RICA—Full-time service for

6-12 months for Spanish-speaking, self supporting (preferred) youth to work

with Baha’i Youth Workshop.

EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS—

Custodian/Caretakers (independent

means).

HONDURAS—Elementary and sec ondary school teachers.

MACAU—The School of Nations needs

qualified kindergarten, primary and sec ondary teachers.

SAMOA—Full-time caretakers for

House of Worship with extensive practi cal skills (e.g. building maintenance,

gardening, etc.); prefer those with indendent means.

OLOMON Ur ate Nea a ing couple to serve as Custodians of the

Baha’i Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff. ‘TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS— Great need for medical personnel including family physicians with a variety of specialties, internist, obstetrician, health care service manager, clerical officer, biomedical technician and medical records officer. VENEZUELA—Self-supporting couple AGrctesable) to serve as caretakers of the

aha’f National Center and assistants to the National Assembly secretary. WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS— Custodian/caretakers (independent means).

For additional i tact the Office of Pior National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail y

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

Forest Grove, Oregon, danger of losing its Assembly and is calling for homefront pioneers. We conduct children’s classes, devotionals, public

meetings, firesides, deepenings and regu‘easts. We annually present a World Citizenship Award to a graduating Forest Grove High School student. Our town is the home of Pacific University, which offers traditional programs as well as degrees in physical therapy, psychology and optometry. High-tech industries are a major area employer, and agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy. Near Portland, we are midway between the majestic Pacific Coast and the Cascade Range. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Forest Grove, P.O. Forest Grove, OR 97116.

ox 332,

Wanted: Written material and photos for teaching pamphlets in Spanish and English, planned by the Literature Committee of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Southern States and the Latin Committee for South Florida. Topics are intended to catch the initial interest of many Hispanic people, and may include the ase erica of traditional Latin values to the American Baha’i community, the importance of the family, the role of women in the Baha’i community, characteristics of Baha’{ marriage, the importance of educating children, the Baha'i attitude on alcohol and illegal drugs, how the Baha’ Faith is organized, the importance of prayer and meditation, unity in diversity, and the importance of being an example. Contact the Latin Committee for South Florida (phone 954-452-8594 or 954-458-9955).

YOUTH

A Baha’{ Youth Service Corps volunteer is needed for the Baba’i Center secretariat in New York City. Will work closely with staff of ’s office, do clerical work and assist with visitors and various projects. The community is large, very diverse, lively and active. Many opportunities to assist with growth of the

aith and innovative community development work. There will be a small stipend and possible assistance with living arrangements. The center is in the heart of Greenwich Village and New York University; it is a vibrant, interesting area with many yoIne People All applicants should contact Hillary Chapman at the secretary's office (phone 212-674-8998, e-mail »

‘The National Baha’f Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Esther Chapin, Milton Cha in, Celilia Anne Chapman, Edith M. Chapman, Emily Chavous, Elizabeth Cheney and John Childs. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian's letters is asked to contact the National Baha’f Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Baha’is have been peer by the National Baha’i Archives for local communities to use in Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special events observances. There is also a partial chronology of U.S. race unity activities. Any community wishing a set of these fea is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central Street, Evanston IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i ¢ CLASSIFIED

page 29 [Page 30]

IN°MEMORIAM

Grace Dean served in Latin America

race Dean, in her more than three decades of pioneering, is -membered as a woman of “with

mn and steadfast courage” who cherished serving among the indigenous peoples of Central America and Mexi

She passed to the Abhi Kingdom on September 4, 1998, three months after ill health forced her to return to live with her family in Ohio.

Catherine Grace Dean was born Dec. 21, 1913. She earned a bachelor’s degre: social studies, was trained as a fire safety ist and certified to teach elementary

In 1951, Grace became a Baha her knowledge of Spanish, s! aged to considet America, wher

Soon she fulfilled her desire to serve, settling in Honduras in May 1958 during the Ten Year Crusade. She loved working with the indigenous people of Honduras and spent much time in the vicinity of La Ceiba.

Unfortunately, Grace’s health would s affect her ability to remain overseas and in May 1969 she had to return to ite United States.

