The American Bahá’í/Volume 31/Issue 4/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 31, Issue 4

BY TOM MENNILLO

Inspired by the memory of the late Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khénum, to whom the Convention was dedicated, they accepted without hesitation or question the challenge of the Universal House of Justice to walk a bridge into the future.

And walk it they did, confident their fellow American Ba will be abreast every, step of the way

This Convention, held April 27-30 at the Sheraton Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois, reflected brightly so

The unveiling of a $60 million five hensive development project titled Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time.

Its symbolic launch in a ceremony outside the Baha’i House of Worship

marking the start of work to restore the gardens to the original design from the Guardian’s time.

Expressions of affection and appreciation for retiring National Spiritual

Assembly member Firuz Kazemzadeh.

Universal participation in balloting for

SEE CONVENTION, PAGE 18

PDO al YA key choi ge) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

PAGES 3-6

Confidently into the future

New National Spiritual Assembly member Erica Toussaint (left) is welcomed by fellow members William Davis (center) and David Young on announcement of Assembly election results at the National Convention April 29. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

idway through the

Convention, delegates boarded buses for the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette. Within its precincts they discharged their sacred duty to elect the National

Spiritual Assembly.

in the election was universal: 162 delegates voting in Person, all three others voting absentee, and no invalid ballots.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly, listed alphabetically, are:

Juana C. Conrad, assistant secretary William E. Davis, chairman

Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general Patricia Locke

Jack McCants

Dorothy W. Nelson, vice chairman William L.H. Roberts, treasurer

Erica Toussaint

David F. Young

Media campaign building on 60,000 responses

M than 60,000 people responded

to the National — Spiritual Assembly’s national media campaign during the Four Year Plan, and the National Teaching Committee will continue to expand the initiative during the One Year Plan.

The impressive numbers of inquiries about the Faith serve to demonstrate to the Baha’{ community and the nation the importance of the guidance from the

Univ the time” for w Faith in America.

Early in the Four Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly initiated the media campaign to respond to a renewed level of spiritual Americans, and to provide g to the Message of Baha’u’llah. 7 response to date proves existence of a vast audience of potentially receptive

| House of Justice that “now is lespread growth of the

souls who will respond if Baha’is make a systematic, tained effort to reach them with the Faith. Included in the numbers of more than 20,000 who hi literature and a return call, mostly through the phone response system (1800-22-UNITE) and the media campaign Internet site (www.us.bahai.org).

SEE MEDIA CAMPAIGN, PAGE 15

June 5, 2000

NOR/LIGHT RAHMAT/MERCY BAHAY ERA 157

VOLUME 31,

“I-N°S°1-D-E:

NO. 4

PAGE 7

BUILDING THE KINGDOM PAGES 8-9

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PAGES 2425 eee

KID’S CORNER + 13 YOUTH = |4

HONOR ROLL + 26-27 CLASSIFIED + 28-29 IN MEMORIAM ~ 30

THE NATIONAL FUND Between May 1, 1999, and April 30, 2000

$27,000,000 Goal/All Funds

‘$19,107,200 Received/All Funds

See page 7 for details

E-X-C-E-R-P-T-S

“The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” —Baha’u'llah

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab

A Baha’i Holy Day

Observed sunset July 8 through sunset July 9; devotional

gatherings should be held at 1 p.m. daylight time July 9 (noon where standard time is observed)

Work is to be suspended

“(The Bab) withstood all persecutions and bore every suffering and

ordeal with unflinching strength. The more His enemies endeav ored to extinguish that flame, the brighter it became. ... Consider how the Bab endured difficulties and tribulations; how He gave

His life in the Cause of God; how He was attracted to the love of

the Blessed Beauty, Bahd’u’lldh; and how He announced the glad

tidings of His manifestation.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 139

‘The Bab and a companion were executed by firing squad in a

public square in Tabriz, Persia, on July 9, 1850. For further

study, see The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 500-526.

Some significant dates in Baha‘i history June and early July

July 1848: In one of the most fateful months in the early annals of the Cause, events unfolded that led to martyrdoms. and ultimate glory for the Bab and several of His foremost disciples.

¢ The Bab transformed a heresy trial in Tabriz into a formal public announcement of His mission, declaring before a tribunal—which included the crown prince of Persia—that He was the Q4’im promised in Shi’ih Muslim prophecy. ‘The Bab was beaten, then sentenced to death; the execution was carried out nearly two years later.

