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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

OCTOBER 16, 1998 •••••••••• ‘ILM/KNOWLEDGE BAHÁ’Í ERA 155

VOLUME 29, NO. 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

BY TOM MENNILLO

Need real-life examples of systematic teaching efforts such as the Universal House of Justice urged in the Ridván 155 message?

Look no further than the Bahá’ís of the Seattle, Washington area. Teaching has been persistent, cooperative, focused on lasting friendship, and attentive to the needs of seekers.

The results:

• Snohomish County Southwest: In each recent year, 10–12 area residents have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Within an extraordinary two weeks in early September, eight people chose to enter the Faith. The hub of teaching in this area about 20 miles north of Seattle is a monthly dinner fireside ...

SEE WASHINGTON, PAGE 21

California effort is marked by service, collaboration

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

Thirty-two people have enrolled in the Faith in the past two years, as five communities collaborate for teaching and service in the coastal area of northern San Diego County, California.

In addition, several hundred people have attended programs at the Oceanside Bahá’í Center since it opened its doors to the public in June 1996.

“Perhaps the greatest achievement has been the love and respect developed between the sister Assemblies and fellow Bahá’ís, not to mention the desire to work together on a cooperative basis to promote the Cause,” said a member of the Inter-Assembly Committee for Teaching (I-ACT) that ...

SEE OCEANSIDE, PAGE 22

Suppression of Faith rises in Iran

2 death sentences confirmed; dozens of teachers arrested

Court confirmation of death sentences against two Iranian Bahá’ís and a series of 32 arrests aimed at closing down the Bahá’í “Open University” in Iran brought fresh condemnations from the U.S. government against the suppression of the Bahá’í community in the country of its birth.

These developments came a little over two months after Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani, a Bahá’í from Mashhad who was a father of four, was executed on a disputed charge and changing pretexts.

The U.S. State Department confirmed on Oct. 1 that the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad had upheld the death sentences of Mr. Sirus Zabihi Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat Kashefi Najafabadi, who had been arrested in 1997 for conducting Bahá’í family life classes and thereby violating a ban on Bahá’í religious 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...

SEE IRAN, PAGE 27

GREEN LAKE MOMENTS

Peter Khan (above), member of the Universal House of Justice, addresses the Green Lake Bahá’í 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

I·N·S·I·D·E

• BUD BILLIKEN PAGE 5
• BIRMINGHAM OUTREACH PAGE 24
• INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 35
• COMMENTARY/LETTERS • 4
• CARTA A LOS AMIGOS • 12
• KID’S CORNER • 17
• CLASSIFIED • 28–29
• IN MEMORIAM • 30
• PERSIAN PAGES • 32–34

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

E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S

“Pray to God that He may strengthen you in divine virtue, so that you may be as angels in the world. ...”

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 2]

Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

A Bahá’í 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)

Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, the Báb, was born in Shíráz, Persia, in 1819. A beautiful Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in honor of the anniversary of the Báb’s birth can be found on page 234 of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.

•Further study: Citadel of Faith, p. 81; God Passes By, p. 57; and Some Answered Questions, p. 69

Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

A Bahá’í Holy Day • Observed between sundown Nov. 11 and sundown Nov. 12 • Work should be suspended

Mírzá Husayn-’Alí, Bahá’u’lláh, was born in Tehran, Persia, in 1817. 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 a true blessing and a bounty from God to those who believe in Him and accept His Revelation." (Shoghi Effendi, Light of Divine Guidance Vol.1, p. 45)

Further study: God Passes By; Letters of the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, p. 41

Day of the Covenant

A Bahá’í Holy Day Observed between sundown Nov. 25 and sundown Nov. 26 •Work is not suspended

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the Bahá’ís 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 Báb, exclusively associated with Him. But as the Bahá’ís 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-Bahá, p. 523)

Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A Bahá’í Holy Day •Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m. •Work is not suspended

"It is clear how that most dire of calamities, that most great disaster which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, may our souls be sacrificed for His meekness, has set our hearts on fire and dissolved our very limbs and members in grief. Darkness settled 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 songs, and the sweet and holy melodies of the immortal dove are hushed." (Shoghi Effendi, Babiyyib Khánum, 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 anniversaries 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) ✦

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

TAKOR BUCK, a 12-year-old Bahá’í from Decatur, Illinois, earned a silver medal in sparring and a bronze medal in kata in the 11-13 advanced belts division in Illinois' Prairie State Games June 27 at the University of Southern Illinois at Edwardsville.

ELIZABETH EUTSLER, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í from Cedar Park, Texas, received an "All A" award from her school, recognizing her achievement of earning all A's all through elementary school.

JAMÁL ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN, a Bahá’í and senior at Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois, was recently awarded the Ruth Wesserman Scholarship, which provides for a three-week summer course at the Chicago Art Institute.

KAMRAN MOUZOON, a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í who is a mathematics instructor at the Athens 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 leadership in teaching.

RUSSELL WEST, a 16-year-old Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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.

October 16, 1998 THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ http://tab.usbnc.org

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Bahá’í National Center 847.869.9039

Managing Editor/Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Production Support Ramzia Duszynski

Contributors James W. Andrews, Ken Duszynski, Glen Egli, Virginia Healy, June Hippchen, Richard Kendell, Edward Phillips, Lisa N. Puzon, Kathleen C. Russell, Paul Slaughter, Jerry Sjoberg, Katrina Sjoberg, Heidi Unterschuetz, George C. Via, Melina Yeganeh, Nicole Zamir

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís 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 Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith.

ARTICLES should be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length.

PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white 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 self-addressed envelope.

DEADLINES for upcoming issues: Oct. 21 for the issue dated Nov. 23 Nov. 25 for the issue dated Dec. 31

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Baba'i, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611

1998 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum for her 88th birthday and received the following response, dated Aug. 15, 1998, which should thrill the heart of every American Bahá’í.

The beautiful plant you sent me with such loving greetings and assurance of your prayers touched me very much and was deeply appreciated. The plant is flourishing in my 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 affection 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-Bahá personally showered on the Great Republic of the West, and how distinguished the services of the American Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís.

With warmest Bahá’í love, Rúhíyyih ♦

WLGI helps neighbors weather a hurricane

Many coastal Carolinians had a "source for information and inspiration" during the overnight onslaught of Hurricane Bonnie on Aug. 25–26, as WLGI Radio Bahá’í kept broadcasting all night from its new, permanent facilities.

Situated about 25 miles inland near Hemingway, South Carolina, Radio Bahá’í in past years had to sign off and evacuate its studios when hurricanes threatened, "as we were broadcasting 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."

The Hemingway area itself didn’t face hurricane-force winds. But in their new building near Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, WLGI staff—Cohen, Ernest Hilton and youth volunteer Katie 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 WLGI’s listeners live. "Even though Hurricane Hugo had visited 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 progress, doing live interviews with television meteorologists and local disaster officials who were more than willing to help us inform our listeners, and most importantly, sharing passages from the Sacred Writings, prayers for protection, and playing inspirational music to help our 'family' ride out the storm."

One woman called afterward to say the broadcast had "gotten her home safely" from Myrtle Beach and that she "didn’t think she could have made it without us."

"When the storm had passed, we were weary but elated that we had been able to serve the community," Cohen said. "Since then, we have had many people say that they listened to us all night and that we were their source for information and inspiration during the storm."

American Indian teaching to get new boost

Teaching among American Indians will reach new levels of effectiveness and coordination, according to the far-reaching plans submitted by the American Indian Teaching Committee to the National Spiritual Assembly at its September meeting.

The committee drew up a 29-point proposal for tapping the potential for vastly expanded enrollment. It includes plans both for American Indians in general and for those served by each of the four Regional Bahá’í Councils. The sweeping 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 Bahá’í Councils through the Regional Task Forces the committee has established. All four Regional Councils have met or will meet with the AITC.

Covenant-breakers' materials to be shunned

FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

From 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 Covenant-breakers is not forbidden to the believers and does not constitute in itself an act of Covenant-breaking. Indeed, some of the Bahá’ís have the unpleasant duty to read such literature as part of their responsibilities for protecting the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. However, the friends are warned in the strongest terms against reading such literature because Covenant-breaking is a spiritual poison and the calumnies and distortions of the truth which the Covenant-breakers give out are such that they can undermine the faith of the believer and plant seeds of doubt unless he is forearmed with an unshakeable belief in Bahá’u’lláh 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 Covenant-breakers have sometimes attempted to disrupt efforts by the friends to teach the Faith online. In such cases, the National Assembly has referred the friends to the following guidance from the Supreme Body:

"The Universal House of Justice feels that, when Bahá’ís are teaching in an 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)

On occasion, individual believers have received mail from Covenant-breakers. 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 Protection. 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: 157 September 1998: 132 Since May 1, 1998: 701

THE FUND

May 1–August 31, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer Received since May 1, 1998: $5,006,947 Goal for entire year: $27,000,000 18.5% of year’s goal was met 33% of fiscal year has passed April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds Arc Projects Fund: $536,443 International Bahá’í Fund: $246,625 The two amounts above add up to 16% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 26%) Continental Bahá’í Fund: $70,100 1.4% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%) Other contributions: $187,208

Total revenues and expenses at Bahá’í National Center May 1–August 31, 1998 Revenues: $6,739,788 Expenses: $6,516,278

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

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

RASHID'S STORY

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

The POWER of Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’í and what Ridván 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 Ridván. 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 Ridván?"

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 Bahá’í to print it.

Rashid learned of the Faith when the Bahá’ís of Bethlehem hosted a special dinner during Ayyam-i-Há at the shelter where Rashid was living temporarily. Serious medical problems had left him homeless in this town an hour's drive from his native 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.

When he heard the reading of a Bahá’í prayer before the meal, he was instantly attracted and, like a moth to a flame, drew near until he became consumed with the love of Bahá’u’lláh. Once he secured an apartment, he contacted the Bahá’ís and soon declared his faith.

I became a member of this Faith a few weeks before Ridván. And on the first day of Ridván I was asked to write on this day which Bahá’u’lláh has called the Day of Supreme Felicity. I ask that God guide my pen, as I feel unworthy yet grateful of the task.

Firstly, I'd like to say something about Rashid. Like Job, my life has been many many tests, culminating in my acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh and this glorious Faith. As I said, the 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 rusty. As a result of friction, however, it produces heat, its surface becomes shiny and, by increasing the force of friction, it can become even a luminous body. But only pressure from without will cause the characteristics which are latent within the iron to be manifested. Similarly, within a human being there are many 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." -Rashid, a new Bahá’í

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 Ridván, 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 senses of man are made manifest.

My personal experience of Ridván 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 I can give it back and expect nothing in return. I can hear the songbirds and almost make out their daily 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 establishment of a world-embracing divine civilization for mankind. The Kingdom of God on Earth is at hand.

Article brings memories of South Dakota pioneer

To the Editors:

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

Shortly after the Assembly was established, we looked over that vast prairie plain of South Dakota and wondered how we would ever spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. However, 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.

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-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh 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 manager chose. We had that program for a long time. I'm sure it helped us scattering 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 Bahá’í organizations 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. Likewise, an unmarried couple in a companionate relationship or an alcohol user would be inappropriate...."

I find there is a preference for Bahá’í students at the University of Michigan among off-campus 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 Bahá’í principles in practice is truly heartening.

Violet Wuerfel Clark Highland Park, Michigan [Page 5]"O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education, p. 41

KEY TO FUND GIVING: IT'S THE SACRIFICE

Our beloved Guardian reminded us that it is the degree of sacrifice and not the amount that matters when we give to the Bahá’í Funds:

"As to the idea of 'giving what one can afford'; this does by no means put a limit or even exclude the possibility of self-sacrifice. There can be no limit to one's contributions to the national fund. The more one can give the better it is, especially when such offerings necessitate the sacrifice of 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 Bahá’í Funds apply to one's efforts to perform heroic deeds of service to the Cause?

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

COLLEGE CLUB WEEKEND AT LOUHELEN!!

Make your College Club part of a united network of Bahá’í college students regionally and across the country. The session focuses on mobilization of fresh approaches to teaching and serving on campus.

Oct. 30–Nov. 1: Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, MI phone 810-653-5033 fax 810-653-7181 e-mail

YOUTH. TO THE STREETS, TO THE NATION

Bud Billiken Parade sends Bahá’í message to 48 million on TV

BY NICOLE ZAMIR

It was 4:30 a.m. Aug. 9 when members of the Bud Billiken Float Task Force met up to make sure everything was ready. This was the third time the Bahá’ís would participate in the largest African-American parade in the country.

This year the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago would be on national television. 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 Teaching Plan, the words "The Power of Race Unity" crowned the float atop a blazing sun, while the words "Let Thy Vision Be World Embracing—Bahá’u’lláh" and "The Bahá’í Faith" were scrolled along the bottom. Several pictures of the House of Worship in Wilmette were also highly visible.

A pair of MCs, Elarryo Bolden, 27, and Akwanza "Thumper" 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 800-22-UNITE number. They also passed out a list of follow-up events at the Chicago Bahá’í 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 them, and then when the float passed, answer more of their questions about "who they are" and the Bahá’í Faith.

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, Bahá’ís 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 of Chicago to gather in the spirit of racial harmony. The parade was spearheaded by David Kellum, a prominent African-American journalist and Chicago Bahá’í. 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 Bahá’ís passed by the bandstand.

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

Nicole Zamir is a teacher in Northbrook, Illinois. ♦

A TEXAS YOUTH HAPPENING

Dozens gather at the annual Touchstone Conference for youth, May 1-3 at Bastrop State Park in Central Texas. The retreat is organized especially for the deepening and spiritual recharging of youth.

VARIETY OF RESPONSE TO HEROIC DEEDS

Service to the Cause campaign, pledges for the Heroic Deeds of Service 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.usbnc.org).

To participate in this campaign, please contact the National Youth Committee, c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail). ♦ [Page 6]

Wave of teaching washes across Miami Beach

or almost 20 years, the Miami Beach, table set up in the heart of South Beach For 20 years, thy languished with a permit granted by the city. without a functioning Local Spiritual Assembly. A few Bahá’ís lived here and there, but meetings were rare.

Just before Ridván 154, Bahá’ís Farideh Paymani and George Via determined that, with a community of 11 believers, it was time to form an Assembly and con- duct a massive teaching campaign.

The result of the teaching that followed Assembly formation has been a number of declarations in a little over a year, plus the formation of a neighboring Assembly.

The most successful and consistent teaching project has been a teaching

Bahá’í seminar gains following at university

student-led seminar on the Bahá’í A faith at has been such a success at Northwestern University that the col- lege club there is working to make it a permanent course at the institution in Evanston, Illinois.

"Introduction to the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í students.

Peymani and Yazhari put together a syl- labus for the 10-week seminar using Peter Smith's A Short History of the Bahá’í Faith and Hatcher and Martin's The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í House of Wor- ship; 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 three-month permits are raffled off in a lottery, with 20 nonprofit reli- gious organizations applying for five permitted locations. The lottery began a year ago, and each drawing has seen the Bahá’í Faith end up with a permit.

For the first six months, the Bahá’í table was located in an upscale pedestrian mall where hundreds of people passed by and heard the glo- rious 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 Ridván. 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 develop- ment of the new believers has been assisted with the loving spiritual guid- ance of Auxiliary Board member Farah Guchani Rosenberg, whose tireless

THE YOUNG AND THE TIRELESS

efforts and many visits to deepen the new Bahá’ís are a welcome inspiration to the others in the community.

This handful of Bahá’ís has also met frequently with the mayor and City Commission, presenting peace state- ments and proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s message to them.

Mayor Neisen Kasdin—who attend- ed college in Evanston, Illinois, and is familiar with the Bahá’í House of Worship has high praise for the Bahá’ís, and when the permit lottery comes up, he lovingly refers to the Bahá’ís as "the real religion." -Submitted by George C. Via ✦

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.

Above, youths from the Dallas area (from left) Arash Yekrangi, Auzhand Zonozy and Shahriar Yekrangi celebrate their three months of ser- vice in Tanzania, Kenya and elsewhere in Africa. Photos courtesy of June Hippchen, Richmond, VA and Melina Yeganeh, Dallas, TX

the students," Yazhari wrote. "They

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

were full of questions."