Never able to remain here for long, Grace settled in Panama in July 1971 until July 1974. Her work with the Guaymi people greatly benefited the growth of the ‘aith in that community. Once ag health matters required her return to the United States.

Undaunted, in 1979, Grace proceeded to Mexico where she remained for a decade.

She then moved to Belize in 1989, stay

h in Latin

rving the Fai e there were many needs.

A message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Belize and the United States: Deeply saddened news passing esteemed pioneer teacher Grace Dean. Her heroic work over period four decades in Honduras, Panama, Mexico and Belize was marked by sacrificial detachment and self-effacing service in remote regions, especially among the Garifunas, the Guaymis and the Mayans. The modesty and courage of such a life provide an enduring example of devotion to the needs of the world's poor and downtrodden. Praying Holy Shrines that richly abundant rewards may bless her noble soul. Urge holding of memorial meetings in countries

where she rendered pioneer services.

—The Universal House of Justice

ing there until she had to return to Ohio this year. The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize recently wrote to her family, “We know Grace as a strong, and strong-willed woman, who with daundess determination and steadfast courage, laid her mark on many communities and individuals in a number of countries. Her hallmark was that she cared for people, and always looked fora way to serve them. Her greatest gift, in our minds, was that she carried and offered the name of the Glory of God, Baha'u'llah, with her as a precious gift. She always looked for a way to raise people’ ciousness as to the reality and truth of w Day. Her perception she could h

d answer the needs in

people’s hearts with knowledge and wisdom, even when suffering with poor health and pain. She always looked for ways to solace and serve people, and in this regard she was able to use her skills as a teacher to raise up both children and adults to literacy and competencies so that they could take more responsi own needs. “Grace preferred the company of hum

ity to care for their

ble people, and was hers cared little for the mat Her joy was to walk on jungle paths and with people in their homes, to share any meager bit of food with them, and to tie up her hammock and sleep in their welcoming homes. It was under such conditions that she took the message of the Bahai teachings of the unity of mankind and the oneness of God, to hun elf a person who pleasures of life.

dreds of people, and it is for this work that she will be remembered and loved in the Baha’ Faith.”

In June of this year, Grace came home to Ohio, where her beloved niece Barbara Kerwood cared for her needs. We are deeply grateful for the loving support given Grace by her family in her last days.

Throughout all the s, Grace expressed her love of the indigenous peoples, wherever she encountered them. We will miss Grace, but we know that now her spirit is able to assist the devoted efforts of these friends in a very different way.

We pray for the progress of her blessed soul in all the worlds of God.

Submitted by the Office of Pioneering @

‘Scatter’ Jones answered Five Year Plan pioneering call

John Charles “ July 24, 1998,

Mr: Jones w ana, on Dec

ter” Jones passed away n his home. He was 77.

porn in Indianapolis, Indi10, 1920. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he met and mar

ried Virginia Hope Nichols.

Early in 1977, the Jor expressed their ire to pioneer. By November of that the whole family arrived in the as, fulfilling goals of the Five Year

Plan and initiating 16 years of pioneer ser: vice to that community. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the sacrifice and devotion that John and his family offered in service to our beloved Cause. #

Li Loni L. Barrows La Junta, CO August 22, 1998

Geneva Barry Indian Valley, ID March 30, 1998

May 7, 1998

Grace Dean Columbus, OH September 4, 1998

June 29, 1998

Doris B. Cheatham Gary Harless Johnny Marino Columbus, OH. Mount Carmel, TN. California September 1, 1998 August 19, 1998 July 11, 1998

IN MEMORIAM

Ghodsieh Khoshbin Webster, TX April 1998

Phyllis Erdmann Hartford City, IN January 10, 1998

Alberta Lewis Batesburg, SC May 29, 1998

Cinci

Logan Black Hawk Ralph L. Ludie Stacy Carter Grunwaldt Doris Lichtig Erich Paul Reich Smith (Collier) Woodland, WA Clemson, SC Sepulveda, CA Portland, OR Merced, CA

July 19, 1998

Justin V, Bushey Dunbar Hall Alice V. Lovejoy Brian Rochat Mark Williams Duluth, MN Mathews, LA Fallbrook, CA Walla Walla, WA Seattle, WA July 30, 1998 January 15, 1998 July 19, 1998 July 27, 1998 July 1998

Bertha Oldman Wind River Reservation, WY September 14, 1998

Richard O. Powell Sr.

