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Volume 30, Issue 1

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BAHA

It’s ‘Everybody’s Business’

Conference on development illuminates guidance with example

BY TOM MENNILLO

he contrast was telling. As t s struck Baghdad—where ‘’u'lléh declared His mis world away in Florida about

1,250 believers and like-minded souls gathered to build: to examine achievements and challenges in social and economic development.

The third annual seminar and sixth annual conference sponsored by the Dr.

Celebrating U.N. role in human rights

Baha’i communities praised for ‘stepping up to the plate’

i | ‘he American B:

in mok mote the

i community

s a national leader communities to prosal Declaration of Human Rights on Human Rights Day, Dec. 10.

as

ional Spiritual Assembly joined nklin & Roosevelt ased in New York to organize local “Town Hall Meetings” across America to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the ation of Human Rights eral Assembly.

David Hinkley, one of the two national coordinators working for the Roosevelt Institute, has cited the National Spiritual Assembly as one of eight non-governmental organizations that “really stepped up to the plate” to achieve the goal of setting up 52 Town Hall Meetings nationwide.

Last September the National Assembly's U.N. Office invited one Local Spiritual Assembly in each state to help organize such a local meeting to promote the understanding and practice of human rights. The Roosevelt Institute offered professional training and materials for the nationwide campaign.

In many cases, Hinkley said, Bah’ss were the only people carrying forward the

the Fi Tnstitute

Eleanor

SEE U.N. OBSERVANCE, PAGE 12

Mahmoud and Mrs. gieh Rabbani Charitable Trust drew ic 39 nations, in the Americas and beyond, to balmy Orlando, Florida, where Christmas lights are strung on palm trees planted, not potted.

aking particiy inte;

Development Is E ) ess.” That knowledge, of course, is already woven into the fabric of life for the approximately 250 grassroots

ants from

and poinsett

The many Spanish-sp pants were seamles: 2 the proceedings. They listened over headsets to simultaneous translation of plenary talks and, if needed, had translators at their side when they spoke in

practitioners who used the tw

15-17 to share experiences and resources. It had to be learned and internalized, though, by the 1,000 souls who joined them for the Dec. 17-20 conference.

ated into

project or track sessions. SEE DEVELOPMENT, PAGE 22

Galvanizing youth in the South

Everyone gets into the spirit at the evening talent show at a youth retreat near Covington, Georgia, organized as part of a “systematic process for nurturing the Bahd’i youth movement.” Story, page 15. Photo by Tom Mennillo

National Media Initiative « march 1998 to Now

Since the National ‘Teaching Committee began initiating national broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity:

Nearly 12,000 phone calls have requested information on the toll-free

800-22-UNITE line. The new phone system is operating, and still routes messages to local communities, but at far less cost.

About 10,000 non-Baha’i user sessions on the public Web site

(www.us.bahai.org) have included 700 inquiries for information.

Many thousands of seekers have attended local teaching activities.

A new level of enthusiasm about teaching has arisen.

The types of activities undertaken by local communities show attention

to recent guidance from the Universal House of Justice.

This wide array of actions demonstrates an increasing capacity to

accommodate a variety of necessary and complementary initiatives.

Overview of the National ‘Teaching Plan, page 27 cher, pages 28-29

Report, recommendations from our independent res

Fesruary 7, 1999

eoeeerec eee

MULK/DOMINION BAHAT ERA 155

VOLUME 30, NO. I

‘I-N-S*1-D-E

NASHVILLE UNITY FEASTS PAGE 3

‘ NG

GRAND CANYON CONFERENCE PAGE 14

VINEYARD OF THE LORD PAGES 30-31

CARTA A LOS AMIGOS = {3 KID’S CORNER = 19 YOUTH > 20221 CLASSIFIED + 32-33

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and December 31, 1998

$18,000,000 Goal/All Funds

$12,301,266 Received/All " Funds

cause of the guidance of a nation.”

—‘Abdu’l-Baha

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Ayyam-i-Ha

Days of giving

Observed from sunset Feb. 25 through sunset March 1

¢ Work is not suspended ‘There are four Intercalary Days in most years, five in a leap year. They fall between the Baha’{ months of Mulk and ‘Ala and are designated for spiritual preparation for the Fast, hospitality, charity and gift-giving. ‘The name “Ayyém-i-Ha” translates into “Days of [the letter] Ha.” A note accompanying the Kitab-i-Aqdas states that Arabic letter has “several spiritual meanings in the Holy Writings, among which is as a symbol of the Essence of God.” “It beboveth the people of Bahd, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name. ...” —Baha’u'llah, Kitab-i-Aqdas, para. 16

The Nineteen-Day Fast

Season of restraint

Observed from sunset March 1 through sunset March 20
Work is not suspended

In the Baha’i month of ‘Ald, believers in sufficient health between the ages of 15 and 70 are to abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. “The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the Fast; they have been exempted by God as a token of His grace. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Most Generous.” Wllah, Kitab- a entially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation. . nd purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spi a . Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal d —Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Directives from the Guardian, p. 28

Naw-Raz A Baha'i Holy Day

Observed between sunset March 20 and sunset March 21
Work is to be suspended

Rooted in an ancient Persian new year festival, Naw-Riz was

adopted by Baha’u’llah as a Holy Day. The Baha’is of the Western world observe Naw-Riiz on March 21, though eventually it will always be observed on the day of the

spring equinox. The Guardian directed that the Feast of Naw-Riz be celebrated separately from the administrative Feast for the month of Baha.

“As it is a blessed day it should not be neglected, nor deprived of results by making it a day devoted to the pursuit of mere pleasure.

During such days institutions should be founded that may be of permanent benefit and value to the people.”

—‘Abdu’l-Bahd, quoted in Babd’u’lldh and the New Era, p. 182

Some significant dates in Baha'i history February February 1894: Ibrahim Kheiralla settled in Chicago. His teaching work in the next few months led to the founding of the first Baha’{ community in the Amer 7 February 1938: The Baha’i House of Worship in ‘Ishqabad, Soviet Union, was confiscated during a wave of crackdowns on Bal Tt was later turned into an art gallery, heavily damaged in a 1948 earthquake, and demolished in 1963. Feb. 12-18, 1953: The Ten Year World Crusade was formally launched with the first Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda. Expansion of the Faith into an unprecedented number of cour came in the next dec: which culminated in the first election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. Feb. 19, 1968: His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili [I of Western Samoa, the first reigning monarch to become a Baha’i, formally accepted the Faith. Feb. 24-25, 1990: The Soviet Union’s first national Ba conference in six decades was held in Moscow. Facts in this section compiled from A Basic Bahd’i Chronology

Significant upcoming dates

¢ Festival of Ridvén (anniversary of the Declaration of Bahs’u'll4h), Aprit 21-May 2

May 23: Anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab

May 29: Anniversary of the Ascension of Baha’w'llah #

MICHAELYN CHESS, an 11-year-old Baha’i from

shelter through her social studies class.

Oklahoma—which she said was a cultural mecca for African-Americans—and

Longview, Washington, was given the Most Active Learner award by the sixth-grade staff of Monticello Middle School in December. Among her activities was helping to collect food for a local battered women’s

‘ZENOBIA POWELL PERRY, a Baha’i from Wilberforce, Ohio, was profiled as one of the “Ten Top Women” of 1998 chosen by the Dayton Daily News in its Nov. 15 editions. In the story, the professor of music and composition at Central State University was interviewed about the beginning of her life in Boley,

her accomplishments, which include several compositions performed at Carnegie Hall.

Ruts A. RypsTepT, a Baha’f from Grosse Point Woods, Michigan, and a physician, was recently elected president of the Macomb County Medical Society. @

Wuat You NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEADLINES FOR THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i

o How do we inform the Baha’is across the country about Will submission by the deadline guarantee that an article or a photograph will be printed?

our deadlines for you to submit articles?

They’re on page 2 of every issue, lower right corner.

Why does the deadline fall so many weeks before the

date of publication?

After we receive articles and photos, the paper goes through a number of processes: editing, which often involves contacting people for more information; review by the Editorial Board; layout and design on computer, which often involves finding more photos or illustrations to attract hearts and complement the written content; prepress and printing; address labeling and mailing.

Since our latest redesign was initiated a little over a year ago, we are finding out just how much time it takes to give all these processes the proper attention and respect.

We make our best effort to be fair, obedient and qualityminded in our decisions on what we print. The National Spiritual Assembly has set each year’s Ridvan message from

the Universal House of Justice—and the Four Year Plan in

general—as the primary agenda for what we choose to publish. Most of the reports we receive on teaching, consolidation, administration and promotion of the Baha’i principles fit very well within that framework. However, sometimes a space limitation will force us to leave a story out; sometimes the editing process can’t be completed in time; sometimes a photo will be hard to reproduce or not highly relevant. In other cases, we have to send articles to other agencies—such as the National Youth Committee or the Office of Pioneering—and this takes extra time as well.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued efforts to help us ensure that The American Baha’i is an ever-improving tool to inform, educate, inspire and unify. —The Editors

THE AMERICAN

BAHAI

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

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

Baha’i National Center 847.869.9039 mmm ee

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Associate Editor Ramzia Duszynski

Print Production Specialist Jemeul Johnson

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Contributors

Susanne M. Alexander, Ted Amsden, Jim Cheek, Randolph Dobbs, Ken Duszynski, Dorothy Gilstrap, Bruce Koerber, David Schlesinger, Jason Schlesinger, Viadimir Shilov, Cynthia Thomas, Ruhi Vargha

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS s ue) for a total of 10 year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

SEND ADDRE:! s to Office of Information 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS American Band’t welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the ith.

should be clear and concise.

ies may be edited for length.

Priorocrarns may be color or black-and

. Please submit photos d and in focus and

if

white prints or slid that are well compo identify people in photos when possibl you wish photos returned, include a selfaddressed envelope.

Deapuines for upcoming issues:

Feb. 26 for the issue dated April 9

April 2 for the issue dated May 17

Piast appress as for possible publication to Man: itors, The American Babé’i, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail .

page 2. THe AMERICAN BanA’i © ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE February 7, 1999 [Page 3]

Festivals of diversity in Nashville

Unity feasts, born of crisis, now embrace people from many nationalities

BY TOM MENNILLO

here else but at the Baha’i er can you find Scottish i Irish da

sh singing, African drumming and Spanish-language prayers on a Saturday night in Nash

The occasi s a monthly Ba sponsored “unity feast” that has been held for more than a year at the downtown

ennessee?

‘enter and spawned a second such

celebration of the human spirit at the public library in suburban Brentwood. It brings together people of all ages,

religions and cultures for an evening of

fun, fellowship and food. born, though, at a he memo!

The idea w;

solemn ot service for a slain young man of Za His accused killer was Ethiopian, and

tensions between the two immigrant

n descent.

communities ran high.

In stepped the Baha’is to provide a “neutral” place where everyone would feel welcome.

“Those attending the service felt such a spirit of peace and unity, they didn't want that to be the only gathering,” related Ziba Ferdowsi of Brentwood, a

SSO

Delores Johnson (left), a photographer for the Tennessean, confirms the name of Irish dancer Wendy Winter at a recent unity feast in Nashville. Photo by Tom Mennillo

member of the committee that organizes the Nashville and Brentwood events. Under sponsorship of the Nashville and Brentwood Assemblies, the monthly events have had sometimes standingroom-only crowds and been blessed with an incredible array of performers. This night in December, the unity feast

has drawn 70 people—much fewer than

ded auditorium of the They include reporter Ray Waddle and photographer Delores Johnson from The Tennessean newspaper.

SEE UNITY FEASTS, PAGE 4

A Call To Proclaim Equality

paign focused on gender equality designed to complement

the race unity campaign, “The Power of Race Unity.”

In that message, the National Spiritual Assembly also nationwide effort

mbly is

of a Bird

Equality of Women and Men to the mayor and city

announced the commencement of in which each Local Spiritual / present the statement Two Win,

ational Spiritual Assembly's message to the Amer community printed in the Dec. 31, 1998, issue of The ican Babd’é announced the launching of a

In coordi

ional camages you to:

ed to

takings by May 7.

council in their respective communities. ating this nationwide effort, the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men encour

Make the presentations by April.
Inform us of your preliminary plans by April 5.
Send the committee a final report of your successful under

he Contact: National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men (phone 202-833-8990, e-mail usnsa-ncewm@usbnc.org). #

See page 7 for important information on U.N. International Women’s Day and the One Voice Project.

90" Baha'i National Convention

he National Spiritual

Assembly looks forward to greeting the elected delegates at the 90th Baha’i National Convention at the

Baha’i House of Worship in

Wilmette, Illinois. The Convention open Thursday evening, April 22, and close midday Sunday, April 25.

All seats have been reserved and we thank visitors who applied promptly for a seat at the Convention.

Selection of

publications

in Vietnamese available

MZ new booklets in Vietnamese

were recently made available to the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office by the Baha’i World Center. The Un House of Justice has advised the office that it may publish these booklets for the use of Vietnamese refugees in the United States.

A volunteer has printed a number of these publications, and they are available to you at $1.50 each. The titles include:

rsal graciously

° Amatu’l-Baba Replies

Baba’ Marriage

Baha'i World Community 1995

° Bishdrat and Lawh-i-Hikmat

Creating a Spiritual Home

Du’c Baha'u'llah

Election of Local Spiritual Assemblies

° The Importance of Prayer and Meditation

Living the Life

° A Prayerful Attitude

ing Star

Spiritual Tests

‘Two more titles will be available in coming weeks.

Please send your order to: U Refugee Office, 1233 Central Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3545, e-mail ). @

Bal

Enrollments

December 1998 ...............120 Since May 1, 1998. ........1,040

THE FUND

May 1-December 31, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since C May 1, 1998:

$12,301,266

ati

46% of year's

goal was met

Oy 67% of fiscal year has

passed April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund

$1,443,529

International Baha’i Fund $816,862

The two amounts above add up to 18% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 26%)

OO oncIm sre wear

NYE PPAS.}

2.1% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $374,963

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

SICA!

Revenues

$13,678,257

Expenses

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

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

February 7, 1999

Tne AMERICAN BaAnA’i ¢ THE SECOND FRONT

page 3 [Page 4]

B-R-I-E-F-L-Y

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN

is in the Detroit, Michigan, area participated again this Thanksgiving in n interfaith worship service with a diverse group of congregations. Thi held at the Islamic Hous

fisdom in Dearbom Nearly 500 attended ce, on the theme

1 asl from Detroit, r Writings of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha — and selected to read the servi pivotal prayer.

The printed program also included a description of the Faith.

Financial contributions and canned goods collected at the service were donated to the South Oakland Shelter in Royal Oak. The Spiritual Assembly of Dearborn is a sponsor of the annual service. Mary Krzeczkowski of Taylor was the Baha’i representative to planning committee meetings and assisted in production of the program. #

ad from the

Charlotte Easley reads Baha’i writings at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in Dearborn Heights.

ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA Be is from several Alabama communities presented a bronze eagle to ommander Floyd McCain of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 13

of Alexander City at the organization’s annual Christmas dinner Dec. 21.

The presentation was made by Ella Mae Conrad, who also offered a prayer for humanity and spoke on the meritorious services of Chapter 13 over the pas

Commander McCain was moved by the presentation and stated that the Bahé the first group he knows to have recognized the local DAV for its service. Commander McCain also said the bronze eagle was “the nicest gift he had ever been presented.”

Baha’is attended from Camp Hill, Auburn, Tuskegee and Lineville. A Baha’, James Rhodes, is adjutant of DAV Chapter 13.

Rhodes noted that “a major factor in this presentation is that Chapter 13 is

willfully integrated, with minorities holding many chapter offices. This is unusual for Alabama.”

NORTH CAROLINA/WEST VIRGINIA Bahé’i perspective on nature was included in an article published in Abesate by Appalachian Voice, the bimonthly publication of the regional environmental organization Appalachian Voices.

The article was written by Shireen Parsons, a Baha’{ in Boone, North Carolina. It quoted from the Baha’ writings and highlighted environment protection activities by Byron Hoggatt, representing the Charleston, West Virginia, Assembly.

Also included in the article were Christian, Jewish, Muslim and American

Indian perspectives on nature.

UNITY FEASTS, continuen From pace 3

CO CCOO OOOO OOOO OOOO EEE EEEEEEEOEEEEEEEE EEE ESOS EOS E OOO OE OOOEEESOH EES TES EO OOOO OOOO OOOEOEEOE®

All are welcomed by area resident Carol Mansour, in African dress, who explains the purpose is “to get God’s children together and let all see how wonderfully diverse we are and how well that works together, the gifts God has given all these children.” evening’s theme of “Our ship with God” is reflected in the nd readings selected from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Hindu and Baha’i writings.

And, of course, in the mus Everyone joins in “God Is One”—lyrics were distributed beforehand—as two 3year-olds dance with Mansour up front. The other performers follow, some evoking a hand-clapping, foot-stomping response. The climax is a hearty rendition of “All Around the World We Pray for World Peace,” complete with hand motions.

After an announcement that the next unity feast will be themed “Tolerance,”

2

Mike Orrick’s bagpiping delights most attendees at a recent unity feast in Nashville. Photo by Tom Mennillo

the assemblage moves to the Center's lobby/bookstore for refreshments and joyous conversation.

Those who have been here before renew acquaintances. ‘timers express their appreciation for having been invited.

All, it seems, expect to return. After all, there’s nothing else like this in town. @

LETTERS FROM READERS

he American Baha’i welcomes let ters from readers on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the Four Year Plan, the principles of the Writings, and response to content in this newspaper. + The purpose of the Letters from Readers: column is to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or attack anyone—openly or subtly.

Opinions expressed are those of the

writers, not necessarily of the editors.

A 250-word maximum length is

suggested. Letters will be edited for style and possibly for length.

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

60201 + e-mail

Newsreel moves the mountain to us

To the Editors: I just received the latest Baha’i Newsreel video from the National Assembly. It is a 35-minute Special Edition on the Eighth International Baha’ Convention April 29-May 2, 1998, in Haifa. The Universal House of Justice reported to those gathered that it was the “defining moment for the Four Year Plan—as that turning point when there must begin to be realized the full range of its aim and possibilities.” The video is a gift to be shown at our next Feast. I intended to preview it while I folded clothes. From almost the first frame I had my eyes glued to the video and didn’t get one garment folded. Itreally was moving to see and hear the delegates from all over the world. I watched dear friends from Norway, praying, laughing, talking with others from around the world. I saw, for the first time, friends I had only heard about from the Cook Islands, Seychelles and Nigeria. I gazed on the remaining Hands of the

Cause of God. I was introduced to each member of our beloved House of Justice. I marveled at how the mountain of God has been transformed. This video inspires me and helps me realize I have a duty and a priv aith.

ge to teach the Through some mysterious po' am a tiny atom in t

Unsolicited phone calls can become opportunities ‘To the Editors: How m

y times a day have you telephone call from a telemarketer wanting to sell you something, and you have been annoyed that they called you and wasted your time? Well, dear friends, Baha’u’llah, Who desire: that we make mention of His Ca sent us the seeker in the form of the telemarket

My husband and I have our business at home and we have three telephone lines, so you can imagine how many times a day these telemarketers call. I am so happy now to hear from them since I decided I would gently turn down their offers and immediately ask them if they have ever heard of the Baha’f Faith. I give them a short explanation about the history of the Faith and Baha’u’llah, ask them what city they are calling from, since they call from all over the United States, and let them know they can find the Baha’ Faith listed in their phone books or refer them to the Encyclopedia Britannica av their public library, which gives a fairly accurate description of the Faith.

Very seldom do I get a caller who is not interested, and most of them have never heard of the Baha’ Faith before.

So, dear friends, let us take advantage of this wonderful teaching opportunity that Baha’u’llih has given us and remember to “tell a marketer.” —Francesca Sawyer

Dallas, Texas @

received a

ORIGIN OF THE EVENT

he origin of this unity feast is a touching one. It sprang more than a year ago out of the slaying of a young Zairian man who was stabbed to death while trying to bring peace between two individuals. Baha’is who attended the funeral of the man, Ganza Rwango, were deeply affected by the eulogies, all testifying to Ganza’s peace-loving nature and contagious happiness. Also noted were the diverse racial, ethnic, academic and religious backgrounds of the mourners. This young man had touched the lives of hundreds. The Baha’is tearfully consulted and decided to hold a prayer memorial service in his honor in November 1997. Over 200 people from all walks of life attended. Black, brown, yellow and white gathered with Christian, Jew, Muslim and Bahd’i to offer prayers for this unique man. Ganza was so pure that his memory was becoming a cause of unity among diverse peoples in Nashville. Not wanting his untimely death to be in vain, a decision was made to have monthly unity feasts to celebrate the diverse banquet of cultures in our town. We now have additional monthly unity feasts in the suburban town of Brentwood.

—Submitted by Aram Ferdowsi

Page 4

Tue American BanA’i ¢ News/Letrers/Continuep

February 7, 1999 [Page 5]

What do you think?

Office of Treasurer seeks input about Fund contribution level

ontributions received at the Baha’i 3 5s National Center from May 1-Dec. May I to Dec. 31 contributions 31, 1998, totaled $12.3 million for all All funds received by the Office of the Treasurer Funds. The $12.3 million total is 10% lower 3000000000 ee than the figure for May-December 1997, and the lowest since December 25,000,000 — ee Aa 1994, when $11.1 million was received. Why do you think our contributions 20,000,000 ———— Use to the national and international work of the Faith have dropped this year, 15,000,000 ———— nen eee eee especially when every other indicator of activity in the community is higher? 10,000,0000 a — — prea ‘The Office of the Treasurer would welcome the thoughts of the friends. 5,000,000 - — - ~ = F You may contact the office at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 ). May {-Dec. 31 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 contributions to: National Baha’i Fund §$ 6,660,314 $ 7,903,465 $ 7,372,539 $ 8,613,015 $ 9,408,644 Arc Projects Fund 3,657,953 17,456,018 5,069,481 1,983,182 1,443,529 International Baha’i 333,386 1,162,770 395,562 2,383,151 816,862 Fund Continental Fund 144,631 178,302 208,151 219,483 257,268 Other Earmarked 269,605 374,263 371,660 478,341 374,963 Total for period $11,065,889 $27,074,818 $13,417,393 $13,677,172 $12,301,266

Valuable planning instrument is at hand

t the beginning of the Four Year Plan the National Spiritual Assembly mailed a Self

Assessment ‘Tool to all Local Spiritual Assemblies to aid them in their planning and development. Almost universally, Assemblies that have completed the Self Assessment Tool report that the experience was valuable to them in their further maturation. The National Assembly encourages Assemblies that ave already completed the process to revisit the docume! sess their progress while those that have not yet completed the tool are asked to do so.

the Ridvan 153 message to the Bah

of the world, in which the House of Justice provided clear, specific

e for the functioning of our local institutions,

he steps towards fulfilling these responsibilities.

The ways to measure progress toward maturity.

th of the responsibilities is listed in the Assessment Tool along with a rating scale, thoughtquestions and relevant quotations. It asks piritual Assemblies to assess their progress in carrying out each responsibility, determine ways in which they could mature in that area and set goals for the levels of functioning in each area they would like to achieve.

As the name “tool” implies, this document is intended to be useful to Local Spiritual Assemblies in meeting many important challenges and advancing the process of entry by troops.