The Conference of Badasht ended with dozens of followers confirmed in the conviction that the Bab had authored

an independent revelation from God, superseding the Qur’én and the laws of Islam.

¢ Mullé Husayn, unable to attend the conference, received the turban of the Bab and instructions to go to the Mazandaran region carrying a Black Standard. As many as

300 men rallied around him on a troubled mission that led to the Shrine of Shaykh Tabarsf, which soon was fortified and besieged. He was killed in battle the next February.

© Quddtis was arrested soon after the Conference of Badasht. Following his release, which was arranged by Mulla Husayn, he joined the Babis at Shaykh Tabarsi. He was taken prisoner when the siege ended the next May, then killed days later.

Tabirib, only weeks after proclaiming the spiritual

emancipation of women at the conference, was arrested and held in Tehran until her execution in 1852.

July 1869: Bad, after a four-month journey from ‘Akka in the Holy Land, delivered a Tablet of Baha’u’llah to the Shah of Persia in Tehran. The 17-year-old messenger was tortured and executed, and later designated as the Pride of Martyrs. June 23, 1870: Mirz4 Mihdi, the Purest Branch and a younger brother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, died after an accidental fall in the prison in ‘Akka where Baha’u’llah and His family was confined. Baha’u’llah had asked Mirza Mihdi whether he wished to live. The Purest Branch replied that he wanted his life to be a ransom for the opening of the prison gates to pilgrims.

July 4-9, 1925: The 17th Annual Convention of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada was the setting for the election of the two countries’ first National Spiritual Assembly. July 1930: Shoghi Effendi completed his translation of the Kitab-i-fqan, the first of his translations of major works of Baha'u'llah into Engli: June 1942: The Local Spiritual Assembly of San José, Costa Rica, became the first Spiritual Assembly to be legally incorporated in Latin America.

June 12, 1958: The central body of the Hands of the Cause of God released a definitive statement explaining that a second Guardian could not be named because Shoghi Effendi neither left a will nor d ed a suet or.

June 5, 1975: Excavation was begun for the seat of the Universal House of Justice. That building was finished and occupied in early 1983.

Facts in the “Some Significant Dates” section compiled from A Basic Bahd’i Chronology.

XCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

RaMonA BEHSHAD, a 17-year-old Baha’ in Paradise Valley, earned a

one of only four students

JONATHAN KALANTAR, a Baha’i who is a fifth-grader in Palm Coast, Florida, was

NeEyYsUN Manpoust, a Bah: in New York, New York, is one of this year’s winners of the Pall & fy

Arizona, in Flagler y Soros Fellowperfect combined County receiving an ship for = New score of 1,600 on the honorable mention Americans. The secScholastic Aptitude in the Disney ond-year student at Test. “Dreamer and Doer” Columbia University program, which Law School, who is foLEONARDO ANDRES DEL Campo, a annually honors cusing on international Baha’ student in Grass Valley, Californ three students in law, was recognized in is to graduate this month as valedictori each county of part for his continuing reareh in Chinese at Nevada Union High School, from a Florida for outstanding characteri law, his activity in societies for Chinese and senior class of nearly 900 students. including “curiosity, confidence, international law at Columbia, his previous

Formerly of Costa Rica—where he helped found the Luz de Unidad youth workshop—he also has been designated a

courage and constancy.”

AMANDA M. Koss, a Baha’ in Everett,

service on an ethics task force and as assistant editor of the Journal of Public and International Affairs at Princeton Univer

nior at the

THE PW 1st o,Uy

Baha’i National Center 847-869-9039

Editorial Office of The American Bah@t Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, TL 60201 Phone: 847-853-2352 Fax: 847-256-1372 E-mai!

National Merit Hispanic Scholar and has won a scholarship to Harvey Mudd College in Southern California.

Baha

e, was one

SanDRA T. HICKs, a Manchester, New Hamp of eight women in southern New Hampshire recognized March 26 in a state proclamation for having “blazed a trail for all people of color” with their leadership and civic activity. A recipient of the local Martin Luther King Award, she has been a leader in the Greater Manchester NAACP, the New Hampshire Minority Health Coalition and other organizations supporting diversity and serving youth.

