The American Bahá’í/Volume 30/Issue 6/Text

From Bahaiworks

[Page 1]

AMERICAN


ABS views teachings

BY TOM MENNILLO

his spring the Association for

Baha'i Studies of North America vowed renewed effort to “bring about a profound transformation of scholarship itsel—turning it into an science” by applying the teachings of Baha'u'llah to ease the problems of a suffering human race.

June 17-20, ABS turned philosophy Sacred Justice: mily,” its 23rd Arizona.

“active





into action as it hosted “ Uniting the Human Fa annual conference, in Tempe,

Sacred justice, explained co: Steven Gonzales, is a form of justice— marked by a yearning for equity and


onvenor




fairness—practiced in traditional societies. It is a justice, according to ne mas of the National


Spiritual Assembly of Canada, that lies “at the heart and core of the advancement of civilization.”



Over the weekend, Gonzales promised, conference attendees would be shown “many different facets” of that gem.

How did this blend of elements work? Consider the following:

A town meeting on “Alternatives to Violence in Our Schools” drew a large audience and media coverage.

The theme of conflict resolution later ran through a major address, a breakout session focusing on the Corinne True Justice Center and on

as remedy


The Turkish Dance Association of Arizona State University provided one of many


ic currents that infused a special spirit into the Association for Baha’i

Studies conference in Tempe, Arizona. Photo by Tom Mennillo

the process of consultation, and a talk on the power of mediation to promote unity of the human family. In the annual Hasan Balyuzi Memorial Lecture, Richard W. Thomas traced “The State of Race Relations in the American Baha’i Community: Challenges, Progress and Future


Study, sensitivity help propel ‘Two Wings’ effort in California

esearch and persistence helped the Rives in San Francisco,

California, bring the Baha’i teachings on equality and unity to the notice of local government—through _heart-toheart connections.

Local Spiritual Assembly representatives presented Mayor Willie Brown, the city Board of Supervisors and the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women with the National Spiritual Assembly’s statements Two Wings of a Bird: The

Equality of Women and Men and A Vision of

Race Unity. They even made a newspaper contact in the process.

And the task force is looking for more ways to support and encourage people who work for race unity and gender equality, principles that are central to our National Teaching Plan.

All was made more effective when the


Baha’is discovered facts about city government, as well as the mayor’ career, that enabled them to make sensitive, wellreceived presentations.

“Our experience has shown that looking for heroic deeds performed by our public officials which are in line with the principles of the Faith, and then asking for the opportunity to honor these deeds and show them love, seems to be a sure way to build bridges between the old world administration and our New World Order,” said Paul Brady in a report on behalf of the Local Assembly.

‘The opportunity faced last spring when a task force of the San Francisco Spiritual Assembly was investigating how best to distribute Tivo Wings of a Bird to the mayor and the Board of Supervisors






Directions.” The Michigan State University professor's talk was supplemented by the first Louis G. Gregory Symposium on Law and Unity and by a conference-closing panel discussion on “The Elimination of Prejudice.”



SEE ABS CONFERENCE, PAGE 16

The steadfast Northwest

Ren the Pacific to the Black Hills, in metropoli and hamlets, the friends of the northwestern United States are more engaged than ever in advancing the process of entry by troops.

Even where Bab are few and far between and distances make communication difficult, such a spirit is present that their efforts—to attract, nurture and confirm souls and to transform their lives



than the humble parts might suggest.

A reporter for The American Bahdt traveled across broad expanses of the country for the second time in the Four Year Plan, this time focusing on the northern tier of the western half, from Washington to the Dakotas and back to Oregon. The stories of the friends in those areas give a near-universal glimpse of the ways Baha’is serve locally with world-embracing vision.



SEE TWO WINGS, PAGE 25

SEE BAHA’| COMMUNITIES, PAGE 6

Aucust |, 1999

KAMAL/PERFECTION ASMA’/NAMES BAHAI ERA 156

VOLUME 30, NO. 6

“TN’S'TD°E:


LIGHT IN NAVAJOLAND PAGE 4


THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and June 30, 1999


$4/500,000 Goal/All Funds


Received/All Funds

teat

See page 3 for details

  • E-X°C-E-R-P-T'S

“Incline your hearts to the counsels given by the Most Exalted Pen and

beware lest your hands or tongues cause harm to

anyone among mankind.” —Baha’w'llh




[Page 2]ALMANAC



Some significant dates in Baha’i history

August and early September

August 1844: A few months after the Bab first declared His mission, a Tablet of His was delivered to Mirz4 Husayn-‘Ali in Tehran, Iran, who immediately declared acceptance of the Bab as the Voice of God. Mirzé Husayn-‘Ali is now known to us as Baha’u’lih.

Aug, 15, 1952: A bungled attempt to assassinate the Shah of Iran cast suspicion on many followers of the Bab. Soon, Baha’u’llah was among dozens imprisoned in the Tehran prison known as the Black Pit. While confined with heavy chains on his neck, Baha’u’llah months later received the first revelation that He was the Manifestation of God prophesied by the Bab.


Aug. 12, 1868: Baha’u'llah and His family, already exiled twice, set off on ship from Adrianople (Edirne, Turkey) toward the prison city of ‘Akka in the Holy Land.

August 1910: About two years after His decades of confinement officially ended, ‘Abdu’l-Baha permanently moved His residence from ‘Akka across the bay to Haifa. This is the city in which the Baha’{ World Center has developed since then.


Aug. 20, 1921: Agnes Baldwin Alexander was the


/ Francisco. It operated there until 25 years ago, was transferred to the Santa Cruz area and renamed Bosch Baha’i School.



Sept. 4, 1943: Alaska’s first Local Spiritual Assembly was established at Anchorage. Alaska has had a National Spiritual Assembly since 1957, before statehood.

Aug. 2, 1951: The first Baha’ pioneers to Uganda arrived in the capital: Musa Banani (later a Hand of the Cause of God) with his family, ‘Alf Nakhjavani (later a member of the Universal House of Justice) with his family, and Philip Hainsworth.



August 1971: The Universal House of Justice erected a 35-foot-tall marble obelisk on Mount Carmel near Haifa, marking the spot where a House of Worship will be built in future.

Aug. 29, 1983: The government of Iran banned the Baha'i Faith and made membership in its institutions inal offense. In response, Iran’s National Spiritual Assembly dissolved all Baha’{ institutions in the country.


Facts in this section compiled from A Basic Bahé’ Chronology


LLENCE IN ALL THINGS

CONSTANCE CONRADER, a Baha’i in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is included in the 1999/2000 edition of Who's Who of American Women. The ptofessionel illustrator was included because of “outstanding achievement” in her field, “contributing to the betterment of contemporary society.”

HELAINE HASHIMI, a 16-year-old Baha’f in Acworth, Georgia, received an honorable mention award at the Georgia State Science Fair for a project titled “Do Schooling Fish Detect Each Other Visually?” Her project previously won first place at the Cobb County science fair, where she was also one of only 13 entrants to win a corporate award for science and engineering excellence.



‘TAMESHA JENNINGS, an 11-year-old Baha’{ in North Charleston, South Carolina, was a winner in the “Teachers? Selections: Anthology of Fifth Grade Poetry” program. Her poem “Colors” was selected from entries from across the country to be published in the hardbound anthology.

Curis JONES, an 18-year-old Baha’i in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been named a University of Iowa Presidential Scholar and a National Merit Scholar. Chris was a member of the Kennedy Academic Decathlon, and helped found a chapter of Amnesty International at the school.

Lesuie McINTOsH, a Baha’ in Farmington, Missouri,

was honored as the Young Careerist for Missouri, to represent the state Business and Professional Women’s

school students.




Darius Noruart, a 14-year-old Baha’f in San Diego, California, was featured recently in the San Diego Union-Tribune for the effectiveness of his role in a Junior Model United Nations involving 400 middle and high

Nothaft, who represented Germany in the exercise’s U.N. Security Council, co-wrote

Association at the organization’s national convention in July. Her selection was based on three levels of competition with her presentation tided “Baby, Briefcase or Both: Can Women Really have it All?”

JACQUELINE PEYMANI, an 18-yearold Baha’i in Columbus, Indiana, received first place in the local Betty F. Brown Memorial Instrumental Competition, along with a college scholarship, with her clarinet performance.

SHIREN RATTIGAN, a Baha'i youth in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was one of 13 young people selected for the 1999 Mayor’s Youth Commission Award. She was selected for her school achievements and contributions to the community.

RASHUNDA TRAMBLE, a Baha’i in Greensboro, North Carolina, won the most recent North Carolina Associated Press’ “Rookie of the Year” award for first-year television reporters. Tramble is entertainment reporter for WGHP-TV in High Point, North Carolina.

SANTANA VILLA, a Baha’i in Renton, Washington, was recently elected student body president at Highline Community College (10,000 students) in Midway. Previously, this native of Mexico served as president of the college’s Multi-Cultural Club and initiated its first Unity in Diversity Week.

and successfully argued for a key resolution.

“Tt was about lowering taxes on Iranian oil in exchange for them allowing inspectors to inspect a nuclear power plant,” Nothaft explained to the reporter, who referred to the teen as a “master at communication with his persuasive speech-making and savvy deal-brokering.”

s¥sls AMERICAN


PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES Baha’{ National Center 847.869.9039


Office of The American Baha'i 1233 Central St. ¢ Evanston, IL 60201 ‘Tel/ 847.853.2352 © Fax/ 847.256.1372

E-mail/ | ss

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor ‘Tom Mennillo

Associate Editor Ramzia Duszynski

Print Production Specialist Aaron Kreader

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Contributors

Julie Badiee, Gretchen Border, Jim Cheek, Carla Fanaian, Lyn Frieden, Charlotte Kahn, Vladimir Shilov, Houman Vafai, Margaret Valentine, Jessica Zenker

fpr

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



ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Canada: Publications Agreement # 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES Please send address changes or requests to discontinue or consolidate mailings to the Office of Information Services, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St.,

Evanston, IL 60201 ( ). There

is no need to contact the Editors directly. A

form is available on the back page of this paper. SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS

THE AMERICAN BAHA'I welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the institutions of the Baha'i Faith.

  • ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the

goals of the Four Year Plan and the National Teaching Plan. Stories may be edited for length. We cannot print advance articles to publicize locally sponsored events, but may be able to list them in the Calendar,

  • PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white prints

or slides. Please submit that are well-composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope (you do not need to supply postage). DEADLINES for upcoming issues:

Sept. 3 for the issue dated Oct. 16

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PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Babé', 1233 Cental St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ).




SE Cun nu Cn A mE s

CO ema Meira Ce Met eC


page 2

Tne AMERICAN BanA’t ¢ ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE

August 1, 1999 [Page 3]

New training on strategies for equality

new nationwide training program on.

he


quality of women and me




ing May 21-24 at the National “ aining Center at Louhelen Baha’i School.

Local communities may new trainers—who had been select the May session by th institutes or Local Spiritual Asse to facilitate thi ematic gf program for Bab nd others attracted by this principle of Baha'u'llah.

In support of the National Teaching Plan, this 32-hour training program focu es on strategies for and teaching the equality of women and men in the home, in community life and in every field of human endeavor.

Components include: study of B foundation for spiritual dev lopment,

y unity and practical action. preparing firesides or spiritu


call on these 1 for













Oregonians rally again for Mount Carmel

arly in the Four Year Plan, the

Oregon State Teaching Committee adopted a statewide goal to raise $500,000 for the Mount Carmel con struction projects at the Baha'i World






was met in three hours it of U ¢ member ‘Ali Nakh The friends didn’t stop ther


| House of


Learning that the construction of a single terrace on God’s Holy Moun 5 million, they nount. xceeded by N:





That goal Yaw-Riiz this year.

Now, in response to the National Spiritual Assembly’s pledge to contribute $1 million to the Universa House of Justice by Ridvin 2000, Oregon believers aim to provide $250,000 toward that pledge.

The latest campaign, “From Oregon, with Love,” began June | under sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Washington County North.

The campaign will follow a process. that led to a victorious conclusion of the previous ¢ Carmel.” C







from their banks. In the earlier Baha’i encouraged by Counselor Left Hand Bull members for Oregon an Wz

n, Oregon guided and queline ary Board shington, and were inspired by the involvement of children, youth and adults from







SEE OREGON, PAGE 8

The next training program for Equality Trainers is scheduled as a two-weekend course: Oct. 22-25, 1999, and Jan. 28-30, 2000.

All Core Curriculum trainers work in teams to serve their communities and regions. Other Core Curriculum training programs train teachers of children and youth, parents, race unity workers, married couples, and youth preparing for marriage. The National Baha’i Education Task Force, which develops and implements these programs under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly, anticipates inaugurating a new training program for youth facilitators later this year.

For more information on any of these training programs, or to schedule training in your area, contact the National Teacher Training Center at Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5022, email Web www.louhelen.org).

al gatherings dealing with equality, in ¢ Honing consultation skills for home and part to support the broadcasts that are community life.

part of aig National Teaching Plan. ‘The program supports gi ng children with in entering all prot vibrant and loving community lif


ind women

reinforces

nd




SEE EQUALITY, PAGE 13


Enrollments

June 1999 ..ceccceceseerseerees 94 setiea)





Since May 1, 1999 ....





Myron Castel, librarian at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Regional Library north of Atlanta, Georgia, accepts a donation of Baha’i books from Nur and Ridvan Bruss, sons of Peter and Bushra Bruss. The Baha’i community of Fulton County Central contributed nine books to the brand-new library, including Sacred Texts, introductions to the Faith and its history, a children’s book, and a prayer book. The community also will be using the library as the site for monthly public forums on social topics and a weekly class on family virtues. Photo by Carla Fanaian

THE FUND

May 1-June 30, 1999 Contributions received by National Treasurer

3oal for ire year:





Received since May 1, 1999: en

$2,698,323 $27,000,000

ie

10% of year's goal

has been met

16.7% of fiscal year

has passed

April 30, 2000 4






Allocations to

Other Funds




Arc Projects Fund VP i

International Baha’i Fund

$159,495

OOO mre wm at $55,288


Other contributions: $82,424







World Center Library aed oiine

eaders, scholars, community and Rees librarians have a new resource on the Internet, as the Vorld Center Library has launched its public Web site (http:/Alibr: “We have noted an ups est in organizing local E evidenc increase in requests for i and assistance by communities and





and the Dewey Decimal



nd national by


  • Direct access to a list of Baha'i subject

headings developed by the library and a selection of cataloging records,







” a written announcement y rld Center Library stated. “I is hoped that this new Web site will. information prof partial solution to Baha’i World Center F of the friends Future developments of the tion with the online catalog, the library noted. @

newsletter for



supply at least some of the about

Main fe




include inter:



atures of the site include:

ary of

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures

for Baha'i National Fund

May 1-31, 1999 (latest available figures)

$1,514,858

Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)





$1,986,696

Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)




Critical projects that could no longer be deferred have forced our Baha’i national operations into a cash deficit.




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




August 1, 1999

Tne AMERICAN BanA’‘i ¢ Te Seconp Front

page 3 [Page 4]

The Light of God shines brightly across Navajo country

BY CHARLOTTE KAHN

D” friends,

‘Abdu’l-Baha has stated, “You must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America ... should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.” This oft-quoted statement has been the subject of many a consultation in the area of American Indian teaching.

As a Navajo woman on the staff of the Native American Baha'i Institute (NABI) and a member of its newly formed Board of Directors, I would like to sl thoughts and observations on te: consolidation on the Navajo Reservation as well as NABI’ goals and activity.

That day of dawn

The first light dawned like a mighty burst of sunlight that separated the darkness forever. This is that day of dawn upon the horizon where we stand. The Concourse on high, ancient chiefs dressed in their finest white buckskin and the woman warriors adorned in glistening white garments, are presenting the gifts to those who are the chosen ones of Mother Earth who have arisen to carry out the great message of peace and unity.

Step forward, children and youth. You are the recipients of the stallion as you ride to victory. They are chanting in heavenly harmony, “Mount your steeds, O heroes of God!” Step forward, O humble servants of the Blessed Beauty, and partake of the banquet of God’s grace. All is ready. All is answered. Bahé’u'llah has come!

Long-awaited fulfillment

On the eve of Ridvan 156, another great light shone forth from the community of Lukachukai on the Navajo reservation. It was the long-awaited fulfillment of a dream. The first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Lukachukai Chapter was born, and three new declarants were among those nine believers. So was the first Navajo Indian to enroll in the Baha’i Faith.

Tt was the talk of Lukachukai community for the next few days because this light was visible to quite a few discerning eyes that evening. People are seeking a light of guidance in their lives.

Sadie Joe Vicenti, the first Navajo symbolizes the persistent and sust








aha’i, ning



LETTERS FROM READERS le welcome letters from readers (250-word limit, please), partic ularly on topics related to furthering

the goals of the Four Year Plan.

  • The purpose of Letters from

Readers is to encourage an exchange

of ideas and opinions, never to deni grate another’s views or attack anyone—openly or subtly.

  • Opinions expressed are those of the

writers, not necessarily of the editors. Address letters to:

Editors, The American

Baha’i, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL

6021 e-mail





Taking a break at the Aneth Council Fire are (from left) NABI co-administrator Alice Bathke, Martha Yazdani of Tucson and Mary Clah of Aneth. Photo courtesy of NABI

faith of her people. Nearly 50 years ago she enrolled as a result of the teaching of Mary and Amoz Gibson. Her picture is in the Archives at the Temple. At Ridvan, she became a member of this first-ever Assembly at Lukachukai.

When new Assemblies are launched, it is with the wise guidance of our elders not to ‘Sump out of the rodeo chutes bucking wildly.” Patience and forbearance have been the watchword of the day.

From vision to dedication

In October 1997, 19 believers gathered to pray and dedicate the site for a new hogan (a traditional house) in Lukachukai. Among those 19 were Counselor Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Auxiliary Board member Quill Head, friends and family.

‘This day came because of the vision of a young Navajo man named John Foguth, who was not a Baha’f at the time. A few weeks before this day, he felt the need to go to his sweat lodge for meditation and spiritual guidance. As he prepared the fire to heat the rocks, he prayed the Holy Ones would hear his prayer.

While in the sweat lodge he had a vision. An elderly man with a white beard appeared to him and asked him to “build a house of worship for the faith.” John replied that he had no material means to do this. The kind, bearded man told him not to worry, that he would be assisted.

‘Today, the prayer hogan has been built and is in use. John has become a Baha'i. He claims to have believed in Baha’u'lli es he was a boy, when in a dream he was taken down the dark steps of a terrible prison and

Diversity of all kinds

‘To the Editors:











interest your reporting of mmunity’s methodical approach to building a Baha’i center (Nov. 23, 1998). I was concerned, however, on two fronts, to read that the access ramp was referred to as a “handicap access ramp.”

First, handicaps are not given access; persons with disabilities are. This is a major distinction that must be understood by the American Baha'i community because “handicap” is a label, and the first act of oppression—whether intentional or careless—is to place a label on the oppressed.

Second, access ramps are also used by


shown a Holy Man in heavy chains. He, like S: Vicenti, is newly elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Lukachukai.

The first Spiritual Assembly meeting was held in the hogan of worship. The NABI Board has met there. It has housed numerous events, including a memorable, community-awakening visit from Kevin Locke.

When John tells the story of the prayer hogan at Lukachukai, he always says, “‘Abdu’l-Baha built it using my hands.”

Acenter of guidance

‘Two hours’ drive north of Lukachukai is Aneth, Utah. Its all-Navajo Local Spiritual Assembly formed this Ridvan.

One cannot mention Aneth without abundant words of praise for a stalwart Navajo Baha’i woman, Rose Morris. This selfless servant of the Cause has donated her home, the place of her childhood, to become the Aneth Baha’i Center. This illumined soul is preparing for a teaching trip that will take her to proclaim the Cause of Baha’u'llah in Sibe 1e sells beadwork to raise funds for the Cau

At the recent Council Fire hosted by the Assembly of Aneth Chapter and supported by NABI, at least 50 adults and 30 children were attracted to the light of guidance.

Children’s classes were given by nine Persian Baha'i youths from Tucson and Colorado who sacrificed part of their summer to be of service on the Navajo Reservation. Mention must be made of the Rouhani family from Monument, Colorado, who have lovingly assisted this community in a variety of ways. Siamak and his daughter Tannaz are special examples of






faith and nobility of conduct in their unreserved support to the people of Aneth. It is my wish that every Navajo community had such dedicated helpers of the Cause. Three-mile waik

Three miles down the dusty road from NABI, an elderly Navajo woman has put her sheep safely in the corral and is preparing for a walk to NABI. She wants to contribute to the Baha’i Fund. Her name is Mary Navajo and she is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Houck Chapter. Her love and dedication to Baha’u'llih shines forth as she takes time and effort to bring a donation to NABI.

A state of healing

I was serving as a delegate to the Ba National Convention when I received news of the formation of the new Assembly in my community of Lukachukai. How great was my gratitude as the tears of astonishment flowed.

Friends, we are in a state of healing. The nations are becoming one as all rivers flow into one ocean. The Navajo Reservation, where my roots are strong, is a stronghold of spirituality where the winds of change have blown fiercely and the tree of being is showing the fruits of Bahd’u’lléh’s love. How sacred is this love.

