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[Page 1]SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 ‘IZZAT/MIGHT MASHÍYYAT/WILL BAHÁ’Í ERA 156 VOLUME 30, NO. 7

I·N·S·I·D·E WEB SEARCH FOR TRUTH PAGE 4 SUMMER AT THE TEMPLE PAGES 16–17 VINEYARD OF THE LORD PAGE 22 YOUTH · 10–11 CARTA A LOS AMIGOS · 18 CLASSIFIED · 20–21 UNIT CONVENTIONS · 23–25 IN MEMORIAM · 27 PERSIAN PAGES · 28–30

Destiny linked to spirituality

Bahá’ís in North America have a glorious destiny, but we can’t reach it unless we stay in touch with the words of God, Universal House of Justice member Hushmand Fatheazam reminded the friends at Foundation Hall in the Bahá’í House of Worship.

“Your job as American believers is to lead the world spiritually,” he said, echoing assurances of the Guardian. “Are you prepared for it?”

Hundreds from the Chicago area flocked to the Temple in Wilmette Aug. 4 on only a few days’ notice to hear Mr. Fatheazam. He took time out on his vacation break to address Bahá’ís here as well as in Virginia and California.

It was the highlight of a busy summer at the House of Worship (see story, photos on pages 16–17).

The Bahá’ís of Iran have had high hopes for the American community as long as he can remember, Mr. Fatheazam said. He recalled collecting coins as a child in Tehran, to help pay for that very Temple’s construction in Wilmette.

Not only is this country continually “groomed by the hand of God” to play a pivotal role in world affairs, but the Bahá’ís in North America have a special role in the spiritual advancement of humanity—as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House have repeatedly reminded us.

“You are the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan,” he said. “You are charged with the spiritual conquest of the planet.”

SEE HOUSE MEMBER, PAGE 11

Seminar sees varied views on equality

Working toward equality of women and men—does this mean something different to an Anglo-American woman than to, perhaps, a woman of Persian background? Or African-American, Latina, Asian, American Indian?

Intent on learning lessons from the amazing variety as well as common threads in the tapestry of Bahá’í womanhood, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Women’s Affairs assembled about 30 women from across the country for “So Powerful is the Light,” its first Women’s Seminar, June 26–27 at the Bahá’í National Center.

The stories that unfolded inside the rose-bedecked chamber were intense, personal, heartbreaking, astounding and inspiring. They revealed that for all their differences, women everywhere have common bonds in the struggle for humanity to obtain true equality.

“We heard about strong mothers and daughters who kept their families together despite the death of a spouse and/or parent; women who had the courage to leave abusive situations, while others survived poverty,” said a report from the Office of Women’s Affairs.

And they arrived at a shared conviction that equality principally means respect and partnership between men and women, “and a belief on the part of men that in strengthening women’s capacity, both may soar higher,” the report said.

The National Spiritual Assembly has

SEE WOMEN’S SEMINAR, PAGE 6

Across generations and continents

Mai Vu Yang (left) and Tayebeh Aboonour, from different parts of California (and originally of the world), share a moment at the recent Southeast Asian Community Builders Roundtable Conference. See page 13 for tips from the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office on reaching Southeast Asians locally. Photo by P. Stevens

U.S. friends asked to help appeal for payment of late debt to U.N.

This fall, Bahá’ís are urgently asked to phone, write or visit the district offices of their members of Congress—their senators as well as their representative—and ask them to support legislation to pay U.S. financial obligations to the United Nations.

They should ask those members of Congress to ensure:

• That the legislation will provide enough funds to the U.N. to keep the U.S. from losing its vote in the General Assembly, and:
• That imposed conditions for payment will be kept to a minimum.

The U.S. owes the United Nations more than $1.3 billion in back dues and peacekeeping assessments. For several years the National Spiritual Assembly has worked with other organizations in Washington to get Congress to authorize payment of the growing U.S. debt to the world body.

Periodically, at the National Assembly’s request, individual Bahá’ís and Spiritual Assemblies across the

SEE DEBT TO U.N., PAGE 18

THE NATIONAL FUND Between May 1 and August 31, 1999

$9,000,000 Goal/All Funds $5,421,532 Received/All Funds

See page 3 for details

E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S

“Blessed are they that remember the one true God, that magnify His Name, and seek diligently to serve His Cause.” —Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

A Bahá’í Holy Day Observed between sundown Oct. 19 and sundown Oct. 20 • Work should be suspended

“The Báb, whose name was ‘Alí-Muhammad, was born in Shíráz [in Persia], on the first of Muharram, in the year 1235 A.H. [Oct. 20, 1819]. He was the descendant of a house ... which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself.” (The Dawn-Breakers, p. 14)

A beautiful Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in honor of the anniversary of the Báb’s birth can be found on page 234 of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

• • September and early October**

Oct. 10-12, 1848: Mullá Husayn, journeying to the Mázindarán region of Persia on instructions from the Báb, arrived with more than 200 companions near the town of Bárfurúsh. There a band of townspeople, stirred up by a local cleric, attacked the Bábís. Though Mullá Husayn’s company was victorious, several were slain. Suffering snipings and an attempted surprise attack, they presented an able defense and took sanctuary in the shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí. Within weeks they were besieged and the shrine became a fort.

September 1867: Bahá’u’lláh, exiled in Adrianople (Edirne, Turkey), began the process of declaring His mission to the world at large. His Tablet to the Kings and Rulers, revealed about this time, was described by Shoghi Effendi as His “most momentous Tablet.”

Sept. 23, 1893: The Bahá’í Faith was mentioned publicly for the first time in North America, in a presentation at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago by a former Christian missionary.

Sept. 10, 1911: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá began His first series of public lectures in the Western world, starting at London and traveling to Paris on Oct. 3.

October 1935: The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada (then a single Assembly), affirming that the Bahá’í laws of fasting, obligatory prayers, consent of parents before marriage, monogamy and avoidance of alcoholic drinks were binding on the believers.

Oct. 7-15, 1953: The Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference, one of several conferences held to energize the 1953-63 Ten Year Crusade, was held in New Delhi, India. It was the first international Bahá’í gathering in the East.

Sept. 16-17, 1961: The House of Worship in Sydney, Australia, was dedicated by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum in private and public ceremonies.

Oct. 12, 1977: The world’s first Bahá’í cultural and education radio station, in Ecuador, made its first broadcast.✦

Facts in the “Some significant dates” section compiled from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

TANIKA CONNESERO, a 17-year-old Bahá’í in Joseph City, Arizona, was selected as Elks Student of the Month for March, and also was awarded two science scholarships and the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award.

JOSEPH FRADELLA, a Bahá’í from Metairie, Louisiana, was recently named a National Merit Scholar Finalist. He was vice president of the student council at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, and served as president of the Greater New Orleans Association of Student Councils. Involved in many activities in his senior year including several classroom presentations on the Bahá’í Faith—he was an All-District football player.

DAMINA NESBIT, a 16-year-old Bahá’í in Longview, Washington, was elected Junior Class president at R.A. Long High School. An honor roll student who is active in many areas, she also has been most valuable player on the varsity volleyball team.

NANAZ PIRNIA, a Bahá’í in Beverly Hills, California, was honored this spring as co-Citizen of the Year by the city’s Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association. The private psychologist has been involved with local schools since 1982, and was recognized for her continuing outreaches to help children, couples and families, as well as to promote understanding among people from varied cultures.

BETTY ANNE REDSON, a Bahá’í from Woodstock, Illinois, was one of 19 educators statewide given a Distinguished Service Award this year from the National School Public Relations Association, for her extensive committee and volunteer work aimed at improving local schools.

RANDALL ROBINSON, a Bahá’í in Mesa, Arizona, was recently named by the mayor and City Council to the Human Relations Advisory Board, which advises city government on issues of race, religious, ethnic, cultural and disability diversity.

KELSEY ROOK, a 10-year-old Bahá’í from McMinnville, Oregon, was recognized at the end of her fifth-grade year with certificates of excellence in her studies, the Newberry Reader Award, and appreciation for her role as editor of the school newspaper. She performs volunteer work in the school office and reads to kindergarten students.

Corrections

An article in the Aug. 1, 1999, issue of The American Bahá’í titled in part “Sacred Justice: American Indians’ historic roles...” misstated Valerie Phillips’ academic post. At Washington State University, she teaches business law and conducts research in specific areas of indigenous people’s rights. She has worked with the Tribal Attorney’s Office on an Indian Reservation.

An “Excellence in All Things” item in the June 24, 1999, issue of The American Bahá’í misstated Constance Chen’s course of study. She is pursuing a medical degree at Stanford University. ◆

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

September 8, 1999

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Bahá’í National Center 847.869.9039

Office of The American Bahá’í 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372

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 Alex Blakeson, Rafael Castillo, Beatriz Reyna Curry, Jessica Decatrel, Randolph Dobbs, Ajit Giani, Ayned Louise McComb, Ruth Peterson, Vladimir Shilov, P. Stevens, Ellen Stone, Ruhi Vargha, Lally Warren

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL. and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Canada: Publications Agreement # 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or want to discontinue or consolidate mailings, please contact the Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. There is no need to contact the Managing Editors directly. A form is available on the back page of this paper.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the institutions of the Bahá’í 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 photos that are well-composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope (you do not need to supply postage).

DEADLINES for upcoming issues: Oct. 15 for the issue dated Nov. 23 Nov. 18 for the issue dated Dec. 31

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

© 1999 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

TO ALL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AUGUST 24, 1999

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The historic associations of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh with Turkey, a land held sacred in the hearts of Bahá’ís, make of the disaster wreaked by the recent earthquake an event of inexpressible sorrow for the Bahá’í world. While we are relieved to have received reports that the lives of our co-religionists were spared, we grieve with all those who have suffered incalculable loss both from the deaths in the thousands of their fellow-citizens and from the extensive destruction of property. In addition to our fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the bereaved and distressed, we have arranged for a financial contribution to be made towards relief efforts. Moreover, the principal representative of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations has been asked to convey to the President of Turkey heartfelt condolences on behalf of our world community.

—The Universal House of Justice

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY CONTRIBUTES TO TURKEY EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

The National Spiritual Assembly has made a contribution on behalf of the U.S. Bahá’í community to an emergency relief fund set up by the Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. The National Assembly made the donation as a gesture of the American Bahá’í community’s loving concern for all those who suffered devastating losses of their loved ones and property. ◆

Objective film on Faith draws positive response

BY JESSICA DECATREL, NEW YORK, NY

It was supposed to be a gift to his wife, who is a Bahá’í. But Justin Golding’s movie ended up being an objective look at the Faith that has excited Bahá’ís and caught the attention of the film world.

The 36-minute documentary Mirrors of God: The Bahá’í Faith was written, directed and produced by Golding, an independent filmmaker from Wales living in New York City. His wife, Nicole, a physician, embraced the Faith two years ago.

A number of distribution companies have expressed interest in the film, which recently was featured at the Content ’99 Festival.

Although Golding’s plan was to focus on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s trip to New York City, the project took on a life of its own and its scope increased.

Mirrors of God begins with a look at the ministries of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, then follows the story of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in some detail and includes a number of references to Shoghi Effendi. The film ends with a summary of the basic tenets of the Bahá’í Faith.

Some rare and interesting footage is included, such as 16mm film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America; pencil drawings of the homes of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh; and film footage of the destruction of the house of the Báb and the Bahá’í National Center in Iran.

Golding’s goal was to present a brief, balanced history and overview of the Bahá’í Faith.

SEE DOCUMENTARY, PAGE 26

Local school celebrates 40th year

Some of the 150 people at the 40th annual session of the Bellemont Bahá’í School gather July 3–5 at the Bahá’í-owned five-acre retreat center in the mountains in Arizona. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Flagstaff, the gathering drew Bahá’ís and their friends from Arizona and several neighboring states. Class sessions on the theme “From Transformation to Action” were presented by Michael Bruwer and Carl Ewing of Arizona, Fereshteh Bethel of California and Jeffery and Rachel Huffines of New York. Photo by Ellen Stone, Flagstaff, AZ

Friends urged to maintain ‘Two Wings’ momentum

The National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men extends to you its most loving greetings. Our hearts are warmed by the continuous flow of reports we are receiving from every corner of the country, in which the friends have shared with us their valiant efforts in promoting the principle of the equality of women and men.

The American Bahá’í community has been vigorously ablaze with the national campaign to distribute the statement Two Wings of A Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to its mayors and city council members. We have received reports from more than 170 communities nationwide.

Although the official target date for presenting the statement has passed, we will be happy to continue receiving updates about activities in your communities and encourage you to continue with your plans to present the statement to your local officials.

A message from the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men

Some communities have indicated to us that they were waiting for the release of the gender equality video and wanted to time their presentations to coincide with its release. There were some production delays with this video and its release date has been pushed back several months; however, we want to assure all the friends that work on the video is actively continuing and that it is the hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that it will be completed shortly. We ask you not to delay your efforts in your communities.

As the Universal House of Justice stated in its Ridván B.E. 155 message: “One thing above all else is necessary: to act, to act now, and to continue to act.”

What a wonderful bounty if all communities would continue onward in this important campaign. If you need ideas or suggestions about other events and programs you could coordinate, please contact the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone Sasha Williams at 517-484-8381, or e-mail ). ◆

Enrollments

July 1999	79
August 1999	127
Since May 1, 1999	439

THE FUND

May 1–Aug. 31, 1999

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since May 1, 1999:	$5,421,532
Goal for entire year:	$27,000,000

• 20% of year’s goal has been met
• 33% of fiscal year has passed
• April 30, 2000

Allocations to Other Funds

• Arc Projects Fund: $761,928
• International Bahá’í Fund: $292,180
• Continental Bahá’í Fund: $96,661
• Other contributions: $170,680

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund

May 1–July 31, 1999 (latest available)

$4,861,785 Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)

$6,076,140 Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

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

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

Web search was a seeker's quest

BY AJIT GIANI, HOUSTON, TX

She had been looking for a faith that was simply true. A faith in which actions are just as important as words. The search was long and arduous, but it eventually turned up on the Internet: the Bahá’í Faith.

Growing up Catholic in Houston, Texas, Charletta Martin had many questions about religion, faith, church, and anything that had a remote connection to God. She began questioning priests at age 13 during preparation for her confirmation as a Catholic.

Eventually those questions pulled her away from religion, but it was never in her heart to pull away from God. She believed that when all was gone, God would be there. She continued to pray and hoped for an answer.

The answer came two years ago as she randomly opened Web sites on the Internet.

Martin was aware of the Bahá’ís and remembered them from her childhood doing work in the community. She recalled that the Bahá’ís stood out as individuals who served in the community without expecting compensation. She had also seen billboards advertising the Faith. To her the Bahá’ís were just "good people."

As she looked at various Bahá’í Web pages, Martin became overwhelmed with what she calls simple truth that poured from each page. She began to download and copy information. It enkindled her so much, she stayed at her computer for many hours and printed out more than 150 pages from official Web sites.

Martin also used the Internet to communicate and learn about many of the teachings and principles of Bahá’u’lláh. She spent the next couple of months deepening on the Faith, but she still found it difficult to declare herself a Bahá’í. She wondered about losing her family. How could she tell her parents that she no longer believed the Catholic Church was right for her?

Charletta Martin began seriously exploring the Bahá’í Faith recently through the Internet, but had a positive impression of Bahá’ís from childhood.

She continued to struggle with this issue until she read the following quote from the Universal House of Justice on the Internet: "There must be revived among the individual believers a sense of mission, a feeling of empowerment to minister to the urgent need of humanity for guidance and thus win victories for the Faith in their own sphere of life."

On reading that special quote, Martin could no longer stand by idly. She declared her faith the next day at a weekend coffee hour in Houston, hosted by the local teaching committee.

Since then, Martin says, she has faced many tests and difficulties. But she has learned to expect them, and realizes that she is becoming a stronger Bahá’í. She now openly and frequently speaks with family and friends about the Faith.

Her family and friends have accepted the changes she made, and they all agree that the Bahá’ís are doing wonderful things—and that it takes courage to stand up for this Faith. ♦

Clarification on use of 'Who is Writing the Future?'

In the February 25, 1999, letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies that accompanied the transmittal of "Who is Writing the Future?" the National Assemblies were not encouraged to distribute the document to anyone and certainly not to government officials. The letter states that the purpose of the document "is to serve as a source of ideas, perspectives, images, and language that will stimulate a wide range of creative responses among Bahá’ís."

The House of Justice encourages Bahá’ís to incorporate themes of the document into millennial activities and programs and to use it as a resource for Bahá’í summer school programs and local study activities.

Moreover, the Supreme Body suggested that National Spiritual Assemblies "may wish to address special messages to groups in your own country, adapting elements of the document's theme to this purpose."

The House of Justice advised that while there is no objection to publishing it, "... the text should be used in its present form, without editing, commentary, or supplementary material."

—Secretary for External Affairs National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States ♦

Answering inquiries from the public: A helpful guide on the Net

What are the most common questions people have when they find out about the Bahá’í Faith through national broadcasts or our Internet site? How do we answer those frequent questions when those inquirers contact the Bahá’í community?

The National Teaching Committee has posted on the Web a set of several dozen "Frequently Asked Questions," grouped by subject and accompanied by suggested answers drawn from widely available Bahá’í literature.

Communities or individual Bahá’ís can take advantage of the full set of questions and answers in either of these ways:

Log in to the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org). You will need your Bahá’í ID number to gain access. Click on the "1-800-22-UNITE" link, then scroll to the right (if necessary) and click on "Frequently Asked Questions—With Suggested Answers."

Request the document from the National Teaching Committee Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3493).

Here is just a sample of suggested responses from the Frequently Asked Questions Web page

Please explain progressive revelation. Do Bahá’ís believe that all faiths are a gateway to spirituality or that all faiths are identical in their themes?

When Bahá’ís say that the various religions are one, they do not mean that the various religious beliefs are identical. Rather, they believe that there is only one religion and all the Messengers of God have progressively revealed its nature. Together, the world's great religions are expressions of a single unfolding divine plan, "the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future."

People from all of the major religious backgrounds have found that the promises and expectations of their own beliefs are fulfilled in the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’ís from Native American, African and other indigenous backgrounds, similarly, find in the Bahá’í teachings fulfillment of prophetic visions. —Bahá’í International Community, The Bahá’ís magazine, p. 37

"In brief, every one of the divine religions contains essential ordinances, which are not subject to change, and material ordinances, which are abrogated according to the exigencies of time. But the people of the world have forsaken the divine teachings and followed forms and imitations of the truth. Inasmuch as these human interpretations and superstitions differ, dissensions and bigotry have arisen, and strife and warfare have prevailed. By investigating the truth or foundation of reality underlying their own and other beliefs, all would be united and agreed, for this reality is one; it is not multiple and not divisible." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 105-106

• How do tribal religions fit into this concept and are they seen as religions?

The Bahá’í Writings do not specifically address indigenous religions, although Bahá’ís know that there have been religions that have been lost in the passage of time or predate the period of written historical record which does not negate their existence or importance.

Bahá’ís from Native American, African and other indigenous backgrounds believe the Bahá’í Faith fulfills their prophecies.

• Is the Bahá’í Faith a cult or a sect?

The Bahá’í Faith is not a cult, a sect, an offshoot of Islam or a synthesis of religions. In the past, scholars sometimes referred to the Bahá’í Faith as a sect of Islam—owing to the fact that its Prophet and early followers emerged from an Islamic society. Today religious specialists recognize that such a reference would be equivalent to calling Christianity a sect of Judaism, or referring to Buddhism as a denomination of Hinduism. Although Christ was indeed Jewish and Buddha was born a Hindu, Their religious messages were not merely re-interpretations of the parent religions—but went far beyond them. In the same way, Bahá’u’lláh laid entirely new spiritual foundations. His writings are independent scripture, and His work transcends that of a religious reformer. (Also see God Passes By, p. 366) ♦ [Page 5]

Africans have special feeling for Black Americans

BY LALLY LUCRETIA M. WARREN

When the first group of Black Americans, as they are affectionately known in southern Africa, arrived in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia in 1994, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike in all three countries were very happy to meet, welcome and spend time with them. They simply adored them.

There has always been a myth, a fascination about Black Americans because, from the Black African point of view, they are black like us, and yet they do not speak any African language; they are well-educated, and yet they do not look down upon the many Africans who are not; they are truly sophisticated, and yet they mix very freely with peoples of all backgrounds. Little wonder they are loved so much by their African brothers and sisters.

The history of slavery has always been a subject that evokes feelings of empathy amongst the Africans, even though it’s generally regarded as something that happened so many years ago that it is difficult to imagine that it really did happen.

Yet anybody living in Africa, especially southern Africa, knows only too well what it is like to be judged by the color of one’s skin. The average Black African longs to see, hear and touch their distant relatives, whom many have only read about, to learn from them and help them learn about Africa. Perhaps in the future there will be a general exodus from America to Africa which could bring its own problems, but if there is a people who truly believe in the brotherhood of man and in the unity of mankind, as a tenet of their religious belief, then this people should surely lead the way and be the first to show the way to those who will be doing it for mere curiosity.

In African Bahá’í circles the term “pioneer” has come to mean a white Bahá’í who comes from abroad to join a Bahá’í community in Africa. With this conception goes the notion that these dear servants of the Cause know everything about the Faith. When points of disagreement arise, as they surely will, rather than simply love them and disagree with them, some Africans have taken a drastic option—they have opted out of the Faith!

One wonders: If “pioneer” could also come to mean “black,” would disagreeing with them still have such a drastic outcome for these same people?

“We direct the attention of the believers of African descent, so beloved by the Master, to the pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian when the first systematic campaign was launched for its spiritual illumination.”

—Universal House of Justice, from Ridván 153 message to the Bahá’ís of North America

The services that the American believers of color can render in this continent will perhaps never be adequately articulated. The skills that so many of them possess are very much needed here: from computer technology to artisan skills; from primary school teaching to senior secondary school teaching; all areas of the medical field; agriculture; different aspects of engineering; and so on.

Finding jobs has never been a particularly easy task in any part of the world, but when people deal in faith it is amazing how doors open. How long these doors will remain open nobody knows, therefore to act and act right away is imperative if the friends really want to move.

On the cultural side there are issues of interest like music, a common heritage of both African and American. The African is a born singer but often when meeting with non-singing cultures he hesitates, and sometimes when those who do not appreciate music make unmusical or uncomplimentary remarks, he gets a bit discouraged. With more self-confidence, more assertiveness, the absolute assurance that music is not only allowed but encouraged and highly praised in the Holy Writings, music will be reinstituted in our gatherings.

The influence of Black Americans will go a long way to encourage their African sisters and brothers to revisit their musical heritage. If those with so much finesse take music seriously, their less-sophisticated counterparts will be encouraged to use music as dictated to them by their innermost feelings.

The most meritorious of all deeds is teaching, the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, assures us. But He also advises us to love those we teach. It is so much easier to show love to those who love you already! The love that the Africans have for their long lost brothers and sisters is great, and a message from the latter will have a special meaning, especially if it’s a message of hope and love. When someone already shows love for you and you lovingly give them the message of Bahá’u’lláh, how can you fail to evoke in them very sweet sentiments?

In 1994 when the sisters’ group came to southern Africa, the general receptivity of the African people to the Faith was good, but now it has gotten even better. This is a critical time in the lives of humanity and souls have never been so ready for the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The century is fast approaching its end and none of us knows what the next century will bring. Why wait for the next century when this one is ready for you? This is the Century of Light—it must be, because our beloved Master said it is. What better way to bring it to a close than for those who have been affectionately referred to as “the black pupil of the eye” through which “the light of the spirit shineth forth” to go forth and with determination spread the tidings of light amongst their brethren, thus proving to all and sundry that Africa is far from being the Dark Continent it was said to be.