When completing the Self Assessment Tool, Assemblies need to keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. It is the process of thinking through the guidance and developing strategies for

SEE ASSESSMENTS, PAGE 33

How Assemblies Benefit from the Self Assessment Tool

Excerpts from Local Spiritual Assembly reports:

We think it has laid the groundwork for our

planning process for this upcoming year. ... It has led us on into new directions and helped the Assembly understand its roles and functions more completely.

We hope to implement some changes both

in our Local Spiritual Assembly and our community that have come to our attention by completing this Assessment. ...

The process allowed frank expression of feelings and discussion of obstacles standing in the way of the maturation of the Assembly. ... Only recently, the Assembly has reviewed the recommendations and implemented a number of strategies that have improved our functioning and efficiency.

The quotes at the end of the survey (from

Universal House of Justice messages) were excellent selections and gave rise to wonderful consultation. The assessment and consultations lead to many good concrete decisions.

Reflecting and answering the questions has

brought new insights and we are grateful for the experience.

We found the materials very helpful. We

addressed the questions and consulted over the quotations for five hours during three meetings. This resulted in significant deepening and decisions that modified our administration of community affairs. @

The Local 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 ).

ConrriBuTions From Non-Bani’is

From time to time there are questions about how we should handle the desire of non-Baha’is to contribute to the Faith. Shoghi Effendi stated unequivocally in Citadel of Faith: “All gifts by nonBaha’is are to be used for charity only.” The Universal House of Justice, in its letter of February 1966, stated: “It i: clear that far from contributions from non-Bal being encouraged they should actually be discouraged, and accepted only if the prospective donor insists on a monetary contribution, and with the express understanding that it would be used only for charitable or philanthropic purposes...” Further, in its December 1966 letter, the Universal House of Justice elaborated: “In returning a contribution to a donor, however, we feel it is not appropriate to suggest that the donor return it as a contribution for charitable purposes.”

‘Wuart Happens to Contrisutions With No ID NumBer? ‘The Office of the Treasurer urges the friends to include their Baha’i identification numbers with their contributions to the National Fund. Why? When a contribution arrives without an ID number, a search is launched to determine if the name on the check matches any name or location in the membership database. On some occasions, it is impossible to make a match due to name changes or use of names other than the name of record. In these cases, the contribution must be allocated for charitable purposes as it is impossible to determine if the giver is indeed a Baha’t.

A simple way to include your ID number in every case is to complete and return the transmittal slips that appear at the bottom of every receipt from the Office of the Treasurer—and when using these slips, make sure to fill them in with the amount of your contribution and to which Funds you wish your contribution to be directed. Treasurers, please share this information with the friends in your community.

Committee BANK Accounts

Committees named by, and working under, the guidance of Local Spiritual Assemblies can have separate bank accounts for the funds required to execute their mandates if the Assembly finds this necessary. It is advisable, however, that expenditures from the account should require two signatures; the Assembly treasurer, while not required to sign every check, should be one of the signatories ‘on the account. Also, committees maintaining these accounts should make regular financial reports to the Spiritual Assembly. @

“God, verily, enricheth whomsoever He willeth through both heavenly and earthly means, and He, in truth, hath 1 power over all ear

February 7, 1999 Tre AMERICAN BanA’i © ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE page 5 [Page 6]

rreter oye seen rate Ge T Ee

rr

HUQUQU’LLAH

THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqtqu’ll4h should be made to “The Baha’i Huququ’llah Trust” (please write your Baha’i 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 651-484-9518)

Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

Rocky

River, OH 44116 (phone 440333-1506)

Inquiries about Huqtiqu’llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Hugqiiqu’llth Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116. @

Getting Ready for a Local Baha’i Center

Office of the Treasurer provides checklist for consultation on an important issue

Reprinted by request from an earlier issue of The American Baha’i

Te | Spiritual Assembli this checklist as part of th tations on local Baha’i centers:

¢ Is there unity of thought on the issue of acquiring a center?

What is the main purpose you see for

a local center?

Is there universal agreement on this

on?

Is there a commu consolidation plan? Is your teaching plan based on the research findings and instructions from the National Teaching Committee and its published plans?

What role does a local center play in that plan?

Are the size and layout of the building consistent with the plan?

How does the proposed building's location fit with the plan?

Has the guidance on Baha’i social and

economic development been consulted? Is Baha’i development part of the consolidation plan for the community? Has Mottahedeh Development Services—the development arm of the National Spiritual Assembly—been consulted on the community’s development plan?

re using r consul

ty expansion and

Good for the community, inspiring for the individual

Le for inspiration? Ready for a personal transformation? As you review the essential part that you, as an individual, play in the progress of the Four Year Plan, consider a unique path to spiritual development by attending a Stewardship and Development Seminar. You may wish to ask your Local Assembly to consider hosting a seminar in your area. Look at what participants at recent Stewardship and Development seminars said about their experiences:

¢ “The Stewardship and Development seminar format was excellent for understanding the Sacred Writings and generating audience participation —_ and consultation—great organization and wonderful presenters—thank you!”

“After attending the Stewardship and Development Seminar, I am now much more well-equipped to approach this topic in teaching and consolidation.”

“A wonderfully uplifting experience

that I did not expect from a ‘seminar’!”

“This inspiring dialogue promoted

more understanding and greater participation than I have seen at a seminar in a long time!”

And from seminar facilitators:

“The entire body of a new Local

Spiritual Assembly attended! They came with a wonderful enthusiasm, but with

some anxiety about their and the treasurer’s roles as they relate to the Baha'i Funds. Once they attended the Stewardship and Development Seminar, they all had new and exciting questions, ideas and insights.”

“I continue to be encouraged by these

seminars and the friends who attend them. It seems (from the remarks on seminar evaluations) that this wonderful curriculum is changing hearts and perceptions about the spiritual nature of the Baha’i Funds.”

“( am) so happy to be a part of this.

special program! Each time I share the Stewardship and Development materials with the friends (in a seminar) I am given such love and support. Thank you for this opportunity!”

“We came away very exhilarated from

our personal experience, eagerly anticipating our next training mn, and deeply grateful to our dear friends in the National Treasurer’s Office who developed the program. ...”

By the time this article is published, about 400 people will have participated in a Stewardship and Development seminar this Baha’{ year, many of them as members of Local Spiritual Assemblies. Since September 1998, more than 55 seminars have been held across the

What purposes and programs could be met via a loc

Have Baha’i and other experts been

consulted on the proposed building to be bought?

° What port? How close to univ the communit Fund?

Are contributions regular and stable, or mall number of large contribuccount for most of the total?

at happens if one or more of the largest donors moves away from the community?

Can the Assembly afford to obtain the proposed site without reducing its financial support for the national, national, continental and regional funds?

How much will the new facility require in remodeling costs? What will monthly and yearly maintenance costs be? Utilities?

Might a rental facility be more advi

able than buying or building until the community grows more?

What are the legal issues surrounding

the acquisition?

Title and ownership?

Is the Local Spiritual Assembly incorporated?

the financial basis for sup ‘sal participation is giving to the local

iter

‘Title insurance? ‘Toxic waste liabili Zoning and building codes?

Insurance requirements?

Property?

Liability?

Umbrella?

Special events or activities?

Costs of bringing the building into

code?

What technical o:

tors need to be addres General condition? Building code violations?

OSHA code violations?

Access for people with disabilities?

How will the bi ig be managed?

Management committee?

Volunteers? Paid staff? Intercommunity committee?

A combination of the above?

Has the Local Spiritual Assembly written a mandate for these helpers?

Have you advised the National

Spiritual Assembly that you are planning to get a center?

If/when you complete your purchase you will also want to advise the National Assembly and include details about the building, its price, location and any other pertinent information.

?

architectural facd?

JOIN OR HOST A STEWARDSHIP SEMINAR

NEAR YOU

session 817-261-2222 or

find out more about the Stewardship and

in your fellow community members at a scheduled Stewardship and Development Seminar near you, or consider hosting a seminar in your area.

Here is a partial list of scheduled Stewardship and Development Seminars as of mid-January, with phone numbers or e-mail addresses for information.

COLORADO: Englewood, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 303-770-1190 or CONNECTICUT: Farmington, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.—5 p.m., 860-409-3644, ILLINOIS: Evanston, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 847-733-3421 or

NEW YORK: Olean, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 716-372-5146 or NORTH CAROLINA: Boone, April 24, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 828-264-2297 or

TEXAS: Arlington, Feb. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Houston, March 27, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.; either

More seminars are being planned. To receive an updated list of planned seminars, or to

tact Jennifer Torrence in the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3421, fax 847-733-3471, e-mail . @

t program or materials, please con

country. Additional seminars have been scheduled for future dates; with a total of more than 200 ars expected to be offered by May.

The manual Stewardship and Development (available through BDS at 800-999-9019 for $10.95 each, including 1998 Additions) is an essential companion to the seminars. This must-have resource includes an extensive collection

of Holy Writings and practical instruction in the spiritual principles and their applications.

Be a part of a growing cadre of friends who have been inspired, uplifted, and transformed as a result of their participation in the Stewardship and Development program. Ask your Local Spiritual Assembly to host a seminar, or attend one near you.

page 6

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE February 7, 1999 [Page 7]

n Thanksgiving eve the Baha’is of Grosse Pointe and _ Detroit, Michigan, presented the National Spiritual Assembly's statement The Vision of Race Unity to Rosa Parks, the 85-year-old civil rights legend. Tt was in 1955 that Mrs. Parks ignited the civil rights struggle in the United _ States with her Feuer refusal a :

the Rev. Martin Luther King he to national prominence. —

Rosa Parks founded, asked the Baha'is to host the opening event in four days of activities in the Oe area for Mr. Cohen.

_ Forty-five people, about half of whom are not Baha’ fs, attended the wel dinn

A Holy Day of sharing

hildren from the Tarrant County Baha’i Center

kept their ties strong with The Women’s Shelter in Arlington, Texas, on the Birthday of Baha’u’llah.

At a Feast some time before, the kids consulted

on their own and decided they wanted to do some ice on the Holy Day, because that’s what s us to do. phoned the shelter, the woman in the office was excited. She said, “Oh, the Baha’is! You do a lot for us!” That’s because for three years in a row, the Baha’i kids have taken th Idren living at the shelter out for an Ayyam-i-Hi skating party.

But this time the Baha’i children made Exit Boxes for the children living at the shelter.

Leaving the shelter can be frightening because children and their mothers might be going back to a home that has been violent, or they might be moving to someplace unfamiliar. Exit Boxes, filled with surprises—in this case, new and used toys— are designed to make that trip easier.

‘The Baha’i kids decorated the boxes beautifully for the children at the shelter, then trooped through the rain to deliver them on Nov. 12. It was a great day!

—Submitted by Dorothy Gilstrap, Arlington, TX

On the Birthday of Baha’u’llah, children show the gifts they put together for children at a women’s shelter in Arlington, Texas.

Time to plan for Women’s Day

nternational Women’s Day, a United Nations

celebration March 8, is observed each year by

women and men around the world. Local

Baha’i communities and college clubs are encouraged by the National Spiritual Assembly to join in the commemoration.

Baha’is may wish to use the occasion to host a talk, a workshop, a field trip or service project to promote the advancement of women. The occasion may also provide opportunities to explore themes presented in the National Assembly’s statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men.

Baha'is are encouraged also to join people and groups throughout the country who are working:

To urge U.S. ratification of the Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

To advance at the local level the “Platform of

Action” agreed upon by participating countries at the 1995 fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. It seeks to improve the lot of women with respect to poverty, education and training, health, violence, armed conflict, the economy, power and decision-making, human rights, the media, the environment, and other areas.

A list of Web sites for information accompanies this article. For further assistance, please contact the National Assembly’s U.N. Office at 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-803-2500, e-mail

).

WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION

International Women’s Day: www.un.orgievents/womeny
Global Campaign to end Violence against Women, seen aN, Hien Commoner (or

3 ee www.unhehr.ch/ ‘jing Platform for Ac

One Voice Project hoakiiis college clubs again

he National Committee for the Eq of Women and Men (NCEWM all Baha’i college clubs to part nd annual One Voice Project. 1 nationwide effort to promote the equality of women and men and raise awaren nong campus populations about the Baha’i Faith’s commitment to gender equality.

As college students, you are in a unique pc to influence your peers, and greatly impact the ideas and actions of future leaders. The combination of

your talents and your environment can serve as a powerful tool in advancing the cause of the equality of the This second annual One Voice Project, set to take place during the first week of the Fast, March 1-7, will be a key activity in launching the f onal Teaching Plan, which

fi twin foci of unity and gender se contact

).¢

February 7, 1999 Tue AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

page 7 [Page 8]

THE FACES OF PROGRIESS JIN CIHIINA

WIPA members see results of outreach around the globe to advance girls’ education

ifty fourth-grade girls lined the unpaved road to their school on both sides, waving red handmade pompons and shouting “Welcome American Aunties!” in Chinese as a bus rumbled into view in their remote village.

This was the heartwarming reception that greeted eight members of a delegation from Women for International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA) on their visit. to Kangbao County, Hebei Province, China, on Oct. 21-22 after a seminar in Beijing.

The visit provided the first glimpse of foreigners the village of Yan You Fang had ever seen.

It also allowed WIPA to a results of its sponsoring the 50 girl: 9-11, in support of the Spring Buc Project of the All China Women’s Federation (ACWE).

In 1995, the Cl organization created the nationwide Spring Bud Project to help provide education for young girls, primarily in rural areas, who drop out of school after third grade or who lack access to education.

Kangbao, in northeastern China, is one of the country’s poorest counties. Girls cut their hair short because there is no running water, and a constant wind blows sand everywhere.

The girls sponsored by WIPA had dropped out of school after an earthquake in 1997 devastated the area’s farms. With families facing hard times, only the boys were sent to school.

As mothers are the trainers of the next generation, WIPA felt it was important to sponsor the girls’ education.

On the first day of the trip from Beijing, it took all day to drive to

eS

Some of the 50 WIPA-sponsored fourth-grade students in Yan You Fang village,

China, perform a welcoming dance (left) for a delegation of their “American Aunties.” One of the girls (right) reads a speech promising to study hard and make their “Aunties” proud. Photos courtesy of Women for International Peace and Arbitration

Zhangjiakou, a city that was opened to foreigners only two years before. After a welcoming banquet, the WIPA group spent the night in Zhangjiakou.

The next day brought several hours’ travel into the mountains—almost to the border of Inner Mongolia—to the primary school called Wan Long Dian Xiao Xue in Yan You Fang. Accompanying the WIPA delegation was the director of the China Children and Teenagers Fund, Cheng Shugqin, in a separate car with the national and county heads of the Women’s Federation.

The vehicles passed carts pulled by oxen carrying large loads of hay. The

Beijing seminar allows sharing of ideas on women and family

he All China Women’s

Federation (ACWE) in Beijing

hosted a delegation of 20 members of Women For International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA) from Canada, Hong Kong and the United States for a seminar Oct. 18-20 on the subjects of Women and Violence, Family Education and Teenage Girls.

It was the second seminar co-sponsored by ACWF and WIPA following up on the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995.

A not-for-profit educational corporation based on Baha’i principles, WIPA is also a United Nations-affiliated nongovernmental organization.

Each day of the seminar, two papers were presented by members of the ACWF and two by WIPA during the morning session. The afternoon was reserved for consultation and a ques tion-and-answer session.

The ACWF requested the paper presented by Dr. Charlotte Gallagher, “American Adolescent Girls: Victims and Survivors of Violence,” for publication in its magazine Women’s Studies.

Other papers presented during the seminar included treatises on parenting skills, family life improvement, elimination of family violence, issues facing teenage girls including selfimage, and building the capacities of women.

On the first evening of the seminar Liu Hai Rong, vice president of the women’s federation, hosted participants at a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square. At the banquet, WIPA members presented a gift of American Indian pottery from the Jemez Tribe in

carts’ wheels were grinding corn that was spread out on the road.

As the buses drove into the wilderness beyond paved roads, and villages were hours apart, several times the entourage stopped to consult on the right direction. At least twice the decision was to change course.

After several hours of driving, the delegation was met by the delighted girls at the rudimentary schoolhouse. The members were taken into the small schoolroom and sat on children’s stools facing the girls, who welcomed them with a song and dance.

Then one of the girls read a prepared

speech, asking, “Do you know how it feels to watch the boys walk to school with their schoolbooks and know that you cannot go?”

She said the girls in the class promised to study very hard to make WIPA members proud of them, they promised to obey their parents, serve their community and never forget their foreign Aunties who had given them the opportunity for education.

Even the translator broke down crying while relaying the words of this little girl.

Afterward the president of WIPA was interviewed by the local TV station and newspaper.

The Spring Bud class in Kangbao County was opened Sept. 19, 1998, and tablished with the help of WIPA, hildren and Teen: ounty and local go ‘The Prov Federation arranged for sed desks and chairs and the Beijing Federation gave the piano. The town government paid for coal for the winter. The Municipal and County Federations raised money for transportation, telephone costs, books etc.

As service is a component for the success of the school, the teachers and students spend Saturdays and Sundays cleaning, in and around the school.

As final pictures of the visit were being. taken, one girl grabbed the hand of the president of WIPA and asked for a picture of just the two to be taken. Everyone said, “For this girl to be so bold, she must be the leader of the next generation.”

During the bus ride back to Beijing, WIPA members were silent, thinking about “their girls.”

—Submitted by Women for International Peace and Arbitration @

Panelists from the All China Women’s Federation sit alongside their WIPA counterparts at a seminar organized as a followup to the 1995 fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, the capital of China.

New Mexico.

During the seminar, WIPA members visited schools, homes, factories and other sites pertaining to the subjects in the seminar.

For more information on the seminar and the Spring Bud Project (see accompanying article), contact WIPA, P.O. Box 186, Wilmette, IL 60091.

page 8

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES February 7, 1999 [Page 9]BG ase 4 (Rose Urabe den Foor eee PoRVYSPRTE OO ee

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planning of a Town Hall Meeting up until mid-November, when other groups finally joined in the effort. He said the Baha'is have a unique ability to get groups to work well together that normally don’t get along. Without Baha'i leadership throughout the country, the effort would not have been as successful.

As an example, Hinkley highlighted the effort of Lee Ratcliff, a Baha'i who organized the Town Hall Meeting in Oakland,

California. Because of Ratcliffs leadership, Me

mw oe city’ diverse population was

Youth dramatized core to fight against discrimination and for the right to work, bringing tears to the 200 people who attended.

ional Assembly ded commemorativ

Jeffery Huflin , the National Assembly’s

UN. representative, spoke on Dec. 6 at the aaa

8th Annual Rights

or contributed greatly to events commemorating the anniversary of the Declaration include:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

The only observance of the anniversary at the University of California, Los Angeles, was organized by the Baha’ Club. Amin Banani spoke to a crowd of 80 students and faculty regarding the Baha’ view on human rights.

Dr. Banani, professor emeritus of the university’ Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, focused his talk on the history of the Universal Declaration and on one of the most recent violations— the closure of the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education in Iran.

Beginning with the executions of Baha'is in the 1980s and continuing through to the latest persecutions, Dr. Banani poignantly depicted the Iranian government’ efforts to annihilate the Baha’ community of Iran.

Ending his talk with a call to action, he invited the audience to express disapproval of the action by writing letters to the director-general of the U.N. Educational, Social and Cultural Organization and the minister of Culture and Higher Education in Iran.

After the talk, at the request of the Baha’ Club, campus organizations including the Conflict Mediation Center, Peer Educators, MECHA and the Jewish Student Union presented short statements on the organizations’ commitment to human rights.

A highly positive article on the event appeared on the front page of the university newspaper, the Daily Bruin, with the headline “Baha’is Plead Respect for Human Rights.”

‘The article quoted Dr. Banani as saying all people have the ability to help improve

the human rights situation: “It is the inherent dignity of the members of the human family that is the foundation of freedom.” The article also quoted students in the Baha’{ Club.

ASHEVILLE/BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA The Asheville and Buncombe County Baha'i commu: s’ 18th annual Human. Rights Award was presented to Professor Elmoiz Abunura of the University of North Carolina-Asheville by Navid

Amin Banani, professor emeritus, speaks to Andy Shah, a student reporter for the UCLA newspaper, at the university’s Baha’i-sponsored observance.

Photo by Cynthia Thomas, Los Angeles

Mirheli, a 15-year-old Baha'i from Asheville whose family fled from Iran so that he and his two brothers could have full educational opportunities.

Pamela ri, a Baha’i from Montclair, New Jersey, and former director of the National Spiritual Assembly’ Office of Public Information, was the keynote speaker at the Dec. 13 awards program held at the Western North Carolina Baha’i Center in Asheville.

Zivari traced the history of human rights developments at the United Nations and outlined recent attacks on the Baha’i “Open University” in Iran.

In accepting the award, Abunara suggested that American universities support the Baha’f Institute of Higher Education by creating a “sister universities” relationship with Baha'i educators in Iran.

Abunara, a political science instructor and coordinator of the university’s African Studies Program, is a native of Sudan. He was imprisoned both in his own country and while studying in Iraq before immigrating to the United States. He credits Amnesty International with freeing him from prison and saving his life on both occasions.

He is working for creation of an umbrelJa human rights center in Asheville, and has indicated he considers Baha'is his allies in working for human rights.

Members of the United Nations Assocation, faculty from the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Warren Wilson College as well as students joined members of the Baha'i communities in

honoring Abunara for his contributions in support of human rights.

SLIDELL, LOUISIANA

Advance publicity in two local newspapers drew a handful of seekers interested in Baha’ activities to the Declaration observance sponsored by the Baha’is of Southeast St. Tammany Parish in Slidell.

‘The public meeting Dec. 14 featured a talk by Mathein of Fairhope, / nd was well attended by area Bah

the Holy Qur'an; a selection from the Tao ‘Te Ching; poetry and liturgical readings from the Jewish tradition; reading of the Nicean Creed and the Lord’ Prayer; poetry from the Hindu tradition; a Buddhist prayer and meditative silence; and a Baha’i prayer.

Participants lighted candles to share concerns, hopes, or reasons for celebration. ‘The program concluded with a performance by Voices of Glory, the Greater Boston Baha’i Gospel Choir.

In the keynote sermon, Professor Harvey Cox of the Harvard Divinity School expressed

Navid Mirheli (left), age 15, presents the Human Rights Award to Elmoiz Abunara, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, on behalf of the Baha’i community.

Matthew Friday (center left), recipient of the Monterey Bay, California, Human Rights Award, poses with (from left) Gwen McEwen, Baha’i and UNA member; Larry Levine, local UNA president; U.S. Rep. Sam Farr; state Assemblyman

Fred Keeley; and Baha’i and UNA local past president John Von Berg.

PORTLAND, MAINE

The Baha'is of Portland organized a “Town Hall Meeting and found that the process has opened many more doors of service to the Faith.

“Right now Lam working with a group of people that includes the director of the YWCA, the director of Peace Action Maine, and the director of the committee that has been assigned to restore the Abyssinian church, one of the oldest black churches in this part of the country,” said Luc Nya, one of the organizers.

The group has been convened by the YWCA to plan a “Race to end Racism” on May 1. The race will take runners past Portland sites that have been identified as having played role in the Underground Railway.