I realize there are many dedicated servants of the Blessed Beauty and I can never tell all the beautiful stories. “However, he feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability—from whatever social stratum they may be—because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field.” (From an Oct. 30, 1941, letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

‘The Native American Baha’i Institute was brought into being by the great hand of God. As the Navajo people emerge from obscurity in the Baha’ Faith, firm in the path of the Covenant, we shall_ make our mark now, at this crucial turning point of a juncture, the like of which shall never return. We shall make that mark in deeds that will ensure for us celestial bl gS, and guarantee for us and for the entire race, a future beyond any earthly reckoning.

We continue to grow and progress only by the grace of God. We humbly ask for your prayers.









means thinking twice about words, actions

women with children in strollers, old people, and delivery people with large loads they cannot i

‘The first issue is, unfortunately, consistent with the almost singular nature with which the American community has addressed prejudice: that being a matter only of race. We must integrate a variety of people. That is the meaning of diversity.

‘Whenever a community sponsors an event in a facility that is inaccessible to persons with disabilities, it is acting in a discriminatory manner—intentionally or not. We need to learn the hard facts about what constitutes accessibility.






“We'll carry you up the stairs” is often the suggested solution. “Over my dead body” is always my response. For one thing, I don’t want to be dropped; the Local Assembly's insurance carrier would frown on that. Also, being carried is a humiliation, making one feel that one counts less than others.

Prejudice, my friends—in all forms, in all venues—must be eliminated. It starts with us. If we as a community address this problem effectively, it could go a long way toward boosting our enrollments toward entry by troops, instead of a trickle.

C. Jeffery Evans Sacramento, CA




page 4

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Commentary/LetTers

August 1, 1999 [Page 5]


SPREADING the TEACHINGS




New videos offered through BDS

iE broadcast or for home viewing, two new video programs to stimulate proclamation and teaching of the Baha’ ailable to the friends through the Baha’i Distribution

The Power of Prayer and Family: The Seeds of World Peace can be bought along with five new 30- and 60-second commercial spots in a videotape format accepted by most tele s. Regu programs for home viewing are available separate!

‘The programs are designed not only to attract spiritual seekers, but also to help motivate our communi create welcoming activities for people who as Baha’ Faith.

Release of the new videos is a long-awaited step in the National Spiritual Assembly’s efforts to help the friends do their part locally in the media component of the National Teaching Plan.

Local broadcasts powerfully reinforce ongoing national ‘Teaching Committee says.

Even more potent are local community-building efforts that can help create a loving atmosphere for people who ask about the Faith in response to the videos.












‘These could include a variety of regular fireside meetings, social and prayer gatherings, seminars on family virtues, dialogues on race unity and the equality of women and men, or other activities that show how Baha’is love and serve.

Everyone who orders either video will receive a packet with a wealth of information on using them best in a well-rounded teaching effort:

  • A variety of ways to use the videos on and off TV.
  • Steps in arranging local broadcasts, especially on public cable systems.
  • Instructions for setting up and using the 800-22UNITE (800-228-6483) seeker-response system, as

well as an application/confirmation form.

  • Suggested scripts for calling inquirers back.

¢ A sample welcome letter for inquirers.

Format of the new videos is similar to that of The Power of Race Unity, the program released early in 1998 ¢ main national broadcast program.

Ss piece pean stories of Baha’fs and their

ngs on prayer












BROADCAST VERSION If your community wants to arrange local airings of the programs, you may order a tape in Betacam SP format, generally accepted by local broadcast stations. This includes Family:The Seeds of World Peace, The Power of Prayer, and five commercial spots.

Cost: $115 * Order code EMC9902B Note: Many public-access cable stations can’t accept Betacam. Please inquire locally before ordering.


HOME VHS VERSION

Family:The Seeds of World Peace * Order code EFSWPN The Power of Prayer * Order code EPOPN Bulk pricing applies only to multiple copies of the SAME video:

| copy $19.95

2-5 copies $15.00 each

5-9 copies $10.00 each

10+ copies $7.50 each

TO ORDER Call BDS (800-999-9019) or use the mail-in form on the bottom of page I


Interracial choir makes memorable mark in northern Louisiana

BY MARGARET VALENTINE AND LYN FRIEDEN, WEST MONROE, LA

a in Ouachita P: Jes Monroe and Monroe—without a Assembly among them— i

pay off with the largest recent teaching event in northern Louisiana.








Human the E

kshop Choir carried of of God’ love and



ide its doors. and choir got busy immec on arrival, holding a children’s worl at Mt. Zion Bay West Monroe. The children learned prayers through song and were invited to sing with the choir at





its performance the next day.

When the choir later sang on the last night of Macedonia Baptist Church’s three-day revival, the congregation and


The One Human Family Workshop Choir is led by Eric Dozier (with back to camely era) at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana, in one of several op area performances that took the group into several communities.

racially mixed choir could and with energy.

minister were visibly astonished that the


Congregation members could be heard to shout “ 7 “Yes, Lord;?)° s right” as spiritual energy flowed from the choir to the people and ba

Between church performances, the choir sang in Center Court at Pecanland . People of all cultures stopped and listened, then began clapping and swaying to the music.

During fellowship after one more evening performance at Macedonia,










the minister exhorted all to hug someone of a different race in friendship. le the choir


in the area,


the event was furth the NewStar newsp Not only




pe was the Baha’ Faith taught but the Bal e grown closer together, local bel i s by all have shown that God does indeed show





HoMEFRONT PIONEERING

Central States:

Lynn Wieties (phone 573-364-9618, e-mail

Northeastern States:

Joel Nizin (phone 201-652-6385, e-mail

Southern States:

Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542,


TEACHING WITHIN THE U.S.

’ Northeastern States: Diana Kaufman (phone 908-709-1228,

Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542, e Cathy Yavrom (phone 209-234-2231, e e-mail ) mail

Western States: Western States: Flor Toloui (phone 925-672-6686,

e-mail ) mail

FOR THE FAITH

The decentralization process means a new view of coordinating the work of those who wish to pioneer or travel to teach the Faith—at home or abroad. Here is a list of people you should contact ahead of time.

INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING AND TRAVELING TEACHING

Central States: Marilyn Ray (phone 785-628-1919, email )

IF YOU LIVE IN:

e-mail Southern States:

) 3507, e-mail Western States:

) 3512, e-mail

+ FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES—See listing on page 14.

  • TO REPORT AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN—See form on page 27.

Northeastern or Central States: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511,

Sherdeana Jordan (phone 847-733 Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733 er comfirmations on any who rise to the Call—no matter how small the group, no matter the depth of their learning.


Florida Baha’is bring in 1,500 for Peace Jam ‘99

‘he small Baha’i community of Lake

Worth, Florida, opened up to the public by sponsoring Peace Jam °99 for Earth Day on April 24 at a park on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Many community organizations joined

in the effort to publicize the festival’s theme: One People, One Planet. ‘Total attendance was estimated at 1,500. ) Eight local bands provided musical entertainment, and the Baha’i Youth Workshop performance was greatly )e appreciated. Speakers representing the Baha’ Faith and several organizations delivered a message of unity and love.

A colorfully adorned Baha'i information booth drew considerable attention.





August 1, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BaAnA‘i ¢ SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

page 5 [Page 6]

Baha'i communities in the Northwest:

Vast distances may separate the friends, but their efforts add up amazingly

Aweek before this year’s National Convention, with just over a year left in the Four Year Plan, Associate Editor Tom Mennillo hit the road

Northwest—a sort of

for a 3,300-mile trip through the

sequel to his 8,000mile car trip across the nation’s midsection

undertaken in

1996—to hear the

hopes and plans of

Baha'i individuals,

communities and institutions.




WYOMING @@ Rock Sprs 9 cn wee





Story and photos by Tom Mennillo



eeklong trip through seven NorthAv and Plains states lay ahead, with

ight- to 10-hour drives every day. I was concerned on setting out—could I stay alert?

I needn’t have worried. It was meet and talk with Bah and small towns—about their activities, their accomplishments, their plans. The energy enabled me to get up at dawn each day and tackle another long ribbon of Interstate highway.

Many of the friends don’t even realize how great their services are until someone asks them to step back arad list their streams of activity. I did just that in community meetings each evening.

As they spoke, they began to see how these trickling streams are merging to form a mighty torrent as systematization moves from vision into action.






April 15: to Spokane

n unusually sun-splashed Mount Rainier

welcomes me to Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, as I begin the trip on a flight from Adanta.

In a gleaming white rental car (soon to be festooned with bug remains), I head east on Interstate 90. A crosswind on Snoqualmie Pass gives me fits, but the beauty of the Wenatchee National Forest is captivating.

East of the Columbia River, the slopes are gentler. It’s downhill to Spokane, a city of 173,000 that is home to Gonzaga University and its “Cinderella” men’s basketball team.

My hosts, Merle and Gloria Thomas, take me out for a buffet dinner, then to our meeting. Merle’s in a particularly fine mood. It’s ‘Tax Day, but he’s retired from postal work and can smile at hordes of last-minute filers.

About 30 believers are gathered at Greenacres Elementary School. They represent four area communities in Washington and Idaho.

Roughly half the believers are transplants to what they call a very conservative, working-class area. They say white supremacist groups operate openly, but at the same time more people are receptive to the Revelation of Baha’u’llah.

In collaboration with Auxiliary Board members, the Baha’fs have focused proclamation and external affairs on themes consistent with the National Teaching Plan.

‘The strategy has paid off in lots of exposure through fair booths, media, community ser vice, billboards, virtues education—even a

traveling quilt with religious symbols stitched

into it. It’s all there in black and white, in the

form of a handsomely bound clipping book

presented to me by public information repre yseph Urlacher.

nmons and others rattle off a list

made along the way:

tout Baha'is but now would like one to join its board.

  • The panel overseeing the U.N. Declaration

of Human Rights observance in Idaho had a



¢ The Ecumenical Council has adopted a ther of unity in diversity, and drew on Baha'i writings for an interfaith service.

  • Schools are clamoring for a return visit by the

Diversity Dance Workshop.

  • A Gonzaga professor shows The Power of Race

Unity video to all his classes.

  • The week after my visit, the Baha’is were to

present the National Assembly's Tivo Wings of 4 Bird statement to the Spokane City Council On and on. Of course, once we get foll

attention, it’s vital that the real teaching begin.

Many greater Spokane friends are reaching out to teach the Faith to Christians under the banner of Project Fulfillment. Some Baha’is are attending Bible study at churches and others are in dialogue with a Ukrainian congregation.

The area’s rich musical talent is employed effectively in teaching efforts. The singing group Passport travels extensively. A songbook was compiled for use in Baha’i classes and summer school and for sale to support activities.

Community life also is drawing people in. An intercommunity Baha’{ school and vacation Baha’i camp—filled with fun activities such as art, songs, games and concerts— serves the children.

Youth meet regularly, initiate traveling teaching trips, and hold retreats; in fact, they want to plan the next one themselves. And they communicate electronically with youth around the state and the world.

Young people are heavily involved in every Feast and Holy Day, whether it’s telling teaching stories, contributing to the Funds, or participating in singing, dramatizations, and pageants.

For the whole family there’s the Sheltering Branch summer school, which for 23 years has brought the friends from a wide area together for nearly a week of camping, fellowship and deepening.






The local training institute conducted a weekend course on the Dispensation of Baha’u’llah just as I left. Carol Hudson of Post Falls led the class.

Community service is high on the pronity list. ‘The Baha ter. In addition, the two $ the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho are getting area Baha'is involved in programs to preserve wetlands and traditional native crafts.

The friends also wanted to stress that area communities are meeting their Fund goals and have conducted fund raisers for the Arc Projects.





A display of recent Spokane Baha’i publicity.

April 16: to Billings

astbound toward Montana, I realize that

from here until I loop back to Boise and Portland, the Baha’{ communities get smaller and the distances longer.

Almost immediately comes the Idaho panhandle. With snow all around, the road winds through mountains that dwarf postcard-perfect villages. Through Lookout Pass and into Montana (welcome to the Mountain Time Zone!) there’s more of the same until the grades become gentler.

Billings is a city of 81,000 with a bustling downtown. Just north, in the heights, is my rendezvous with hosts Rosalyn and Richard Cottrill.

We chat over pizza until Baha’is start arriving in ones and twos. About 10 eventually ring the living room.

Youth issues weigh heavily on the friends’ minds. The Baha’is in Billings are concerned about the “materialistic, atheistic” lifestyles of area young people and the lack of family cohesion.

Richard Coutrill, though, is optimistic. A




page 6

Tue American BanA’i * A Croser Loox

August 1, 1999 [Page 7]

high school teacher, he sees the vast majority of youth as well-adjusted des ty’s ill Baha'i community cohesion also is a topic that evening. Perhaps it’s because unity is something they stubbornly work to achieve despite great challenge: he city and Yellowstone County have Spiritual Assemblies, but the county community has dwindled as Billings annexes land—including where we sit—and people move away in search of employment. Another difficulty is staying in touch with ern Montana and in














  • Third is the important matter of maintaing ties with the American Indian friends.

to reservations take time that Billings area Baha’is often don’t

The friends refuse to give in on any of those fronts.

City-county cooperation thrives, with joint Holy Day meetings and other events. The friends also collaborate on Baha’i school, though nd nine children must learn ge-specific classes. mation and te: unity efforts are doggedly pursued as work to capitalize on favorable responses to the president's initiative on race by the mayor and college officials. Public nd firesides are held regularly. ful Naw-Ruz celebration gave the n inkling of what their community can be like when they all take part. The event ata local park featured skits, a pi fishing booth and opportunities to p

Widening the focus, sum ce that bonds the Billings-area friends with their Baha’ family in outlying areas. I was to hear later what the Montana school means to Ba eight hours away in southwestern Wy

And the Indian reservations? Trips, though few, are always enjoyable and meaningful— provided other Baha’is understand how the native people view religion. Longtime believers there are eager to chat about old times laborate in making new inroads for the






Then there















April 17: to Bismarck

‘n open stretches of Interstate 94 east of Billings and past the North Dakota line, the high plains fly by. Much of the land is rolling, dotted by outcroppings and lots of cows. After several hours, I cross into the Central Time Zone and pull off I-94 into the Bismarck suburb of Mandan, where Auxiliary Board member Karen Pulkrabek is waiting. In a few hours we will meet with area friends over box after box of pizza.

There is a bonus this night. The North Dakota winter school committee has been meeting in town all day and these friends from Fargo, Minot and other points have joined us.

‘That’ right. Winter school. In North Dakota. Its a highlight of the year for the friends statewide and has an great impact on people in the host town of Mayville. Baha'is have been invited to speak at a church, where the minister correlated Baha’i writings to Bible verses.

Bismarck (population 49,000) is typical of a state that is losing people as its well-educated inhabitants find opportunities elsewhere. The city was without an Assembly the past year.

But involvement with the International Club is winning the Bahd’is respect and opportunities to serve people. Picnics, pow Ae*CLOS

wows and other public events—food seems to be a common denominator—also have attracted people. So have Baha’ pianist Mark Ochu’s performance at the Anne Frank exhibit, a series of advertisements on bus benches, and the friends’ adoption of a stretch of highway. In Fargo, where part of a three-story building serves as the Baha'i Center, the friends have focused on community service, according to Marian Kadrie, Pulkrabek’s mother. The Baha’is hold a homework night for schoolchildren and teach classes in virtues and English as a second language. They hav helped two Iranian Bahda’i refugee families adapt to a new culture. Fargo has monitored the 800-22-UNITE seeker line for the whole state until now. On the horizon is a by the Project Wildfire year-of-service dance troupe. of the small Minot community raised money for the Arc Projects by volunteering at a mall age check desks at Christmastime. They even expanded ga place for moms to ite a virus that ion during


















Minot, the friends adopted and decorated a room in a shelter for battered women and sponsored a children’s poster contest for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

As we wrap up the evening, the friends tell me Dunseith, near the Turtle Island Indian




Reserva formed an Assembly last year and immed its own consolit In fact,

believers increasingly participating in Baha’ events around the state.

April 18: to Rapid City


Ne early breakfast of bacon and deer ausage fuels me on the road into South Dakota. Back on Mountain Time, I backtrack a bit on I-94, then turn south on U.S. 85. That takes me through farming and grazing country, flattest of the trip. Near Belle Fourche (pronounced “bell foosh”) I find the Interstate for the last few miles into Rapid City, population 49,000.

Keith and Alberta Schulte are home when I pull up. We instantly fall into a long conversation about all the Baha’i communities we’ve lived in or visited. We also find we know many Baha’is in common (what else is new?).

Pretty soon the friends are knocking at the door. Over lasagna and salad, chicken and Della Brown’s out-of-this-world fry bread, we get to know one another.

I learn that Counselor Jacqueline Left Hand Bull lives in Rapid City. The Baha’{ community also is blessed that National Assembly member Patricia Locke and her son, Auxiliary Board member Kevin Locke, live in-state.

Obviously, there’s a strong connection between the Faith and American Indians in South Dakota, and it’s central to our conversation this evening.

Baha’fs consciously try to provide a contrast to the hard reality of discrimination and separation of the races. Those who gravitate toward the Baha'is often are people who find society’s biases disagreeable but are afraid to stand up on their own.

The friends discuss how they reach out within Indian reservations and through the region’s many unity gatherings, again with wisdom and preparation.

Rapid City’s community life and teaching








tapestry bearing a healing prayer for a hospital. Brown and Alberta Schulte are on the committee planning a women’s observance. Baha’és are invited often to speak to classes at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Ina case of one good thing leading to another, Baha’{ participation in King Day events was noticed by a reporter who once had visited the House of Worship in Wilmette. The result was an excellent feature artic! The area boasts a a’i Youth Workshop. Ar t from Project Wildfire energized the youth and inspired several to look into year-of-service opportunities. Children’s classes also are held. ng of youth, two local Baha’is competry nd in the statewide Odyssey of the Mind competition. One, from Custer, captured the title and will travel to Knoxville, ‘Tennessee, for the national competition.













April 19: to Rock Springs


I can’t resi Je trip to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. Then I wind past the workin-progress Crazy Horse monument and into Wyoming, ending up on Interstates 25 and 80 within sight of snow-capped mountain ranges.




A self-propelled parade float designed by Dale Morrow of St. Ignatius, Montana, has won prizes in various parades where it has been put into service in Montana and the Dakotas.

Over the Continental Divide, I slide through majestic rock formations all the way into Rock Springs, a city of 19,000.

There, because of a mixup, I’m unable to meet with a family I had contacted. That's disappointing, because I want to learn firsthand what life is like in an area with only two Baha’ families.

But I talk briefly on the phone with Pam Wolfe in nearby Green River. She and all 80some far-flung friends in Wyoming are exhilarated about the prospect of two Assemblies—Laramie and Cheyenne—forming in a couple of days.

Weeks later, I again catch up with Wolfe by phone. Once again the spirit that permeates this state comes through in conversation.

‘Traveling teachers, she says, are the “lifeblood” of area Baha'i life. They come through regularly, giving Baha’s children a tangi SEE NORTHWEST, PAGE 8


‘August 1, 1999

Tue American BanA’i * A CLoser Look page 7


[Page 8]

NORTHWEST, continuen From pace 7

ble connection with the wider Baha’i community and supporting the friends’ regular firesides.

One group of youth teachers from Washington and California held firesides along a wide path and animated a youth retreat in Rawlins, about 115 miles away. This summer, as other teachers arrive, they pointed toward civic events in several c they can reach large numbers.

As a result, the local friends have






Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Boise pose after the election.

party and other events seekers can see the Baha’i community in all its diversity, since the friends come from all around.

Although™another outreach effort—regular devotional meetings—has not yet borne fruit, Wolfe is not discouraged. As the Faith is beeoming known here, it’s only a matter of time.

Still, there is a sense of urgency. The friends would dearly love to have an Assembly in western Wyoming by Ridvan 157. Only a redoubling of effort could make that possible, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes.

April 20: to Boise


icking up Interstate 84 in Utah, I slog

through rain that obscures the geography around me. Too bad. It must normally be quite a sight: the Great Salt Lake on one side and the Wasatch range on the other.

Fortunately, the skies clear as I approach Idaho and it’s clear sailing through the Magic and ‘Treasure valleys into Boise.

This booming city of 125,000 stretches out before me as I pull into a new subdivision to meet Bevin and Elizabeth Modrak, their two children and one seemingly inexhaustible canine.

Dinner is again at a buffet restaurant, then it’s off to the Baha’ Center for a bittersweet annual meeting and election: sweet because the community is springing into the final year of the Plan,


bitter because this is the last event before the Baha'is’ lease on this converted house runs out.

About 25 friends gather. I have only a little time to get a sense of the community before I take up my duties as a teller.

Proclamation and teaching include a Baha’i phone listing; a Web site; showings of The Power of Race Unity video, with ads drawing attention to it; Baha’i Youth Workshop performances; a fair booth on the oneness of reli gion; monthly firesides in homes and at the Baha’i Center; and a seeker newsletter.

The Boise Spiritual Assembly functions the local teaching committee, drawing in other needed to execute the teaching plan. In addition: the Assembly has consulted with others in the area on establishing a new Cente:

Consolidation and community activities include a course for new bel on \ the Web site; an activ “Enough Is dough? anti- eee c prison liaison program; adult and children’s ses; deepenings; community service such Rake Up Boise; Baha’i participation in the ordination service for the new Episcopal bishop; a teacher appreciation event; membership on the Religious Freedom Committee and participation in the Interfaith Devotional Service; and Fund goals exceeded.