In short let me assure you, dear brothers and sisters, Africa needs you; Africa loves you; Africa is calling out to you. Please come. —Lally Warren, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Africa, lives in Botswana. ♦

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

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

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING	TEACHING WITHIN THE U.S.	INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING AND TRAVELING TEACHING
Central States: Lynn Wieties (phone 573-364-9618, e-mail __________)	Central States: Marilyn Ray (phone 785-628-1919, e-mail __________)	IF YOU LIVE IN:
Northeastern States: Joel Nizin (phone 201-652-6385, e-mail __________)	Northeastern States: Diana Kaufman (phone 908-709-1228, e-mail __________)	Northeastern or Central States: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, e-mail __________)
Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542, e-mail __________)	Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542, e-mail __________)	Southern States: Sherdeana Jordan (phone 847-733-3507, e-mail __________)
Western States: Flor Toloui (phone 925-672-6686, e-mail __________)	Western States: Cathy Yavrom (phone 209-234-2231, e-mail __________)	Western States: Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733-3512, e-mail __________)

• INTERNATIONAL SERVICE/EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES—For youth, page 11; general, page 31. • TO REPORT AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN—See form on page 26.

A boost for Wyoming teaching

INFORMATION FROM AYNED LOUISE MCCOMB

The small Bahá’í community in Casper, Wyoming, grew by several times—at least for the weekend of July 9—thanks to 20 traveling teachers of all ages from Colorado.

Using a campground in Casper as a home base, the travelers from Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Parker, Colorado, helped the local Bahá’ís diffuse the fragrances of the Teachings at an observance of the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb and evenings of food, music and fellowship.

In all, the teaching contingent told 17 souls about the Faith, including a few campers. They even came across other Bahá’ís from Colorado Springs who were camping there.

Material preparation before and during the weekend, including advance publicity by the Bahá’ís of Casper and organization by several from Arvada and Wheat Ridge, was complemented by spiritual input, including prayers recited around the perimeter of the city.

Casper, one of the two largest cities in Wyoming, is a goal city of the state teaching committee. Homefront pioneers helped re-establish the Spiritual Assemblies of Cheyenne and Laramie in April, after the state had no Assemblies at all for a year. ♦

The Martyrdom of the Báb was commemorated at a shady pavilion at Fort Casper in Casper, Wyoming. [Page 6]

The challenges of equality in U.S. Mexican culture

This essay by Beatriz Reyna Curry is one of dozens of papers presented at the Women’s Seminar June 26–27 at the Bahá’í National Center. In the interest of providing perspectives on gender equality through the eyes of women of diverse backgrounds, other essays will be printed periodically in The American Bahá’í.

The effects that the implementation of the principle of gender equality will have on Mexican culture in the United States can best be understood once one is made familiar with traditional gender roles in that culture.

The view of woman as mother is sacred. Mothers are put on pedestals, like that of the Virgin Mary, by sons and fathers. This encourages a “self-sacrificial” attitude on the mother’s part—even when such an attitude is not healthy for the family unit.

The level of maternal self-sacrifice is so great that women choose not to pursue an education in order to devote themselves to the husband and children—often seen in that order of priority by all family members. A woman will even stay in an abusive marriage, because she sees it as her “duty” to be sacrificed.

The view of relationships between men and women, husbands and wives, is passed on to children in subtle but powerful ways. Mothers tend to be very indulgent of sons but not of daughters, thus creating unequal and unjust relationships with their girl children.

This promotes a subconscious belief among women that boys are, in reality, little men who must be served by their mothers and daughters. It also prompts men to feel that they are deserving of preferential treatment and of doting attention.

As a result, an attitude of superiority is fostered among boys and men—one which reinforces the perception of daughters, wives, and mothers as subservient and inferior. This attitude inhibits familial consultation on critical issues.

In fact, as the “equality” principle is applied, it will prove to be very threatening to men. Because men’s view of themselves (as superior) is so interwoven with their view of women (as inferior), it will be highly threatening to men to see their relationships as equal partnerships. “If women are equal to men, how will that change me? Who will I be as a man?”

Conversely, because the self-views of women are also interwoven with their view of men, it may also prove difficult for women to fully embrace the application of equality.

The Mexican culture also holds some very positive qualities that will be very beneficial to the Bahá’í community in this country: The family as a key focal point and the promotion of its welfare above that of the individual are important behaviors to be modeled in the American Bahá’í community. The attitude of warm, inviting hospitality toward guests and visitors to one’s home is reflected in the typical comment “mi casa es su casa.”

The education of girls and women in the principle of equality will be critical to the development of Mexican culture. As women are taught the Faith, their education in this principle, as well as its effects on family life, must be seen as necessary topics for deepening and discussion. As Mexican women embrace the Faith, their education must include sessions on spiritualizing the home and on how to deal with family conflicts in a way that promotes unity, equality and justice.

In the end, it will be the woman’s readiness to embrace Bahá’u’lláh that will send her family on its journey to transformation. However, only the thoughtful education of women will ensure the successful culmination of that journey. ♦

WHAT’S NEXT FROM THE OFFICE OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS?

• Gender equality is a man’s business as well as a woman’s, so National Spiritual Assembly members William Roberts in the Northeast and William Davis in the West will organize men’s gatherings in much the same format as the women’s meeting in June.

• Papers presented at the June conference are to be compiled and published soon. To reserve a copy, please write the Office of Women’s Affairs, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. ♦

WOMEN’S SEMINAR, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

reviewed and implemented several suggestions from the conference. Ideas from the conference will be invaluable in the office’s plans for future projects, and insights from the participants will be shared with the friends from time to time in the pages of The American Bahá’í.

“It truly was a historic moment, our very own Seneca Falls from which there is no turning back,” said participant Mary Lou McLaughlin, referring to a small but pivotal conference that launched the U.S. women’s movement in 1848. “We overcame the language barrier and the race barrier. ... A major inroad has been made.”

Another participant, Antonia Williams, said, “It was indeed such a bounty as a Bahá’í to bring to the table the spiritual qualities and the principles we possess and live by on a daily basis. It is with this strength I am able to stand up, salute and partake in addressing the issues on the equality of women and men.”

As the newfound sisters bonded and prayerfully brainstormed, some said they felt the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His sister, the Greatest Holy Leaf, whose portraits graced a wall of the room. Photos of other Bahá’í heroines gazed from another wall:

• Keith Ransom-Kehler, a Hand of the Cause of God and the first American martyr for the Faith.
• Martha Root, a Hand of the Cause of God, who taught the Faith to people of all walks of life around the world—even royalty.
• Carmen de Burafato, one of the first Continental Counselors for the Americas.
• Magdalene Carney, a Counselor for the International Teaching Center and National Spiritual Assembly member.
• Marian Steffes, an outstanding teacher among the first American Indian Bahá’ís.
• Hilda Yen, the first Chinese woman to embrace the Faith in the United States.

The meeting was by invitation, to ensure the intimate gathering would benefit from a wide range of experiences and ethnic backgrounds.

To spark the story-sharing process, each participant presented a brief paper on traditional and changing roles of women in their cultures—often comparing their lives with those of their grandmothers, often touching on crises that undercut the dignity and importance of men.

“Many told of their experiences and the effects on family life—broken homes, widows, divorces; of the role as a wife, mother, housekeeper, physician and spiritual guide; cultural practices that were demeaning to women, taboos and abusiveness,” Williams reported.

Consultation after each of the papers not only expanded the women’s understanding, it emboldened them to work for improvement inside and outside the Bahá’í community. ♦

TEACHING CHRISTIANS MORE EFFECTIVELY

In Support of The National Teaching Plan: Field-tested 9.5-hour video training program with 95-page syllabus: HOW TO ANSWER STRAIGHT FROM THE WRITINGS IN A WAY CHRISTIANS ARE LIKELY TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT Includes an eye-opening section: The Christian’s Most Common Questions

Course facilitated by David F. Young

• Videotapes: $63 plus shipping/handling ($6.50 via Priority Mail)
• Seminar Handbook master: $10 (workshop sponsors may make copies)
• Field manual for teaching, The Resurrection of All Mankind:

$10 color, $5 b/w (ask about 10% discount on orders of $100 or more) Local Assemblies may request a free sample video. Order from: Spiritual Assembly of Spokane • Spokane, WA 99205 Phone 509-327-2801 • e-mail

“...The course material is timely, presented with humor and humility, and will be of great assistance ... in bringing Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message to humanity.” —National Office of Research and Materials Review

HUQÚQU’LLÁH THE RIGHT OF GOD

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

• Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail)
• Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 651-484-9518, fax 651-415-1766, e-mail)
• Sally Foo, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (phone 609-671-9125, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail)
• Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail)
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (phone 803-635-9602, e-mail)

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail) ♦ [Page 7]

Firesides

Catherine Samimi SC $12.95 (FIRE)

Shoghi Effendi called firesides “the most effective method” of teaching. But what exactly is a fireside? And how can we make our firesides the channels through which people come to know and love Bahá’u’lláh and become members of His Faith? Here is some practical, down-to-earth and often humorous advice from one who’s been there—both before and after becoming a Bahá’í. This book helps organize our firesides and our homes, find people to attend, answer frequently asked and challenging questions, and improve our presentation skills.

5 1/2" x 7", 230 pp.

Shoghi Effendi in Oxford and Earlier

Riaz Khadem SC $15.95 (SEO)

Riaz Khadem, himself once a student at Balliol College, traces Shoghi Effendi’s educational career from his early youth through his time at Oxford. Drawing on the letters of Shoghi Effendi and Bahá’ís of the time and on the memoirs of Shoghi Effendi’s fellow students at Balliol, the author provides a fascinating glimpse into this little-known aspect of the life of Shoghi Effendi.

5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 173 pp.

The Creator

Roberta Hafenstein illustrated by Sergey Valdivieso-Sinyakov SC $6.95 (CREATOR)

The Creator is a collection of three stories for young children about knowing and loving God. The Creator reminds us that we can learn something about God by looking at what He created. The Shining Stars is a whimsical introduction to the concept of God, the Creator. Knowing God helps us through the puzzle of knowing and loving even when we can’t understand.

4 3/4" x 6 1/2", 48 pp.

Who Is Writing the Future?

Reflections on the Twentieth Century Bahá’í International Community SC (WWF)

1 copy	$2.00
2–9 copies	1.75 each
10–24 copies	1.50 each
25–99 copies	1.25 each
100 and up	1.00 each

This statement authored by the Bahá’í International Community presents a view of recent history, not as an exercise in materialism, but as a spiritual process. It is because of this process that we are on the brink of the unification of the peoples of the earth. In straightforward style this statement walks the reader through a century that has seen glimpses of the best humanity has to offer as well as the worst. The conclusion refocuses our thoughts on the true goal of humanity, the realignment of our purpose with God’s.

6" x 8 1/2", 24 pp.

The Bahá’í World

Volume XX, 1986–1992 HC $55.00 (BWV20)

The last volume in the series initiated by Shoghi Effendi covers the years of the Six Year Plan, the opening of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Faith. This chronicle presents the collective efforts of the worldwide Bahá’í community for the years covered and includes key documents, bibliographies, essays, music, poetry and biographical sketches of a number of Bahá’ís who have served in exceptional ways. Special features in this volume include full-color reproductions of the Scroll of Honor initiated by Shoghi Effendi in the Ten Year World Crusade to register the settlement by the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in the remaining virgin territories of the Master’s Divine Plan, as well as the Guardian’s global map showing where all of the Knights settled.

6 1/2" x 9 1/2", 1,211 pp.

My African Heart

Bonnie Fitzpatrick-Moore SC $12.95 (MYAH)

This is the heartwarming story of one maidservant who returned to the land of her ancestors in the 1970s and settled in South Africa. My African Heart describes with joy and laughter why a Black American family would come to the land of apartheid and stay until the present day. It offers wonderful insights into the role that Africa is destined to play in the development of the world civilization and casts light on the special role Black Americans can play in this process.

5" x 7 1/4", 188 pp.

One Life, One Memory

Rúbá Asdaq SC $8.50 (OLOM)

This vivid account of a young girl’s pilgrimage to Haifa in 1914 includes delightful pen-portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Holy Leaf. Many will be charmed by this vignette, not only for its lively evocation of the rigors of travel earlier this century, but also for the freshness and spiritual eagerness of youth which permeate its pages.

6" x 8 1/4", 64 pp. [Page 8]Paradise and Paradigm Key Symbols in Persian Christianity and the Bahá’í Faith by Christopher Buck SC $27.95 (PARA)

Using a novel approach, the author compares the imagery and symbolism in two Persian religions, Bahá’í and Syriac Christianity, to demonstrate that formal similarities between any two religions are best understood in terms of paradigmatic differences.

Through historic and symbolic profiles of each religion, Buck presents a masterful analysis of how paradigm changes are effected through symbolic transformation. 6" x 9", 402 pp.

How Different Religions View Death and the Afterlife edited by Christopher Johnson and Marsha McGee $23.95 SC (HDRDA)

This book presents the thoughts, doctrines and customs of some of the largest and fastest-growing Christian and non-Christian religious groups in North America and synthesizes their beliefs about death into one highly readable volume. Each chapter is written by a different expert or scholar, each of whom is a recognized authority on a particular faith. Unlike other books on this subject, the discourse is refreshingly objective and non-proselytizing. 6" x 9", 310 pp.

Messages to Canada Shoghi Effendi $24.95 HC (MCAN)

This second edition of Messages to Canada contains the communications from Shoghi Effendi to the Canadian Bahá’í community, covering the years 1923–57. Addressed in this volume are: the character of Canada and the Canadian Bahá’í community, the struggles of that community to establish its identity, recognition of the community by civil authorities, tributes to historic figures, and many other areas of community and individual interest. 6" x 9", 220 pp.

The Phenomenon of Religion A Thematic Approach by Moojan Momen SC $29.95 (PRS)

An innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditional cultures to the modern world. Arranged into three main fields of inquiry—religious experience and its expression, conceptual aspects of religion and religion in society—this study draws not only from all the major religious traditions of the world, but also from disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and sociology. 6" x 9", 626 pp.

Assisting the Traumatized Soul Healing the Wounded Talisman by Phyllis K. Peterson SC $16.95 (ATS)

With open honesty about her painful experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Phyllis Peterson shares how she learned to overcome her own trauma by delving into the healing words of the Bahá’í writings.

This important, ground-breaking work reaches out to both the survivors of trauma and to those who wish to assist them. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 222 pp.

Planning Progress Lessons from Shoghi Effendi June Manning Thomas $19.95 SC (PPLSE)

In the Ridván 155 B.E. message from the Universal House of Justice, we are encouraged to become more systematized in our planning processes. June Thomas, by providing an examination of Shoghi Effendi’s methods of planning, has given us a tremendous case study on how we may achieve objectives for the Faith as well as in our own lives. Essential reading for many reasons, this look into the workings of the Guardian’s planning and execution of the Ten Year World Crusade provides much-needed insight for application in the present day. Includes a pullout reproduction of the map used by the Guardian to chart the progress of the Ten Year Crusade. 6" x 9", 186

Protocols for American Indian Teaching prepared by the National American Indian Teaching Committee SC $3.00 (PAIT)

An understanding of the life-ways of America’s indigenous peoples will help traveling teachers present the Message of Bahá’u’lláh in an effective and appropriate manner. The National Spiritual Assembly encourages a study of this booklet so that journeys into Indian Country will be safe, respectful and rewarding. 8 1/2" x 11", 22 pp.

Developing Patterns of Community Life The Process of Social and Economic Development for Bahá’í Communities prepared by Mottahedeh Development Services $16.50 SC (DPCL)

This practical manual presents both the supportive writings and a 10-step method for planning, initiating and managing social and economic development projects. Developed by those working in the field of social and economic development, it has helped practitioners from the Americas who have been involved in the most successful Bahá’í development projects. 8 1/2" x 11", 132 pp.

BACK IN PRINT!

The Bahá’í Proofs by Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl SC $14.95 (PROOF)

A classic in the canon of Bahá’í literature, this book is a prime example of the superb scholarship of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl. Using characteristically notable wit and knowledge, the author discusses such weighty subjects as the Manifestations of God, the unity of the world’s religions, the ages of humanity and the consequences for nations who fail to recognize the advent of a Manifestation of God. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 305 pp.

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era by J.E. Esslemont SC $5.95 (BNES)

The most widely read introduction to the Bahá’í Faith is now back in print! 4 1/4" x 7", 300 pp.

Explore! The Heart of the Bahá’í Teachings A Comprehensive Guide to the Fundamental Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith

1 copy	$19.00 (EXCDR)
2-4 copies	$15.00 each
5 copies and up	$10.00 each

Explore!, a Windows software program on CD-ROM, contains 63 carefully prepared compilations to provide answers to the questions, “What are the Bahá’í teachings on ... God, the soul, peace, creation, art, marriage, prayer, etc.” Dozens of topics are covered in a quick and easy-to-use format. It is a user-friendly and affordable teaching tool. Give Explore! to seekers, youths and new believers, or use it for deepening and study classes. Those interested in the 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 9]

MUSIC

Interwoven Tapestry CD $16.00 (ICD)

Perhaps you’ve heard Tapestry at National Convention or Bosch Bahá’í School! With their new CD this Pacific Northwest group weaves together a richly diverse musical tapestry of selections from their most popular offerings. Styles include vocal jazz, pop, ethnic, storytelling and sacred choral music based on the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Con Alma A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie Judy Rafat CD $16.00 (CACD)

This CD is something very special because it is a dedication full of admiration and love to a man and his music, not only from a great singer but from all the fantastic musicians playing on it who really know the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Innovative arrangements, precision vocals and an obvious love for the music make this a wonderful homage to a great musician as well as a great work in its own right.

Selections from the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh Remembrance Ensemble $16.00 CD (HWBCD)

This is a new recording of original a cappella settings 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 Setteth the World Aflame Roya Bauman $15.00 CD (LSWACD)

A collection of spiritually uplifting music in classical and folk styles. Features prayers and sacred writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Sung by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Roya Bauman, these tracks highlight the talents of 10 composers from three countries.

Love of Bahá II $15.00 CD (PLBIICD)

An album of Persian Bahá’í songs and prayers with the beautiful vocals of Mrs. Goli Ataii. Recorded in a professional recording studio and enlisting the talents of well-known Persian musicians, songwriters and Bahá’í poets, it will be a special addition to your collection.

Bahá’í Temple Choir Bahá’í Temple Choir, Australia $16.00 CD (BTCACD)

This recording, within the Bahá’í Temple Australia itself, takes advantage of the building’s acoustics to enhance the a cappella singing. The choir was joined for this recording by Gary Sterling, a professional singer from the United States.

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!).

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. • Atlanta, GA 30336 [Page 10]The Four Year Plan’s success is dependent on “marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community.” Past editions of the Youth Page have detailed certain national and regional youth activities. This month, we spotlight local communities and individual initiatives.

What did youth do this summer?

Youths gather at a retreat in Washington state. Organizers say they learned many valuable lessons, including the importance of involving youths in planning, good food, structured activities, unstructured free time, excellent speakers, adequate time for devotions, and time for the youths to share what is in their hearts. Photo courtesy of Erin Long

Youths at a recent Colorado retreat display an impromptu artwork they created as they studied the Hands of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker and Louis Gregory. Photo courtesy of Refleen Firooz

L.A.-area conference: It’s a unity thing

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS, LOS ANGELES, CA

After it was all over, the eight members of the Los Angeles Youth Committee who had organized the largest youth conference ever held in Los Angeles found themselves counting their victories.

Around 100 Bahá’í youths from as far away as Hawaii attended the conference June 18–20 at the new Bahá’í Community Center in Encino.

The three-day event featured intensive workshops conducted by Auxiliary Board members Angelica Huerta of Los Angeles and Gary Bulkin of San Diego, as well as talks by Eddie Diliberto, Fernando Huerta and Sina Mossayeb.

While more than 500 meals for the three-day event were handled by outside catering, the spiritual nourishment was provided by the intensive prayer, music and ‎mediation meditation‎ sessions in which every youth participated.

L.A. Youth Committee members serve some of the more than 500 meals dished out at the June conference in Encino.

In the warm sundown feeling of accomplishment the youth committee couldn’t believe its good fortune! Along with the excitement of a job well done came the exquisite anticipation of future possibilities.

Zack Heern, 21, one of the youth committee members, said that the most memorable aspect of the conference for him was the spirit of the youth.

“I mean, it’s a regular thing for young Bahá’ís to get together and it’s great, with everyone thinking along the same spiritual lines,” he said. “But thinking and doing something together—that’s something totally different.”

Achieving a higher level of unity among Bahá’í youth has been a consistent goal of the committee, and the weekend conference was viewed as a kickoff event for the summer.

A cumulative 200 hours of consultation went into the planning for the conference, and when asked what they would do differently the next time the immediate reply was, “Start sooner!”

The group benefited from the fact that it was a summer conference.

“Definitely,” Zack explained. “If we were in school the whole time there’s no way we could have pulled it off.” ◆

Portland-area communities rally together to make youth a high priority

The focus on systematization of the Bahá’í community during the Four Year Plan has had implications for youth activity on the national, regional, and, most fundamentally, local levels. An excellent example of a community rallying around its youth in the spirit of the Plan can be found in greater Portland, Oregon.

The Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukie, with the support of neighboring communities and the Regional Council for the Western States, has charged the nine-member Portland/Vancouver Metro Area Youth Task Force with developing “the capacity of Bahá’í youth to be teachers, administrators, and active members of the Bahá’í community.”

These efforts, concentrated on systematic training, encouragement and mobilization, are meant to support the Regional Council’s comprehensive Youth Development Program.

Armed with a thorough mandate and the support of their local communities, the task force works with individual youth, Bahá’í Youth Workshops and campus clubs. Youth in the area are very active, with a full range of activities including teaching projects, proclamation events, deepenings and social activities.

A local newsletter and forthcoming Web site are other components of a unified youth plan for the area and are contributing to what may be a powerful example of the Bahá’í youth movement. ◆

TRUE WEALTH

“Strive, therefore, to create love in the hearts in order that they may become glowing and radiant. When that love is shining, it will permeate other hearts even as this electric light illumines its surroundings. When the love of God is established, everything else will be realized. This is the true foundation of all economics. Reflect upon it.”

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.239

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ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS

DON’T LET YOUR CAMPUS ASSOCIATION GO WITHOUT IT!

A newly revised, much-expanded edition of the Bahá’í Campus Association handbook has been prepared by the National Youth Committee. Get your copy now by registering your Campus Association (or yourself) through the national Web site (www.usbnc.org) or by mail (address at right).

National Youth Committee Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3499 e-mail [Page 11]

INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SERVICE CORPS OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities listed here are from Bahá’í institutions all over the world (primary languages are in parentheses). More service opportunities, compiled by the Bahá’í World Center, are available through the Office of Pioneering or your Auxiliary Board Member.

IF YOU CAN ARISE to meet one of these or other critical international needs, please contact your Local Spiritual Assembly for initial consultation and to receive a copy of the Pioneer/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer form. As you work toward your goal, the Office of Pioneering will also work closely with you. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail [redacted])

AFRICA

Botswana (Tswana, English): John Robarts Long-Term Teaching Project and other projects. Cameroon (French): Youth service organizer. Ethiopia (‎Ahmaric Amharic‎, Italian, Arabic, English): Youth with office experience to assist the national Secretariat. Tanzania (English, Swahili): Help the Local Teaching and Training Nucleus in Dar es Salaam. Senegal (French): Olinga Teaching Project near Dakar needs French-speaking youth for teaching, children’s classes, women’s and youth activities. Drama ability welcome. South Africa (Afrikaans, Tswana, Xhosa, English): Check the Web site (www.icon.co.za/~mojdeh/service.htm). Uganda (English, Luganda, Swahili): National office administrative assistance. Zambia (Bemba, Nyanja, English): Teaching, social and economic development projects, literacy, institute development.