Washington, who is a s

of ngton majoring in urban horticulture, was recently awarded two major scholarships totaling 800. The larger of the two, the Mary Gates Leadership Endowment Grant, is awarded not only for academic achievement but also commitment to community service. Koss has served as a volunteer tutor and mentor at American Indian Heritage School in Seattle.

sity, his internships for the U.S. State Department and the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and ward-winning senior thesis at Princeton. Only 30 graduate students nationwide each year are awarded the fellowship, which is aimed at helping outstanding students who are immigrants or children of immigrants.

SHOHREH MiISsAGHI, a Bal in El Cerrito, California, was recently chosen from among local students for the annual Soroptimist Award of Merit. The honor went to the El Cerrito High school senior on the basis of demonstrated commitment to home, school, community, country and world. @

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha'i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors Vladimir Shilov, photography ‘Amethel Parel-Sewell, design elements Vivian Bergenthal, Jim Cheek, Steven Gonzales, Sheila R. Misra, Ruhi Vargha

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 Days (plus one

special issue) for a total of 10 issues per

year by the National Spiritual Assembly of

the Baha'is of the United States, 1233

Central St, Evanston, TL, 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL.

and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Canada; Publications Agreement Number 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES

If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail

“There is no ned 6 (GantaGE the’ Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHA‘{ welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and institutions of the Baha'i Faith.

‘*ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans. We may edit stories 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 blackand-white prints, 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:

August 20: Deadline July 7 September 27: Deadline August 11

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL rreMs for possible publication to The American Baha'i, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ).

2000 by the National Spiritual Assembly of

Cran Samaras

Wen ce eet served. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2

Tue AMERICAN BAnA’i * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE

June 5, 2000 [Page 3]

RIDVAN 2000

LETTER TO THE THE BAHA’[S OF THE WORLD

Dp” loved Friends,

We bow our heads in gratitude to the Lord of Hosts, our hearts brimming with joy, as we witness how marvellous a difference four years have made since the launching of the global Plan now concluded at this Festival of Splendours. So marked was the progress achieved during this period that our world community attained heights from which bright new horizons for its future exploits can clearly be discerned.

The quantitative difference resulted mainly from a more critical qualitative difference. The culture of the Baha’i community experienced a

change. This change is noticeable in the expand- |

ed capability, the methodical pattern of functioning and the consequent depth of confidence of the three constituent participants in the

to see that this increase is now geographically

_ widespread, is engaging ever-larger segments of

the community, and is successful in integrating new declarants into the life of the Cause.

So salutary, so promising a condition of the Faith also owes much, beyond measure, to the

| advisory influence, collaborative role and practi cal work of the Institution of the Counsellors which were amplified with respect to the forma | tion and operation of institutes—an amplifica| tion that reflected the timely stimulation

Plan—the individual, the institutions and the |

local community. That is so because the friends concerned themselves more consistently with deepening their knowledge of the divine ‘Teachings and learned much—and this more systematically than before—about how to apply them to promulgating the Cause, to managing their individual and collective activities, and to working with their neighbours. In a word, they entered into a learning mode from which purposeful action was pursued. The chief propellant of this change was the system of training institutes established throughout the world with great rapidity—an accomplishment which, in

imparted by a vibrant and International Teaching Centre.

ever

The central theme of the Four Year Plan— that of advancing the process of entry by troops—produced a high degree of integration of thought and action. It focused attention on a major stage of the evolution of the Baha’i community that must be attained during the

required this development. Equally of relevance to integrating the essentials of the process were the strategies defined for the work in social and economic development, which is a critical part of consolidation, and in external affairs, which is a vital factor in enabling the Faith to manage the consequences of its emergence from obscurity. The combined effect produced resounding results, the enumeration of which would far exceed the compass of these pages. We are

| moved, however, to cite certain highlights that

alert |

illustrate the scope of the Plan’s achievements.

In the Holy Land, the construction of the

| Terraces and the buildings on the Arc forged | ahead with every assurance of meeting the | announced deadline for their completion at the

Formative Age; for until entry by troops is more |

widely sustained, the conditions will not be ripe for mass conversion, that breakthrough promised by Shoghi Effendi in his writings. The thematic focus of the Plan bore implications for all categories of Bahd’i activity; it called for a

| clarity of understanding which made possible

the field of expansion and consolidation, qualifies as the single greatest legacy of the Four Year _

Plan.