Nearby, the friends say, are other active Baha’ communities, including Ada County and Nampa.

‘The evening ends with sober prayers. This is the day 14 students and a teacher died at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.





















April 21: to Portland


Portland’s center—a work in progress.

pas the prettiest stretch of real estate is saved for this last full day’s drive. Baker City and the Blue Mountains summit provide a memorable hello to the Pacific Time Zone in Oregon. Soon after Pendleton, where I see a Baha'i adopt-a-highway sign along I-84, the Columbia River gorge looms.

Near noon, I enter Portland (population 437,000) and encounter the first real traffic in a week. My route takes me to the St. Johns section of town where the Columbia and

Willamette rivers converge.

At 1 p.m. on the dot, I pull up in front of the impressive Baha’i Center, a two-story brick former post office complete with Works Progress Administration murals from the Depression. With renovations, the Bahia’is aim for the building to regain its standing as a focal point for the surrounding community.

I rush for a luncheon date with the Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board member Henri Cross. We sit and talk over a potluck of Persi:







s path to systematization, what's especially impressive is the process mbly employs to boost participation ute its plans efficiently. The process s forged when Baha’f school faced a familiar isis: too much to do, too few to do it.

Roger Nesbit, Nosratollah Rassekh and others explain how the committee process works, as










s the messages of the U

e and the national teaching plan.

  • Calls in the Auxiliary Board members and assi

tants and experts on various subjects to consult.

  • Settles on a shared vision, identifies the

rees needed and devises for each a

set of goals and tasks.

  • Approaches friends whose capacities fit the

tasks, and asks them to meditatively decide whether to commita year of service to that role.

¢ Then immediately meets with appointees to go over the mandate and get them off on the right foot.

The Assembly has instituted a system of neighborhood representatives, responsible for the “tender loving care” of the friends in their areas. They may eventually help devise localized teaching plans.

In discussion, I learn from Maggie Cha about efforts to serve the large Hmong Baha’i community. Programs of instruction and socializing for Hmong children and youth have been put into place, though they're on hold until the Center renovations are done. Similar programs among Hispanic believers are being studied.

And two members of the Portland State University campus club tell me of the club’s triumphs over adversity—a tale of stolen signup sheets and a vetoed student senate resolution against Iran’s attempted closure of the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education, but ultimately a story of increasing awareness of and respect for the Faith on campus.

Later comes a delightful community celebration of the First Day of Ridvan. After the readings, each local attendee grabs a brightly packaged plate of goodies to take to someone in his or her neighborhood who could not be here. It’s a great example of TLC in action and a perfect end to a perfect week.





OREGON, continuep From pace 3


established Spiritual Assembly and


group communities and _ isolated units of $9,000 each. In fact, several

families. families donated money they had ‘The funds were raised in incredible saved for down payments on homes.

ways. * Fund-raisers were held with priceless

  • The children in one community, with

permission from their Assembly, went door to door to the homes of local Baha’is to collect “pennies for the Arc” and raised $161.

Martha Root.

  • Money also was
  • Many individual believers contributed

pieces of jewelry given, such as a small 18K gold Baha'i ring from Iran worn by the Hand of the Cause of God

received from

Oregon pioneers to Japan and else where in the world.

In response to the news that the Oregon friends had passed the $1.5 million goal, the International Teaching Center in Haifa wrote an April 6 letter to the Counselor, saying in part:

“This momentous victory will surely inspire and spur the friends in the field of teaching.

POPC COO OOOO OOOO EE EEEEEEEEEEOOE OOOO EO OEEEEOEEEEOEEESO OEE EOE EO OEE EEEEEOEEOOOOOS

“Please convey to the friends in Oregon our deepest admiration for their spirit of sacrifice, unity and collaboration and assure them of our prayers in the Holy Shrines that Baha’u’lléh may bless all their efforts.”

For information on “From Oregon, With Love,” contact Lydia McCarter, P.O. Box 230325, Portland, OR 97281-0325.




page 8 THe AMERICAN BanA’l ¢ ContinueD August 1, 1999 [Page 9]BAH A’I*DISTRIBUTION*SERVICE





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Explore!, a Windows software program on CD-ROM, contains 63 carefully prepared compilations to provide answers to the question, “WI Baha’i teachings on ... God, the Soul, Peace, Creation, Art, Marriage, P etc.” Dozens of top e covered in a quick and easy-to-use format. I user-friendly and affordable teaching tool. Give Explore! ers, youths and new believers, or u: for deepening and study cla Faith can select topics of particular interest to them, and best of all, they are researching these issues directly from the Writings.

requires 8MB RAM, color monitor, 386 processor or better










page 10 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistRiuTion Service — August 1, 1999


[Page 11]PLT IR





he The Light of Unity E f The Power of Prayer A Light c $1.25 SC (LUPP) Light of Unity The Light of Unity Unity THE POWER OF PRAYER The Equality eaeresh and Men THE EQUALITY OF % (LUEWM) WOMEN AND MEN

‘These full-color brochures are follow-ups to the first in the Light of Unity series, Healing Racism. Developed to support the National Teaching Plan, these wwo booklets reflect the themes of video productions for the media initiative. They are









bulk-priced as follows:

1 copy 3 $125 |

coum. eee Baha’i Temple Choir

100-499 copies gsi ea. Babi Temple Choir, Australia “500-999 copies $50 une $16.00 CD (BTCACD)

1,000 and up tet $.40 ea. s made within the Baha’{ Temple


















lvantage of the building’s ‘o enhance the a cappella singing. The cording by Gary singer from the United

16 pp.,3 1/2” x 5 3/4”




Sterling, a profes States.

Love Setteth the World Aflame

Roya Bauman

$15.00 CD (LSWACD)

A collection of spiritually uplifting music in classic:

and sacred writings of the Baha'i ed mezzo-soprano Roya Bauman, APU AOC OS

ighlight the talents of 10 abipesers Roi three pee : Hae Hv) NORDS

countries,





Red Grammer’s Favorite Sing Along Songs

Red Grammer

$15.00 CD (SASCD)

Once again Red is on a roll! This collection of favorites will have you and your child belting out these tunes together. Loads of fun for all ages (c’mon, admit it, you like singing along too!).

Selections from the Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah

Remembrance Ensemble $16.00 CD (HWBCD)

This is a new recording of original a cappella set‘ings of several of the Hidden Words. Drawing on a variety of choral traditions, Remembrance Ensemble’s flowing, chant-like melodies stir the heart, and their rich contemporary harmonies reflect the unifying message in a sound that is both accessible and ethereal.

Love of Baha Il $15.00 CD (PLBIICD)

Five years in the making, Love of Babd II was recorded in Hollywood, California, and enlisted the talents of well-known Persian musicians, songwriters and sound engineers. Includes four Persian songs, three prayers, one Hidden Word and an instrumental featuring the santour.


SHIP TO


CODE TITLE QUANTITY | COST EACH | TOTAL








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August 1,1999 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistRisuTion Service _ page II [Page 12]CONSOLIDATING the VICTORIES


Counselor's visit energizes newly established centers

INFORMATION FROM GRETCHEN BORDER, CHARLESTON, WV.


Atanas Baha’i center in West Virginia was. rated with a visit from Counselor David Smith, whose teaching and consolidation presentations drew dozens of people June 18. The Baha'i Center in Charl Informat




ton and the Baha’ ter in nearby Huntington were pu t few months with money donated by



The gatherings demonstrated the diversity of the Baha’{ family even in small cities—friends from Canada, Iran, Zimbabwe and four states attendd attracted coverage by a newspaper and a n station.






d children were prominent in their presing prayers and making musical and dramatic presentations.

‘The weekend was blessed even before the Counselor arrived at the center in Charleston. A June 18 fireside talk by Smith at the home of Cyrus and Behnaz Mali







set a personal goal of teaching 20,000 people in six months in his home country of Zimbabwe.

The next day, the admir function of the

Charleston center—a two-story former church building—was exerci: as the Counselor met with mems of the Assembly, Au: rd member Tahereh Ahdieh and three of her assistants, and the State ing Committee. Fellowship was the order of the even: 35 Baha'is were treated to a sumptuous potluck r and presentations by Smith and a number of children and youths.







be







On June 20, the g Counselor again met privately with Baha’is and later public presentation, this time at the Baha’i Information

Center in Huntington.

The small building near the Marshall University campus, which had been inaugurated ‘ebruary, has a small library and space for intimate firesides.

However, the scene shifted to the local YWCA for a public meeting with talks by






and Ahdieh.

inspired a visitor to declare his belief in Baha’u’llah. He


Shared triumph




Karen Konrad (left) and M.J. Thurston (right), Baha’is in the Tacoma,

Washington, area, celebrate with local YWCA volunteer coordinator Elaine Nevins after a service project by five Baha’i communities in Pierce County to refurbish a resource library and a TV room in the YWCA building, which serves battered women and their children. “When work and love of ser- Kita vice are intertwined the efforts become a prayer,” one local Baha’i said.

fall in Per



The s



the T rulers, the



i arts organization is quest to develop the role of the arts in Baha’i community life, particularly Holy Day:

“We want to encourage artists in general and musicians in particular to think about creating work related to specific Holy Days and other Baha’{ events,” said Anne Gordon Perry of Dallas. She is coorganizer of Arts Afire, which is conducting a Ridvan songwriting contest for a third year.

“Because Ridvin is the King of Festivals and the most holy time of the Baha'i year, we have chosen to focus on it,” Perry said.





Ru’ya, Hikmat,

Texas arts group keeps contest going = [!

ik, Tho



an and I



themes of the colloqu “World Religions and the and “Principles of the Bahé

aha’i Theology: Each ses




seminar on B: ies of annual seminars were organized, starting the first year of the _ the Holy Mariner, Maryam, Four Year Plan, for the study of the writ- Ta ings of Baha’u’llah. In 1999, the si ll be devoted to tablets rev in the early ‘Akka period (1868-84). The i-Aqdas, Questions and Answers, — s d to the kings and — mak Tablets of Ridvanu’l-‘Adl, Burhan, Ard-i-Ba, A Tibb, Ahbab, Ittihad, Aqdas, Laylatu’l-Quds, Istintaq,



The Baha’ Information Center in Huntington is one of two gathering places purchased for the Baha’is of West Virginia this year. Spiritual Assemblies in the area last year made it a goal to acquire at least one Baha’i center in the state within five years.

‘Irfan seminars slated at two locations this fall

‘he 1999 sessions of the ‘Irfan at the seminar. Colloquium will be presented thi h at both Bosch

In 1999 a new series of ‘Irfan Colloquia will begin at Bosch Baha’i School in California. The seminar at the Bosch session will be devoted to Baha’u'llih’s revelation the Baghdad period (1853-63). Presentations are planned on the K i-Iqin, the Hidden Words, the Seven the Four Valleys, the Javahiru’lGJewels of Mysteries), the yyih Ode, the tablets of the Maiden of Heaven, Shi Shikan, tion. Bulbul-i- » Kulk im (All Food), Huréfat-i-‘A ttiyyih, \dinatu’t



hools, giving










» Sh





and Madinatu’r-Rida.

Those planning to attend the ‘Irfan s are requested to contact directly those institutions where each ession will be held to register and lodging reservations.

‘Those interested in presenting papers are requested to send their proposals to Dr. Iraj Ayman, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201






and the Stiriy-i-Haykal will be discussed | USA (e-mail ).

Several of the 1998 contest winners participated in a large program held at Southern Methodist University that attracted around 700 people.

1999 Programs of the ‘Irfan Colloquium in EUROPE: 22nd Colloquium (in English): Aug. 27-29, Trent Park, Middlesex University,

Dance was choreographed to several London; c/o Mrs. Mirta Lopez, London, W14 8JL, U.K. of the compositions. (phone 44-171-371-6022, e-mail ).

Top prizes for 1999 were award- : ed to: Larry Magee of San In NORTH AMERICA:

Antonio, Texas, English-lyric song; Tahereh Najmi of Knoxville, Tennessee, Persian-lyric song; and Chris Ruhe of Beacon, New York, other language (Spanish).

“We are collecting music potentially to be used at our special Ridvan programs each year,” Perry said.


23rd (in Persian) and 24th (in English) colloquia: Oct. 8-12, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, MI 48423-8603 (phone 810-6535033, fax 810-653-7181, e-mail ).

25th (in Persian) and 26th (in English) colloquia: Nov. 26-28, Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9677 (phone 831-4233387, fax 831-423-7564, e-mail ).


page 12

Tue American BanA’l * CoNsOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

August 1, 1999 [Page 13]



10-653' WWuTdstihelen.org



Toward true morality

H man life can be thought of as a journey, according to William Hatcher. At the beginning of this journey, the soul’s capacity is pure, unactualized potential— total unawareness, absolute unconsciousness. The fundamental purpose of our existence is to develop this poten selves and others, leading to greater awareness and consciousness. journey was the subject of a course presented in late May at Louhelen Bal School by a group of colleagues involve: research on “morally authentic” relationships: Hatcher, Leslie Asplund, Mary K. Radpour, Leonid Osokin, Carmel Hatcher, Roya Rahimpour and Sherri Dresler. The course, “Love, Power and Justic Workshop on Moral Authent explored stages of personal development







beginning with innocence, as all our needs are satisfied without effort on our part and we are unaware even of our own existence.

As childhood turns to adolescence, our autonomy grows along with our awareness of the suffering this world can inflict. We may conceive of a second, adolescent paradise where we have total freedom to act as we please—to seek gratification of all our desires without negative consequences.

Of course, the more irresponsible our use of our freedom, the more suffering we bring on others and ourselves. Misuse of freedom also reduces our autonomy, bringing on unnatural dependencies or addictions. When we are prey to impulses that we find difficult to resist—when we feel we “cannot live” without continual pleasures or the constant approval of others—abuse of freedom leads to loss of freedom.

‘The only escape from this vicious cycle is to replace it with a virtuous cycle of increasself-mastery and self-development by 1g true knowledge of spiritual laws. We must understand short- and long-term consequences of our actions, thoughts and feelings toward others and ourselves.

We gain this knowledge by seeking the truth in our interactions with ourselves, with others and with God. Once we see the reality of our interactions, we feel attracted to the goal of acting rightly.




‘This thirst after righteousness or “love for the truth” energizes us to stay motivated to interact in accordance with spiritual principles. Though we may not always be successful, the very striving to do so gradually produces an inner development—an inner freedom that is the hallmark of autonomy.

‘The authenticity research group will be producing study materials and presenting additional courses in the future.

Future courses at Loubelen Baba’i School are noted on the Calendar on page 32.

Ahmad Behrouzi keeps his focus sharp

during the “Love, Power and Justice” workshop at Louhelen. Photo by Jim Cheek




Family focus on arts

| Dae summer session at Bosch closes with two great programs of fun and participation:

Aug. 8-Sept. 1: “Awakening the Arts,” with Blanche Grant, Larry Crason and Christa Schanda, will provide intergen « erational, hands-on activities to revitalize teaching and deepening through storytelling, movement and the visual arts. A special treat for children of all ages will be the magic of David Pennington. ‘This is a unique and powerful session!

Sept. 3-6: The Bay Area Baba’i Social Group and Friends Retreat is open to all who would like to enjoy a relaxed weekend in the loving environment of Bosch with swimming, sports, walks in the woods, movies in the afternoon, and visiting with friends old and new. Optional classes will be offered by Auxiliary Board member Farhad Sabetan on “Community Building and the Institute Process” and by Muin Afnani on ‘Abdu’lBahia—a wonderful time for rejuvenating both your spirit and body. Bring your family to Bosch!

EQUALITY, continuen From pace 3

proclaims the relationship between the establishment of equality and the achievement of world peace.

It also helps Baha'is develop more loving, welcoming communities that actively express Bahé’u'llah’s principle of the equality of women and men.

Core Curriculum equality training reinforces other efforts by the National Spiritual Assembly to promote the principle of equality. For example, the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men trains people in public speaking and workshop facilitation. The Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program includes Module

  • Workshops that promote the principle of

equality of women and men at the institutional level. The National Assembly's

statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men has been widely distributed through the efforts of all these groups as well as through Baha’i campus associations.

To schedule a local or regional Core Curriculum Equality Training session, contact the National Teacher Training Center, Louhelen Baha’i School.

Core Curriculum equality trainers include:

Northeastern States Denise Caldwell, Altoona, PA Lauretta Haynes, Farmington, NY Shirin Selph, Springfield, MA

Central States Beatriz Contreras, Oshkosh, WI Kathy Cornyn, Wilmette, IL

Looking ahead to fall programs, the “Fundamental Verities” Training Institute series will resume Sept. 10-12, Oct. 15-17 and Nov. 12-14. These classes are free, sponsored by the donations of Local Spiritual Assemblies and groups throughout the Western States.

Participants must be recommended by a Local Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Board member or Regional Baha’i Council member. Participants must commit to attending all three weekends. Space is limited—make your reservations soon!

If you attended the three previous trainings, don’t forget follow-up sessions Oct. 8-10 and Nov. 5-7. Come share your experiences and continue the training.

A complete schedule of upcoming programs appears on page 32.

Sandra Egerer, Milwaukee, WI Kathy Rewolinski, Dublin, OH Steven Thomson, Chicago, IL

Southern States Jane Goble, Norman, OK Ara Hessamy, Charles Town, WV Patria Jones, LaPlace, LA Regina Kienzle, Coppell, TX Aghdas Mahoodzadeh, Marietta, GA Kambiz Rafraf, Richardson, TX Naomi Rohrer, Shepherdstown, WV

Western States Heather Marsh, Alameda, CA Jeanine Taylor, Eugene, OR Cynthia Thomas, Los Angeles, CA Homer Tremain, Alameda, CA Joannie Gholar Yuille, Monrovia, CA


s the American Baha'i community

ters the final months of the Four

Year Plan, how can individuals and com munities most effectively “act, act now,

and continue to act” to bring the healing

message of Baha’u’llah to the generality of mankind?

Join Nina Dini and John Joyce, members of the Regional Baha’{ Council for the Northeastern States, Sept. 3-6 in Green Acre Baha'i School’s Labor Day weekend session, “Press on to Meet the Dawn.” ‘The program will offer sessions focused on. how to “make your mark” in these final months of the Plan, on Christian and Baha’ prophecies, and on reaching and teaching minority communities.

The session will also feature Green Acre’s final Concert-Picnic of the season Sunday, and will include classes for ages 3-14.

Space is also available for some of Green. Acre’s August sessions:

Aug. 6-11: “Mystic Medicine: Health and Healing in a New World Order” with physician Babak Etemad, examining teachings of Baha’u'lléh relating to health and healing; and “Unlocking the Power for Action” with Eugene Andrews, discussing how individuals and institutions can work together to advance the process of entry by troops and using real-life examples of challenges communities have faced.

Aug. 20-25: “Pathways to the Lesser Peace” with Stephen Karnik, chief administrative officer of the Baha’i International Community at the U.N. offices in New York and Geneva, examining the concept of the Lesser Peace and the process of its establishment throughout the world; plus “Greater Boldness: Seeking True Equality in the Baba’i Community,” a series of workshops presented by Sophie and Corey ‘Tamas, using arts-based participatory methods, drawing on Baha’{ writings and history to assist men and women, through joint and separate activities, to understand and promote equality.

Aug. 27-29: “Managing with the Wisdom of Love: Applying Bahai Principles to Business” with author/consultant Dorothy Marcic, a special weekend program on how spiritual virtues and love can transform the workplace.

Sept. 17-19: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” a Ruhi Institute course facilitated by Tahereh Ahdieh. This. traininginstitute-style course offers insight into spiritual matters, imparts knowledge of the Faith, and helps develop skills and human resources for service. Training requires attendance at all sessions, and. this session runs through 3 p.m. Sunday.



August 1, 1999

‘THe AMERICAN BantA’i * CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

page 13 [Page 14]

Distance learning: Christianity, Chinese religions, Revelation of Baha'u'llah

i Wilmette Institute’s course on Christianity for Deepening and Dialogue begins Sept. 1, with registration to stay open until midSeptember. The two-month course costs $100 ($80 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more). Faculty include Dann May, Michael Sours and Robert Stockman, all of whom have spoken and published about the Bible and Christianity.

The course should be particularly useful for Baha’is wishing to understand the basics of Christianity and the relationship of the different branches of Christianity to each other and to the Faith. It will also explore the Bible, the history of its composition, and questions of prophecy.

The course will be followed by a separate two-month course examining Chinese religions and philosophies.

Registration is also open for The Kitab-i-Aqdas and Related Texts. This course is perfect for anyone

Book and the works explaining it. It begins Nov. 1, 1999, and ends April 30, 2000. Tuition is $225 ($180 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

One can still register for The Revelation of Baha’w’ll4h, IstanbulAdrianople Period, 1863-68. The course began in July but can accommodate latecomers. It features the ‘Tablets to the kings and rulers, both of the Tablets of Ahmad, the Tablet of the Branch and various mystical tablets. The six-month course costs $225 ($180 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

All distance-learning courses include e-mail listservers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects. All courses are available at:

  • Introductory level for those

unsure they can commit to taking a college-level course.