June 22, 1998

September 4, 1998

Bita Rouhani Los Angeles, CA July 28, 1998

Dorothy Schuster Reno, NV August 24, 1998

Ella Sitianus Fort Wayne, IN August 14, 1998

i, OH

July 24, 198

Frederick H. Zeigler Peoria, IL August 10, 1998

0.Z. Whitehead served on Irish National Assembly

.Z. (Zebby) Whitehead, 87, American film, stage and television actor, passed

away on July 29, 1998, in Dublin, Ireland. He had been ill with cancer.

Whitehead was born in New York state on March 1, 1911. He was a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and the American Foundation of ‘Television and Radio Actors and has a total of 29 film credits from 1935 to 1981.

He appeared on stage with Katherine Hepburn and the Gish sisters. His first film role was in the 1935 production of The Scoundrel.

He played Al in John Ford’s 1940 film The Grapes of Wrath, starring Henry Fonda, and in Ford’s 1962 production The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Ford once told him, “Zebby, I think it is good luck to have you in my films.”

O.Z. had a character part as ProOddly the 1948 film 4 Song Is Born, starring Danny Kaye. In 1981, he played the Bishop of Durham in The Lion in Winter.

In 1951, O.Z. embraced the Baha’f Faith. In 1963, he arose to pioneer to Ireland, where he remained until

fesse

his passing, laying his bones to rest at his post. In 1972, he was elected to the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of Ireland, on which he served until 1987. It was in Ireland that O.Z. sponsored an annual

playwriting competition.

O.Z. Whitehead wrote books and essays on the Baha’s Faith, including Some Bahd’is to Remember and Some Early Babd’is of the West, as well as books from the film and stage, telus a biography of the

Hh wrote: “I met Zebby in Hollywood where I was a struggling young actor, in 1961. He lovingly and patiently taught me the Baha’ nd quite literally changed the direction of my life. He will be dearly missed.” #

h

page 30

THE AMERICAN BAA’ ¢ IN MEMORIAM

October 16, 1998 [Page 31]ECONOMIC I

-20, 1998 * Clarion Plaza Hotel

1998 CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & pcan

“Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on exigencies and requirements.” Gleanings from

the Writings of Bahd'ullab, p. 213. .

nent with a minimum of lectures.

FEATURED GUEST Pierre J. Beemans, Vice President, Corporate Services for the International Development Research Centre, Canada

contact with individuals who can potenti

Program Environ

ent, and Rural Development, Bi

Duhart (Chile), Arini Beaumaris (Canada),

Wi Nase is (US), Eloy Anello (Bol

Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (US), Hassan Abdel Fattah Sabri (UK), Michael Horton (Bahamas), Kenneth Bowers (US {a programs coordinated by J ammer, the Van Gilmer

RRE J. BEEMANS, NADA

hv er

K Adults: $109 * Youth 15-20 years: $69 * C

r general information call 407-740-5415

HOTEL/AIRLINE GROUP RATE INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando $47 per night (up to 4 persons).

Limited availability; call promptly: 800. or 407-354-1703

Airfare Discounts from American Travel Consultants

Call 800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-354-1703) File 115179A

SLOPMENT FOR THE

Orlando, Florida

THEME: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS Representatives and program participants invited from 200 Baha’ projects, Institutions/agencies and Baha’j-inspired organizations from 27 countries.