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

The report added that the NU Bahá’í Club was indebted to Dr. Robert Stock- man, coordinator of the Research Office at the Bahá’í National Center for help- ing 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). ◆

columnist for a suburban edition of ticipate in the public service as a stand- AThe Orlando Sentinel newspaper by in case a pastor didn't show up. He 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 Bahá’í commu- nity in past months—told of Shirley Reichenbach, who was invited to par- told how she walked up to the podium and was all set to recite a Bahá’í 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 heav- en, 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 rev- erent, gentle and idealistic."

His column quoted two paragraphs from the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá begin- ning on page 101 of Bahá’í Prayers. He invited readers to request the full text of the prayer by mail, fax or e-mail. ◆ [Page 7]

Number of teaching stories spring from Illinois fair

the second-largest fair in Illinois, "From the moment we started to put political organization started to come by er showed her a piece of Bahá’í literature and said, "Wait! Look! They believe in I with 232,48 attendees coming from up the booth," said one of Wheaton's the Baha's booth frequently to chat, and said, " it was a teaching opportunity that the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís 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 extraordinary volunteer time, literature, display aids, financial assistance, announcements of upcoming Bahá’í events in the area, and "prayers upon prayers."

Holman, "the teaching began and it just and peacefulness around here." never seemed to stop."

Here are just a few of the abundant teaching stories.

• One man, studying the broad array of literature, was shocked when told the materials were all free and that Bahá’ís 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.

• A prize-winning painter spontaneously started to talk with Bahá’í children about her work, met other Bahá’ís working the booth, and later told the friends she had decided to make the Bahá’í House of Worship the subject for her next series of studies.

• One concerned mother was taking away the Bahá’í stickers given to her children, pointing out that her family was Christian. Just then another fairgoer showed her a piece of Bahá’í literature and said, "Wait! Look! They believe in • Staffers from the booth of a large

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 Báb. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County Northwest and the Virginia State Teaching Committee, it 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 Bahá’í Newsletter as saying, "This is the best teaching project I've ever attended. I think it was because our focus was different. In the past we concentrated on how many declarations we could get. This time we didn't worry about declarations. We worked on prayer and teaching."

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: ADDING TO THE COMMUNITY

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

Two of the new Bahá’ís are from India—a pre-med student and an undergraduate at University of South Carolina. One person was raised Bahá’í and has now decided to enroll. The fourth is a well-known local newscaster.

DEMING, NEW MEXICO: GETTING VISIBLE

More than a dozen visitors to the Great American Duck Races in Deming, New Mexico, stopped by the Bahá’í booth to discuss 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 was estimated at 25,000. The Bahá’í booth was in a wonderful location on the central circle, where it was readily seen.

The booth was a first for Luna County Bahá’ís, but plans are already being made for next year. ♦

A silent proclamation

BAHÁ’Í FAITH "THE EARTH IS BUT ONE COUNTRY AND MANKIND ITS CITIZENS." 770-565-8445

A marquee stands in front of a Bahá’í-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.

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.

Global teaching opportunities beckon

The Office of Pioneering keeps information about long- and short-term international teaching projects. Currently, we have information about opportunities 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 these specific teaching projects, 157 other countries have described their need for traveling teachers. If you are interested in serving internationally, please feel free to contact us at the addresses below.

CONFERENCES, SCHOOLS AND EVENTS

• Uganda: Special invitation to visit the Mother Temple of Africa in Kampala, Dec. 23-27. Following the special visit, the Regional Women's Conference will be held Dec. 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 Nov. 27-29 in Rosario.

• France: Celebration of the Centenary of the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith in France (1898-1998), Nov. 28-29 at Espace Austterlitz in Paris. The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyy-ih Khánum has graciously accepted to honor this Congress with her presence.

• India: Asian youth conference, Dec. 24-27.

• Japan: Association for Bahá’í Studies-Japan seventh annual Conference Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

• Netherlands: Second International Conference of the Environment Forum, Nov. 6-8 in de Port.

• Singapore: Fifth ASEAN Bahá’í Youth Conference, Dec. 17-21.

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 deepening institutes and Bahá’í 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

Bahá’í Youth Service Corps opportunities worldwide listed on page 8

Teaching Skills #7: Preparing a brief overview of the teachings

In an earlier article, it was discussed how individuals can improve their teaching skills by preparing a one- or two-sentence answer to the question "What is the Bahá’í Faith?" After a seeker has 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-Bahá's talks serve as a model for introducing the Teachings. Shoghi Effendi has encouraged us to study ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's talks as the Master's "method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be surpassed." (Deepening #137)

What was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's "method"? In His summaries of the Teachings, what did He talk about? Was there was a sequence to the principles He discussed? Did He first explain certain principles, such as the independent investigation of truth or the unity of mankind? Did other principles consistently appear later in His explanations? Were His talks simple, clear, logical, and well-organized? Did He use analogies and examples, especially from nature? By examining ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's talks, we can find answers to these questions and learn lessons for how we can more effectively give an overview of the Teachings.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá'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?

Extract from Raising the Call: The Individual and Effective Teaching (Palabra Publications, 1998). Used by permission of the author. ♦ [Page 8]

INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SERVICE CORPS OPPORTUNITIES

The enthusiastic services of Bahá’í youth are needed all over the United States and the world. The wide gamut of opportunity includes:

• Reaching the masses with the message of Bahá’u’lláh.
• Deepening new believers.
• Conducting children’s classes, youth classes and other educational activities.
• Assisting the administrative work of Bahá’í 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 country.
• Teaching fellow students and teachers.
• Many more.

In the document "Countries and Territories in Need of Pioneers and Traveling Teachers" from the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í institutions overseas and do not include the additional needs described in the above-mentioned document compiled at the Bahá’í World Center. (Primary languages in parentheses)

AFRICA

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

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/Bahá’í 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

AMERICAS

Alaska (English, indigenous languages): Several teaching projects and summer Alcan youth institute programs. Belize (English, Spanish, indigenous languages): Caretaker of Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community and assist with community development in the Brasilia-area favelas. Canada (English): The Maxwell International Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í activities in rural communities with full logistical and training support of the national and regional teaching committees. Many youth participants. El Salvador (Spanish): Variety of needs for volunteers at the Jamáliyyíh Bahá’í Institute, New Garden Bahá’í Institute, Badasht Institute or Ridván 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): Rúhíyyih 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 Anís Zunúzí 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 Furútan Project focuses on promoting the Cause among students and faculty of universities. Panama (Spanish): Project Muhájir, 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.

ASIA

Cambodia (Khmer, English, French): Coordinate movement of traveling teachers within Cambodia. Kazakhstan (Kazakh, Russian): Help the 200+ Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 projects. Mariana Islands (Chamorro, Carolinian, English): The Marianas Bahá’í School on Guam offers service opportunities for one or two youths as teachers’ aides in the non-profit school guided by the National Spiritual Assembly. Marshall Islands (Marshallese, English): Teaching, development and consolidation work, continuance of dance/drama workshops. Samoa (Samoan, English): Guide at the temple, work with children at the Montessori Bahá’í School near the temple, help organize displays and Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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): Muhájir Mass-Teaching Project. Belarus (Belorussian, Russian): Youth to serve at the National Office, preferably with computer skills, to staff Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í International Community in Paris. Iceland (Icelandic, English): Urgent need for experienced Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í International Community in Geneva and at the Bahá’í National Center in Berne. ♦ [Page 9]

Creating a Culture of Growth

The Four Year Plan $19.95 VT (ECCGN)

The Four Year Plan focuses the Bahá’í world on one overriding aim—advancing the process of the entry of humanity into the Cause by troops. Creating a Culture of Growth documents exemplary efforts of communities in each of the regions which were addressed in special messages from the Universal House of Justice at the start of the Four Year Plan. It provides an inspiring global vision of efforts to prepare for the next historic phase of the development of the Cause.

33 minutes Bahá’í International Community, Office of Public Information

A Love Which Does Not Wait

by Janet Ruhe-Schoen

HC $18.95 (LWDNWH)

In these, the stories of nine Bahá’ís eulogized by Shoghi Effendi as a “distinguished band of co-workers,” Janet Ruhe-Schoen captures the essence of their service and sacrifice to a Cause they loved so dearly. Through stories, anecdotes and personal correspondence, the author illustrates the exemplary characteristics of these early pioneers.

5 3/4”x8 3/4”, 341 pp. Palabra Publications

The Straight Path

(SP10) $4.00/10 pack

Excerpted from a message of the Universal House of Justice to a Bahá’í Unity Conference in Navajoland, this long out-of-print pamphlet has been redesigned and reissued to assist with teaching efforts among Native American populations. In a few short paragraphs the Universal House of Justice introduces Bahá’u’lláh as a Messenger from God, describes His mission and explains our part in it.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

PER: Bi-Yád-i Dúst

In Memory of the Friend

$15.00 SC (PBYDS)

The Friends of Persian Culture Association presents this compilation of some of the writings of the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí, an account of his life and services and loving reminiscences about him—as a gift to his many admirers throughout the world.

6”x9”, 211 pp. National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

Stewardship and Development with 1998 Addition

A Desktop Reference Office of the Treasurer

with 1998 Addition $10.95 (SAD98), 1998 Addition only $2.00 (SAD98A)

This valuable manual, when used in conjunction with the Stewardship and Development seminars, or as a stand-alone guide to the spiritual principles related to our gifts, has recently been expanded to include many more references from the Sacred Writings. A brand new chapter devoted entirely to sorting out the complex issues of acquiring a local Bahá’í center is particularly timely as we face entry by troops in our communities. Stewardship and Development includes several passages never before published, as well as in-depth guidance for local treasury management. In addition, extensive appendices and sample forms for use in accounting for contributions, earmarking, proper receipting, tax deductibility and fund raising make this expandable document a must-have resource for Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals alike.

8 1/2”x11”, 185 pp. National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

The Modern Renaissance

An Approach to a Healthier Lifestyle by Reza R. Mobine

SC $6.95 (MODRS)

This book identifies the source of problems that exist in our society, problems which continue to escalate, threatening to become monumental obstacles to the progress of mankind. It goes on to demonstrate, by means of Bahá’í teachings, how the shackles of our adversities can be broken and the foundation of a New World Order laid.

4 1/4”x7”, 231 pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

A Prayer for Fluffy

by Roxana Faith Sinex illustrated by Wendy Cowper-Thomas

HC $12.95 (PF)

Prayer as a means to an end is the lesson everyone should learn at an early age. But, be careful what you pray for, because as this story for children shows, there may be a delightful twist in your results as well! An excellent story for demonstrating to children the unique power, and wisdom, behind prayer.

7 1/2”x9 1/2”, 30 pp., illustrations Bellwood Press [Page 10]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Like Pure Gold The Story of Louis G. Gregory by Anne Breneman illustrated by Gregory Newson $14.95 HC (LPG)

In this children’s book the life of Louis Gregory is chronicled in a manner that any child can readily identify with. His hardships, triumphs and, most importantly, his example are painted as vividly as the full-color illustrations in the book. Sharing this story with your child will leave an impression they won’t soon forget. 9 1/4"x7 1/4", 45 pp., illustrations Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Racial Healing in the Bahá’í Faith by Gary Matthews $3.50/10pk, $25.00/100, $180.00/1000 (RHBF)

A balanced, well-written introduction to the Bahá’í views on prejudice and its elimination. Presents concisely, yet formidably, the concept of prejudice and its origin, the spiritual solution for its elimination, and the concept of race in the Bahá’í community. Stonehaven Press

Walking the Talk Bahá’ís and Racial Unity $2.00 / 10 pack (WT10)

Walking the Talk has been carefully written and designed to appeal to the target audience for the video The Power of Race Unity. Addresses succinctly a number of issues related to the African-American experience and racial unity. pamphlet Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States

PER: Basics of the Bahá’í Faith by Darius and Grace Shahrokh $15.00 Cassettes w/booklet (PBBF)

Adapted from the popular Windows to the Past series, this translation of Basics of the Bahá’í Faith into Persian will facilitate deepenings and teaching efforts among the Persian friends. Includes two cassette tapes and a companion booklet that ‎give gives‎ a synopsis of various aspects of the Bahá’í Faith. Images International

The Brilliant Proof by Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl $14.95 HC (BRP)

In 1911 Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl penned this response to an attack on the Bahá’í Faith written by Peter Z. Easton and printed in Evangelical ‎Cbristendom Christendom‎. This illuminating rebuttal displays the learning and style of its author and was given the name “The Brilliant Proof” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This edition also contains the original article that provoked the response. 5"x7 1/4", 80 pp. Kalimát Press

Love, Power, and Justice The Dynamics of Authentic Morality by William S. Hatcher $11.95 SC (LPJ)

What is authentic morality? How do we know that we are being true to an authentic, and not self-conceived, moral standard? The purpose of this book is to facilitate the understanding of how a person can reach these critical conclusions and come closer to the truth, about the value of their convictions and the worth of those convictions relative to a higher authority. Using precepts and arguments from three disciplines with something to say on the subject of morality, namely philosophy, science and religion, Dr. Hatcher explores with fascinating insight an ages-old problem with freshness and vigor, bringing into this mix the considerable force of the arguments provided by the Bahá’í revelation itself. A truly groundbreaking effort into one of the more intractable debates of our time, a time when so many factions and individuals claim to speak with “authentic morality.” 5 1/2"x8 1/2", 155 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Would You Have Known Jesus? by John Adler $3.50/10pk, $25.00/100, $180.00/1000 (WYHKJ)

“Would you have known Jesus?” is a question that many teachers in the Cause would like to ask a Christian, but without risk of offense. In this pamphlet the question is put directly in the context of Christian belief and brought into the present by presenting Bahá’u’lláh as the Promised One foretold by Christ. 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

Divine Art of Revelation by John 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 revelation as an art form. This insightful analysis 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. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Ali’s Dream The Story of Bahá’u’lláh by John 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States [Page 11]

MUSIC

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

Reliance, a dynamic journey of jazz saxophone including soulful vocals of two Hidden Words, follows Dizzy Gillespie’s footsteps creating unity in diversity in the music, band and listeners. Powerful and compelling, Koen’s “music speaks for itself—it promises to make an impact on the jazz world and contribute to the history of the music.” “Ben produces warm tones from his saxophone much like the magic flowers found in the tone world; his sound is full of the cry of hope, peace and joy.” 52 minutes

The Magic Bird Quinn Arts $15.00 CD (MBCD)

This album is the Quinns’ uniquely beautiful soundtrack of this world-renowned travel teaching production. Fourteen songs that capture a portion of the drama of events associated with the birth of the Bahá’í Faith. 73 minutes

Bird 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 acclaimed singer-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 same distinctive vocals are there, though the music has changed to reflect a jazzier 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 Rosser. 39 minutes

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Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force

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

We all celebrate birthdays of family members and friends whom we love and cherish. But in this month of October we have a most special day to celebrate—the Birth of the Báb, without Whom there would be no Bahá’í family.

In the West, with our solar calendar, this sacred event is marked on Oct. 20. However, according to the lunar calendar in the East, the Báb was born on the first day of the month of Muharram, and Bahá’u’lláh on the second day of that same month (in different years), and Bahá’u’lláh states that "these two days are accounted as one in the sight of God." Because we are all one family and, in the words of Bahá’u’lláh, "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, Bahá’u’lláh says of the Báb, "Verily He is the King of the Messengers and His Book is the Mother Book, did ye but know."

When the Báb 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."

In the commentary on the Súrih of Joseph—which Bahá’u’lláh calls "the first, greatest and mightiest" of all books in the Bábí dispensation—the Báb directs the "people of the West" to "issue forth from your cities and aid the Cause of God."

It is clear, then, that for those of us here in the West also, our command to teach, to spread God's Word, to serve His Cause, comes originally from the Báb Himself, at the very birth of this Faith.

Those who responded to the Call of the Báb are known to us as "the Dawn-Breakers" and the beloved Guardian has called us, the believers of the West, their "spiritual descendants." What a noble and blessed heritage we have!