  • Intermediate level for those

wishing to go into more depth.

‘Those wishing to take the courses at an “advanced” (graduate) level or those seeking university-level credit should contact the Institute.


For REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

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

the registrar (847-733-3415).

+ Information is on the Internet (www.usbnc.org/wilmette).



wishing to study the Most Holy |



Traveling teaching opportunities around the globe

na document compiled by the Baha’i

World Center, 150 countries list specific needs and opportunities for traveling teachers. Due to space limitations, the following needs are summarized only from letters recently received from Baha’i institutions overseas and do not include all the information available through the Office of

Pioneering or your Auxiliary Board member. The Office of Pioneering has up-to-date

information on these opportunities and:

  • Other needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers.
  • Conferences, schools and events in Europe,

including programs of the Landegg. Academy.

‘+ Deepening institutes and Baha'i camps in Canada.

Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 + phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509 + e-mail

Teaching Projects © Botswana: John Robarts Long Project.

  • Cameroon:




aching projects, ind

affiliated with a regional institute center for


training new believers.

  • Canada: Ongoing teaching projects.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo: Nine zonal

teaching projects.

  • Ecuador: Project Badasht, an expansion and

consolidation project.

  • El Salvador: ‘Teaching project in San Salvador

this summer; ongoing deepening and social

at the

Badasht Institute, Jaméliyyth Institute and

New G

French Guiana: The “Sparks of Peace” Perles


and economic development project


de la Caraibes Teaching Project, especially interested in those who speak French and/or have experience with theater, dance workshops, visual arts and music who can train and organize youth for proclamation shows.

  • Guatemala: Assisting in ongoing teaching,

consolidation/deepening and human resource development projects at the Rithiyyih Project,

Chimaltenago Shiriz

National Network of Institutes.

Guadeloupe: Teaching project, Aug. 21-29,

1999. Youth who speak French or artis

vould b

Term Teaching



Project, and the





ingers or dancer caba Long:


Project and a permanent consolidation pro the Roma friends re:


ious teaching projects.

ongoing teaching and consolidation efforts and a special youth project.

  • Liberia: Quddis Project.
  • Madagascar: Roddy Lutchmaya Long-"Term

‘Teaching Project.

Mexico: Furitan Project teaching on college


campuses, and an exchange program with the Huasteca Potosina.

  • Panama: Project Mubijir, focusing on procla

mation and consolidation.

  • Poland: Martha Root teaching project through



and Chita regions, Central iberia, Ural region, Volga-Kama and Central region. Especially looking for



those who could assist and form youth work


shops and children's classes.

“Act Now” Project through Aug. 25. Romania: A small teaching project at the Black

Slovenia/Croatia: ‘Teaching

Sea during August.

Solomon Islands: \-3 months assisting a Bahai Youth Workshop, teaching and development of creative youth activities in rural villages.

© Zambia:




Various rural teaching projects, including a special youth teaching project. Conferences, schools and events Zambia: Youth conference Aug. 20* Kenya: International Youth Conference Dec.



India: International Roundtable on athe


Content of Education in a Global C in Lucknow, Nov. 29-Dec. 6. Join a gathering

of educators and policymakers from around


the world, organized by the Baha’i-i Council for Global Education. For

pired nforma


tion see: www.globaleducation.org/invitation (phone eee e-mail

Summer Baha’i schools continue eit Labor Day

66 (Pitizenship in the World Order of Baha’u’llah: the Role of the Community in Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops” is the general theme of this year’s regional summer schools, pre‘sented in a curriculum outline produced by the Education and Schools Office. We are happy to provide electronic copies of the materials to interested people. Please e-mail your request to

Here is a list of regional school sessions through Labor Day weekend.

NORTHEASTERN STATES “SOLOMON R.G. Hitton,” Aus. 13-23

dvancing the Process of Entry




Poughkespi, NY

g. Semi-private



Riana (Oring icivelshand acts) hall. C


m, tennis, hiking available. Adult about $50/day, hool Committee at P.O. Box 355, Lincolndale, NY 10540 (phone 914-248-5963, ) has rates. If you



Child about


e-mail register after July 31, a 15% late fee applies. Registrar: Phil Cabot, P.O. Box 122, Norwood, NJ 07648 (phone 201-767-5806, email

SOUTHERN STATES Kentucky, Serr. 3-6 Program: Build Community with Unity. Location: Faubush, KY Facilities: Large and small meeting rooms.



s for 1-4 or cabins w/bunks; meals on swimming, court sports, hiking, boat rides. Fees: School fee: $15 (Family $35). Meals per

day: Adult/Youth/Pre-youth $17.75, Child $8.88, Infant free. Lodging per night: Adult $6 in cabin or $30 in room, Youth $6 in cabin or $19 in room, Pre-youth/Child/Infant free with two paying adults.

Registrar: Floyd Donley,

Gilbertsville, KY 42044 (phone 502-362-4228, e). Pre-register by Aug. 26. Tenwessee BaHA’i InstrTuTe, SePr. 3-6

ntry by ‘Troops: The Role of the

mail


Registrar: Kaihan Stra Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 423 842-1750). Pre-register by Aug. 15.

Virginia “MAssANerta Sprincs,” Aus. 27-29

Program: K.

the World: Developing the Spirit

Champion Within. With C



a Fire that will Set Aflame





Ewing, Ken Bowers. Location: Harrisonb I mping or semi-private rooms;




cafeteria-style dining. Outdoor sports, hiking.


nd Ruth Clements (phone

Registrar: Darren 804-296-5238, ¢


.

CENTRAL STATES Minnesota “WiLtiaM SEARS Great Nort Wooos,” Aus. 11-15 Program: The Role of the Comunity in Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops. With Derek Cockshut and others.




ssroom setting. Semi


private


rooms, m imming, playground,

team sports, trails, canoeing. F Adult $160, Youth $125, Pre-Youth $95, Child $60, Infant $20. Day rates available.


Registrar: Ali Mahabadi, Plymouth, MN 55441 (phone 612557-6039).

WESTERN STATES ‘Onecon East, Auc. 14-16 Location: Suttle Lake, OR



Facil Mountain jocing, swimming, hiking, fishing, archery, volleyball.

Fees: For cabins: Adult $100, Youth (13-17) $85, Child (6-12) $75, (S-under) $50. Lodge w/indoor bath higher; day

rat



vailable.


Registrar: Dan Lincoln, OR 97358 (phone

Lyo 503-859-2390, e-mail ‘OnEGon West “BaDasi,” Aus. Program: The Role of the




15

mmunity in the


Four yen Plan.

west of Roseburg, OR


CI camp; family or dorm-style

ins, tent and RV spaces.

s: Adult $110, Youth $90, Child $70,

mily $330.

Registrar: Jim Smith (phone 541-259-1417, e-mail .

Western Wasnincron, Aus. 15-20

enship in the World Order





Program: C of Baha'u'llah: Creating and Cult


a Communi


Location: Easton, WA


lassroom setting. Dorm-style lodging, family meals. Indoor and outdoor recreation, lakes nearby. Fees: Adult $160, Youth $150, Pre-youth $100, Child $55, Infant $10. Registrar: Barbara Moses,

Woodinville, WA 98072-8465 (phone 425488-2673, e-mail ).





page 14

Tre American BanA’i * News

August 1, 1999 [Page 15]

iang learned in the last issue of The Dsienen Baha’i that being clean and taking care of his body is very important to his spiritual growth. It is important for all of us to keep our bodies healthy so that we can serve

D Reich & Nonle: toe

“For material civilization is like unto a beautiful body, and spiritual civilization is like unto the spirit of life. If that wondrous spirit of life enters this beautiful body, the body will become a channel for the distribution and development of the perfections of humanity.”


\ Tie


—Abdu'l-Bah4, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.11

Keeping Gur bodies Healthy So We Cari Servet

Baha'u'llah and the world as best we can! To stay healthy, Liang eats well, gets enough sleep, and exercises. Liang likes to go running, do Double-Dutch, play basketball, ride his bike, play Frisbee or hopscotch. Sometimes, when

the weather is not so good, he'll stay inside and dance, play hide-and-seek, or do jumping jacks, sit-ups or maybe some push-ups. Below is one of Liang’s favorite activities. What do you do to keep your body active and healthy?




Maké¢ a Thauthatrope

A thaumatrope is a way to see two images as one image, sometimes a moving one. To make a thaumatrope, you wil

Activity by the Office of the Treasurer



colored crayons or markers scissors paste or glue two 3” x 5” index cards a hole puncher

two rubber bands

Directions:

1. Color and cut out the two drawings of Liang.

2. Paste or glue each drawing to an index card.

3. Hole punch the circles on the drawings. There are two on each drawing. Can you find them?

4. Take one drawing, turn it upside down and place it

back to back with the other drawing that is right side up. The side holes should match up.

. Take a rubber band and thread it halfway through one

of the side holes.

6. Take one loop of the rubber band and pull it through the other so that you have a half-hitch knot against the cards.

7. Use the second rubber band for the other side hole.

8. Hold a rubber band in each hand. Wind the card up with your forefinger and thumb until the rubber bands are twisted tightly. Stretch the rubber bands out to the sides and watch Liang in action!


Subscribe to Brilliant Star!

Use the form <@ __on page 27.








O

Rees ss 2 2 BB BP eB EB EB BE BE Ks



O






August 1, 1999 Tue AMERICAN BAHA'I ¢ BRILLIANT STAR Kip’s CoRNER page I5 [Page 16-17]


School violence


Town meeting seeks ways toward ‘culture of peace’

Es wonder the town meeting on “Alternatives to Violence in Our Schools” captured the attention of Phoenix-area residents. School violence, long a concern, was at center stage in public discourse in the w: of two highly publicized school shooting incidents.

‘The theme was poignantly brought home at the program’ opening when Susan Lewis Wright, a Baha'i from Littleton, Colorado, _performed a song she sang at a memorial service for vict








of April’s Columbine Hi School tragedy. But far from simply

lamenting a troubling trend, the forum was conceiv last December to ma fessionals and the public




aware of conflict-resolution tools at their di in breaking this cycle of despair.

A diverse panel of Baha’is and nonBaha’is—educators, social workers, law and legal professionals and parents—was assembled by Steven Gonzales, chief judge of the Mohegan Indi in Connecticut and a leading proponent of alternative dispute resolution, and University of Arizona cancer researcher Nanci Aiken. s

Dorothy W. Nelson, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and a senior federal appeals judge, was a natural choice to helm the panel.

She has long championed conflict resolution, through formation of the Western Justice Center and fostering innovative use of mediators by the Ninth Circuit Court.

The judge said that in this era, “Notions of personal responsibility











moderated the panel in a welled publicized town pro- meeting.


and common good have been overt en by individual rights and punitive court systems.”

Instead of pointing fingers of blame or ing quick fixes, Nelson said, we need to “create an altern: culture of peace that is collaborative, cooperative.” In this quest, she said, the school community will have to “move beyond school walls,








and that’s what this forum is all about.” Interconnected problems Panel showed that


school violence is interlaced with many othe tough issues: violence in the hom ual and racial






harassment, inability to manage anger, societal mobility and lack of values Equally important, they are


innovative solutions: teacher training and appreciation; supportive, not punitive, discipline; mentoring; giving ch dren a spiritual framework; and making schools community centers teaching everyone life skills.

Attendees’ questions and comments rounded out the town meeting. People approached the microphone one by one to plead, often emotionally, for society’s best efforts to protect and nurture our No. 1 resource—the young. They urged greater exposure to diversity and moral training and called on adults who create our popular culture to act responsibly.

Area Baha’i communities had worked ze the town meeting, particularly inviting key local offiIs to a pre-forum reception.










Top: Caswell Ellis and Anne Gordon Perry do a dramatic reading, por traying Lo


and Louisa Gregory.

Bottom: Mediator Kathleen Kelly (from left), poet Rhea Harmsen and

anthropologist Jack Weatherford sign books for conference-goers.

Pathways tO peace: ‘Transformative mediation’ aims to turn conflict into moral growth

A the first female dean of the law chool at the University of Southern California, Judge Dorothy Nelson said, she wasn’t always taken seriously as she advocated alternative dispute resolution. “It’s that women’s thing,” she would hear. “She's trying to bring people together.” Since then, people’s longing for new ways to find justice has brought conflict resolution to the fore, Nelson said in her morning address on “New Forms of Conflict Resolution: Pathways to Peace.” Lawyers and courts will always have a place, she cautioned, as long as lawyers must execute legal instruments and




judges must decide points of law.

But still, she said, nearly everyone agrees our “adversarial system is too costly, painful, destructive and inefficient.” It will not help us solve great issues such as racism and the inequality of women and men.

Nelson explained that in mediation, one form of conflict resolution, the parties voluntarily arrive at an agreement with the help of an unbiased mediator. As “stakeholders” in their agreement, they are much more likely to uphold it than had a settlement been imposed.

Taking ita step further, she said,










ABS CONFERENCE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

ecccccce



eoce


Native approaches to sacred justice were

examined in such talks as n Indian Gifts to the World” and Indigenous People” and through a weekend’s worth of native artistic expression. These led into a panel discussion on “Sacred Justice” fea





eoce


eocce

turing Baha’is from several American Indian cultures.

The arts were fully integrated into the conference’s theme. Poetry, mu and dance all worked to connect attendees’ hearts with the messages.

Other presentations allowed Baha’i



concept known as transformative mediation. The goal is nothing less than improvement—moral growth—of the parties themselves.

Later, Kathleen Kelly, president of a ‘Toronto conflict management firm, fleshed out the concept of transformative mediation in her own speech.

Conflicts 2 in life and result in the choi Kelly said. If tension continues it develops into a dispute. Mediation can settle the dispute, while transformative mediation aims to resolve the underlying conflict.






eooe




scholars to present the latest thinking on marriage and family, Bah administration, conflict resolution,




the study of religion, communitybuilding, education, intercultural issues, social and economic develop


ment and women’s


sues.


Mediation is growing in popularity exactly because the parties control the solution, Kelly said. It gives people a voice and helps them make decisions with which they can live. It also is ethical and sustainable, balancing interests for the greater good of everyone involved. And it’s less costly.

In a breakout session on conflict resolution, William Mahoney reported on sons from the Corinne True Justi Center,” a Baha’i social and economi development project in Denver, and Trip Barthel examined “Building Trust in Consultation.”








eecccccccccce

Special interest groups spent a day fostering advancement in the arts, education, religious studies, and sc ence and religion. They delved into the principles guiding their work and explored avenues for service to humanity.





page 16 Tie American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i Stupirs ConrERENCE

August 1, 1999


Top: Participants in the conference-opening Town Meeting on school violence gather afterward to share views.

Center: The interior courtyard of the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Bottom: Participants line up to contribute questions or comments

at the Town Mee:


ig.

Stories and photos by Tom Mennillo


Race relations among Baha'is:

Professor is optimistic for our ‘laboratory of unity’



Mies through the confereni Michigan State University profe sor Richard W. Thomas characterized the American Bal laboratory of unity during the annual Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture.

In his talk, “The State of Race Relations in the American Baha’i Communit Challenges, Progre and Future Directions,” Thomas shared partial results from ongoing research on the influence American Bah: e had on race relations ‘Abdu’l-Baha_ ble: s nation with His presence












in 1912. Thomas said the Bab community is creating bonds of love

among people of different backgrounds, and he declared it to be America’s best hope for achieving a true multiracial society—if Bahd’is live up to the teachings and our institutions’ continuing guidance.

‘That “if” is critical, he said. As Bal are increasingly called on to build s in the larger society, we're still earning how to model unity withi own community.

Don't punish ourselves ‘There’s no need, though, to beat ourelves up about the tests we face, Thomas said. Much progress has been made and continues to be made, enabling the Faith to position its unity gm at the center of American di on race relations.

Just in this decade, he noted, the National Spiritual Assembly has exerted a significant influence, through such vehicles as The Vision of Race Unity statement, the Models of Unity project, the Carter Center race unity conference, response to the Los Angeles riots, an open letter to then-President George Bush, the twofold Holy, Year agenda, continuing guidance through letters and the national media initiative.

Thomas also called attention to the race unity training program, our efforts to raise



















admonished Baha’is to live up to our teachings on racial unity. at

the first generation of prejudice-free children, the National Teaching Committee's plans and the developing role of the Regional Baha’i Counc’ He underlined remaining challeng

  • Keeping our race unity

work spiritual.

  • Being courageous in presenting B; S

the eae

  • Understanding the uneven

development of race unity among Baha’.

  • Address






ig remnants of segaburban and


regation among


  • Increasing racial diversity

summer and winter schools and nurturing friends within the Baha’{ community. Justice for more people

Later, Sayena Rouhani presented research on “Improving Access to Justice” that showed hopeful early results from a mediation project in Oklahoma, in contrast with the dismal state of justice for African-Americans there.

In the afternoon, the first Louis G. Gregory $ m on Law and Justice heard LeNise Jackson-Gaertner, Trip Barthel and Julia Doris discuss the role of culture in law and issues leading to a united human family.

And as the conference closed the next day, a panel of Baha’is of African, Persian, European, Hispanic and ‘an Indian roots examined “The mination of Prejudice.”

Moderator June Thomas drew out participants’ thoughts on the most significant challenge:

  • Setting aside emotion



ship


















ig Our Own prejudices clearly.

  • Standing up for our fellow Bah:

when they face discrimination.

¢ Furthering both twin foci (race unity and the equality of women and men).

  • Grounding ourselves in the teachings.
  • Listening to others’ stories.
  • Setting an example for our children.




Sacred Justice: american Indians’ historic roles and future hopes bring fresh enlightenment

merican Indians were generous in

their contributions over the weekend: delightful stories, artistic expression, and gentle humor; enlightening information on native peoples’ contributions to America and the world; and sad tales of justice denied or delayed.

Greatly responsible for “demystifying” American Indians were four Baha’is Laurie Cropley of the Tlingit nation, Ruby Gubatayo and Mary Hagen of the Tsimshian and George Holly of the Athabascan—who ventured from southst Alaska to a much warmer Arizona for the conferenc

They led the audience in chants accompanied by a haunting drumbeat; discussed traditional and contemporary symbols of their peoples; and shared their goal of “putting native culture in line










with the new Revelation of Baha’u'llah.”

As Hagen put it, “The more I become a lover of Baha'u'llah, the more I become traditional. The more we become firm in the Covenant, the more bounties we have to restore our culture.”

Equally remarkable were talks on “American Indian Gifts to the World” and “Justice and Indigeno s People” and the panel discussion on “Sacred Justice.”

Jack Weatherford, an anthropologist and professor at Macalester College in Minnesota, said he came upon the impact of Indians on the world quite by accident. He was studying the evolution of a German village when he noted that peas ants’ quality of life improved drasticall a point in the 17th century.

Looking further, Weatherford discovered that this life-altering infusion coin








cided with potatoes, cotton fiber and other products introduced by people who had visited the New World.

He went on to study:

  • How the diversity of the Indian diet

and the potency of Indian medicines helped shift power from southern to northern Europe.

‘The ways in which Europeans adapted the democratic traditions of the Iroquois Confederacy.

But he noted the Iroquois’ matrilineal traditions, which effectively balanced the masculine and feminine qualities of life, failed to take root.

A sadder series of events was related by Valerie Phi t professor of Indian history and business law at Washington State University, in her talk on “Justice and Indigenous Peoples.”












Phillips listed injustices that have come. about as de of treaties between the U.S. government and Indian nations have been subverted over the past two lands have been taken away, natural resources stolen, tribal governments broken up, and individuals forced to assimilate.

But in the “Sacred Justice” panel, six Indian Baha’is declined to dwell on the past, and focused on the great privilege and responsbility of being a Baha’i at



centur








The Faith is key to liberating young and old Indians from a lack of purpose life, they said. And they reminded us by teaching the Faith—particularly in its purest form, the Creative Word—we uplift the morals of the general population and, therefore, of society's leaders.





August 1, 1999 Tue American BanA’l ¢ BanA’i Stupies ConreReNCcE page 17

[Page 18]

Restoration for Temple gardens

Research finds original design from ’50s


F’ the 250,000 yearly U

ors to the Baha’i House of Worship, the gardens are the first statement of welcome. ‘They complement the beauty of the Temple itself; they invite a quieter frame of mind; they provide an agreeable place for sharing the teachings of the Faith with visitors on late summer nights.

Indeed, formal gardens are part of the institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar as directed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Now plans are under way to restore the original visionary design for


Wilmette, Illinois. This design, rediscovered




How MUCH FOR

after two years’ research, had THOSE TULIPS?? b approved by Shoghi Effendi. The landscape archi- The Office of the Treasurer tect who developed the design has heard many questions was in correspondence with the about a comment at this Guardian for years, even as fin- year’s National Convention ishing touches were being put to the effect that $40,000 is in during the early 1950s. expended yearly for tulips The opportunity to return for the House of Worship. to the gardens’ original Actually, the garden staff design stems from major con- orders and plants about servation work to restore the 40,000 bulbs each year, at a monumental steps and walk- total expense of about ways surrounding the House $9,200. This is still an indicaof Worship. tion, though, of the cost of Planned over the next few maintaining the gardens, an years, the concrete work indisepensible element of the itself requires replanting or spiritual atmosphere of the replacement of many plants Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.

in the gardens.