AMERICAS

Alaska (English, indigenous languages): Several teaching projects plus summer Alcan youth institute programs. Belize (English, Spanish, indigenous languages): Bahá’í center caretaker, visitor’s center host. Bermuda (English): Help with performing arts workshops. Bolivia (Spanish): Teaching projects in warm Santa Cruz, working with Radio Bahá’í, social and economic development projects in the cool highlands, helping with Youth Workshop development, or more. Brazil (Portuguese): Volunteers at School of the Nations, in the Bahá’í community and helping community development in Brasilia-area favelas. Canada (English): Maxwell International Bahá’í School needs volunteers in administrative, finance and personnel, gardening, student services, academic and facilities services, etc. Chile (Spanish): Colegio Núr in Santiago needs administrative and teaching volunteers for six months to a year. Costa Rica (Spanish): Active dance workshop in San José open to more volunteers. Ecuador (Spanish): Project Badasht, teaching in rural communities with full logistical and training support of the national and regional teaching committees. Many youth participants. El Salvador (Spanish): Variety of volunteer needs at Jamálíyyih Bahá’í Institute, New Garden Bahá’í Institute, Badasht Institute and Ridván School, as well as supporting other local youth efforts. Guadeloupe (French): Help with national office administration and development of the training institute. Jamaica (English): Help youth workshops, teach in rural areas, help with the radio show and/or a television conference, with training programs, teach children’s classes, or do administrative work at the National Center. Mexico (Spanish): Furútan Project focuses on promoting the Cause among students and faculty of universities, the Edna Ford Continuous Teaching Campaign in Juárez on carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the Tarahumara Indians. Panama (Spanish): Teaching, children’s and youth classes and public school presentations to support Project Muhájir in an area of Panama City. Venezuela (Spanish): Three “entry by troops projects” and an ongoing year of service program supported by local youth. Proclamation, teaching, consolidation, theater, music etc.; need 6-10 youths at a time for at least six months’ service. Knowledge of Spanish a must. Low living costs. Virgin Islands (English): Spend a year at the University of the Virgin Islands; teach receptive souls in beautiful surroundings in free time.

ASIA

Cambodia (Khmer, English, French): Coordinate movement of traveling teachers within Cambodia. ‎Kazakstan Kazakhstan‎ (Kazakh, Russian): Help the 200+ Bahá’í youths develop youth workshops. Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz, Russian): Open new areas of the country to the Faith and work toward their development. Thailand (Thai, English): Dedicated volunteers needed at the National Bahá’í Center, Nongkhai Bahá’í Center and Omgoi Development Project, and Santitham School. Other urgent needs in Asia. Contact the Office of Pioneering as soon as possible.

AUSTRALASIA

Cook Islands (Cook Island Maori, English): Visiting youth performance groups to help local youth proclamations. Eastern Caroline Islands (Carolinian, English, Japanese): Youth teaching, development, consolidation work. Hawaiian Islands (English): Volunteers needed to help Maui Bahá’í Youth Workshop for at least six months. Kiribati (Gilbertese): Ootan Marawa Bahá’í School needs mature youths as teacher aides, helping students learn English; also for school-related social and economic development projects. Mariana Islands (Chamorro, Carolinian, English): Marianas Bahá’í School on Guam (guided by the National Spiritual Assembly) seeks one or two youths as teachers’ aides. Marshall Islands (Marshallese, English): Teaching, development, consolidation; continuance of dance/drama workshops. Samoa (Samoan, English): Guide at the Temple, work at Montessori Bahá’í School, help organize displays and Bahá’í literature at book sales, teach and deepen new believers, teach children’s classes, and more. Solomon Islands (Pidgin, English): Drama, music, dance abilities needed. Tonga (Tongan, English): Help develop youth workshop. Tuvalu (Tuvaluan, English): Encourage local youths and help develop children’s classes. Vanuatu (French): Drama, music, dance abilities needed for development of youth in villages.

EUROPE

Europewide: European Bahá’í Youth Council project encouraging youths to serve in small teaching groups in European countries. Administrative assistant needed in Council office. Baltic States (Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Russian): Muhájir Mass-teaching Project. Belarus (Belorussian, Russian): Youths to serve at the National Office, preferably with computer skills, to staff Bahá’í centers and carry out teaching work, with option to study Russian. Art and music especially effective in teaching work. Belgium (French, Dutch): Up to three youths to serve half time in the national Secretariat and half in the Youth Secretariat. Bulgaria (Bulgarian): Dynamic youths to help the National Youth Committee and other work. France (French): Periodic needs for volunteers at Office of Public Information of Bahá’í International Community in Paris. Hungary (Hungarian): Join a team of one Roma and one Hungarian youth to teach the receptive Roma people of Hungary. Iceland (Icelandic, English): Urgent need for experienced Bahá’í youth workshop member with artistic and organizational ability. Lithuania (Lithuanian): Teach and serve while studying engineering or medicine in English at Kaunas Medical Academy for annual tuition equivalent to U.S. $3,000! Malta (Maltese, English, Italian): Urgent need for youths to join teaching projects aiming to establish the first National Spiritual Assembly of Malta. Poland (Polish, German): Dance workshop facilitator/coordinator, national office worker, community builder, carpenter. Switzerland (French, German): Periodic need for volunteers at the office of the Bahá’í International Community and at the Bahá’í National Center, in Geneva, as well as to live in goal towns near Zurich and Lausanne.

U.N. activities can help generations get together

October presents Bahá’í communities with opportunities to support two important United Nations initiatives: the commemoration of United Nations Day Oct. 24, and the “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign culminating Oct. 31.

“Both events will facilitate unity between younger and older generations, which is an aspect of the oneness of humanity that does not receive enough attention in American society,” said Jeffery Huffines, U.N. representative of the National Spiritual Assembly.

United Nations Day, Oct. 24

In commemorating United Nations Day, Bahá’í communities are encouraged to observe the 1999 International Year of the Older Persons as designated by the U.N. General Assembly.

The United Nations Association of the U.S. (UNA-USA) has published a resource for community organizers, “United Nations Day Program Manual: Towards a Society for All Ages,” available for $8 through UNA-USA headquarters or free through the UNA-USA Web site (www.unausa.org).

For further help on programming or materials for this event, please contact Liz Marmanides at UNA-USA, 801 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-907-1300, fax 212-682-9185, e-mail [redacted]).

The Bahá’í US/UN Office can be contacted at 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10019 (phone 202-803-2500, e-mail [redacted]).

“Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF”

Charles Lyons, president of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, sent a joint letter with Huffines to all Local Assemblies and groups to urge Bahá’í communities and schools, parents and children to participate in the “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” program.

Call 1-800-252-KIDS to order campaign materials or visit the UNICEF-USA Web site (www.unicefusa.org) for information on educational and advocacy material, greeting cards and current events.

HOUSE MEMBER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

But look at where we live: a sea of materialistic individualism, carnality, cheating and corruption. The Guardian wrote that we must be “wholly immune” to these evils to withstand the crises history has in store for our civilization.

The strength to become immune is spiritual, Mr. Fatheazam said. To gain that strength, we must increase our love of Bahá’u’lláh—a love so strong that we can obey His prescription for the world’s salvation “without fear of fire, or hope of paradise,” in the words of the Báb.

We gain that love, Mr. Fatheazam said, by immersing ourselves twice a day in the words of God, and by praying daily.

It’s like the working of a light bulb, he said: Each of us is a tiny filament, a humble piece of metal. But brilliant illumination comes from “this same little wire, connected to a powerhouse. ... Only the words of God can change our hearts.”

This exhortation echoed recent words from another visiting member of the Universal House of Justice, Adib Taherzadeh. Two summers ago he stood at the same dais and issued a similar plea from the heart to our continent’s Bahá’ís: Read at least a little of the Sacred Writings each morning and each night, to increase our love for the Blessed Beauty. ◆ [Page 12]

Young co-workers find unique ways to make efforts count for the Fund

Students of the children’s and junior youth classes from the Molly Robino Learning Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, were each challenged to think of ways she or he could help to raise funds for the National Fund. They named their group project “Project National Bahá’í Fund.” The following accounts how each person met the challenge:

• Every time Christopher Jeffery (8 months old) slept through the night without waking up, his parents made a contribution in his name.
• Every time Mark (3 years old) finished his meals without his parents’ help, his parents made a contribution.
• At the Tri-County Bahá’í School Unity Day, Dominic, John and Justin took Polaroid pictures of guests for $3 each.
• Roya, Sophie and Gabbie helped bake cupcakes and cookies and John, Riley and Paula helped them sell the baked goods at the Unity Day event.
• Justin and Trevor recited Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh every morning and evening for two weeks, and their parents made a contribution for each time.

The group exceeded their goal. All involved said it was fun, exciting, and unifying. Congratulations to all those at the Molly Robino Learning Center!

Module workshops help veteran Assembly members

Assemblies looking for help in their process of growth have new resources available: 10 new or revised Assembly Development Module Workshops.

These training tools can help your Assembly systematically develop a unified vision of its vital responsibilities and provide practical insights on how to achieve them. They comprise part of an ongoing process of Spiritual Assembly development.

A frequently asked question: Will the modules be too basic for Assemblies with experienced members? Even long-established Local Spiritual Assemblies with deepened members are called to a new state of mind by the Universal House of Justice and can benefit from looking at the Writings with “new eyes.” If you’ve already gone through another training, this will be a further step in your ongoing process of Assembly development.

A participant’s comment: “We loved the spiritual infusion of new energy into long-known concepts.”

Topics cover several facets of partnership with community members, community-building, the Assembly’s role in giving guidance, consultation and encouraging teaching.

For more information call the Bahá’í Distribution Service (800-999-9019) or the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, fax 847-733-3486, e-mail ) or access the Administrative Web site (www.usbnc.org).

PLANNED GIVING extends our options

“The resources at the disposal of the community must, as a result of its expansion, be continually augmented and carefully extended.” —‎Sboghi Shoghi‎ Effendi

Many of us can make substantial gifts to the Funds of the Faith beyond our regular cash contributions—and sometimes benefit ourselves through tax savings or increased available cash.

• Bequests through wills
• Gifts of stock or securities
• Gift annuities or trusts

The National Spiritual Assembly has announced a Planned Giving Program that allows believers to make these or other financial arrangements.

For a packet of information on how you might be able to plan a gift, please complete the form at right or contact the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3476, e-mail ).

Local TREASURER’S Corner

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

This month we continue to share questions and answers from the Office of the Treasurer that were offered to the delegates at this year’s National Convention:

Many Bahá’ís are giving a lot and they feel stretched. Yes, they are and they do—those who give are giving generously, and many Bahá’ís are feeling “stretched” financially.

We calculated the average given by Bahá’ís who contributed to the Fund through the National Center in 1995–96, and compared it with a Gallup survey of all Americans who gave to religious charities. The result: Bahá’ís gave more than twice as many dollars per household. And this was just through the National Center! It was in addition to any money given at the local level and smaller amounts sent directly to the Bahá’í World Center.

Local Bahá’í expenditures are much higher across the country than ever before, so it’s really a major victory that contributions at the national level have not dropped dramatically this year.

Have we overcome our feelings of guilt in talking about money? In March the Treasury published a graph in The American Bahá’í under the title “What do you think?” The handful of responses to that question suggests some friends still find it awkward to discuss money and the Faith’s financial needs.

Local treasurers have the main responsibility to educate the friends about the spiritual forces that work through the institution of the Bahá’í Fund. As Bahá’ís come to understand why and how to discuss these powerful, constructive forces, our community’s spiritual and numerical strength will grow rapidly. The Stewardship and Development Program, with its seminars and materials, is designed to support the local work on these important matters.

Dozens more Stewardship trainers ready to serve

Stewardship and Development facilitators—55 of them—were trained by the Office of the Treasurer last summer. To date, these hard-working souls have given more than 500 seminars and sessions nationwide, ranging from full-day workshops to 1- or 2-hour consultations on sections of the Stewardship manual.

The manual is now in use in 15 countries in every continent. Last summer’s training sessions were attended by the national treasurer of Brazil, who has translated the materials and adapted them for widespread use in that nation; other attendees included staff from the Canadian Treasury Office.

(Note: Since this year’s National Convention, a number of additional facilitators have been trained and will make themselves available to Local Spiritual Assemblies, regional schools and institutes wherever possible. Also, the manual has been shared with the National Spiritual Assemblies in at least five additional countries.)

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

CLIP OR COPY THIS FORM

I/we would like more information about planned giving. I am particularly interested in:

___ Providing for the Bahá’í Faith in my will ___ Making a gift of securities ___ Making a gift of real estate ___ Making a gift through life insurance

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

Name ______________________________________________________

Spouse’s Name (if Bahá’í) __________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________________

State ____________ Zip ____________________________________

Telephone _________________________________________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________

[ ] I prefer that someone contact me by telephone.

Return form to: Development Department, Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 TAB 9/8/99 [Page 13]

Tips on reaching and teaching Southeast Asians

How can our Bahá’í communities reach and teach Southeast Asians living in our areas?

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office often hears this question, and would like to offer the following as one of many approaches to creating bonds of friendship. Southeast Asians living in the United States are quite approachable if one is sensitive to their culture and needs.

First and foremost, remember that Southeast Asian refugees have gone through tremendous traumas—leaving their homelands, perhaps seeing family members killed, living in refugee camps, and for some, torture and imprisonment.

More than material help, the Southeast Asians need love and respect from their Bahá’í friends. They need to know the Bahá’ís understand and respect their history and cultural heritage.

The family is of primary importance in Southeast Asian cultures. They greatly respect the family unit, which may encompass several generations. It is important to establish bonds of trust and friendship so they will understand that the Local Assembly and the Bahá’í community are a part of their family.

As they deal with the basic issues of food, shelter and a job, Southeast Asian parents must deal with problems and challenges concerning their children and youths, such as:

• Loss of respect of the elders.
• Issues of freedom and becoming “Americanized,” which means loss of control of their children’s lives.
• The influence of gangs.
• Lack of interest in education.

Local communities can offer practical solutions to Southeast Asian Bahá’ís through the principles and guidance in the Bahá’í writings. It’s very important for Bahá’í youths to reach out and become friends with Southeast Asian youths. Bahá’í clubs and youth workshops are excellent ways to provide positive alternatives to negative influences that prey on all youth.

Generally speaking, Southeast Asians do not respond well to fliers and newsletters, nor do the vast majority of them have e-mail access. To reach them, one generally needs to go to their homes, first establishing ties of friendship through regular visits—then invite them to activities.

Like so many Americans, many of them struggle with raising their children while working at more than one job. Even if they are invited they may not attend. This should not be taken as disinterest in Bahá’í community life.

Finally, ask Southeast Asian Bahá’í friends if they would like to have a Unity Feast in their home. Many love to show hospitality, so let them plan the event and provide music, games and food. They will feel more a part of the community, and their extended family and friends can meet the Bahá’ís.

For information about the work of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, or to receive a free subscription to our helpers bulletin, please call 847-733-3525. ◆

How can the Wilmette Institute help you serve?

Just in the last year, surveyed students of the Wilmette Institute reported these accomplishments as a direct result of their study:

• Bringing 31 new believers into the Faith.
• Giving 186 firesides.
• Conducting 188 deepenings.
• Facilitating 19 classes in local and regional training institutes.

These 37 students, from all across the country, are of a variety of ages and backgrounds. Yet these “ordinary Bahá’ís” have seen this transformation because the Wilmette Institute emphasizes training in active service, in addition to thorough study of Bahá’í writings.

A woman in Florida wrote, “Without question, [the Institute] has enabled me to serve the community with far greater confidence. I would never have attempted to speak in front of any group prior to WI. The most notable [achievement] was speaking to another church congregation (100 plus).”

A man in New York commented, “The Institute has ignited my activities in a variety of areas and other friends are aware of this and call upon me. It is my delight to serve Bahá’u’lláh!”

“I am finding that I do comprehend the Writings at both the deeper level of intended meaning, and at the level of metaphorical or culturally specific language,” wrote a newer believer from Illinois.

Careful with those suds

Alex Garcia (left) and Brian Reed do cleanup duty as Bahá’ís from Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, prepared a meal recently at the Community Table, an organization for the needy in Eau Claire. Photo by Ruth Peterson, Eau Claire, WI

Bahá’í mental health professionals gain forum for enriching their service

It was inspired by a 1998 gathering at Louhelen, and now the first meeting of the Association of Bahá’í Mental Health Professionals will be held Nov. 19–21 at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

All Bahá’ís who are mental health professionals are invited to attend. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Michael Penn, psychologist and faculty member of Landegg Academy.

The purpose of the association is to combine the highest scientific and professional knowledge in the field with study of the Bahá’í writings and their application to mental health education, training and practice.

“There is a growing concern for those in our community who struggle with addictions and other disorders, as well as a wish to offer the healing remedy in the Bahá’í revelation to the whole of humanity,” said Mary K. Radpour, a Bahá’í and a psychotherapist. “It is our wish to mobilize this association of competent professionals to be prepared to offer this service.”

The association is an outgrowth of the first ‎Therapist’s Therapists’‎ Conference, held at Louhelen in May 1998—“one of the most impressive Bahá’í events I have ever attended,” according to author William Hatcher. He plans to present a paper at the conference titled “From Freud to Bahá’u’lláh, the Spiritualization of Psychology.”

To attend the conference, register through Louhelen Bahá’í School (810-653-5033). To submit a paper for presentation or distribution at the conference, or to inquire further about the association, contact Adrienne Stengel (phone 765-497-8223, e-mail ). ◆

Distance-Learning

“The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Related Texts,” Nov. 1, 1999–April 30, 2000. Tuition is $225 ($180 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

“Chinese Religions and Philosophy for Deepening and Dialogue,” Dec. 1, 1999–Jan. 31, 2000. Tuition is $100 ($80 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

All distance-learning courses include e-mail or phone conference opportunities. All are available at introductory or intermediate levels, depending on whether you want to take a college-level course. If you want to take a course at an advanced (graduate) level, or to seek college credit, contact the Institute.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
24-hour info line 847-733-3595 Registrar 847-733-3415 E-mail Information on the Internet www.wilmetteinstitute.org ◆

South Carolina summer school gains new momentum, reaches out to the public

“No Lack of Courage” was the theme challenging the more than 110 people—including two Knights of Bahá’u’lláh—at the South Carolina Bahá’í School on July 11–16.

The first full-week session of the school in several years, it drew people from as far away as Maryland.

The school made a special teaching outreach to the public with a well-advertised evening talk July 14 by Susan Aude Fisher, a news anchor for WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina.

On the topic “So Great an Honor,” her talk was an overview of the Bahá’í Faith and its links to other religions.

“When we think of telling others about the Faith and perhaps feel a little intimidated,” she told Bahá’ís in attendance, “we might think of the day we were bestowed with ‘so great an honor’ and ask if we are sorry someone told us about the Faith. I think not, or you wouldn’t be here.” [Page 14]

Bosch Bahá’í School

500 Comstock Lane • Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-3387 www.bosch.org

A youthful summer

Noah Turner-Jones gets ready to tap the ball during recreation time at last summer’s third Family Session, July 10–15, at Bosch Bahá’í School. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Youth have been in the spotlight this summer at Bosch Bahá’í School.

A July 10–15 family session featured a special youth program, “Teaching Oneness: Race and Gender Issues for Youth.” In developing the program, Justin Yuille and Ben Marx fulfilled a pledge they made three years ago as Youth Service Corps volunteers at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

What they created, and presented at Bosch, was an interactive course helping students better understand:

• The roots of racism in our society and the vision of race unity Bahá’u’lláh provides for us.
• The history of the U.S. women’s rights struggle and the Bahá’ís’ role in achieving gender equality.

At the same time was the Organic Agriculture Project for Youth and Junior Youth presented by Bosch staff member Sima Cockshut.

Students learned the basics of organic gardening, studied the Writings on the importance of agriculture and service, prepared a presentation, planted their own garden, and had fun together during recreation time.

Participants came away with a new appreciation for Bahá’u’lláh as a Gardener and the significance of the garden metaphors in His writings. They also developed a new set of skills in service to humanity.

Youths and children from the Ocean of Light Pacific Islander Teaching Conference, July 2–7, were again the hit of the Fourth of July Parade in Aptos, a community in the Santa Cruz area, winning the “Most Unusual” award and dancing in front of the stage at the celebration following the parade.

Wearing “Race Unity” T-shirts and Polynesian garb, the youths carried banners with the theme “Celebrate Diversity.” Representatives from the NAACP and Temple Beth El marched with them. A front-page article in the local newspaper described the group.

Fall programs

Oct. 8–10, “Chinese Culture: Be Imbued with the Spirit” with Charles Pau. Workshops deal with Chinese culture, philosophy and history and their relation to the Bahá’í Faith. Enrollment is limited, so don’t miss out!

Oct. 29–31: “Don’t Yell at Your Watchman” with Peter Oldziey. This workshop employs the arts—storytelling, mask-making, poetry, dramatic presentations, group sculpture—as well as personal reflection and group discussion, to help participants respond creatively to life’s challenges and gain a deeper love for Bahá’u’lláh.

Oct. 29–31: Social and Economic Development (SED) Training, with Robert Phillips. Is there a project that would benefit your community? Teaching English to Spanish- or Persian-speakers? Literacy classes? Health-care projects or day care for children or the elderly? Gain the skills to plan and implement a successful program.

Check the calendar in the back of this paper for many additional offerings this fall and winter. See you at Bosch! ♦

Green Acre Bahá’í School

188 Main Street • Eliot, ME 03903 207-439-7200 www.greenacre.org

‘Lights of the Spirit’

Fall programs

Sept. 24–26: “Lights of the Spirit: A History of Black Bahá’ís in the Diaspora” with Richard Thomas and Gwen Etter-Lewis. Explore how Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation has revolutionized the historical and spiritual significance of being a person of African descent.

Sept. 24–26: Campus Association Weekend. Hosted by the National Youth Committee and the Regional Youth Committee for the Northeastern States. Network with others and focus on becoming leaders in social activism and in sharing the Bahá’í perspective on your college campus.

Oct. 8–10: “Talking and Listening: The Art of Spiritual Parenting” with family therapist Keyvan Geula. Build skills in communicating across generations, consulting as a family, resolving conflicts, discussing sensitive issues, and helping shape your children’s behavior.

Oct. 8–10: Youth Weekend Institute: Preparation for Marriage, led by Claudine and Aeric Meredith-Goujon. Closed-campus course for youths ages 15 and up; enrollment is limited. This dynamic, interactive course uses artistic expression to help students apply Bahá’í teachings on a practical level.

Classes for ages 3–14 will also be held that weekend.

More fall programs

Oct. 15–17: “Bahá’í-Centered Management: Principles and Practice” with Larry Miller.

Oct. 28–31: Training Institute Facilitator Training with Farah Rosenberg; also Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institute.

Nov. 5–7: “For the Love of God” with Peter Terry; also Conference on Substance-Abuse Prevention with Counselor A.-M. Ghadirian, Beth Bowen and others. ♦

Louhelen Bahá’í School

3208 S. State Road • Davison, MI 48423 810-653-5033 www.louhelen.org

A poetic calling

You expect a Bahá’í school to have love of God and the upliftment of the friends at the core of its mission. Louhelen Bahá’í School has that and more—there’s poetry in its heart.