‘The conference is designed to fit the needs of practitioners of social and economic development as nd to help participants offer their ideas in a di ’9 quote from the Baha'i World Center Office

‘conomic Development in its letter to the Rabbani Trust dated March 23, 1997:

gather together t to share informa ation and Capea - both challenges and succe:

ly be of assistanc learn about principles and practice of Bahd'i social and economic development

include Advanced Concepts in Developme: ess, Education, Health, Indigenous Peopl

and Human Rights, Peoples of African Descent and Race Unity

dren & Junior Youth 3-14 years: $49 © Please add $19, if possible, to assist with scholarships Add $20 if you register after Nov. 20 * No refunds for “no-shows” * All cancellations subject to a $20 cancellation fee Mail check (in U.S. dollars) to: RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST ¢ 2693 W. FAIRBANKS AVENUE, SUITE A ¢ WINTER PARK, FLORIDA 32789

Ovauntatlentecmsye sory, speci

Use the form below to respond by mail.

“RESPONSE ~

Pay OnNs RNATIONAL "TEACHING TRIP

achievement of traveling the Office of Pioinformation on all nd international trips und the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardle: whether your trip for service to the Faith or was bined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

ogue-evoking atmospher

aith and current thought

ulture,

Justice

\dvancement of Women, A

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St anston, IL, 60201 (phone 847-733-3511, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

)

Use the form below to respond by mail.

Special information:

Names and ID numbers of all Baha’fs h trip

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October 16, 1998

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE page 31

[Page 32]*PERSIAN®

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THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * PERSIAN page 33 [Page 34]

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page 34 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * PERSIAN

October 16, 1998 [Page 35]

Be of the Northwest Territory of Canada released a spoken-word compact disk of the Writings translated into the Innuinaqtun language to all the people of Cambridge Bay at the community’s Music and Arts Festival July 11. The disc, titled O Paniuyubi Irniuyubilu Atanguvium (O Ye Daughters and Sons of the Kingdom), was presented in a sealskin wrapping to an elder representing all the elders in Cambridge Bay, an Arctic community of about 1,200 on southern Victoria The recipient thanked the for coming back to the area.

a © Thailand: The Santitham Vidyakhom School became the pride of Thailand’s Bahai community by winning second place in the Department of Education’s King’s Award in the country’s northeastIn the contest, Santitham was compared with more than 2,000 schools in eight provinces. One district education officer said, think Santitham is leading the way in preparing students to fit community.”

ern region.

n with a more global

YOUTH

¢ Ukraine: The “Foc

seminar in July at Illichevsk, on the shore of the Black Sea, attracted 67 youths who used the event as training for teaching projects planned in Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Sessions included discussions on small-group teaching, youth groups, what the Baha’i

h is, and organizing a fireside.

During the event, Baha’is spoke about how the physical world is a vehicle for ritual growth, emphasized that ings of Baha'u'llah show respect for the sacred, and offered the selections ngs as a gift to the people of Cambridge Bay

About 360 CDs were given out to families in the community. As the festival closed for the day and people received their gifts, the translation of a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Baha’is of Canada and Greenland was played for all to hear.

‘The translation project took 2 1/2 years. Originally the National Spiritual

Assembly had thought the translation of the Writings and prayers would be pubed as a book, according to a report. ‘After consultation, the local Baha observed that cassette tape recorders were popular among the older generation of Innuinaqtun speakers and a large number of youth listen to compact disks,” the National Assembly reported. “Since the spoken language is understood by all, the Baha’é group decided to forgo publishing a book and opted to make the Writin, available on CD and cassette tape recordings. This, we believe, is a historic development.” #

The Most Holy Book

At the Baha’i National Convention in Malaysia, Counselor Rosalie Tran receives the Tamil translation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas from translator S. Nagaratnam on behalf of the Universal House of Justice. Photo courtesy of Baha'i International News Service

BUSINESS, continuep From PAGE 16

ecco

few isolated souls have grown into a swelling chorus reaching the hearing and light of mainstream media attention calling for a spiritual transformation of business. Sustainable development h become a worldwide unifying principle, even if not understood or defined in universally common terms.

Dorothy A. Marcie: Not much. We as Baha’is often see that, and I see that as one of our jobs as Baha’fs to gently educate on this concept.

“Sustainable development has become a worldwide unifying principle, even not (universally) understood or defined.”