“T find this particularly relevant and of great importance to our national teaching goals of opening neighborhood dialogues on race and gender,” Nya said. “I have found in most of the stories that are being discussed that women played very determining roles in the movement and that gender issues were quite a clashing point.”

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

On Dec. 7, the Baha'i Student Association of Harvard hosted an interfaith service titled “Undying Fire: An Interfaith Celebration of Religious Freedom” held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration.

‘The program included the chanting of the Muslim call to prayer and of verses from

appreciation for the great variety of religious expressions in the service. But he stressed the responsibility of members of diverse religious communities to recognize the dignity of members of all religions and work to uphold and protect their rights as human beings.

Phillipe Copeland of the Harvard Baha’i Student Association, in welcoming remarks, mentioned the recent closing of the Baha’ “Open University” by the goverment of Iran and called attention to the situation of the Baha’is in Iran as an example of the denial of freedom of religious practice.

MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA

Matthew Friday was honored as winner of the 19th annual Monterey Bay Baha’i Human Rights Award at a Dec. 5 luncheon event that also celebrated the Universal Declaration.

‘The luncheon was co-sponsored by the Monterey Bay Baha'is, the United Nations Association of Monterey Bay, and Amnesty International and was attended by 150 people, including U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, California State Assembly members Fred Keeley and Bruce McPherson, and Mayor James Perrine of Marina. Dozens of would-be attendees were turned away from the sold-out event.

Friday was honored among his peers for his years of service to community organizations that aim to protect human rights on the Monterey Peninsula, including the Coalition of Minority Organizations and the Mental Health and Police Practices Community Task Force. @

page 12. THe American BanA’l ¢ Human Riants Day

February 7, 1999 [Page 13]

Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Baha’u’llih:

We speak of our beloved Faith as a world religion, as are also Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian religions. What, then, distinguishes the Baha’f Faith from all the others, beyond its being God's most recent Revelation?

One outstanding characteristic is its world view, its universal outlook. Bah@’u'lldh tells us:

“Blessed and happy is be that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

In the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, when referring to the members of the local Houses of Justice (presently Local Spiritual Assemblies) He states:

“It bebooveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.”

Has any of us ever known the officials of a local government to consider the wellbeing even of their state or county, let alone all of humanity, when making their decisions? Yet this is precisely what Local Spiritual Assemblies are called upon to do. And the name that Baha’u'lléh gives to the supreme governing body of His Faith is the Universal House of Justice.

In the prayer for Spiritual Assemblies revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, we ask God:

“.. that our thoughts, our views, our feelings may become as one reality, manifesting the spirit of union throughout the world.”

In Baha’u'lléh’ uplifting, inspiring call to us to pray, He states:

“Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of bis chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by bis

Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force

mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb.”

Not too long ago some of the beloved believers in Iran were arrested solely because they were educating young Baha'i students prohibited from attending Iranian universities. Was their purpose solely to ensure that these young people could havea proper education—or is there more? The answer, as always, is in the words of Bahd’u’llih:

“Consider man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”

So here again we see the universality of Baha'u'llah’ teaching: that the treasures our Creator has placed within each of us. are to be brought forth through education for the benefit of all mankind.

The beloved friends in Iran know, too, that only God’ healing medicine, prescribed by His Supreme Manifestation, can save the life of humanity. So they accept whatever they suffer in God’ path in order that this medicine may continue 0 be applied to the sick body of mankind. They are prevented from doing it directly, but their courage, perseverance and unwavering faith give to us, who are free to teach, even greater opportunities to do so. Let us, inspired by their example, and in their stead, go forth, in the absolute assurance that the efforts we make, though they may appear limited or localized, will in reality reach and benefit all mankind. And let us never waver for, in the words of Baha’u'lih:

“The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God and steadfastness in His love.”

With loving Baha’f greetings, ‘The Latin-American Task Force @

COCCCCEEEE OOOH OOS OOS EO OOOO OOO OOOO OOO OOOO OOOO OOOOH OOOO OOO OOOO OOOOOS

POR LA OFICINA DE CORRESPONDENCIA: CENTRO BAHA’! MUNDIAL: “Se nos ha pedido avisarles acerca de un error tipografico que aparece en la traduccion al espafiol del mensaje de Ridvan 155. En el parrafo antepenultimo del mensaje, la palabra correcta debe ser ‘afliccion’ ‘en vex de ‘ficcion’; es decir, la oracion debe rezar como aparece a continuacion: ‘Con cada hora que pasa, ‘una nueva afliccion se abate sobre una humanidad desencaminada’”

Carta a los amigos de

la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Baha’u'lléh:

Decimos que nuestra amada fe es religién mundial, igual que el judaismo, la cristiandad, el islam, las religiones budista, hind y zorodstrica. ¢Qué es, entonces, lo que distingue la Fe Baha’{ de las demas, aparte de ser la mas reciente revelacién de Dios? Una caracteristica sobresaliente es su punto de vista mundial, su mira universal. Baha’u'llah nos dice:

“Bienaventurado y feliz es aquel que se Jevanta para promover los mejores intereses de los pueblos y razas de la tierra.”

En el Kitib-i-Aqdas, el Libro Mas Sagrado, al referirse a los miembros de las Casas de Justicia locales (actualmente Asambleas Espirituales Locales), dice:

“Incumbe que ellos sean los fideicomisarias del Misericordiaso entre los hombres y se consideren a sf mismas como los guardianes designadas por ‘Dios para todas los que moran en la tierra.”

<Alguno de nosotros acaso ha sabido de oficiales de un gobierno local que, al tomar sus decisiones, toman en cuenta el bienestar de su propio estado o pais, mucho menos de toda la humanidad? Sin embargo, ¢s precisamente la responsabil idad impuesta a las Asambleas Espirituales Locales. Y el nombre que -Bahd’u'llah ha dado a nuestra instituci6n suprema es la Casa Universal de Justicia.

En la oraci6n revelada por ‘Abdu’l-Baha para las Asambleas Espirituales, encontramos estas palabras:

“.. para que nuestros pensamientos, nuestras miras y nuestros sentimientos se conviertan en una sola realidad, que manifieste el espiritu de union por todo el mundo.”

En has palabras inspirantes y elevadoras de Baha'u'llah, llamandonos a rezar, El dice:

“Quienquiera recite retirado en su cémara los versos revelados por Dios,

los dngeles mensajeros del Todopoderoso esparcirdn

por doquier la fragancia de las palabras pronunciadas por su boca, y hardn que palpite el corazin de todo hombre recto.”

Hace no mucho tiempo algunos de los amados creyentes en Iran fueron arrestados inicamente porque estaban educando a jévenes alumnos baha’is prohibidos de estudiar en las universidades iranias. Su propésito fue solamente el de asegurar que estos j6venes pudieran tener la debida educacidn, o hay algo mas? Como siempre, la contestacion se encuentra en Jas palabras de Baha'u'llah:

“Considerad al hombre como una mina, rica en gemas de valor inestimable, Solamente la educaciOn puede hacerle revelar sus tesores y permitir ala bumanidad aprovechar de esto.”

Asi vemos nuevamente la universalidad de la ensefianza de Baha'u'llah: que los tesoros que nuestro Creador ha puesto dentro de cada uno de nosotros han de ser revelados mediante la educacién para el beneficio de toda la humanidad.

Los amados amigos en Irin también saben que solamente la medicina de Dios, recetada por Bahé’u'llah, podra salvar la vida de la raza humana. Asi aceptan todo lo que sufren en el camino de Dios para que esta medicina siga siendo aplicada al cuerpo enfermo de la humanidad. Ellos se encuentran vedados de hacerlo directamente, pero su valor, su perseverancia y su fe inmutable nos dan a nosotros, que estamos libres para enseiiar, oportunidades atin mayores de hacerlo. Inspirados por su ejemplo, y en su lugar, levantémonos, con Ja seguridad absoluta de que los esfuerzos que hacemos, aunque parezcan limitados © localizados, en realidad alcanzarin y beneficiarin a la raza humana entera. Y que nunca vacilemos, puesto que (de las palabras de Baha'u'llah):

“La fuente del valor y del poder es la promocion de la Palabra de Dias, y la constancia en su Amor.”

Con earifiosos saludos baha’is, La Comisi6n de Trabajo Latinoamericana @

PARA EL CENSO DE LOS BAHA'IS HISPANOS EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS (For THE CENSUS OF HISPANIC BAHA'IS IN THE UNITED STATES)

Srta. / Sra. / Sr.

Miss / Mrs. /Ms. / Mr.

Direccién/

Address,

Ciudad/ Estado/ Cédigo postal/ City State ZIP. code Numero telefénico/ Niimero de fax/ ‘Telephone ( ) Fax ( )

Direccién de correo electrénico/

E-mail address

Pais de origen/

Country of origin

¢En donde Ud. se hizo baha’??/ Where did you become a Baha’?

Ud. es 0 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 Espiricual 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

Cudntos miembros de su comunidad bahs’s son latinos?/ How many members of your Baha’{ community are Latinos?

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

Enviar a la Comisi6n de Trabajo Latinoamericana/Send to Latin-American Task Force

por correo a/by mail to: por fax a/by fax to: por e-mail a/by e-mail to: Vera Breton Larry Kramer LATFORCE (773) 509-0466

Vienna, Virginia 22181

February 7, 1999

‘Tne American BanA’t * Latin AMERICAN TEACHING page 13 [Page 14]

they could worship God alongside people of m: backgrounds in Phoenix, Arizona. The

well

latest edition of the conference,

companion Grand Canyon Baha’i Youth Conference, took a different path than in past years. Rather than general teaching conference, org: opted race i the theme for the 14th ann nt, held Dec.

24-27. The roots of this decision grew from a meeting a year

of the Continental Board of y Boards. Race unity was focus of the U.S. Baha’f community, and after consultation with Auxiliary Board members Enayat Rohani and Aleda Nels the Phoenix Spiritu: , Canyon Conferenc rd the following objecti ake the unity issue to the Ba of the entire Phoeni: nd beyond.

Reach out with our message beyond the Bal

communities, and put a structure in place to do that immediately.

With that in mind, the conference culmi Sunday morning visit by bu: churches that had extended Tanner Chapel, a predominantly Afri American congregation where a talk was given by Counselor Wilma Ellis, and St. Charles Borromeo Church, a very diverse congregation that was addressed by Fernando Huerta of the Los Angeles B; community.

From the start of the conference Thursday night, Baha’is of varied ethnic backgrounds so ed, ct

earlier involving membe!

communities

ated in a of participants to two nvitations to the Baha

load

sulted, laughed and generally showed joy over being with one another. Richard

‘Thom: an author,

sf Michigan State essor and prominent worker for race unity, set the stage for the conference theme in h keynote talk on “Ba and the Greater Community,” urging the friends to look honestly at their own patterns of life.

“Most Baha’is of a certain socioeconor

backuburbs, with other groups living in Dr. Thomas said. But if we are only

‘War II internment

The Mona Workshop, after braving difficulties in travel from the. performers’ home city of Monterrey, Mexico, gives a performance that dazzles and energizes the conference.

Photos by Jason and David Schlesinger

following the larger society in widen between social classes, he our sense of community

g the gap is that doing to

ing marria a Baha at ‘that your oily criteria No moving into a neighborhood are a big house and, quote, good schools, and that the neighbors seem to be all right because they are not ... Latino and blacks

.we to be honest about this. We have to ma deci in terms of how do we build multiracial ré idential communities as a reflection of our belief in race unity.”

Speaking on “Race es in Individual Relationships,” Huerta offered this exhortation: “If we

served as master of ceremonies. Manucher Javid, who met Shinji at a cel

Top: Phil Lucas advises Baha’is to be ready to welcome the full spectrum of humanity.

Above: Children, always a vital presence at the Grand Canyon Conference, here work on crafts during a class.

want the solution—this race issue to leave us—we must s ng a community so united that when people of different races want to intermarry it is not a problem. I know it’s a problem today but it jue to remain a problem i in our communi

“The Individual’s Relationship with the Bah: Community,” suggested that to encourage entry by troops, Baha’is need to begin to enlarge our mental picture of the Faith to embrace “that whole concept of bringing everyone in. And that’s all of humanity—from the homeless to the richest—every strata of society, every type of person.”

SEE GRAND CANYON, PAGE 33

Dr. Master visited America in 1912.

Shinji and Hifumi knew each other

Shinji (seated front, from left), Hifumi, Michael and Steve Yamamoto pose for a group picture with many friends at a tribute to the longtime Baha’i couple in Madison, Wisconsin.

Americans to become an acclaimed archiHifumi, worked at the ty of Wisconsin-Madison. d three children; all earned doctorates in organic chemistry. And they e served the Baha'i Faith admirably for decade

For these accomplishments, the Yamamotos were honored last fall at a gathering attended by Baha’is from all around Dane County, Wisconsin.

Dr. Linda Leetch, who studied the Faith at the Yamamotos’ home before declaring her belief in Baha’u’lléh,

ebration of the ith’s centenary in Wilmette, Illinois, spoke of the Yamamotos’ extraordinary lives.

The honored couple’s son Steve and grandson Michael shared s s, and the evening was rounded out by pr: music, messages of appreciation. sentation of flowers, and comm the Yamamotos.

A son of the first Japanese Baha’, Kanichi Yamamoto, Shinji had the bounty at age I 1/2 to sit on ‘Abdu’lBaha’s lap and receive from Him the honorary name Hossein when the

id

growing up in San Francisco's tight-knit japanese-American community. They were married on Dec. 8, 1941—the day after Pearl Harbor. Hifumi declared her belief a few months later.

Their faith sustained them through the ordeal of internment by the U.S. government. While Shinji, Hifumi and their infant son were confined to a Utah camp, an old school friend encouraged Shinji to apply to be an architect with the state of Wisconsin.

SEE YAMAMOTO, PAGE 34

page 14 THe American BanA’i ¢ ConsoLipaTinG THE VICTORIES February 7, 1999 [Page 15]

THROUGH DISCIPLINE, YOUTH MOVEMENT ADVANCES

TOM MENNILLO

Ww could have plunged a recent Baha’i youth w

retreat into disunity became its defining moment.

ing a discussion on personal safety at -FHA Camp outside Covington, Georgia, an attendee demanded the freedom to attend sessions or not as she pleased. After all, in her experience, that’s how it works at conferences and other Baha’{ events.

But this December retreat was no mere get-together. The more than 100 youth from Alabama, Georgia, and Te were there to develop, through discipline and discourse,” the identity and teaching skills they’d need to be revolutionaries for Baha’u'llah.

Nota precious moment could be wasted, and the cadre of youth recognized that. In the consultation that followed, they voiced strong and emotional support for the prothat Auxiliary Board members Josie ynolds and Riaz Khadem had ini Mrs. Reynolds her:

but if you’re not willing to sacrifice for ide home can be arranged. The young woman stayed for the rest of

the acti

\ctivities they we

Unfurling of the Black Standard, under

which the youth would march, by youth cochairs Anthony Outler and Tahirih Schear.

Bonding exercises and “energizers” led

ia Smith. Ik on “The Blessed Beauty ion” by Nasif Habeeb’ullah. ing bonfire, complete with hot dogs and marshmallows, to cap Friday evening.

A full Saturday focused on teaching

and consecration with Counselor

Stephen Birkland.

Spirited games of soccer, volleyball, basketball, pingpong—even checkers and miniature golf.

¢ A dramatic presentation in of the

pport ity in Iran

aha’i Open Uni it few eyes dry. ind stories of youth service at the Baha’i World Center.

An uproariously funny youth

talent show.

Depiction of “Heroes and Heroines

of the Baha’ Era.” As the Auxiliary Board members and

numerous helpers worked hard behind the scenes, Counselor Tod Ewing met in the building next door with other assistants to the Auxiliary Board members.

Mr. Birkland’s sessions, the core of the youth retreat, helped the teen revolutionaries explore in-depth how to “attract souls to Baha’w’llah.”

He outlined a step-by-step model for teaching:

Pray for divine assistance.

Gauge receptivity.

Use wisdom in deciding how to proceed.

Lastly, provide information.

The Counselor then took the youth through a mock encounter. He had them fire away questions a seeker—or opponent of the Faith—might ask and sought their input in answering the questions.

Interspersed throughout, — Mr. Birkland’s presentation were stories of how heroic Baha’i youth have taught and defended the Faith, some with their i And he drew from own life experiences to illustrate the transformative powers of this Revelation.

‘That led perfectly into the weekend’ final activity: breaking the gathering up into 19 small groups—16 of them middle school or high school age—to devise teaching and social activities, so the momentum from the retreat can be kept up. @

Youth assistants and retreat attendees talk about past and potential teaching situations during small-group consultation at December’s youth retreat near

Covington, Georgia. Photo by Tom Mennillo

BUILDING MOMENTUM SYSTEMATICALLY

December retreat for Alabama and Georgia youth was designed to further what Auxiliary Board members Riaz Khadem and Josie Reynolds call a “systematic process for nurturing the Baha'i youth movement.” Mr. Khadem, Mrs. Reynolds and a core committee launched the process in April under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Fulton County Central. ~

Compersnis include:

Engagement—defining the discourse. The key event is a retreat every six

“ months, each one building on the one before it.The first retreat had been in june.

Training—acquiring discipline and style. Courses facilitated by the Atlanta

Area Training Institute will provide spiritual insights, knowledge and skills.

+ Change—applying discourse and spiritual discipline. Teaching initiatives and service will be carried out, with the goals of youth enrollments and redirection

of the lives of youth and adults alike.

+ Encouragement—youth support system. Youth assistants and coaches will :

give each youth personal attention and upliftment to prepare him or her for

service, career and life.

ee challenges.

their successes and

BY THE EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

A mentioned in part 1, learning is always the outcome of discipline. Sometimes, however, because of our parenting style, we may accomplish the opposite of our intention. In trying to protect our children, we may, for example, invite rebellion or passive conformity rather than teaching our children how to make wise choices.

Social science studies have described three models or styles of parenting and the effect each has on children and their parents. In brief these are:

grow. Anything the child wants is OK, and the parents give in to almost every demand. The parents are usually angry inside because they realize they have no control. Their expectations of the child e usually far beyond the child’s abiliChildren of these parents tend to be creative, but often are selfish and lack the skills to get along with others.

¢ Authoritarian: These parents feel the child needs to be controlled at all times and must obey without discussion. Their expectations of the child are far below the child’s abilities. Children of these parents tend to be conformist, passive, pleasant to be around, but fearful

and angry. ¢ Authoritative:

ti

These parents

understand that a child needs control in some situations and freedom to decide in The parents know when and how and when to give the child They treat the child ording to his or her abilities. Idren of these parents are usually independent, motivated, supportive, and a pleasure to be with.

‘Abdu’l-Baha explained how to achieve the balance between control and freedom: “Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer bis heart; and if the slightest undestrable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a

slight verbal chastisement should this be nec

This is part 2 of a 3-part series on a vital parenting issue—disciplining. Many of the ideas expressed here are drawn from the Core Curriculum Parenting program.

essary.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Babd, pp. 124-125)

We need to carefully consider what outcomes we would like to see from our children and remember that disciplining, or training, a child is not accomplished with a few encounters; it takes place over many years. Again ‘Abdu’l-Baha advises:

“Tt is incumbent upon every father and mother to counsel their children over a long period, and guide them unto those things which lead to everlasting bonow” (ibid, p. 134)

If you would like more information on the Core Curriculum Parenting program, or to find Parent Facilitators in your area, please contact Loubelen Baha'i School (phone 810653-5033.) @

February 7, 1999

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 15

[Page 16]

Bosch sessions focus on unity, equality, women’s role

inter/spring programs at

Bosch Baha’i School offer a variety of programs to help participants develop both spiritual and practical approaches in dealing with the world around us.

Feb. 12-15: “Racism/Race Unity: Two Sides of the Same Coin” will provide an opportunity for people of all ethnic backgrounds to come together wy joy

and loving fellowship. Pri including Counselor Wilma

eckson Gaertner, Aux s Angelica Huerta Farhad Sabetan, and

Dr. Fernando Huerta, member of Gis

and

Latin-American with i

National Force, will provide u from the Writings and their personal experience dealing with “the most vital and challenging issue” in both our Baha’i and secular communi

Feb. 19-21, continued March 26-28: “Turning on the Light,” a two-part workshop on creating and sustaining a conscious marriage, will be facilitated by Diane and Bill Rockloff and Nasrin and Mehran These two psychotheraF nd their husbands have developed an effective program to assist couples psychologically, spiritually and practically—grounding all concepts in the Baha’ writings. In ad tion to a variety of exercises designed to elicit self-reflection and an empathetic understanding of

Bosch Baha’i School

500 Comstock Lane: Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-423-3387

each other, group and individual counseling will be offered

April 16-18: “The Purpose of Women: Women’s Role in Advancing the Most Great Peace” will explore the role Bahé

also focus on the role of in the family, community, 1 growth and development. There will be time for meditation and reflection on the applic: the Writings in our lives and di: cussion of achieving balance under the demands of multiple roles.

The Calendar on the back page of this issue lists the entire Bosc program for winter and spring. After a year of heavy El N ins, the wonderful warm and sunny weather we have been enjoying this year is a special treat! Come share in the beauty of nature and the loving service in a Baha’i environment for both spiritual and physical rejuvenation. See you at Bosch!

Participants in a recent Fundamental Verities program at Bosch enjoy a light moment during group discussion. Photo courtesy of Bosch Baha'i School

Verities courses ‘unleash’ the friends

” and along

i say they've been “unleashe

to the rest of u

Students reported those reactions as they

undamental ing Institute Courses at Bosch School, which prepared them to train effective and systematic teachers of the Cause in their own communities.

but by the homeion between ses sions. One participant in her four-hour wait at the airport interviewed 15 people about their religious beliefs—and, of course, shared her Baha’ belie!

This first series had 100 percent of its par

ipants keeping their commitment to attend ions, spaced over three different week

ies of three sessions is ended by a Local ‘ y Board member, a Regional E training institute.

‘The program has received overwhelming material support from Spiritual As: throughout the Western States. Continued financial support is essential to continue these tr: ig Course:

There is still room in the sessions being held March 26-28, April 16-18 and May 7-9, but the fill quickly. Contact Bosch for more information. #

cil or a regional

Green Acre purpose: manifesting faith in action

e process of joyful learning, building loving communities and teaching with enkindled hearts

are among Green Acre Baha’i School’s winter-spring 1999 program topics. All programming is designed to inspire a greater manifestation of faith in action.

Feb. 12-14: “Finding Joy in Bahai Learning: A Seminar for Adults and Youth,” conducted by Dr. Dwight Allen. Be immersed in and learn to apply participative learning methods, including group activities, individual study and games with a purpose. The goal is for every participant to take home strategies for joyful teaching and learning, with at least one study session ready to share. Special ideas for College Clubs will be included.

March 5-7: Spiritual Retreat for the Fast for those age 15 and older. Time for prayer, reflection and retreat, plus sessions led by Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh on “The Life of the Soul.”

March 26-28: “Establishing Training Institutes: Teaching the Cause,” facilitated by Farah Rosenberg. Second in a series of Magdalene Carney Baha’i Institute courses. Delve into the spiritual significance of teaching, clari fy often-misunderstood ideas about it, define the attributes of a teacher, and develop approaches to personal teaching and collective efforts. Required: attendance at all sessions (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) and purchase of course booklet. No children’s program.