In the increased capacity of individuals to teach the Faith, as shown in the thrust of individual initiatives; in the improved ability of Spiritual Assemblies, Councils and committees to guide the endeavours of the friends; in the introduction of new patterns of thought and action which influenced the collective behaviour of the local community—in all such respects the system of training institutes demonstrated its indispensability as an engine of the process of entry by troops. By extending their operation through local study circles, many institutes magnified their capacity to cover wide regions with their programmes. Mongolia, for instance, set up 106 study circles and, as a result, recorded a significant rise in the number of new believers. Concurrent with these kinds of developments,

the members of our worldwide community also — gave more attention to drawing on the power of |

prayer, to meditating on the sacred Word, and to

deriving the spiritual benefits of participation in

devotional gatherings. It is through the workings of these elements of an intensified individual and collective transformation that the size of the community is increasing. Although the number of new believers has as yet only slightly surpassed those of recent years, it is immensely gratifying

systematic and strategic planning as a prerequisite of individual and collective action. The members of the community came gradually to appreciate how systematization would facilitate the processes of growth and development. This raising of consciousness was a huge step that led

to an upgrading of teaching activities and a | | of Bahai studies associations. Some 3,300

change in the culture of the community.

The integrative aspects of the theme were evident in the efforts at planning, building institutional capacity, and developing human resources. The threads connecting all these can be traced from the outset of the Plan to its very end. The December 1995 Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors in the Holy Land marked the beginning. There the Counsellors were oriented to the features of the Plan. This was followed by their consultations with National Spiritual Assemblies in national planning sessions that moved subsequently to the regional level, involving Auxiliary Board members, Local Spiritual Assemblies and committees. Thus, at all levels, elements of the Baha’f administration became involved in the planning process, and reached beyond this stage

to that of implementation, at which the institu- |

tional capacity to cope with entry by troops had —

to be created. Two major steps were taken in this regard: one was the establishment of training institutes; the other was the formal establishment and widespread introduction of Regional Baha’i Councils as a feature of the administration between the local and national levels to

end of this Gregorian year. Moreover, the building in Haifa to which we referred in our last Ridvan message in connection with the expanded size of pilgrimage groups is ready for use as of this Ridvan. In this same connection, architectural plans were approved for the much-needed facility to be built at Bahji to accommodate pilgrims and other Baha’{ and non-Baha’s visitors. The translation of the Texts for the expected new volume of Baha’u’llih’s Writings has been completed and preparations are under way for its publication.

Strides in expansion and consolidation were manifest in ways other than those already mentioned: in pioneering, proclamation, the publication of literature, the use of the arts, the formation of Spiritual Assemblies, and advances

believers settled as long- and short-term international pioneers. That many countries usually on the receiving end had themselves dispatched pioneers abroad was a further indication of the maturation of national communities. True to the mandate addressed to their members, the Canadian and United States communities excelled in the number of pioneers that left their shores and in the much greater number of travelling teachers, including a significant representation of youth. Especially noteworthy, too, was the heartening response of believers of African descent in the United States to the call that Baha’ teachers travel to Africa.

Proclamation of the Cause involved a variety of actions which included the sponsoring of a wide range of occasions—anniversaries, commemorations, discussion groups, exhibits, and the like— that made it possible for large numbers of people to become acquainted with the teachings of the Faith. The Houses of Worship were magnetic

| centres for visitors who entered their doors in

strengthen the administrative capacity of certain |

communities where the growing complexity of the issues facing National Spiritual Assemblies

increasing numbers, especially in India, where some five million people were received during the last year. Added to such activities were the multiple uses of the media to get the Baha’f message across. In the United States, some 60,000 inquir ers responded to a media campaign designed by

SEE RIDVAN LETTER, PAGE 4

June 5, 2000 THe AmeRICAN BanA’i * FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE page 3 [Page 4]

RIDVAN LETTER,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the National Teaching Committee. Worldwide, knowledge of the Faith was spread through the appearance, more frequently than before, of unsolicited, sympathetic articles in the print media. There was a similar broadening of exposure through readiness on the part of radio and television stations to include regular Baha’i programmes; this was so in such countries as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. Such fortunate developments were crowned by the independent choice of international media establishments to use the Shrine of the Bab and the Terraces as the site for the telecast of the Holy Land’s segment of the worldwide media programme celebrating the arrival of the year 2000.