Since the mid-1980s, the school’s Robert Hayden Fellowship Program periodically invites talented Bahá’í poets to take a little time out and hone their art in the prayerful atmosphere of the Louhelen campus.

This year’s Hayden poet, Lynn Ascrizzi of Waterville, Maine, used her two-week retreat to work on a poem titled “Gold Leaf.” That poem not only is grounded in respect for her husband’s craft of restoring antiques, but also was a sort of tribute to the late poet Robert Hayden himself.

A newspaper in Flint, near Louhelen, related the tale in a feature story that also illuminated the role of the Bahá’í Faith in the life and art of Ascrizzi, who works as lifestyle editor of the Central Maine Morning Sentinel.

While browsing Hayden’s collection in the Louhelen library, Ascrizzi found a 1909 book on gilding—an integral part of her husband’s work. “Applying gold leaf is an ancient art,” she was quoted as saying. “I use it as a metaphor to talk about poetry.”

Ascrizzi’s first link with Hayden came in 1979 when she submitted a poem for publication in World Order. Hayden, then editor of the Bahá’í magazine, turned the poem down—but mailed her an encouraging analysis that she cherishes to this day.

Hayden was a nationally prominent poet and a professor at the University of Michigan. His widow established the fellowship at Louhelen in the spirit of the high esteem that Bahá’u’lláh placed on poetry and all the arts.

Rick Johnson, co-administrator of Louhelen, told the Flint newspaper that most of the Hayden poets have gained greater exposure within the field since they took advantage of the fellowship. ♦

Conferences each year unify education efforts

Development of human resources is one element in the process of entry by troops. Becoming more systematic is another. Bahá’ís in Washington and nearby states have blended the two in recent years with annual Bahá’í School Education Conferences.

More than 60 people attended the latest one June 19 in the spiritual atmosphere of Brighton Creek Bahá’í Conference Center in McKenna, Washington, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pierce CCD#3.

The conference helped unify the vision of spiritual education and training among organizers, teachers and Core Curriculum trainers from:

• The Regional Training Institute of Washington and Northern Idaho.
• The Western Washington Regional Bahá’í School.
• Seventeen local Bahá’í schools in the region.

Auxiliary Board members Celia Johnson and Todd Kutches addressed the gathering. It featured workshops on tools and techniques, scope and sequence, lesson planning, inviting the public, developing youth and humor in our problem-solving.

Last year’s conference resulted in formation of the Western Washington regional Bahá’í school, affiliated with the national Education and Schools Office. At this year’s event, the interaction and training encouraged two communities to pursue formation of local Bahá’í schools. ♦ [Page 15]

Rich & Noble, too

By the Office of the Treasurer

Bahá’í kids in America are asked to help light up our country through a special project just for children and junior youth. It’s called Project Unity! With Project Unity!, each time you give money to the National Bahá’í Fund, Liang will put a star where you live on a U.S. map like the one to the right.

Project Unity! will last until Ridván, April 21, 2000.

Let’s see how bright we can make the United States! If you want to be a part of Project Unity!, draw a big star on the outside front of your contribution envelope. Liang can show you how to draw five- and nine-pointed stars below.

In a few months, Liang will share with you an update of how bright you are making the United States. So, look and listen for it at Bahá’í Feast! Draw a star on your envelope for each contribution so that a star can rise each time you are helping Bahá’u’lláh. ♦

Project Unity!

To make a star, follow the dotted lines & numbers. Begin at the star and end at the same star!

Practice without numbers or dotted lines using your memory. Or try drawing some of the stars bordering this paper.

Can you draw a nine-pointed star? Have fun!

SAVE THE EARTH POSTER CONTEST!

WE INVITE YOU TO participate in Brilliant Star’s poster contest for kids ages 5–12. The theme is “Save the Earth.” Your poster should show your ideas of how we can protect and preserve our one and only precious earth. What do you think harms our planet? What can we each do to keep it healthy and clean? Share your vision!

Here are the details:

• The posters can be no larger than 8 1/2” x 14”.
• You can use any materials you like (paint, crayons, etc)
• We must receive entries by October 18, 1999

Mail your posters to: Brilliant Star Submissions Bahá’í Media Services 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201

• Include your name, age, community, and a short letter telling us about your poster.
• The first-place poster will be published on the upcoming cover of Brilliant Star. The winner will also receive a T-shirt and a one-year subscription to Brilliant Star.
• Second- and third-place winners each will receive a Brilliant Star T-shirt.
• For more information, call 847.853.2354 ♦

Using BRILLIANT STAR at Unit Convention

“We’re All In This Together”—the 1999 Special Edition of Brilliant Star—is full of community-building ideas and activities. Use it in class or as a gift for the children. Call 800.999.9019 to order from BDS ($3.50 each, or $2.50 each for five copies or more). Teacher’s notes available at www.usbnc.org. For more information, contact the Education and Schools Office (phone 847.733.3492, e-mail ________________). ♦ [Page 16]

Whirl of energy suffuses House of Worship in summer

Summer at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, is like summer nowhere else. A member of the Universal House of Justice visits (see page 1). So does the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly entrusted with the Mother Temple of Africa. Music rises, the Faith is taught, youth and children are specially welcomed. Troubled citizens inch toward a common vision in the wake of racially motivated violence.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors each take in a little or a lot of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. They meditate privately or gather for midday worship services. Some simply wander inside or around the gardens, taking in the visual grandeur. They must be welcomed, even late in the evening. And mindful of the price this building pays for its service to the Cause of God, a dozen young people set aside three months for an extra burst of loving care.

How many volunteers does it take to run a Bahá’í House of Worship from May through September? The world doesn't yet know, because the full capacity for service appears inexhaustible, according to Caswell Ellis, activities director.

The number of visitors to the Temple has more than doubled from 112,000 in 1990 to a projected 250,000 in 1999. "The impact these numbers place on the requirement for volunteer services is obvious," Ellis said, "especially as more and more visitors are asking serious and searching questions about Bahá’u’lláh and His revelation. And increasingly, declarations are taking place at the House of Worship."

Here's a rundown of who served the public at the Temple over the summer (not including building and utility maintenance, security, or the Temple Conservation Team):

• The equivalent of eight full-time staffers, including activities, bookstore and music direction.
• 250 Bahá’ís from across the country volunteering at least some time during the summer.
• 3,200 person-hours spent greeting and guiding visitors, arranging flowers, performing or providing hospitality for programs, reading and storytelling, planning and presenting events, or any of a number of services to help this Temple carry out its work as a teacher of the Cause.

Sometimes dozens of visitors arrive after the Visitors' Center closes at 10 p.m. On summer Fridays and Saturdays, they are greeted by an energized cadre of "garden teachers," who often linger after the Auditorium closes at midnight. In daytime, many Bahá’ís take a few hours out to welcome masses of people, arriving singly or in tours of up to 50 or even 200 at a time.

A racially motivated shooting rampage over the July 4 weekend gave Wilmette and nearby Skokie a moment of national infamy. But months before that, Wilmette had been reawakened to the fact that coexistence among the races requires a neighborly atmosphere and a positive attitude from the heart.

So the forum at Foundation Hall on July 22, with 140 in attendance, was not just the Bahá’ís' idea—it was part of a series of village meetings on the subject of racial amity. Camille and Angela Henderson, sisters who are Bahá’ís, moderated a group discussion that gave residents a chance to express their fears and hopes without making each other feel threatened.

Of course, several Bahá’ís presented perspectives that were openly or subtly imbued with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and offered some patterns for healing of racism. But some of the audience's warmest responses went to other residents whose words paralleled our teachings.

A woman from Skokie informed the gathering of a nightly interracial walk that started at the site where a former basketball coach was shot to death. "I have made incredible friends in just two weeks," she said. "Out of this grows so much safety... that we can get together and talk about the hard things."

A white man who has organized gatherings to fight discrimination in Wilmette for decades asserted that diversity of races and nationalities is a gift to be welcomed. He admonished the meeting: "White people are going to be a minority. It is going to happen. We'd better get used to it."

A woman whose son was killed years ago in a racially motivated attack spoke grippingly of the need to "choose to forgive." She had to consciously summon the will to forgive, she said, so she could regain trust in people—"not because [forgiveness] felt right. It never felt right; it felt right to hate."

Creating an atmosphere for healing hearts in an estranged society is central to all Temple activities. But the "silent teacher" itself does much of the work. Walk up the steps and you are, in a way, putting in energy to "earn" the entry to the main Auditorium. (There is an elevator for people who find stairs an obstacle rather than a challenge.)

Engraved over the main entrance are words of Bahá’u’lláh: "Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent."

In the Auditorium, the most sanctified spot in the building, the visitor has the best chance to connect intimately with the spirit flowing through this "Dawning-place of the Mention of God." At midday and on special occasions such as Holy Days, the Sacred Writings and prayers are read aloud for shared inspiration. Otherwise, the meditation and communing and healing are silent.

Don't be alarmed. The House of Worship is not falling apart. But it is slowly "melting"—eroding over time. And the 17 hard-hatted young men and women of the Temple Conservation Team, 12 here for the summer only, put boundless energy into countering the natural processes that attack the physical structure or pose hidden safety hazards.

They wash dust and grime from the inner steel support structure—bit by bit, with a wet rag—exposing any rust spots that may need quick attention. They inspect and repair unobtrusive nets that keep birds from entering the 10,000 openings in the exterior dome. They use high-pressure hoses to clean the outside of the great dome, so acids from pollutants don't speed up the concrete's erosion from wind and rain.

Though garden renovations are some time in the future, the Conservation Team has been casting new concrete sections for each fountain. This is partly a "dress rehearsal" to build skills for replacing the sometimes-crumbling monumental stairs outside the Temple.

This summer was unique for the Temple Conservation Team, according to Dennis Davis, director of conservation. For the first time, the summer workers came from all four regions of the country, not to mention El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Several had served the Faith internationally.

"Talk about practicing unity in diversity," Davis said, "the group not only worked together... they spent a great deal of their spare time socializing and exploring the Chicago area together."

Many other hands work full time behind the scenes. Daily, the facility maintenance staff does routine cleaning, furniture moving, gardening, woodworking, air conditioning and electrical repair (a power supply disruption a block away caused the Visitors' Center to be closed to the public one Friday).

Then there is the humane trapping of "killer bunnies." The Chicago North Shore's richness in urban wildlife can be destructive when rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons and even deer look at the gardens and see food.

For an atmosphere of welcoming, you must appeal to the heart. That means use of the arts is vital at the House of Worship.

It starts right in the entrance hall of the Visitors' Center downstairs, where photos of Bahá’ís from around the world smile at visitors even before volunteer guides greet them. Photos accompany statements of the teachings on the walls, interspersed with serene flower arrangements that are renewed weekly by expert volunteers. Films and a multimedia show are available for the curious.

But people also crave a face-to-face connection with the expressive soul. This is at the heart of the institution of the House of Worship. The Master and the Guardian both encouraged choral singing during devotional gatherings at the Temple. The House of Worship Choir helps fill this need each Sunday and at Holy Day observances.

The July 8 observance of the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb was also an opportunity to exercise the art of oratory, as Carol Handy used word pictures to transport the noonday gathering back to those miraculous days in 19th century Persia.

Music and storytelling are part of many programs at the Visitor's Center and Foundation Hall, to help the public get acquainted with the Faith and serve visiting Bahá’ís.

The Sunday Fellowship program brings in musical, dramatic or other performing guests. This summer's fare has included a gospel choir from Wisconsin, a vocal group from Minnesota and a young violin master from Sweden.

"Our watchword for this event is the 'three I's—informal, informative and inspiring," said Dorita Fuller, coordinator of programs and activities. The thought-provoking 30-minute programs, with opportunities to mingle, have brought many repeat visitors. Occasionally they help people discover the Bahá’í Faith as their spiritual home. After the gospel program, a couple embraced the Faith immediately.

For visiting kids, it didn't get more face-to-face than a Story Festival in the Temple gardens with Kristine Pamenter, who used the world of plants to illustrate virtues; or with Rick James, who recruited child helpers to illustrate high points of the tales he spun.

Fireside-style gatherings are also part of the weekly routine. Most are in English, but some are tailored for Spanish-speaking or Indian/Pakistani visitors.

George Olinga is secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Uganda. He is probably more beloved among American Bahá’ís for being a son of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga. His appearance at the Temple in June, arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette, was a delightful evening of stories, inspiration and encouragement of U.S. believers to travel to Africa for the Faith.

His father "loved pioneers," Olinga said. "Every time he had an opportunity, he would welcome pioneers."

Uganda has its unique challenges for a pioneer or traveling teacher, he said. But teaching often is immediately rewarding. "It is good to understand Bible issues," he said, because many people are quite open to discussing how Bahá’u’lláh fulfills Christian prophecy. "There are not many people in villages who will be offended if you say Christ has returned."

He also spoke of ways the Ugandan National Assembly is working with the government to develop educational programs, especially in the areas of the rights of women and children.

Naturally, there has been more—an energizing discussion of the power of prayer by Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; a youth conference for the Central States, bringing in hundreds; weddings in the gardens or in Foundation Hall; organized Spiritual Oasis visits bringing in friends from across the country.

And Public Safety officers are always on hand to ensure the welcome is undiluted.

"Visitors representing all the countries, races, ethnic groups and religions of the world are visiting their House of Worship," Ellis said. "And they would all love to meet you."

Photo Captions

About 150 youths gather on the Temple grounds July 24 during a summer Youth Conference, the second in as many years organized by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Central States. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

George Olinga (left), visiting from Uganda, greets two local Bahá’ís at the House of Worship: Gayle Woolson, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh; and Patricia Campuzano. Photo by James Humphrey

Amoz Eckerson, Nebraska, and Dominic Vecchi, Massachusetts, pitch in for the Conservation Team. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Welcoming gardens soothe the visitor's eye on the Temple grounds. Photo by Vladimir Shilov [Page 17]

Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force

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

This time, we want to share with you some statistics that we believe will help you grasp the magnitude of the potential for teaching Hispanics in the United States as we move towards the close of the Four Year Plan.

Numbers sometimes convey a more powerful image than many words, so we hope the following demographic information, and that in the chart at right, will be helpful in your teaching work.

According to the latest available Census Bureau count, about 26 million Hispanics live in the United States. A closer look shows the largest concentrations in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, New York and the Washington/Maryland metropolitan area.

Within these nine geographic areas we have identified the top 30 metropolitan areas and ranked them according to their Hispanic population. The Los Angeles/Long Beach metro area ranks No. 1 in the U.S. with more than 4 million Hispanics or 44.9 percent of its total population, followed by New York with 2 million or 25.7 percent of its total population.

It is interesting that 70 percent of the entire U.S. Hispanic (or Latino) population lives in just four states: California, Texas, New York and Florida. In fact, 64 percent of all U.S. Hispanics were born here.

Even more striking is the fact that only 7 percent of Latinos speak ONLY Spanish, while 79 percent speak English either “well” (17 percent), “very well” (41 percent) or are “English-dominant” (21 percent), meaning that they speak little or no Spanish at all.

We look forward to sharing with you some additional statistics in our forthcoming issues. Until then, may Bahá’u’lláh bless all our efforts in His path.

With loving greetings, The Latin-American Task Force ◆

Carta a los amigos de la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

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

En esta ocasión deseamos compartir con ustedes algunos datos estadísticos que creemos les ayudarán a apreciar la magnitud del potencial que existe en los Estados Unidos para la enseñanza a los hispanos, mientras nos acercamos al cierre del Plan de los Cuatro Años.

Las cifras a veces transmiten una imágen más poderosa que muchas palabras, así que confiamos en que la siguiente información demográfica les ayudará en sus labores de enseñanza.

Según el último Censo disponible, hay aproximadamente 26 millones de hispanos en los Estados Unidos. Un enfoque más directo en su distribución geográfica muestra que California, Texas, la Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Nuevo Mexico, Illinois, Nueva York y el área metropolitana de Washington/Maryland, son las áreas de mayor concentración de hispanos en los Estados Unidos.

Dentro de estas nueve áreas geográficas, hemos identificado las 30 áreas metropolitanas más importantes, y las hemos catalogado según el número de su población hispana. El área metropolitana de Los Angeles/Long Beach está catalogada como la número uno en los Estados Unidos con más de 4 millones de hispanos—44.9 por ciento del total de su población—seguida por Nueva York con más de 2 millones—25.7 por ciento de su población.

Es interesante anotar que el 70 por ciento de toda la población hispana (o latina) del país reside dentro de 4 estados: California, Texas, Nueva York y la Florida, y que 64 por ciento de los hispanos actualmente en el país nacieron aquí. De mayor interés aún es el hecho de que únicamente el 7 por ciento declara hablar SOLO español mientras el 79 por ciento habla inglés “bien” (17 por ciento), “muy bien” (41 por ciento) o “exclusivamente” (21 por ciento) lo cual significa que hablan muy poco o nada de español.

En nuestras próximas entregas estaremos compartiendo más datos demográficos de interés. Hasta entonces, que Bahá’u’lláh bendiga todos nuestros esfuerzos en Su sendero.

Con afectuosos saludos, La Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana ◆

WHERE MOST U.S. HISPANICS LIVE

Here are the U.S. metropolitan areas with the 30 largest Hispanic populations. The number at left is the national ranking in terms of total Hispanic population; at right is the percentage of each area that is Hispanic.

		Hispanic population	% of total
WESTERN STATES
1	Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA	4,110,653	44.9
5	Riverside-San Bernardino, CA	1,043,210	34
8	Orange County, CA	795,061	29.3
9	San Diego, CA	706,495	26.3
10	Phoenix-Mesa, AZ	608,041	20.4
14	San Jose, CA	425,926	25.7
15	Fresno, CA	382,547	43.4
16	Oakland, CA	371,320	16.6
19	San Francisco, CA	300,928	17.9
21	Denver, CO	286,995	14.8
23	Albuquerque, NM	278,513	40.1
24	Ventura, CA	242,275	33.1
26	Tucson, AZ	235,829	29.2
28	Bakersfield, CA	226,333	36.1
SOUTHERN STATES
3	Miami, FL	1,220,526	56.4
6	Houston, TX	999,530	25.5
7	San Antonio, TX	841,312	54.3
11	Dallas, TX	560,951	17.5
12	El Paso, TX	541,471	77.4
13	McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX	483,119	91.7
17	Washington DC-MD-VA-WV	328,351	7
20	Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, TX	292,661	88.4
22	Austin-San Marcos, TX	284,856	25.4
27	Corpus Christi, TX	231,726	59.1
29	Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	224,820	14.1
CENTRAL STATES
4	Chicago, IL	1,118,377	14.3
NORTHEASTERN STATES
2	New York, NY	2,240,208	25.7
18	Boston-Worcester-Lawrence-Lowell-Brockton, MA-NH	315,240	5.3
25	Newark, NJ	241,611	12.4
30	Philadelphia, PA	222,937	4.5

Source: TGE Demographics Inc. 1998

DEBT TO U.N., CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

country have joined other citizens in the grassroots campaign by contacting their members of Congress to urge payment of the debt.

For a variety of reasons, efforts in Congress to authorize payment of funds have been unsuccessful for more than two years.

This fall, a committee of both houses of Congress is working on joint legislation that would allow payment of some of the arrears.

But that legislation would authorize payment of only $926 million, and it requires the U.N. to meet more than 20 conditions before the legally obligated funds may be paid.

The conditions include decreasing the U.S. regular and peacekeeping assessment rates and other restrictions, many of which will be difficult or impossible for the U.N. to meet in the imposed time frame.

Unless the U.S. pays a minimum amount, U.N. rules require that this country lose its vote in the General Assembly. By imposing numerous conditions for payment, the U.S. only aggravates the arrears situation.

The National Spiritual Assembly and other organizations in the campaign believe the U.S. should pay all its financial obligations to the United Nations—in full, on time and without conditions. However, because of the mood in Congress, that ideal is unlikely to be met in the near future.

Thus, the groups are urging Congress to ease conditions for payment so the U.S. can maintain its vote and minimize future accumulation of additional debt.

It is extremely important that members of Congress hear from their constituents early this fall so they will be moved to make progress on paying the debt to the U.N. The United Nations is a unique international forum for the resolution of problems that transcend national borders and should be supported and strengthened. ◆

WHERE TO FIND OUT

For complete information on contacting your members of Congress, check:

• On the Web: www.vote-smart.org/congresstrack/c-index.html
• In the blue pages of your local phone book under U.S. government (subheadings: House of Representatives, Senate, or United States Congress)

Information on the U.N. financial crisis can be found on the following Web sites:

• Better World Campaign: www.betterworldfund.org
• United Nations Association: www.unausa.org
• Emergency Coalition for U.S. Financial Support of the United Nations: www.clw.org/ecun ◆

[Page 18]

RACE UNITY DAY brings out uniqueness of message

RACE UNITY DAY was publicly celebrated June 13 this year all across the country. Or maybe earlier or later—as the needs of local communities dictated.

Here is a story of how Bahá’ís in a small Oregon town rallied to put the Bahá’í message on race unity into the minds of their neighbors, plus a brief sampling of reports from elsewhere in the country.

Sherwood, Oregon

The newly formed Bahá’í group here turned more than 2,000 prayers for teaching into a successful Race Unity Day celebration and a process aimed far beyond the June event.

It began Sept. 9, 1998, when the group in the Portland suburb pledged to recite a combined 342 prayers each Bahá’í month. By early February, that totaled an estimated 2,142 prayers.

Then, at a fateful evening Feast, the five adults and three children were watching a Bahá’í Newsreel. “Why, we could do that, too!” one member said. “Let’s have a big proclamation event for Race Unity Day in June. Let’s invite all 7,000 citizens of Sherwood, Oregon, and see who comes. We’ll invite the Youth Workshop and serve a free spaghetti dinner.”

Big plans for a community with $280 in the bank and monthly income averaging $28. The Bahá’ís made a $1,000 budget and turned it over to God.

“Not once in the next four months did we doubt our purpose and that we would be assisted by Bahá’u’lláh,” said Marie Lansdowne.

So over the next four months:

The local senior center was secured for a small fee. The director was familiar with Bahá’ís, especially two youths who volunteer there regularly.

A neighboring Spiritual Assembly sponsored the event so liability insurance would cover it.

The community signed up for the 800-22-UNITE seeker response line.

A day after Bahá’ís prayed for means to buy pamphlets, a Bahá’í won a $25 gift certificate and donated it to help buy literature.

Thanks to timely tax refunds and job bonuses, local Bahá’ís helped the project fund grow by $400.

To supplement paid advertising, a news release written from material provided by the National Assembly’s Office of Public Information was published in two papers; a paragraph even went into the Sherwood City Bulletin, which accompanies water bills.

As word of Sherwood’s plans spread, prayers for their success were recited at the Holy Shrines and the International Teaching Center in Israel, and by Auxiliary Board member Henri Cross and an assistant.

The Mid-Valley Bahá’í Youth Workshop spent the entire weekend in Sherwood. Its members handed out invitations around town and performed “demonstration” dances.

On the day of the event:

After dinner six children, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, read writings on unity from major religions. Each child held a differently colored candle; one was lighted after each reading.

The youth workshop, fortified by the previous day’s activity and deepening, performed a variety of dramatic dances. Audience members were visibly moved, wiping away tears.

A total of 36 non-Bahá’í guests attended. Three people stayed for an informational meeting, and six people indicated they would attend a fireside the next week.