March 26-28: Junior Youth Institute for those age 12-15. Facilitators Joycelyn Jolly and Clyde Herring plan an exciting weekend of learning, activity and fun to empower junior youth to be noble servants of humanity. Enrollment limited; closed-camp on.

April 9-11: “Citadel of Faith,” presented by Habib Riazati, examines the world-regenerating ion conferred upon the American Baha’i community. Learn how these messages to the United States provide a unique perspective on world events, written as they were in the last decade of Shoghi Effendi’s life, when the flow of his guidance and inspiration reached its zenith.

April 9-11, continued April 16-18: Core Curriculum Teacher Training for the spiritual education of children. This training explores the concept of the “child-development-centered communi

ty” and introduces the Core Curriculum for ages 6-12.

April 16-18: “Work as Worship: Bahai Principles at Work,” presented by Chet Makoski, business owner/consultant. Investigate the Baha’i teachings that affect and guide business managers and employees: regarding work, economic principles that bear on how we work and manage, employee and business practices, and Baha'i responses to work situations inconsistent with the Faith’ principles. No children’s program.

April 30-May 2: “Spiritual Values

and Development,” a weekend study intensive presented by Dr. Mona Grieser. ‘The World Bank recently invited major religions to share views on applying spiritual values to development; this session reviews the Baha’{ document and works with actual project proposals to develop methods for application of spiritual values. May be of special interest to Assemblies contemplating social development programs. Contact registrar for extensive course overview and required readings. No children’s program.

Looking further ahead:

May 28-30: “The Spirit of Children”:

Green Acre Baha’i School 188 Main Street ¢ Eliot, ME 03903,

207-439-7200

second annual Conference on Children’s Literature and Art. On hand will be representatives from the Baha’i Publishing ‘Trust and Brilliant Star magazine.

May 28-30: Assembly Development Forum presented by members of the Office of Community Administration. Special rate for Assemblies that send three or more members.

June 4-6: “The Nature and Dynamics of Love,” Landegg Academy course presented by Dr. Hossein Danes!

Ask about special discounts: 20 percent for those who register 30 days before a program, and 50 percent for those who have not attended a Green Acre program since June 1994. For further information or a program brochure, contact Green Acre. @

page 16

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES February 7, 1999 [Page 17]

Ge

E CTO

Training programs empower communities to help transform the patterns of our lives

Key PROCESSES IN COMMUNITY BUILDING: UPCOMING NATIONAL TEACHER TRAINING CENTER COURSES

ms from the cher Training Center help communities h a pattern of Baha’f life to

prog!

‘ace growing numbers of interested people. Trainees can offer workshops under the sponsorship of their local or

regional institutions.

The National ducation ‘Task Force regularly offers training programs on Aarriage and ly Life, g, and 7 ining at National 4

ie

Louhelen for more information or emiteciion materials.

Feb. 5-8, continued June 4-6: Improving Marriage and Family Life. This will equip you to be a Marriage and nily Life trainer: to offer workshops on marriage both to married couples and to youth and adults preparing for marriage. Marriage workshops poe

Feb. 12-15, continued June 4-6: Fostering Prejudice-Free and Truly

you to be a Race Unity tra advance the process of entry by troops through offering workshops

ner: to

Baha’is and others true unity in divers and establishing i e spiritual environments ng the most cha

lenging

firm foundation of

ig community , the foun tion for raising up prejudice-free children who are capable of sustaining

commitments of love and service to oth

ers throughout life.

Trainees in the Core Curriculum Teacher Training program at Louhelen engage in

some of the plentiful hands-on activities.

Local communities respond warmly when the friends offer these workshops, as these written comments show:

¢ Cleveland, Ohio: “This program has awakened my spirit.”

¢ Adanta, Georgia: “[A] most powerful, lovely and complete cour - Itis concise, challenging and thorough. “ ions and exercis \gful and the use of writings is relevant and insightful

¢ Brownsville, Wisconsin: th that every youth should be encourage n better obliged! to take th course. It really emphasizes the i importance of marriage and helps to gi i al about a topic that is y to ead pea polis, Indian; lize the avenues of ith that I haven’t pursued consistently and challenged me to set goals i in the field of itten down

Louhelen

“Made me

ice to the

pan

details of how to start this pursuit.”

Children in the afterschool tutorial program in Chamblee, Georgia, enjoy a class on the virtue of loving-kindness. The program has been a joyful experience for dozens of Baha’i children and theii friends, a U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office helper reports. For more information on the work of the Refugee Office, call 847-7333525. Photo courtesy of US. Baha'i Refugee Office

Baha’i School

3208 S. State Road Davison, MI 48423

810-653-5033

Photo by Jim Cheek

Seattle, Washington: “The group shared from the heart on feelings about race unit AVAner Hh AT. LOUHELEN BAHA’/ SCHOOL:

Feb. 26-28: “Spiritual Generalship: The Guardian's Planning and Leadership of the Army of Light,” prented by Dr. June Thomas. This unique

family weekend explores the strategies used by the beloved hoghi North Ameri

the goals of ing with the sweeping vict ‘Ten Year World Crusade. Guardian’s

is course step-by-step x process to build the capacity y vision, select action, monitor

utilizes the plann of the

tive celebration of Intercalary Days with the musical group Hearken and a full children’s program complete the weekend. @

Volunteers needed at Green Acre

Be a part of the G Acre Youth Service Corps staff at the first Baha’i School of the Western world, located in Eliot, Maine (an hour from Boston).

When? June 18 through August

(or a full year!)

Who? Any Baha’s in good standage 18 or older

ireen

ing,

How? Request and submit application as soon as possible

¢ For information, contact: Jeannine Sacco, Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St. Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail .¢

more

The Wilmette Institute’s 1999 courses have begun!

Wuat’s Goinc On:

More than 50 students signed up

for “The Revelation of Baha’u'll4h, 1853-63” and “Hinduism for Dialogue and Deepening.” The faculty for the Hinduism course includes Dann May, a Baha’i with considerable experience teaching world religions; Dr. Anne Pearson, who holds a doctorate is in Hinduism and has lived in India five years; _ and Dr. Ali Merchant, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India. Dr. Moojan Momen, author of The Bahd’i Faith and Hinduism, has agreed to participate and answer students’ questions about his book.

‘Wuar’s Comine Up: “

Registration has opened for

‘Judaism for Dialogue and _ Deepening” (March 1-April 30; $100). Faculty will include | Michael Sours, author of several books about the Bible, and Dr._ | Maureen Stein, a Jewish schol-_ ar who teaches world religion courses. Students may also regis- _ ter for “Buddhism for Dialogue and Deepening” (May 1-June 30; $100) which, will include Dann May, Anne Pearson and Dr. Moojan Momen among its faculty.

Registration for the Spiritual

Foundations for a Global Civilization opened Jan. 1, with the first student registering almost immediately. The three-week summer session in Wilmette, Illinois, runs July 16-August 6 and includes the following faculty and their subjects: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the establishment of world peace; Dr. Farhad Sabetan, economics from a Baha'i perspective; Dr. Jena Khodadad, science and religion; Dr. Iraj Poostchi, the Baha’i Faith and agriculture; Dr. Iraj Ayman, Baha’f principles of education; Lili Ayman, the Baha’{ Faith and literacy; Ron Precht, use of the media; Dr. Phyllis Bernard and Dann May, conflict resolution.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and

registered groups have been mailed information on all Wilmette Institute courses and programs.

Information is on the Internet

(www.usbne.org/wilmette).

You may use the automated telephone line (847-733-3595) or call

the registrar (847-733-3415).

February 7, 1999

Tue American BanA’l * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

page I7 [Page 18]"CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORTES ew”

CALLS FOR RESEARCH PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA'I STUDIES CONFERENCE JUNE 17-20

Rig Thomas of East Lansing, Michigan, h deliver the centerpiece lecture at the

23rd Annual Conference of the Assocation for Baha’i Studies. The confe , on the the:

“Sacred J

ice: Uniting the Hui Family,” will feature the Associa first “town meeting”-style program June 17. The evening meeting is expected to draw leaders of thought from many fields to consult on prevention of violence among youth. The conference will prominently feature the art and music of the

's executive committee has decided to hold the Annual Conference on the third weekend in June starting this year, as t more convenient for university stuulty.

a Broly “or in the histo

on

“The State of Ra Wit i

in the American Bab Progress, Challenges, and ections.”

concentrated his academarch and writing on race and ethnic relations, particularly in the 20th-century urban United States. A pioneer in study and analysis of models of racial unity, Dr. Thomas several books and articles and helped local prove race relations s of North America

‘The annual lecture, named in honor of the late Hand of the Cause of God M. Balyuzi, has ngly become a highlight of the conferenc

Rooms at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, the site of the conference, should be reserved directly with the hotel (phone 800-547-8705 or 602894-1400). Rates for ABS conference attendees have been negotiated at $79 for a single room and $84 for double occupancy, and the hotel has free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Special fares are available through United Airlines (Meeting ID# S25YT) and Air Canada (Event # CV991019). Please quote these event numbers so that ABS can assign free transportation for deserving scholarship applicants.

Register before April 1 for the best rates. For details contact the Center for Baha’i Studies (phone 613-2331903, ext. 107; hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).

air

conferences on this page. June 17-20 in Tempe, Arizona

presentation.

e-mail ).

Wilmette, Illinois

Baha’i Life”

Sept. 16-18 in Brisbane, Australia

or

(phone 847-733-3508).

aha’i conferences and events across the country, and even around the world, are calling for the contributions of knowledgeable Baha’is. Please read more about some of these

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA’i STUDIES CONFERENCE,

Theme: “Sacred Justice: Uniting the Human Family
Deadline: Feb. 19 to submit proposals for a paper, program or artistic

Emphasis: presentations integrating the theme of sacred justice as

applied to every facet of life. Breakout and special interest groups should focus on the role and necessity of justice as applied to specialty areas such as science, agriculture and consultation/conflict resolution.

Submit to: Nanci Aiken and Steven Gonzales, co-convenors; P.O. Box

41532, Tucson, AZ 85717-1532 (phone 520-620-1943, fax 520-621-8522,

CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY INSTITUTE FOR BAHA’I STUDIES, Aug. 7-8 in

Theme: “Revealing the Splendors of His Light: Exploring Spirituality in

Deadline: May 3 to submit an abstract or description of 250-500 words.
Emphasis: This conference considers the role of spirituality, individually

and collectively, in fulfilling the destiny of America.

Submit to: Lynne Yancy, c/o Research Office, Baha’i National Center,

Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3548, e-mail ).

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE organized by the Australian National Baha’i Office for the Advancement of Women,

Theme: “Partnerships for the Next Millennium”

Deadline: Feb. 30 for abstracts; please notify of your interest 4 or inten

tions before then if possible. Those accepted will be notified by April 21.

Emphasis: women’s issues from the perspectives of spirituality, cultural

diversity, human rights and social justice, indigenous perspectives, global prosperity, education at all levels, communication and technology, business and economics, health and welfare, leadership and decision-making.

Submit to: Program Committee, P.O. Box 934, Dickson, ACT 2602,

Australia (phone 61-2-6241-9811, fax 61-2-6241-9811, e-mail

) + If you plan to attend: Please contact the Office of Pioneering

23RD AND 24TH ‘IRFAN COLLOQUIA, sponsored by Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, Institute for Baha'i Studies and Persian-American Affairs Office, Oct. 8-11 at Louhelen Baha’i School, Davison, Michigan

Deadline: June 30 for abstract of 250-500 words

Emphases: English presentations (23rd colloquium): Baha’i belief system/theology, writings of Baha’u’llah during the early ‘Akka period

(1868-84), the Baha’i Faith and other world religions. Persian presentations (24th colloquium): Baha’i theology, writings of Baha’u’ll4h during the early ‘Akka period. Papers on other subjects may also be considered.

Submit to: Dr. Iraj Ayman, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

(phone 847-733-3501, fax 847-733-3563, e-mail »

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE

NEXT MILLENNIUM SEPT. 16-18

Australian for the this conference has four main objectives:

To celebrate the spirit of women

and to honor their achievements.

To recognize women as decision

makers at all levels of society.

Organized by the National Baha'i Office Advancement of Women,

¢ To focus on education and communication as broad strategies for the advancement of women.

To foster positive partnerships

for progress.

Highlights will include keynote addresses, interactive sessions for participants and the opportunity to learn from and inspire each other. The conference will spotlight an exciting project on the recent history of Indigenous Australian women.

Cost of registration is yet to be finalized but will be no more than

$250 (Australian). If you are a U.S Baha’i planning to attend, ple: contact the Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail

).

“REVEALING THE SPLENDORS OF HIS LIGHT: EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY

IN BAHA'I LIFE”

AUG. 7-8

‘Abdu’l-Bah4, in one of His many of the favorable condi description tions for North America

tinent, and particularly the United States, as the “home of the righteous, and the gathering place of the free” wherein “the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith hall be unveiles

of spirituality, individually and collectively, in fulfilling the destiny of America. Experiential and theoretical explorations of this theme will pay particular attention to the w in which sp s the stated

message, through “the power of the Covenant, the dynamics of prayer, the inspiration and _ education

derived from regular reading and study of the Holy Texts, and the transformative forces that operate upon [one’s] soul as [one] strives to behave in accordance with the divine laws and principles.”

23RD AND 24TH an chee

T. 8-11 The 23rd and 24th ‘Irfén Colloquia, in the English and

Persian languages respectively, will both focus on the E belief system (Baha’f theology), and will be followed eminar on the writof Baha’u’llah during the early period (1868-84). In addition, the English-language colloquium will include presentations the Faith and other

The conferences are open to the 4’i public. While the talks will be of professional q a deepened Baha’{ should be able to follow them.

If you wish to attend, Louhelen Baha’i School to register. Wilmette Institute students are encouraged to attend.

For more information contact Iraj Ayman or Robert Stockman at the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3501 for Dr. Ayman, 847-733-3425 for Dr. Stockman; fax 847733-3563, e-mail or

.¢

contact

page 18 THE AMERICAN BAHA’i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES February 7, 1999 [Page 19]

Ps ¥ at ea *

hd 7 S < > Tri he Do you wantto bea What's important? Do you have Liang read something very important to remember ee i in the last Ridvan Message. The Universal House :

j: PE RONEOR like photographs,

of Justice said that in any of our Baha’{ activities, Ses a it is important to have certain things and to do ne) aes ; ; drawings? Tell us what certain things. Find out what these things are Aino: by solving the cryptograph below! yen Ore Ooms eee | your Bahai community! mY Our upcoming themes: e - Dynamics of Prayer Ridvan Cryptograph Study ofthe Holy Texts Directions: Inspired to Teach Decode the following phrases/words i x by using the cryptograph. Match Send mail to ) each lower-case letter in the inner r ene Hee circle of the cryptograph with the upper-case letter in the outer circle BRILLIANT STAR of the cryptograph. Have fun! c/o Baha'i Media Services 1233 Central St.- Evanston, IL 60201 4. qjnaiep pejc bwepd tel/847853.2355 - fax/847.256.1372 2. |nwuan

Bs Inkilpejeo kb pda okgh +. zereja wooe opwjya

Tell Us about 3+ your Corsurtity!

Activity by Treasurer's Office

“Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and

not in the pageantry of wealth and riches.” Baha‘u'llah (Tablets of Baha’u'llah, p.138)

AONVISISSV ANIAIG *b ‘INOS AHL AO SONLLAWOUd "€ =YAAVYd *% = HLIVA ONLLLIWAYNN ‘1 ‘siamsuy A:

BRILLIANT STAR SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Please enclose payment made out to Baha’i Distribution Service. Canadian/International orders enclose international money order or bank cheque drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars. To charge your credit card account, give number, expiration date and name.

The next special edition of Name

Brilliant Star will talk about SOT

Baha’i communities — groups of

Baha’i families and friends who Street

make up one big family. Tell us Thy @Siate Zip VISA/MC#/AMEX

about your community and what

you like about it. What do you Phone E-mail Exp pale, MARK YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Name on Account

Do you have a special story

Ww $18 United States, one year (six issues) ye $32 United States, two years

about how your community teaches the Baha’i Faith? Can

Signature required for credit card orders

you picture or illustrate your Total enclosed

idea or vision of a good community? Share your thoughts and drawings with us! Please include your age and Baha’i community with your name.

ye $18 All other countries, surface mail, one year w $32 All other countries, surface mail, two years w $28 Air mail, one year YY $52 Air mail, two years

Fax: 404.472.0119

1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 ' ' 1 1 1 1 1 1

think makes a good community? : 1! 1 1 ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' s 1 E-mail: 1

Mail to: Baha’i Subscriber Service 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. ¢ Atlanta, GA 30336

TAB/2.7.99

February 7, 1999 Tue American BanA‘i * Kin’s Corner page 19 [Page 20]

eocecceecocee Cecccce®

A dedicated performing troupe takes it to the streets

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS

ast summer for one month, I had

the bounty of accompan a

group of young from the greater Los Angeles area on a teaching trip to Bulgari:

In each city visited, the One World Dance Company broke records _ for attendance at a Bal ponsored vi ty in Bulgaria. Though only a handful of people enrolled, scores of souls were attracted to the and thousands of Bul ved a favorable impression of the Baha’i Faith.

The diverse group of 14 talented pe: formers was selected from the Baha’i Youth Workshop. Sina Mossa the workshop’s coordinator, and his si Mona of Temple C ifornia, jo’ Amy Gandomi of Tuscon, Arizona, in planning and preparations and served as co-coordinators for the group.

As in previous Youth Workshop teaching trips, such as the Fruit of the Holy Year trip to Georgia in 1993 or last year’s Alaskan teaching trip, the plan of operation was to perform dance the streets and pass out fliers and invitations to a “grand finale” later at a central location.

This larger performance would feature African and hip-hop dance and rap routines built around the theme of unity. ‘The program promoted an anti and anti-alcohol message and also t led the issue of racial prejudice.

Among a number of factors in favor of

arians 1

television, many Bulgarian youth have in the past two years grown to admire these styles of dance and music.

Western culture has quickly become

popular, and more or less anything

American is viewed favorably. To another dimension, the

5 Baha’is learned some Bulgarian words and phrases. One

HEROIC DEEDS

dancer, Quddus Sinclair, learned enough of the language to perform a rap number in Bulgarian that brought roars and stomps of approval from the audiences.

Varna and Borgas were the locales chosen for the teaching campaign. The two cities proved to be very different environments, requiring flexibility and creativity in teaching strategies.

In Varna, after some difficulty with a “catch-22” bureaucracy, Mahnaz Funk (a pioneer with her husband, Sharaf) managed to schedule a meeting with the mayor, and the Baha’is gained a permit to perform on city streets. This was a big step in relations between the h and the local government, and drew sighs of relief from the local friends.

By contrast, in Borgas the permit was resolutely denied—quite a setback for a ing group that relies on street performances in lieu of paid advertising.

So the group decided to hit the disco scene. With Bahé in tow the dancers traveled to club after club, performing their demo and inviting people to the formal program later that week.

Justin Philbrow, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bulgaria and the project’s overall coordinator in Borgas, helped organize teaching tes to hit the streets with posters and fliers. A public relations group was formed to pursue promotion through the me

Here the project was abundantly blessed. Stories were printed

interpreters

g that stands out most hing trip is the Bulgarian Seemingly, a small army of young people is doing the heavy lifting f Baha’ teaching in Bulg: -most in y to mid-20s, most women. All ntelligent, highly educated, radiant, spiritual and very independent-minded. I picture them now in my mind’s eye linked arm in a

Perhaps the thi about the Baha'is.

and walking along a shady boulevard in one of Bulgaria’s

Above: A musical dance program with an antidrug and alcohol abuse message holds the attention of crowds at an outdoor theater in Varna, Bulgaria.

traveling teachers hop a bus to former Romanian Queen Marie.

TIONS IN BULGARIA

of more than 8 million, Bulgaria is about half the size

and uniquely placed at a crossroads of the world. her nations of the former Eastern Bloc, the Bulgarian peo seston heart and soul into making the communist system I of this century.

the conscience of the country seems to be saying to the world, inct cultural identity and we wish to have equal prominence and prosperity with the other peoples of the world. We are not just an obscure country one passes through on the way to somewhere else.” —Randolph Dobbs

beautiful cities. With grace, with intelligence, with compassion, they seem destined to help gently lead their troubled country into the 21st century— under the banner of Bs ‘To contact the Los Angeles Bahai Workshop, call 323-937-3976. Randolph Dobbs is a Baba’s in Las Angeles.

{Youth

DEAR FRIENDS, With a little over a year left in the Four Year Plan, pledges of

heroism are funneling through our office.

their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

As lovers of Baha'u'llah, what choice have we but to show obedience and love, to do what is asked of us, and to demonstrate in the most tangible way possible that we have risen to the call? What a bounty to be able to give a gift

We have already received 195 pledges from American Baha'i youth of all ages! Our beloved institution, the Universal House of Justice, has asked the North American Bahd‘is to “perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire

to the House of Justice! A gift of service, of sacrifice, of to show our beloved institution that we, the Baha'i youth of North America, won't linger or hesitate for one moment to do our part in fulfilling the goals of the

heroism ...

Four Year Plan.

lowing information:

details.

You have 15 months to participate in the campaign! We would be overjoyed to receive a letter or e-mail from you with the fol

What heroic deed of service to the Cause will you perform? If

your heroic deed is of a private nature, you may descnbe it in a more general way that conveys the spirit of your efforts without induding

Why is this heroic for you?

What other thoughts or quotes do you have related to

heroism?

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

The date by which you expect to complete your heroic deed

of service to the Cause.

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

Please send your pledge to the National Youth Committee, /o Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail

).

page 20 THe AMERICAN BAnA‘i* Yourn February 7, 1999 [Page 21]

What does “universal participation” really mean? The Universal House of Jus:

believer in teaching, in living the Baha’i life, in contributing to the Fund, and particularly in the persistent effort to understand more and the ignificance of ’s Revelation.” (Wellspring quidance, p. 38)

more

pation reminds gle one of us has an t role in bringing the healge of Baha'u'llah to the

ing me world. Also, when we are unified in

supporting the Bah Is, we will be abundantly blessed! The Universal House of Ju wrote in ze from September 1964,

‘very believer can contribute to the Fund. Not all believers can give public talks, not all are called upon to serve on administrative institutions. But all can pray, fight their own spiritual battles, and contribute to the Fund. If every believer will carry out these sacred duties, we shall be astonished at the accession of power which will result to the whole body, and which in its give rise to further growth and the showering of greater blessings on all of us.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 38)

In what ways can our unified support of the Baha’i Funds “illuminate the whole earth?” Also, in what ways could you help the Baha’i friends remember the importance of universal participation in the Baha’i Funds? @

he Victory Initiative, a first for

the Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team, involved youth from across the Southern States in activity that coupled individual initiative with systematic planning.

The team devised a plan for individual youth and youth groups to act in promoting the harmony of the races. The first component was that all participating youth present the statement The Vision of Race Unity to their principals, chancellors, deans etc., and recite the prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha for the Southern States every of the initiative.

The second was for Baha’i youth to engage in activities that would promote. race unity and a Baha’ perspective on race relations in any way they felt capable. This was intentionally left with a wide foc so youth could feel free to contribute in a way that matched their particular talents or capacity.