Assemblies have assessment tool online

unique instrument for giving

Local Assemblies a clear view

of their progress, the Self

Assessment Tool created by the

National Spiritual Assembly, is

now on line and available through the Administrative Web Site.

‘To access the assessment forms, with a supplement on “Where to Find Assistance in Achieving Particular Goals,” log in to the

“The resources at the disposal of

Web site (www.usbnc.org). You will need your Baha’i ID number. The documents are in .pdf (Acrobat) format, and free software is available for reading them.

‘The Self Assessment Tool contains questions to provoke thought among Assembly members on a number of functions and goals, as outlined in guidance of the Guardian and the


the community must, as a result

of its expansion, be continually augmented and carefully extended.”

—Shoghi kiffendi

Universal House of Justice.

Assemblies have reported that completing the assessment has made them more energized, effective and goal-oriented.

For more information, contact the National Assembly's Office of Assembly Development, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60202 (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail

).

CLIP OR COPY THIS FORM

I/we would like more information about planned giving. | am particularly interested in: ___ Providing for the Baha’i Faith in my will


___Making a gift of securities ___Making a gift of real estate




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 ).

Treasurer's Office Q&A from National Convention 1999: Part 2 his month we are sharing more of the questions and answers from the Office of the Treasurer that were offered to the delegates at this year’s National Convention: What are other major expense areas?

‘The two largest expense concentrations are people erties. A bit less than half the $21 million total expense is resources—the hands that do the national work. The property portfolio—the 100 structures held in trust for the community by its National Assembly—required $2.5 million to maintain, while capital repairs and improvements added another $1.9 million. Some capital projects in fiscal 1999: a digital imaging system for video production ($122,000); computer equipment to support the Local Assembly Integration project and the 20-plus Web sites we host, including the Baha’i World Center site ($300,000); new paving at Bosch School ($68,000 this year); a new roof at Louhelen ($67,000); and costs to configure the new Distribution Service facility in Adanta for our use ($29,000). How about the Regional Baha’i Councils?

These new institutions were active this year, and that means money was spent. Even though contributions dropped, the National Assembly reinforced its spiritual commitment to the Councils with almost $500,000 in funding. ‘This sum includes only direct expenses; it does not include the time and effort of the many National Center offices that was also invested in collaboration with the Councils: Information Services, Teaching, Treasury and the Secretariat were among those whose agendas were willingly expanded to work on common goals and challenges.

What comes next?

In addition to the immediate needs, the National Spiritual Assembly has preliminarily approved a plan to identify and meet medium- and long-term needs of the community. The


PLANNED GIVING

extends our options

There are a number of ways to support. the Funds of the Faith in addition to our regular cash contributions: bequests through our wills, gifts of stock or other securities, gift annuities, etc. These methods—or any others that are not

___Making a gift through life insurance main areas of focus being considered are special projects, capital investments, endowments and the creation of strategic reserves. The plan under consultation foresees significant investments in the House of Worship and the permanent schools; establishment of endowments to provide long-term facility maintenance and development, special projects in teaching, public information, information systems and community development; and the need for reserves that can be | used internationally, regionally and locally to seize the rapidly

changing opportunities our growth will create. The National

Receiving income from my gift: ___Charitable Gift Annuities ___ Charitable Remainder Trusts



Name


Spouse’s Name (if Baha


outright cash gifts—are commonly Addrees Assembly's Office of the Treasurer has been authorized to

referred to as “planned giving.” City develop a comprehensive proposal to identify developmental objectives and the ways and means to fund them.

The National Spiritual Assembly has State Tip

announced a Planned Giving Program OYE THAT PRIDE YOURSELVES ON MORTAL RICHES!

Telephone


that allows believers to make financial arrangements benefiting both them Know ye in truth that wealth is a mighty barrier between the

E-mail seeker and his desire, the lover and his beloved. The rich, but

selves, through tax savings (and some- for a few, shall in no wise attain the court of His presence nor times increased income) while making a ___I prefer that someone contact me by enter the city of content and resignation. Well is it then with substantial gift to the Fund. telephone. him, who, being rich, is not hindered by his riches from the

Return form to: :

Development Department, Office of the Treasurer, :

Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

eternal kingdom, nor deprived by them of imperishable dominion. By the Most Great Name! The splendor of such a wealthy man shall illuminate the dwellers of heaven even as the sun enlightens the people of the earth! Baha'u'llah, Hidden Word #53 from the Persian


For a packet of information on how you

might be able to plan a gift, please com plete the form at right or contact the

Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733).

3476, e-mail ‘TAB 8/1/99



page 18 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ ADMINISTERING THE CAUSE August 1, 1999 [Page 19]

Who is Writing the Future?

Reflections on the Twentieth Century: Part 3 of 3

As printed in the issues of May 17 and June 24, 1999, the first two-thirds of this statement recalled tremendous global changes during the twentieth century in the realms of politics, human rights, economics, education, religion and science—all changing the way people view each other, and reinforcing the teaching of Baba’u'llah that humanity is undergoing a great maturing process.

IV


conception of civilization’s

future course laid out in

Bahé’u'lléh’s_ writings challenges much that today imposes itself on our world as normative and unchangeable. ‘The breakthroughs made during the century of light have opened the door to a new kind of world. If social and intellectual evolution is in fact responding to a moral intelligence inherent in existence, a great deal of the theory detern temporary approaches to decision-making is fatally flawed. If hi essentially spiritual in nature—as the vast majority of ordinary people have always been intuitively aware—its development needs cannot be understood or served through an interpretation of reality that





dogmatically insists otherw: No aspect of contemporary civilization is more directly challenged _ by

Baha’u'llah’s conception of the future than is the prevailing cult of individualism, which has spread to most parts of the world. Nurtured by such cultural forces as political ideology, academic elitism, and a consumer economy, the “pursuit of happiness” has given rise to an aggressive and almost boundless sense of personal entitlement. The moral consequences have been corrosive for the individual and society alike—and devastating in terms of diseas drug addiction and other all-too-familiar blights of century’s end. The task of freeing humanity from an error so fundamental and pervasive will call into question some of the twentieth century's most deeply entrenched assumptions about right and wrong.

What are some of th assumptions is conviction that unity is a di most unattainable ideal to be addressed only after a host of political conflicts have been somehow resolved, material needs somehow satisfied, and injustices somehow corrected. The opposite, Baha’u’llih asserts, is the case. The primary disease that afflicts society and generates the ills that cripple it, he says, i: ity of a human race that is distinguished by its capacity for collaboration and whose progress to date has depended on the extent to which unified action has, at various times and in various societies, been achieved. To cling to the notion that conflict is an intrinsic feature of human nature, rather than a complex of learned habits and attitudes, is to impose on a new century an error which, more than any





unexamined s the



‘The most obvious istant,










‘THIS STATEMENT, FROM THE BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICAN BAHAT OVER ‘THREE SUCCESSIVE ISSUES. COMPLETE TEXT IS ON THE WEB AT. HTTP://WWW.US.BAHAILORG/HUMANRIGHTS/HRSTMT HTM

other single factor, has tragically handicapped humanity’s past.

“Regard the world,” Baha'u'llah advised elected leaders, “as the human body which, though at its creation whole and perfect, hath been afflicted, through various causes, with grave disorders and maladies.”?

Intimately related to the issue of unity is a second moral challenge that the past century has posed with ever increasing urgency. In the sight of God, Baha'u'llah insists, justice is the “best beloved of all things.”! It enables the individual to see reality through his or her own eyes rather than those of others and endows collective decision making with the authority that alone can ensure unity of thought and action. However gratifying is the system of international order that has emerged from the harrowing experiences of the twentieth century, its enduring influence will depend on acceptance of the moral principle implicit in it. If the body of humankind is indeed one and indivisible, then the authority exercised by its governing institutions represents essentially a trusteeship. Each individual person comes into the world as a trust of the whole, and it is this feature of human existence that constitutes the real foundation of the social, economic and cultural rights that the United Nations Charter and its related documents articulate. Justice and unity are reciprocal in their effect. “The purpose of justice,” Baha’u'llah wrote, “is the appearance of unity among men. The ocean of divine wisdom surgeth within this exalted word, while the books of the world cannot contain its inner significance.”"\

As society commits itself{—however hesitantly and fearfully—to these and related moral principles, the most meaningful role it will offer the individual will be that of service. One of the paradoxes of human life is that development of the self comes primarily through commitment to larger undertakings in which the -self—even if only temporarily—is forgotten. In an age that opens up to people of every condition an opportunity to participate effectively in the shaping of the social order itself, the ideal of service to others s enti new significance. To exalt s acquisition and sel rtion as the purpose of life is to promote chiefly the mal side of human nature. Nor simplistic messages of personal salvation any longer address the yearnings of generations who have come to know, with deep certainty, that true fulfillment is as much a matter of this world as it is of the next. “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in,” is Baha’u'llah’s counsel, “and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.”'2

Such perspectives have profound impli
















cations for the conduct of human affairs. It is obvious, for example, that, whatever its past contributions, the longer the nation state persists as the dominant influence in determining the fate of humankind, the longer will the achievement of world peace be delayed and the greater will be the suffering inflicted on the earth’s population. In humanity’s economic life, no matter how great the blessings brought by globalization, it is apparent that this process has also created unparalleled concentrations of autocratic power that must be brought under international democratic control if they are not to produce poverty and despair for countless millions. nilarly, the historic breakthrough in information and communication technology, which represents so potent a means to promote social development and the deepening of people’s sense of their common humanity, can, with equal force, divert and coarsen impulses vital to the service of this very process.







NV:

What Bahd’u'llih is speaking of is a new relationship between God and humankind, one that is in harmony with the dawning maturity of the race. The ultimate Reality that has created and sustains the universe will forever remain beyond the reach of the human mind. Humanity’s conscious relationship with it, to the extent that one has been established, s been the result of the influence of the Founders of the great religions, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and earlier figures whose names are, for the most part, lost to memory. Through responding to these impulses of the Divine, the earth’s peoples have progressively developed the spiritual, intellectual, and moral capacities that have combined to civilize human character. This millennia-long, cumulative process has now reached the stage characteristic of all the decisive turning points in the evolutionary process, when previous bilities suddenly emerge: “This is z Baha'u'llah asserts, “in which God’s most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things.”'3 Viewed through Baha'u'llah’ eyes, the ‘ory of tribes, peoples, and nations has effectively reached its conclusion. What we are witnessing is the beginning of the history of humankind, the history of a human race conscious of © this turning point in the course of civilization, his writings bring a redefinition of the nature and processes of civilization and a reordering of its priorities. Their aim is













to call us back to spiritual awareness and responsibility.

There is nothing in Baha’u’llah’s writings to encourage the illusion that the changes envisioned will come about easily. Far otherwise. As the events of the twentieth century have already demonstrated, patterns of habit and attitude which have taken root over thousands of years are not abandoned either spontaneously or in response simply to education or legislative action. Whether in the life of the individual or that of society, profound change occurs more often than not in response to intense suffering and to unendurable diffi culties that can be overcome in no other way. Just so great a testing experience, Baha’u’llah warned, is needed to weld the diverse peoples into a single people.

Spiritual and materialistic conceptions of the nature of reality are irreconcilable with one another and lead in opposite directions. As a new century opens, the course set by the second of these two opposing views has already carried a hapless hamanity far beyond the outermost point where an illusion of rationality, let alone of human well-being, could once be sustained. With every passing day, the signs multiply that great numbers of people everywhere are awakening to this realization.

Despite widely prevalent opinion to the contrary, the human race is not a blank tablet on which privileged arbiters of human affairs can freely inscribe their own wishes. The springs of the spirit rise up where they will, as they will. They will not indefinitely be suppressed by the detritus of contemporary society. It no longer requires prophetic insight to appreciate that the opening years of the new century will see the release of energies and aspi tions infinitely more potent than the accumulated routines, falsities, and addictions that have so long blocked their expression.

However great the turmoil, the period into which humanity is moving will open to every individual, every institution, and every community on earth unprecedented opportunities to participate in the writing of the planet future. “Soon,” is Baha’u'llah’s confident promise, “will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead.”'+














Footnotes: 9. Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u’llah, section CXX. 10. Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words, No. 2 from the Arabic.

11, Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Bahd'u'llah Revealed after the — Kitab-i-Aqdas (Wilmette: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1997), p.67,

12. Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd’u'lldh, section CVI. 13. Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, section IV. 14, Baha’u'llah, Gleanings fr Writings of Bahd‘u'lléh, secti








August 1, 1999

Tre AMERICAN BaAnA’i ¢ SPECIAL MESSAGE

page 19 [Page 20]


Letter to the friends

from the Latin-American Task Force


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

According to the Universal House of Justice, the buildings on Mount Carmel are nearing completion and their inauguration is approaching:

“The Mount Carmel projects will have been completed by this time [the Day of the Covenant in 2000] and the preparations will have been well advanced for dedicatory events, scheduled to take place on 22 and 23 May 2001. ...” (Ridvin 156 Message to the Baha’is of the world)

And our dear National Spiritual Assembly thus concludes its Ridvan 1999 message:

“When the Supreme Body began construction of the ‘metropolis of the Kingdom of Heaven,’ it explained that spiritual energies would be released with the completion of each stage of this ‘great enterpri -- [that] will transform the Baha'i community and advance the Cause. ... Moreover, the Supreme Institution reiterated the prophecies of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi that ... entry by troops will be a prelude to mass conversion, ‘as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature,’: that will suddenly ‘derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength ... the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Baha’w'llah.’””

Dear Baha’i friend:

If entry by troops were to begin today in your community, if it suddenly became necessary to attend to the spiritual needs of a large number, perhaps hundreds, of new believers, what would be the capacity of your community to respond to such a challenge? How many dedicated and well-deepened teachers of the Faith can your community count on? What has been so far the preparation, both individual and collective, for the carrying out of such a task? Preparation by means of daily prayer and conscientious study of the Sacred Writings? ‘Training that could make us capable of teaching, efficiently and effectively, the fundamental verities of the Faith to







Porter County, Indiana

Cee Souther got an A-plus for a class video presentation on race unity and, as a bonus, motivated two teachers and their families to attend the Baha'i community’s Ridvan celebration. The Baha’i student incorporated elements from several sources in her presentation for a class at Ivy Tech in Valparaiso. They included the National Spiritual Assembly's The Power of Race Unity video, a Human Relations Board of Chicago commercial called “Put a Bag on Racism” and materials lent by


individuals or to groups of individuals? Participation in the life of the community looking to strengthen it?

We all ardently desire that multitudes, of new believers enter the Faith. However, the preparations required to welcome such multitudes successfully require a sober evaluation of our resources, of our capacity to serve and of our personal, community and institutional maturity.

As humanity continues to bleed and fratricidal wars fed by racial hatred and religious prejudice fill the pages of all the newspapers, the warnings of the Master about the gravity of the racial problem and of the severe consequences of our lack of attention take on critical importance. The serious decision of committing ourselves to a vigorous teaching campaign, right where we are, becomes truly urgent as we face the perspective of the new millennium with the implications already stated. It is necessary only to renew our loyalty to the Covenant with Baha’u’llah, as recognizing Him means teaching His Cause. The one cannot exist without the other. Nor are extraordinary efforts required. h one, in the of his capacities, can design own personal teaching plan and execute it in a systematic, constant, deliberate manner.

Is there a regional training institute in your area? Ask it to train the friends in how to give a fireside, or in how to prepare as a teacher or facilitator of courses for adults or for children, how to work with the youth or to teach minorities, ete.

We end with the call of the Universal House of Justice directed to all the Baha’fs of the world, found at the end of its Ridvin 156 Message:

“Dear Friends: The days pass swiftly as the twinkle of a star. Make your mark now, at this crucial turning point of a juncture, the like of which shall never return. Make that mark in deeds that will ensure for you celestial blessings— guarantee for you, for the entire race, a future beyond any earthly reckoning.”

With affection, the Latin-American Task Force











Pee eeeerccceercecessccesecceeecesseseeseseseeeeseeeseeee

.

Carta a los amigos de

la Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana

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

Segrin la Casa Universal de Justicia, los edificios en el Monte Carmelo estin a punto de ser terminados y su inauguraci6n se aproxima:

“Los proyectos en el Monte Carmelo habran sido terminados para esta fecha [el Dia del Convenio del afto 2000), y estarin bien avanzados los preparativos para su dedicacién la cual tendra lugar en mayo 22 y 23, 2001. ...” (Mensaje de Ridvin 156 a los baha’is del mundo)

Y nuestra querida Asamblea Espiritual Nacional concluye asi su mensaje de Ridvan 1999:

“Cuando el Cuerpo Supremo comenz6 la construcci6n de ‘la metrépolis del Reino de los Cielos’ explicé que con la culminaci6n de cada etapa de esta ‘gran empresa’ serfan liberadas energias espirituales ... [que] transformaran la comunidad Baha’i y avanzaran la Causa. .. La Instituci6n Suprema reiteré ademas las profecfas de ‘Abdu’l-Baha y de Shoghi Effendi de que ... la entrada en tropas sera el preludio a la conversién en masa como resultado directo de una cadena de eventos, trascendentales y de naturaleza posiblemente catastréfica que repentinamente trastornaran el equilibrio del mundo, y reforzarén mil veces mas la fuerza numérica el poder material y la autoridad espiritual de La Fe de Baha’u’llah.””

Querido amigo Baha’:

Si comenzara hoy la entrada en tropas en tu comunidad, si de repente fuese necesario atender a las necesidades espirituales de un gran nimero, tal vez cientos de nuevos creyentes, <cudl seria la capacidad de tu comunidad para responder a semejante reto? Con cudntos maestros de la Fe, dedicados y bien profundizados, cuenta la comunidad? :Cudl ha sido hasta el momento la preparaci6n tanto individual como colectiva para el desempefio de semejante tarea? ¢Preparacién mediante la oraci6n diaria y el estudio concienzudo de las sagradas escrituras? Entrenamiento que podria capacitarnos para ensefiar eficiente y eficazmente las verdades fundamentales de la Fe a individuos 0 a grupos de indi uos? ¢Participaci6n en la vida comunitaria con miras a su fortalecimiento?








BRIEFLY

the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The showing prompted several positive comments concerning the topic and several questions about the Faith. Also, a teacher has borrowed the presentation to show in her sociology class.

Camp Hill, Alabama In their continuing drive to achieve Spiritual Assembly status, Baha’is in Camp Hill launched a drive to place Baha’i books and magazines in local libraries. Materials have been accepted

at public, school, and hospital libraries,

and the drive continues.

But the best teaching opportunity came when a librarian in a town more than an hour away refused the offer.

James Rhodes of Camp Hill headed to a restaurant for a little coffee after the disappointment. “Not realizing I still was carrying Baha’i materials, I went to the counter ... and was about to order when the employees and shift manager came over and starting reading the magazine The Babd’és,” he said. “I ended up leaving all my materials with the employees, so it really was not a wasted trip after all.”

Todos deseamos ardientemente que entren a la Fe multitudes de nuev creyentes. Sin embargo, los preparativos requeridos para acoger con éxito a tales multitudes requieren una sobria evaluaci6n de nuestros recursos, de nuestra capacidad de servicio y de nuestra madurez personal, comunitaria e institucional.

Mientras la humanidad se desangra y las guerras fratricidas alimentadas por el odio racial y el prejuicio religioso llenan las paginas de todos los periddicos, las amonestaciones del Maestro acerca de la gravedad del problema racial y de las severas consecuencias de nuestra falta de atenci6n toman una importancia critic: La resolucié6n seria de comprometernos








en una vigorosa campaiia de ensefanza en nuestro medio cobra urgencia real frente a la perspectiva del nuevo milenio con las implicaciones ya enumeradas. Tan solo es necesario renovar nuestra fidelidad al Convenio con Baha’u’llah ya que reconocerle significa ensefar Su Causa. No puede existir lo uno sin lo otro. Ni se requieren esfuerzos extraordinarios. C: quien en la medida de sus capacidades puede disefiar su propio plan personal de ensefianza y ejecutarlo de manera tematica, constante, deliberada.

¢Existe en tu drea un instituto regional de formacién? Pidele que entrene a los amigos en como dar una charla hogarefia, © en como prepararte como maestro o facilitador de cursos para adultos o para nifios, como trabajar con los jévenes o ensefiar a los minorfas, etc.

‘Terminamos con el llamado de la Casa Universal de Justicia dirigida a todos los bal del mundo y que se encuentra al final de su Mensaje de Ridvan 156:

“Queridos Amigos: los dias pasan aceleradamente como el titilar de una estrella. Dejen su huella hoy, en esta la hora crucial de una coyuntura cuyo igual nunca jamas volver. Dejen su huella en hechos que les aseguren bendiciones celestiales, que les garanticen a ustedes y









a la raza entera un futuro mas alla de todo calculo terrenal.”

Carifiosamente,

La Comisién de Trabajo

Latinoamericana

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Pam Hale Bradley, a Baha’i, is the only non-Catholic ever invited to join a round-the-clock prayer vigil the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have held here for 121 years.