And in the near future:

Plans for follow-up include a monthly newspaper ad, continued personal teaching and prayers for the teaching work, Sunday morning children’s classes, weekly fireside/deepening/devotional meetings, books to be placed in the Sherwood Library, prayers for strength and ability, and continued collaboration with the Auxiliary Boards.

San Antonio, Texas

The second annual Race Unity Day celebration May 16 brought together 500 people of many backgrounds to offer prayers, advocate race unity, enjoy outstanding performances, and partake of a variety of foods.

A prestigious roster of speakers included U.S. and state representatives and the deputy police chief. An ex-San Antonio Spurs basketball player and the team mascot also appeared.

Bahá’í, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Buddhist prayers opened the program. Bahá’í performers were augmented by a Sikh youth group, a Korean Baptist church choir, and a flamenco jazz band.

Local restaurants staffed a variety of food booths. A special Race Unity Day design was printed on posters, fliers, T-shirts and buttons. Sponsorship was obtained from the San Antonio Express-News and from supermarket chain H-E-B.

Charleston, West Virginia

More than 200 people attended a Race Unity Day celebration held in collaboration with the governor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office, the Universal Unitarian Fellowship and West Virginia State College.

The partnership allowed for an array of activities, including a parade of flags and cultural performances representing several countries—with sign language interpretation.

Bloomington, Indiana

A front-page article and photograph in The Herald-Times newspaper showed the Bahá’ís “putting unity in practice” at Bloomington’s 37th annual Race Unity Day celebration.

A thread of unity in diversity ran through the article, which described how the more than 40 participants “interacted in an event that took an active approach to the usual rhetoric surrounding race.”

Fort Collins, Colorado

Colorado Bahá’í Youth Workshop performances enticed more than 100 people—the highest attendance ever in the 27-year event—to this city’s Race Unity Day potluck picnic. Food from around the world added to the atmosphere.

The youth workshop also traveled to nearby Loveland to meet and dance for people at an assisted living facility.

San Jose, California

The Bahá’ís’ “Color Me Human” booth at the annual Juneteenth Festival on June 19–20 was the scene of a surprising, tear-filled “fireside” when a woman was so attracted on the first day that she couldn’t stay away on the second.

Bahá’ís passed out 500 balloons and offered free face painting. Displays of Bahá’í writings inspired passers-by to start conversations and pick up lots of pamphlets.

Denton, Texas

Race Unity Day made the front page of the Denton Record-Chronicle. An article told of the annual celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, and a photograph depicted a short dramatic piece on the late Hand of the Cause Louis G. Gregory and his wife, Louisa.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Extensive radio, TV and newspaper publicity—much in Spanish—helped attract a crowd of more than 250, nearly half non-Bahá’í, to the Race Unity Day picnic.

The event featured a hula troupe and two gospel choirs. Bransford Watson gave a keynote talk titled “No Room in My Heart for Prejudice,” then conducted a workshop the next day at the Bahá’í Center. ♦

Above: In Vinita, Oklahoma, a member of “Messengers of the Dawn” workshop hugs a young member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, co-sponsor with the Bahá’ís of a lively Race Unity Picnic on July 13. Photo by Rafael Castillo, Dallas, TX

Left: In Flint, Michigan, a member of the city Human Relations Office displays a mayoral proclamation for Race Unity Day. About 130 people came out for the June 13 event, which involved YOUTH2, a Bahá’í development project. [Page 19]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

Executive Assistant, National Teaching Office. Helps National Teaching Committee secretary: Coordinates projects related to the National Teaching Plan; helps develop reports; communicates with other agencies; prepares articles for The American Bahá’í. Needs bachelor's degree; knowledge of Bahá’í writings and administration; project management experience; superior writing, speaking, analytical skills; word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet skills. Some travel required.

Media Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Helps Bahá’ís understand the national media initiative through The American Bahá’í, the Internet, Bahá’í Newsreel, regional training programs etc.; advises/assists local and regional media efforts; monitors national toll-free telephone system for seekers; sets up research and testing. Needs professional background in media, education and/or public relations; extensive project management experience; knowledge of Bahá’í writings and administration.

Research Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Gathers, analyzes information on issues affecting growth and development of the Faith; communicates analysis and recommendations to National Spiritual Assembly and National Teaching Committee; conveys information to Regional Bahá’í Councils and to the believers in general. Needs advanced degree in research-oriented field such as social sciences or marketing; high organizational, analytical, interpersonal skills; extensive knowledge of Bahá’í writings and administration.

Conservation Coordinator, Conservation. Does inspection, recordkeeping, testing and research for Conservation Program at Bahá’í House of Worship; maintains Conservation team information systems; 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. Bahá’í Refugee Office. Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Bahá’í, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Bahá’í and other publications. Needs proven ability to work with confidential information, strong skills writing and speaking English.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Assistant Controller: Responsible for National Spiritual Assembly financial operations: budget and cash management, reporting and control. Maintains relationships with department heads. Needs high degree of honesty and integrity; five years' experience as controller of mid-sized corporation or not-for-profit entity; bachelor's degree in accounting (CPA preferred); experience in creating and managing budgets, working knowledge of cash management, accounting and control systems. Must be organized, have good communication and people skills, and be able to function in fast-moving, consultative environment.

Office of Pioneering, Evanston: International Consultant (2 positions). Recruits, counsels, trains and dispatches international pioneers, youth volunteers and traveling teachers; assists current volunteers and those returning to the States. Needs excellent communication and organizational skills and computer/word processing skills; office experience preferable. Should understand cross-cultural interactions, international affairs etc.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Evanston: Assistant Coordinator, Southeast Asian Program. Helps support teaching and consolidation activities: prepares correspondence; monitors/reports on programs throughout the country; coordinates annual Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference; prepares printed and audiovisual materials for the Southeast Asian Bahá’ís; writes, compiles, lays out Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin. Two-year commitment expected; some travel may be required.

Bahá’í Properties Office, Wilmette: Maintenance Technician. Responsible for preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs. Needs high aptitude for electrical and mechanical systems. Additional training will be provided.

Persian/American Affairs Office, Evanston: Program Assistant. Helps 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 Bahá’í administrative practices and with Iranian culture. Must type 30 wpm in English and Persian, and be capable of detailed work with frequent interruptions.

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-literate, especially in Microsoft Office programs. Must speak, read and write English; needs valid driver's license.

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

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

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 activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAI. Handles initial requests for support, escalates support issues to support team when necessary (LSAI help desk). Develops training-related communications materials; assists promotion and education.

Database administrator. Coordinates all database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to SQL using MS Access, VB or other tools as determined.

Webmaster. Proficient in Internet HTML; at least 2 years experience; applications/development experience would be a plus.

Transfer desk, Membership Office. Strong data entry and communication skills required. Helpful if Persian-speaking. Will cooperate with Refugee, Persian/American Affairs and Pioneering Offices.

Data entry clerk, Membership Office. Will transcribe contact information from the 800- 22-UNITE voice-mail system. Needs transcription experience; will cooperate with the National Teaching Committee office.

If interested in any Bahá’í National Center position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

Program Director. Plans, organizes and implements programs sponsored by Bosch or other Bahá’í agencies; supervises an assistant and recruits course facilitators; supervises children's programming and curriculum. Needs experience in curriculum planning/instruction and supervision at an academic institution; knowledge of Core Curriculum and Ruhi methodology; basic computer knowledge including word processing. Required: master's in education, or bachelor's plus five years' supervisory experience. If interested, contact the Administrators, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 831-423-3387, fax 831-423-7564).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ELIOT, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, preventive and routine maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Must have proven skills in housekeeping/maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds.

Receptionist/Office Assistant. Receives phone, e-mail and fax communications and greets all visitors to the office in a courteous, efficient manner. Provides administrative support to the co-administrators, registrar and program coordinator. Helps bookstore manager with sales and inventory.

If interested in either position, please contact Jim Sacco, co-administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail).

AT BAHÁ’Í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í principles; bachelor's degree; record of service on Bahá’í administrative institutions.

Office Manager. Supervises operations of Bahá’í Trade Publishing with focus on acquisitions, 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 distribution) and business management; high level of organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines; at least bachelor's degree with related work experience; expertise with spreadsheets, word processing, database management and other business software; knowledge of literature and Bahá’í principles.

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 BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA

Assistant Manager. Supervises operations of BDS, particularly marketing and customer service; maintains dignified manner in all communications. Needs varied communication expertise: business reporting, correspondence, negotiating, consultation, facilitation; bachelor's degree; familiarity with Bahá’í literature; high computer literacy with special focus on developing Web sites; financial and business management experience; retail 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, e-mail).

PIONEERING/OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. To that end, the Office will post service opportunities related to the needs of other national Bahá’í institutions. For international job and study opportunities, we will provide Web sites, e-mail addresses and other resources to benefit your search.

For more information regarding jobs and study abroad, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail). [Page 20]

YOUTH

Are any of you thinking about embarking on a period of six months to a year of service? Bosch Bahá’í School needs such wonderful souls. We are looking for youths of 18 years and over to help us in the gardens, kitchen, library, hospitality department, office, maintenance department and bookshop, and to serve as children’s class teachers. For more details and an application form, please contact Sima Cockshut, volunteer recruiter at Bosch Bahá’í School (phone 831-423-3387, fax 831-423-7564, e-mail sccokshut@aol.com).

PIONEERING/HOMEFRONT

Homefront pioneer in gorgeous Kentucky! From the rich cultural heritage and beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Kentucky, through the gentle rolling hills filled with horse farms and university cities in the prosperous Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky, to the barbecue homeland of Western Kentucky, we have it all—big cities, small towns, rural areas. Please call us so we can begin your homefront-pioneering placement. Contact Sarah Lee for the State Teaching Committee (phone 606-263-1820).

Scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin: Though our Assembly was able to re-form this year, a stalwart Bahá’í family will be moving away. We are on the mighty Mississippi River and have not only three institutions of higher education (UW-La Crosse, Viterbo College, and Western Wisconsin Technical College), but also two major regional health centers. We are close to famous hiking, bicycling and skiing trails, plus scenic wildlife refuges. We are mere hours from the Twin Cities or Chicago. Employment and housing information can be found on the Web (www.lacrossetribune.com). For more highlights, please contact the Spiritual Assembly c/o Barb L’Heureux (phone 608-788-5020 or 608-789-4752).

Newark, California, needs homefront pioneers to help sustain our community’s activity goals after a dear family recently moved out. In the south end of the San Francisco Bay Area near San Jose Airport, Newark is part of the “Silicon Valley” and close to several universities and junior colleges. Weather is comfortable and generally dry, and the diverse population affords many teaching opportunities. Please contact Steven Rinker (phone 510-796-5271), Kourosh Nikoui (phone 510-226-1919) or the Spiritual Assembly of Newark (e-mail NewarkAssembly@email.com).

Long-established, loving Bahá’í community in Greenwood County, South Carolina, requests homefront pioneers to help spark its growth, aid and maintain consolidation. Greenwood offers a moderate climate, a very friendly mostly Christian population of about 65,000, and a cultural life that includes community theater. It’s home to world-renowned Park Seed Co. and the nation’s largest Fuji facility; internationally accredited Lander University and Piedmont Technical College in vicinity. Please contact Assembly Secretary Gail Curwin, 205 Pinehurst Drive, Greenwood, SC 29646 (phone 864-229-7438) or Jane & Harry Craig (e-mail CraigH@Gwd50.k12.sc.us).

The Assembly in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is in jeopardy. This 7-year old Assembly in a Pittsburgh suburb has established strong relationships in the community, even starting an organization that focuses on racial unity. We have a local cable-access TV program. Many job/educational opportunities, especially in health care, computer and telecommunications. We can’t stop now! Please contact the Spiritual Assembly, P.O. Box 1236, Monroeville, PA 15146-1236 (phone 412-374-8584).

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, needs homefront pioneers to save its Assembly. Just outside Madison, Sun Prairie is an ideal homefront pioneer post for students or new staff. Several hospitals are in the area and there is a high need for computer programmers. There is a great deal of intercommunity cooperation in teaching, children’s classes, a regional training institute, etc. Here is your chance to pioneer and not be isolated! Please contact the Spiritual Assembly c/o Jane Kershner, [Address Redacted] Sun Prairie WI 53590 (phone 608-837-8467).

WANTED

Remembrances of Hugh Chance, former member of the Universal House of Justice, and his wife, Margaret Chance, are sought by their daughter, who is compiling a book on his life. If you have stories, correspondence, etc., please contact Dr. Mary Ann Chance, P.O. Box 748, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia (phone 011-61-2-6926-1743, fax 011-61-2-6926-2556, e-mail machance@ozemail.com.au).

A Canadian Bahá’í researcher is collecting stories of experiences with the Bahá’í law of consent for marriage: asking for it, receiving it (or not), withholding it, conditions for it, your thoughts and feelings about it, and/or the impact it has had on your family. If you have ever asked for consent or been asked to give it, please take a few moments to send in your story. Results will be compiled in a publication (confidentiality guaranteed). This project is approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada. Send stories to Sophie Tamas, [Address Redacted] Almonte, ON, Canada, K0A 1A0 (e-mail sophie_tamas@sympatico.ca).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to Jessie F. Crockett, Flora H. Crossen, Ray C. Crowell, John S. Crowley, Julia Culver, Alice Cummings, Hilda T. Cummins, Birdie Cunningham, Gladys Curby, Gail Curwin, Gerald Curwin, Jane Czerniejewski, Doris Dahl and Margaret K. Daniels. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Each year the National Bahá’í Archives has one or two mail auctions of its duplicate books. If you would like to be on the mailing list for catalogs for these auctions, send your name, address and Bahá’í ID number to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

BAHÁ’Í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE

800-999-9019

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening, and external affairs

Now available: Spring 1999 issue Defining Moments An intriguing look at three periods in Bahá’í 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 Báb”
• Aden Lauchner’s “Albert Killius: Photographer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”

Still Available: Winter 1998–99 issue The Balkans, the Millennium, and the Báb

• Editorial: “The Restlessness of the Balkans”
• William P. Collins on biblical interpretation, Protestant Americans and the Bahá’í Faith
• Leila and Kaivan Milani on why the Báb was not an apostate

Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($19 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($19 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($24 / 1 year, $46 / 2 years) Single copies available on phone orders for $5 plus shipping/handling

One Country

Published quarterly by the Bahá’í International Community Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($12 / 1 year, $22 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($16 / 1 year, $30 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($20 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years)

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($18 / 1 year, $32 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($18 / 1 year, $32 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($28 / 1 year, $52 / 2 years) See page 15 for Kid’s Corner

The American Bahá’í

10 times a year, available by subscription to Bahá’ís outside continental U.S. Subscription type/fee: Surface mail ($24 / 1 year, $45 / 2 years) Air mail ($32 / 1 year, $60 / 2 years)

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Phone orders: 800-999-9019 • E-mail orders: subscription@usbnc.org Mail orders: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336 TAB 9/8/99 [Page 21]

VINEYARD of the LORD

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

The building projects at the Bahá’í World Center on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, are less than two years from their planned completion. Undertaken in 1990, thanks to the generous contributions of Bahá’ís worldwide the projects aim to complete by the turn of the century 19 monumental terraces from the crest to the foot of the mountain, embracing the Shrine of the Báb, plus several new administrative buildings along the Arc near the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

These projects follow a plan outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who said their development “will synchronize with ... the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá’í national and local institutions—the one outside and the other within the Bahá’í world.”

This report is part of a series that has followed the projects’ progress since 1994.

Left: Gardens behind the Shrine of the Báb are in final stages of restoration.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS AND ARCHIVES EXTENSION COMPLETED

The new Center for the Study of the Texts—a structure that appears from the outside as a graceful pavilion, yet is built several stories deep into Mount Carmel—was handed over to Bahá’í World Center building managers along with the extension to the Archives. Both structures were finished at the targeted time, a few weeks after Ridván.

Offices will be moving gradually into the new buildings over the next few months.

Inside, the Library space and surrounding offices are a delight to the eye with mahogany furniture offset by chairs upholstered in deep green and sapphire blue. Other rooms have oak furniture with burgundy chairs.

Landscaped patios add islands of natural light to the interiors. But the largest newly finished one is between buildings: three stories deep in the hillside between the Archives Extension and the Center for the Study of the Texts. It is landscaped in a Mediterranean style, with tall palm and bamboo trees and lush undergrowth.

Above: The Center for the Study of the Texts looms over a garden fence.

Right: A courtyard adorns the uppermost terrace.

TERRACE FINISHING: “DIVINE DEADLINES”

The 1999 landscaping program for the remaining terraces is one of the most ambitious phases of the Mount Carmel Projects to date. With “divine deadlines” to be met, some 350,000 square feet of detailed gardens on difficult terrain remain to be planted.

This spring’s intensive work focused on Terrace 10 behind the Shrine of the Báb, the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue, and gardens around the Arc and the International Bahá’í Archives building.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER: FINISHING OUTSIDE AND INSIDE

Across the Arc from the Center for the Study of the Texts, tens of thousands of cubic feet of earth have been moved to grade the hillside for landscaping work around the International Teaching Center building and the Common Area underneath. Much of this soil was taken from excavations for the Terraces.

Meanwhile, furnishings for offices at the Teaching Center are being after a review of what those offices need. Painting has been completed on levels 1 through 3, and marble flooring is complete in the foyer of the Auditorium and the staff dining room.

The domed, semicircular ceiling of the Teaching Center entranceway on level 7 is being formed with installation of fiberglass-reinforced gypsum panels. ◆ [Page 22]

1999 UNIT CONVENTIONS

Here is the latest information on Electoral Unit conventions, which will be held across the country in early October to elect delegates to the Bahá’í National Convention of April 2000. This information might be more current than information in ballot mailings.

• Electoral Units are listed by region (some have areas that overlap regions).
• If you don’t know your Electoral Unit (EU) number, it will be printed on the envelope in which you received your ballot recently. If you have Internet access, you can find out your EU number on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).
• If information here is incomplete, the contact number or the Local Spiritual Assembly hosting your Convention may be reached for details, or check the Web site (www.usbnc.org).

For children’s programs at Unit Convention: Enhance your curriculum with the Special Edition of Brilliant Star. Find out more on page 15 or on the Web (www.usbnc.org).

NORTHEASTERN STATES

EU001: Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Portland, P.O. Box 674, Portland, ME 04104-0674 (phone 207-282-3734).

EU002: Hartford High School, 2 Taft Ave., White River Junction, VT; Sunday, Oct. 3; time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Rochester, P.O. Box 24, Rochester, VT 05767-0024 (phone 802-767-3303).

EU003: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Manchester c/o Dianne Richmond, Manchester, NH 03103-4622 (phone 603-668-2291).

EU004: Chelmsford Old Town Hall (Community Center), 1 A-North Rd., Chelmsford, MA; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Farmington c/o Ruth Gammons, Unionville, CT 06085-1164 (phone 860-677-4460).

EU005: Smith Vocational High School, Rt. 9, Northampton, MA; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wilbraham, P.O. Box 862, Wilbraham, MA 01095 (phone 413-596-9487).

EU006: Site, time 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; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Farmington c/o Ruth Gammons, Unionville, 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 203-846-0246).

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

EU010: New York City Bahá’í Center, 53 East 11th Street, New York, NY; Sunday, Oct. 3, 1–5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA New York City, New York, NY 10003-4601 (phone 212-674-8993).

EU011: Grice Middle School, Whitehorse Ave., Hamilton Township, NJ; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Hamilton, P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton Sq, NJ 08690 (phone 609-586-2931).

EU012: Wilhelm Property, 130 Evergreen Pl., Teaneck, NJ; Sunday, Oct. 3; time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Montclair Township, P.O. Box 3407, Montclair, NJ 07043-3407 (phone 973-509-1948).

EU013: SUNY at New Paltz, NY (Lecture Center Room 100); Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA New Paltz, P.O. Box 1158, New Paltz, NY 12561 (phone 914-256-9133).

EU014: Pittsford Middle School, 75 Barker Dr., Pittsford, NY; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pittsford c/o Mitra Dianat, Pittsford, NY 14534-1077 (phone 716-264-1180).

EU015: Mount Nittany Middle School, Warner Blvd, State College, PA; Saturday, Oct. 2; 10 am–4pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA State College c/o Michael Stokes, P.O. Box 1376, State College, PA 16804-1376 (phone 814-867-4316).

EU016: Philadelphia Bahá’í Center, 2462 Bryn Mawr Ave., Philadelphia, PA; Sunday, Oct. 3 (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Lower Merion Township, P.O. Box 772, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (phone 610-388-5384)

EU048: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Olean, P.O. Box 9, Olean, NY 14760-0009 (phone 716-372-3663).

SOUTHERN STATES

EU017: 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).

EU018: Mountain View Middle School, 12101 Woodford Dr., Marriottsville, MD; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9:45 am–3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Howard County c/o Jane Porter Kolodner, P.O. Box 488, Columbia, MD 21045-0488 (phone 410-531-5073).

EU019: Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Dr., Rockville, MD; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Rockville, P.O. Box 1826, Rockville, MD 20849-1826 (phone 301-762-7956).

EU020: Sunderland Elementary School, 150 Clyde Jones Rd., Sunderland, MD. Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:15 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Greenbelt, P.O. Box 245, Greenbelt, MD 20768-0245 (phone 301-474-4090).

EU021: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fairfax County East, P.O. Box 1325, Falls Church, VA 22041-0325 (phone 703-941-0516).

EU022: George Mason University/ Fairfax, Student Union Building #2, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fairfax County West, P.O. Box 2057, Centerville, VA 20120 (phone 703-817-0365).

EU023: Holiday Inn South, 5234 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA; Sunday, Oct. 3; 10 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Spotsylvania County, c/o Jeff Solka, Fredericksburg, VA 22408-2920 (phone 540-899-9690).

EU024: Virginia Wesleyan College, Prudence Hall, 1584 Wesleyan Dr., Norfolk, VA. Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Norfolk, P.O. Box 6100, Norfolk, VA 23508 (phone 757-683-4998).

EU025: Home of Marlene White, 1206 Oakview Dr., Greenville, NC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 11:30 am–5 pm (register 10:30 am). Mail ballots to Bahá’ís of Greenville, c/o Marlene White, Greenville, NC 27858-5229 (phone 252-321-5888).

EU026: Seabrook Neighborhood Resource Ctr., 706 Langdon St., Fayetteville, NC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Fayetteville c/o Janis Holden-Toruno, Fayetteville, NC 28303-2611 (phone 910-867-2155).

EU027: Conway Bahá’í Center, 2601 4th Ave., Conway, SC; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Conway c/o Margie Willis, P.O. Box 348, Conway, SC 29528 (phone 843-248-6224).

EU028: Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, 1313 Williams Hill Dr., Hemingway, SC; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Williams 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 29465-1389 (phone 843-881-9599).

EU030: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to Kathleen Underwood, Orangeburg, SC 29115 (phone 803-533-0018).

EU031: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Ladys Island c/o Azita Bernad, Beaufort, SC 29902 (phone 803-986-0916).

EU032: North Family Community School, 616 Main St., North, SC; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Orangeburg c/o Pamela Laursen, P.O. Box 2464, Orangeburg, SC 29116 (phone 803-536-2752).

EU033: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Richland County North c/o Ethel Crawford, P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 29221-0351 (phone 803-798-7116).

EU034: Home of Sandra Lally, 104 Swails St., Kingstree, SC; Friday, Oct. 1, 1–5 pm (register 11am). Mail ballots to LSA Kingstree c/o Sandra Lally, Kingstree, SC 29559 (phone 843-354-5339).

EU035: Home of John and Debbie Jackson, Hemingway, SC; Saturday, Oct. 2, 1 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Donnelly c/o Debbie H. Jackson, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554 (phone 843-558-9289).