The following is a sample of the activities produced by youth participating in or inspired by the Victory Initiative: indy and John Santa (Ocala, Florida) hosted a fireside on race unity for youth.

Roya Shahrokh (Denton,

Texas) initiated a monthly dialogue on racism.

¢ Aaron and David Rhodes (Camp Hill, Alabama) participated in a Baha’i play on racism.

¢ Katie Brodie (Hemingway, South Carolina) dedicated a week of her service at WLGI to the pron_ of race unity.

The Baha’i Ass

“We had 24 non-Baha’is ... Our community has a regular monthly fireside and we are pleased when we have three seekers. This

was astounding!”

—Candles of Unity Workshop report

— IE

University of North Carolina at Asheville held its second annual Rally for Race Unity.

Dominion Rognstad (North

Carolina), age 14, pledged to befriend more African-Americans as well as to say a prayer each day before bed.

GEORGIA: EFFORT FROM THE HEART REWARDED

Members of the Candles of Unity Baha’i Youth Workshop in Georgia distributed pamphlets to their teachers and friends and

Pes KCROND MG RCMB elec Hy

Natio we |

developing the

youth in the South: page 15.

Michigan youth put their energy where humanity has a need

BS the third year, youth participating in the Ona Koppe Baha’s School in Washington, Michigan, carried out a Thanksgiving _food and clothing drive for

need. Contributions have grown each year, and in 1998 they helped feed five families in downtown

Romeo, Michigan.

Students helped gather cans, boxes, clothes, toys, stuffing and turkeys at their regular meeting for cl the Sunday before the holiday at a Baha’s family’s home.

The youth delivered each family enough food to I: weeks after children got to pick out toys, and even their pets were supplied with some treats.

year, and the youth would like to thank everyone that helped out,” Pankow, one of the partic ing youth. for next year to make it even better!”

t them for ving. The

Than

“Tt turned out great this

Adreanna at“They can’t wait

reported

Youth in Washington, Michigan, display the results of their Thanksgiving food drive.

fOUTHERN YOUTH:

GETTING SYSTEMATIC

encouraged them to attend a community fireside. This Workshop has. only eight members. Their heartfelt and sincere response to this initiative was rewarded. Here in their words what happened:

“We met early on the 22nd to deepen, say prayers, and to practice. At the appointed time people began to arrive. We had 24 non-Bahé the eight workshop members, and five adults from the community. Several of the non-Baha’is were adults and many were youth. Our

community has a regular monthly fireside and we are pleased when we have three seek This was astounding!

“After the fireside, one of our members went to the home of two of the students who attended the performance to do homework. That ended up being another fireside. One of them talked seriously about wanting to become a Bah: Her brother is also very interested but still has a few questions. Both are going to be talking to their parents. and are going to try to start coming to the Workshop!

“Today one of the members visited to do homework again, and the girl said that this is what she needed right now and that she was going to talk to her mother to get her approval. Needless to say, our efforts to arise have been bountifully blessed. We are going to try to start having regular youth firesides.

“Thank you for asking us to do t Without that push, we would have waited a good while before starting this regular fireside process.” @

The National Youth

Committee would appreciate receiving copies of

ALL BAHA‘I

YOUTH

PUBLICATIONS

in the United States at our national office. Please forward a copy to the National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

February 7, 1999 ‘Tue American BanA’i ¢ Youtn page 21 [Page 22]

THE PROJECTS

peace ongoing social and economic development projects were spotlighted in morning sessions during the seminar and conference that allowed everyone to get in the act. Five that operate within the United States are highlighted in this issue.

In each case, the project’s origin, goals, and methodology was presented. Then listeners broke into small groups for lively discussion of specific aspects of the project.

After those groups reported the sum of their thoughts, a moderated panel of experienced practitioners and members of Baha’{ institutions offered its diverse perspectives.

The result was a wealth of input that organizers and their sponsoring Assemblies can use as their projects evolve.

Projects that operate outside the United States included the University Center for Rural Well-Being and Foundation for the Application and Teaching of Sciences (Colombia); International Cross-Cultural Alcohol Program (Alaska); Universidad Bolivariana (Chile); the Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute (Canada); Markham Baha’i Women’s Group “Platform for Action” (Canada); Badi School (Panama); Asociacién Nucleo de la Universidad Rural (Costa Rica); Fundaci6n UNIDA (Argentina); Maxwell Community Service Institute (Canada); Beyond Boundaries Foundation Inc. (Ecuador); Baha’i Community Health Partnership (Guyana); Family Education Project (Bolivia); Anis Zaniizi Baha’i School (Haiti); and Unidad Educativa Baha’i Rural Pavon (Ecuador).

Beyond Boundaries, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, caught the eye of Dr. Raymond Rudolph of Savannah, Georgia, at last year’s conference. The breast surgeon had been attending the Orlando conference for years looking for a project for which he could volunteer his efforts.

After hooking up with Jaleh Joubine-Khadem and others representing the fledgling project, he accompanied them this past summer to consult with Ecuadoran Baha’ institutions and to learn firsthand what people in the largely inaccessible Esmeraldas province, originally settled by shipwrecked Africans, needed in health care. They learned that many health problems exist in the region but that an effort to eradicate tuberculosis would be most beneficial, so that’s where the project is focusing its resources.

In addition to the five U.S. projects, two presentations were made by Ken Bowers, secretary of our National Teaching Committee: “The Dynamics of Migrant Populations” and “Urban Community Development.”

On the former topic, Bowers traced the roots of a fundamental demographic shift that is rapidly altering America’s racial balance; outlined some characteristics of today’s immigrants; noted significant implications for the Baha’{ community; and specified the challenges ahead in serving immigrant populations.

On the latter, he described how urban dwellers have become the majority for the first time in history and what this means for us, the agents of God’s Minor Plan, in terms of opportunities for the growth and development of the Cause of God.

DEVELOPMENT, continuen From pace 1

POOP CHOEOEOOEOOOO EEO OOOO OOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO EE EEE EEO EEEEEEEEEEESEEEEEOEEEEOOOEEOOOO®

U.S. PROJECT PROFILE: UNION FIDELITY DEVELOPMENT INC. FLORIDA

is new community development corporation,

founded on Baha’i principles and writings, is “the

culmination of a dream with roots here at this conference,” explained Russell Ballew, one of the principals.

One community at a time—starting in Belle Glade, Florida—Union Fidelity aims to “promote processes that create individual spiritual, intellectual, and material net worth,” according to its mission statement.

Belle Glade has great wealth created from sugar cane— but concentrated in few hands, with most workers living in “crying poverty,” Ballew said. So Union Fidelity has assembled a team of real estate, design and construction, securities investment and education professionals to help people lift themselves from hopelessness.

A mixed-income subdivision is planned through a collaboration with more than 20 religious institutions in the community. Also envisioned are increased commercial entertainment opportunities and a diversification of employment.

‘Traditional prejudices of race and religion stand in the way of success, as does the targeted population’s poor credit standing. But Union Fidelity aims to teach residents the skills they need to find better jobs and manage their money more effectively.

U.S. PROJECT PROFILE: HEAVEN ON EARTH ARTS RESOURCE AND TEACHING SERVICE (HEARTS) WASHINGTON

, he HEARTS task force began in 1996 with a

mission to promote “greater use of the creative arts in the spiritual life and teaching work of the Faith” and to strengthen the “relationship between Baha’i artists and the communities of the Pacific Northwest.”

HEARTS, based in northwestern Washington state, has published “Heart to Heart,” a booklet of suggestions for integrating the performing arts into Baha’{ functions. It also is developing a directory of artists and communities seeking artists, explained Dr. Leslie Asplund, one of the organizers.

Janice Gaines, another organizer, said the task force has aided preparations for two large events in the past year: an event in Kirkland, Washington, celebrating cultural diversity in the arts and a Race Unity Day event in Bellevue, Washington.

On a national level, HEARTS is working to foster development of the Baha’i Association for the Advancement of Arts and Media (BAAAM). The nascent organization has created links with several other Baha’i arts groups and plans to expand membership.

THE PROFESSIONAL TRACKS

E: afternoon—and some evenings—attendees had an ditional way to make the seminar and conference interactive, through sessions of nine topical tracks: advanced concepts in development; advancement of women; agriculture, environment and rural development; business; education; health; indigenous peoples; law, justice and human rights; and peoples of African descent and race unity.

The meetings brought experts together with Baha’is who labor or have an interest in these fields and those whose development efforts need the assistance of people in particular fields.

The business track, for example, featured sessions in

business ethics and human rights; management and leadership; entrepreneurship; and the digital revolution. It also gave interested attendees an opportunity—over pizza dinner—to discuss the future of the Baha’i Business Forum for the Americas, a year-old group sponsored by Mottahedeh Development Services, the social and economic development arm of our National Spiritual Assembly.

Many such networking huddles took place over the course of the week. One even reached out beyond the conference, when a session of the agriculture, environment and rural development track was “broadcast” over the Internet. @

Many conference-goers, it can be assumed, previously thought social and economic development is something others do elsewhere—usually in the Third World. But they left Orlando possessing real tools with which they can consult in their communities on how to identify and help meet the needs of local Baha’is and non-Baha’is alike.

The words of keynote speaker Pierre J.

Beemans of Canada also rang in their ears

as they caught flights back to cooler climes. The development worker and devout Roman Catholic told the assemblage his longtime association with Baha'is in the field and his experience participating in this conference led him to conclude that adherents of the Faith “have a special vocation from God to work with others”— organizations, governments, and people of other religions—who are “waiting for something to bring them together.”

Even as twin dramas played out in the political world that week—air strikes on military targets in and around Baghdad, Iraq, and the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Bill Clinton—seminar and conference participants kept their focus on building the new world.

Rolling up their sleeves, they studied and consulted on a range of ongoing projects; discussed ways to foster

progress in nine professional fields; absorbed learned analyses of their emerging role in God’s Plan; and were inspired by performances covering a broad range of artistic expression.

Simultaneously, a program for children and youth afford tomorrow’ social and economic development pioneers an opportunity to consider the same issues and to interact with speakers and artists from the adult program. @

page 22. THE AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ DevELOPMENT CONFERENCE February 7, 1999 [Page 23]

U.S. PROJECT PROFILE: INTERCOMMUNITY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT GREATER VIENNA/GREAT FALLS/ MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

Bey in 1997 seven Baha’is from three communities in northern Virginia were among 40 people trained as social and economic development facilitators by Mottahedeh Development Services, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly.

After the three-day institute, the seven believers discussed carrying out an intercommunity project. Over the next few months their Assemblies consulted and deepened, then conducted a unity feast in which members of the three commun brainstormed on an issue to address. A secret ballot revealed the primary need to be nurturing the development of Baha’{ children.

A task force appointed to plan the project conducted focus group sessions with area Baha’fs and presented its finding: cond unity feast. Further brainstorming focused the task force’s energies on creating a support group for single paren sssions of that group began in October and are ongoing, with participation from throughout the electoral unit.

Susie Clay and Janice Sadeghian, in presenting the project, said challenges have included: a complex relationship among three As task force member time constraints, impatience of individual Bahda’is with the process, commu cultures, and how to build a distinctly Bahai endeavor istent with recognized scientific practi said the project h as successfully kept its focus local and nurtured “ch mpions” within the community even as it has reached outside for nce when needed.

U.S. PROJECT PROFILE: CORINNE TRUE JUSTICE CENTER COLORADO/CALIFORNIA

his joint project of the Baha’i Justice Society

and the Denver Spiritual Assembly is the first of several community-based conflict resolution centers—Los Angeles is next—planned by the Ju Society, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘The True Center, according to Steven Gonzales of the Phoenix, Arizona area, se 's role as the revitalization of community life and laying a foundation for movement toward justice. It was incorporated in 1996 as a nonprofit entity and is based at the Denver Bal Senter.

Current activities include sponsoring conflict resolution training programs, conflict resolution services and peace study activities. True Center mediators have become involved as well in the “restorative justice” movement as volunteers for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program of Denver.

Mediation, Gonzales s atural arena for

Baha’fs because it is very much like consultation s to teach a receptive population of people who practice and support conict resolution. He the True Center grows biggest challenge will be in increasing awaren by Baha’fs of mediation’s potential within the community and as a field of social and economic development. ‘To that end, the Center has trained 60 certified mediators and has begun advising Spiritual Assemblies on how to deal with difficult personal and legal issues.

THE SPEAKERS

Tis year’s seminar and conference were short on pleries and long on hands-on sessions, but some were scheduled to help focus attendees’ thoughts on the Baha’ principles involved in social and economic development and the progress being made in efforts aligned with those principles.

‘Talks included the keynote speech on “The Spiritual Dimensions of Development” by Mr. Beemans, vice president of corporate services for the International Development Research nter; “Why Social and Economic Development Is Everybody’ Business” by Dr. David S. Ruhe, former member of the Universal House of Jus Sovenant-Centered Development: Heartbeat of Social and Economic Cl hange” by Counselor Eloy Anello of Bolivia; “Instilling Baha’i Development Concepts in Like-Minded Organizations” by William E. Davis, trea~ surer of our National Assembly; “Sharing Knowledge Across Cultures” by Glen A. Eyford, a member of Canadian Baha’ International Development Services and the Canadian National Assembly; “Huququ'llih and Social and Economic Development” by Vahid Hedayatis

“Meeting Our Challenge at the Grassroots” by Hassan Abdel Fattah Sabri, former staff head at the Baha’i World Center Office of Social and Economic Development; “Building Integrated Communities—Theoretical and Practical” by Dr. Elizabeth L. Bowen; and “Public Information and Social and Economic Development” by Bradley P. Pokorny, editor of One Country, the newsletter of the Baha’f International Community.

In an emotional wrapup to the conference, Mr. Anello reflected on the nearly 30 years since he arrived in Bolivia as a pioneer after training in public health. The helplessness he felt in the face of the people’s overwhelming material poverty gradually gave way to hope, he said, as he was able to tap into the people’ spiritual wealth by applying the Baha’i principles to their needs.

He likened Universidad Nir, which he helped found, to the biblical David’s sling and encouraged everyone participating in the Orlando seminar and conference to develop their own sling—in terms of experience and insights-with which to fell humanity problems. @

A colorful Parade of Nations at the Development Conference, performed by students from Maxwell International Baha’i School in Canada, culminated in a series of cultural dances including this one in the Japanese style.

Photo by Tom Mennillo

U.S. PROJECT PROFILE: FAMILY UNITY INSTITUTE GEORGIA

his venerable project has been around all of

four years. Sponsored by Mottahedeh Development Services, it occupies part of the Baha'i Unity Center in south DeKalb County, Georgia, and provides a channel for area Baha’fs to broaden their community life.

Such programs as after-school tutoring, English-assecond-language classes, the ~~ Dawnbreakers ‘Toastmasters Club, parenting instruction, a refugee women’s health initiative and music lessons benefit the primarily African-American community and nearby Asian and Hispanic immigrant

The Star Program, which provides tutoring and a safe sports program for boys and girls, is a key activity. Nearly 50 youngsters are tutored Monday through Thursday afternoons by college students, then Friday they can play basketball. The public schools have fully bought into the program: Each child’s teacher signs off on the stud homework plan.

‘The Toastmasters club, the institute's first ongoing project, was chartered by several Baha'is. But by now, far outnumber the friends and the club No. | in Georgia.

Larry and Carole Miller and Charles Muhammad, who presented the project, noted that the capa of individuals—new believers are some of the most active—and institutions have been built over time, with seed money garnered from agencies thrilled to see these services being provided. The effort has reinforced the teaching work and given the Faith great ibility in the community.

They said lessons learned include: the need to value different kinds of abilities; the benefit of input from the divine institutions; and the willingness of Baha’i community members to “invest where the work gets done” so the Faith can move to a new level.

THE PERFORMANCES

he arts contributed to the proceedings not as

filler or entertainment but as an integral partner with the spoken word in cementing bonds across cultures and fostering the seminar and conference’s vision.

From the Inuit chanting and drumming of Greenland native Anaangaq Lyberth to dramatic readings by Canadian stage and screen actor Sandy Webster, performances connected hearts

nd minds.

Joining in the Jack Lenz-coordinated program were ever-popular children’s singer Red Grammer; the gospel-singing Gilmer family (Van, Cookie, Sean, and Kim); operatic vocalist Roya Bauman; Spanish singers and dancers; and the Maxwell International Baha’i School Dance Workshop.

The Maxwell contingent, augmented by singer Lucy Shropshire and choreographer Laura Lee, opened the conference in eye-tearing fashion. Clad in native dress and bearing the flags of 44 nations and the United Nations, Maxwell staff and students paraded into the hall to a standing ovation. After the flags were posted, workshop members performed dances from many cultures to the handclapping, foot-stomping delight of everyone.

The performance was at once a glorious symbol of the Faith’s global reach and a sobering reminder of our responsibility to apply the Divine Physician’s remedy to a sick society. As were the seminar and conference as a whole. Fortunately, participants are that much better prepared after Orlando to execute that role.

February 7, 1999 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ DeveLopMENT CONFERENCE

page 23 [Page 24]

Cedar Rapids celebrates 60th with its trailblazing teacher

lowa community uses occasion to spread the word further

Children from Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls, lowa, focus on Gayle Woolson as she demonstrates her technique for helping children memorize speeches. She was ber of inspired to do this by the instruction of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: “Encourage ye cas school children, from their earliest years, to deliver speeches of high quality. .

Te

‘edar Rapids, Iowa

jayle Woolson, Iino

in response to the based on the Table; She found numerov

group of 13 became Ba

mbly in Tow:

to Latin Americ: 1940 to 1970 in variou several

BY BRUCE KOERBER

traveling teacher who opened up , to the Bahai Bal ith returned last fall to help the community celebrate its 60th anniv now of ventured to Cedar Rapid: ional t

ching plan s of the Divine Plan. interested people; one, Marie Beals, accepted Baha’u'llah

years later, with the help of Marvin Newport and Ruth Moffett, there was entry by troops in Cedar Rapids as a d’is. At Ridvan 1943, the city formed the first Local

ervice, meanwhile, took her

National Assemblies, an Auxiliary Board member, and Knight of Baha’u’lléh for the

pagos Islands of Ecuador.

When Woolson arrived in Cedar Rapids for the anniversary celebration, is greeted her at the bus stat showered her with hospitality. ary. The ni

on and

xt morning began a hectic ivanston, schedule of media interviews, a Masonic 1938 High ‘Twelve luncheon, a Coe College Religion Club address and a fund-raising dinner.

Succeeding days found her lectu the library, speaking at a fireside, prayers at the gravesite of Mrs. Beals, teaching children her technique for public speaking, and delivering a Spanish-language fireside at a local college.

All events were attended by Baha’is and people interested in the Faith. In her coni ing how often people mentioned they had visited the Baha’

Befittingly, as Gayle waited for her bus she continued to share the Faith, and again the House of Worship was a focal point of discussion.

Kingfisher’s Wing tour brings stimulus for teaching, community organization

in three cities who recently hosted perforof The Kingfisher’s Wing have shared how efforts brought the friends together, helped piritual Assemblies mature, and stimulated teaching. Based on the story of Bad?’, a young man who w: martyred in service to Bahd’w'lldh, the play is developed and performed by Bill George and Styve Homnick.

BOULDER, COLORADO

An audience of 75 at the Boulder Public Library auditorium received the play enthusiastically.

At least two couples unfamil with the Faith attended because of hewspaper announcements, Baha'is attended from as far away as Fort Collins (a 75-minute drive) and Arvada.

One man who had grown up a Baha'i said he had never about the story of Badf during this performance.

A committee to plan the event was formed in Seven new informed of the play and of the situation the performance was dedicated to Baha ing persecution.

Graphic design services for posters and programs were donated by a friend of a Baha’i. The sister of a Baha’i in India donated a portrait of Bad?’, making it an international effort.

‘The small Boulder community called upon surrounding communities for help with finances, hospitality and a reception after the perfomance.

Though tickets were sold at $10 each, the communities had to underwrite considerable cost to support the

cried as he did

arly summer.

area pers were

Tran, as undergo

“{T]he Baha’i community at large was being assisted and educated and as to how to make use of the performing arts to benefit teaching and deepening efforts.”

—Oraea Varis, Durango, Colorado

—

performers, rent the auditorium and professionally produce the programs and posters.

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI A performance here provided a focus for two Baha’i communities to work and teach togethe Local Baha’is said the event also everyone something to anticipate, a s uplift, and a better appreci: what it may have been like for the early Bah

DURANGO, COLORADO

Arranging the local perfornce of The Kingfishers Wing helped the community deepen

and nurture a growing band of active seekers.

“What a joy to be able to

ind bounty it w them to thi marvelous enactment of so signif icant an event in Baha'i history as. the story of Badi’,” Baha'i Oraea Vari

“T could also see how the Bak community at large was being

said local

sted and educated as to how to make use of performing arts to benefit teaching and deepening efforts,” she said. “We certainly learned something about the possibilities of the use of the arts in the Faith.”

is said Georg

nd Homnick have acknowledged the

of producing a religious play whose success relies on

the efforts of often-struggling Baha’{ communitie:

“Still, they were able to stay true to artis

ppeal to a gen audience. And, certainly, the

s they and the Baha’{ communities have realized have outweighed these challenges,” she said.

Hence

Pittsburgh Baha’is have visible presence for Dalai Lama’s visit

he Bahd’is of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

and five other communities sponsored a

table on the Faith at a recent visit to the area by the Dalai Lama.

As nearly 2,000 people entered through the tight security at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall near the University of Pittsburgh for the ‘Tibetan Buddhist leader’s public talk, they encountered the Baha’{ information table.

All eyes immediately went to a large watercolor painting by local artist Barbara Curry that depicted a highly stylized fruit tree and featured a quotation from Baha’wllah: “Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.”

Many attendees stopped to talk and to pick up copies of the brochures “Nine Things You Know When You Are a Baha’s” and “Baha'u'llah: God’s Messenger to Humanity,” along with an information sheet—taken from the National Spiritual Assembly’s public Web site—on the recent closing of the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education in Iran.

The Dalai Lama’s visit clearly provided an opportunity to reach people who came with already open minds and open hearts to hear a me: sage of hope for the future. The experience also made clear to Baha'is the work ahead for them.

“Responding to questions about where local Baha'is meet and whether or not there is a Baha’i ‘church’ in Pittsburgh made me realize that we must prepare now in order for our communities to grow and to provide adequate consolidation of new believers into new teachers of the Faith who will, in turn, help to shoulder the responsibilities of the community’ growth,” said Curry, organizer of the display. #

page 24

THe AMERICAN BAHA‘i * SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

February 7, 1999 [Page 25]

Indigenous destined for special bounty

The National American Indian Teaching Committee plans to publish articles regularly in The American Baha’i. This first is from one of 15 regional task forces under the committee’s direction.

WHY THE INDIAN?

“Attach great importance to the indigenous population ...” the beloved Master told America, be when they follow the way of God these peoples “will become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world.”