‘The use of the arts became an important feature in the proclamation, teaching, deepening and devotional activities of the worldwide community. The arts attracted young people, who applied them to their teaching and deepening activities principally through the numerous drama and dance workshops active in many parts of the world. But the dynamics of the arts went far beyond singing and dancing to involve a range of imaginative activities that grounded people in the Cause. Where folk art was used, particularly in Africa, the teaching work was greatly enhanced. For example, Ghana and Liberia each mounted a Light of Unity Project for promoting the arts in teaching. In India, the Communal Harmony Group had a similar purpose.

Mostly at the urging of the Counsellors and with the support of the Continental Fund, a boost was given to the translation and publication of Baha’{ literature especially in Africa and Asia. Moreover, the Kitab-i-Aqdas appeared in a complete Arabic edition and in other languages.

While the restriction of the formation of Local Spiritual Assemblies to the first day of Ridvan, which took effect in 1997, produced the anticipated decrease in the number of these institutions, the fall was not drastic. The number has since held its ground and a sound process of consolidation is in place. Eight new pillars of the Universal House of Justice were raised up, bringing the total of National Spiritual Assemblies to 181.

Particularly gratifying has been the gathering momentum, during these four years, of Baha’i scholarly activity, which forged ahead with the vital task of reinforcing the intellectual foundations of the Faith’s work. ‘Two invaluable results have been the impressive enrichment of Baha’i literature and the production of a body of dissertations examining various contemporary problems in the light of Baha’i principles. The network of Associations of Baha’f Studies, celebrating this year its twenty-fifth anniversary, welcomed five new affiliates during the Plan. Reflective of the diversity and creativity that this field of service is attracting were the holding of Papua New Guinea’s first Baha’i studies conference and the Japanese Association’s groundbreaking focus on the spiritual origins of traditional Japanese scholarship.

Progress in the field of social and economic development was decidedly qualitative, although figures showing an increase of projects were also impressive. Annually reported activities grew from some 1,350 at the beginning of the Plan to

more than 1,800 nearing its end. The movement towards a more systematic approach remained the dominant characteristic of the work during this period. To promote consultation and action on the principles of social and economic development, the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Baha’i World Centre sponsored 13 regional seminars in which an estimated 700 representatives from 60 countries participated. This Office also attended to the devising of pilot projects and materials suitable for the mounting of organized campaigns to foster youth empowerment and literacy, community health worker training, the advancement of women, and moral education. An example was the programme in Guyana that trained more than 1,500 literacy facilitators; another was the completion in Malaysia of eight modules for the advancement of women, which became the basis for training sessions held in Africa, Asia and Latin America. A plan to integrate Baha’i radio stations with the work of training institutes was initiated in the Guaymi region of Panama. As institutes have the potential to provide training for social and economic development, a movement in that direction involved a dozen institutes, which are currently experimenting with such efforts in areas including literacy, commu: ty health worker training, and vocational training. A number of Baha’i-sponsored and Baha’i-inspired agencies have devoted their energies to projects, such as the one which involved collaboration with the World Health Organization in combating river, blindness in Cameroon; more than 30,000 individuals have received the needed medication through this Baha’i project. Another instance is the private university in Ethiopia, Unity College, whose stu dent body has risen to 8,000. Another is Landegg Academy in Switzerland, which, while expanding and consolidating its academic programme, extended highly appreciated assistance in the ongoing quest for a remedy to the horrendous social consequences of conflict in the Balkans. Yet another is Nur University in Bolivia, which, in a collaborative project with Ecuador, offered training to more than 1,000 school teachers in its moral leadership programme. In this field of social and economic development, such evidences of capacity building were a great benefit to the purposes of the Plan.