EU036: Home of Jannie Green, Johnsonville, SC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–2 pm. Mail ballots to: LSA Johnsonville, P.O. Box 1012, Johnsonville, SC 29555-1012 (phone 843-386-3513).

EU037: Florence Bahá’í Center, 541 W. Evans St., Florence, SC 29501; Saturday, Oct. 2, 2–6 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Florence c/o Bret Breneman, Florence, SC 29501. (phone 843-667-1540).

EU039: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to Bahá’ís of Marion c/o Margaret Adams, Marion, SC 29571-3130 (phone 843-423-3662).

EU040: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to Bahá’ís of Lake View c/o Ethel Smith, P.O. Box 61, Lake View, SC 29563-0061 (phone 803-759-9654).

EU041: 1017 Brentwood Dr., Hartsville, SC; Sunday, Oct 3, noon–4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Lydia c/o Ursula Richardson, Hartsville, SC 29550 (phone 843-332-2411, e-mail ( ) ).

EU042: Resident Service Ctr., Clyde St., Heath Springs, SC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–noon. Mail ballots to Daisy Drakeford, Heath Springs, SC 29058 (phone 803-273-3268).

EU043: Rock Hill, SC; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Rock Hill c/o Helen R. Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730-5311 (phone 803-328-8395).

EU044: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Spartanburg, P.O. Box 2893, Spartanburg, SC 29304-2893 (phone 864-591-1115, e-mail ( ) ).

EU045: Alexander Graham Middle School, 1800 Runnymede Lane, Charlotte, NC; 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 336-883-2289).

EU047: Avanti Restaurant, 119 E. Washington St., Charles Town, WV; Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Jefferson County c/o Julie Gregg, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-9715 (phone 304/876-3995).

EU052: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Louisville c/o Iraj Rahmani, Louisville, KY 40217-1135 (phone 502-635-6396).

EU053: YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am–2:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Asheville, P.O. Box 882, Asheville, NC 28802-0882 (phone 828-274-0716).

EU054: Cherokee Cty. Rec. Ctr., 7545 N. Main St., Woodstock, GA; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9:30 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cherokee County, P.O. Box 283, Woodstock, GA 30188 (phone 770-928-2483).

EU055: Holiday Inn, 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA; Sunday, Oct. 3; 8:30 am–1 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA De Kalb County North, P.O. Box 942131, Atlanta, GA 31141-2131 (phone 770-496-1565).

EU056: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fulton County Central c/o Carla Fanaian, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (phone 770-360-1363). [Page 23]

SOUTHERN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

EU057: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Clyde County N. c/o Nancy Markovich, 3350 Pickard Way, Kennesaw, GA 30144 (phone 678-355-9048).

EU058: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Augusta, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919 (phone 706-738-3104).

EU059: Site TBA; Saturday, Oct. 2, 10:30 am–3 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Savannah c/o Michael O’Neal, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402-1093 (phone 912-927-2746).

EU060: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Columbus, c/o Scott Duncan, 5051 Windsong Ct., Midland, GA 31820-9392 (phone 706-565-9041).

EU061: Florida Community College (FCCJ) downtown campus, Jacksonville, FL; 9 am (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Jacksonville c/o Sherry Czerniejewski, 3254 Chukkas Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32246-2310 (phone 904-646-9813, e-mail ).

EU062: Florida Tech campus, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Brevard County c/o Ladan Delpak, 1409 Sunswept Rd. N.E., Melbourne, FL 32934-8169 (phone 407-242-4959).

EU063: Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute, 130 S.E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Belle Glade, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Belle Glade c/o Katherine Martinez, 1221 S.W. 2nd St., Belle Glade, FL 33430-1971 (phone 561-996-1959).

EU064: Bahá’í Center, 420 U.S. Hwy. 1, North Palm Beach, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Palm Beach Cty. South c/o Iris Tarafdar, 22616 Vista Boca, Boca Raton, FL 33433–2348 (phone 561-488-1949).

EU065: Sunshine Ranches, 13901 Stirling Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Sunrise c/o Susan Akhtarkhavari, 10731 N.W. 26th St., Sunrise, FL 33351-7694 (phone 954-741-6489, e-mail ).

EU066: Comfort Suites, 3901 S.W. 117th Ave., Miami, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–3 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Dade Co. Central c/o Paulette Piccarreto, 12380 S.W. 104th St., Miami, FL 33186 (phone 305-598-7243).

EU067: Ramada Inn, Hwy. 98 at I-4, Lakeland, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Polk County c/o John Wing, 5130 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801-6571 (phone 941-665-1933, e-mail ).

EU068: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pinellas County c/o Sarah Bansemer, 2038 S. Betty Ln., Clearwater, FL 33765 (phone 727-797-4658, e-mail ).

EU069: Razvan Ctr., 1310 Cross Clark Suite 0, Tallahassee, FL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–3:30 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Leon County, 1827-C Chuli Nene Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312 (phone 850-896-0926).

EU070: Catholic Services Ctr., 4455 Narrow Lane Rd., Montgomery, AL; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9:30 am–3:30 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Montgomery, P.O. Box 1131, Montgomery, AL 36101-1131 (phone 334-270-0589).

EU071: UAB, Hill Univ. Center, Great Hall, 1400 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 am–3:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Hoover c/o Robert Hastings, 2307 Vestavia Dr., Birmingham, AL 35226-1056 (phone 205-823-1965).

EU072: Gallatin Civic Center, 210 Albert Gallatin Ave., Gallatin, TN; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Nashville c/o Kathy Bishop, 2608 Windemere Ct., Antioch, TN 37013-1343 (phone 615-367-2774).

EU091: Univ. of Tennessee-Memphis, Student Activity Center, 800 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN; 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: Gulf Park College, Hwy. 90, Long Beach, MS; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Gulfport c/o L. Juana Nicholson, 12693 Larue Dr., Gulfport, MS 39503-4029 (phone 228-869-6047).

EU093: Baton Rouge Bahá’í 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, 3311 Laurel St., New Orleans, LA 70125-4844 (phone 504-522-9048).

EU094: Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA San Antonio c/o Margaret Leeds, 630 Cave Ln., San Antonio, TX 78204-1316 (phone 210-494-9752).

EU095: Challenger 7 Park Learning Center, 2301 W. NASA Blvd., Friendswood, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–5 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA League City, P.O. Box 724, League City, TX 77574-0724 (phone 281-332-6805).

EU096: Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale St., Houston, TX; Saturday, Oct. 9, 7–10 pm (register 6 pm). Mail ballots to LSA Houston, P.O. Box 301190, Houston, TX 77230-1190 (phone 281-480-6930).

EU097: Austin Bahá’í Ctr., 2215 E.M. Franklin Ave., Austin, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9:30 am–2 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Austin, 5608 Coventry Cv., Austin, TX 78723-5834 (phone 512-467-8880).

EU098: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Bryan, c/o Monica Osterbuhr, 3215 Camelot Dr., Bryan, TX 77802 (phone 409-776-6472).

EU099: Tyler Bahá’í Center, 406 N. N.W. Loop 323, Tyler, TX; Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 am–5 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Tyler c/o J.F. Eijsink, 14757 CR 192, Tyler, TX 75707-1763 (phone 903-566-8058).

EU100: Dallas Bahá’í Center, 4235 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3; 2–6 pm (register 1 pm). Mail ballots to LSA Garland, P.O. Box 450902, Garland, TX 75045-0902 (phone 972-495-2362).

EU101: Harvey Hotel, 1600 N. Central Expwy., Plano, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–3 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Coppell, P.O. Box 586, Coppell, TX 75019 (phone 972-462-9695).

EU102: Tarrant County Bahá’í 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 Emma E. Valentine, 3010 Willow Wood Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051 (phone 817-488-0892).

EU103: Odessa College, Noel Ctr., 619 N. Grant, Odessa, TX; Sunday, Oct. 3, 8:30 am–3:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Midland c/o Lisa Schaffer-Harris, 4323 Fairclough Dr., Midland, TX 79703-6944 (phone 915-520-5899).

EU104: Tahlequah, OK (tentative); Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Sapulpa c/o John Algeo, 1420 E. 31st St., Sapulpa, OK 74066-3848 (phone 948-227-2046).

EU105: Oklahoma City Bahá’í Ctr., 1201 S. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Oklahoma City c/o Sharron Alvi, 3505 N.W. 48th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73108-7034 (phone 405-348-1690).

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).

EU050: 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, 2831 Spinnaker Ct., Hilliard, OH 43026 (phone 614-527-8894).

EU051: Bryan Comm. Ctr., 100 Dayton St., Yellow Springs, OH; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Dayton c/o Nurleen Guffey, 222 Lonsdale Ave., Dayton, OH 45419 (phone 937-294-6869).

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, P.O. 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 c/o Carol Butler, P.O. Box 10007, Fort Wayne, IN 46850-0007 (phone 219-447-7805).

EU075: Kalamazoo Valley Comm. College, Technology Applications Center, 6767 W. "O" Ave., Kalamazoo, MI; Saturday, Oct. 9, 1–5 pm (register and lunch 11:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Kalamazoo c/o Virginia Lucatelli, 433 S. Drake Rd., Apt. K-1, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (phone 616-344-1377).

EU076: Detroit Bahá’í Center, 19711 Greenfield, Detroit, MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Canton Township c/o Barbara Laferier, P.O. Box 87454, Canton, MI 48187-0454 (phone 734-459-3307).

EU077: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Troy c/o C Faye McInnis, 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, 1858 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48602-2711 (phone 517-792-8999).

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, P.O. Box 492, Marquette, MI 49855-0492 (phone 906-249-3164).

EU080: Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kenwood Blvd. and Downer Ave., Milwaukee, WI; Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Milwaukee, Milwaukee Bahá’í Center, Milwaukee, WI 53205 (phone 414-265-5693).

EU081: Red Cross Bldg., 310 14th St. S.E., Rochester, MN; Sunday, Oct. 3, noon–5pm (register 11 am). Mail ballots to LSA Rochester c/o Pauline McFarlin, P.O. Box 8217, Rochester, MN 55904-8217 (phone 507-285-3398).

EU082: Holiday Inn, 200 Dearborn, Hwys. 51 & 75, South Beloit, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9 am–4:30 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Beloit c/o Leslie Rennie, P.O. 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–1 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Vernon Hills c/o Regina Blum, 110 Vernon Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (phone 847-918-8587).

EU084: Bahá’í House of Worship, Linden Ave. and Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am–1 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Skokie, P.O. Box 572, Skokie, IL 60077 (phone 847-329-7308).

EU085: Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Hermann Union Bldg., 3241 S. Federal St., Chicago, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 3–7 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Chicago, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616-3933 (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, P.O. Box 782, Wheaton, IL 60189-0782 (phone 630-690-9798).

EU087: Levis Faculty Center, 919 W. Illinois St., Urbana, IL; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am–4 pm (register 8:45 am). Mail ballots to LSA Champaign c/o Amelia Felty, 1726 Tahoe Ct., Champaign, IL 61821-5836 (phone 217-356-9654).

EU088: Ambraz Recreation Center, 2000 Mt. Vernon Rd. S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cedar Rapids c/o Janet King, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2298 (phone 319-364-4277).

EU089: University of Missouri-Rolla, McNutt Hall, Rolla, MO; Sunday, Oct. 3; 9 am–1 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Phelps County c/o Sandra Palmberg, P.O. Box 446, Rolla, MO 65402-0446 (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, 3424 S. Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118 (phone 314-645-1297).

EU106: Wichita State Univ., CAC Building, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS; Sunday, 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 67201-1979 (phone 316-683-8851).

EU107: St. Paul School of Theology, 5123 Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am–4:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Kansas City c/o Jai Kenyata-Anderson, 7808 E. 113th Terr., Kansas City, MO 64138 (phone 816- [Page 24]

WESTERN STATES

EU113: Pulliam Community Bldg., 545 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland, CO; Sunday, Oct. 3, 8 am-12:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Loveland c/o John Sprague, P.O. Box 323, Loveland, CO 80539-0323 (phone 970-667-8766).

EU114: Metro Denver Bahá’í Ctr., 225 E. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Arvada, P.O. Box 923, Arvada, CO 80001-0923 (phone 303-425-9323).

EU115: 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 970-259-1803).

EU116: 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 505-393-6093).

EU117: 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 505-864-3993).

EU118: Site, time TBA; Sunday, Oct. 10. Mail ballots to LSA Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004-1491 (phone 505-647-5849).

EU119: 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, P.O. Box 3393, Chandler, AZ 85244-3393 (phone 480-899-4046).

EU121: Phoenix Bahá’í Ctr., 944 E. Mountain View, Phoenix, AZ; Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 am. Mail ballots to LSA Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-0961 (phone 602-942-2836).

EU122: Hampton Inn, 8408 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: Civic Ctr. Library, 3839 N. Civic Ctr. Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 10, 1-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Paradise Valley c/o Maureen Thur, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-2627 (phone 480-596-9193).

EU124: Knoles Elementary School, 4005 E. Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 am-2 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Flagstaff, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-2533 (phone 520-226-8707).

EU125: Native American Bahá’í Institute, 630 Burntwater Road, Houck, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Gallup, P.O. Box 1822, Gallup, NM 87305-1822 (phone 505-863-9074).

EU126: Westminster College, 1840 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City, UT; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 57775, Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0775 (phone 801-278-5324).

EU127: Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-3 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Helena, Helena, MT 59601-3202 (phone 406-442-7526).

EU128: University of Idaho Student Union, Moscow, ID; Sunday, Oct. 10, 9:30 am (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Moscow c/o Hilary Mesbah, Moscow, ID 83843-3040 (phone 208-882-8423).

EU129: Senior Citizen’s Center, 602 N. 4th St., Yakima, WA 98901; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Yakima County Comm Dist #1, P.O. 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 208-344-1886).

EU131: Las Vegas Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 619-421-1950).

EU133: San Diego Bahá’í 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 619-574-1486).

EU134: Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, 8 am-1 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Encinitas, P.O. Box 230088, Encinitas, CA 92023-0088 (phone 760-944-6441).

EU135: Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Ave., Riverside, CA; Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Riverside c/o Judith Hart, Riverside, CA 92501 (phone 909-683-6515).

EU136: Orange County Bahá’í 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 949-552-5455).

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

EU141: Arcadia Community Ctr., 365 Campus Dr., Arcadia, CA; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pasadena, P.O. Box 91668, Pasadena, CA 11109-1668 (phone 626-398-6318).

EU142: Los Angeles Bahá’í 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).

EU143: 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, P.O. Box 1137, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358-0137 (phone 805-499-4241).

EU145: Nine Oaks Bahá’í 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, 1:30-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Prunedale c/o Jana Davis, Prunedale, CA 93907 (phone 831-663-0812).

EU147: Fresno Bahá’í 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 559-447-1633).

EU148: Bahá’í Regional Ctr., 945 Willow St., San Jose, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, 9 am-12:20 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Milpitas, P.O. Box 360491, Milpitas, CA 95036-0491 (phone 408-946-0163).

EU149: Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Ln., Santa Cruz, CA; date, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Palo Alto, P.O. Box 60418, Palo Alto, CA 94306-0418 (phone 650-858-8080).

EU150: 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 650-340-1512).

EU151: ‎Schabot Chabot‎ College Bldg. 600, 25555 S. Hesperian, Hayward, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hayward c/o Patricia Conroy, P.O. Box 3474, Hayward, CA 94540-3474 (phone 510-887-4595).

EU152: Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Dr., San Ramon, CA; Sunday, Oct. 10, 8 am-1 pm. Mail ballots to LSA San Ramon c/o Majgun Vahdat-Shapiro, P.O. Box 2791, San Ramon, CA 94583 (phone 925-556-5527).

EU153: Unity Church of the Valley, 350 N. Orchard Ave., Vacaville, CA; Sunday, Oct. 3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fairfield, P.O. Box 985, Fairfield, CA 94533-0098 (phone 707-426-4187).

EU154: 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).

EU155: 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).

EU157: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Red Bluff City c/o Janet Lopez, Red Bluff, CA 96080-2753 (phone 530-529-5856).

EU158: 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).

EU159: Philomath Middle School, 2021 Chapel Drive, Philomath, OR; Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 2-3, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Benton County c/o Evelyn Martin, Corvallis, OR 97330-9561 (phone 541-745-7916).

EU160: St. John’s Community Ctr, 8427 N. Central, Portland, OR; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9:30 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Milwaukie, P.O. Box 22517, Milwaukie, OR 97269-2517 (phone 503-653-5901).

EU161: Portland Bahá’í Center, 8720 N. Ivanhoe St., Portland, OR; Saturday, Oct. 2, time TBA. Mail ballots to Bahá’ís of Multnomah County c/o Barbara Rosenkranz, Corbett, OR 97019-9602 (phone 503-695-5784).

EU162: Tigard Senior Ctr., 8815 S.W. O’Mara St., Tigard, OR; Sunday, Oct. 3, 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, P.O. Box 722, Issaquah, WA 98027-0027 (phone 425-392-8253).

EU164: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA King County N.E. c/o Angela Ansari, P.O. Box 703, Redmond, WA 98073-0703 (phone 425-821-9269).

EU165: Highline Senior Ctr., 1210 S.W. 136th St., Burien, WA; Saturday, Oct. 9, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Burien, P.O. Box 373, Seahurst, WA 98062-0373 (phone 206-246-4275).

EU166: Hodson Hall, Skagit Valley Coll., Mount Vernon, WA; Saturday, Oct. 2, 9:30 am. Mail ballots to LSA Mt. Baker c/o Monta Wagar, Lynden, WA 98264-9011 (phone 360-398-2573).

EU167: Site, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Bremerton c/o Margery Keppel, P.O. Box 2465, Bremerton, WA 98310 (phone 360-373-4788).

CENTRAL, continued from page 24

EU108: Nebraska City High School Auditorium, 141 Steinhart Park Rd., Nebraska City, NE; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). 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, 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 55344-2714 (phone 612-937-6250).

EU110: 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 612-755-0820).

EU111: 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, P.O. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501-0214 (phone 605-224-6992).

EU112: Treehaven, 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). [Page 25]

1999 Bahá’í Conference on Social & Economic Development for the Americas

December 16-19, 1999 Clarion Plaza Hotel Orlando, Florida

THEME: SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES - GUIDE TO WORLD TRANSFORMATION

TOPICS SED and the Four Year Plan Living a Holy Life and Serving Humanity Best Practices for Race Unity Training—How to Apply Bahá’í Principles Full Equality between Women and Men Community Building through SED: Grandmothers and Mothers Importance of Feedback and Encouragement Building Capacity for Transformative Action Reconceptualizing the System of Human Relationships. Synergism through Top-Down and Bottom-Up

MUSIC AND DRAMA

Jack Lenz of Live Unity Productions will coordinate this year's music and drama. There will be quality and diversity of performances, from classical, gospel, Persian and other music to inspirational drama, to cause our spirits to soar. In addition, Leslie Asplund has assembled a group of performers who will provide inspirational learning through the performing arts at various Conference sessions.

Register by Mail

This year's Conference is designed to meet the needs of the practitioner as well as those new to social and economic development (SED). The program is structured to favor consultation over presentations and enable everyone to derive maximum value from a dialogue-evoking environment in which everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. The Conference will provide abundant opportunities to share Bahá’í development information and experiences, analyze the shared experience in the light of the teachings of the Faith and current development thought, bring project representatives in contact with others who can be of assistance, and learn about principles and practices of Bahá’í SED. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from and with representatives of over 200 Bahá’í development projects, agencies and Bahá’í-inspired organizations from more than 20 countries who have been invited to participate.

Featured Speakers and Facilitators: Carole and Dwight Allen (U.S.), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), Crystal Baker Shoaie (Bolivia), Luis Henrique Beust (Brazil), Judie and Michael Bopp (Canada), Elizabeth Bowen (U.S.). Deana and Raymond Choczynski (U.S.), William Davis (U.S.), Linda Gershuny (Haiti), Dorothy Marcic (U.S.), Louise Profeit-LeBlanc (Canada), Donald Rogers (Canada), June Manning Thomas (U.S.), and many more.

REGISTRATION

Use the multipurpose form on this page to register by mail. Include special information:

• Names and ages of all attending, including children
• Your total conference fees
• Any special needs

For General Information Call 407-740-5415

FEES

Adults—$120 Youth (15-20 years)—$80 Children & Junior Youth (3-14 years)—$60 Add $19 contribution, if possible, to assist with scholarships. Add $20 per person after November 20. No refunds for "no-shows" All cancellations are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Mail in check (in US dollars) to: RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST 2693 W. FAIRBANKS AVENUE, SUITE A WINTER PARK. FLORIDA 32789

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel—in Orlando $50 a night (up to 4 persons). Limited availability—call promptly: 800-627-8258 or 407-996-1703. Mention Bahá’í Families.

Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants: 800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-679-6655) File 130252A Avis Car Rental discounts. Call 800-331-1600—Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

‘Irfán Colloquium

English-language sessions in the United States

English-language sessions of the ‘Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Louhelen and Bosch Bahá’í Schools will cover different aspects of the Bahá’í writings.

• Each session will be held at the same time as a Persian-language session.
• Registration fee for either session is $30 (fee includes compilation of abstracts).
• For registration and accommodations, contact the school where each session is to be held.

24th Colloquium, Oct. 8-11

Louhelen Bahá’í School Themes: "World Religions and the Bahá’í Faith," "Principles of the Bahá’í Belief System." Buddhism, Chinese religious traditions, Book of Revelation and their relation to the Bahá’í Faith.

Presenters: Muin Afnani, Ghasem Bayat, Albert Cheung, Moojan Khadem, Sohrab Kourosh, Dann May, Habib Riazati, William Rodgers, Robert Stockman, Peter Terry, Iraj Ayman.

26th Colloquium, Nov. 26-28

Bosch Bahá’í School Theme: "Selected Tablets revealed during the Tehran-Baghdad period (1853-1863)."

Coordinator: Sheila Banani Presenters: Muin Afnani, Ghasem Bayat, Habib Riazati, Derek Cockshut, Brent Poirier, Heshmat Shahriari, Ala Quds, Farhad Sabetan, Amin Banani, Nabil Fares, Sheila Banani, Brian Miller, Iraj Ayman.

DOCUMENTARY

Bahá’í Faith that was free of sanctimony or proselytizing. Accuracy was vital.

"I made a commitment to get as much of the Prophet's words in as possible," he said.

In the course of his research, Golding contacted the Bahá’í International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly and its Office of External Affairs, and the Spiritual Assembly of New York City as well as many individual Bahá’ís—not just to obtain material, but also to check accuracy through every stage of production.

To maintain his independence as a filmmaker, however, Golding could not request or receive endorsement from any Bahá’í agency.

Golding received a wide spectrum of responses from Bahá’ís while filming. Generally he encountered a friendly, helpful Bahá’í community, though on occasion he met with suspicion and deep concern.

But two screenings in New York City have overwhelmingly evoked expressions of warmth, delight, and excitement. Viewers were heard to make such comments as "When is part two coming?" "Finally! Something I can send to my family," and "Where can I get a copy?"

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 at right to respond by mail. Special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

• Names and ID numbers of all Bahá’ís on each trip.
• Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s).
• Main purpose of your travel.
• Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for: Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

For which event or activity? Name Address City Phone Special information: State, ZIP E-mail [Page 26]

Ted Cardell honored as ‘Father of Namibia’

The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States received the following e-mail message on June 3, 1999:

Kindly convey the following to the family of Edmund John (Ted) Cardell, gathered for his funeral service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Red Bluff, California, U.S.A.