When we read about our "spiritual ancestors"—great heroes and heroines like Mullá Husayn, Quddus, Táhirih 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 Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’í greetings,

Latin-American Task Force

Carta a los amigos de la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

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

Todos celebramos el nacimiento de familiares y amigos a quienes amamos y apreciamos. Pero en este mes de octubre tenemos un día muy especial que celebrar el Nacimiento del Báb, sin Quien no existiría la familia Bahá’í.

En el Occidente, con nuestro calendario solar, este sagrado evento cae el día 20 de octubre. Sin embargo, según el calendario lunar en el Oriente, el Báb nació el primer día del mes de Muharram, y Bahá’u’lláh el segundo día del mismo mes (en diferentes años), y Bahá’u’lláh dice que "estos dos días se consideran uno solo a la vista de Dios." Puesto que todos somos una sola familia y, en las palabras de Bahá’u’lláh, "La tierra es un sólo país y la humanidad sus ciudadanos," será necesario que la Casa Universal de Justicia decida si estos dos Días Sagrados se celebren en el futuro a base solar o lunar.

Pero, ¿Quién es Aquél Cuyo nacimiento celebramos?

En la Tabla de Ahmad, Bahá’u’lláh dice del Báb, "Verdaderamente, Él es el Rey de los Mensajeros y Su Libro es el Libro Madre si lo supierais."

Cuando el Báb fue ordenado a presentarse ante altos oficiales religiosos y gubernamentales en Tabriz, y le preguntaron Quién decía que era, Su respuesta fue: "Yo 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 Súrih de José el cual Bahá’u’lláh llama "el primero, más grande y más poderoso" de todos los libros en la dispensación Bábí el Báb llama a los "pueblos del Oeste" a "que salgan de sus ciudades y ayuden a la Causa de Dios."

Es evidente, entonces, que para nosotros aquí en el Occidente también, nuestro mandato de enseñar, de esparcir la Palabra de Dios, de servir Su Causa, viene originalmente del Báb Mismo, en el nacimiento de esta Fe. Aquellos que respondieron a la Llamada del Báb son conocidos como los "Rompedores del Alba" y el amado Guardián ha llamado a nosotros, los creyentes del Occidente, sus "descendientes espirituales." ¡Que herencia más noble y bendita que tenemos!

Cuando leemos acera de nuestros "antepasados espirituales"—grandes héroes y heroínas tales como Mullá Husayn, Quddús, Táhirih y otros—es como si les hubiéramos conocido, y nos sentimos elevados e inspirados. Esto lo podemos hacer porque sus vidas han sido inscritas para todas las generaciones. Sabemos quienes son, como llegaron a ser sostenedores de esta Más Grande Revelación, 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, cómo llegaron a ser seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh, informarnos de las jornadas de ustedes en el sendero de esta Causa. Así, por favor, llenen el formulario a continuación y envíenlo a nosotros. Esperamos gozosos la oportunidad de conocerles a todos ustedes.

Con cariñosos saludos Bahá’ís,

La Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

PARA EL CENSO DE LOS BAHÁ’ÍS HISPANOS EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS / FOR THE CENSUS OF HISPANIC BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE UNITED STATES

Srta./Sra./Sr. / Miss/Mrs./Ms. / Mr.

Dirección / Address

Ciudad / City

Estado / State

Código postal / ZIP code

Número telefónico / Telephone ( )

Número de fax / Fax ( )

Dirección de correo electrónico / E-mail address

País de origen / Country of origin

¿En donde Ud. se hizo Bahá’í? / Where did you become a Bahá’í?

¿Ud. es o ha sido miembro de ... ? / Are you or have you been a member of...?

• Cuerpo de Consejeros Continentales / Continental Board of Counselors
• Cuerpo Auxiliar / Auxiliary Board
• Asamblea Espiritual Local / Local Spiritual Assembly.
• Asistente a un miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar / Assistant to Auxiliary Board member
• ¿A quién? / To whom?
• Comité nacional / National committee
• Comité local / Local committee

¿Cuántos miembros de su comunidad Bahá’í son latinos? / How many members of your Bahá’í community are Latinos?

¿Cuántos en su Asamblea Espiritual? / How many on your Spiritual Assembly?

Enviar a la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana / Send to Latin-American Task Force

por correo a / by mail to: Vera Breton Vienna, Virginia 22181

por fax a / by fax to: Larry Kramer (773) 509-0466

por e-mail a / by e-mail to: LATFORCE [Page 13]

CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES

Extended 'Verities' class aims to raise teachers

Bosch Bahá’í School is offering "Fundamental Verities of the Bahá’í Faith: Becoming Teachers of the Cause," a three-weekend course, in response to the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly's call for the systematic training and development of our human resources.

This intensive study of the various aspects of the Faith is intended as a foundation for effective presentation of the Cause. Bosch invites Local Spiritual Assemblies, regional training institute boards and Auxiliary Board members to select and send individuals with capacity within their localities to these sessions at no cost to the individuals or institutions.

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 sessions will be offered later in the winter and spring.

A workshop on teaching Southeast Asians was an important part of the ninth National Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion Conference, Aug. 28-30 at Bosch Bahá’í School, which drew more than 100 participants. Workshop groups gathered in five circles so all could consult in their native languages—Laotian, Hmong, Vietnamese, Cambodian or English. Facilitators for each group then shared discussion results and teaching suggestions. The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office sponsored the event. For more information on the office's work, call 847-733-3547. Photo courtesy U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office

This new training institute series is funded through the generous monthly 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 Persian performer Ává and renowned guitarist Jamie Findlay as special guests. Come enjoy a relaxing weekend of marvelous entertainment, delicious food and great fellowship 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.

Author Michael Sours will present a study course on his newest book The Station and Claims of Bahá’u’lláh on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Like his previous books, this latest work will help Bahá’ís better understand the relationship of the Faith to Christianity. He will explore the challenging claims of Bahá’u’lláh about His Revelation and the day we are living in.

"Healing and Integrating Women's and Men's Hearts: A Fuller Understanding of Bahá’í Mystical Theology," Nov. 13-15, presented by Terry Culhane and Magdalene Rose, will approach the issue of equality and the complementary roles of women and men from a mystical perspective: the tablets of Bahá’u’lláh referring to the Divine Feminine as the Mother and Lover/Beloved.

Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-29, the Youth Training Conference will bring friends to Bosch to deepen and discuss topics of particular interest to young adults, such as communication skills, health and healing, and chastity. Organized by Alice Moore, the program is open to youth ages 15 and up. This is a great weekend to bring guests and have fun!

Winter sessions bring a variety of topics for conferences and courses, beginning with the Wilmette Institute's course on Islam presented by Muin Afnani and Brian Miller. This will be an outstanding class on the origins, teachings and scripture of Islam and its relationship to the Bahá’í 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.
• A Grassroots Education Conference for those involved in providing Bahá’í 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 brochure for a fuller description of these programs and 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!

Visa lottery open with October deadline

The U.S. Bahá’í 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/province, 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 country of birth.
• Applicant's signature.
• Photo of applicant (1.5" by 1.5" or 4cm by 4 cm), with name printed on reverse side, fastened to application sheet with clear tape.

Proper envelope size for mailing the application is 6-10" wide and 3.5-4.5" high (15-25 cm by 8-11 cm). The return address on the upper left of the front of the envelope should contain, starting with the top line: Country of birth, full name, street address, city/province/postal code, country of residence.

Applications should be mailed to: DV-2000 Program, National Visa Center, Portsmouth, NH (with ZIP code), USA. The ZIP code will depend on where the applicant was born: Asia, 00210; South or Central America or the Caribbean, 00211; Europe, 00212; Africa, 00213; Oceania, 00214; Bahamas, 00215. For more information, the National Visa Center has a 24-hour hot line: 900-884-8840. Each call costs $5.10. Or call the USBRO, 847-733-3522.

Conference celebrating women in Persian culture draws 1,000

More 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 Bahá’í community. There were concurrent sessions in Persian and English and special classes for children.

The Bahá’í personage central to the conference was Bahiyyih Khánum, the daughter of Bahá’u’lláh titled the Greatest Holy Leaf. Though exiled at an early age from Iran along with Bahá’u’lláh, 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's Literary Tradition in Iran."

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

Evening programs consisted of musical, dramatic and dance performances. The Association plans to publish texts of presentations soon. [Page 14]

LETTERS ON LOUHELEN SERVICE, PARTICIPATION AT BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

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 Bahá’í school? The following is an actual letter written by a youth, Heidi Unterschuetz, who has completed a year of service at Louhelen Bahá’í School. Louhelen has openings for additional Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers. Contact Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail).

W That’s it like to serve here? It seems like an impossible question to answer without writing 10 pages. Louhelen is beautiful. 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 insects also enjoying nature! The winters are cold, harsh, and very windy, and seemingly never ending, but they are also beautiful. Pure white snow, snowball fights, snow angels, shoe skating on the parking lot, it’s fun.

Louhelen is beautiful in other ways, too. The spirit that surrounds it is 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 tests come with the Bahá’í 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 restrictions 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 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 parents for necessities—shampoo, an occasional movie, Silly Putty, etc.

The greatest thing about a year of service here for me was how much I learned about my own spirituality and how I can better serve 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

Spreading beauty in Tampa

The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community plans more service events, including the painting of a mural over a graffiti-ridden site in October.

INSPIRE FRIENDS TO SHARE EXPERIENCES

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

Dearest friends at Louhelen:

For the longest time I have been encouraging the friends from this area (Pennsylvania) to partake of the wonderful programs and superb atmosphere at Louhelen Bahá’í School. Sometimes it is difficult to convey how refreshing it is to go there, and when one is as fanatical 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 Bahá’í school. At Feast, they gave a wonderful tribute to those working at Louhelen and encouraged all the friends to attend courses there.

The entire staff should be highly commended for creating this beautiful atmosphere.... you may not realize how much your attitude and hard work affects the friends who visit there. When the experience is 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

Green 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 Bahá’í Institute in Florida. Topics include Understanding the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í National Center will conduct a Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institute Oct. 29-Nov. 1 for those looking to pioneer, teach abroad, or serve in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps. The institute will include sessions on Sensitive 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” Nov. 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 limited-enrollment Youth Study Intensive Dec. 11-13 for those in grades 10-12. This transformative program features study and preparation to become Apostles for Bahá’u’lláh. 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 15]

CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

'Revelation' course to be expanded

The Wilmette Institute is offering its series on "The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh" a second time now divided into four six-month 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 Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation before His declaration in the Garden of Ridván. Some of His greatest works are studied the Hidden Words, the Seven Valleys, the Four Valleys and the Kitáb-i-lqán—as well as little-known mystical works such as the Gems of Mysteries and the Tablet of the Maiden.

Tuition: $225, or $180 per person if registering as part of a study group of three or more. Financial aid may be available.

Who can take the courses: Anyone 18 or older. The courses are not designed for scholars, but for anyone who wishes to study the 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 students can discuss assignments with fellow students. Those who do not have e-mail will be mailed a digest of e-mails twice a month.

Conference calls: For those who wish to talk to fellow students, conference calls will be provided.

Homework: The course is divided into study units. Each unit involves reading texts, then completing a learning project about that material: for example, giving a fireside or deepening; writing an essay; completing an outline of a subject; creating an artistic expression of the material; or a project of your own creation. Every student will be assigned a mentor who will review and comment on the learning projects.

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).

Upcoming courses on the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: 1863-68: July 1-Dec. 31, 1999 1868-74: Jan. 1-June 30, 2000 1874-92: July 1-Dec. 31, 2000

NOTES: A course on the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 1868-93, began Oct. 4 and is still open for registration. Students interested in signing up should contact the Wilmette Institute immediately.

The minicourse on Bahá’í theology offered by the Wilmette Institute at Bosch Bahá’í School Oct. 30-Nov. 1 has been canceled.

WHAT 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 Bahá’í Faith.
• The writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• The writings of Shoghi Effendi.
• Bahá’í history.
• The world religions as they relate to the Faith.
• Scriptures and prophecies of other religions.
• Creating strong Bahá’í marriages and families.
• The spiritual development of the individual.
• Bahá’í theology.
• Bahá’í administration.
• Developing Bahá’í 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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or e-mail your list.

Manual is put to use globally

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

John Walker, Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia, wrote, "The book on 'Stewardship and Development' offers many ideas and will be of great assistance in deepening the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the local Treasurers in their responsibilities in relation to all the Funds of the Faith.... Once again many thanks for your assistance and may I commend you on the quality of presentation of all your materials."

Other National Spiritual Assemblies that have received these materials include Canada, New Zealand, India, Alaska and Honduras. The Canadian National Assembly sent two members of its Treasury staff to participate in the last of the four regional facilitator training sessions, held at Green Acre 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 message, Mr. Araujo reported, "Thanks for the wonderful seminar.... Now I'm preparing three seminars about Spiritual Education for the Funds.... and other activities inspired by the friends in the USA."

Facilitators trained by the National Assembly's Office of the Treasurer to deliver presentations using the book Stewardship and Development and its accompanying presentation materials, had this to say about the new resources:

"The materials were thorough, interesting and generally well-organized. The manual's discussion of spiritual principles relating to development, fund raising, and sacrificial 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 Bahá’í Communities as a resource material for Local Spiritual Assemblies, is available through the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Centers: The Next Stage in Your Community's Development."

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

Among those with plans in place by press time:

• Nov. 6-8: Wisconsin Family Weekend

Program: "Falling in Love with Bahá’u’lláh"; adult, child, youth classes. Facilities: Byron Center in Brownsville, WI. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53090 (phone 414-338-3023 or 414-338-3389).

• Nov. 20-22: Royal Falcon Bahá’í Winter School at Pensacola Beach, Florida

Program: Speakers to include David Whitfield and Kim and Julian McQueen. Registrar: Penny Sebastiani, Loxley, AL 36551 or contact Carol Payne (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail).

• Nov. 26-29: Menucha Bahá’í School (Western Oregon)

Facilities: Conference center east of Portland. Program: Personal Spiritual Transformation/Individual's Role in Advancing 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 Bahá’í Schools 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 Bahá’í School

Facilities: Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach. Program: "Action." Speakers include Howard Tangler, John Hatcher, Javidukht Khadem and others; Persian sessions; youth and children's classes. Registrar and for more information: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-942-1844, e-mail). Pre-register, pay by Nov. 9 for 20% discount.

• Dec. 26-29: Montana Youth Rendezvous

Facilities: Ursuline Center, 2300 Central, Great Falls, Montana. Program: For youth and mature pre-youth. Tentatively to be on marriage and preparing for marriage. Cost: $60-$85 depending on accommodation; food and conference fees included. Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526). Pre-register with $10 deposit per person. More information: E-mail Kay Maloney or see the Web site (www.nvdi.com/mtbahai/mbs/).

• Jan. 1-2, 1999: Heartland Bahá’í School (Illinois)

Facilities: Springfield Hilton, Springfield, Illinois Program: "Strengthening the Family: Nuclear, Extended and Spiritual"; classes on marriage, preparation for marriage, parenting, aging, individuals and the Local Spiritual Assembly. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Aurora, IL 60504 (phone 630-898-0520). More information: See the Web site (empath.vp.uiuc.edu/heartland/). [Page 16]

BAHÁ’ÍS 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 Bahá’ís of the United States

If you were a Bahá’í when you entered business, how did your Bahá’í 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. Marcic: I was a Bahá’í when I decided on my field-organiza-tional behavior-and to be an academic. I don't think being a Bahá’í had much influence on my decision.

Douglas McAdam: It caused me to consider if my business was something of value in terms of servitude to God and humanity. It also 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 Bahá’í when you entered business, what role did being a business person play in your decision to become a Bahá’í and how has becoming a Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í in 1993. In attending and participating in the 1996 Istanbul U.N. Conference, Habitat II, I became aware of the worldwide movement to values-based business through the World Business Forum in Istanbul and the European Bahá’í Business Forum (EBBF), which I joined.