Guided by the external affairs strategy communicated to National Spiritual Assemblies in 1994, the community’s capacity in the fields of diplomatic and public information likewi expanded. at an astonishing rate, placing the Baha’i community in a dynamic relationship with the United Nations, governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the media. The strategy focused activities at international and national levels on two key objectives: to influence the processes towards world peace, and to defend the Faith. Through the measures adopted for the defence of our dearly loved coreligioni: in Iran, the Baha’{ International Community won a new measure of respect and support that created opportunities for other aims of the strategy to be pursued. To meet the challenge of the intractable situation in Iran, our institutions and external affairs agencies devised new approaches to activating available instruments of governments and the United Nation The case of the persecutions in Iran occupied the attention of the highest authorities on the

Photos by Ruhi Vargha

planet. Indeed, the news that an Iranian court had reaffirmed death sentences for two of the friends and imposed a similar sentence on a third evoked a sharp response from the President of the United States, who issued a clear admonition to Iran. As a consequence of the interventions of world leaders and the United Nations, the e: cutions of Iranian Baha’is virtually stopped and the number of those sentenced to long-term imprisonment was drastically reduced.

While we have welcomed these interventions, we acclaim the self-sacrificing spirit, the fortitude, and the indomitable faith of our brothers and sisters in Iran that have invested such efforts with potency. These manifest qualities of the soul baffle their compatriots as to the stamina with which they withstand the assaults so viciously and so relentlessly unloosed against them. How else could one explain that so few have been able to stand up to so many for so long? How else could they have aroused the active concern of the world when even a single one of them faces the threat of death? Iran’s tragedy is that the assailants have until now failed to see that the divine principles for which these persecuted ones have sacrificed their possessions and even their lives contain the very ‘olutions that would satisfy the yearnings of a population in its hour of discontent. But there can be no doubt whatever that the systematic tyranny to which our Iranian friends have so cruelly been subjected will ultimately yield to the Almighty Power guiding the mysterious proceedings toward their assured destiny in all its promised glory.

With regard to the other objective of the external affairs strategy, the lines of action were guided by four themes—human rights, the status of women, global prosperity, and moral development. Our records show a huge step forward in the work on human rights and the status of women. With regard to the former, the United Nations Office prosecuted a creative programme of human rights education which has, so far, served as a means of building the capacity of no fewer than 99 National Spiritual Assemblies for diplomatic work. Regarding the status of women, the existence of 52 national offices for the advancement of women, the contributions of numerous Baha’i women and men to conferences and workshops at all levels, the selection of Baha’i representatives to crucial positions on key NGO committees, including the one that serves the United Nations Development Fund for Women, show how the followers of Baha’u’lléh assiduously promote His principle of the equality of women and men.

At the same time an array of initiatives are d

seminating information about the Baha’i Faith to various pub! ‘These include such innova

page 4 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ From THe UNIVERSAL House or JUSTICE

June 5, 2000 [Page 5]

tive undertakings as: the launching of “The Baha’i World” Web site, which is already averaging 25,000 visits a month; the issuing of a statement entitled Who is Writing the Future?, which is helping the friends everywhere talk about contemporary issues; the airing since last November on the World Wide Web of “Payame-Doost,” the Persian-language radio programme broadcast for an hour weekly in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area—a programme which is available at all times throughout the world on the Internet; and the implementation of a highly original televi: programme, applying moral principles to to-day problems, which has won the warm endorsement of government authorities in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

A phenomenon that has gathered force as the century draws to its end is that the people of the world have arisen to express their aspirations through what has come to be known as the “organizations of civil society.” It must be a source of great satisfaction to Baha’is everywhere that the Baha’i International Community as an NGO representing a cross-section of humankind has won such trust as a unifying agent in major discussions shaping the future of humankind. Our principal representative at the United Nations was appointed to co-chair a committee of non-governmental organizations—a position that is giving the Baha’{ International Community a leading role in the organization of the Millennium Forum. This gathering, called by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and scheduled to be held in May, will give organizations of civil society an opportunity to formulate views and recommendations on global issues which will be taken up at the subsequent Millennium Summit in September of this year to be attended by heads of state and government.