—Steven C. Hall, Unionville, Connecticut

—_—

eoce

Colombia: Teaching campaigns carried out over the summer in 14 of the

country’s 32 departments brought more than 1,400 new friends into the Faith— 622 of them among the Wayt people in La Guajira region. “A total of 41 communitiés and 150 tea achers, including many youth participants in the institute study circles, enthusiastically took part,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported. “Among the additional achievements of this campaign was the establishment of study and children’s classes in the majority of communities.”

United Kingdom: More than 200

Baha’is from all over Ireland gathered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Bahai Faith in the British Isles. The names of early believers were presented at the beginning of the ceremony, then a history of the Faith in Northern Ireland, followed by a discussion on making the healing Message of Baha’u’llah more widely known in that region.

Mali: A conference for Baha’i women

who live in the Sahel—the southern fringe of the Sahara Desert—ended up in the ching of an “important movement” of capable women, a report from the Continental Board of Counselors stated. By the end of the conference, seven teaching projects had been planned and groups of women became determined to put them in practice. Most of the conference’ focus was on teaching the Faith—and a public meeting attracted about 75 people—but workshops also were held on Baha’i marriage. The more than 40 participants came from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

eecccccccccoce

What can Baha’i business people do (perhaps through an organization of Baha’i business people) to foster that catalytic role (i.e. assist the exploration of these issues, influence the profession’s evolution, encourage young

people to enter the field)?

Steven C. Hall: As individuals we must become aware of the spirituality movement and share with others on r paths and contribute to the dision. We can examine our own attitudes and behaviors and improve ourselves and become examples in our own business lives. We need to link with other Baha’ inspired organizations and learn from each other.

I am glad to see the BBFA (Baha’i Business Forum for the Americas) begin to emerge. I would urge its board to carefully examine how to integrate its goals and missions with those of the EBBF (in Europe), which has a number of American members.

Dan Caldwell: Learning to develop the art of influence. Too often Baha’is try to push when they should be pulling.

For example, over a period of five years I have been able to influence our corporate culture toward reducing pollution, not because it is a good thing to

do but because it makes good business sense. In five years we’ve reduced waste disposal costs by 75 percent and increased recycling income by over 1,000 percent, greatly contributing to the bottom line and in the process becoming a good corporate and world en—with the added benefit that the employees now incorporate the same habits they’ve developed at work in their own households.

Carl C. Ewing: We could be seen as an active force in the promotion of better business practices and service. To do. this, some sort of organization could be organized (Baha’i Business Forum for the Americas or other) to draw up a code of ethics, for example, and then agree to adhere to them in the interest of making an impact.

Dorothy A. Marcic: Through one or more organizations (there may be room for several of different foci), through presentations at professional meetings,

writing books and articles, lecture circuits for companies, encouraging young people to enter the field or encourage them to be academics and influence prebusiness people, and to work to bring ee ideas about business from vari

Doustes McAdam: I’ain not too sure there is a problem in application of the ‘Teachings in business. It all seems similar to any relationships we have.

If we could see that each negative situation that arises, whether in business or in other relationships, is signalizing the fact that a latent, undeveloped and unapplied virtue is lacking, we could really make quite a difference.

If we practice morals and ethics to such a high degree that it will become dramatically outstanding it will do a lot of teaching in business. If we show respect, dignity, courteousness, tact, wisdom, etc., then it will be spiritually infectious to others. #

October 16, 1998

fax 408-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’{ National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Baha’f schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha’{ School, phone 408-423-3387; Green Acre Baha’i School, phone

Louis G. Gregory Bahi'f mail $20-521-1063; e-mail

207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail

School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9136; eNative American Baha’i Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax

Louhelen Baha'i

23-25: Two programs at’Green Acre: U.N. Day Weekend and “Establishing Training Institutes: A ‘Training Intensive.”

23-25: Institute for Young Women at Louhelen.

23-25: MusicFest and Auction Weekend at Bosch. Concert on Saturday night.

23-26: Parent Facilitator Training at Louhelen. Trainees will meet for a second session Jan. 29-31.

24: “Pupil of the Eye” at Louhelen.