Exposure to Bahá’ís 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 EBBF. 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 Bahá’u’lláh exhorts us to have would be appreciated in most workplaces." -Dorothy Marcic, Nashville, Tennessee

"It's a fine balancing act keeping a Bahá’í perspective in a corporate arena of backbiting, one-upmanship, etc." -Dan Caldwell, Round Rock, Texas

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

Boletosaves 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 Bahá’ís in various fields seeking to advance the Cause in their own spheres, The American Bahá’í asked several survey questions on the "Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 dignity and respect being manifested in speech and behaviors. And consultation is not something I find readily acceptable and practiced in my business.

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?"

I see over and over again the importance of developing strong relationships with 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 a 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 success.

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

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

Dorothy A. Marcic: I think the virtuous life Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í.

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 efforts to transform business to being service- and values-driven, in contrast to being solely profit-driven.

Dan Caldwell: It's a fine balancing act keeping a Bahá’í perspective in a corporate arena of backbiting, one-upmanship, etc.

Douglas McAdam: Not 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.

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: I 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 business world appears to be quite a unifier and yet at the same time a disunifier.

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 archaeological 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... [Page 17]

rich & noble, too

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!

Fill in the missing vowels in this puzzle!

COMPLETE THE LIST of good qualities by putting the missing vowels (a/e/i/o/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 Bahá’í 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

Unfinished Word	Finished Word With Vowels	Missing Vowels
LV	L O V E	EO
KNDNSS	——————	EI
GNRSTY	————————	EEIO
CMPSSN	————————	AIOO
TRST	—————	U
DTCHMNT	——————————	AEE
BDNC	————————	EEEIO

HERE ARE THE ANSWERS AND THEIR MEANING: Love: the power of attraction; strong feelings or liking for someone Kindness: gentleness to and thoughtfulness of others Generosity: willingness to share or give freely Compassion: caring for someone and wanting to help them Trust: believing someone or something Detachment: experiencing your feelings but not being controlled by them Obedience: doing what God or our parents want us to do

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Media Services 1233 Central St. · Evanston, IL 60201 tel/ 847.853.2355 · fax/ 847.256.1372 e-mail/

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Mail to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service 5397 Wilbanks Drive • Chattanooga, TN 37343 Fax: 423.843.0836 E-mail:

Answers to last issue’s Race Unity word search

Words in the grid: FELLOWSHIP, LOVE, HUMANKIND, DIVERSITY, COOPERATE, POLITE, PEACE, DIGNITY, RESPECT, UNITY, HEAL, GARDEN. [Page 18]

REGIONAL SCHOOLS

Two 'glimpses of future': schools in Minnesota, Tennessee

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TOM MENNILLO

Two Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School convened in mid-August at a Lutheran camp on the shore of one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. Tennessee Bahá’í Institute occupied a mountaintop Episcopal conference center over Labor Day weekend.

Together they are representative of the dozens of regional Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í pattern of life in the year ahead for a humanity desperately seeking such a vision and path.

CURRICULA

Different perspectives on their educational roles mark the two schools.

The Minnesota committee, explained chairman Abbas Tabibi, is "trying to provide such an education for the people that when they leave the camp not necessarily will they have listened to a nice talk and been uplifted, but actually can go home and try to put this into action and 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 fostering love and unity.

The school, Tabibi said, "provides a real glimpse of what the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community life will be like in the future, Bahá’í society."

The Minnesota program relies on many sources.

"This year we have started our new cooperation with the Minnesota Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í administration, three on the Bahá’í response to opposition, and three on Bahá’í family life (parenting, marriage, and the equality of women and men).

Moshrefzadeh said the institute hopes to 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 also help us," he said. "It is collaboration."

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, 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's opinions."

Among Minnesota's 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 school] in our third module and there are things that have to be changed, but basically 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 fellowship, 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, 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 accessible location and because the campus contains everything in a small area. But he acknowledged DuBose's coziness also is its limitation.

"We can't handle more than 500 to 550, and because of that we don't advertise, we 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 small audience and 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith; international traveling teaching; and the Middle Tennessee Regional Bahá’í Community Center project. In addition, Mr. Ewing and Auxiliary Board members Jahangir Cyrus and Mary K. Radpour hosted an afternoon discussion. Dr. Cyrus conducted a Persian-language session.

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.

"In every Bahá’í activity ... I learn many things. But I always remember one word, 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

"[I'm hoping for] a new perspective of community building. We're working on developing our new state of mind and what that means." -Becky Smith, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Nine- and 10-year-olds at Tennessee Bahá’í Institute's annual concert "hold up love and unity" as they belt out the song "Soldiers in God's Army." [Page 19]

THE SETTINGS

Minnesota'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 families trying to hold down attendance costs. The retreat center is on a bluff overlooking Lake Shakopee.

"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 Bahá’í identity." -Liz Pawlik, St. Paul, Minnesota

The number of registrants is just right, though, to organizers. Any more, they said, would compromise the intimate nature of the school not to mention lengthen the meal lines in Friendship Hall and overflow general sessions in Braun Chapel.

Recreation means swimming and boating on the lake, more swimming in the indoor pool; billiards, table tennis, and foosball; shuffleboard; and a field boasting areas for volleyball, four squares, and kickball.

TBI, as the Tennessee school is affectionately 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 in 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 Carolina and other states.

CREATIVITY

Kids of various ages get the opportunity to make noise—in this case, on hand-carved instruments during the talent show at the Minnesota Bahá’í School.

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 volleyball pits lured a number of young folks. But lounging in a courtyard or on the deck was a sport enjoyed by many attendees eager to catch up on a year's worth of news.

THE NIGHT LIFE

Evenings at both schools were devoted to special programs.

Tennessee's annual concert was held the first night of that school. It featured several singing acts, a balletic number and a piano/drums duo.

Two events have become traditional: an auction 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, this was the real "Grundy County Auction," as the spirit of this occasion went beyond just selling things. Iraj Radpour and Kaihan Strain kept up a humorous patter, while many of the objects of the bidding were returned to be sold again.

In Minnesota one night, Aziz Yazdi, visiting from Vancouver, British Columbia, spoke inspirationally about teaching. He touched hearts with stories about his father's personal relationship with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and about Bahá’u’lláh and Badí.

Members of the Twin Cities Bahá’í Youth Workshop described a recent trip to several states in the Plains and the West and spoke excitedly about Project Wildfire (see story below).

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

Project Wildfire gives youth a galvanizing force in Minnesota

BY TOM MENNILLO

Minnesota Bahá’í youth have responded to the call of the Universal House of Justice to make teaching efforts sustained and systematic.

The result is Project Wildfire, a Bahá’í Youth Service Corps troupe that will travel around the state and beyond to reach out with the message in a way full-time 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 Bahá’í 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 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."

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

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 for consolidation, and that's with deepenings for any new believers or just firesides, times to meet with seekers and answer questions and build friendships."

The Workshop has performed in Canada and Kazakhstan and participated in national Workshop projects as far away as Anchorage, Alaska.

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

"I'm 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 service to Bahá’u’lláh and reaping all the benefits that come along with that and through all the tests, of course."

Milston said participants come from Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Idaho and Texas, along with the international contingent, "so it's really exciting getting to work with a really diverse team reflecting the diversity of the Bahá’í community."

They said the project sends a message that youths don't have to "run off" somewhere to do a year of service.

"I 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 liaisons 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. ♦ [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?

As reported in the Sept. 8, 1998, edition of The American Bahá’í, the second 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-Bahá’ís. 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 used have greater penetration in these areas.

As of this writing we have received:

• About 9,000 phone calls on the toll-free line.
• About 6,000 non-Bahá’í 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 user sessions per week even during periods without national programming. About half the users are not Bahá’ís, 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:

• Communities sponsoring race unity events of some kind: 79%
• Communities sponsoring Race Unity 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-Bahá’í organizations on race issues: 68%

A survey in April had shown most communities had organized 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-Bahá’ís 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 undercount because:

• None of the 2,000 or so registered groups in 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 responding 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.

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 Bahá’í Faith. We are assured in the authoritative texts that, 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.

800-22-UNITE: NOW IT'S FREE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES!

Bahá’í communities can participate without cost in the national 800-22-UNITE answering system, replacing the AT&T system, in early September.

When seekers call the toll-free phone number—advertised through broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity, the Web site, advertisements and other promotions—they now have the choice to leave a message on voice mail, requesting a call back from Bahá’ís in their own area for more information on the Faith.

Each local community subscribing to the system will be assigned a voice mail box and a password, so that it can dial in and hear messages from callers in its own locality. The community also will be notified of all calls from its area to the national system.

Any seeker who doesn't request a call back, but supplies a mailing address, will receive literature from the Bahá’í National Center.

"One of the main advantages of the change is that local communities will no longer have to pay setup charges or monthly fees to participate," said Gwen Ellis, media initiative information liaison for the National Teaching Office.

One feature has been dropped: the option for a caller to talk to a Bahá’í right away. "This means that locally, you won't need to maintain your own answering system or keep the phone staffed for the 800 line," Ellis said.

Another effect of the change is that seekers from around the country will hear the same professionally prepared messages on the Bahá’í Faith.

The National Teaching Committee sent out a letter in early August, notifying Bahá’í communities nationwide about the new system and how to use it.

The national phone line is advertised on broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity as well as the "Dawn of a New Day" Web site for seekers (www.us.bahai.org).

Participating communities are asked to consider the following tips:

• Check the voice mail at least once every two days, as any messages intended for the local community will revert to the National Center after 72 hours.
• Keep your voice-mail box number and password confidential.

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 availability on national channels begining in March. In addition we will have a series 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 Bahá’í 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.

• We are almost finished redesigning our distribution system database on seekers. A new database will allow us to send reports automatically to local communities, the Bahá’í Distribution Service and the Regional Bahá’í Councils. This 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 ready for the fall broadcasts.

• The new toll-free phone system is now in place.

How effective has the entire teaching plan effort been?

We do not have an exact count of the number of people who have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh 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 broadcasts. They are not designed for that purpose, but rather to generate interest and elicit an immediate response to obtain literature. It is by that measure that they should be judged. The enrollment rate involves other factors that have to be measured and refined over time.

Now that we have some data in hand the National Teaching Committee is preparing to take a closer look at the characteristics of the respondents, and to assess the nature of the interaction between these individuals and the Bahá’ís.

Some things already are clear from these results:

• The total response from non-Bahá’ís has been good. This is an encouraging result considering the limited extent of the broadcasts and the limited life of the campaign 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.

[Page 21]

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 Bahá’í.

• 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. I focus group of randomly selected non-Bahá’ís 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.

is fascinating to watch people as they cially from people first hearing about it. Ive our video to watch people as they viewers tend to wait to define the Faith 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.

Bahá’u’lláh wrote, "Every person who in some degree turneth toward the truth can bimself later comprehend most of what he seeketh. However, if at the outset a word is uttered beyond bis capacity, he will refuse 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- as 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.e., they have jobs), kind to their children, etc.

• People tend to react against any-

thing 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 react- ed 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

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

• Seattle: Sixteen people since mid-

December have embraced the Faith, most as a result of one continuing fireside. Hostess Parvaneh Edraki uses hospitality combined with consistency, follow-through and audac- ity to love people into the Faith, says Seattle Assembly secretary Norma Crampton.

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

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

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

SOUTHWEST

The fireside near Edmonds has been held month in and month out for 12 years, even when hosts Mahnaz and Shan- non 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 principles.

She says area Bahá’ís genuinely love to share the Faith and continuously work on it individually and as institutions.

Javid said the monthly fireside features a dinner served "with hospitality and the spirit of the Faith." 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 Bahá’u’lláh:

• Weekly follow-up firesides. As the

next step, new seekers are taken through

Some of the participants in the Daystar North Bahá’í School, which is supported by 14 Local Spiritual Assemblies, gather outside the weekly school's meeting place, Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, southwestern Snohomish County, Washington.

the "red teaching book" that has aided so many direct teaching efforts. They have an opportunity to have questions answered one on one and to request liter- ature on specific topics.

All are given a prayer book. Also pop- ular are The Bahá’ís magazine (about 2,000 copies have been given away so far), Gleanings, Call to Remembrance, and the National Spiritual Assembly's Two Wings of a Bird and The Vision of Race Unity statements.

• A Weekly Sunday school that has

embraced many non-Bahá’í children and adults and is supported by 14 Spiritual Assemblies. At any 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 pe-

ple 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 pro- gram focused on fundamental verities, the Central Figures, the Administrative Order and principles of the Faith.

This process takes about a year, until the enrollees are "confirmed in faith and arise to act on their own," Javid said.

And act they do. New Bahá’ís regularly bring family members, friends and neigh- bors to the firesides and Bahá’í classes.

Seekers do the same. One, an educator like Mahnaz who accompanied her to a session at Louhelen Bahá’í 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 sacrifice of beleaguered believers in Iran. "Sev- eral 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 Con- vention 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.

"I am spiritually connected to her," Mah- naz Javid believes. "And his spirit is confirming us and guiding souls to us."

SEATTLE

NParvaneh Edraki's fireside in the bigger city are mainly women, and many are minorities.

The hostess "focuses on seekers like a laser beam," said an admir- ing Mahnaz Javid.

"Parvaneh pursues seekers as true friends, with love and warmth," Crampton added. "She melts through their initial skepti- cism."

As in the suburban effort, Edra- ki follows up by inviting seekers to individual firesides where they can ask questions one on one. She also encourages them to attend other Bahá’í events, including deepenings.

When someone declares, Edra- ki typically hands every member of the family a declaration card.

Crampton, who has started a weekly 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 "bothering someone" as a barrier she needs to surmount.

"The United States is becoming much colder," said Crampton, who spent years in Mexico. "As a result, we have such an opportuni- ty to teach the Faith. Kindness and love can attract people to you."

She says one of Seattle's declar- ants worked for the United Nations relief efforts in Africa. He later moved to Seattle but did- n't sense a lot of love there until he met the Bahá’ís.

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." [Page 22]

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

Friends of the Faith deserve opportunities to be our co-workers significant number of people express a desire to join 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.

Aresponding to the broadcasts of te 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

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 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 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.

OCEANSIDE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

encompasses that area.

The four Assemblies and one group that form the North County Coastal I-ACT 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 activities. For a place to bring people together, a center was 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, including free English-as-second-language classes.

Music is incorporated into firesides and many other activities, and socializing is emphasized. Guest artists such as Paul Seaforth and Liz Loellen perform at the center regularly. Teachers from as far away as Bulgaria, Canada, Indiana, Nebraska, Arkansas and North Carolina have traveled in to work with local Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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!

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 friends.

Phase IV has included an emphasis on individual, systematic teaching. While the Assemblies and individuals continue 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 I-ACT. In the meantime, members of the I-ACT are visiting and studying locales of other successful teaching proects to discuss how they got going, what's keeping the projects going, and how they are managing.

-Contributors: Katrina and Jerry Sjoberg and Virginia Healy ♦

ANATOMY OF OCEANSIDE'S SUCCESS

PHASE I: AUGUST 1995-APRIL 1996 PLANNING

During this phase, all Assemblies as well as individual Bahá’ís in San Diego County were invited to two weekend meetings (one in September and one in October) at the San Diego Bahá’í Center. San Diego County was divided into four Inter-Assembly Committees for Teaching (I-ACT).

The North County Coastal I-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 in ethnicity, economic classes and age group.

• Choosing and renting a Bahá’í center

PHASE II: MAY 1996-APRIL 1997 PROJECT LAUNCHING

May Opened center for Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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; Wednesday: 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís to systematize their approach to teaching. • Establish a training institute to help that systematization. • Opening a second Bahá’í center, in the southern part of the I-ACT area.

TESTING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

• 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 Bahá’ís 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 certain limits) and opportunity for diversity and differences. This helps portray us as a 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 recognizable and attractive to religious people.

• It is essential to emphasize a commitment to children, marriage and family life. Women are the primary audience, and we have to connect on these issues to attract them.

• Whenever possible, it is important to offer testimonials of respected non-Bahá’ís who acknowledge and appreciate our contributions to society.

• We have to avoid the use of parochial language: expressions that people outside the Bahá’í community might find hard to understand. Some are not so obvious but have a great impact.