But the spiritual tradition of the Indian is old beyond history. Isn’t the Baha’{ Faith the “Faith for today”? Why this glorious destiny for the In

Some light is the In American contin

shed by a special letter to of the

‘ause of God

promise by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, a promise th: in many ways unique, a deep promise the words of which you can never ponder upon nd which I believe you should commit to memory. You are, many of you I know, faced by heavy problems, injustice,

poverty, lack of education. If you could see you would see that this promise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé is like a rope

with the eye of the spirit

put in the hand of a man who has fallen

water to safety and i: just saving yourself alone?”

children but to regain a irituali that has been hidden for many ye:

With the Four Year Plan to guide must first educate ourselves in the wa the Indigenous i of Baha’u'll:

0 th

incomprehensible Peace. Study, pray and walk in balance.

—Submitted by Carlos M. Velazquez, Otomi Nation, Region 8 Indian Task Force (North

Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee) @

“TEACHING

Last in a series. A fter a person declares belief in aha’u’llah, the most vital part of teaching begins. The Universal House of Justice has written, “Deepening the knowledge of the new believer in the verities of the Faith is the most vital part of teaching. ...” (Promoting Entry By Troops

49) How do we effectively deepen

new believers?

We read that “true consolidation is to ensure that the love of Baha’u’llah and devotion to His Faith are firmly rooted in the hearts of the believers; this is the essential foundation for the subsequent addition of increased knowledge of the Teachings and the development of the Baha'i way of life.” (Lights of Guidance, p. 593)

How should consolidation be carried out? Consolidation must be “prompt, thorough and continuing.” (Promoting Entry By Troops #32)

New believers may be deepened through study and training classes. ‘Abdu’l-Bahé wrote, “Amongst other things is the holding of the meetings for teaching so that blessed souls and the old ones from amongst the believers may gather together the youths of the love of God in schools of instruction and teach them all the divine proofs and irrefragable arguments, explain and elucidate the history of the Cause, and interpret also the prophecies and proofs which are recorded and are extant in the divine books and epistles regarding the manifestation of the Promised One, so that the young ones may go in perfect knowledge in all these degrees.” (Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 54)

DEEPENING A NEW BELIEVER'S KNOWLEDGE

The new believer should be encouraged to regularly and systematically read the Sacred Writings of the Faith. The Guardian, writing through his secretary, advised a believer on the importance and manner of deepening: “Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will exert all your efforts to deepen your knowledge of the literature of the Movement, until you become fully acquainted with its spirit and tenets. Unless you do obtain such a firm hold you will never be able to teach others and render real service to the promulgation of the Faith.” (Deepening #102)

How specifically can we encourage the deepening of new believers? We may want to think about the following questions:

¢ What Baha’i books can we suggest that the new believer study on his own?

What aspects of the Faith are particularly important for the consolidation of new believers, and of this

believer in particular?

Would we be willing to meet regularly (e.g. once a week) with the new

believer to study the Teachings together?

Would we be willing to take the

new believer to new believers’ classes in our community or in nearby communities?

Would we be willing to take the

new believer to training institute courses?

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

this not better than

few words the Faith reveals the rds to a people who s for their

order to integrate the lives. When goal we will witness the brightest beacon ever seen guiding us to an

ity

Norm and Nancy Larson help staff the Baha’i booth at the 10-day Central Washington State Fair in Yakima during October. Four visitors to the booth asked how they could become Baha’is, and 20 others filled out interest cards requesting information on the Faith. The booth distributed more than 1,600 race unity posters, hundreds of pamphlets in English and Spanish and 2,000 children’s coloring pages on the booth’s theme “We R I Family.” drawing for a Baha’i T-shirt. Photo courtesy of Randie Gottlieb, Yakima, WA

About 170 people entered a

‘Well-wishers of the Chinese people’

he Universal House of Justice tells us that reaching the C! s of the highest pri iy

Thousands of Chinese students and scholars are living in the United States, sincere people of capacity who welcome genuine friendship and who are interested in new ideas. Their stay in the United States is often temporary, as is our opportunity to befriend them.

‘The Universal House of Justice advises us: “First, Baha’is are sincere wellwishers of the Chinese people, interested in contributing to the advancement of their culture and the progress of their country. We are interested in helping the Chinese people apply the Revelation of Baha’u’llah to their own reality in order to solve important social issues.” “[W]Je should use this current opportunity to offer sincere friendship and hospitality to these Chinese visitors and to acquaint them with the progressive teachings of Bahd’u’llah so as to foster in them a positive view of the Faith.” (from letters dated Jan. 20, 1994 and April 19, 1989)

‘Abdu’l-Baha said, “The Baha’i teacher of the Chinese people must first be imbued with their spirit, know their sacred literature, study their national customs and speak to them from their own standpoint and their own terminologies.” (Star of the West, Vol. VIII, p.37)

We do not have to be or to speak Chinese to befriend the Chinese. But how do we acquire these qualities identified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé? The Chinese Teaching Task Force recommends that we learn from our Chinese friends!

One way to establish friendships with Chinese students is by becoming a Host Family. International students are away from their families, and like to have “family,” especially an extend

ed family or one with children, and even more so on holidays when other students go home,

What you can do:

Contact the international student

office of a local college or university.

Offer to host a Chinese student.

Then invite him or her to a home

for dinner, showing them genuine Baha’i hospitality and love.

We do well to remember ‘Abdu’lBaha’s words: “Help to make them feel at home; find out where they are staying, ask if you may render them any service; try to make their lives a little happier.” (Paris Talks, p.15). With trustworthiness and a little time, we will make lifetime friends.

With this simple, sincere and consistent beginning, we may create a network of friendship with many Chinese individuals and families that will enrich all our lives. Once we are aware of our new friends’ concerns and interests, we may organize discussion groups or seminars on topics of interest, find ways to be of service to the Chinese community and, for those with genuine interest in the Writings of our Faith, invite them to join our study groups and teaching institutes, as well as other avenues of service and participation in Baha’{ community life.

“The East and the West must unite to give to each other what is lacking. This union will bring about a true civilization, where the spiritual is expressed and carried out in the material. Receiving thus the one from the other the greatest harmony will prevail, all people will be united, a state of great perfection will be attained, there will be a firm cementing, and this world will become a shining mirror for the reflection of the attributes of God.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahé, Paris Talks, pp. 21-22)

February 7, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BAnA‘i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

page 25 [Page 26]

INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I YOUTH SERVICE CORPS OPPORTUNITIES

he enthusiastic services of Baha’f youth are needed all over the United States and the world. Through the hands-on pioneering experience in another culture, you can learn:

How to reach new kinds of people

with the message of Baha’u’llah. ¢ How to help them deepen their knowledge of the Faith and become its active supporters.

How to teach children and youth or

assist the administrative work of Baha’i

cial and economic development projects.

¢ About proclaiming the Faith through the arts.

¢ About mobilizing the youth of a region or even a country.

¢ About sharing the teachings for which they thirst with fellow students and professors while studying overseas.

Many more vital skills.

In a document compiled by the Baha’ World Center, 79 countries list specific needs and opportunities for youth pioneers, including many excellent college study options. National Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions also continually write to our national community to advise of service opportunities, which serve as further examples of their diversity.

Due to space limitations, the following needs are summarized onl from letters received from Baha institutions overseas. More complete information is available through the Office of Pioneering or your Auxiliary Board member. (Primary languages in parentheses)

AFRICA

Botswana (Tswana, English): John Robarts Long-Term Teaching Project and other projects. Detailed information available. Cameroon (French): Youth service organizer to help mobilize youth and further organize the youth service program. Ethiopia (Ahmaric, Italian, Arabic, English): Youth with office experience to assist the national Secretariat. Gambia (English): Assist the National Youth Committee and other national committees, as well as the national office, with their work throughout the country. Help the Permanent Institute, urban pre-school, or Rural Education Center. Madagascar (French): Longterm teaching project needs help in teaching and consolidation in rural villages, training children’s class teachers, social and economic development projects, editing the 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): Check the new Web site listing youth service opportu

IF YOU CAN ARISE to meet one of these or other critical international

needs, please contact your Local Spiritual Assembly for initial consul tation and to receive a copy of the Pioneer/Baha’i Youth Service Corps volunteer form. As you work toward your goal, the Office

of Pioneering will also work closely

with you.

Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail )

nities (www.icon.co.za/~mojdeh/service.htm). Zimbabwe (English): Help with the development of the permanent deepening institute and teaching the Faith in secondary schools.

AMERICAS

Alaska (English, indigenous languages): Several teaching projects plus summer Alcan youth institute programs. Belize (English, Spanish, indigenous languages): Caretaker of Baha’{ center and visitor’s center host needed. Bermuda (English): Youth needed to help with performing arts workshops. Bolivia (Spanish): Variety of opportunities from teaching projects in warm Santa Cruz to work with Radio Baha’i or social and economic development projects in the cool highlands. Help with Youth Workshop development needed. Brazil (Portuguese): The School of the Nations needs volunteers to serve at the school, work with the Baha’{ community and assist with community development in the Brasilia-area favelas. Canada The Maxwell International s ongoing needs for volunteers in areas such as administrative, finance and personnel, gardening, student services, academic and facilitie: vices. 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): Project Badasht, teaching through planned Baha’f 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 Jam: Institute, New Garden Baha’i Institute, Badasht Institute and Ridvan School, as well as supporting other local youth efforts. Guadeloupe (French): Help with national office administration and the development of the training institute. Guatemala (Spanish): Ruhiyyih teaching project in Petén, located in the tropical rain forest and Mayan ruins area, needs youth to help with direct teaching, community development, children’s classes, deepening and training believers. Haiti (French): Serve at the Anis Zuniizi school teaching English, oral French, arts and crafts and other subjects. Jamaica (English): Helping youth

workshops, teaching in rural areas, helping with the radio show and/or a television conference, with institutes and other training programs, teaching children’s classes, or administrative work at the National Center. Mexico (Spanish): The Furutan Project focuses on promoting the Cause among students and faculty of universities, the Edna Ford Continuous Teaching Campaign in Juarez on carrying the Message of Bahéa’u'llah to the Tarahumara India Panama (Spanish): Project Muh: working to establish a model commun ty 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 six to 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-plus Baha’i youth of Kazakhstan develop Youth Workshops. Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz, 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 Baha’i School needs mature youth to serve as teacher aides, helping the school’s 30 students to learn English, and to help with various

school-related social and economic development projects. Mariana Islands (Chamorro, Carolinian, English): The Marianas Baha’i School on Guam offers service opportunities for one or two youth 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 Baha’i School near the temple, help organize displays and Baha’ 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 assist development of children’s classes. Vanuatu (French): Drama, music and dance abilities needed for development of youth in villag:

EUROPE

Europewide: European Baha'i Youth Council project encouraging youth to serve in small teaching groups in

European countries. Baltic States (Latvian, Lithuanian, Es Russian): | Muhajir — Mass-tea Project July-September. Belarus

(Belorussian, Russian): Youth to serve at the National Office, preferably with computer skills, to staff Baha’f centers and carry out teaching work, with option to study Russian simultaneously. Art and music especially effective in the teaching work. Belgium (French, Dutcl wo to three youth to serve half time in the national Secretariat and half in the Youth Secretariat. Bulgaria (Bulgarian): Dynamic youth to lend assistance to the work of the National Youth Committee and other work. France (French): Periodic needs for volunteers at the Office of Public Information of the Baha’{ International Community in Paris. Iceland (Icelandic, English): Urgent nee for experienced Baha’i Youth Workshop member with artistic and organizational ability. Lithuania (Lithuanian): Study engineering or medicine in English at Kaunas Medical Academy for an annual tuition equivalent to US$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 Four Year Plan. Poland (Polish, some German): Dance workshop facilitator/coordinator, national office worker, community builder, carpenter needed. Switzerland (French, German): Periodic needs for volunteers at the office of the Baha’i International Community and at the Baha’i National Center in Geneva, as well as to live in goal towns near Zurich and Lausanne. @

page 26 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS February 7, 1999 [Page 27]

OVERVIEW OF THE NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

Adapted from a report to the Regional Baha’i Councils submitted by the National Teaching Committee

n the Ridvan 153 mesthe Univ House of Justice presents us with two challenges: the , “to mount campaign of teaching in w the broad membership of our

sage,

ich

ty is enthusiastically,

engaged, and in which the vation of an extensive tr

ning program will ensure the development of a mass of human resources”; the s complete the constru jects on Mount C:

The N; encompas: national, r They are ally reinf provide a m

cond, “to

ion pronelle

ing Plan at the gional and local levels. terlocking and mutu

ng. “Together they

the energi individual and collective efforts, while also uniting them into a single, effective campaign of

EARLY RESULTS

We have begun to reach beyond

our traditional teaching methods.

Community life is becoming

more op \d “seeker-friendly.”

The people responding to

our new outreach efforts not only define themselves as seekers, but also share many

action.

GROWING ROLE

OF MEDIA

of the same characteristics sent membership.

our pr

oD

rly 80% of local commu

for growth b: level of teach

1 upon our own activity and our city to attract ith.

people to the

BASIC STRATEGIES OF THE NATIONAL PLAN

ational-level activities include:

Development of new materials for mec
Ongoing

esearch and test g with audiences.

Capture and distribution of

s information.

¢ Monitoring activiti in the Baha’i community.

ion of strategic advice to

various institutions, and commu nication of important news to

the community.

Development of training programs

for specific needs, such as public information, Core Curriculum, etc.

by the Universal House as comprising these strategies:

Developmentof human resources.
Promotion of individual teaching.

A few results from the Office’s survey conducted

Web site (www.us.bahai.org).

Baha’

pared al Baha’i community.

general Baha’i population first heard of the Faith through the media.

National Teaching Committee

through our national public

534 people took the survey by December; 281 were not

° 47% of respondents who are not Baha’is say they first heard of the Faith through some form of media, as comith 5% of the gener ° 41% of the non-Baha’is say they had known of the Faith for one month or less, and 53% for six months or less.

¢ By contrast: Only 4% of the

IN DEVELOPMENT:

New video programs addressing different themes, including:

Program addressing indigenous peoples. Introductory video in Spanish.

Complementary training and dialogue materials for each new theme.

Better seeker follow-up programs.

The Office of Public Information is developing a plan to target the mainstream media by presenting

newsworthy items for press coverage.

¢ 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 specific aspects of the Faith, available in this format to seekers and other interested people.

The Baha’ Publishing Trust is developing its plan for getting Baha'i literature into the retail book trade.

¢ We are also working with the Regional Baha‘i Councils to develop test projects in specific areas, where

media experiments will be done in conjunction with organized teaching campaigns.

of various kinds.

Strengthening of local commu, Assemblies in particular.

projects. ¢ Assisting with traveling teachnd homefront pion

ribution of lite:

ture and

1al mate!

Holding of conferences.

We hope such act will be tailored to directly support the national themes and medi: paign. For example, Regional Bahai Councils can be quite helpful in encouraging local usage of the 800 number, monitoring local follow-up with seekers, increasing attention to relevant themes such as race unity and equality of women and men,

m

tion, fostered the national and

id other teaching and procla ation tools.

A wide array of teaching activities such as firesides, public

talks, campus activi etc.

Regular devotional gatherings.

Increasing individual participation

in community life and teaching.

A broad foundation of community life, including Nineteen

Day Feasts, social functions, youth and children’s programs,

of

lapted in each com ty according to local resources.

WHY USE MEDIA AS PART OF THE NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN?

The real value of the media efforts is to ine ties for individual © We create awareness of the Faith. ° We gi TS €aSy ACCESS tO US. How is this different than in the past? ¢ We use research to find people who are most li

¢ Opportunihing:

° We measure our success how many people respond to our message.

UPCOMING MEDIA-RELATED ACTIVITIES

¢ Three new broadcast-quality video programs available by spring 1999 ¢ New series of 30-, 60- and 120-second commercials

The National Teaching Committee plans further surveys of the Baha’i community. Issues include:

February 7, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 27 [Page 28]

THE RESEARCH BEHIND THE VIDEOS

SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW OF Research Apout Proposep VIDEO PRESENTATIONS OF THE BAHA’I FAITH PREPARED FOR THE NATIONAL SpiriTUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'Is OF THE UNITED States BY EUGENE TELSER, AMERICOM RESEARCH, AND THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE December 11, 1998

In this summary and overview we will attempt to synthesize the ideas developed in the series of five focus groups designed to assist the Baha’{ Faith in its development of video materials to be shown primarily on television. The videos have as their primary goal getting the attention of selected sectors of the general public, the “boomer” generation in particular. This accomplished, the next task is to provide the achieved audience with information about the tenets, principles and beliefs of the Faith. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to recruit people into the Faith.

The “boomer” cohort, according to published research, appears to include a significant body of so-called “seekers,” those who are looking for sources of spirituality and belonging. The demographic characteristics of this group are si to those of recent enrollees in the Baha’i Faith.

‘The focus group research began with video materials produced in early 1996. ‘These dealt, mainly, with fundamental aspects of Baha’i beliefs, of racial unity and the oneness of humankind. Modifications were made as a result of the groups discussions. Another group was conducted later in 1996 to test the revised video.

Based in part on what had been learned from all the groups conducted up to that time a newer video approach, on the same topic, was created. This video was examined in groups conducted in August 1997. An edited version of this video was aired with good to excellent response.

Because some elements of the second draft of the video had produced some negative as well. as strong positive responses in the focus groups a new video was created that had both a somewhat different approach as well as a new topic. Its main theme was the concept of the importance and power of prayer. This approach was evaluated in a fourth set of groups in summer 1998. The responses in those focus groups to this video were significantly more favorable than had been found to any of the versions of the earlier video.

A totally new approach with a third topic was evaluated in focus groups conducted in early fall 1998 dealing primarily with issues of female equality and rights.

Separate reports have been made on each set of focus groups. The potential strengths and weaknesses have been pointed out for the 30-minute videos as

he National Teaching Committee is sharing with the friends this research report with recommendations concerning Baha’i-oriented programs made for national television.

Independent researcher Eugene Telser based this report on focus group studies conducted since 1996. Members of the various groups were asked specific questions about their reactions to unfinished or finished versions of video programs developed for the national media, including The Power of Race Unity and The Power of Prayer as well

as a series of 30-second ads.

Many of Telser’s recommendations have been relayed to the friends through The American Bahd’i the past few months, as he has given preliminary reports to the Teaching Committee. A few of the main points are:

@ Television can acquaint more people with the Baha’i Faith more quickly, compared with the traditional person-to-person approach. The main purposes are to develop a positive public image of the Faith and get some people interested in finding out more—not to invite people to convert immediately. Spiritual seekers are only a small percentage

of TV viewers.

@ Video programs must communicate the fact that the Baha’i Faith is a legitimate religion, and primarily express the spiritual character, joy and interaction of Baha’is and our communities.

@ Similarities, rather than differences, and involvement with the mainstream of American life should be emphasized. We must not make people believe we think ourselves special or superior.

@ If a production focuses on a particular subject—for example, race unity or gender equality—consider choosing stations that are highly watched by people likely to be interested in that subject.

@ While spiritual seekers in this country tend to be mostly collegeeducated, mostly women and mostly Baby Boomers—and while youth also have shown positive response to videos broadcast so far—we should continue to look for ways to present the Baha’i Message in a

way that appeals to other groups.

well as a series of “spots” which were shown at several of the groups’ sessions. In this overall evaluation, however, we will deal with what appear to be some of the global issues rather than the specifics of each of the video presentations.

Religions spread primarily through friendship and kinship contacts. Growth in the Baha’i community overall has also depended on this natural and incremental process. It would appear, however, that there are limits to the rate of growth to be expected within this conventional framework.

Reaching beyond traditional boundaries will require greater reliance upon more impersonal mechanisms of public communications, particularly commercial media. This is especially true for an alternative faith such as the Baha’i Faith given the restricted appeal of nontraditional religions repeatedly demonstrated in these focus sessions. Not only is the constituency for such an alternative abbreviated, it is also widely dispersed.

Growth beyond the traditional framework will require an efficient, knowledge-based methodology of outreach

and recruitment, and more effective targeting. Commercial media are not merely extensions of individual and personal advocacy. Audiences for media are both less frequently available and less forgiving, and the logic of persu frequently counter-intuitive.

The resources and intellectual effort invested in systematic audience analysis over several years, along with ex, tal broadcasts of new video materials, has broken new ground and yielded positive results. It has also highlighted the complexity of the challenge of accelerating response to Bahd’i programming among susceptible audiences.

The observations presented in this report are not hard and fast rules. Rather, they are thought-pieces, designed to stimulate discussion among those involved in extending the influence of the Baha’i Faith in the United States and to suggest a positive framework for addressing seekers within the general populace.

While Americans are generally tolerant of religious diversity, it is important to keep in mind that the overwhelming majority are not candidates for conver

sion or religious switching.

The majority are happy and fulfilled in their current practice and not receptive to alternatives. There is a decided inclination among viewers on first encounter with a new religion to view it negatively and to be suspicious of its motives. Consequently, in each broadcast encounter it is as i mitigate negative impres impart information.

Some OVERALL OBsERVATIONS ABOUT ProposeD BaxA’i ViDEO PRESENTATIONS

‘This set of observations and comments are an attempt to think through all we have learned since the inception of the focus group work in 1996. We have looked at and obtained reactions to a variety of approaches designed to tell the people about and then get them interested in finding out more about the Baha’ Faith. The videos have included several to communicate the idea of racial unity and the oneness of humanity, telling about the worldwide reach of the Faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer, explaining the vital role the Baha’{ community plays in the lives of members, the importance to Bal of family, edu tion, gender equality and social justice.

Despite criticism which viewers made about the videos and a variety of negative comments made about specific aspects, these programs also contain attractive and appealing ideas; ideas which might induce viewers to want to learn more about the Faith. Moreover, the ways in which the participants in the groups talked provide some insights into how people think about religion in general and about specific faiths as well.

Accordingly, we believe that there are a number of generalizations and observations which should be considered in proceeding with the further development of this program and informing and teaching the public about the Baha'i Faith. They are, not necessarily in order of importance:

1. The videos must communicate the hat the Baha’i Faith is, in fact, a legitimate religion. The vast majority of people are not familiar with the Baha’i Faith. Usually, their first impression that the Faith may be a cult and nota religion at all. The primary communications task for the videos must be to overcome this starting impression in the time given.

2. The audience is primarily interested in the spiritual character of the people who are members. As a result, they want to see how the religion is practiced by individuals who can testify about its impact on their personal lives. They resist statements from spokespersons as selfserving. They are less interested in what we say than in what we do. It is important to show the principles in action.

3. It is important to recognize that, by and large, Americans who are believers in any fashion at all are monotheistic. Therefore, the videos must stress that

id

page 28 THE AMERICAN BAHnA’‘l * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN February 7, 1999 [Page 29]

Baha’is believe in one God, the same God in which Americans believe.

- Moreover, to strengthen this view it is necessary to indicate that there are written Baha’ scriptures which tell of this and which can be examined.

4. There seems to be a broadly shared understanding about the purpose and role of religion in society. Public presentations must be sensitive to these cultural predispositions to be received favorably. Showing Baha’ children engaged in positive, joyous activities, for

mple, is consistent with the view that religion must be concerned with the al education of children.

‘These

spirit

images are generally well-received. Showing images from Baha’ histor which present the Faith in unfamilis

ways, on the other hand, consistently calls forth suspicion among view 5. The audi

nce seems more interested in what religions have in common eo in the ways they are different. Their . OF particular con

cern are aspects like the moral instruction of children, the strengthening of ges and families, the personal and congregation: ice of worship, and community life generally. In addressi these types of concerns the Bal an show it is part of the mainstream of gion while still placing a different emphasis upon some beliefs.