Humanity’s awakening to the spiritual dimensions of the changes occurring in the world have a special significance for Baha’is. The interfaith dialogue has intensified. During the Four Year Plan it increasingly involved the Faith as a recognized participant. The Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Cape Town last December brought together some 6,000 attendees, among whom was a strong Baha’{ delegation. Baha’is served on both the South African and International Boards of Directors that planned the event. For Bab interest in the occasion aros: arly from the fact that st mention of the Name of Baha'u'llah at a public gathering in the West had occurred at the Parliament held in Chicago in 1893. Two inter-religious events held in Jordan last November included Bab as invited parti pants: a conference on conflict and religion in the Middle East, and the annual meeting of the World Conference on Religion and Peace. Baha’{_ representatives attended events in Vatican City and New Delhi sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church; on the latter occasion, in the presence of Pope John Paul H, Counsellor Zena Sorabjee was one of the representatives of religions addressing the gathering. In the United Kingdom, the Faith was placed in the public arena when Baha'i representatives joined members of eight other major religions for an interfaith celebration of the new millen

nium in the Royal Gallery of Westminster Palace, where, in the presence of Royalty, the Prime Minister, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other distinguished persons, reference was made to the gathering of the “nine major religions of the United Kingdom.” In Germany, for the first time Baha’fs were included in an inte! faith dialogue. This reversed a longstanding attitude of Christian denominations which had avoided contact with the Faith owing to a book written by a Covenant-breaker and issued by a Lutheran publishing house in 1981. The remedy was provided in a 600-page scholarly rebuttal written by three Baha’is and published in 1995 by a leading non-Baha’s firm, representing a signal victory for the German Baha’i community. An English translation was published in the last year of the Plan. Interfaith dialogue took an unusual form when at Lambeth Palace in 1998 representatives of the World Bank and of nine major religions held a meeting which led to the formation of the. World Faiths Development Dialogue. The announced aim of the Dialogue is to try to bridge the gap between the faith communities and the World Bank in order to enable them to work together more. effectively to overcome world poverty. The frequency and wide embrace of interfaith gatherings represent a new phenomenon in the relations among the religions. It is apparent that the various religious communities are striving to achieve the spirit of friendliness and fellowship among themselves that Bahd’u’lléh urged His followers to show towards the followers of other religions.

The concentrated endeavour of the Baha’i community in these four years occurred at a time when the wider society grappled with a torrent of conflicting interests. In this brief but intensely dynamic span, the forces at work in the Baha’i community and throughout the world proceeded with relentless acceleration. In their wake was revealed more conspicuously than before the social phenomena to which Shoghi Effendi alluded. More than six decades ago, he had called attention to the “simultaneous processes of rise and of fall, of integration and of disintegration, of order and chaos, with their continuous and reciprocal reactions on each other.” These twin processes did not continue in isolation from those specific to the Baha’i community but at times proceeded in such a way as to invite, as has already been shown, the direct involvement of the Faith. ‘They seemed to run at opposite sides of the same corridor of time. On one side, wars fomented by religi | or tribal conflict raged in udden, total kdown of civil order paralyzed a number of countries; terrorism political weapon became epidemic; a surge of international criminal networks raised alarm. Yet on the opposite side, attempts at implementing and elaborating the methods of collective security were earnestly made, bringing to mind one of Baha’u'llah’s prescriptions for maintaining peace; a call was raised for an international criminal court to be established, another action that accords with Baha’{ expectations; to focus attention on the imperative need for an adequate system to deal with global issues, world leaders are scheduled to meet in a Millennium Summit; new methods of communications have opened the way for everyone to communicate with anyone on the

| |

|

planet. The economic disintegration in Asia threatened to destabilize the world economy, but it prompted efforts both to remedy the immediate situation and to find ways of bringing a sense of equity to international trade and finance. These are but a few examples of the two contrasting but interactive tendencies operating at this time, confirming Shoghi Effendi’s inspired summation of the forces at work in God’s greater plan, “whose ultimate objectives are the unity of the human race and the peace of all mankind.”

At the conclusion of these four eventful years, we have arrived at a portentous convergence of ends and beginnings in measures of Gregorian time and the Baha’f era. In one instance, this convergence entails the wrapping up of the twentieth century and, in the other, opens a new stage in the unfolding of the Formative Age. The perspective from these two frames of time prompts us to reflect on a vision of world-shaping trends that have synchronized, and to do so in the context of the insight so graphically projected by Shoghi Effendi at the inception of the Arc he conceived. During the course of the Plan, this vision assumed a brilliant clarity as the construction projects advanced on Mount Carmel, as world leaders took bold steps towards fashioning the structures of a global political peace, and as local and national Baha'i institutions moved to new levels in their evolution. We carry with us a sacred and enduring memory of the twentieth century that stirs our energi it sets our path: It is of that seminal moment ii the history of humankind when the Centre of the Covenant of Baha’u’lléh, during an unparalleled ministry, designed the architecture of a new World Order and when, subsequently during some of the most devastating years, the Guardian of the Faith devoted his utmost energies to raising up the structures of an Administrative System that, at the end of the century, stands before the gaze of the world in the wholeness of ii ntial form. We come thus to a bridge between times. The capaciti developed through a century of struggle and sacrifice by a handful of intoxicated lovers of Baha’wllih must now be applied to the inescapable tasks remaining to the Formative Age, whose many epochs of unremitting labour will lead to that Golden Age of our Faith when the Most Great Peace will envelop the earth.