29-Nov. 1: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institutes at Green Acre, Contact National Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508).

30-Nov. 1: “The Station and Claim of Baha’u’llah” at Bosch.

30-Nov. 1: Two sessions at Green Acre: “Don’t Yell at Your Watchman: Seeing the End in the Beginning” and Junior Youth Session on tests (for grades 7-9; parent or sponsor must accompany attendees).

30-Nov. 1: College Club Weekend at Louhelen.

30-Nov. 1: “The Source of Unity” at Louhelen.

6-8: Youth Eagle Institute Louhelen.

6-8: Training In: at Bosch: “Fundamental Veri ties of the Baha’i Faith: Becoming Teachers of the Cause.” No registration fee; referral and attendance at three sessions required. See story on page 13.

6-8; Wisconsin Family Weekend, Brownsville, WI. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI (phone 414-338-3023 or 414-338-3389).

13-15: “Healing and Integrating Women’s and Men’s Hearts: A Fuller Understanding of Baha’i Mystical Theology” at Bosch.

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

‘ILM/KNOWLEDGE « B.E. 155

14-15: Baha'i One World Choir and Concert in Canton, OH, sponsored by Assembly of Kent. Contact Barbara Baumgartner, Solon OH 44139 (phone 440-248-7817, e-mail ).

19-22: “Two Wings” Regional Training Seminar at Green Acre, conducted by National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men.

20-22: “Preparation for Marriage: A Course for Single Adults” at Louhelen.

20-22: Royal Falcon Baha'i School at Pensacola Beach, FL. Registrar: Penny Sebastiani, P.O. Box 2110, Robertsdale, AL 36567; information, Carol Payne (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail .

21-24: Children’s Academy for grades 4-6 at Bosch.

26-29: Menucha Baha’i School, east of Portland, OR. Registrar/information c/o. Portland, OR 97213 (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail

be 26-29: Florida Baha’i School, Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach, FL. Registrar/information: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-9421844, fax 954-946-9299, e-mail ). 26-29: Washington, D.C. Thanksgiving Baha’i Youth Conference, Fairview Marriott, Falls Church, VA. “Our Date with Destiny: What Role Will You Play?” For information phone 703-218-5358, e-mail or see the Web site (www-bahaiyouth.org). 27-29: Divine Art of Living conference in San Diego, CA. Sessions in English and Persian on eliminating racism and promoting racial unity. For details contact the Assembly of San Diego c/o 619-755-7623. 27-29: “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue: Meeting the Challenge With Honor” at Green Acre. 27-29: “Issues for Youth in Today’s World,” training conference for youth ages 15 and up at Bosch.

4-6: “Shoghi Effendi’s Louhelen.

11-13: “Apostles Training Academy”: Institute for high school youth (grades 10-12) at Green Acre. Application must be submitted by Nov. 16.

18-20: Wilmette Institute course on Islam at Bosch.

24-27: Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference and Grand Canyon Youth Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, AZ. Theme: “Race Unity: Rising to the Spiritual Challenge,” with workshops on using the power of race unity for teaching and unifying the community. Dramatic and musical performances. Registrar/information: Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, TAZ 85068-9961 (phone 602922-1919). Hotel reservations: 800-233-1234.

26-29: Montana Youth Rendezvous, Great Falls, MT. Register c/o Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526). More inform: E-mail Kay Maloney ( ) or see the Web site (www.nvdi.com/mtbahai/mbs/).

27-Jan. 1: Winter School at Louhelen.

27-Jan. 1: College Institute at Bosch.

‘orld Order of Baha’wllah” ar

27-Jan. 1: Grassroots Education Conference at Bosch. 30-Jan. 3: Winter School at Bosch: “Glimpses of

Most Vital and Challenging Issue in ‘Today's World.”

_ REGIONAL SCHOOLS See page 15 for more details on regional Baha’i school fall and winter sessions.

Chalice Johnson

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D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

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[E10 household receives only fone copy of The American Baha'i. receive my own ope libare' Vasa ae TO number and address above.

THE AMERICAN BAHA‘’I