6. Stressing differences invariably stiffens resistance. Any criticism of another faith tradition or any expression nce leads to nfore the

mai

of superiority or preced strong rejection and ré impression of cult behavior.

7. It is important to demonstrate that Baha’is are happy with their beliefs and find joy in being of the Faith. Americans in the main reject stridency and severity in religious practice. Overly dour and serious presentations are also off-putting.

8. It is helpful to show how Bahda’is relate to their fellows as well as to the community in general. The members of the Faith do not live in isolation from the civic world. It is important not to overstate the achievements of Baha’s The ideal is to show that Baha'is are well-intentioned people who struggle to implement high ideals, but do not consider themselves morally superior.

9. The videos should resist the temptation to overtly emphasize conversion. Such attempts invite general hostility and are counterproductive. Even more importantly, it is off-putting even to people who are sympathetic because they feel that to make contact to investigate will cause them to be subjected to great pressure. It should be remembered that the overwhelming majority of viewers hold television preaching in low regard. The point is not lost on anyone that the underlying purpose of the videos is to generate interest and response. For most people the videos will be an introduction to the Baha’{ Faith and first impressions are lasting ones.

10. Aggressive statements on matters of faith appear to violate a common sense of religious propriety. Theological arguments of an exclusive character are

perceived as hostile and parochial.

‘There is a growing disposition toward tolerance in matters of faith, but prerequisites are respect for the individual's right to make personal religious choices, moderation in exposition and outreach, a sincere and spiritual outlook, and a visible sense of happiness and hospitality. 11. Seekers are people in transition. They are disappointed with aspects of past or present experience but they are deeply committed to the practice of re gion. They are looking for solutions to

may peak in individuals experiencing some personal crisis leading them to a renewed search for meaning or stability. Perhaps by looking at advertising approaches used by helping professions to get ideas about content and presentation styles.

16. Consider the value of the 30- and 15-minute formats for use within the Baha'i community and by members of the Faith when telling about it to other

17. Since the overall awareness of the Faith is at best minimal, recognize the

oO) SO) a |

Whether a small, regular gathering in Wauconda, Illinois (above), or a larger Spanish-language gathering in Aston, Pennsylvania, that draws interested

people who were born in several Latin American countries (below), regular community firesides and public meetings are an essential local part of the National Teaching Plan, which is given a national proclamation element by the video broadcasts. Photo above by Viadimir Shilov; Photo below courtesy of Monireh Raika

problems they have actually experienced. ‘They are necessarily in sympathy with much that they have experienced.

12. The credibility of the Faith as a legitimate religion can be enhanced by stressing that it has a formal structure, perhaps different from other religions, but participatory nonetheless. People seem also intrigued by the absence of clergy. Also, the fact that it has existed for more than 150 years enhances its legitimacy.

13. Keep in mind that the audience of seekers represents a small percentage of total viewers. Expectations for response from any single broadcast should be moderated. It should also be remembered that many more people will be sympathetic than will respond immediately.

14. Whenever possible, it is helpful to offer testimonials from respected non-members who acknowledge and appreciate given Baha’{ contributions.

15. Interest in learning about the Faith

long-term and ancillary values of airing the programs about the Faith. Creation of awareness requires either a saturation or a long-term approach.

18. Because of the differential response to the videos among men and women as well as persons of different ethnicity, consider making the media choices match with the video being aired. For example, if the video pushes hard on gender equality, it might be wise to air it where and when the audience is mainly female.

19. Consider the importance of attention-getting as well as educating the audience. This suggests a judicious mix of spots and longer (15-minute as well as 30-minute) videos might be appropriate. Moreover, more detailed videos might be valuable to be viewed at home by those who want the details. Examine what the political media people have learned: namely, that a series of spots, each representing a different idea, can over time tell a broad story.

20. Avoid the use of jargon and catch phrases that have no meaning to non-members.

ComMMENTS ON METHODOLOGY

Each focus group study was conducted in a professional field service site. Over the course of time the composition of the audiences varied. They were recruited by telephone on a random basis, but according to quota characteristics. Criteria included race, gender, age, education and income. Recently we have also segregated groups by gender to see if responses are affected. Tests were conducted in n Diego, Atianta and

metropol Chicago.

Participants were not adv advance about the nature of the test.

information about the backgrounds attitudes of the participants on various issues; the second phase in viewing the Pea, and the final phase in el

¢ always asked, r vi eying the presentations, aiediea they had ever heard of the Faith before, what their impressions were, and whether they would be likely to request more information if they had seen the ion on tel They were , among other things, in what ys the presentations might be changed for greater clarity and appe:

The mederanOk all of the

ision.

as Mr. s more ad

Himetaiel vice ieecaeni at A Nielsen Co. and research director for J. Walter Thompson Co.

PATTERNS OF RESPONSE

Those who respond favorably to the presentations have tended to share certain characteristics. They are primarily women, although many men also respond favorably. They tend to be racially diverse (slightly higher proportion of African Americans), but from a similar educational level (college or higher). They tend to be Baby Boomers and parents. Those who are not affiliated with a faith community are more prone to respond positively. They also tend to be “liberals” in social outlook.

These patterns are consistent with published research on religious switching and conversion. This does not necessarily mean that others are not at all susceptible to the Baha’i Message. Over the next few months testing for other audiences will be done. This will also involve newly developed materials; for example, a new video targeting rural, conservative Christian audiences will be tested in January 1999.

BROADCAST RESPONSE

Focus group tests have proven good predictors of broadcast response. One surprise, however, has been the relatively high level of response on the part of youth (25 and under). Focus group tests have not included many youth, but broadcast results do suggest a high level of receptivity among that population. #

February 7, 1999 Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN page 29 [Page 30]

PUBLIC: THE “EIGHTH WONDER OF

everal major newspapers in Haifa reported the

VINEYARD of the LORD

VIEW FROM THE THE WORLD”

opening to the public of Terrace 19, the upper most te

ace above the Shrine of the Bab, noting that the Bahi’y World Center honored the ma request to open it although the project is yet to be

yor’s

completed. In its press release, the municipality particularly asked visitors to respect the sanctity of the place and maintain silence and cleanliness.

As a gesture of appreciation the Municipality of

Haifa, under the ae;

s of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism,

provided attractive coverage to the terraces as well as

the buildings around the Arc in a recently released brochure on Haifa. Boldly titled “The Eighth Wonder

of the World,” the brochure describes the following under the subtitle “Baha’i Shrines and Gardens”:

“Splendidly set in the exquisite green Mount Carmel scenery, with its extensive flower beds, bushes, cypresses and cluster pines, the Baha’ complex includes the Shrine of the Bab and two buildings in strongly neo

classi

al style. The luxuriant gardens open out all around the golden domed Shrine, forming a shining

landma

in the Mount Ca

mel landscape.”

when most scaffolding was removed, r marble work on this building that faces Shrine of the Bab. ‘The front colonnade is an example of the great engineering fin this complex building. This row of columns forms a shallow curv

ling the near! across the Arc and tov

that has gone into at the entrance, but

presents the illusion of a steeper curve because the columns are spaced progressively closer together the farther they stand from the center. That way, the portico harmo

nizes with the more circular entrance portico of the Center for the Study of the Texts, on the opposite end of the Arc.

To reduce the chance of damage from continuing construction, marble paving will be finished later on the floor and the steps leading to the entrance portico. In the meantime:

Workers are preparing to install marble on the vaulted roof, one of the building’s

most distinctive features.

¢ The main electrical system of the Teaching Center was to be operating by the beginning of 1999, along with air conditioning in selected areas of the building.

Manpower was doubled to speed up interior work, especially to put up most of the

interior walls by year’s beginning. The next step is plastering and painting the walls and putting up ceilin,

Stone work

finished on the walls and columns in and around the Auditorium, and

lighting and sound systems were being finalized. Installation began on the external wooden dows, after aluminum windows were finished on levels 1 through 3 and

most steel doors and frames were installed in levels 1 through 6.

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

Top: A nighttime view from the base of Mount Carmel shows a busy boulevard giving way to the lights marking the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab.

Bottom: Restoration is complete on gardens southwest of the Shrine of the Bab (see bottom photo, opposite page).

page 30

The AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Mount CARMEL PROJECTS February 7, 1999 [Page 31]

Top: Two nearly completed buildings flank the seat of the Universal House of Justice at the Arc’s crest: International Teaching Center (left) and Center for the Study of the Texts (right).

Middle: Interior finishing progresses rapidly in the information and security building under Terrace 11.

Left: A photo from 1952 shows gardens southwest of the Shrine of the Bab (see bottom photo, opposite page).

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS: NEAR COMPLETION

urnishing of the Center for the Study of the Texts gained momentum as the occupancy date

approached. Furniture and work stations were ordered to meet the needs of the departments to

move in soon, including partitions, desktops, chairs and carpets, as well areas, multipurpose rooms and small conference rooms.

furniture for lounge ‘The main entrance of the Center for the Study of the Texts begins at a high-ceilinged vestibule and leads into the foyer/reception area. Among decorations in both these chambers will be custom-designed cha deliers, one 8.5 feet across and the other 4.5 feet across. Made from textured cast glass combined with nd supports, the chandeliers, along with matching wall sconces, are being manufactured

n=

TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BAB: EVOLVING THROUGH THE GUARDIAN’S VISION

he resplendent golden-domed Shrine of

the Bab has drawn to its majestic portals

pilgrims and visitors alike since the structure was completed in 1953. While its unique architecture has attracted immense admiration, the gardens surrounding the Shrine have been equally praised. As work is completed on the extending those gardens above and below the Shrine on a large scale—the res

Terra

aos

ults are drawing further accolades.

In laying out places, Shoghi E! only to enhance the serenity of the holy spot, but serv feast for the eyes as well. He selected trees, shrubs and flowers that could flourish in the climate of the Holy Land, some of them from outside the Middle East. In both the Haifa and the Bahji gardens, he d cactus and other succulent plants with great imagination.

Over the past year the gardens around the main ‘Terrace of the Shrine of the Bab were largely refurbished, with some plants and trees being replanted or replaced, ornaments and pedestals repaired, paths regraded and in oved. As Hatzi Avenue was rebuilt, large sections of the road ne to be integrated into the gardens along the main terrace. Linked to this work is the installation of electric and phone line ducts for the Arc, the Terraces and the Haifa Pilgrim Hous:

Some of the most int

ation lines imp!

activity took place in the southwest corner of the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Bab, close to the courtyard of the Pilgrim House. This was an area where the Guardian used cacti and other drought-tolerant plants in the design. Four triangle-shaped sections were planted with red-tiled paths and lawns in between, appearing to radiate from a circle of plantings at one end. This unusual layout has always drawn admiring spectators. While preserving this di

ign, project workers recently:

Dug deep trenches, installed electric/phone ducts,

and refilled the trenches.

Improved lawns and flowerbeds.

Regraded the surface of ochre-colored tile chippings covering the paths.

On the terraces above the Shrine, Terrace 14 is effectively ready for inner landscaping. The stone pools, floor paving, balustrades and columns are all in place. On Terrace 13 the curved stairs on the east side are finished, with similar work to be done soon on the west side. In the outer ar f Terraces 12 and 14 grass is in place on the slopes, while those of ‘Terrace 13 have been planted with ground cover.

Slowly but surely Hatzionut Avenue is becoming transfigured. All the bridge supports have been cleared, traffic is flowing along the new lanes, and stone work on the face of the bridge is progressing speedily. Installation of pedestals and balustrades has

begun on top of the bridge walls.

The Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab were built on p slopes of Mount Carmel—progressively steeper toward the crest of the mountain. Miles of pipes have been laid to help rainwater drain and to prevent waterlogging. Work was begun to connect these pipes to severa up to 36 feet deep behind the south retaining wall along Hatzionut Avenue, to make the system operational before winter rains begin. @

the ste

February 7, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Mount CARMEL PROJECTS page 31 [Page 32]

American d free of charge community. Because ae re limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the CERORT as have not been approved

the National Spuaeal Assembly;

friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITI

IMMEDIATE NEEDS Baba’t pete Project, Evanston:

Full-time, self-motivated administrative assistant to support the project's editorial team. Must be able to work with minimal supervision in a quiet, secluded environment. Must be able

, and finish proj ional, error-free include inputting edijons from hard copy,

. Require “60 wpm word proces excellent computer skills (WordPerfect 8.0, Word 6.0, Ac very strong writing and editing s and sound judgment.

Bahai Media Services, Wilmette: Print Production Assistant for Media Services. Provides prodi support for The American Babd % rilliant Star magazine. design and layout of both publi tions. Works with printers and outde vendors to ensure smooth production of each issue; with fr lance authors, illustrators, writers and designers to acquire content for both mabReeone Qualifications include a strong command of all phases of digital print production, including design, layout, photo editing, copy editing, production, and digital prepress; a minimum of two years’ experience with Quark Xpress and Adobe Photoshop in a newspaper, magazine or other print production environment; experience with Illustrator and Freehand; skill in verbal and written communication; ability to work with minimum supervision:

If interested, contact the Office of

fuman Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER Education & Schools Coordinator.

dvances the understanding of ues pertinent to the function of the schools and institutes. Develops procedures, in conjunction ‘with the Office of Human Resources, to advance the function of the permanent and their operations. Supervises development of curriculum and mate: port individual and community development. Background in educational administration and advanced educati oe ree preferable. Administrative Assistant, Schools Office. A key pe administrative functioning of the Education and Schools Organization O), this person is the contact point both internally and externally. Responsible for administrative support of the office, the Education and Schools Coordinator, the Education Task Force, permanent schools and Administrators and Institute for Baha’i Studies. Must be able to produce error-free documents;

Service opportunities at the Baha’i World Center

‘THe Mount CarMEL PROJECTS, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc in Haifa, Israel, have the following opportunities for service:

© Gardeners/borticulturists. Needed at all levels of practical knowledge, from basic maintenance skills to advanced professional experience, including gradu‘ates in horticulture or related disciplines.

¢ Industrial/commercial plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings, etc.

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) 835-8237, fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AT THE Bawd’i Wortb CENTER in Haifa, Israel:

Horticulturists ¢ Archivists ¢ Lawyers * Executive officers ¢ Senior-level managers * Painters ¢ Plumbers ¢ Electricians ¢ Book conservators * Accountants ¢ Finance professionals * Translators © Librarians © Secretaries © Telecommunications engineers © Computer professionals ‘To send your résumé or CV to inquire about a position, contact: Office of Personnel, Baha’i World Center, P.O. Box 155,

31 001 Haifa, ISRAEL (fax 972 (4) 835 8325, e-mail )

ing 55-60 wpm. Must be nize the workload and estabstrong organizational

nd ktop publishing skills. Needs excelJent verbal and written communication skills; we prefer fam ity with professional education voc nd proce

anager of Office or the Program Coordinator in following up on the execution of programs and projects. Performs general office functions and related work. Monitors various related projects; handles incomin, and outgoing correspondence in Persian and English; translates documents and letters as needed into and from Persian; handles records management. Needs. written and oral communication skills in Persian and English; knowledge of Baha’{ administrative practices; familiarity with Iranian culture; English and Persian typing of at least 30 wpm; good knowledge of general office practices; ability to perform detailed work with frequent interruptions.

Accountant, Oiee of the Treasurer. Applicant should have strong interpersonal and analytical skills and be familiar with integrated PC-based accounting software. Experience in implementing internal control procedures is highly desirable. Must ie ave degree in accounting or equivalent accounting experience. Some travel required. Must be able to maintain a sense of humor while working raced, flexible environment.

ion for the 1 importance of confiity esses Administrative Eros Several open ings possible. Will initiate and coordinate clerical and functions required to implement e needs effectively. Must be d grounded n the

perform administrat mature, efficient and professional m: ner; must be familiar with computer word processing applications (Windows 95, Word, e-mail and various databa: extremely helpful); good communicator, hig ghly organized, confident and capable of working steadily, often on many things be once. Mo st be able to speak, read an write English. If interested in any of these positions, contact the Office flict Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT BAHA'I MEDIA SERVICES, WILMETTE Associate Editor, Brilliant Star, parttime. Works with Managing Editor to coordinate and execute all ph: azine development. Will com ate and edit assigned or submitted content; help contributors develop their work; help edit and proofread nuscript, proofs and layout; network tists to encourage and conduct research for espond to correspondenc st with marketing and promotion. Needs excellent editin; skills/judgment in children’s publis! (age range 6-12) plus strong command of writing and content development; minimum 1-2 years’ experience in writing, publishing and/or print production in children’s or Eau COBal publishing; excellent verbal and written communi tion skills; ability to work with minimum of supervision under deadline pressure. Should be located within 100 miles of Evanston/Wilmette.

Administrative Aisistant Media Services. Supports day-to-day operations in the Since eoraultes arcerork with unorthodox and unexpected requests to provide support for Media Services projects and personnel; responsible for procurement of and payment for goods and services; maintains ede directs all incoming communications including faxes, e-mail, phone calls and mail to the staff; assists Media Archives library.

If interested in either position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333427, fax 847-733-3430).

s of

At WLGI Rapio BAHAI HEMINGWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA Radio Coordinator to manage operation of \4°f radio station. Will help formufor development

station ope evaluate the station’s performance, espe ly in relation to its audience; supervise, recruit and evaluate personnel; formulate a budget; oversee communications within and outside the Baha’i community; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; promote Baha’i standards a volunteers and members of the communi, and assume on-air shifts and other tasks. ‘equired: 3 years radio management experience or 5 years related management erience, including financial; Baha’i inistrative experience; record of human relations and communications skills. Desired: Master's degree in radio broadcasting or equivalent experience; wide

ranging knowledge/e: dio stati

of Human Resources, 1333

vanston, IL 60201 (phone

847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE BAHA’! DisTRIBUTION SERVICE Futton County, GEORGIA Shipping/Receiving Clerk. Respons include pulling, picking and packing orders, inventory receipts and returns, warehouse organization and inventory dis

lities

ence and knowledge of various shipping

methods and regulau Hy domestic). Should be detail-ori in good

health. Customer Service Representative. Will process phone, fax and electronic orde: respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant voice and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Baha’ literature is a plu Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk, 1 pee time. Will process accounts rec: 1 parable maintain financial records, and have other accounting duties. Should have experience in accounting or bookkeepit If interested in any of these positions, RE contact the Office of Human esources, 1233 Central St., 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-7333430) or Ford Bowers (phone 800-9999019 ext. 111).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHA'I SCHOOL Maintenance worker. ¥. trious, spiritually motivated. General knowledge of custodial duties, building maintenance and repair, grounds work and mechanical sys s helpful. High skill i York

environment requires a re ated to courtesy, meticulou: tion to detail. Minori aged to apply. Profe: available. Contact Jame: Administrator, Green Acre Bal

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

SOMETHING NEW! The Office of

s consulted on the best way considering international service, given our limited

After evaluation of the current situation and estimation of of the future needs of the friends, the d few month: ings. We from Bah:

standard fate Tei is our hope that change will give you greater flexibili ty and resources.

for the National

BELIZE: Couple or single individual to serve as caretaker for Baha’{ Center in Belmopan, national capital.

COSTAR ‘A RICA: Full-time service for en months for Spanish-speaking, selfsupporting (preferred) youth to work

page 32. THe AMERICAN BAnA‘i ® CLASSIFIED February 7, 1999 [Page 33]

with Baha'i Youth Workshop. EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: Custodian/caretakers (independent means). GAMBIA: Permanent Institute manager. HONDURAS: SEY and sec ers.

Ise ship with extensive practical skills (e.g. building maintenance, gardening, ); prefer those with independent means SOLOMON ISLANDS: Self- sup] or ing couple to serve as custodians o|

aha’{ Center in Honiara. ances és train National Center office staff. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Great need for medical personnel including family physicians with : ,

ti st, obstetrician, health

er, clerical officer, in and medical

biomedical t records offic VENEZUEL. (preferable) to iter and assistants to mbly secretary. Pioneers are urgently needed in Mi a beautiful location in the Andes. WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: Custodian/caretakers (independent means). For additional information regarding jobs and study abroad, please contact the One e of Pioneering, Baha’ National

Center, Wilmette ie 60091 (phone 847733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

). If you live in: lortheast or Central States, contact

Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511).

Southern States, contact Sherdeana

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

Homefront pioneers needed to re-form the Spiritual Assembly of Brookings, Oregon. On the state’s beautiful Sonth Coast with a mild climate, it is often called the lily capital of the world. Spanish speakers who want to help teach the Faith are welcome; a large Hispanic population in the area needs to be reached. All replies are welcome. Housing for rent or purchase is available in all price ranges. For more information contact M. H. ‘Tyler, P. O. Box 7112, Brookings, OR 97415 (phone 541-4693280, fax 541-469-0343) or e-mail R. Katzakian ( ).

Hickory, North Carolina, has five Baha’i adults and we are are seeking a few folks to come and strengthen our area! Hickory is a beautiful city nestled in the western foothills of North Carolina. We are just a rock’s throw from some of the most breathtaking views in the eastern United States. We are home to LeniorRhyne College and to many furniture manufacturers. Cities within our range include Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Morganton and Asheville. We would welcome anyone who is interested in coming our way! If interested please contact Jon & Hope Everson at (hone 828 a 3250588, e-mail

Enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated Baha’is needed to save an incorporated Assembly in jeo| arly in the lovely desert resort city of Pa ;, California. response needed ioe fore idvan. Various job opportunities in hospitality and service businesses. Contact: Baha'i Faith, P.O. Box 4515, Palm Springs, CA 92263 (phone 760-327-8837).

Cortez, Colorado offers a great pioneer’s caer and opportunity. A dedicated Spiritual seen lyish in jeopardy due to recent movement nent the community. mall town in the Four Corners area is the hub of a farming/ranching county, near desert and mountains. Within 45 minutes of f Durango (home of Fort Lewis College), Cortez is next door to the Ute and Navajo Indian Reservations. Contact Carole Hitti (phone 970-565-7910, e-mail

) or Nancy Hutcheson (phone 970-565-2684, e-mail

).

WANTED

‘The Race Unity Day ‘Team in Springfield, Oregon, ing a fabulou Prfesianey logo for. thee event—i

and k eran

" d others. To enhance the 1999 celebration and continue this process of growth, we are offering $50 for a logo to be used on pos nd ‘T-shirts. ‘or more information, please contact the ace Unity Day 1 i Assembly of the Baha’és of Springfield, P.O. Box 635, Springfield, OR 97477 (email ).

Are you a first-generation Baha’? Do you have an interesting story about how ‘you found the Faith? want to preserve these stories, s information on en: pioneering, ink how imporcan be in the future. I need enough information to compose a decent-size book chapter. Please submit information in writing to Rozario,

Las Vegas, NV. Final editing and decision on which stories to use rests with the writer.

‘The National Baha’{ Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Harry Clifford, John Clifford, Cordie C. Cline, Harriet M. Cline, Elizabeth S. Clinton, Nadine Close and Ethel Y. Closson. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’ letters is asked to contact the National Baha’s Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-8699039).