Since Aug. 1, 1878, at least two sisters ata time have prayed continuously in St. Rose chapel for the city of La Crosse and peace in the world. Bradley was invited, along with a few lay Catholics, to join the aging members of the order in their vigil. She uses a Baha’i prayer book during her weekly scheduled time.


page 20 THe American BanA’i * Latin-AmMeRICAN Teacnina/News

August 1, 1999 [Page 21]“CLASSIFIED.

eam


lassified notices in The American

Bahd’t are published free of charge to the Baha’i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILUNOIS Executive Assistant, National Teaching Office. Helps National Teaching Committee secretary: Coordinates projects related to the N.







ional


‘Teaching Plan; helps develop reports; commu nicates with other agencies; prepares articles



for The American Bahd’t. Needs bachelo degree; knowledge of Bal




ssing, spreadsheet, desktop publ Internet skills. Some travel required. Media Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Helps Baha initiative through The American Baba’, the



understand the national media



es/assists local and regional jonitors national 1-800 tele


med phone system for seekers; sets up research and testing. Needs professional background in

, education and/or public relati extensive project management experi knowledge of Baha’ writings/administration. Research Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Gathers, analyzes information on issues affecting growth and development of the Fa





communicates analysis and recommendations to National Spiritual Assembly and National ‘Teaching Committe

Regional Ba




conveys information to


\4’f Councils and to the believers


rch


in general. Needs advanced degree in res


oriented field such as social sciences or market


ing; high organizational, analytical



interpersonal skills; ex Baha'i writings/admi Concrete Artesan-Apprentice, Conservation. Helps Cone vation of Baha’s House of Worship and surroundings. Must know all phas


owledge of


ration.


‘Stone Conservator in conser


of producing concrete flatwork or architectural precast components, especially making forms or molds.

Cleaning and demol


n knowledge preferred, as is supervisory experience. Needs valid driver’


icense. Will work at heights wearing resp rator. Must be able to interact with the public


in a pleasant, friendly manner.

Conservation Coordinator, Conservation. Does inspection, recordkeeping, testing and research for Conservation Program at Baha’ House of Worship; maintains Conservation team information syst


manages some projects; must work at heights. Needs three years’ experience in engineering technology and/or conservation/preservation work; degree in engineering technology, museum science or related field; skill in sketching, word processing. Administrative assistant (part-time), U.S. Babi’i Refugee Office. Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Baha’i, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Baha’ refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Baba’t and other publications. Needs proven ability to


IMMEDIATE NEEDS



analytical skills and familiarity wit



work with frequent interruptions.


Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, Washington, DC: Assistant to the Director: Researches/drafts documents for government, media and Baha’fs nationwide to support National Assembly external affairs efforts; fields inquiries; analyzes correspondence; helps coordinate staff/resources. Needs college degree, preferably advanced (journalism, political science or related area); should have 5-10 years’ experience in a fast-paced office environment. /biv'i Properties Office, Wilmette: Maintenance ventive maintenance, inventory, inspection and coordination of repairs to Baha’i properties. Needs knowledge of building maintenance and operations; will work with electricity, plumbing, mechanical and masonry repairs. Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Accountant. Needs strong interpersonal and tegrated PC-based accounting software. CPA and experience in implementing internal control procedures are highly desirable. Must have degree in accounting or equivalent accounting experience. Some travel ed. Must be able to maintain a sense of humor while working in a fast-paced, flexible environment. Appreciation for the importance of confidentiality essential. Persian/American Affairs Office, Evanston: Program Assistant. Helps the office’s manager and program coordinator follow up on programs and projects; performs records management and other office functions; handles correspondence in Persian and English; translates documents and letters. Must be skilled writing and speaking Persian and English; familiar with Baha’{ admini: culture. Must type 30 wpm in English and Persian, and be able to perform detailed


-chnician. Responsible for pre


strative practices and with Tranian


Babi’i Encyclopedia Project: Administrative Assistant. Carries out research tasks, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy, maintains files and records. Must be able to work with minimal supervision, including organizing/prioritizing the workload and finishing projects with professional, error-free results. Needs strong writing/editing and computer skills, 60 wpm word processing.

Mail Services, Evanston: Clerk (2 positions). Performs general mail service duties, including efficient handling of incoming and outgoing mail plus shipping, receiving, distribution and storage. Must be computer-! Office programs. Must speak, read and write English; needs valid driver’ license.


erate, especially in Microsoft

If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).



work with confidential information, strong




and spe Administrative Assistants; several openings nd coordinates clerical and


ns ina mature, effici


Feaceral ianeentofeen Ves line eter esa once. Mus


l-grounded inistration of puter word proc: ns (Windows 95, Word, ¢ extremely helpful). Must communicate well in


nail and various databases


spoken and written English.

If interested in any of these positions, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES BaHA'l NATIONAL CENTER

Systems and support manager. Responsible for management of operations group, technical support team, applications group and help desk. Assigns work orders to staff and tracks their timely completion. Applications developer. Provides high-level analysis, design and implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies including Visual tools, database tools and Web tools. LSAI Support. Coordinates support activi for LSAI project. Provides training and support, for LSAL Handles initial requests for support, escalates support issues to support team when necessary (LSAI help desk). Develops trainingrelated communications materials, assists promotion and education. Database administrator. Coordinates all


database development. Responsible for



tion, Responsible for ion of user and departQL using MS Access, VB or other tools as determined. Transfer desk, Membership Office. Strong, data s required.


mental applications as front ends to




aking. Will coopers n/American Affairs and


te with Refugee, Pe Pioneering Offices.

Data entry clerk, Membership Office. Will transcribe contact information from the 80022-UNI tion experienc


S voice-mail system. Needs transcrip


will cooperate with the


National Teaching Committee office.

If interested in any of these positions, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427,

fax 847-733-3430).



AT BAHA't TRADE PUBLISHING Publisher. General manager and chief operating officer; public and legal spokesperson. Responsible for the product quality and financial results. Oversees general business, policies and interdepartmental collaboration toward



developing a presence for Baha’f literature in retail bookstores and libraries. Needs excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation, negotiation and problem-solving; expertise in publishing (including distribution) and business management; extensive knowledge of literature and Bahs’f principles; bachelor’s degree; record of service on Baha’é administrative institutions.

Office Manager. Supervises operations of Baha’i Trade Publishing with focus on acquisi



tions, editorial and administrative functions. Helps publisher develop and manage this new enterprise. Develops and maintains office management systems for smooth administration. Needs excellent written and oral communication skills; expertise in publishing (including distibution) and busine:


management; high level of


organizational skills and ability to mect dead related

expertise with spreadsheets,

lines; at least bachelor’s degree



work experience:


word processing, database management and other business software; knowledge of literature and Bahs’f pri If interested in either position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).



AT BAHA’l DisTRIBUTION SERVICE Futton County, GEORGIA Assistant Manager. Supervises operations of BD:


particularly marketing and customer seraintains


dignified manner in all commu


nications. Needs varied cor


munication


expertise: business reporting, correspondence, negotiating, consultation, facilitation; bache lors degree; fami


high computer literacy with special focus on developing Web sites; financial and business management experienc


ctail sales/marketing experience in a similar industry. If interested, please contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430) or Ford Bowers (phone 800-999-9019 ext. 111).

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, email ).



PIONEERING / OVERSEAS


‘The Office of Pioneeri


1 is listing all positions sent to us by other national Baba’ institutions. Soon a list of Web


nd e-mail addresses for


job searches will be a regular feature. BAHAMAS: Self-supporting couple to serve as caretakers for the National Center.

BELIZ) er for Baha'i Center in Belmopan, the capital. COSTA RICA: Full months for Spanish-speaking, self-supporting (preferred) youth to work with Baha’ Youth Workshop.

EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: Custodian/Caretakers (independent means). GAMBIA: Permanent Institute manager. HONDURAS: Elementary and secondary school teachers.

MACAU: School of Nations needs qualified dergarten, primary and secondary teachers. SAMOA: Full-time caretakers for House of Worship with extensive practical skills (e.g.


Zouple or person to serve as caretak



\e service for 6-12







building maintenance, gardening, etc.); prefer those with independent means.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of Baha’ Center in Honjara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

‘THAILAND: Volunteers needed in various areas to help keep local centers open, assist with administrative tasks at the National Center,


‘SEE CLASSIFIED, PAGE 22


August 1, 1999

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED page 21 [Page 22]


“eo TN

°MEMORIAM.

SEAT AT



Richard Walters, Knight of Baha’u’llah in Morocco Philip O’Brien

On July 15, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States received this message from the Baha’i World Center:

DEEPLY DEPLORE NEWS PASSING DEARLY LOVED RICHARD HARDING WALTERS. DISTINCTION HE ACHIEVED AS KNIGHT BAHA’U’LLAH FOR MOROCCO DURING

night of Bahé’u'lléh Richard (Dick)

Tarding Walters departed this life May 12, 1999, in Arkansas after 60 years of homefront and international service.

In response to the beloved Guardian's appeal for pioneers to fulfill the goals of the ‘Ten Year Crusade, Richard and Evelyn Walters arose with their family and settled in French Morocco in 1954. Later that year, as secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Casablanca, Richard wrote to the National Assembly of the U.S. “The friends in the States should realize how easy a time they have in teaching. One language will do fine there but in





BELOVED GUARDIAN’S TEN YEAR GLOBAL CRUSADE INDICATIVE HIS WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION, SACRIFICIAL, HISTORIC SERVICE CAUSE OF GOD. CONVEY BEREAVED MEMBERS HIS FAMILY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ASSURANCE FERVENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHA KINGDOM.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE



ablanca rench,


ssary to teach in English and Arabic depending upon which group your contact falls into. ... Which means that to find contacts one has to attract them. This makes you realize more than ever that actions are your only instrument for teaching, since in not speaking their language you can’t stir their attention by a well turned word or present a clear explanation from the teachings in answer to questions of the spirit. You must strive patiently to win friends before you can teach. And then you may have to turn him over to another Baha’i for the study work. This is



Richard Walters and his family served the Cause in North Africa, then in Portugal. He settled in Arkansas in his later years.


known as detachment. ...”

‘The Walters family spent six years in North Africa, then relocated in 1961 to Portugal where they laid to rest their son Richard, only one month after his declaration.

In 1966, Richard and Evelyn continued their services to the Portuguese community by settling in the Azores.

‘The Cause of God was Dick’ first love and his greatest joy was helping to rai an Assembly wherever he lived. Hi teaching effort was to share the Message of Baha'u'llah in an all-African-American church in Texarkana, Arkansas.


William Cornelius Davis did significant work in Chad

We (Bill) Cornelius Davis passed away June 16, 1999, in Phoenix, Arizona, at age 80.

Bill first set out to serve his beloved faith internationally in 1966 when he went to Guatemala for a year. In 1969 he pioneered to Chad, where his teaching work was significant in the establishment of Local Assemblies, especially the one in Moundou.

He was described as being avid in his

teaching, resulting in many coming into the Faith.

Bill served on the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Chad, Central African Republic, Congo and Gabon. Before his departure in 1972, he saw the establishment of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Chad.

In April 1973, Bill and his wife, Patricia, moved to Malta. Later that year they moved to Liberia, and settled

Bahras Samimi was stalwart in Denmark

e recently learned of the passing of

Bahras Samimi on May 26, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Samimi and her husband, Ata, served as_ pioneers to Denmark for over 35 years.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark remembers her as “a warm center of hospitality,” noting her dedicated services on the Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg from the time it was established in 1962.

In a message dated June 1, 1999, addressed to the National Assembly of

Denmark, the Justice wrote:

Universal House of

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE RECEIVED YOUR EMAIL OF 28 MAY 1999 AND WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF MRS. BAHRAS SAMIMI, WHO SERVED FOR MANY YEARS AS A DEVOTED PIONEER IN DENMARK WITH HER HUSBAND, MR. ATA SAMIMI. BE ASSURED OF THE LOVING PRAYERS OF THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE IN THE HOLY SHRINES FOR THE PROGRESS OF MRS. SAMIMI’S SOUL IN THE ABHA KINGDOM.

CLASSIFIED, continuen From pace 21



teach within hill tribe communities, etc. These opportunities are open to youth.

‘TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Great need for medical personnel: family physician, internist, obstetrician, health care service manager, clerical officer, biomedical technician, medical records officer.

VENEZUELA: Self-supporting couple (preferable) to serve as caretakers of the Baha’i National Center and assistants to the National Assembly secretary. Pioneers are urgently needed in Mérida, a beautiful location in the Andes. WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: Custodian/caretakers (independent means).

For additional information regarding jobs and study abroad, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233



Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847733-3508, e-mail Ds

YOUTH

Youth/Young Adult Volunteers Needed At BoscH, LOUHELEN, GREEN ACRE, Louis Grecory Instrrute, NABI

  • Office and registration help
  • Kitchen and cleaning help

© Recreation and library help

  • Maintenance and grounds help
  • Children’s class teaching help

We provide room and board. Contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847733-3427, fax 847-733-3430)



in that country for three years.

Unknown to many, this servant was an extraordinary sculptor. Many of his works, even tables, were created from one piece of wood.

Despite the limiting effects of ill health, Bill engaged in traveling teaching in Africa and the Caribbean and arose to serve as a short-term pioneer to Romania during the Three Year Plan (1993-96).


Due to an unexpected staff shortage and a resulting backlog of work in the Membership Office, we are unable to provide an “In Memoriam” list for this issue of The American Bahai. Complete listings will resume in future issues.




eocce

ARCHIVES



‘The National Baha'i Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to; Walter Covington, Elah Cowart, Emily Craighead, Ethel Crane, Joan Crawford, Martin H. Crawford, Diantha Crisp, Gene W. Crist and William Day Crocket. Anyone knowing relatives who might have these Guardian's letters is asked to contact the National Baha’{ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847869-9039).


Free information sheets on local archives and records are available to any Baha'i community.


served in Ireland and in Wilmette

EEPLY GRIEVED PASSING PHILIP O'BRIEN NOBLE-HEARTED, STALWART SERVANT BAHA’U’LLAH. WE LOVINGLY RECALL HIS VALUED SERVICES HOUSE OF WORSHIP WILMETTE, HIS PIONEERING ACHIEVEMENTS IRELAND WHERE HE SERVED WITH GREAT DEVOTION TEACHING ADMINISTRATIVE FIELDS, AND HIS DEDICATED LABOURS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HIS INDOMITABLE FAITH COUPLED WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR PRODUCED A JOYOUS AND GALVANISING EFFECT UPON THE FRIENDS. PRAYERS WILL BE OFFERED HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. CONVEY LOVING SYMPATHY HIS BELOVED WIFE, CHILDREN

AND MEMBERS FAMILY. THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Philip O’Brien departed this life January 9, 1999, after a long illness.

His wife shared the following: “The experience of the last few months with Philip was precious and extremely enriching in terms of the blossoming of his soul and growing strength of his spirit which seemed to override the pain he experienced and the weakening of his body. The family was with him throughout the time of his death which was in itself a profound gift for us all. This was a ‘near death experience’ of a different order in that we were like a team on this side assisting in a birthing process and sending him to a team on the other side. There could be no doubt of where he was going and the beauty of it, of his dilemma of not being quite ready when he told them to wait and of wanting to go when he asked us to let him go. ...

“There was wonderful cooperation between all of us, and he went off happily, peacefully surrounded on all sides by those whom he loves.

“Tt was a privilege, a life changing, transforming gift which he gave to us, his family, and to his many friends with whom we can share his story. ...”




“To request a set, write the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL

60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039). Please supply your community’s mailing address.

WANTED


If you (or an older believer in your community) have any remembrances of or associations with Hilda Yen (married name: Hilda Yen Male), a Chinese Baha’ who gave many U.N--related talks on peace in the U.S. and Canada in the 1940s and 1950s, please contact ‘Mrs. M. Khavari,

Portsmouth, NH, 03801 (phone/fax 603-43 18566, e-mail ,


page 22. THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ IN MemoriamM/CLassirieD August 1, 1999 [Page 23]








ere i Electoral Unit conventio:


will be held across the country in carly October to elect delegates to the Baha’i National Convention of April 2000.

¢ Electoral Units are listed by region

the latest information on.


which

(E


(some have areas that overlap regions).

  • If you don’t know your

J) number, it will be printed on the envelope in which you receive your ballot in a few weeks. If you have Internet access, you can find out your

coral Unit Web Site (www


Assembly host

EU number on the


¢ If information here is incomplete, the ~ contact number or the Local Spiritual

1999 Electoral Unit Conventions

For children’s programs at Unit Conventit with the Special Edition of Brilliant Star ($3.50 each or $2.50 for five or more

copies through BDS). Find out

Administrative

org).


bn


ing your Convention

may be reached for details.


nhance your curriculum

more at www.usbne.org




Northeastern States






‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Portland, P.O. Box 674, Portland, ME 041040674 (phone 207-282-3734). EU002: Hartford High School, 2

‘Taft Ave., White River Junction, VI; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Rochester, P.O. Box 24, Rochester, VI’ 05767-0024 (phone 802-767-3303).

EU003: me TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Manchester c/o Dianne



= Site,

Richmond,

Manchester, NH 03103-4622 (phone 603-668-2291).

EU004: Chelmsford Old ‘Town Hall (Community Center), 1 A-North

Rd., Chelmsford, MA; date, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Chelmsford, P.O. Box 544, Chelmsford, MA 01824-0544 (phone 978-250-0956).

EU00S: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Wilbraham, P.O. Box 862, Wilbraham, MA 01095 (phone 413-572-4693). EU006: TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Providence, P.O. Box 41001, Providence, RI 02940-1001 (phone 401-831-7068).

EU007: Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Rd., Farmington, CT; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Farmington c/o Ruth Gammons,







Unionvi CT 06085-1164 (phone 860-677-4460).

EU008: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA New Canaan, P.O. Box 1597, New Canaan, CT 06840-1597 (phone 203-972-3082).

EU009: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Brookhaven c/o Marie McNair, East Patchogue, NY 11772-6137 (phone 516-289-2006).

EUO010: New York City Baha’é Center, 53 East Ith Street, New York, NY; Sunday, Oct. 3, 1-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA New York City, 53 E Ith St, New York, NY 10003-4601 (phone 212-254-6723). EUOLI: Grice Middle School,




Ikon TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hamilton, P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton Sq, NJ 08690 (phone 609-586-2931).

EUOI2: - Mail ballots to LSA Montelair Township, PO. Box 3407, Montclair, NJ 07043-3407 (phone 973-509-2799). EUOI3: State Univ. of NY at New Paltz, Lecture Center Room 100, New Paltz, NY; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA New Paltz, BO. Box 1158, New Paltz, NY 12561 (phone 914-256-9133).

EUO14: Pittsford Middle School, 75 Barker Dr, Pittsford, NY; date, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pittsford

Whitehorse Ave





c/o Mitra Di t

Piusford, NY 14534-1077 (phone 716-264-1180).

EUOIS: “TBA. Mail ballots to LSA State College c/o Michael Stokes, P.O. Box 1376, State College, PA 16804-1376 (phone 814-867-4316, e-mail

).

EUOL6: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lower Merion ‘Township, P.O. Box 772, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (phone 610617-0436)

EU048: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Olean, BO. Box 9, Olean, NY 14760-0009 (phone 716372-3663).





Southern States



EUO17: JD's Conference Center at Concord Plaza; 3411 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA New Castle County North c/o Sandra Shoemaker,

Wilmington, DE 19810 (phone 302-332-5644). EUOI8: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Howard County, RO. Box 488, Col bia, MD 21045-0488 (phone 410-964-1234). EUO19: Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Dr,, Rockville, MD; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Rockville, PO. Box 1826, Rockville, MD 208491826 (phone 301-762-7956). EU020: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots nbelt, P.O. Box 245, belt, MD 20768-0245 (phone







falls Church, VA 22041-0325 '03-941-0516).

ime TBA. Mail ballots irfax County West, P.O. enterville, VA 20120

to LSAT Box 20


School, Fred Oct. 3; 1 am). Mail ballots to LSA Spotsylvania County, c/o Jeff Solka, Fredricksburg, VA 22408-2920 (phone 540-899-9690). EU024: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Norfolk, BO. Box 6100, Norfolk, VA 23508 (phone 757423-5849). EU025: Home of Marlene White, Greenville, NC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 11:30 am-5 pm (register 10:30 am). Mail ballots to Baha'is of Greenville, c/o Marlene White, Greenville, NC


pm (register




27858-5229 (phone 252-321-5888). EU026: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fayetteville c/o Janis Holden‘Toruno, Fayett e, NC 28303-2611 (phone 910-867-2155). EU027: ‘To be announced. EU028: Louis G. Gregory Bahs’ Institute, Hemingway, SC; date, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Wil Hill c/o Jamal Beckman, Hemingway, SC 29554-4017 (phone 843-558-5802). EU029: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Mount Pleasant c/o Diane Holladay, P.O. Box 1389, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (phone 843881-9599). EU030: To be announced. EU031: To be announced. £U032: North Family Community School, 616 M orth, ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Orangeburg c/o P. aul PO. Box 2464, Orangeburg, SC 29116 (phone 803-536-2752). EU033: Site, time TBA. H. Richland County North c/o E1 Crawford, P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 29221-0351 (phone 803-798-7116). 1U034: ‘To be announced. {U035: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots. to LSA Donnelly c/o Debbie H. Jackson, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554 (phone 843-558-9289). EU036: To be announced. EU037: To be announced. EU039: To be announced. EU040: To be announced. EU041: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lydia c/o Jean Goss, > 29532





liams








date, time






Darlington, $ (phone 843-395-2123). EU042: To be announced.