• We need to express that the Bahá’í 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. [Page 23]

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

National Teaching Committee is picking up the pace of research

The National Teaching Committee is evolving quickly to enhance its capacity to conduct in-depth analysis on several 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 presentations. In addition, we will survey respondents and local communities to gauge the quality of follow-up efforts.

We have just established a survey system on the "Dawn of a New Day" public Web site, asking users to answer basic questions about their backgrounds and interests 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 Bahá’ís in this country, using national research agencies, to obtain data 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 3. Study of factors affecting fund contributions 4. Individual involvement and satisfaction with Bahá’í 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 have 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 community with other faith groups. These surveys will help us build a general picture of the American Bahá’í community. This will serve as a starting point for future, more in-depth research as well as a tool for strategic planning. Our results will be published as 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 Bahá’í scholars who 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 Bahá’í Councils and to the friends in general. A successful approach will entail close collaboration with the Councils and with the boards of directors of the institutes.

As a first step, we are assembling a group of professionals 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

It is just as important to know the characteristics of those who are enrolling as those who have responded to the broadcasts. A system will be put in place to automatically survey individuals on issues related to their experiences in becoming believers. This should be in effect by the fall.

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 Bahá’í-owned center near Yelm, Washington, drew more than 600 people, and inspired eight visitors to declare their faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Photo courtesy of Richard Kendell

FUTURE PROJECTS

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 definite advantage over traditional religions provided we know how to exploit the opportunities.

Success in such efforts will yield a degree of credibility 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 recognized 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-Bahá’ís 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.

Challenges remain before us

The National Teaching Committee's report to the most recent National Convention outlined some challenges we face in this country. These remain valid.

We have achieved much so far:

• The tempo of teaching is up, and so are enthusiasm and optimism.
• Teaching approaches at all levels are more systematic and complementary. Proclamation, public relations, devotional meetings and other activities are organized in more harmonious patterns that are also "seeker-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 Bahá’í 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 to 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 unprecedented scale. We must align training programs more closely with our goals to add more effectiveness to the friends' enthusiasm.
• Community development and the strengthening of Local Assemblies are prerequisites for sustainable growth. Seekers 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 that those who become Bahá’ís 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 reverse a disturbing fact: in the United States all minorities remain underrepresented within our active Bahá’í family.
• A new component to our national outreach 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. Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh'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 Bahá’u’lláh. 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. [Page 24]

Birmingham takes unity discussion to public

BY LISA N. PUZON

Bahá’ís reached out and drew citizens of Birmingham, Alabama, into a discussion of race unity from the Bahá’í perspective with a weeklong series of workshops Aug. 1-9 on the most challenging and vital issue.

The local community sponsored LeNise Jackson-Gaertner of Los Angeles, founder and president of Mothers For Race Unity And Equality, as a principal presenter in the teaching/deepening effort.

The first step for the Bahá’ís was participation in a citywide convocation on racism, poverty and inequality. Some of the people with similar concerns whom they met there later attended a presentation by Jackson-Gaertner at the Birmingham Bahá’í Center.

Later, in a workshop at the Smolian International House at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Jackson-Gaertner spoke on how racism has affected all members of the human race. Exercises helped attendees explore how their own experiences of this injustice have molded their attitudes and lives.

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

The next day, Bahá’ís from the local communities and other states attended an afternoon session specifically designed for them in which many of the Writings were incorporated.

In an interview a day later conducted by the religious editor of the Birmingham Times, Jackson-Gaertner noted that Bahá’ís revere all revealed religions, and expressed special appreciation to Christians who sacrificed so much for racial unity during the civil rights movement.

With this respectful gesture, a common bond was formed and the editor was so moved that she invited Jackson-Gaertner to speak at her church in the future. This visit resulted in a top half-page article in the religious section with a color photograph of Jackson-Gaertner standing in front of a banner with the name Bahá’u’lláh in gold.

Wednesday night, Jackson-Gaertner moderated the weekly race dialogue at the Birmingham Bahá’í Center, regularly attended by members of the National Conference for Community and Justice. Again, she skillfully used a blend of visual aids and exercises to create better understanding about the ills of racism.

The following weekend was spent in an all-day workshop in Huntsville, and the week closed with a special talk with the Bahá’í youth, teachers and parents at the Birmingham Bahá’í Center.

San Jose leadership on race unity grows

San Jose, California, Bahá’ís are strengthening their 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.

Bahá’í involvement was sought soon after Bahá’ís supported and presented a statement at a San Jose forum that was part of the president's initiative on race relations. This effort came at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Also recently, the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís' long-standing connection with the Martin Luther King Jr. Association.

•The video has been shown at a public meeting at the Bahá’í center.

The San Jose State University Bahá’í Club has loaned the video to Gabe Reyes, the university president's 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 Bahá’í community has forged its leadership in race unity efforts over the years through support of the MLK Association, with two Bahá’ís serving on the group's board.

Bahá’í youth have participated and performed often at the MLK "Good Neighbor" Breakfast, and the Bahá’í Youth Workshop has performed its race unity dance at several high schools.

Community members also continue to be involved with the Afro-American Community Services Agency and the annual Juneteenth Festival.—Submitted by James W. Andrews

Bahá’ís urged to help encourage payment of U.N. dues by U.S.

Individual Bahá’ís, groups and Local Spiritual Assemblies 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 1999 unless at least some of the debt is paid.

In a letter to communities across the country, the National Assembly urged Bahá’ís to call and write their members of Congress to convey a simple message: "The U.N. is important. Congress should pass necessary legislation to enable 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 Bahá’ís 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 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's 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 the oneness of humanity. It noted that the Bahá’í International Community has been active as a registered non-governmental organization at the U.N. since 1947.

"While the U.N. is not yet the organization that the Faith envisages," said the letter to U.S. Bahá’ís, "it represents an extremely important step in the direction of international cooperation and deserves continued support."

Any Bahá’í 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.

The National Assembly's letter and related information may be found on the Administrative Web site (www.usbnc.org).

For further information on this campaign, contact the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202-833-8990, fax 202-833-8988).

October 16, 1998 [Page 25]

Seneca Falls event creates groundwork

Western New York Bahá’ís’ part in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the women’s rights movement reverberated beyond the July 16-19 gathering at Seneca Falls, as the Bahá’í viewpoint on the equality of women and men gained a foothold with like-minded groups and people.

At the end of the nationally publicized Seneca Falls gathering, held on the anniversary of the first Women’s Rights Convention in that city, the chairperson of Celebrate ’99 made a point of inviting the Bahá’ís to participate in next year’s festivities. And a minister attending a follow-up meeting pledged to tell her congregation a story of Táhirih.

Many participants commented positively about the Bahá’í message as presented at the Women’s Expo Tent in Women’s Rights National Park. That tent held 40 displays set up by organizations from around the country, addressing many issues 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 declaration of the emancipation of women by Táhirih among the early Bábís.

From the start, the Bahá’ís acted in unity to take 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 anniversary event, 23 devoted friends from 14 Bahá’í communities took turns all four days working at the Bahá’í display.

Homa Sabet Tavangar, representative of the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men, was warmly applauded for her presentation on the need for forward motion on the issue of equality.

The Western New York Bahá’í 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 Táhirih and the Conference of Badasht to the stage.

Combined Rochester/Buffalo Bahá’í 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 Ithaca introduced his own song for mothers and daughters, and Roya Bauman sang the soul-stirring “Táhirih, the Pure One.”

A tapestry by Vikkie Hu Poirier, presented at the International Conference in China in 1995, attracted many visitors to the Bahá’í display.

Afterward, more than 100 people attended a 90-minute Interfaith Worship Service at Trinity Church in downtown Seneca Falls. Roberta Oese-Siegle, a Bahá’í from Geneva, told a wonderful story of Táhirih and the spiritual importance of the connection to Seneca Falls. A visiting minister was so moved by this story that Oese-Siegle 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

AURORA, ILLINOIS: PUBLIC PRAISE FOR FESTIVAL

Bahá’í efforts to initiate a Festival of Cultures in Aurora, Illinois, prompted the local newspaper to editorialize its support for the Aug. 1 event. The Beacon News urged residents to participate in, not just attend, the inaugural festival and envisioned a larger event the next year that many groups would jointly sponsor.

The editorial praised the Bahá’ís for instigating “what some people would feel more comfortable without—a chance to step outside the monocultural societies many people make for themselves.”

It went on: “... instead of just complaining about how the world is going to hell, the Bahá’ís in our community have decided to try to stop it from happening.”

The newspaper urged residents to “not only take part with our eyes and our wallets, we need to engage our hearts.”

And it concluded, “Maybe that sounds a little naive, but maybe the Bahá’í attitude is the one we need to adopt.”

DAVIE, FLORIDA: SUPPORT FOR FRIENDS IN IRAN

Bahá’ís led a candlelight walk June 30 in Davie, Florida, in response to the martyrdom of Ruhollah Rowhani and the continuing suppression of the Faith in Iran.

The summer night outside Broward Community College was illuminated by prayer, singing, flickering candles, and radiant hearts. The more than 70 marchers came from the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Bahá’í communities. As Rabbi Harold Chaim Richter was quoted by The Sun-Sentinel as saying, “We are all on this boat together. Unless we fight for each other we are not going to get anywhere.”

Several major area newspapers and television stations covered the event. A New York Times column by A.M. Rosenthal regarding religious persecution including that of Bahá’ís also was published in The Sun Sentinel, Broward County’s largest newspaper.

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: NOTICE IN NEWSPAPER

Bahá’ís in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area parlayed the proximity of two Holy Days with Race Unity Day into an extensive feature article on the Faith in The Patriot-News.

The article, accompanied by two photographs, described the significance of the Holy Days—the Declaration of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh—and noted the Bahá’ís would be gathering again June 14 to promote racial harmony.

Also touched on in the article were the spiritual paths taken by several area Bahá’ís and the principles of the Faith.

Bahá’í-involved dialogue launches newspaper column

Ano County, California, has spawned additional meetings and a weekly newspaper column. A series of five dialogues on race in San Bernardino meetings and a weekly newspaper column.

Bahá’ís 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. [Page 26]

ADMINISTERING the CAUSE

Local activity and the National Bahá’í Fund BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

The National Bahá’í Fund

Reports in recent 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 some is that local activities have increased and are using more money, so there is less available for the National, Continental and International Funds.

This suggestion raises important strategic questions 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 issues.

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 advocates, they will produce results.

A more costly endeavor is acquiring a local Bahá’í 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? As earlier articles in this space have shown, 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 Bahá’í 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.

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 local community can get its center? Here is what the beloved Guardian's 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 priorities. The key really is to show our devotion 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 satisfaction."

IS IT A NATIONAL ASSEMBLY-SPONSORED EVENT?

Events in recent have led hosts and participants to believe the events have National Spiritual Assembly sponsorship.

The activities in question were not, in fact, sponsored by the National Assembly. The National Spiritual Assembly does occasionally organize specific activities, 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 Bahá’í 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 individual, 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).

Cassette tape helps educate on Sacred Law

3,600 copies of a cassette tape Huqúqu’lláh: The Right of God were mailed to Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups nationwide over the summer, as a project of the Board of Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh 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 believers through the tape was adapted, is made available to the friends so that they could listen to it in their own time."

The tape addresses the Sacred Law of the Right of God in two parts:

• A brief overview of the history of the Faith, the revelation of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and development of the institution of the Huqúqu’lláh.
• 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 Huqúqu’lláh, from which the suggested for deepening sessions, in Bahá’í schools and other larger meetings. It contains rare historical pictures and incorporates segments filmed in the Holy Land with participation of the Hands of the Cause of God ‘Alí Muhammad Varqá and ‘Alí Akbar Furútan.

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 612-474-4714 (fax 612-888-5250).

HUQUQU’LLÁH THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" (please write your Bahá’í identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees:

• Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449)
• Mr. Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518)
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506)

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

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 Bahá’ís 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 deficit of 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 small 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 and then I add some of my own pennies. This check for the Arc represents two years' collection of "Pennies for Peace." I know every little bit helps.

[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 National Spiritual Assembly's Financial Advisory Group recently reviewed and updated the investment policy for the National Spiritual Assembly. The new investment policy is useful guidance for the investment of the assets of Local Spiritual Assemblies as well. The entire policy can be found in the 1998 Additions to the Stewardship and Development manual. The manual, including the additions, is available for $10.95, or the additions can be ordered separately for $2. Call the Bahá’í 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 Kitáb-i-Aqdas. 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 847-733-3472.

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 Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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) ✦

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

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.

• Bahá’í lawyers are not permitted to practice in Iran. In rare instances when Muslim lawyers have undertaken to defend Bahá’ís, they were subjected to harassment and abuse.

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, which is included with the submission made by the Revolutionary 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.

LACK OF DOCUMENTATION RAISES CONCERN

• 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.

Nasirizadeh was commuted to 10 years' imprisonment, and he was ordered transferred to a prison in Kerman.

"We strongly urge President [Mohammad] Khatami to ensure that these executions are not carried out," an Oct. 2 statement from the White House said. "Executing people for the practice of their religious faith is contrary to the most fundamental human rights principles."

Also Oct. 1, it was revealed that 32 Bahá’í educators in 14 cities had been arrested since Sept. 29. All were instructors for the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education, known informally as the Open University. At the same time, Iranian officials confiscated classroom equipment and plundered the homes of Bahá’ís across 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 Bahá’í educational institution must be closed.

"We deplore this attack on followers of the Baha’i faith," the White House's written statement said, urging Iran's president to "ensure the release of all Baha’is who have been arrested for the peaceful observance and expression of their faith."

Since the early 1980s the Iranian government has barred Bahá’ís from universities because of their religious beliefs. Through the Open University, Bahá’í educators have been providing university-level instruction to college-age youth in private homes.

All Bahá’ís who had been faculty in Iranian universities were dismissed shortly after the Islamic Revolution.

PLIGHT OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS IN IRAN

This information is drawn from a "current situation" report released July 22 by the National Spiritual Assembly:

The Bahá’í Faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion; as "unprotected infidels," Bahá’ís have no legal rights.

• More than 200 Bahá’ís have been executed since 1979, solely on account of religion. Dozens of Bahá’ís are in prison, compared with nearly 750 in 1986.

• Bahá’ís are denied jobs and pensions, and barred from universities. Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís and urging religious rights for the community. The 1997 U.N. General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/52/142) calls for emancipating the Bahá’í community.

Up-to-date news releases on the situation of Bahá’ís in Iran continue to be sent to public information representatives for Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith, a charge the woman refuted. The head of the Islamic 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 Bahá’ís in Iran. This week's mass arrests 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 Bahá’í community," Dr. Kazemzadeh was quoted as saying in an Oct. 1 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." [Page 28]lassified notices in The American Classified Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Project Manager for the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois Will supervise ongoing restoration and conservation of the Holiest House of Worship and coordinate development projects at the National Center, permanent schools and institutes. Will provide technical guidance in design, project development, project management, acquisitions, facility management and construction.

Qualifications include professional training and a minimum of eight years' responsible experience in the development and project management field. A strategic and spiritually rewarding position for the achievement of the highest standards of maintenance of the properties which are a sacred trust of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Please send résumé to the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430). For more information about the position, please contact Louis Offstein, Support Services Coordinator at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3435, e-mail ).

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Accountant, Office of the Treasurer. Applicant should have strong interpersonal and analytic skills and be 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 confidentiality essential.

Administrative Assistants. Several openings possible. Will initiate and coordinate clerical and secretarial functions required in effective implementations of administrative needs. Must be deepened Bahá’í well grounded in the spiritual principles and administration of the Bahá’í Faith. 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 things at once. Must be able to speak, read and write English.

The Bahá’í Encyclopedia Project is seeking a part-time administrative assistant to support its editorial team. Maintains a variety of files and records, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy, assists with various research tasks. Must type a minimum of 60 wpm, have excellent computer skills, sound judgment, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to produce professional-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).

Service opportunities at the Bahá’í World Center

THE MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc 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 ).