We are deeply grieved at the news of the passing of Ted Cardell, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh. The spirit of dedication that he evinced in his sincere and selfless services to the Cause not only in the country which he opened to the Faith during the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade, but wherever he participated in Bahá’í activities, will always be remembered with deep affection.

To the dear members of his family, particularly his beloved children, goes our heartfelt condolence. We will most fervently pray in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his luminous soul in the Abhá Kingdom.

—The Universal House of Justice

The next day, the family of Ted Cardell received the e-mail message below from ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and Mr. and Mrs. Ali Nakhjavání:

SHARE YOUR GRIEF OVER LOSS DEAR TED. HIS SERVICES BRITISH ISLES, KENYA, NAMIBIA, UNITED STATES PROVIDE PATTERN OF SERVICE CHARACTERIZED BY DETACHMENT, SINGLE-MINDEDNESS AND CONSECRATION. EXTEND LOVING SYMPATHY MEMBERS BEREAVED DISTINGUISHED FAMILY AND ASSURE PRAYERS FOR PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL IN ALL WORLDS OF GOD. —RUHIYYIH, VIOLETTE, ALI

English-born Ted Cardell, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, performed early pioneering work in Africa.

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Ted Cardell ascended peacefully to the Abhá Kingdom June 2, 1999. He was 80 years old.

This humble, loving, one-time British wheat farmer arose in the early 1950s to pioneer in Africa, serving first in Kenya and then in Namibia to the extent that he earned the title “Father of Namibia.” Ted also served for many years on the National Assembly of the United Kingdom.

It was during his pilgrimage “looking at the face of God for eight evenings in a row” that Ted realized such a love for the beloved Guardian that he did not hesitate to answer the call for pioneers for the Ten Year Crusade. It was also during this time that he discovered the photographic talent that would support him and his family during his 10 years in Africa. What an honor he received being asked by Shoghi Effendi to photograph the sacred contents of the Archives with ‘Amatu’l-Bahá, under the portico of the Shrine of the Exalted Báb. (The Universal House of Justice gave him the privilege of being its official photographer in 1963.)

In 1979, he moved with his wife, Alicia, and their children to the western United States from the United Kingdom. In 1985, Mr. and Mrs. Cardell again entered the pioneer field, this time to Peru, but were able to stay for only a year. Ultimately he retired in Red Bluff, California.

After Alicia’s death in 1991, Ted, despite frail health, continued serving as a traveling teacher and inspirational speaker. He spoke of the joys and hardships of pioneering; of his love for his dear wife and her parents who had served as caretakers at Bahjí during the time of the Hands of the Cause and so much more. This truly gifted teacher of the Faith is survived by his son and daughters, their spouses and six grandchildren. ♦

William Washburn rose above barriers

William (Bill) Washburn of Detroit, Michigan, died from a heart attack he suffered June 19 while helping to renovate the newly acquired Detroit Bahá’í Center.

He was laid to rest in the new Bahá’í burial ground in the suburb of Plymouth.

For the last two years of his life, despite severe dyslexia, Washburn served ably as corresponding secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Detroit. He was a living example of rising to serve when doubts of ability could have intervened.

Washburn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Aug. 18, 1943. He was introduced to the Bahá’í Faith at age 9 with The Hidden Words and The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys.

Early childhood was traumatic, as he contracted polio and suffered the severe learning disability that afflicted him throughout life despite years of tutoring. But his parents grounded him in outstanding moral training.

As an adult, Washburn was invited to a fireside in Plymouth, Michigan. He did not feel worthy to become a Bahá’í until he proved himself able to give up alcohol and other worldly pursuits. In June 1978, he declared himself a Bahá’í and never looked back.

He met his wife, Valerie Brunais, in 1980 at a teaching activity and married her in 1981. They participated in and hosted innumerable firesides, Community-College Club proclamation events, and a cable television project in Roseville. They also served the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project in Wanblee, South Dakota, and the Native American Bahá’í Institute.

After their son, Trevor, was born they relocated in 1983 to Detroit. There Washburn began a 15-year career as an emergency medical technician for the city. During his service in EMS, he was accorded a citation for bravery by the city fire department for rescuing a bedridden patient from a burning building.

There were many stories at his funeral about Washburn’s humor, his constant jokes, love of life, and loving care of the sick, traumatized and infirm.

In addition to his wife and son, Washburn is survived by a daughter, Amy Washburn of Maryland. ♦

IN MEMORIAM

Shaffiq Ahmed Madison, AL May 21, 1999	Vincent B. Cummings Marion County, FL July 13, 1999	Karen M. Hellman Milwaukee, WI July 11, 1999	Evelyn M. McQuirk Arden Hills, MN Nov. 18, 1992	Muhammad H. Radpour Hixson, TN June 17, 1999	Joan M. Taylor Tucson, AZ June 1998
J. Gary Allums Hurst, TX June 1, 1999	Harold G. Danielson Anacortes, WA June 11, 1998	Donna Holmes Dayton, OH July 17, 1999	Sorour K. Mojgani Burke, VA August 14, 1998	Delissa Rittenbury Bryson, TX June 23, 1999	Nadereh Vahidi Beverly Hills, CA July 10, 1999
Dane Amos Salem, OR June 1999	William C. Davis Holbrook, AZ June 16, 1999	Ralph Jackson San Jose, CA July 13, 1999	Tarazullah Namdar Thousand Oaks, CA November 18, 1998	Susan Evans Rowan Santa Monica, CA August 12, 1999	Margaret Vance Anne Arundel County, MD May 7, 1999
Mary E. Blakeny Pompano Beach, FL July 12, 1999	James Dobrochowski Tauranga, New Zealand April 3, 1999	Joseph Johnson Pembroke, NC May 22, 1991	John W. Nash Flint, MI June 26, 1999	Charles L. Slavik Edwardsville, IL May 27, 1999	William G. Washburn Detroit, MI June 19, 1999
Alvin O. Chattin Virginia Beach, VA June 27, 1999	Maxine E. Fenwick Mesa, AZ May 19, 1999	Mavis Lillywhite Greeley, CO May 30, 1999	James E. O’Daye Des Moines, IA March 17, 1999	Charles Sperling Lakewood, WA June 30, 1999	June C. Way Brownsburg, IN June 17, 1999
Peter D. Chilstrom Rancho Cucamonga, CA May 6, 1999	Leigh Geary Owings Mills, MD May 6, 1999	Helen H. McClusky Orinda, CA September 1998	Charles Pate Las Vegas, NV June 5, 1999	Joyce M. Stansbery University Park, TX March 25, 1999	Odessa Wiggins Columbia, SC June 15, 1999
Silas D. Cummings Marion County, FL May 22, 1999	H. Richard Gurinsky Alamogordo, NM June 24, 1999	Mary P. Moseley Waco, TX June 4, 1999	Josephine Pretty Weasel Hardin, MT June 13, 1999	James C. Stokes Lydia, SC June 5, 1999	Margaret Winters Wilmington, DE June 15, 1999
	Verlon Hanson Roseburg, OR July 14, 1999 .			Judith O. Stokes Lydia, SC June 22, 1999

[Page 27]

انجمن ادب و هنر ایران

(شعبه انگلستان وابسته به انجمن ادب و هنر آکادمی لند، سوئیس)

برگزار می کند: "دوره فاضل مازندرانی"

پنج شب و روز فراموش نشدنی مشتمل بر جلسات سخنرانی، شعر، موسیقی و دیگر برنامه‌های هنری

سخنرانان: دکتر جلال اخباری، دکتر ایرج ایمن، دکتر فرهنگ جهانپور، مهندس بهروز جباری، دکتر شاپور راسخ، دکتر مهری راسخ، دکتر وحید رأفتی، دکتر هوشنگ رأفتی، خانم پولین رأفتی، دکتر سیروس علائی، مهندس هوشنگ سیحون، دکتر نادر سعیدی، فرخ غفاری، دکتر نصرت الله محمد حسینی و...

... و کلاس‌های آموزش خواندن و نوشتن فارسی، به روش علمی آزمایش شده به مادران و پدران برای آموزش به کودکان، زیر نظر خانم لیلی ایمن

موسیقی: با هنرمندی نرگس، بدیع یزدی و دیگر هنرمندان

زمان: تعطیلات زمستانی ۲۶ تا ۳۰ دسامبر ۱۹۹۹ (روز ۲۶ دسامبر از ساعت ۱۲ تا ۲۳ و دیگر روزها از ساعت ۹/۴۵ صبح تا ساعت ۲۳)

مکان: Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, London W5

هزینه‌ها: نام نویسی و شرکت در جلسات سخنرانی و برنامه‌های هنری شب ۳۰ پوند ۹ وعده غذای ایرانی ۵۵ پوند

هتل‌ها (۵ ستاره) با صبحانه: Holiday Inn اتاق یک تخته ۴۲ پوند، اتاق دو تخته ۵۲ پوند Jarvis Int. اتاق یک تخته ۴۹ پوند، اتاق دو تخته ۵۲ پوند

توضیح و توصیه • به خاطر تقارن کنفرانس آتی با سال ۲۰۰۰ بلیط خود را هر چه زودتر تهیه فرمائید. • به علت محدودیت جا و پیش‌بینی استقبال بیشتر یاران، نسبت به کنفرانس پیشین، هر چه زودتر جای خود را رزرو فرمائید. • استفاده از بخشی از برنامه‌های کنفرانس مشروط بر بودن جا، امکان‌پذیر خواهد بود، ولی از قبل رزرو نمی‌شود.

برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر و رزرو جا لطفاً هر چه زودتر با شماره تلفن‌های زیر تماس بگیرید: 44(0)181 9934042+ و 44(0)181 458 2255+ 44(0) 171 602 7569+ شماره فکس: 44(0)171 6029008+

E-mail

بورس تحصیلی برای مهاجران

Graduate Fellowship for Immigrant Students

سازمانی به نام The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans بورسی به مبلغ ۲۰ هزار دلار برای ۳۰ نفر دانشجوی مهاجر برای تحصیل در دوره فوق لیسانس و دکترا در نظر گرفته است.

شرایط دریافت بورس مذکور به قرار زیر است: • دانشجویان باید تا ۳۰ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۹ سی‌سال یا زیر سی سال داشته باشند. • دانشجویان باید دارای اجازهٔ اقامت دائمی (کارت سبز) یا تابعیت ایالات متحده باشند یا فرزند پدر و مادری باشند که به تابعیت ایالات متحده در آمده باشند. • دانشجوی سال آخر دورهٔ لیسانس باشند یا اگر در دورهٔ فوق لیسانس به تحصیل مشغولند، بیش از دو سال از دورهٔ مذکور را نگذرانده باشند.

بورس مذکور مخارج دو سال تحصیل در ‎یکدانشگاه یک دانشگاه‎ معتبر را در ایالات متحده تأمین خواهد کرد. همچنین این بورس برای تحصیل در همه رشته‌ها منجمله دوره‌های حرفه‌ای و هنرهای زیبا قابل استفاده است.

افرادی که بتوانند نمونه‌هائی از خلاقیت و موفقیت ارائه دهند و تعهدی نسبت به قانون اساسی ایالات متحده نشان دهند و کسانی که برایشان تحصیلات عالیه ارتباطی با اهداف حرفه‌ای و شغلیشان داشته باشد امکان بیشتری برای دریافت بورس مذکور خواهند داشت.

فرصت ارسال تقاضانامه برای دریافت این بورس ۳۰ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۹ است و نام کسانی که برای دریافت آن انتخاب شوند تا ماه فوریه سال ۲۰۰۰ اعلام خواهد شد.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت تقاضانامه یا اطلاعات بیشتر با سازمان مذکور تماس حاصل فرمایند: شماره تلفن: ۹۷۴۱-۳۳۳ (۲۱۲) شماره فکس: ۸۳۸۱-۴۲۵ (۲۱۲) Website: www.pdsoros.org

فارسی ساده

Simple Persian Multimedia CD-ROM

"فارسی ساده" یک برنامه کامپیوتری بر اساس کتاب خودآموز فارسی خانم مهدخت اخترخاوری است.

علاقه مندان به آموزش زبان فارسی می‌توانند با استفاده از کامپیوتر کلیاتی دربارهٔ زبان فارسی فراگیرند بدین ترتیب که حدود ۲هزار کلمه بیاموزند و از آنها در ساختن جملات استفاده کنند و مهارت لازم را برای رسیدن به مراحل بالاتر به دست آورند.

قیمت این برنامه کامپیوتری ۴۹/۹۵ دلار به اضافه ۳/۹۵ دلار مخارج پست است. دوستان می‌توانند برای سفارش برنامهٔ مذکور یا دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند: Mahdokht Akhtarkhavari Novato, CA 94949

تبلیغ و مهاجرت

Teaching and Pioneering

یحتمل یاران آگاهی داشته باشند که در حال حاضر دو برنامه تبلیغی و مهاجرتی با نام‌های "حروف حی" و "گروه دشت" در دست اجراست. این برنامه‌ها که نخست در کانادا طرح‌ریزی شده در ایالات متحده نیز با استقبال گرم یاران روبرو گردیده است و هم اکنون عده‌ای از یاران باوفا در ظل هدایت لجنة ملی مهاجرت آمریکا و کانادا عازم سفرهای تبلیغی و مهاجرتی شده‌اند.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر دربارهٔ برنامه‌های تبلیغی و مهاجرتی فوق با دفتر لجنة مهاجرت تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن دفتر مهاجرت: ۳۵۰۸-۷۳۳-۸۴۷

اطلاعیه مجمع عرفان

مدرسه بهائی بوش ۲۶ تا ۲۸ نوامبر ۱۹۹۹ ‘Irfán Colloquium at Bosch

بیست و پنجمین دوره مجمع عرفان از ۲۶ تا ۲۸ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۹ در مدرسه بهائی بوش در کالیفرنیا، همزمان با برنامه مشابهی به زبان انگلیسی برگزار خواهد شد.

در این دوره منتخبی از آثار قلم اعلیٰ که در دوره طهران و بغداد یعنی بین سال‌های ۱۸۵۳ و ۱۸۶۳ نازل گردیده مورد بحث و مطالعه قرار خواهد گرفت. علاوه بر کتاب مستطاب ایقان و کلمات مکنونه، هفت وادی، چهار وادی، جواهرالاسرار، الواح آیهٔ نور، ایوب، بلبل فراق، حوریه، شکر شکن، غلام الخلد، فتنه، کل الطعام، مریم، ملاح‌القدس، مدینة‌التوحید، مدینة‌الرضاء، هله‌هله یا بشارت، سورهٔ قدیر، سورهٔ صبر، تفسیر حروفات مقطعه، حروفات عالیین، حور عجاب، قصیدهٔ رشح عماء، قصیدهٔ عزّ ورقائیه و صحیفهٔ شطیه از آثار مبارکه این دوره است.

این برنامه با همکاری خانم آزاده فارس و آقایان معین افنانی و حبیب ریاضتی و قاسم بیات و امین بنانی و حشمت شهریاری و علاءالدین قدس و فرهاد ثابتی و ایرج ایمن اجراء خواهد شد.

هزینه نام‌نویسی و دریافت نشریات مجمع عرفان ۴۰ دلار امریکائی است. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای نام‌نویسی و ذخیره جا مستقیماً با مدرسه بهائی بوش تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۴۳۳-۳۳۸۷ (۸۳۱) شماره فکس: ۷۵۶۴-۴۲۳ (۸۳۱)

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLÁH

احبای عزیز وجوه حقوق‌الله را لطفاً به یکی از امناء حقوق به نشانی ذیل، ارسال فرمایند:

• Amin Banani,	Santa Monica, CA
90402 (phone 310-394-5449, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail)
• Stephen Birkland,	Arden
Hills, MN 55112 (phone 651-484-9518, fax 651-415-1766, e-mail)
• Sally Foo,	Lawrenceville,
NJ 08648 (phone 609-671-9125, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail)
• Daryush Haghighi,	Rocky
River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail)
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro,
SC 29180 (phone 803-635-9602, e-mail)

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Ḥuququ’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail) [Page 28]

روز وحدت نژادی

Race Unity Roundup

روز ۱۳ جون سال جاری مراسمی در سراسر ایالات متحده تحت عنوان "روز وحدت نژادی" برگزار گردید. البته در بعضی جوامع این مراسم به مقتضای نیازهای آنها چند روزی پیش و پس شده بود اما آنچه مهم است این که جوامع محلی برنامه‌هایی ترتیب دادند و اهمیت موضوع را خاطرنشان دوستان و همسایگان کردند. بخشی از فعالیت‌های یاران در نقاط گوناگون کشور در زیر درج می‌گردد.

اورگان جمعیت جدیدالتأسیس بهائی در شرود Sherwood با مدد گیری از تلاوت بیش از ۲ هزار مناجات مراسمی برگزار کردند که از توفیق فراوان برخوردار بود. احبای محل از سپتامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ تعهد کردند که در هر ماه بهائی ۴۲۲ مناجات تلاوت کنند. یاران در یکی از جلسات ضیافت نوزده روزه به صرافت افتادند که تمامی ۷ هزار ساکنان شرود را برای شرکت در مراسم روز وحدت نژادی دعوت کنند!

بدین ترتیب با استفاده از همه امکاناتی که در اختیار داشتند توانستند محلی کرایه کنند و مراسم روز وحدت نژادی را در آنجا برگزار نمایند. در این مراسم کودکان بهائی و غیربهائی مناجات خواندند، اعضای کارگاه جوانان بهائی برنامه‌های جالب و مؤثر رقص اجرا کردند و شرکت کنندگان را تحت تأثیر قرار دادند.

در مجموع ۳۶ نفر غیربهائی در جلسه مذکور شرکت کردند. به هر یک از آنها یک پوستر وحدت نژادی اهداء شد. ۶ نفر از آنها اظهار داشتند که مایلند در هفته بعد در جلسه تبلیغی شرکت کنند.

تکزاس در یک جلسه روز وحدت نژادی که در سن آنتونیو تشکیل شد بیش از ۵۰۰ نفر از نژادها و رنگ‌های گوناگون شرکت کردند. این عزیزان در جلسه مذکور دعاهای بهائی و اسلامی و مسیحی و کلیمی و بودائی خواندند و از برنامه‌های هنری بهره بردند و غذاهای گوناگون خوردند و به راستی خوش گذراندند.

ویرجینیای غربی بیش از ۲۰۰ نفر در مراسم روز وحدت‌نژادی که با همکاری دفتر فرماندار ایالت و کالج ایالتی ویرجینیای غربی و یک سازمان دیگر در چارلستون تشکیل شد شرکت کردند. شرح این مراسم در روزنامه‌های محلی مندرج شد.

ایندیانا سی و هفتمین مراسم سالانه روز وحدت نژادی دربلومینگ دیل برگزار شد و شرح آن در صفحه اول روزنامة محل همراه با عکس درج شد. در گزارش این روزنامه مطالبی راجع به وحدت در کثرت آمده و ذکر شده بود که گروه بهائی وحدت نژادی را در عمل نشان می‌دهند.

کلورادو کارگاه جوانان بهائی کلورادو برنامه‌ای در مراسم ‎بزرگدار بزرگداشت‎ روز وحدت نژادی در فورت کالینز اجرا کردند. بیش از ۱۰۰ نفر در این مراسم شرکت جسته بودند.

یادی از جناب عطاءالله حقیقی

به قلم عزیز اشراقیان Remembering Ata Haghighi ترجمه

تلگرام معهد اعلی خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ‎پرتقال پرتغال‎ مورخ ۲۶ اپریل ۱۹۹۹

از صعود خادم برازنده امرالله عطاءالله حقیقی متأسفیم. خدمات صادقانه او در مهد امرالله و اهداف مهاجرتی پیوسته در خاطرها خواهد ماند. خویشان و دوستان را به ادعیه خالصانه ما جهت ارتقاء روح پرفتوح او اطمینان دهید. بيت‌العدل اعظم

جناب عطاءالله حقیقی در سال ۱۲۸۵ شمسی مطابق با سال ۱۹۰۶ میلادی در شهر کرمانشاه در یک خانواده بهائی دیده به جهان گشود. پدر بزرگ ایشان، میرزا اسحق خان وزیرزاده، وزیر ارزاق کشور بود و توسط جناب فاضل مازندرانی به امر بهائی اقبال نمود و سپس تمام افراد خانواده اش در ظل امر جمال مبارک درآمدند.

میرزا اسحق خان پس از ایمان به اتفاق همسر و جناب دکتر حبیب مؤید به حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء مشرف شدند و بسیار مورد لطف و عنایت ایشان قرار گرفتند.

در مراجعت از حیفا لوحی به افتخار ایشان از قلم مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء نازل شد که در شروع آن لوح او را "ای یار حقیقی عبدالبهاء" خطاب می‌فرمایند. پس از وصول این لوح میرزا اسحق خان نام خانوادگی را به "حقیقی" مبدل نمودند.

در سال ۱۲۸۹ شمسی تمام عائلة حقیقی به طهران منتقل شدند. عطاءالله که کودکی خردسال بود توسط پدر ایشان، میرزا عباس خان، به مدرسة تربیت بنین که مدرسة پسرانه بود برای تحصیل گذاشته شد و تا پایان تحصیل در همان مدرسه که مؤسسش جامعة بهائی بود و بهترین مدرسة طهران به شمار می‌رفت، ادامه تحصیل دادند.

سپس در رشتة مدیریت راه و راه آهن تحصیل نمود و به خدمت راه آهن ایران درآمد و مدت ۳۰ سال در همان مؤسسه در کمال صحت و امانت خدمت نمود.

جناب حقیقی در امور امری هم همیشه بسیار کوشا و از آغاز نوجوانی در تشکیلات امری مشارکت داشتند. ایشان عضو اولین هیئت مدیرة مجمع جوانان بهائی طهران و همزمان عضو چند لجنة محلی و ملی بودند. در سال ۱۳۴۰ شمسی به عضویت هیئت مدیرة بیمارستان میثاقیه انتخاب شدند و سپس مدیریت داخلی آن بیمارستان را به عهده گرفتند.

جناب حقیقی با دختری از یک خانواده محترم طهران به نام خانم مریم مالک ازدواج نمودند که از این ازدواج یک دختر به نام زهره و سه پسر به نام‌های نوش‌زاد و مهرداد و فرهاد به ثمر رسید.

پسر ارشد ایشان نوش‌زاد در عنفوان جوانی در ۲۴ سالگی پس از اتمام رشتة طب، پس از کسالت کوتاهی، در اثر غفلت اطباء، در بیمارستان میثاقیه صعود نمود. این حادثه در جناب حقیقی چنان تأثیر شدیدی نمود که بیمارستان میثاقیه را ترک کرد و مدیریت باغ نژه را پذیرفت. (باغ نژه را یک خانواده بهائی به امر تقدیم نموده بود و محفل روحانی آن محل را برای اجتماعات جوانان بهائی در نظر گرفته بود.)

جناب حقیقی سالهای متمادی مشغول به خدمت و تشویق جوانان و ادارة امور آنان بودند. همه را به چشم اولاد خود می‌دیدند و مثل پدری مهربان و دلسوز آنها را در جمیع شئون راهنمایی می‌نمودند و جوانان نیز علاقة شدیدی به ایشان ابراز می‌داشتند.

در سال ۱۳۵۵ از طرف محفل روحانی ملی به عضویت شرکت امناء و سرپرستی اماکن متبرکة طهران و اماکن امری شیراز و بیت مبارک حضرت اعلی مأمور شدند و تا سال ۱۳۵۸ مشغول به خدمت بودند که از طرف مأمورین کمیته انقلاب دستگیر و مسجون شدند و پس از آزاد شدن به دستور محفل روحانی در سال ۱۳۶۰ از ایران خارج شدند و تا آخر ایام حیات در نقطة مهاجرتی در جنوب کشور ‎پرتقال پرتغال‎ در شهر کوچکی می‌زیستند و بسیار موفق و محبوب بودند.