EU043: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Rock Hill c/o Helen R.

‘Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730-5311 (phone 803-328$395). EU044: To be announced. EU04S5: Alexander Graham Middle School, 1800 Runnymede Lane, Charlotte, NG; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Charlotte, P.O. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28222-1155 (phone 704-892-9755). EU046: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA High Point c/o David Martin, High Point, NC 27265-1257 (phone 336883-2289). EU047: Avanti Restaurant, 119 E. shington St., Charles ‘Town, W Oct. 17, 10 am-4 pm (register to LSA Jefferson

8B,



Sur 9 am). Mail ball County c/o Julie

Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-9715 (phone 304/876



EU0S2: to LSA Louisville c/o Iraj R:



Louisville, K 40217-1135 (phone 502-635-6396). EU053: YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC Oct. 3, 9:30 am-2:30 pm (register 9 ballots to LSA Asheville, Asheville, NC 28802




am). ) P.O. Box 882



to LSA Cherokee County c/o Jessi Smith, RO. Box 283, Woodstock, GA 30188 (phone 770-928-2483). EUOSS: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA De Kalb County North, BO. Box 942131, Atanta, GA 31141-2131 (phone 770-496-1565).

EU0S6: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fulton County Central c/o






Carla Fanaian,

Alpharetta, GA 30022 (phone 770-360-1363). EU057: Site, time TBA. Contact

Nalm Ghalile (phone 770-428-4559). EU0S8: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Augusta, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919 (phone 706738-3104). EU059: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Savannah, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402-1093 (phone 912-927-2746). EU060: 1¢ TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Columbus, ¢/o Scott Duncan, Midland, GA 318209392 (phone 706-565-9041).







EU061: To be announced. EU062: ‘To be announced. EU063: ‘To be announced.

fo be announced. EU065: To be announced. EU066: ‘To be announced. fo be announced.



nnounced.

To be announced.

i . Mail ballots SA Montgomery, P.O. Box 1131, _ 36101-1131 (phone

, time TE



Montgomery 334-269-6329). £U071: UAB, Hill Univ. Center, reat Hall, 1400 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Hoover c/o Robert Hastin; Birn 35226-1056 (pho EU072: G Albert C Sunday, O lots to L

Bishop,











A Nashville c/o Kathy


Antioch, TN 37013-1343 (phone 615-367-2774). EUO091: Univ. of Tennessee


Saturday, Oct. 9, 9 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Memphis c/o Dessie Heintz, P.O. Box 111101, Memphis, TN 38111-1101

(phone 901-276-4106). EU092: To be announced.

EU093: Baton Rouge Baha'i Center, 4270 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am-4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA New Orleans c/o Parviz Mojgani,

New Orleans, LA

70125-4844 (phone 504-522-9048). EU094: Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA San Antonio c/o Margaret Leeds, San Antonio, TX 78204-1316 (phone 210-494-9752).

EU095: Challenger 7 Park Learning Center, 2301 W. NASA Blvd., nday, Oct. 3, 10 am-5 pm (register 9am). M to LSA League 20. Box 724, League City, TX 77574-0724 (phone 281-332-6805).


Friendswood,






ballots to L: 301190, Houston, (phone 281-480-6930). EU09 time TBA. M to LSA Austin,

A TX 78723-5834 (phone 512-467-8880). EU098: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Bryan, c/o Monica Osterbuhr,







Bryan, 77802 (phone 409-776-6472). EU099: Tyler Bahs’s Center, 406 N.

NW Loop 323, ‘Ijler, TX; Sunday, Oct. 17, 10. am-5 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Tyler c/o J.B ink, ‘Fler, ‘TX 75707-1763 (phone 903566-8058).




SEE SOUTHERN, PAGE 24



Tre American BanA’i ¢ Unrr Conventions 1999 page 23 [Page 24]“UNTT CONVENTIONS 19 9'9"




Central States



EU049: Baker Hall, Case Western Reserve Univ., 10950 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA Cleveland, P.O. Box 602190, Cleveland, OH 44102-2190 (phone 216-752-4679). EU0S0: Hilliard Heritage Middle School, 5670 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, OH; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-3 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Hilliard c/o Lisa Shademan, Hilliard, OH 43026 (phone 614-527-8894). EUOS1: Lohrey Center, 2366 Glenarm Ave., Dayton, OH 45420; nday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Dayton c/o Vurleen Guffey, Dayton, OH 45419 (phone 937294-6869). EU073: CK Newsome Center, 100 E. Walnut, Evansville, IN; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10:30 am-4:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Bloomington c/o Richard Hatch, RO. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402 (phone 812-334-2892). EU074: E. Wayne St. Center, 801 E Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9 am-3 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Fort Wayne, P.O. Box 10007, Fort Wayne, IN 468500007 (phone 219-456-8331). EUO75: Kalamazoo Valley Comm. College, Technology Applications Center, 6767 W. “0” Ave., Kalamazoo, MI; Saturday, Oct. 9, 1-5 pm (register and lunch 11:30 am). ‘Mail ballots to LSA Kalamazoo c/o











SOUTHERN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23



ite, time TBA. Mail ballots Jand, BO. Box 450902, Garland, TX 75045-0902 (phone 972-495-2362).

EUIO01: Harvey Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expwy., Plano, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10. am-3 pm (register 9:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA Coppell, PO. Box 586, Coppell, TX 75019 (phone 972-462-9695).

EU102: Tarrant County Baha’é Center, 723 East Border St., Arlington, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 8:30 am-1 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Grapevine c/o E Valentine,

Grapevine, TX 76051 (phone 817488-0892).

EUI03: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Midland c/o Lisa Schaffer


ma E.


Harris, Midland, ‘TX 79703-6944 (phone 915520-5899).

EU104: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Sapulpa c/o John Algeo, Sapulpa, OK 74066-3848 (phone 948-227-2046). EUI05: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Oklahoma City c/o Sharron Alvi, Oklahoma City, OK 73108-7034 (phone 405-348-1690).

Virginia Lucatelli, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (phone 616



  • f Center, 19711

MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Canton oo. Barbara Laferier,

Canton, MI 48187 (phone 734459-3307).

EU077: Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm (register 8 am) pallots to LSA ‘Troy c/o C Faye Melnnis, P.O. Box 851, ‘Troy, MI 48099 (phone 248-588-5542). EU078: 100 Grawn Hall, Central Michigan Univ, Mt Pleasant, MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Saginaw c/o Roxie Schell,

Saginaw, MI 48602-2711 (phone $17792-8999).

EU079: NMU-University Center, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 11 am-4 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Marquette c/o Linda Maxwell,






Marquette, MI 49855 (phone 906-249-3164). EU080: Univ. of Wisconsin


‘enwood Blvd. and filwaukee, WI; Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Milwaukee Baha’f Center, 2526 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 (phone 414-265-5693).

EUO81: Red Cross Bldg., 310 14th

i MN; Sunday, Oct. 3, noon-Spm (register I] am). ‘Mail ballots to LSA Rochester c/o Pauline McFarlin,

Rochester, MN 55904 (phone 507285-3398).

EU082: Holiday Inn, 200 Dearborn, US. Hwy. 51 & 75, South Beloit, IL; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Beloit, RO. Box 1278, Beloit, WI 53512-1278 (phone 608-365-7879). EU083: Marriott Schaumburg, 50 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 8:30 am-I pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Vernon Hills c/o Regina Blum,

Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (phone 847918-8587). EU084: Baha'i Linden Ave. and Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-1 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Skokie, RO. Box 572, Skokie, IL 60077 (phone 847-329-7308). EUO85: Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Hermann Union







House of Worship,







lay, Oct. 3, 3-7 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Chicago, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 606163933 (phone 312-225-1919).

EU086: Georgetown Clubhouse, 301 S. Prospect St, Wood Dale, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9:30 am-1:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wheaton c/o Cynthia Keene, PO. Box 782, Wheaton, IL 60187 (phone 630-690-9798).


Champaign, IL 61821-5836 (phone 217-356-9654). EU088: Ambraz Recreation Center, 2000 Mt Vernon Rd. S.E., Cedar Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 (er 9am). Mail ballots to LSA Cedar Rapids c/o Janet Kind, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2298 (phone 319-377-0023). EU089: Rolla Lions Club, Hwy. 63 S., Rolla, MO; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9amI pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Phelps County c/o Sandra Palmberg, P.O. Box 446, Rolla, MO 65401 (phone 573-364-0845). EU090: Lafayette Park United Methodist Church, 2300 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, MO; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA St. Louis c/o Maharshah Johnson,

St. Louis, MO, 63118 (phone 314-664-6696). EU106: Wichita State U Building, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, nday, Oct. 3, 10 am-3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wichita c/o Linda Munhall, P.O. Box 1979, Wichita, KS 67202 (phone 316-683-8851). EU107: St. Paul School of Theology, $123 Truman Rd., Kansas Cit Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am-4:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA

ity c/o Jai Kenyata















ity, MO 64138 (phone 816756-3675). EU108: Nebraska City High School Auditorium, 141 Steinhart Park Rd., TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Grand Island c/o Jubi-Anne Maggiore,

Grand Island, NE 68803-6333 (phone 308-381-2789). EU109: Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Eden Prairie, P.O. Box 46014, Eden Prairie, MN 553442714 (phone 612-437-6250). EUL10: Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd., Anoka, MN; Sunday, Oct. 3, 1-4:30 pm (register noon). Mail ballots to LSA Coon Rapids, P.O. Box 48244, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (phone 612755-0820). EUI11L: Wrangler Motor Inn, 820 W Grand Crossing, Mobridge, SD; Saturday, Oct. 2, 10:30 am-4 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Pierre c/o Shiva Ziai, RO. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501-0214 (phone 605224-6992), EUI12: Trechaven, Kyle, SD; Sunday, Oct. 10, 11 am-3 pm (register 10:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Rapid City c/o Alberta Schulte,

Rapid City, SD

57702 (phone 605-343-4470).










Western States




EULL3: To be announced. EUI 14: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Arvada, P.O. Box 923, Arvada, CO 80001-0923 (phone 303-425-9323), EULIS: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 N. Main Ave., Durango, CO; Sunday, Oct. 3, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA La Plata County, P.O. Box 1265, Durango, CO 81302-1265 (phone 970259-1803). EUL116: Diner's Club, 336 Parker Ave., Santa Rosa, NM; Saturday, Oct. 2, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hobbs, P.O. Box 5161, Hobbs, NM 88241-5161 (phone 505393-6093), EUI117: Belen Recreation Center, 715B S. Main St., Belen, NM; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Belen, P.O. Box 663, Belen, NM 87002-0663 (phone 505864-3993), EULI8: Site, time TBA; Sunday, Oct. 10. Mail ballots to LSA Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004-1491 (phone 505527-4292). EUI119: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pima County N., P.O. Box 37121, Tucson, AZ 85740-7121 (phone 520-742-9641). EU120: Chandler Comm. Center, 125 E. Commonwealth, Chandler, AZ, date, time TBA. Mail ballots to. LSA Chandler, PO Box 3393, Chandler, AZ 85244-3393 (phone 480-899-4046). EUI21: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-0961 (phone 602-942-2836). EU122: Hampton Inn, $408 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to. LSA Glendale, P.O. Box 6447, Glendale, AZ 85312-6447 (phone 623-847-1820). EU123: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Paradise Valley c/o Maureen Thur,

Paradise Valley, AZ 852532627 (phone 480-948-3: 582). EU124: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Flagstaff, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-2533 (phone 520-226-8707). EU125S: Native American Baha'i Institute, 630 Burntwater Road, Houck, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Gallup, P.O. Box 1822, Gallup, NM 873051822 (phone 505-863-9074). EU126: Wesuminster College, 1840, S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City, UT; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Salt Lake County, P.O. Box $7775, Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0775 (phone 801-278-5324). EU127: Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Helena, Helena,


MT 59601-3202 (phone 406 442-7526). EUI28: West Valley High School,

$301 E. Buckeye, Spokane, WA; Sunday, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Spokane CCD #2 c/o David Simmons, Veradale, WA 99037-9001 (phone 509-255-9926). EU129: Senior Citizen’s Center, 602 N. 4th St, Yakima, WA 98901; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Yakima County Comm Dist #1, BO. Box 94, Selah, WA 98942-0094 (phone 509-697-3467). EU130: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Boise, P.O. Box 585, Boise, ID 83701-0585 (phone 208344-1886). EUI31: Las Vegas Baha'i Center, 7035 W. Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Clark County West c/o Gloria Allen, Las Vegas, NV 89103 (phone 702-365-1538). EU132: San Diego Baha'i Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA; Saturday, Oct. 2, 1-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Chula Vista, P.O. Box 287, Chula Vista, CA 91912-0287 (phone 619-4211950). EU133: San Diego Baha'i Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San. Diego, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr, San Diego, CA 92111-6933 (phone 619574-1486). EU134: Carlsbad Senior Center, Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Encinitas, P.O. Box 230088, Encinitas, CA 92023-0088 (phone 760-944-6441). EU135: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Riverside c/o Judith Hart, Riverside, CA 92505-1737 (phone 909-683-6515). EU136: Orange County Baha’i Center, 3316 Ave. Del Presidente, San Clemente, CA; Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 am. Mail ballots to LSA Laguna Niguel, P.O. Box 7776, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-7776 (phone 949-249-2016). EU137: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Irvine, P.O. Box 17254, Irvine, CA 92623-7254 (phone 949552-5455). EU138: Yorba Linda Comm. Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Upland c/o Barbara Marino, Upland, CA 91786-6130 (phone 909-982-4239). EU139: Cerritos Park Community Center, 13234 E 166th St., Cerritos, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Cerritos, P.O. Box 4821, Cerritos, CA 90703-4821 (phone 562-402-4870). EU140: Culver City Veterans Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA; Sunday, Oct.


_ SEE WESTERN, PAGE 25


page 24

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Unrr Conventions 1999

August 1, 1999


[Page 25]

TWO WINGS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

POCCCOCCO ECE EEEEOO OOOO EE OOOO OOOO EEE OO OOS E OOOO OO OOO E ESOS OO OOO SOOOOOOO ESOS OO OOS OSOO OOOO EEO O®

(equivalent to a city council), a job the National Assembly has asked Bahai munities to carry out within their areas.

‘The task force learned that a year earlier, San Francisco was the first city to pass an ordinance putting into practice the print ples of the International Convention for the




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

On a national scale, Baha’is have been acting for a decade to encourage Congress to ratify CEDAW. For four

ears, the National Assembly has been hair of a working group aiming at






the link to NCEWM.

of the Blessed Beauty:


The National Spiritual Assembly is heartened by the enthusiastic response of the Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups to present Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to their mayors and/or city councils. As of mid-July, 166 localities had sent in reports of their actions to the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men. The table below provides a summary of those reported by that date.

Activities in each region s NE c w Number of localities reporting 43 21 33 69 Number of mayors presented the statement 38 15 30 48 Number of city councils presented the statement 32 7 29 40 Presentations to local women’s organizations 46 3 26 57 Donations to high schools 6 1 0 5 Donations to public libraries 6 2 3 7. Presentation to other community organizations 59 9 16 75 Firesides on equality i 7 20 48 Proclamation events 4 2 Wl 33 Televised events 2 0 2 Newspaper coverage 15 4 6 20

To see the names of all communities, please check the Administrative Web Site (wwwuusbne.org); you will need your Bahs'i 1D number to log in. Click on the Departments and Agencies link, then click on

If you don't see your community listed there and/or you have new activities to report, please submit (or resubmit) a progress report to Cynthia R. Thomas, Secretary, National Committee for the Equality ‘of Women and Men, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail f

‘Some communities reported that they needed alittle more time to develop and implement their plans of action. As we continue to spread this world-refreshing message of Baha'u'llah and promote a greater awareness of these divine principles that are so needed in today's society, let us take heart in the words

“We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of our favoured angels.” Gleanings from the Writings of Babd’u'llab, p. 139



WESTERN STATES, continuep From pace 24



that goal.

The United States is one of a few countries that haven’t ratified that global treaty.

On finding out about the ordinance, the San ncisco Bah


decided to publicly thank all loc involved, principally the

and Barbara Kaufman, the supervisor who


ayor


sponsored the ordinance. City supervisors

Kaufman, thrilled with the recognition,

invited the Baha'i community to meet

with her as well as the full Board of



19 and presented her with a certificate of thanks from the Local Assembly and the two


statements.

That evening, as a diverse Baha’i group attended the Board of Supervisor ing, an Assembly representative w ed to give a brief talk. Baha’is then presented each supervisor with a letter of thanks and a packet containing the National Assembly statements.







Mayor’s Commission

Meanwhile, the task force approached the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women through a member, Carolene Marks, who is an old friend of the San Francisco Baha’i community.

At the commission's May 26 meeting, the only four men in the room were Bah:

As Brady spoke, President Patri Chang and a few other commissioners reportedly were “absolutely beaming,” and one later asked about the origin of the Baha’i Faith. To top it off, Quddus Sinclair made a musical presentation praising the commission as leaders of this historic time.







Lowell Grieves (right) of Peoria, Illinois, is one of more than 130 mayors presented with the National Assembly’s Two Wings statement in the past few months.

The mayor

Even as the task force checked in with the mayor's coordinator the morning of their June 5 appointment, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle listened in chatted with the friends for some time

Six Baha’is then filed into a room where Brown was at a big round table. When the letter of thanks was passed to the mayor, the Baha’is drew on their research to express their community’ gratitude in a personal way rather than in a formal reading of the letter.

‘They praised Brown’s efforts through the years to eliminate discrimination and




“promote equality, from his work for fair

employment opportunity on “auto row” in San Francisco to the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

The mayor's eyes lighted up and he said, “You remember auto row? That was like in the early 60s.”

In addition to the Two Wings and Vision of Race Unity statements, the Baha’is gave Brown a copy of the video The Power of Race Unity. @


POCO C OCC O EEE EE EEE EEO H OOOO EE OOOO OOOOOOEOHOOOO OOOO OOOO OOOH OEE OOO OOO EEEEOO OOO EEO O OOOO OOOO O®

3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406-1066 (phone 310-394-5449).

EUIAI: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pasadena, P.O. Box 91668, Pasadena, CA 91109-1668 (phone 626-398-6318).

EU142: Los Angeles Baha’i Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Los Angeles, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016-5013 (phone 818-908-1020).

EUL143: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA La Crescenta, P.O. Box 615, Verdugo City, CA 91046-0615 (phone 818-248-1782).

EU144: Borchard Community Center, 190 N Reino Road, Newbury Park, CA; Sunday, Oct. 10, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Thousand Oaks, RO. Box 1137, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358-0137 (phone 805-499-4241), EU145: Nine Oaks Baha’i Institute, 1201 Old Oak Park Road, Arroyo



Grande, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San Luis Obispo County N.W,, P.O. Box 1221, Cambria, CA 93428-1221 (phone 805-466-1323). EU146: YMCA, 600 Camino del Estero, Monterey, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Prunedale c/o Jana Davis, Prunedale, CA 93907 (phone 831-663-0812). EU147: Fresno Baha'i Center, 2240 E. Angus Ave., Fresno, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fresno, P.O. Box 5501, Fresno, CA 93755-5501 (phone 559447-1633). EUL148: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Los Gatos, P.O. Box 1772, Los Gatos, CA 95031-1772 (phone 408-356-8624 ). EU149: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Palo Alto, RO. Box 60418, Palo Alto, CA 94306-0418 (phone 650-858-8080). EUIS5O: Beresford Rec, Center, 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo,



CA; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San Mateo, P.O. Box 409, San Mateo, CA 94401-0409 (phone 650340-1512). EUIS1: To be announced. EU1S2: To be announced. EU1S3: Unity Church of the Valley, 350 N. Orchard Ave., Vacaville, CA; Saturday, Oct. 2, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fairfield, RO. Box 985, Fairfield, CA 94533-0098 (phone 707-426-4187). EUL54: Roseville High School, 601 ‘Tahoe Ave., Roseville, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Roseville c/o Sandra Moline, Roseville, CA 95678-6911 (phone 916-774-9392). EU15S: Community Center ‘Theatre, 2791 24th St., Sacramento, CA; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 am-3 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Sacramento, P.O. Box 160966, Sacramento, CA 95816-0966 (phone 916-498-1792). EU156: Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd.,

Petaluma, CA; date, time TBA. Mail


ballots to LSA Petaluma, P.O. Box 23, Petaluma, CA 94953-0023 (phone 415-892-3377). EUIS57: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Red Bluff City c/o Janet Lopez, Red Bluff, CA 96080-2753 (phone 530-529-5856). EUIS8: Umpqua Comm. College, Science Hall, Room 10, 1140 College Road, Roseburg, OR; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am. Mail ballots to LSA Douglas County, P.O. Box 212, Winchester, OR 97495-0212 (phone 541-459-9763). EUIS59: Philomath Middle School, 2021 Chapel Drive; SaturdaySunday, Oct. 2-3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Benton County c/o Evelyn Martin,

Corvallis, OR 97330-9561 (phone 541-929-2718). EU160: ¢ TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Milwaukie, BO. Box 22517, Milwaukie, OR 97269-2517 (phone 503-653-5901). EU161: Portland Bahé’s




8720 N. Ivanhoe St., Portland, OR; Saturday, Oct. 2, time TBA. Mail ballots to Baha'is of Multnomah


County c/o Barbara Rosenkranz,

Corbett, OR 97019-9602 (phone 503-695-5784). EU162: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Tualatin, P.O. Box 821, ‘Tualatin, OR 97062-0821 (phone 503-825-6692). EU163: Brighton Creek Conference Center, 4516 SR 702, McKenna, WA date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA King County East Central, RO. Box 722, Issaquah, WA 98027-0027 (phone 425-392-8253). EU164: To be announced. EUI165: -, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Burien, P.O. Box 373, Seahurst., WA 98062-0373 (phone 206-246-4275). EU166: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Mt. Baker c/o Monta Wagar, Lynden, WA 98264-9011 (phone 360-398-2573). EUI67: To be announced.