STAFFING NEEDS AT THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 proofreaders for project to enter texts of Tablets into computer database in the original languages. Microfilming workers with archive/library experience in work with documents and camera/film.

RESEARCH OFFICE: Research assistant with high skill in Persian and Arabic and knowledge of Bahá’í Writings in those languages, plus computer skills. Translator with excellent skills in Persian, Arabic and English as well as familiarity with Bahá’í 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 Ridván 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 Bahá’í World Center. Professional needs: Gardens Coordinator; needs background in life sciences, 5-10 years' experience in management and Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í youth and local workers. Arborist/Tree Care Specialist; 5 years' experience pruning and maintaining ornamental trees, supervisory ability, related degree preferred. Mechanic/Purchasing Agent, experience in repair of small equipment, demonstrated ability to maintain records, scheduling and inventory control.

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

AT WLGI RADIO BAHÁ’Í

Radio Coordinator to manage operation of the Bahá’í radio station in Hemingway, South Carolina. Will help formulate and implement plans for development of station operations, facilities and services; evaluate the station's performance, especially in relation to its audience; supervise, recruit and evaluate personnel; formulate a budget; oversee communications within and outside the Bahá’í community; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; promote Bahá’í standards among station staff, volunteers and members of the community; and assume on-air shifts and other tasks. Required: 3 years radio management experience or 5 years related management experience, including financial; Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Maintenance worker. Enthusiastic, industrious, spiritually motivated. General knowledge of custodial duties, building maintenance and repair, grounds work and mechanical systems helpful. High skill in interior/exterior painting a plus. Work environment requires a resourceful person dedicated to courtesy, meticulous attention to detail. Minorities, women encouraged to apply. Professional training available. Contact James M. Sacco, Co-Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800 (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail ).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ).

PIONEERING/OVERSEAS

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

AFRICA

Angola Primary health care nurse (IMC), public health physician (IMC), logistics coordinator (IMC), team site leaders (CRS), agricultural team leader (IRC). Benin Project manager health (CRS). Burundi-Primary health care nurse/health educator (IMC), finance officer (IMC), micro-credit officer (IRC), assistant country representative (CRS), community health nurse, intern primary health care nurse, field managers (IRC), site manager/construction rehab manager (IMC), shelter manager. Côte d'Ivoire- Institutional development and capacity building specialist. Ethiopia-Program manager (HNI). Gambia-Manager for Permanent Institute. Ghana-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 (ILRI), 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 (HIID), country director (Care). Mozambique-Child survival training coordinator, program manager (HNI). Nigeria-Director Resource and Crop Management Division, director Crop Improvement Division, economist (ITA). 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 Assoc.), senior water adviser (Abt Assoc.), senior special education adviser (MCDI). Sudan Health officer (WV), water engineer (MCSI), commodities officer (IRC), emergency water and sanitation manager (IRC), capacity building manager (IRC), health officer, field manager (IRC). Tanzania Registered nurse (IRC), program evaluator (IRC), private sector participation adviser, performance management [Page 29]systems adviser. Uganda-Country program adviser (UNAIDS). Zambia-Senior associate health finance adviser (USAID). Zimbabwe-Service marketing adviser (PSI).

AMERICAS

Babamas-Self-supporting couple to caretake National Center. Bolivia-Senior adviser (IPPF).

Brazil International transactional attorney (WW Legal Consultants), project manager (CRS). Costa Rica-Political and ecological resource economist. El Salvador Country director (PCI), regional coordinator advocacy training, teachers, tutors, traveling teachers for SED projects. Guatemala-Regional coordinator advocacy training.

Guyana 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 (TNC), Chiapas program director (CI), Marine resource social scientist. Panama-BioDarien Project coordinator.

Peru Country representative (PACT), project manager (CRS PROMESA). Puerto Rico Water supply project. Trinidad and Tobago Team 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-Reconstruction program officer (IRC), small enterprise development and micro-credit specialist (IRC), 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, program manager (HNI). Hong Kong Litigation associate, tax attorney and project finance associate (WW Legal Consultants), international law and policy government relations (GE). India Regional manager (WFP). Japan ESL teachers.

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). Taiwan Teachers. Vietnam Transportation project.

AUSTRALASIA

Johnston Atoll Network administrator and senior analyst. Kiribati-Printing set-up/train for National Assembly. Kosrae Assistant attorney general. Papua New Guinea Professor and head of Department of Business Studies, University of Technology. Solomon Islands Custodians at the Bahá’í Center. Western Caroline Islands Self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary.

EUROPE

Albania Commercial law Liaison (CEELI). 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 (CEELI). Czech Republic Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary language, Montessori teacher. 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 (MCI). Netherlands Information systems administrators, analysts, applications programmers, linguists (OPCW), professorial 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 Technology. Switzerland-Trade analyst (ITC), head of Planning and Computerization Service (ITU), 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 (CEELI), senior adviser (IRF), 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 analyst, 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 teaching 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, supply management analyst. Area representatives for Mainland Southeast Asia and 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 liaisons, criminal law liaisons, Central, Eastern European and NIS (CEELI). Volunteer country specialists (AIUSA). Field internships Central 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 short-term consultants. International Medical Corps (IMC). Global Classroom Inc. offers free placement assistance to English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) professionals seeking overseas employment. All positions require a minimum of an ESL/EFL certificate or one year ESL/EFL teaching experience. 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 couple to serve as caretakers for the National Center.

BELIZE Couple or individual to serve as caretaker for Bahá’í Center in Belmopan, national capital.

COSTA RICA-Full-time service for 6-12 months for Spanish-speaking, self-supporting (preferred) youth to work with Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS-Custodian/Caretakers (independent means).

HONDURAS-Elementary and secondary school teachers.

MACAU The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers.

SAMOA-Full-time caretakers for House of Worship with extensive practical skills (e.g. building maintenance, gardening, etc.); prefer those with independent means.

SOLOMON ISLANDS-Self-supporting couple to serve as Custodians of the Bahá’í 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 (preferable) to serve as caretakers of the Bahá’í National Center and assistants to the National Assembly secretary.

WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS-Custodian/caretakers (independent means).

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

PIONEERING/HOMEFRONT

Forest Grove, Oregon, is in danger of losing its Assembly and is calling for homefront pioneers. We conduct children's classes, devotionals, public meetings, firesides, deepenings and regular Feasts. 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. Box 332, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

WANTED

Wanted: Written material and photos for teaching pamphlets in Spanish and English, planned by the Literature Committee of the Regional Bahá’í 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 contributions of traditional Latin values to the American Bahá’í community, the importance of the family, the role of women in the Bahá’í community, characteristics of Bahá’í marriage, the importance of educating children, the Bahá’í attitude on alcohol and illegal drugs, how the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer is needed for the Bahá’í Center secretariat in New York City. Will work closely with staff of secretary'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 Faith 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 young people. All applicants should contact Hillary Chapman at the secretary's office (phone 212-674-8998, e-mail).

ARCHIVES

1. The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Esther Chapin, Milton Chapin, 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 Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Bahá’ís have been prepared by the National Bahá’í 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 sketches is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central Street, Evanston IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039). [Page 30]

Grace Dean served in Latin America

Grace Dean, in her more than three decades of pioneering, is remembered as a woman of "with dauntless determination and steadfast courage" who cherished serving among the indigenous peoples of Central America and Mexico.

She passed to the Abhá 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 degree in social studies, was trained as a fire safety specialist and certified to teach elementary school.

In 1951, Grace became a Bahá’í. With her knowledge of Spanish, she was encouraged to consider serving the Faith in Latin America, where there were many needs.

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 always affect her ability to remain overseas, and in May 1969 she had to return to the 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 Faith in that community. Once again, 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, staying there until she had to return to Ohio this year.

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

The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize recently wrote to her family, "We know Grace as a strong, and strong-willed woman, who with dauntless 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 for a way to serve them. Her greatest gift, in our minds, was that she carried and offered the name of the Glory of God, Bahá’u’lláh, with her as a precious gift. She always looked for a way to raise people's consciousness as to the reality and truth of this new Day. Her perception was clear: she could hear and 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 responsibility to care for their own needs.

"Grace preferred the company of humble people, and was herself a person who cared little for the material pleasures of life. Her joy was to walk on jungle paths and visit 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 Bahá’í teachings of the unity of mankind and the oneness of God, to hundreds of people, and it is for this work that she will be remembered and loved in the Bahá’í 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 years, 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 "Scatter" Jones passed away July 24, 1998, in his home. He was 77.

Mr. Jones was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Dec. 10, 1920. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he met and married Virginia Hope Nichols.

Early in 1977, the Joneses expressed their desire to pioneer. By November of that year, the whole family arrived in the Bahamas, fulfilling goals of the Five Year Plan and initiating 16 years of pioneer service 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.

IN MEMORIAM

• Li Loni L. Barrows, La Junta, CO, August 22, 1998
• Geneva Barry, Indian Valley, ID, March 30, 1998
• Logan Black Hawk Carter, Woodland, WA, May 7, 1998
• Justin V. Bushey, Duluth, MN, July 30, 1998
• Doris B. Cheatham, Columbus, OH, September 1, 1998
• Grace Dean, Columbus, OH, September 4, 1998
• Phyllis Erdmann, Hartford City, IN, January 10, 1998
• Ralph L. Grunwaldt, Clemson, SC, June 29, 1998
• Dunbar Hall, Mathews, LA, January 15, 1998
• Gary Harless, Mount Carmel, TN, August 19, 1998
• Ghodsieh Khoshbin, Webster, TX, April 1998
• Alberta Lewis, Batesburg, SC, May 29, 1998
• Doris Lichtig, Sepulveda, CA, July 19, 1998
• Alice V. Lovejoy, Fallbrook, CA, July 19, 1998
• Johnny Marino, California, July 11, 1998
• Bertha Oldman, Wind River Reservation, WY, September 14, 1998
• Richard O. Powell Sr., Cincinnati, OH, June 22, 1998
• Erich Paul Reich, Portland, OR, September 4, 1998
• Brian Rochat, Walla Walla, WA, July 27, 1998
• Bita Rouhani, Los Angeles, CA, July 28, 1998
• Dorothy Schuster, Reno, NV, August 24, 1998
• Ella Sitianus, Fort Wayne, IN, August 14, 1998
• Ludie Stacy Smith (Collier), Merced, CA, July 24, 1998
• Mark Williams, Seattle, WA, July 1998
• Frederick H. Zeigler, Peoria, IL, August 10, 1998

O.Z. Whitehead served on Irish National Assembly

O.Z. Whitehead lived in the United States until he pioneered to Ireland in 1963. Photo Paul Slaughter

O.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 Professor Oddly in the 1948 film A 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 Bahá’í Faith. In 1963, he arose to pioneer to Ireland, where he remained until 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 Bahá’í Faith, including Some Bahá’ís to Remember and Some Early Bahá’ís of the West, as well as books from the film and stage, including a biography of the Gish sisters.

A friend wrote: "I met Zebby in Hollywood where I was a struggling young actor, in 1961. He lovingly and patiently taught me the Bahá’í Faith and quite literally changed the direction of my life. He will be dearly missed." [Page 31]

1998 CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

Dec. 17-20, 1998 Clarion Plaza Hotel Orlando, Florida THEME: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

Representatives and program participants invited from 200 Bahá’í projects, Institutions/agencies and Bahá’í-inspired organizations from 27 countries.

"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 Bahá’u’lláh, p. 213.

FEATURED GUEST Pierre J. Beemans, Vice President, Corporate Services for the International Development Research Centre, Canada

FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS David Ruhe (US), Jack McCants (US), Jaime Duhart (Chile), Arini Beaumaris (Canada), William Davis (US), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), Bradley Porkorny (US), Dwight Allen (US), Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (US), Hassan Abdel Fattah Sabri (UK), Michael Horton (Bahamas), Kenneth Bowers (US) and many more.

Music and drama programs coordinated by Jack Lenz featuring Red Grammer, the Van Gilmer Family, Sandy Webster, Roya Bauman

Parade of Nations: Peter Beaumaris, Master of Ceremonies Maxwell Bahá’í Youth Workshop

The conference is designed to fit the needs of practitioners of social and economic development as well as novices, and to help participants offer their ideas in a dialogue-evoking atmosphere and learning environment with a minimum of lectures. To quote from the Bahá’í World Center Office of Social and Economic Development in its letter to the Rabbani Trust dated March 23, 1997:

"... gather together to share information and experiences--both challenges and successes." "... analyze the shared experience in light of the teachings of the Faith and current thought in development-related fields...." "... contact with individuals who can potentially be of assistance...." "... learn about principles and practice of Bahá’í social and economic development...."

Program tracks include Advanced Concepts in Development, Advancement of Women, Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development, Business, Education, Health, Indigenous Peoples, Law, Justice and Human Rights, Peoples of African Descent and Race Unity

PIERRE J. BEEMANS, CANADA

JACQUELINE LEFT HAND BULL, US

JAIME R. DUHART, CHILE

REGISTRATION & FEES For general information call 407-740-5415

Adults: $109 Youth 15-20 years: $69 Children & 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

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: 800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703 Airfare Discounts from American Travel Consultants Call 800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-354-1703) File 115179A

World Order

Spring 1998 issue: Your window for teaching, deepening, and external affairs

The practical application of spiritual principles in the past and future • A provocative editorial called "2000-Apocalypse or Rebirth?" calls for thought about the much-discussed end of the century. • Dr. Jeffrey Gruber's "Language as Justice in the New World Order" takes up the problem of a universal auxiliary language-and realizing justice in selecting or creating one. • Roger M. Dahl's "American Bahá’í Publishing: 1896-1922" explores the means by which the early North American Bahá’ís met the challenge of making information about their new-found Faith available to as many as possible.

The Summer 1998 issue, now in preparation, will contain a provocative article on women in science and an anthology of poetry by women.

Include special information: • Names and ages of all attending, including children • Your total conference fees Any special needs Use the form below to respond by mail.

Mail form to Bahá’í Subscriber Service, 5397 Wilbanks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37343-4047 Phone 800-999-9019 (Single issues available on phone orders for $5 plus shipping/handling)

Use the form at bottom right to respond by mail. Special information: List your mailing address, the mailing address of the subscription recipient (if different), and if subscription is a gift. Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($19/1 year, $36/2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($19/1 year, $36/2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($24/1 year, $46/2 years) • Enclose payment if by check; must be in U.S. dollars payable to Bahá’í Subscriber Service • If ordering by credit card, include card number, expiration date, and signature of cardholder.

"YOUNG AT HEART CAMPAIGN"

Association of American Bahá’ís 50 years and older Organized by a task force under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee

OUR MISSION: To facilitate seasoned Bahá’ís to utilize their life and professional experiences, talents and resources, knowledge and skills in continued service to Bahá’u’lláh.

Please return form to: Deanna McCollum Houston, TX 77006 (phone 713-527-9124)

Use the form at right to respond by mail. Special information: Indicate your area(s) of strength or experience: teaching, pioneering, administrative service, race unity, social/economical projects, escorted traveling teaching, advancement of women, youth tutoring, public speaking or other.

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

To record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on all international trips undertaken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, 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 Bahá’ís on each trip Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s) Main purpose of your travel Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for: Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa? Use a separate sheet as needed.

SING AT THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP

"GLOBAL TRADITIONS" Nov. 14 in honor of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Selections based on Scriptures of the world's great revealed religions.

CONCERT Ladder for the Soul Institute, designed to help musicians and aspiring musicians understand the great spiritual gift of music.

STUDY Classes and rehearsals Nov. 10-14. Singers will be expected to know their music on their arrival; rehearsal is for blending and polishing.

WHEN Application must be received by Oct. 21. To cover cost of materials, include a $35 check or money order, payable to Bahá’í House of Worship. If you have not sung with us, please send a tape demonstrating your vocal range and ability. Use form below and indicate the part you usually sing.