جناب عطاءالله حقیقی در تاریخ ۲۵ اپریل ۱۹۹۹ پس از شرکت در جشن رضوان و تلاوت مناجات در جمع احباء در منزل مسکونی خود در نهایت آرامشی چشم از این دنیا فرو بستند و به ملکوت ابهی صعود فرمودند. تلگرافی در تاریخ ۲۶ اپریل ۱۹۹۹ از بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی به اعزاز صعود ایشان صادر گردید.

از دفتر امور زنان

From the Office of Women’s Affairs

از آنجا که تساوی حقوق زن و مربوط به زنان و مردان هر دو می‌شود، دو تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی، جناب ویلیام رابرتس در شمال شرقی ایالات متحده و جناب ویلیام دیویس در غرب کشور جلساتی برای مردان تشکیل خواهند داد و در آن به بررسی مسألة تساوی حقوق خواهند پرداخت.

در ماه جون سال جاری جلسه ویژه‌ای در باره همین موضوع برای زنان تشکیل و در آن مقالاتی اقامه شده بود که قرار است به زودی منتشر شود. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت آن مقالات با دفتر امور زنان تماس حاصل فرمایند.

e-mail: [Page 29]

ترجمه پیام الکترونیکی بیت العدل اعظم خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی ٢٤ آگست ١٩٩٩

August 24, 1999 Message of the Universal House of Justice

یاران عزیز الهی،

ترکیه در اثر علائق و روابط تاریخی خود با امر حضرت بهاءالله سرزمینی است که در قلب بهائیان مقدس محسوب می‌گردد. لذا خرابی و انهدامی که زلزلة مصیبت‌بار اخیر به وجود آورده برای عالم بهائی بسیار تأسف آور است که به وصف نمی‌آید. گرچه وصول گزارش‌هائی حاکی از آن که جان احبای ترکیه از خطر محفوظ مانده، مایة آرامش خاطر است ولکن خود را شریک غم و اندوه تمام کسانی می‌دانیم که در اثر درگذشت هزاران تن از هم‌وطنان و از بین رفتن ما یملک خود دچار خسارتی هنگفت شده‌اند. علاوه بر آن که برای نفوس داغدار و پریشان خاطر آن سرزمین در اعتاب مقدسه دعا می‌کنیم، ترتیبی هم اتخاذ شده است تا به اقدامات کمک‌رسانی تبرعاتی ارسال گردد و نیز از نمایندة اصلی جامعة بین‌المللی بهائی در سازمان ملل خواسته شده است که مراتب تسلیت و همدردی صمیمانة جامعة جهانی بهائی را به رئیس جمهور ترکیه ابلاغ نمایند.

بیت العدل اعظم

توضیح

به نظر می‌رسد که دربارة دستخط دارالانشا، بیت العدل اعظم الهی مورخ ١٨ جون سال ١٩٩٩ خطاب به تعدادی از محافل روحانی ملی سوء تفاهم‌هائی ایجاد شده است.

هدف از صدور آن پیام این بوده است که احباء بکوشند و از همة امکاناتی که در دست دارند از جمله رسانه‌های فارسی زبان برای رفع سوءتفاهم‌هائی که در اذهان هموطنان غیربهائیشان متمکن شده استفاده نمایند.

محفل روحانی ملی دفاتر و دوائر خود را دربارة چگونگی این اقدامات هدایت خواهد کرد. در عین حال دوستان عزیز در صورتی که نظرها و پیشنهادها یا سؤالاتی در این باره داشته باشند می‌توانند با دفتر منشی محفل روحانی یا لجنة ملی نشر نفحات یا دفتر امور احبای ایرانی-امریکائی تماس حاصل نمایند و نظرها یا پرسش‌های خود را با دفاتر مذکور مطرح سازند.

تازه واردین ایرانی

Newly-Arrived Friends

به احبای تازه‌وارد ایرانی که از کشورهای دیگر به آمریکا تشریف می‌آورند یاد آوری می‌شود که بمحض ورود به آمریکا سواد کارت بهائی خود را برای خود نگاه دارند و اصل آن را همراه با نشانی پستی خود در آمریکا به دفتر محفل روحانی ملی بفرستند تا بر اساس آن کارت عضویت در جامعة بهائی آمریکا برای آنان ارسال شود.

تقاضا می‌شود اعضای جامعة بهائی شخص تازه‌وارد نیز این نکته را به ایشان یاد آوری کنند.

کارت بهائی را باید به نشانی زیر ارسال کنند:

Information Services Department Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201

سفر جناب هوشمند فتح اعظم و خانم در امریکا

THE FATHEAZAMS IN USA

هیأت ملی امور احبای ایرانی امریکائی از سال جاری موضوع حیات بهائی را محور فعالیت‌های خود قرار داده و امیدوار است بتواند احبای عزیز ایرانی را برای تحقق آن در زندگانی روزمره‌شان یاری کند.

به این سبب، و با کسب اجازه از محفل مقدس روحانی ملی، از جناب هوشمند فتح اعظم عضو محترم بیت العدل اعظم الهی دعوت شد که در صورت امکان بخشی از تعطیلات خود را در این کشور بگذرانند تا در جلساتی که برای شروع طرح جدید از جانب هیأت ملی ترتیب داده میشود شرکت فرمایند و با احبای آمریکا از حیات بهائی سخن گویند.

جناب فتح اعظم با کمال لطف این دعوت را پذیرفتند و در انتهای ماه جولای همراه با همسر گرامیشان شفقه خانم به ایالات متحده تشریف آوردند. جلساتی که هیأت ملی امور احبای ایرانی-امریکائی ترتیب داده بود یکی روز سی‌ام جولای با یاران عزیز منطقة واشینگتن دی سی در ویرجینیای شمالی بود در دوبخش انگلیسی و فارسی و با حضور نماینده محفل روحانی ملی دکتر ویلیام رابرتز برگزار شد و دیگری در کالیفرنیای جنوبی در حظیرة القدس لس آنجلس روز ٧ آگست با حضور دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده نماینده محفل روحانی ملی و روز ٨ آگست به زبان فارسی با حضور خانم دوروتی نلسون نماینده محفل روحانی ملی تشکیل شد.

محفل مقدس روحانی ملی نیز رأساً از جناب فتح اعظم و شفقه خانم دعوت نمود که با احبای شیکاگو و اطراف آن نیز در مشرق الاذکار ملاقات کنند. این جلسه عصر ۴ آگست در مشرق الاذکار با حضور خانم جوانا کاتنزد به نمایندگی از طرف محفل روحانی ملی تشکیل شد.

در هر جلسه جناب فتح اعظم علاوه بر ایراد سخنرانی جامع و آموزنده‌ای در زمینه اهمیت نقش یاران ساکن در این کشور و وظایف احباء در این ایام با حاضران و مخصوصاً منسوبان شهدای عزیز ملاقات نمودند.

ترجمه خلاصه‌ای از بیاناتی که جناب فتح اعظم در مشرق الاذکار ایراد فرمودند ذیلاً درج میشود:

. ‎آیندة‌ای آینده‌ای‎ مجلّل در انتظار احبای عزیز امریکا هست ولی به آن دست‌یابی ممکن نیست مگر آنکه ارتباط خود را با کلمةالله مستمراً حفظ نمایند.

منصبی که مرکز میثاق الهی و حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله برای شما احبای عزیز آمریکا تعیین فرموده‌اند اینست که جهانیان را از نظر روحانی رهبری کنید. آیا برای این رسالت آماده هستید؟

از همان قدیم که به یاد دارم احبای ستمدیده ایران امید فراوانی به جامعة بهائیان امریکا داشته‌اند. خوب به یاد دارم که در کودکی اطفال بهائی در کلاسهای هفتگی درس اخلاق هر بار چند سکه برای ساختمان مشرق الاذکار امریکا تبرع می‌نمودند و محفل روحانی محلی‌شان برای آنان اوراقی رنگی بعنوان رسید صادر می‌کردند.

احبای آمریکای شمالی نه فقط در کشور خودشان با هدایت دست توانای خداوند مقدر است که نقشی اساسی در امور جهانی داشته باشند، بلکه آنان نقشی ویژه در ترقی روحانی جامعة بشری دارند که دو مبین آیات‌الله و بیت‌العدل اعظم کراراً آن را یاد آوری فرموده‌اند.

شمائید که الواح فرامین تبلیغی را دریافت داشته‌اید. شمائید که فتح روحانی کرة زمین بدستتان سپرده شده.

با این احوال، نگاه کنید که کجا زندگی میکنیم: دریائی از فرد پرستی غرق در مادیّت، جسمانیّات، تقلب و فساد. حضرت ولی امرالله در آثار مبارکه‌شان فرموده‌اند که ما اهل بهاء باید نسبت به این بدی‌ها مصونیّت کامل داشته باشیم تا بتوانیم در قبال بحرانهائی که در خزینة تاریخ برای تمدن ما افراد بشر کنار گذاشته شده مقاومت داشته باشیم.

آنچه ما را مصون کند نیروی روحانی است. برای کسب آن نیرو باید محبّت خود را به حضرت بهاءالله افزایش دهیم، محبتی چنان نیرومند که تعالیم و دستورات حضرتش را، طبق بیان حضرت ربّ اعلی، بدون ترس از دوزخ یا امید به بهشت، برای نجات جهانیان اطاعت نمائیم.

برای افزایش این محبت، طبق دستور حضرت بهاءالله در کتاب مستطاب اقدس، باید هر صبح و شام در بحر آیات الهی غوطه ور شویم تا به منظور الهی واقف گردیم و به عهد و میثاق خداوند وفادار بمانیم. در مقام مثال، لامپ چراغ برق را در نظر آورید. هر یک از ما مثل سیم بسیار نازک و ظریف درون لامپ هستیم که چیزی جز ذرة کوچک فلز نیست. ولی از همین سیم ناچیز وقتی به منشأ برق وصل میشود، بگوئید وقتی به وصال منشأ نیروی برق نائل میشود، انوار ساطعة آن اطراف را روشن میکند.

لجنة ملی تساوی حقوق زن و مرد

Letter from the National Committee on Equality of Women and Men

لجنة ملی تساوی حقوق زن و مرد پیامی خطاب به اعضای جامعة بهائی ایالات متحده صادر نموده است که نکات اصلی آن در زیر درج می‌گردد:

لجنة مذکور نخست از دریافت گزارشهائی که یاران راجع به فعالیت‌های خود در زمینة ایجاد آگاهی در بارة تساوی حقوق زن و مرد در میان جامعة عمومی به دفتر لجنة ارسال داشته‌اند اظهار سپاسگزاری کرده است. جوامع بهائی بیانیة محفل روحانی ملی موسوم به "دو بال یک پرنده" را به شهرداران و اعضای شوراهای شهرداری تقدیم کرده اند و تا کنون بیش از ١٧٠ جامعة امری گزارش فعالیت‌های خود را تهیه کرده و به دفتر لجنة فرستاده اند.

برخی از جوامع اظهار داشته اند که در انتظارند که برنامة ‎ویدیونی ویدیویی‎ راجع به تساوی حقوق زن و مرد را دریافت دارند و همزمان با آن برنامه‌هائی برای توزیع بیانیة محفل ملی ترتیب دهند. لجنة ملی تساوی حقوق زن و مرد به آگاهی یاران و جوامع امری می‌رساند که تأخیری در تهیة برنامة ویدیویی رخ نموده است و بنابراین مساعی یاران در زمینة تساوی حقوق نباید مشروط به دریافت برنامة ویدیویی مذکور باشد.

لجنة ملی تساوی حقوق زن و مرد از یاران دعوت کرده است که نظرها و پیشنهادهای خود را با دفتر لجنة در میان نهند.

شماره تلفن: ٨٣٨١-٨٤۶ (۵١٧) [Page 30]

YOUTH

The European Bahá’í Youth Council launched a series of “Act Now” conferences earlier this year to “involve our non-Bahá’í friends in our endeavours to satisfy the ‘spiritual hunger’ prevailing in this chaotic age,” the Council wrote.

“Bahá’í youth can distinguish themselves for their incredible diversity within their groups and for the love, unity and fellowship shown towards each other. We want our non-Bahá’í friends to become part of this movement of youth—they too can ‘act’ by contributing their talents and skills towards the achievement of the lofty aim of ‘global unity and peace.’”

Highlights of some conferences:

• Germany: More than 170 people representing 10 German-speaking countries came together in a loving atmosphere of unity in the Black Forest region. “We feel that it is not only our duty but also a great bounty to act now to ease the suffering of humanity,” the report read.
• Italy: At the gathering in Acuto, a participant enthusiastically said organizers “lovingly recognized the natural hunger that youth have for music, dance, making friends, and enjoying life. ... Eagerness to serve shone from the faces of all the youth gathered there.”
• Norway: In Stavanger, a participant said, “The programme has helped to focus the energy and dynamic character of the Nordic youth in the avenues of service recommended by the Council, and explored the concept of youth groups as teaching tools.”

After each gathering, teaching projects were scheduled so youth could engage in sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh together. ♦

A shining example in Burundi

In five years of civil war, it was difficult for Bahá’ís in Burundi to get together. At this joyous Naw-Rúz celebration in Bujumbura, nearly 60 Bahá’ís in attendance included Hutus, Tutsis and Twa. Photo courtesy of Bahá’í International News Service

TEACHING

• Liberia: An Australian travel teacher was determined to spread the Bahá’í message “to any area where human beings live” in remote parts of this country and Sierra Leone. So Mouloud Stander traveled under very harsh post-war conditions to areas as far as 700 miles from Liberia’s capital.

The results, according to the National Spiritual Assembly: “We enrolled a total of 317 Liberians and Sierra Leonians into the Faith during her [Stander’s] 33 days in the country, covering 12 localities in eight of the 13 counties in Liberia. In fact, many of the areas covered had not received any international teachers over the last 12 years because sometimes it takes 17 to 22 hours by vehicle through the mud to reach them.” A total of 2,000 people heard of the Faith.

• Sabah: About 30 traveling teachers, inspired by a conference at Manggis, traveled through muddy, rainy conditions into 11 localities last spring and helped several communities organize elections and confirm their Local Assemblies—raising up 48 new believers along the way. Most of the new Bahá’ís are youths, and many joined the teaching campaign.

• Norway: Toward its goal of making sure half of all Norwegians 15 or older know about the Bahá’í Faith by the end of the Four Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly hired a marketing research agency to survey the population. Among results: About 35 percent of Norwegians have heard about the Faith, and 19 percent connect the word “Bahá’í” with religion. Older people tend to be more likely to have heard of the Faith, the study found. ♦

DEVELOPMENT

• Brazil: About 700 Bahá’ís thronged to the eighth National Unity Conference, a “special and unforgettable event” held June 3–6 at the Soltanieh Bahá’í Educational Center. Former Counselor Aziz Yazdi was special guest of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Using the theme of family unity, speakers focused strengthening of family life. The conference was rich with music, drama and dance performances, and 10 new Bahá’í books in Portuguese were introduced, including three by Brazilian Bahá’í authors.

• Mongolia: The new Bahá’í Center of Erdenbulgan, an isolated rural village in the north of the country, was inaugurated as Counselor Rosalie Tran who opened the center and was guest of honor at a two-day women’s seminar. At the ceremony to open the center, the deputy mayor and the village education officer spoke warmly of the Bahá’ís and their valued contributions, especially a vegetable-growing project the Bahá’ís have conducted for three years. ♦

International traveling teaching opportunities for U.S. Bahá’ís

In a document compiled at the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í institutions overseas and do not include the complete 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 urgent needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers.
• Conferences, schools and events in Europe, including Landegg Academy programs.
• Summer schools, deepening institutes and Bahá’í camps in Canada.

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

TEACHING PROJECTS

• Belize: Bahá’í Regional Institute for Training and Empowerment.
• Botswana: John Robarts Long-Term Teaching Project.
• Cameroon: Teaching projects, including one 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: Ongoing deepening and social and economic development projects at the Badasht Institute, Jamáliyyih Institute, and New Garden Bahá’í Institute.
• French Guiana: “Sparks of Peace” Perles de la Caraïbes 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.
• Germany: Dr. Muhájir Project, long-term national teaching project.
• Guatemala: Assisting in ongoing teaching, consolidation/deepening, and human resource development projects at the Rúhíyyih Project, ‎Chimaltenago Chimaltenango‎ Shiraz Project, and National Network of Institutes.
• Hungary: ‎Békéscaba Békéscsaba‎ Long-Term Teaching Project and a permanent consolidation program where the Roma friends reside.
• Ivory Coast: Various teaching projects.
• Jamaica: Assisting ongoing teaching and consolidation efforts and a special summer youth project.
• Liberia: Quddús Project.
• Madagascar: Roddy Lutchmaya Long-Term Teaching Project.
• Mexico: Furútan Project, teaching on college campuses, and an exchange program with the Huasteca Potosina.
• Panama: Project Muhájir, focusing on proclamation and consolidation.
• Russia: Various teaching projects including the Circumpolar Region, Sakhalin, the Far East, Baikal and Chita regions, Central and Western Siberia, Ural region, Volga-Kama and Central regions. Especially looking for those who could help and form youth workshops and children’s classes.
• Solomon Islands: 1–3 months helping a Bahá’í youth workshop, teaching, and developing creative youth activities in rural villages.
• Zambia: Various rural teaching projects.

CONFERENCES, SCHOOLS AND EVENTS

• Kenya: International Youth Conference, Dec. 23–27.
• India: Second International Roundtable on “The Content of Education in a Global Civilization” in Lucknow, Nov. 29–Dec. 6. Join educators and policy makers from around the world for this event organized by the Council for Global Education, a Bahá’í-inspired organization (phone 202-496-9780, e-mail or see the Web page: www.globaleducation.org/invitation). ♦

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

• Hungary: The nation’s president, Árpád Göncz, praised the Bahá’í community for its involvement with the Roma population, during a meeting in May with a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly. “In his opinion making peace with the Roma will be the major task in Hungary for decades to come,” the Assembly reported. “God bless you for this,’ he said.”

The friends pointed out that 80 percent of Bahá’ís in the country are Roma, and that the Faith takes the equality of people very seriously. ♦

EDUCATION

• Thailand: At the invitation of education officials in Pakpayun district, the Bahá’ís organized a three-day English camp for 64 primary school students that was carried out by 10 energetic youths, ages 9 to 24, from Thailand and Malaysia.

With materials developed by Victor Greenspoon, an Auxiliary Board member, the camp followed major themes of unity, making friends and unity in diversity. “These primary students going into grade six greatly enjoyed all the activities, including songs, games and role plays,” a report said. ♦ [Page 31]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail . Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail . Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail . Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI), phone and fax 520-587-7599; e-mail .

SEPTEMBER

17–19: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” at Green Acre.

18–19: “Teaching Christians” at NABI.

23–26: Conference on ‎Aids AIDS‎, Sexuality, Addiction and Abuse hosted by BNASAA at Bosch.

24–26: Commemoration of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Glenwood Springs, CO (information: phone 970-464-5196, e-mail ).

24–26: “Lights of the Spirit: A History of Black Bahá’ís in the Diaspora” at Green Acre.

24–26: Campus Association Weekend at Green Acre.

24–27: Campus Association Weekend at Louhelen.

24–27: Marriage and Family Life Trainer training (continued Dec. 3–5) at Louhelen.

25–26: Work Weekend at NABI.

26: 88th Annual Thornton Chase Memorial Service, Inglewood, CA, sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly (information phone 310-519-1811 or 310-677-2898). ♦

OCTOBER

Early October, weekends: Unit Conventions; dates and times vary. See pages 23–25 for partial listings.

8–10: “Fundamental Verities” (Part II) training institute at Bosch. For those who have completed Part I.

8–10: “Chinese Culture: Be Imbued with the Spirit” at Bosch.

8–10: Two programs at Green Acre: “Talking and Listening: The Art of Spiritual Parenting”; or Youth Weekend Institute on Preparation for Marriage.

8–11: ‘Irfán Colloquium (both English and Persian) at Louhelen.

9: Women’s conference at NABI.

15–16: “Every Believer Is a Teacher” (continued Nov. 19–21) at Louhelen.

15–17: “Bahá’í-Centered Management: Principles and Practice” at Green Acre.

15–18: Teacher Trainer training (continued Jan. 28–30, 2000) at Louhelen.

22–24: Assembly Team Development Weekend at Bosch.

22–25: Equality Trainer training (continued Jan. 28–30) at Louhelen.

22–25: Parent Facilitator training (continued Jan. 28–30) at Louhelen.

23: “Pupil of the Eye” at Louhelen.

28–31: Ruhi Institute Facilitator Training (must have completed the “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” session) at Green Acre.

28–31: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institute at Green Acre. Contact Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3508.

29–31: Two programs at Bosch: Social and Economic Development Facilitators Conference; “Don’t Yell at Your Watchman.”

29–31: Bahá’í Campus Association weekend at Bosch.

30–31: Work Weekend at NABI.

30–31: South Carolina Bahá’í Family Reunion, Orangeburg, SC. Contact: Annette Reynolds, Branchville, SC 29432 (phone 803-533-1289, fax 803-531-2769, e-mail ). ♦

NOVEMBER

5–7: Two programs at Green Acre: “For the Love of God”; Conference on Substance-Abuse Prevention.

5–7: Two programs at Louhelen: Youth Institute; Assembly Development Forum.

5–7: “Fundamental Verities” (Part III) training institute at Bosch. For those who have completed Part II.

5–7: Royal Falcon Bahá’í School, “Relationships among the Institutions, Individuals and Community”; Pensacola Beach, FL. With Farah Rosenberg and Riaz Khadem. Lodging: 800-THE BEACH. Registrar: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail . Web http://bahai.home.mindspring.com).

12–14: Seekers Weekend at Bosch: “Befriend and Guide One Seeker to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”

12–14: “The Ancient Beauty,” weekend family session at Louhelen.

19–21: Bahá’í Mental Health Association meeting at Louhelen.

19–21: “Kitáb-i-‎Aqdás Aqdas‎” at Green Acre.

19–21: Assembly Team Development Weekend at Bosch.

26–28: ‘Irfán Colloquium (both English and Persian) at Bosch.

26–28: Divine Art of Living Conference: “The Bahá’í Faith and the New Millennium,” Hilton-Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, sponsored by San Diego Assembly. Speakers include Jack McCants, Suheil Bushrui, Habib Riazati. Special sessions for youth. Contact Divine Art of Living, P.O. Box 710442, San Diego, CA 92111 (toll-free phone 877-992-2424).

26–27: “The Fireside: Basic Building Block of Society” at Green Acre. ♦

Participants in a Pioneer Training Institute held in May pose on and around the main stairs at the Bahá’í National Center. This group of friends included people headed for posts in five continents. The Office of Pioneering holds institutes several times a year for prospective pioneers and Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers. Photo by Alex Blakeson

Use Brilliant Star for your children’s programs at Unit Convention. Find out more on page 15 or on the Web (www.usbnc.org).

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

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

A. NAME(S)
1. ____________________	ID# ____________________
2. ____________________	ID# ____________________
3. ____________________	ID# ____________________
4. ____________________	ID# ____________________

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

D. NEW COMMUNITY	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community ______	Area Code Phone Number ______ Name ______
Moving Date ______

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

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] 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.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.
[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 ‘IZZAT, MASHÍYYAT • B.E. 156