A series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Bahd’is is available for the use of local communities in observing Black History Month, Race Unity Day or other special events. There is also a partial chronology of U.S. race unity activities. Any community or individual wishing a set of these sketches may send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha’t Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston IL, 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

YOUTH

‘The National Youth Committee needs. you help in comy iling contact nforma eae Babi’ uit youth committees. A sea youth pra alae a college club or a Youth Workshop—may be an informal, regular gathering of youth or a formal group appointed by an Assembly or other Institution to s] peti plan and guide youth activities. If you are part of a committee, or know of one, lease send a contact name, e-mail or mailing address, locality served, number of members and brief se nen of current activities to the National Youth jcomumutes (e-mail

).

ASSESSMENTS, continuep From pace 5

POCO OOO LEO OEOOOEEEO OOOO OEOEEO OOOO OOOO O®

rising to a new level in these areas that is significant. Assemblies at any level of functioning can benefit from this process. Some Assemblies have reported that they took time during one or more of their meetings to complete the questions in this document. Others went on a retreat for this purpose. It is hoped that the length of the process will not prevent Assemblies from taking advantage of this valuable resource. The time invested results in more energized, effective and goal-oriented Spiritual Assemblies. With the end of the Plan a little over a year ahead, Assemblies that are just completing the tool may want to give them

selves a longer time frame for achieving goals. Assemblies that have previously done this self-assessment may want to look at their answers again to see if their plans or goals need to be adjusted.

The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving copies of the completed Self Assessment Tools as an aid to planning future Assembly development programs and materials.

Completed ments should be sent to the Office of Assembly Development at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60021. If you have comments and questions, contact the office (phone 847-7333490, e-mail .¢

oe CANYON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

eecccccccccccccccccccs

For the second year, youth not only had a presence at the Grand Canyon

Conference but were full participants in a parallel youth conference.

Dr. Ellis reminded the friends that unity across racial lines is a mandate from God, and reassured them “that if we stay to it, it will happen. Pray about it, talk about it, think about it. Then act and continue to act just as the House has told us. We will overcome.”

Baha’is who did not visit the local churches heard an inspiring presentation by Jena Khodadad, who spoke on the destiny of the American continent as the stage for the commingling of many populations.

Among other highlights:

Counselor Tod Ewing addressed the

youth conference, which also saw presentations by Nikan Sadeghzadeh, May Aklae, Jonathan Gandomi and Martha Yazdani, Walter Wagner, Ian Tong and Russ Coover, Jamaal Sneed, Brandon Bullock, Amy Gandomi and Ian Ostrom, Cheri and Walter Wagner, Kim Aiello, and the Eternal Flame.

Jack McCants greeted the friends on

behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly and spoke on the importance of the Baha’i Funds. He praised the extensive and precious contributions made by the Persian believers on the American continent.

Dr. Khodadad, on behalf of the

National Teaching Committee, encouraged the friends to take advantage of the national media campaign, focused at this stage on race unity.

Smaller-group workshops on race

unity were conducted in Spanish, Persian and English by Huerta, Lucas, LeNise Jackson Gaertner of California, Eric Dozier of South Carolina and Javidukht Khadem of Illinois.

Dramatic, cultural and musical presentations added a special energy, with

performers including — Ladjamaya Mahoney of Colorado, Hessam Rahimian of Arizona, Muhtadia Rice of California, Lucas, and an impromptu gospel choir organized at the conference by Dozier.

The Mona Workshop — from Monterrey, Mexico, provided a special lesson in persevering through difficulties. The members spent four hours getting across the Mexico-U.S. border, then had two flat tires just outside Phoenix. Only half the workshop arrived in time and they were unfamiliar with the stage or sound system. Yet they brought delight to the hearts of the audience with their powerful performance.

A grand evening performance by internationally recognized jazz star Doc Holladay and his band drew hundreds of guests of the Baha’is. The concert in tribute to Dizzy Gillespie at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Ballroom was co-sponsored by a local public radio station.

African-American Baha’is, who had driven from as far away as Georgia, stated they were pleased that they had done so. Baha’is from Indian reservations expressed their pleasure at being there. Spanish-speaking Baha’is, in this center of Spanish-speaking America, shared the experience of the conference with their Baha’i bretheren. And Persian believers, always happy to come to Phoenix in December, shone with love for everyone. There was a palpable glow of warmth and love at this 14th annual Grand Canyon Conference. @

February 7, 1999

Tue American Band’ * CLassirien/ContinueD

page 33 [Page 34]

laa

PUM eae eS 800-999-9019

World Order

Summer 1998 is:

quality of Women and Men tines

e you and your communit

Your window to teaching, deepen

and external affairs

y to extend its

nd after the Seneca Falls Convention. the Hands of Women” calls for profound changes » inform science’s agenda.

Fall 1998 issue, upcoming: Millennialism

ea copy of th

pects of mille

Subscribe now to xt

h will contain two artic

ialism.

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)

Single copies available on phone orders for $5 plus shipping/handling

One Coun Published quarterly by the Baha’ International Community Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($12 / 1 year, $22 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($16 / 1 year, $30 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($20 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years)

Herald of the South

Quarterly magazine published by the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand Subscription fee: U.S. ($28 / 1 year, $50 / 2 years)

The American Baha’i

10 times a year, available by subscription outside continental U.S. Subscription type/fee: Surface mail ($24 / 1 year, $45 /2 years) Air mail ($32 / 1 year, $60 /2 years)

For Brilliant Star subscription information, please see page 19

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription Which publication? Send to:

Address City State, ZIP Country Daytime phone or e-mail

Sold to (if different from recipient):

Address

City State, ZIP Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N Home phone Fax

Work phone E-mail

Credit card number Exp. date

Cardholder signature

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336 _ TAB 2/7/99

YAMAMOTOS, continuep From Pace 14

That job brought the family to Madison in 1944. His skill and dedication later earned him appointment Wisconsin state architect, in which p tion he oversaw the design, budget and construction of every structure except bridges built for the state.

Hifumi for many years devoted her time to their children, Steve, Diane, and JoAnn. Later, she worked for the Housing Office at the university.

After Shinji’s retirement in 1976, he served on the Examining Board for Architects and Construction Engineers a consultant for the restoration of

All the while, Shinji and Hifumi have been stalwart members of the

Madison Baha’i community. Their numerous contributions include graciously hosting many Feasts and Holy Day gatherings, pitality to students, opening their home to individuals investigating the Faith.

Both also served many years on the Madison ‘itual Assembly. Remarkably, Shinji served continuously from 1944 until 1998, the majority of the time as tr

surer.

ional expertise also bled him to advise the National itual Assembly on its properties, most

bly as a member of the committee that oversaw restoration of the House of Worship in the 1980s. #

INFORMATION ON YOUR

INTERNATIONAL

TEACHING TRIP

needs information on all international

holiday, family, study or otherwise.

Special information:

Names of each country visited, plus

date(s) of visit(s).

Main purpose of your travel.

African-Americans to teach in Africa? Use a separate sheet as needed.

To record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering

moting 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,

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.

Names and ID numbers of all Baha’is on each trip.

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?

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIPS

trips undertaken for the sake of pro the one or two main localities, and

eoood

Name

Address.

City State, ZIP Phone E-mail

Special information:

‘TAB 2/7/99

page 34. Tne American BanA’i * Seexina Your Response/Continuep — February 7, 1999 [Page 35]

Singers face adventures in spreading .8B-R-I-E-F-L-Y

teachings across former Soviet nations

BY SUZANNE M. ALEXANDER

667d go ba

Margaret : Ohio. She traveled for 25 da mer to Kazakhstan, tan,

Kyrgyzstan and T an. The trip included high heat, dirty water, illness, border searches, long bus rides and language barriers.

Green ger with the Northeast Ohio F { Choir who joined “Lights of Unity,” a performing arts tour sponsored by the Baha’i institutions in Central Asi

Performers under that umbrella toured in other former Soviet republics, including Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. The programs were multimedia, with dance and a slide show.

All told, about 57 people from 18 countries performed in free concerts and red the Baha’i Faith. The enthus tic audiences included diplomats, composers, U.N. personnel, professors, playwrights and families.

“We wanted to share our joy and uplift the hearts of people,” said Greene.

Conditions in most areas her group visited were bleak, with outhouses, scarce food, bombed-out areas and gunfire in the streets. And yet there were beautiful theaters!

In order to secure the safety of the performers, one concert in Tajikistan had armed security guards inside and out. “We'd look up in the balcony during the concert, and there were police

Safajou from the House of Wor: Sydney, Aus

The concerts drew hundreds of people. Many had standing room only or turned people away. Bouquets of flowers were thrown onto the stages after the performances. People declared their belief in Baha’u’llah at every event.

Although love and music touched people’s hearts, communication was often difficult. “It would be great to have an international language that everyone speaks,” Greene said. The TY, radio and press interviews especially difficult, as they were all done through a translator.

One border crossing, from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan, especially challenged the

“Nothing like this had ever been done before in these countries, and I had an opportunity to go where few Americans have ever been. We really spent time in the local communities as well, not just giving concerts.”

—Margaret Greene, Strongsville, Ohio

group. After a 23-hour trip, the bus was stopped repeatedly, it was 110 degre Fahrenheit, there was no water, m passengers were ill and dehydrated and

Tt was the assistance of God, having tr Him.” When the soldiers were done with their duties, they relaxed and asked the group

to perform. ‘hey enjoyed the impromptu concert, and danced, clapped and accepted Baha’i literature.

“Nothing like this had ever been done before in these countries,” said Greene, “and I had an opportunity to go where few Americans have ever been. We really spent time in the local communities as well, not just giving concerts.”

‘They attended ts, firesides and visited national centers. And made friendships that will last a lifetime. @

IN THE MEDIA

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A PERSONAL VIEW

A November 18 article in the Daily student news at the california, sing of the Baha’t Iran through the student who came to the child.

avan Rahimpour, a junior socioljor, told the reporter that when a toddler a bomb thrown through a window of the ly’s home in Ilam, Iran. It didn’t detonate, fortunately.

The article quoted Rahimpour and fellow Baha’i Club member Barbara Duffey, a freshman creative writing major, about the uni al right to educati: It also outlined the steps the U i Club is taking to promote awareness of the recent events in Iran. @

eyes of a USC United

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA: TROUBLES IN THE SPOTLIGHT The plight of the Baha'is of Iran was featured in a front-page article published by The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The newspaper's coverage centered around talks given by Indiana native Lorana Kerfoot at the University of St. Francis and a public library. Kerfoot, a longtime pioneer, traced the history of the Faith and the ongoing persecutions of its members.

‘The artick Department sta ment of Bah

» quoted from U.S. State ents about the treat

William Fountaine ‘walked the walk’

O; Aug. 24, William Fountaine passed the baton of activism to his fellow Baha’fs at age 88.

For years everyone who met him received a copy of a prayer for peace: “O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha)

His memorial service Sept. 20 in Willoughby, Ohio, where he had lived for 12 years, drew people of many faiths, ages and races.

When he spoke, people listened, because he “walked the walk”:

He was the first president of

the NAACP in East Liverpool, Ohio, more than 40 years ago, and helped integrate swimming pools for children.

¢ He was scoutmaster of a black Boy Scout troop.

William Fountaine, at one time a union organizer, was a volunteer with children and a teacher of the Faith by word and example.

He helped organize

the Steelworkers Union in Midland, Pennsylvania.

He was a pioneer in

developing the Conference of Religions in Cleveland, over the years holding leadership positions in the Second Baptist Church before embracing the Baha’ Faith in 1953.

He was a volunteer

working with retarded children and mentor to countless children of all race:

His patience and positive outlook taught many about changing prejudice into bonds of friendship, and was known for the gift of “I just called to say I love you.”

“He was both gentle and a gentleman,” Suzanne Alexander wrote in a memorial tribute. “For years he would talk about heaven with a twinkle in his eye and his face lit up. You just knew he was already connected.”

December 13, 1998

Allen Borkenhagen Milwaukee, WI October 1, 1998

Arthur P. Currier Palo Alto, CA November 14, 1998

IN MEMORIAM

Jesus Amesquita Albro T. Gaul ‘Mable H. Sullivan Las Cruces, NM Colorado Springs, CO Greenwood, SC August 8, 1998 November 10, 1998 November 28, 1998 Harold M. Amundson William Johnson Evelyn Tabor Puyallup, WA St. Louis, MO Kettering, OH

November 26, 1998

Elsie Martel Sequim, WA September 13, 1998

Jean Kantola Martinez Clifton, CO November 9, 1998

Frank Esposito Joanne M. McGlothlin Kathryn E. Williams Oxnard, CA Rio Rancho, NM Chicago, IL November 11, 1998 November 29, 1998 August 3, 1998

Charles G. Gipson Varghaieh L. Mehdieh Edward M. Wininsky Sr. Marysville, WA Tulsa, OK Hermitage, PA November 23, 1998 December 5, 1998 November 17, 1998 George U. Sisson : Mew San Diego, CA >

—— December9, 1998

November 21, 1998

Ralph T. Thomas Olivette, MO August 5, 1998

Dorothy Treadwell West Richland, WA November 3, 1998

February 7, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ News/In MEMORIAM page 35 [Page 36]

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e-mail:

February 7, 1999

THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN page 37 [Page 38]

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February 7, 1999 [Page 39]

New communities founded —with 620 enrollees

remote district of Bangladesh bordering India, which “was yet deprived of the bounty of having heard the teachings of Baha'u'llah,” proved to be highly receptive as the first extensive teaching project there opened 30 villages to the Baha’i Faith.

In the Joypur Hat district, seven believers worked closely with two Auxiliary Board members during July through September and ushered 620 souls into the Fai

‘aith, immediately held a

five-day course on “Reflections of the Life of the Spirit,” and organized study circles among the new friends. “There was instant and enthusi response from the participants compris men and women, young and old, schoolteachers, as well as people with little formal education, and Baha’is from different religious backgrounds,” says a report from the Continental Board of Counselors. “But for everyone the systematic study of the Holy Writings was a new experience

er

¢ Liberia the Bah: population in various ways. In October, the government-owned ELBC radio network asked to take part in its weekly talk show on religious issues, Unity of Faiths. “The ELBC representative had hardly left [the meeting] when a representative of KISS FM, owned by the in to request

Mfficial agencies are ing ity to help uplift the

president of I , came that the Baha’is record a local meditation to be aired e morning and evening,” the national Baha’i newsletter reported. Also, the national Education Ministry has invited representatives of the Faith to join Christians and Muslims in assembling a nationwide curriculum on religious and moral teachings. India: An impression from one of the 694,000 visitors to the Baha’i House of Worship from July through September, found in the guest book: “The architecture of the Temple is excellent and shows the extreme of human capabilities if under the united religions of the world. This appears to be the creation of God’s imagination. ... The unity of religions can make the world as beautiful and clean as the Lotus.” © Poland: A group of four Baha’fs rep

Bermuda marks 50th anniversary

Mize the 50th year of Baha’ presence in Bermuda, the Baha’{ community officially opened its renovated National Center on Nov. 13, with dignitaries in attendance including Gov. Thorold Masefield, Premier Jennifer Smith and Bishop Kurtz of the neighboring Roman Catholic Church.

Just before cutting the ribbon, the governor noted the warm family spirit of the gathering and the importance to Bermuda of the Baha’{ principles of unity, tolerance and service. The gathering was also addressed by Counselor Wilma Ellis, who said the Baha’i National Center is dedicated to all of Bermuda.

William Roberts attended as representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and made a presentation to the Bermuda Baha’i community. @

resenting three nationali religious backgrounds traveled to open the northwestern city of Gorzéw to the i the loc: ion nd newspapers to and publicity for their public ings. The deputy mayor and the d deputy governor were presented with the Peace Message of the Universal House of Justice, and Bah: presented to libra: Among initial result: the Faith and s

s tele and radio station: nge inte:

D0oks w

one couple joined ral other people became highly interested. #

ee re

© Switzerland: More than 230 Baha’i scholars, artists, musicians and other friends participated in a weeklong conference at Landegg Academy, paying tribute to the life and work of the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qisim Faizi. Organized by the Friends of Persian Culture Association of Europe, the conference featured “stories of his many years of selfless service in the field of pioneering, of his several meetings with the Guardian and of his remarkable publications including 70,000 letters of encouragement to believers all over the world—particularly those in remote areas.” ®

Bermuda Gov. Thorold Masefield cuts the ribbon for the Baha’i National Center, as National Assembly Chairman Derick Symonds and children look on.

that taught them to see the spiritual teachings in the light of practical situations in their lives.”

The Baha'i F had not yet been taught to any extent in Joypur Hat, even though the district is part of the Rajhashi Zone, which is home to a large concentration of Baha’

Before the teaching project got going, a Baha'i from within the zone introduced the Faith to authorities in Joypur Hat, which “paved the way for the teaching work to go

forward smoothly,” the Counselors reported.

Once the new believers enrolled in a lage, they were immediately supplied with deepening sessions and some were invited to participate in institute courses facilitated by five trained tutors.

A number of new enrollees have been identified for training as tutors to maintain the study circles. “In this way a chain reaction will start which will enable further teaching and training to take place in these villages,” the Counselors reported. #

Friends gather for a basic family health course and a women’s health program at the Baha’i Institute in Mwunilunga, Zambia. Photo via Baha'i

International News Service

United Kingdom: U.S. first lady

Hillary Rodham Clinton was presented with a gift of the Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah_ in appreciation for the American government’ defense of the Baha’is in Iran, during an international conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on advancing the role of women in the life of society. Two Baha’i women were dele

gates to the British-U.S. governmentsponsored conference, and the presentation was made on behalf of the Association * of Baha’i Women in Britain.

¢ Australia: ‘Iwo members of the Continental Board of Counselors, David Chittleborough and Manijeh Reyhani, met with and presented Baha’i literature to the governor of Western Australia, who urged them to encourage Baha’is to work with religious leaders in promoting moral education in public schools. #

Namibian project benefits children

hen Mel Chester, a

Mondesa Project in and around his town of Swakopmund, Namibia, he provided meals for about 200 children every Saturday. He would gather donations of food from restaurants and grocery stores, and support other costs through money donations from the community.

“Mel is now feeding over 500 children on Saturdays and more on school holidays,” a report from an individual states. “There is a health clinic where volunteers from the community come to serve these children soup and bread.”

Chester's project has been written up often in the Namib Times. Last summer, the Mondesa Clinic was visited by wives of the leaders of four countries who were in the area for the Southern Africa International Development conference. “Queen Magwaza of Swaziland—moved by the moment—made a donation of $510 [Namibian] to the project and gave her best wishes for its success,” the report said.

Within a month the project received a larger donation by a town councillor, who challenged her colleagues to contribute.

‘The report states that Chester is also regularly arranging breakfast for about 60 elderly people once a week.

“There is also a group of street children that are provided porridge every morning and are given soap and cloth. ... Mel also collects flour sacks from the flour mill, and some women calling themselves the Busy Bees make them into dresses and shirts for the children,”

Baha’ pioneer from Los Angeles, began the

February 7, 1999

Tre AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ InreRNaTIONAL News/ConninueD:

page 39 [Page 40]

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’f National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and

ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Baha’ schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha’f School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831 7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail

phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9136; e-mail

423-7564; e-mail

. Green Acre Baha’i School, phone 207-439 . Native American Baha’ Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520 521-1063; e-mail .¢

. Louhelen Baha’f School,

Louis G.

ey

12-14: “Finding Joy in Baha’ Learning,” seminar for adults and youth, at Green Acre. 12-15: “Racism/Race Unity: Two Sides of the Same Coin” at Bosch. 15: Interfaith Brotherhood /Sisterhood Breakfast, 10 a.m.—noon, Teaneck, NJ. Featured speaker: Dr. David Ruhe. For tickets, information and hotel accommodations, contact Spiritual Assembly of Teaneck, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (phone 201-837-3638). 19-21: “Turning On the Light: Creating and Sustaining a Conscious Marriage,” a two-weekend course at Bosch. Part 2 is March 26-28. 26-28: Family Session at Louhelen.

for His Cause

Center urgent _.. with The ae

5-7: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” spiritual retreat for the Fast, at Bosch. 5-7: “The Life of the Soul,” spiritual retreat for the Fast for ages 15 and older at Green Ac 19-21: “Baha’u’ll Beauty” at Louhelen.

26-28: “Fundamental Verities of the Baha’i Faith,” training course at Bosch. Participants must be referred by an institution; must also attend sessions April 16-18 and May 7-9.

26-28: Two programs at Green Acre: “Establishing Training Institutes: ‘Teaching the Cause”; Junior Youth Institute, ages 12-15 (enrollment limited). 26-28: “Ethics and Spirituality in Medicine” at Louhelen.

30-April 3: Spring Children’s Academy for grades 4-6 at Bosch.

“he Ancient

fA 2-4: Youth Eagle Institute for ages 15 and up at Louhelen. 9-11: Persian language training at Louhelen. 9-11: “Citadel of Faith” at Green Acre. 9-11: Core Curriculum Teacher ‘Training at Green Acre; should attend second session April 16-18. 9-11: Virtues Project at Bosch. 16-18: “The Spiritual Purpose of Women: Women’s Role in Advancing the Most Great Peace” at Boscl 16-18: “Work as Worship: Baha’i Principles at Work” at Green Acre. 23-24: Youth Study Weekend: “Creating 21st Century Badi’s” at Bosch. For youth ages 15 and up. 30-May 2: “Spiritual Values and Development” Training Intensive at Green Acre. Readings required. 30-May 2: ‘Two programs at Louhelen: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for ages 12-15 and Institute for Local Spiritual Assemblies.

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

A few of the shining faces

of students in Baha’i children’s classes in

FEBRUARY 7, 1999 MULK/DOMINION ¢ B.E. 155

a Post Office box, your reside1

ing.

label to: Information Services, Bahi’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanst address (B) must be filled in. Please allow th s also updates the National Center's database.)

7-9: Parent-Child Weekend at Louhelen. $-9: Duluth (Minnesota) Conference, theme: “An Irresistible Movement ‘Toward Global Unity and Peace”; cosponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Duluth and William Sears Teaching Institute. Call 218-254-3101 (e-mail

B 20-23: Wellness conference at Louhelen, sponsored by BNASAA. 21-23: “Love, Power and Justice: A Workshop on Moral Authenticity” at Louhelen. 28-30: “The Spirit of Children” Conference on Children’s Literature and Art at Green Acre. 28-30: Assembly Team Development at Green Acre. Call registrar if your Assembly is interested in participating. 28-30: Conference of Nur: “Achieving Your Heart’s Desire,” on teaching, transformation and establishment of the Lesser Peace; ElizabethtownCollege, bethtown, PA. Sponsored by iritual Assembly of Harrisburg. Contact Mark Dunmire,

Harrisburg, PA 17104 (phone 717232-9163, e-mail ). 28-31: “Health Topics for a New Millennium: Combining ‘Traditional and Alternative Care” at Bo Hosted by

Health for Humanity, Southern California Chapter.

new address and . 60201-1611. If ceks for process

‘A. NAME) 1. ees IDe a ID# 3. ID# 4. ID#

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS

Street Address Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable)

City City

State Zip code State Zip code D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

Name of new Baha'i Community Moving Date ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)

‘Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

we do not have the same last [Einame: We do not want extra Copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

only one copy.

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

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

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

‘Our household receives only ‘one copy of The American Babd’t. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

Tue American BanA‘i