JOIN US SEND FORM/MATERIALS TO: Music Director, Bahá’í House of Worship, 100 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-853-2328, e-mail

CLIP OR COPY THIS FORM AS NEEDED For what agency or event are you using this form? Name Address City Phone Special information: State, ZIP E-mail [Page 32]

حقوق الله

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402-3154

Mr. Stephen Birkland Arden Hills, MN ‎5511-3756 55112-3756‎

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116-1124

خانم لیلی ایمن

• "زنان بهائی ایرانی بعد از انقلاب" خانم گیتی وحید

جلسات پانل

۱- در پانلی که با عنوان "اختران تابان" به مدت ۲ ساعت روز ۵ سپتامبر تشکیل شد بیاناتی به شرح زیر ایراد شد:

• "ژینوس محمودی و بهیه نادری" خانم گیتی وحید
• "خانم قدسیه اشرف" دکتر مهناز ارجمند
• "اشراقیه خانم ذبیح" خانم باهرة راسخ
• "اولین لجنة ترقی نسوان" دکتر امین بنانی

۲- بعد از ظهر روز ۶ سپتامبر جلسه گفت و شنودی درباره تساوی حقوق زن و مرد با شرکت دکتر رؤیا ایمن و دکتر مهناز ارجمند و دکتر شاپور راسخ به نیابه از جانب همسرشان خانم دکتر مهری راسخ تشکیل گردید.

برنامه‌های هنری

در هشتمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی نیز مانند کنفرانس‌های سال‌های گذشته برنامه‌های هنری گوناگونی گنجانده شده بود بدین ترتیب:

موسیقی

هنرمندانی که در برنامه‌های موسیقی اعم از خواننده و نوازنده شرکت داشتند عبارت بودند از: خانم پروین داوری، خانم شکوه رضائی، دکتر الهام ضیائی، خانم طاهرة نجمی، دکتر فیروزه معتمدی، آقای آرین رحمانیان، خانم مرجان جباری، خانم آوا باوز؛ دکتر ‎پروز پرویز‎ موفق، آقای منصور سبحانی، آقای بهنام قربانپور، آقای منصور غیاثی، دکتر مسعود وکیلی، آقای محسن آراسته، آقای داریا مجذوبی، آقای فراز نامداری، آقای منصور سبحانی، شهرام شهریاری، آقای نیکان صادق‌زاده، آقای روح‌الله محمودزاده، مهندس منوچهر وهمن، آقای پیمان فروغی، مهندس بهروز سنائی، دکتر نوید اردکانی، آقای شهرام شهریاری، آقای بدیع یزدی، آقای هوشنگ تقوی، آقای کیومرث حقیقی، آقای فرزاد خزین، آقای حسام رحیمیان، آقای کامبیز نصیرپور، آقای نیسان روحانی.

رقص

برنامه‌های رقص هنری شامل رقص‌های محلی و غیره توسط هنرمندان حرفه‌ای و شاگردانشان که معمولاً از کودکان بهائی بودند اجراء می شد: خانم آتیسا آذر، خانم شهرزاد خرسندی، خانم نیلوفر تأیید، خانم می لاله زاری، خانم ندا لاله زاری، خانم منا لاله زاری، خانم آرزو حسینی. برنامه‌های رقص محلی که توسط خردسالان اجرا می گردید با استقبال گرم حاضران روبرو می شد.

نمایش

رو خوانی نمایش "در مه" نوشته و اجرای خانم عزت السادات گوشه‌گیر و نمایش "برداشتی از هفت وادی" از آقای منصور تأیید باهمکاری خانم شهرزاد خرسندی و آقای هوشنگ تقوی و نیز نمایش "مانکن" از آقای منصور تأیید باهمکاری خانم شهرزاد خرسندی به اجرا در آمد.

خانم دکتر فرزانه میلانی و جناب دکتر شاپور راسخ هنگام سخنرانی

شعرخوانی

در بخش‌های هنری که معمولاً عصرها اجرا می شد اشعار گوناگونی توسط افراد مختلف خوانده شد. از جمله: خانم روحا سبحانی، خانم شکوه رضائی، خانم فرزانه ناظریان، خانم شیدا محبوبی‌پور، مهندس بهروز جباری، آقای پناه نبیل اکبر.

برنامه کمدی

در این کنفرانس برای دومین سال یک برنامة کمدی، این بار تحت عنوان "لبخندی بزنیم"، توسط خانم الهام جذاب اجرا شد و مورد استقبال همگان قرار گرفت.

جلسات انگلیسی زبان

برنامه‌های انگلیسی از روز جمعه ۴ سپتامبر آغاز گردید و شرح مختصر آن به قرار زیر است:

سخنرانی‌ها

• "بهائیه خانم، ورقة مبارکة علیا" خانم باهرة معانی
• "سهم زنان در صلح جهانی" خانم جوانا کانرد
• "زنان در محیط کار" دکتر رؤیا ایمن
• "اولین لجنة ترقی نسوان در ایران" دکتر امین بنانی
• "طاهره" دکتر امین بنانی
• "نقش زنان در تمدن آیندة بهائی" دکتر شاپور راسخ
• "نهضت زنان در ایران" خانم ژاله خادم
• "برخورد یک زن بهائی ایرانی به خواهران بهائیش در غرب" خانم جاویدخت خادم
• "ژینوس محمودی، یک قهرمان عصر جدید" خانم مونا محمودی سنا
• "۳۰ سال خاطرة یک هنرمند" خانم ماه مهر گلستانه
• "سینما و زن ایرانی" خانم مهرناز سعید وفا
• "قمرالملوک وزیری" دکتر فیروزة معتمدی
• "زنان و هنرهای نمایشی" آقای منصور تأیید

و گفتنی است که در میان این سخنرانی‌ها برنامه‌های موسیقی اجراء می شد.

ناظمان

افرادی که نظامت جلسات کنفرانس را بر عهده داشتند عبارت بودند از: دکتر آذر موفق، خانم پریوش سمندری خوشبین، دکتر طلعت بصاری، خانم الهام کوروش، خانم روح‌انگیز مهانیان، خانم ژالة حق‌شناس، دکتر سهراب کوروش، آقای کامران مصباح، مهندس بهروز جباری، دکتر امین بنانی، جناب پرویز خاوری. هشتمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی شب یکشنبه ۶ سپتامبر رسماً پایان پذیرفت.

قرعه‌کشی برای ویزای اقامت دائمی آمریکا

امسال هم مانند گذشته از طرف اداره مهاجرت آمریکا قرعه‌کشی برای ویزای مهاجرت ترتیب داده شده است. جمعاً ۵۰۰۰۰ ویزا به این ترتیب صادر خواهد شد.

شرکت در قرعه‌کشی نیازی به برگ درخواست مخصوص ندارد و پولی هم برای شرکت در قرعه‌کشی نباید پرداخت. لزومی هم به ارسال مدارک تحصیلی و شغلی نمیباشد. ولی تقاضاکننده باید تحصیلات دبیرستانی را تمام کرده باشد یا دست کم ضمن پنج سال گذشته دو سال تجربه در کاری داشته باشد که مستلزم دو سال کارآموزی است.

درخواست را باید روی کاغذ سفید بدون خط نوشت و در آن نام کامل متقاضی، تاریخ و محل تولد او، نام و تاریخ و محل تولد همسر و فرزندانش، نشانی پستی متقاضی، و کشوری متقاضی تبعة آن کشور است با ماشین تحریر یا بخط خوانا درج شود. برگ درخواست امضا شده را باید همراه با یک قطعه عکس جدید ۴ سانتیمتر در ۴ سانتیمتر متقاضی که پشت آن نام متقاضی با حروف بزرگ نوشته شده و بوسیلة نوار چسب به درخواست الصاق گردیده با پست عادی یا هوائی به نشانی زیر فرستاد. طول پاکت باید بین ۱۵ و ۲۵ سانتیمتر و عرض آن بین ۹ و ۱۱ سانتیمتر باشد.

DV-2000 Program National Visa Center Portsmouth, NH 00210

در سطر بالای نشانی باید نام کشور محل تولد متقاضی نوشته شود

شرط مهم اینست که درخواستها باید در مدتی که برای تقاضا پیش‌بینی شده یعنی از اول اکتبر ۱۹۹۸ تا ظهر روز ۳۱ اکتبر ۱۹۹۸ به ادارة مهاجرت امریکا برسد.

برای اطلاعات بیشتر ممکن است با یکی از مؤسسات کمک به پناهندگان یا به دفتر پناهندگان بهائی (۸۴۷-۷۳۳-۳۵۲۵) در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس گرفت ولی باید به خاطر داشت که دفتر پناهندگان بهائی هیچگونه دخالتی در این قرعه‌کشی ندارد. [Page 33]باید نشان داد که احباء اهل انزوا نیستند و در امور اجتماع فعالیت دارند. در عین حال باید مراقبت کرد که بینندگان گمان نکنند که هدف اثبات برتری دیانت بهائی و بهائیان است.

در معرفی امر مبارک جنبه روحانی و دینی آن را نباید فراموش کرد و حتی در مواردی که به مشکلات اجتماعی و راه حل آن می‌پردازیم جنبه روحانی/دینی تعالیم باید در مد نظر باشد. همچنین جامعه بهائی را باید به عنوان یک جامعه دینی که به سنت همۀ ادیان معتقد به خدا و عبادت اوست معرفی کرد.

نداشتن طبقه روحانی در امر مبارک یکی از جنبه‌های جذاب آن برای افراد غیربهائی است. به همین جهت نهادهای دمکراتیک امر بهائی و شرکت عمومی احباء در برنامه‌ها و نقشه‌ها و ادارۀ امور جامعه باید مورد تأکید قرار داد.

ازدواج و زندگی خانوادگی و اهمیت تربیت کودکان را در امر بهائی باید به تأکید گوشزد نمود.

از کلمات و اصطلاحات ویژه‌ای که بهائیان بکار می‌برند باید خودداری کرد. این اصطلاحات باعث استیحاش مردم می‌شود و بسیاری منظور احباء را از آنها نمی‌فهمند.

قرار است برنامۀ ویدیوئی دیگری نیز با عنوان "دو بال یک پرنده" در ماه‌های مارچ و آپریل پخش شود. در ضمن مؤسسۀ تهیه کنندۀ برنامۀ "نیروی وحدت نژادی" دست اندر کار تهیه برنامه‌ای با عنوان "نیروی تقلیب شخصی" و برنامۀ دیگری برای افراد اسپانیائی زبان است. شرح مفصل‌تر این برنامه‌ها در صفحات انگلیسی آمده است.

ارزیابی جامعه امری

لجنه ملی نشر نفحات نقشه‌ای برای بررسی رفتار و دریافت و برداشت دینی احبای ایالات متحده طرح کرده است تا با کمک آن شاخص‌های اصلی حیات روحانی جامعه را ارزیابی کند.

نخستین سلسله این بررسی شامل اطلاعات زیر خواهد بود: ۱- سابقة دینی؛ ۲- مراودات احباء با دیگر نژادها؛ ۳- عوامل مؤثر در تقدیم تبرعات؛ ۴- سهیم بودن در فعالیت‌های امری و میزان خشنودی از حیات بهائی جامعه؛ ۵- ارتباط و شیوۀ برخورد با تشکیلات امری؛ ۶- فعالیت‌های تبلیغی؛ ۷- وضع تأهل و حیات خانواده؛ ۸- فعالیت‌های داوطلبانه؛ ۹- شرکت اقلیت‌ها در حیات جامعه؛ ۱۰- عادات عبادی و دینی مانند نماز و روزه و مطالعه آیات.

این بررسی‌ها سبب خواهد شد که تصویر روشن و دقیقی از جامعه امری ایالات متحده به دست آید و در نتیجه پژوهش‌های آینده با سهولت بیشتری صورت گیرد و طرح نقشه‌های امری با واقع‌بینی همراه باشد. نتیجه این بررسی به آگاهی یاران خواهد رسید.

از دفتر امین صندوق ملی

THE TREASURER’S CORNER

خلاصه نکاتی که در گزارش دفتر امین صندوق آمده است در زیر درج می‌گردد:

تهیه وصیت‌نامه چنانکه دوستان عزیز آگاهی دارند، تهیه وصیت‌نامه از جمله احکام کتاب مستطاب اقدس است. دفتر امین صندوق جزوۀ مختصری دربارۀ وصیت‌نامه به زبان انگلیسی و فارسی تهیه کرده است. دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت جزوۀ مذکور با دفتر امین صندوق تماس حاصل نمایند.

تبرعات نونهالان بهائی دوستان باید کودکان خود را از همان کودکی به تقدیم تبرعات عادت دهند. برای دریافت توصیه جهت سهیم کردن نونهالان بهائی در تبرعات امری می‌توان با خانم ننسی Nancy در دفتر امین صندوق تماس حاصل کرد. تلفن: 733-3422 (847)

اولویت تبرعات به صندوق‌های گوناگون تبرعات به صندوق ملی تا آخر آگست سال جاری ۱/۵ میلیون دلار کمتر از رقم مورد نیاز بوده است. یکی از دلائلی که برای این کمبود ذکر شده، افزایش مخارج محلی برای فعالیت‌ها و برنامه‌های محلی به ویژه در رابطه با ویدیوی "نیروی وحدت نژادی" است. خرید حظیرة‌القدس‌های محلی نیز مزید بر علت شده و منابع مالی جوامع محلی را محدود کرده است.

دفتر امین صندوق مایل است به اطلاع دوستان برساند که اولویت تبرعات به صندوق‌های گوناگون امری در طی نقشۀ چهارساله به ترتیب اهمیت بدین قرار است: ۱- صندوق بین‌المللی برای تأمین مخارج ساختمان‌های قوس، ۲- صندوق قاره‌ای، ۳- صندوق ملی، ۴- صندوق محلی.

حضرت ولی امرالله و بیت‌العدل اعظم به صراحت فرموده‌اند که تبرع به صندوق‌های قاره‌ای و ملی نسبت به تبرعات محلی اولویت دارد. بدین ترتیب دوستان و جوامع محلی باید با آگاهی از ترتیب این اولویت‌ها اقدام به تقدیم تبرعات نمایند.

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گزارش هشتمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION

هشتمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ۳ تا ۶ سپتامبر سال جاری در Holiday Inn O’Hare در شهر روزمانت در حومه شیکاگو برگزار شد.

حدود ۱۲۰۰ نفر از قاره‌های اروپا و امریکا و آسیا در این کنفرانس که موضوع اصلی آن "زن در فرهنگ ایران" بود، شرکت داشتند.

کنفرانس بنا به روش گذشته متشکل از بخش‌های گوناگون بود به این ترتیب: جلسات عمومی شامل سخنرانی، جلسات همزمان، جلسات میزگرد، جلسات گفت و شنود، جلسات به زبان انگلیسی، کلاس‌های کودکان، بخش‌های هنری شامل موسیقی و نمایش و رقص و شعرخوانی و برنامۀ کُمدی.

هشتمین کنفرانس انجمن غروب روز ۳ سپتامبر با تلاوت مناجات و خوشامدگوئی آغاز گردید. نمایندۀ انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی سخنانی دربارۀ انجمن و اهداف آن ایراد نمود. سپس آقای کامبیز رفیع، نمایندۀ لجنه ملی اماءالرحمن بیاناتی اظهار داشت. پس از این برنامه‌های گوناگون هنری شامل موسیقی و شعرخوانی و نمایش اجرا گردید.

شرح مختصری دربارۀ هر یک از برنامه‌های کنفرانس با ذکر مجری و هنرمند در زیر درج می‌گردد:

جلسات سخنرانی عمومی

مدت این جلسات معمولاً ۴۵ دقیقه تا یک ساعت بود و در آن یک سخنران به بحث دربارۀ موضوع ویژه‌ای می‌پرداخت.