August 1, 1999

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Unrr Conventions 1999

page 25 [Page 26]

“YOUTH


A small campus group calls and hundreds gather



a long tradition of producing exciting results, sometimes with meager and few people. In the 1980s, ity of Louisville rocked Kentucky with a three-member club. In the middle of this decade, the of North Carolina at Asheville was recognized as the most outstanding student organization on campus, with just four members.

Now, at the end of the 1990s, the Rice ociation is continuing in this awe-inspiring

With the help of a few lo nity members, the Association sponsored the “Open-Mic C house” celebration in the campus’ Grand Hall.













‘The event featured diverse acts including ly, a barbershop quartet, Mexican folk singers, | guitar and more.



improv comec



blues music, classi Highlighting the evening amazing performance by Los Angelesbased Justice Leeg, a Baha'i hip-hop group.

By the end of the night, about 400


was an





people filled the hall to standing onl


, consuming dozens of s of cookies, and a host of pies and g the 100 free




[-shirt In the next four days, as their fellow 4’i shirts to classes 140 people visited Association’s Web site, the is on campus no doubt contemplated the power a small group




students wore Bah: and

more than


of people can exert when, in complete

faith, they arise to serve.



TRUE WEALTH

erin,

crossword ft Dy Uf he O!

Our Hearts

¢ of the Treasurer



ACROSS

1. Supporting the Baha’i Faith helps

the entire

3. neo and sacri rificial giving

in us spiritually.

. The aise of something; a deed;

anti: motion.

8. The surest way of lifting the bur dens of humanity.

11. “... contributing to the Fund

should constitute an integral part of

the life of every Baha’ and

be regarded as the fulfillment of a

fundamental obligation.”

—The Universal House of Justice

13. World

14. To make an offering; to give up

for the sake of something el

15. Baha’i Institutions are a

from Baha’u’llah to the world.

16. Contributing to the Fund: reserved only for Baha’is.

17. Giving and the amount given is








a


18. pation in the Baha'i Funds brings many blessings.



is for man to turn his face towards the courts of the Lord, to enter His Presence, behold His Countenance, and stand as witness before Him.” —Baha’u’llah

3. Willingness to share or give.

4. Firm belief; to place confidence in. 5. Giving is a private matter. It is


7. We can express this feeling

toward our Institutions when con tributing to the Funds.

9. We will receive this when giving

to the Funds regularly and sacrifi cially.

10. “The greatest gift that we can

give the poor and the down-trodden

is to aid to build up the divine inaugurated in this day

by Baha’u’llah. ...”

— on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

12. Contributing to the Baha’i

Funds demonstrates this emotion.

Answers in next issue



Mathai, Rey Luna and Papa Goose of the Baha’i hip-hop group Justice Leeg provide a centerpiece for a popular “Open-Mic Coffeehouse” at Rice University.

Harvard club sees door opening

INFORMATION FROM HOUMAN VAFAI AND HARVARD UNIVERSITY BAHA'I ASSOCIATION

L an effort to help education students in their y et at the heart of ply rooted issues of race and culture, Harvard University all four of them


arning to



de members of the Baha'i

knocked on doors.

Association:


The doors opened and dozens of students benefited.

Joy DeGruyary to speak in March at the School of An educational model she developed is based on the

The project was to brit


aduate


Education.

h value certain cultures place on person: ationships.




Resources were needed to make ppen. Fortunately, Harvard has the Askwith Education that invites prominent speakers from around the country and world to present their work in the field of educatior

The Baha'i Association made its proposal, and the forum agreed to publi the event with posters on campus and a notice in its nationwide newsletter.

The lecture, “Tolerate or Embrace: Understanding Cultural Differen attracted 85 people, including several prominent professors. A follow-up faculty dinner organized by the Askwith Forum attracted another 15.



Forum, an of











Ina short two hours, DeGruy-Leary ¢ as she explained through her “Relationship Model” the value of relationship-building in Afi and L; and st


engaged the audies



n-American no cultures,

ested ways educational institu


tions could apply her model A doctoral student said this was the best presentation she had been to all year. Another used her inspiration from the presentation, and the dinner afterwards, to plow through three drafts of her qualifying proposal in one week. Even scholars who had mixed emotions. were appreciative that DeGruy-Leary spoke about such deeply rooted issues. Responses from the presentation have provided opportunities for frank discussions about race and culture, both with in the Baha ion and with other




Assoc

Several factors were instrumental in


sociation worked as a unit yet allowed for individual effort hey simultaneously strove to excel in their academic responsibilitie:

  • Most importandy, they sought to

draw on the Holy Spirit by planning their efforts but at the same time “going with the flow” and allowing God’s will to take shape as it is supposed to, and not as we intend!






WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR RACE UNITY? National Youth Committee Have you hosted or participated in a Baha’i National Center Neighborhood Race Unity Dialogue? Have you _—*1233 Central St. made friends of different races or cultures? Evanston, IL 60201 What challenges have you faced? What have phone 847-733-3499 been some victories? Let us know! e-mail

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR EXCITING AND INFORMATIVE MATERIAL TO HELP ALL BAHA’! YOUTH ARISE TO SERVE THE FAITH.





page 26 Tie American BanA’i ¢ Yourn


August 1, 1999 [Page 27]

SEEKING*>YOUR-+-RESPONSE.


EITM ES eet yaa ae

800-999-9019


Your window to teaching, deepening, and external affairs


World Order

Available in midsummer: Spring 1999 issue

Defining Moments An intriguing look at three periods in Baha’i and world history

  • Guest editorial: “Who Is Writing the Future? Reflections on the

‘Twentieth Century”

  • Ahang Rabbani’s “The Conversion of the Great Uncle of the Bab”
  • Aden Lauchner’s “Albert Killius: Photographer of ‘Abdu’l-Baha”


Still Available: Winter 1998-99 issue The Balkans, the Millennium, and the Bab

  • Editorial: “The Restlessness of the Balkans”
  • William P. Collins on biblical interpretation, Protestant Americans and the

Baha’ Faith ¢ Leila and Kaivan Milani on why the Bab was not an apostate

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ir mail ($24 / 1 year, $46 / 2 years)

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Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s meee by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly





air mail ($28 / 1 year, $52 / 2 years) Sce page 15 for Kid’s Corner

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Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription










WE ARE BAHA‘S:

From New Believers to New Teachers in the Cause of God

An interactive course developed by our National Spiritual Assembly, designed to bring forth the spirit of the Faith and make every Baha’i feel welcomed into the community.

We Are Bahd’is is intended to span a full day, but may be extended to a weekend, weeklong or ongoing study. ‘Topics of this four-part course:

¢ The Magnificence of This Day of God deals with one’s relationship with Baha'u'llah and the magnificence of this Day of God.

  • The Verities of the Faith addresses the transformation of civilization and application of the He: Message of Baha’u’llah.

© The Twin Duties: A Prescription for This Age—Recognition and Obedience includes the topics of the Covenant and daily life, His call and our actions, tests and difficulties, and the Administrative Order.


  • Moving to Action talks about the believer's personal spiritual development, and

how memorization, service and

action can help in this process. Order materials from: Baha’j Distribution Service Facilitator Handbook (order form on page 11) (with music cassette): $5.00 phone * 800-999-9019 fax © 404-472-0019

Participant Workbook: $2.25



INFORMATION ON YOUR

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP


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

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ).

Use the Multipurpose Form below to respond by mail. Special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

  • Names and ID numbers of all Baha’is on each trip.

© Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s).

  • Main purpose of your travel.
  • Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for:









Which publication? Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to Send to: teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?® Address 4 arora City Sata J MULTIPURPOSE FORM Country Daytime phone or e-mail CLIP or Copy AS NEEDED Sold to (if different from recipient): Fone Hak eran oniaceitiey? Address

Name : City State, ZIP Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N Address Home phone Fax City State, ZIP Work phone E-mail Phone E-mail


  • If enclosing paver by check or money order, must be in U.S. dollars

payable to Baha Distribution Service. do not combine subscription payments with payments for back issues or other single items.

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Phone orders: 800-999-9019 © E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336 -p,p 8/1/99




Special information:









1 ‘TAB 8/1/99 4


August 1, 1999 Tue American BanA’l ¢ Seexiva Your Resronse: page 27 [Page 28]

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page 28 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN

‘August 1, 1999 [Page 29]


yc AAG pil 31 cok IN MEMORIAM

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AUS! agi> AS Cad ees He GLinye 5! Baha'i Huququ'llah a>» 49 1, WIlGgsi> leas] Ske! Gi Gla! 31 GS le 4 4 Trust ww

Amin Banani Sally Foo

Santa Monica, CA 90402 Lawrenceville, NJ 08618 (310)394-5449 (609)671-9125

fax (310)394- 6167 fax (609)671-0740

Stephen Birkland Elizabeth Martin P.O.Box 178 Winnsboro, SC 29180

(803)635-9602

Arden Hills, MN 55112

(651)484-9518 fax (651)490-7421

Office of Secretariat,

Daryush Haghighi

Rocky River, OH 44116 Rocky River, OH 44116 (440)333-1506 fax (440)333-6938

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August 1, 1999

Tre AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ PERSIAN page 29 [Page 30]

"cg? pls’ adler g20t

A BAHA'I RADIO PROGRAM IN PERSIAN

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page 30 The AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ PERSIAN

August 1, 1999 [Page 31]Landegg reaches milestone T

(Eace Academy in Switzerland celebrated two important passages: the wele ig of its first-ever bachelor’s degree s and the granting of seven master’s degrees—while looking forward to a new level of national and international recognition.

he Bal spired higher education institution included the ceremonies in its annual convocation on the theme “Converging Realities: Integrating the Spiritual and the Scientific.”

Rector H.B. Danesh welcomed 10 young women and men from Ghana, Macau, the Middle East, Togo, Sri Lanka, Canada and the United States, who will be the founding class of Landegg’s Bachelor of Arts program. Their diversity is viewed as a step toward the academy's goal of educating at least one student from every nation.

In one of two keynote addresses, Hans Héhener, former president of the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, and longtime minister of education, pointed out the important task of educational institutions in a global, complex and conflict-ridden world.

With the Swiss federal parliament

TEACHING

¢ Barbados: A number of national television broadcasts featuring Baha’{ writings and teachings have resulted from good will generated by an outreach of the National Women’s Committee.

The Baha’ co-sponsorship of a workshop titled “Women Speak Across Faiths—Reflection and Action” and participation in other programs received newspaper coverage. After that, the national television station invited Baha’is to recite readings for morning and evening broadcast. Counselor Errol Sealy was a guest on a talk show on religion, In His Name, and the National Assembly reports many inquiries about the Faith and much literature shared as a result.

  • Namibia: A large-scale proclamation

effort spearheaded by the Baha’i community of Windhoek is carrying the message of Baha’u'llah directly to the schools in this nation, which for decades suffered from the forced segregation of apartheid. More than 10,000 people have heard about the Faith through presentations to principals, teachers and students, and in many cases have been invited back.

© Bolivia: Fifty indigenous believers, enthusiastic about teaching the Cause after a three-day Ruhi Institute course, carried out an April teaching campaign that brought 179 people into the Faith in La Paz state and opened four localities. ¢ Kyrgyzstan: Forty-three members of National Spiritual Assemblies and 16 Auxiliary Board members from. six nations in Central Asia gathered with Counselor B. Afshin in May for an InterAssembly Conference in Bishkek, focused on winning goals in the final ye: of the Four Year Plan. Main to, included study circles to support teaching and consolidation, and socio-economic development projects.















“INTERNATIONAL *NEW Se

preparing to enact new laws on university recognition, Héhener expressed joy that Landegg Academy will take a more prominent place.

“For me and also lots of people of this region, Landegg Academy is a synonym, a symbol for multicultural living, for frankness, international solidarity and humanity. ... | am convinced that th ideas are the most important foundation to the welfare of humanity and the progress of civilization.”

In the other keynote talk Moshe Sharon, a professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, explored how the scientific method has been applied to metaphysical themes. “There is no science without religion and no religion without science,” Sharon concluded.

Other presentations were given by:

¢ James Halseth, president of Olivet College in Michigan, who praised Landegg for the systematic yet visionary way in which Landegg conducted its rapid growth in the past five years.

  • Lady Wedgwood Tudor-Craig from

Cambridge, England, and Julie Badiee, United States, dealing with art as expression of beauty and transcendence





Members of the founding bachelor’s degree class greet each other at this spring’s Landegg Academy convocation. Photo by Julie Badiee

in different cultures.

¢ Students and new graduates, including Graham Walker of Great Britain, who added a master’s degree in medical ethics to his credintials as a physician, through a distance learning program.

“Tt was no cakewalk, this degree,” Walker said. “Our feet were kept firmly in contact with earth by the considerable volume of work, especially for the distance learner, demanded by the high




Music across cultures


A gathering in Sydney, Australia, is treated to a presentation by a group of Baha’i musicians from Melbourne. Photo courtesy of Baha'i International News Service



YOUTH

¢ Hawaiian Islands: The second annual Spring Break Teaching Campaign brought 70 youths from Guam, Japan, the U.S. mainland and all across Hawaii to the island of Oahu in March. Filled with deepening and performances organized by the Oahu Youth Workshop, the campaign attracted 10 new hearts to Baha'u'llah starting on its very first day.

DEVELOPMENT


¢ Turkey: Six Baha’i physicians examined and treated 750 patients in Bursa province during a one-day clinic created at the request of the province’s Women’s Association.


EDUCATION


¢ Albania: A new training process with Ruhi Institute materials has the National Assembly optimistic about development of Albania’s Baha’ community. The first effort trained 84 friends in nine localities.


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS


¢ Cameroon: Ministers, ambassadors and other government officials from several nations were among 110 at a reception in Yaoundé co-sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWE). Held alongside a Summit of African Heads of State, the event highlighted Baha’i collaboration with WWF in several nations.

standards to which the Academy aspires. It is, however, the only degree I have felt sorry to complete.”

Musical performances celebrating the unity between East and West were integral to the ceremonies. Michael Neunteufel, Austrian pianist, performed a classical European program, while Kiu Haghighi of Evanston, Illinois, performed on the santour a unique blend of Persian and Far Eastern melodies.

Pioneer's tale shows

power of constancy

' | ‘he town of Bafilo was selected for a

teaching project in the small West African country of Togo. It had proved to be a difficult region for teaching, but had one pioneer, Hassan Abdurahmane.

This soul was completely illiterate, knowing few of the Writings by heart including the short Obligatory Prayer and the “Remover of difficulties” prayer. But when Abdurahmane attend: ed a training session for teachers in Niamey, Niger, and invited the friends to travel to support his efforts, several were captivated by his deep spiritual s and understanding of the reachings.

This pioneer has “tremendous love for the Faith and amazing courage and perseverance in teaching it. He teaches anybody who crosses his path,” the traveling teachers reported earlier this year to the Continental Board of Counselors.

“He is equally comfortable teaching schoolteachers, devoutly religious people, administrative authorities, shopkeepers, youth or elders. He calls to mind the Words of Wisdom in which Baha'u'llah states, ‘The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love.”

Before the traveling teachers left, there were enough believers in Bafilo to forma Local Spiritual Assembly, thanks in large part to firesides Abdurahmane organized and contacts he had made over time.

“He speaks in simple but profound language, illustrating his ideas with examples given by Bahd’u'llsh or ‘Abdu’l-Baha,” the traveling teachers reported. “People listen to him and respect him, responding to his sincerity and courage.”









August 1, 1999

Tue American BanA’i ¢ INTERNATIONAL News

page 31 [Page 32]


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. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha'i schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’{ School, phone 831423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail . Green Acre Baha’i


School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail Louhelen Baha’i School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail

- Louis G. Gregory Baha’f Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Baha'i Institute (NABI), phone and fax 520-587-7599; e-mail .¢



AUGUST

13-18: Two sessions at Green Acre: “The Transformative Power of Love in Our Personal, Family and Community Lives”; Core Curriculum Teacher ‘Training for education of children. 13-18: “Community Growth through Strong Families,” Friends and Families session at Louhelen.

13-23: Solomon R.G. Hilton Baha’ School, Poughke psie, NY. Si 14-16: Eastern Oregon Bal Suttle Lake, OR. See page 14.

14-18: Children’s Academy at Bosch, for students entering grades 4-6.

15-20: Western Washington Baha’i School, Easton, WA. See page 14.



WE ARE BAHA'IS: FROM NEW BELIEVERS TO NEW TEACHERS IN THE CAUSE OF GOD A training course available again through Baha'i Distribution Service See page 27

eee


PAID SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT « THE BAHA’{ NATIONAL OFFICES

  • Information Services
  • Accountant

¢ Persian/American Affairs See page 21

BAHA’{ NATIONAL CENTER 112. LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

16-19: Fundamental Verities teacher training Session I at Native American Baha’i Institute. 20-22: United Spiritual Gathering Council Fire, “Forging Enduring Bonds of Unity,” Neah Bay, WA. Small registration and camping fees apply. Please contact the Baha’is of the Makah Reservation, P.O. Box 306, Neah Bay, WA 98357 (phone 360-645-2153, email Jor site (www.olypen.com/je 20-25: “Pathways to the Peace”/“Greater Boldne: ‘True Equality” at Green Acre. 21-26: Bosch 251 i Reunion, family 27-29: “Mana Applying Baha’f Principles to at Green Acre. 27-29: 40th annual Green Lake Baha'i Conference, Green Lake, WI. With David Ruhe, Counselor Stephen Birkland, Layli Miller Bashir, Joy Leary, Jack McCants and others. For program contact Lori Block (phone 920-432-7110, e-mail

). For housing/ meals, call 800-558-8898. 27-29: Massanetta Sprin School, Harrisonburg, VA. 28-29: Work Weekend at NABI. 28-Sept. 1: “Awakening the Arts,” family session at Bosch.











s Baha'i



Baha’is from the North Shore area of suburban Chicago have a little fun in the sun as they carry out their traditional march in two Fourth of July parades on the same day

—in Northbrook and Highland Park. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

AUGUST 1, 1999 KAMAL, ASMA’ + B.E. 156


ee page 14.

SEPTEMBER

3-6: “Strengthening Family and Community Life” at Louhelen.

3-6: “Press On to Meet the Dawn” at Green Acre.

3-6: Reunion Council Fire at NABI. 3-6: Bay Area Baha’i Social Group and Friends Retreat at Bosch.

3-6: Kentucky Baha’i School, Faubush, KY. ee page me



School, near Stillwater, OK. Contact Dennis Rhine,

‘Tulsa, OK (phone 918-437-5644, email ).

17-19: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” at Green Acre.

18-19: “Teaching Christians” at NABI. 23-26: Conference on Aids, Sexuality,



Addiction and Abuse at Bosch. * a


24-2 ommemoration of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Baha at Glenwood Springs, CO (information: phone 970-4645196, e-mail ). 24-26: “A History of Black Baha'is in the Diaspora” at Green Acre.

24-26: Campus Association Weekend at Green Acre.

25-26: Work Weekend at NABI.



avoid unnecessary delays in receiving mai acquiring a Post Office be



i label to: Information Services, Bahi'i National Center, 1233 Central uur residence address (B) must be filled in, Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

OCTOBER

Early October, weekends: Unit Conventions; dates and times will vary across the country. See pages 23-25 for partial listings. : 8-10: “Fundamental Verities” (Part I) training institute at Bosch. For those who have completed Part I.

8-10: Two programs at Green Acre: “Talking and Li





i-Centered Management: ” at Green Acre. am Development

Training (on the “Refl

the Life of the Spirit”

Green Acre.

28-31: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA

Institute at Green Acre. Contact Office

1g, 847-733-3508.

Two programs at Bosch: Social

conomic Development

ators Conference; “Don’t Yell at

Your Watchman.”

30-31: Work Weekend at NABI.

30-31: South Carolina Ba ‘amily

Reunion, Orangeburg, SC. Contact:

Annette Reynolds,

Branchville, SC_29432 (phone 803 533-1289, fax 803-531-2769, e)










ind all family members’ names, new address and Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If




‘A. NAME(S)

1 IDe







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

EPHONE NUMBER







Name of new Baha’f Commus Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name FE WORK TELE! NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number Name Area Code Phone Number Name


we do not have the same last

name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

match. We have

only one copy.


G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: the last names and addresses ‘on our address labels do not oni

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 py of The American Babd't. 1 wish to recei own ‘copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.


listed above the





Tue AMERICAN BanA’t

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