سخنرانی‌هائی که در جلسات عمومی ایراد شد به ترتیب زمان عبارت بود از:

• "تصویر و اوصاف زن در ادبیات فارسی" دکتر شاپور راسخ
• "نهضت زنان در ایران" خانم ژاله خادم
• "زنان شاعر ایران" مهندس بهروز جباری
• "زن در ایران باستان" دکتر سیمین شکوهی شیبانی
• "جایگاه و رسالت زن از دیدگاه بهائی" دکتر شاپور راسخ به نیابت از همسرشان خانم دکتر مهری راسخ
• "خانم اهل بهاء، حضرت ورقه مبارکه علیا" خانم بهاریه معانی
• "مسائل زن در محیط کار" دکتر رؤیا ایمن
• "قرّة العین پیش‌کسوت سنت ادبی زنان در ایران" دکتر فرزانه میلانی
• "نقش و مقام زن در تمدن آینده بهائی" دکتر شاپور راسخ
• "خدمت زنان بهائی غیرایرانی به پیشرفت زنان در ایران" خانم باهرة راسخ
• "نقش زن در نقاشی" خانم ماه مهر گلستان

جلسات همزمان

در جلسات همزمان که مدت آن یک ساعت بود مطالب زیر ارائه شد:

• "علیقلی خان نبیل‌الدوله" دکتر گیتی اعتماد
• "زبان فارسی و کودکان و نوجوانان ایرانی‌تبار"

[Page 34]

ادامه تضییقات در ایران

PERSECUTIONS CONTINUE IN IRAN

تأیید حکم اعدام دو بهائی ایرانی و دستگیری ۳۲ نفر از اساتید "دانشگاه علمی آزاد" بهائی بمنظور تعطیل آن در ایران باعث شد که دولت آمریکا از نو عمل دولت ایران را در اعمال تضییقات بر جامعه بهائی در کشور زادگاهش محکوم نماید.

این رویدادها دو ماه و اندی پس از شهادت جناب روح‌الله روحانی به اتهاماتی واهی در شهر مشهد اتفاق افتاد. وزارت امور خارجه امریکا در اول اکتبر ۱۹۹۸ تأیید نمود که دادگاه انقلاب مشهد حکم اعدام جنابایان سیروس ذبیحی مقدم و هدایت کاشفی نجف آبادی را تأیید نموده است. این دو در سال ۱۹۹۷ بخاطر اداره جلسات "حیات عائله" که تخلف از حکم تحریم جلسات امری ‎قلم داد قلمداد‎ شده بود دستگیر شده بودند.

حکم اعدام نفر سوم، جناب عطاءالله حمید نظیری زاده، که همراه این دو نفس در مشهد دستگیر و محاکمه شده بود به ده سال زندان تخفیف یافت و دستور داده شده که ایشان به زندانی در کرمان منتقل شوند.

در بیانیة دوم اکتبر کاخ سفید اظهار شده است که "ما به پرزیدنت (محمد) خاتمی قویاً تأیید می کنیم که از اجرای این اعدامها جلوگیری کند. اعدام مردم بخاطر انجام فرائض مذهبیشان مخالف اساسی ترین اصول حقوق بشر است."

همچنین روز اول اکتبر اطلاع رسید که ۳۲ نفر از مدرسین بهائی در ۱۴ شهر ایران از تاریخ ۲۹ سپتمبر به بعد دستگیر شده‌اند. همة این افراد معلمین مؤسسة نهائی تعلیمات عالی بودند که بنام دانشگاه آزاد شهرت داشت. در همین زمان مأمورین رسمی دولت ایران به مصادرة اموال و تجهیزات آموزشی این دانشگاه و غارت خانه‌های بهائیان در سرتا سر کشور پرداختند.

یکی از ۳۲ نفر مذکور، جناب غلامحسین امینی، بلافاصله پس از دستگیری در طهران آزاد شد. ایشان گزارش دادند که مأمورین دولت به ایشان گفته بودند که مؤسسة تعلیم و تربیتی بهائی بایستی بسته شود.

در بیانیة کتبی کاخ سفید آمده است: "ما از این حمله به پیروان آئین بهائی بسیار متأسفیم" و به رئیس جمهور ایران تأیید شده است که "خلاصی همة بهائیانی که بدلیل انجام فرائض دینی‌شان و اظهار مسالمت آمیز اعتقاداتشان دستگیر شده‌اند تأمین نمایند."

از اوائل دهة ۱۹۸۰ دولت ایران بخاطر اعتقادات مذهبی بهائیان مانع ورود آنان به دانشگاه شده است و همة اساتید بهائی دانشگاه را هم اخراج کرده است. با ایجاد دانشگاه آزاد، اساتید بهائی دروس دانشگاهی را به جوانانی که به سن دانشگاهی رسیده بودند در خانه‌های خصوصی تدریس ‎می‌نموند می‌نمودند‎.

بفاصلة یک روز، گزارشها و عکس العمل به این واقعه توسط آسوشیتد پرس، رویتر، یونایتد پرس اینترنشنال و دیگر سرویسهای خبری در امریکا، کانادا، انگلستان و فرانسه منتشر شد.

دو نفر بهائی محکوم به مرگ در مشهد، همراه با جناب روحانی و جناب نصیری زاده، در جنیوری یا فبروری امسال پس از یک محاکمه سری که در آن متهمان از داشتن وکیل محروم بودند، محکوم به اعدام شده بودند. سه نفر باقی‌مانده که در محکومیتشان اخیراً تجدید نظر شد در ماه اپریل محاکمه دیگری از آنان به عمل آمد ولی از حق داشتن وکیل محروم شده بودند.

در اواخر سپتمبر به جنابایان مقدم و نجف‌آبادی شفاهاً اطلاع داده شده بود که حکم اعدام آنان تأیید شده است و اکنون فرصت دارند که به دادگاهی که این حکم را صادر نموده تقاضای تجدید نظر دهند. این دو بهائی ظاهراً میتوانند برای خود وکیل انتخاب کنند ولی عملاً این موضوع دشوار به نظر میرسد. جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده منشی امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی اظهار داشتند که این موضوع مایه نگرانی ویژه است که تأیید حکم اعدام شفاهاً اعلام شده است. این مطلب نشان‌دهندة آنست که مسؤولان دولت ایران می کوشند اجرای این بی‌عدالتی را پنهان نگاه دارند.

جناب روحانی که در ۲۱ جولای بوسیله دار شهید شدند متهم شده بودند که خانمی را به دیانت بهائی هدایت نموده بودند. این اتهام را خود آن خانم مردود دانسته است. رئیس دادگاه انقلاب اسلامی ایران ابتدا منکر اجرای حکم اعدام جناب روحانی گردید و حتی ایشان را "فردی خیالی" قلمداد نمود. بعداً مراجع رسمی ایران به این اعدام معترف شدند ولی گفتند که جناب روحانی به دلیل جنایاتی علیه امنیت ملی اعدام شدند.

در اطلاعیه ای که روز اول اکتبر از طرف محفل روحانی ملی امریکا برای جرائد و نشریات ارسال گردید به نقل از جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده چنین آمده: "با توجه به اظهارات پرزیدنت خاتمی انتظار داشتیم که شاهد بهبودی در وضع بهائیان ایران باشیم. بازداشت دسته‌جمعی معلمین و تأیید دو حکم اعدام صرفاً بر پایة اعتقاد مذهبی در این هفته شاهد دیگری است بر یک رشته عملیات هماهنگ از جانب دولت ایران به منظور منهدم نمودن جامعة بهائی."

پرزیدنت خاتمی در خطابی به مردم امریکا از طریق تلویزیون در اوائل امسال گفته بودند که ایشان با بسیاری از ارزشهای مورد احترام مردم امریکا مثل مذهبی بودن، آزادی خواهی و عدالت‌طلبی همدلی دارند.

برنامه تبلیغی لجنه نشر نفحات

MEDIA INITIATIVE RESULTS

پخش برنامة ویدیوئی "نیروی وحدت نژادی" در ماه جون نتایج مطلوبی به بار آورد. از طرف افراد غیربهائی در مجموع ۳۹۰۰ درخواست کسب اطلاع درباره امر مبارک دریافت گردید. درصد این درخواست ها در جنوب و غرب کشور اندکی بیشتر از نواحی دیگر بود.

لجنة ملی نشر نفحات در ماه جولای با بررسی فعالیت‌های ۱۵۰ محفل محلی نتایج زیر را به دست آورد: ۷۹ درصد جوامع برنامه‌هائی درباره وحدت نژادی ترتیب داده بودند، ۶۸ درصد جوامع ‎فعالیت‌هانی فعالیت‌هائی‎ برای روز وحدت نژادی داشتند، ۶۶ درصد جوامع مجامع عمومی تشکیل داده بودند و ۶۸ درصد جوامع با سازمان‌های غیربهائی در زمینه وحدت نژادی همکاری کرده بودند. تا اواسط ماه جولای حد اقل ۵۰ هزار غیربهائی در فعالیت‌های مربوط به وحدت نژادی شرکت کرده بودند.

برنامه ویدیوئی "تاثیر دعا و مناجات"

در شمارة پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی خوانندگان رسید که لجنة ملی نشر نفحات ویدیوی دیگری دربارة تأثیر دعا و مناجات تهیه کرده است. روز اول آگوست سال جاری این برنامة ویدیوئی در مرحلة آزمایشی خود برای یک گروه متشکل از افراد غیربهائی به نمایش در آمد و با استقبال تماشاگران روبرو شد. دو علت برای این استقبال ذکر شده است: نخست اینکه "دعا" موضوع بحث‌انگیزی نیست و اساساً رابطة نزدیکی با ادیان دارد. دلیل دوم اینکه تهیه کنندگان ویدیوی جدید - که تهیة ویدیوی "نیروی وحدت نژادی" را هم بر عهده داشتند- تجربیاتی از برنامة پیشین اندوخته اند که آنان را در اثربخشی ویدیوی جدید کمک کرده است.

حضرت بهاءالله در آثار مبارکة خود بارها به احباء گوشزد فرموده اند که در مورد تبلیغ امر مبارک "حکمت" را از دست ندهند تا سبب ‎استیحاض استیحاش‎ مبتدی نشوند. این حکمت به صورت‌های گوناگون پدیدار می شود. یکی از موارد حکمت در خصوص یک برنامة ویدیوئی که از طریق تلویزیون پخش می‌شود، دانستن این است که چه نکاتی را به چه وجهی و با چه زبانی باید بیان کرد. آنچه دربارة برنامه‌های تبلیغی تلویزیونی و واکنش افراد غیربهائی در قبال آن تا کنون به تجربه آموخته و آن را در تهیة برنامة ویدیویی جدید به کار برده ایم به قرار زیر است:

• امر مبارک در نظر برخی از کسانی که نخستین بار با آن آشنا می شوند ممکن است به صورت یک "فرقه" یا "جمعیت سری" جلوه کند. به همین جهت کوشش شده است که کسانی که در ویدیو شرکت داشته‌اند از افراد "عادی" باشند. یعنی از افراد متعادل و معمولی باشند که در امور جامعه سهیمند و کار و کسبی دارند و با کودکان مهربانند و جز اینها.
• مردم معمولاً نسبت به چیزهائی که به نظرشان "بیگانه" بیاید ‎استیحاض استیحاش‎ دارند. مثلاً در برابر بخش‌هایی از برنامة کنگرة جهانی که مردم با لباس‌های بومی ظاهر شده بودند و نیز نسبت به دیدن اماکنی خارج از ایالات متحده یا در مقابل شنیدن مناجات به برخی از زبان‌های خارجی واکنش منفی نشان می دهند. به همین جهت سعی شده است که در ویدیوی "تأثیر دعا و مناجات" تنوع نژادی در رابطه با بافت جامعه و ویژگی‌های امریکایی آن نشان داده شود.

[Page 35]

CDs feature Writings in Arctic language

The Bahá’í community 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 Island. The recipient thanked the Bahá’ís for coming back to the area.

During the event, Bahá’ís spoke about how the physical world is a vehicle for our spiritual growth, emphasized that the writings of Bahá’u’lláh show respect for the sacred, and offered the selections of the Writings 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-Bahá to the Bahá’ís 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 published as a book, according to a report. "After consultation, the local Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í group decided to forgo publishing a book and opted to make the Writings available on CD and cassette tape recordings. This, we believe, is a historic development."

EDUCATION

Thailand: The Santitham Vidyakhom School became the pride of Thailand's Bahá’í community by winning second place in the Department of Education's King's Award in the country's northeastern region. In the contest, Santitham was compared with more than 2,000 schools in eight provinces. One district education officer said, "I think Santitham is leading the way in preparing students to fit in with a more global community."

YOUTH

Ukraine: The "Focusing All Efforts" 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 Bahá’í Faith is, and organizing a fireside.

TEACHING

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 Wayú people in La Guajira region. "A total of 41 communities and 150 teachers, 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 circles and children's classes in the majority of communities."

DEVELOPMENT

United Kingdom: More than 200 Bahá’ís from all over Ireland gathered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh more widely known in that region.

Mali: A conference for Bahá’í women who live in the Sahel—the southern fringe of the Sahara Desert—ended up in the launching 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's focus was on teaching the Faith and a public meeting attracted about 75 people—but workshops also were held on Bahá’í marriage. The more than 40 participants came from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

BUSINESS

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 has become a worldwide unifying principle, even if not understood or defined in universally common terms.

Dorothy A. Marcic: Not much. We as Bahá’ís often see that, and I see that as one of our jobs as Bahá’ís to gently educate on this concept.

"Sustainable development has become a worldwide unifying principle, even if not (universally) understood or defined." —Steven C. Hall, Unionville, Connecticut

What can Bahá’í business people do (perhaps through an organization of Bahá’í 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 similar paths and contribute to the discussion. 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 Bahá’ís and Bahá’í-inspired organizations and learn from each other. I am glad to see the BBFA (Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 citizen—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 (Bahá’í 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 pre-business people, and to work to bring together ideas about business from various religions.

Douglas McAdam: I am 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.

PHOTO CAPTION

At the Bahá’í National Convention in Malaysia, Counselor Rosalie Tran receives the Tamil translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas from translator S. Nagaratnam on behalf of the Universal House of Justice. Photo courtesy of Baha'i International News Service [Page 36]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

OCTOBER

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 Bahá’u’lláh" 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; par- ent or sponsor must accompany attendees).

30-Nov. 1: College Club Weekend at Louhelen.

30-Nov. 1: "The Source of Unity" at Louhelen.

NOVEMBER

6-8: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen.

6-8: Training Institute at Bosch: "Fundamental Veri- ties of the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Mys- tical Theology" at Bosch.

GRADES 1-4 chatice

14-15: Bahá’í One World Choir and Concert in Can- ton, OH, sponsored by Assembly of Kent. Contact Barbara Baumgartner, 44139 (phone 440-248-7817, e-mail Solon OH ).

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 Sin- gle Adults" at Louhelen.

20-22: Royal Falcon Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, east of Portland, OR. Registrar/information c/o Portland, OR 97213 (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail ).

26-29: Florida Bahá’í School, Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach, FL. Registrar/information: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-942- 1844, fax 954-946-9299, e-mail ).

26-29: Washington, D.C. Thanksgiving Bahá’í 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: Meet- ing 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.

Chalice Johnson and Denea Acevedo were enthusiastic participants in a recent Calling All Colors conference in Gainesville, Florida. Chalice is a granddaughter,

DECEMBER

4-6: "Shoghi Effendi's World Order of Bahá’u’lláh" at Louhelen.

11-13: "Apostles Training Academy": Institute for high school youth (grades 10-12) at Green Acre. Appli- cation must be submitted by Nov. 16.

18-20: Wilmette Institute course on Islam at Bosch.

24-27: Grand Canyon Bahá’í 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, AZ 85068-9961 (phone 602- 922-1919). Hotel reservations: 800-233-1234.

26-29: Montana Youth Rendezvous, Great Falls, MT. Register c/o Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526). More information: 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.

27-Jan. 1: Grassroots Education Conference at Bosch.

30-Jan. 3: Winter School at Bosch: "Glimpses of the Guardian Through Historical Perspectives, Per- sonal Experiences and Firsthand Accounts"; "The Most Vital and Challenging Issue in Today's World."

REGIONAL SCHOOLS

See page 15 for more details on regional Bahá’í school fall and winter sessions.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

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

A. NAME(S) 1. ID# 2. and Denea a ID# 3. great-grand- ID# daughter, of Ludi 4. Johnson, a ID# pioneer in Tahiti.

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS Street Address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Street Address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving Date

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER Area Code Phone Number Namne

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

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.