We begin at this Ridvan with a Twelve Month Plan. Brief though it is, it must and will suffice to accomplish certain vital tasks and to lay the

SEE RIDVAN LETTER, PAGE 6

June 5, 2000

Tne American BanA’i ¢ FRom THE UNIVERSAL House oF JUSTICE page 5 [Page 6]

RIDVAN LETTER,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

ground for the next twenty-year thrust of the Master’s Divine Plan. What was so carefully begun four years ago—the systematic acquisi: tion of knowledge, qualities and skills of service—must be augmented. Wherever they exist, national and regional institutes must activate to the full the programmes and systems they have adopted. New institutes must be formed where such needs have been identified. Greater steps must be taken to systematize the teaching work undertaken through individual initiative and institutional sponsorship. It is partly for this purpose that in several areas of each continent the Counsellors and the National Assemblies have established “Area Growth Programmes.” ‘The results will provide a body of experience for

the benefit of future Plans. The individual, the —

institutions and the local community are urged to focus their attention on these essential tasks, so as to be fully prepared for the five-year enterprise to begin at Ridvin 2001—an enterprise that will take the Baha’{ world to the next phase in the advancement of the process of entry by troops.

But beyond giving attention to these tasks, there is a pressing challenge to be faced: Our children need to be nurtured spiritually and to be integrated into the life of the Cause. They should not be left to drift in a world so laden with moral dangers. In the current state of society, children face a cruel fate. Millions and millions in country after country are dislocated

socially. Children find themselves alienated by —

parents and other adults whether they live in conditions of wealth or poverty. This alienation has its roots in a selfishness that is born of materialism that is at the core of the godlessness seizing the hearts of people everywhere. The social dislocation of children in our time is a sure mark of a society in decline; this condition is not, however, confined to any race, class, nation or economic condition—it cuts across them all. It grieves our hearts to realize that in so many parts of the world children are employed as sol diers, exploited as labourers, sold into virtual | slavery, forced into prostitution, made the —

objects of pornography, abandoned by parents centred on their own desires, and subjected to other forms of victimization too numerous to mention. Many such horrors are inflicted by the parents themselves upon their own children. The spiritual and psychological damage defies

estimation. Our worldwide community cannot —

escape the consequences of these conditions. This realization should spur us all to urgent and

sustained effort in the interests of children and —

the future.

Even though children’s activities have been a part of past Plans, these have fallen short of the need. Spiritual education of children and junior youth are of paramount importance to the further progress of the community. It is therefore imperative that this deficiency be remedied. Institutes must be certain to include in their programmes the training of teachers of children’s classes, who can make their services available to local communities. But although providing spiritual and academic education for children is essential, this represents only a part of what must go into developing their characters and

shaping their personalities. The necessity exists, —

too, for individuals and the institutions at all levels, which is to say the community as a whole, to

show a proper attitude towards children and to take a general interest in their welfare. Such an attitude should be far removed from that of a rapidly declining order.

Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. They bear the seeds of the character of future society which is largely shaped by what the adults constituting the community do or fail to do with respect to children. They are a trust no community can neglect with impunity. An allembracing love of children, the manner of treating them, the quality of the attention shown them, the spirit of adult behaviour toward them—these are all among the vital

aspects of the requisite attitude. Love demands —

discipline, the courage to accustom children to hardship, not to indulge their whims or leave them entirely to their own devices. An atmosphere needs to be maintained in which children feel that they belong to the community and share in its purpose. They must lovingly but insistently be guided to live up to Baha’f standards, to study and teach the Cause in ways that are suited to their circumstances.

Among the young ones in the community are those known as junior youth, who fall between the ages of, say, 12 and 15. They represent a special group with special needs as they are somewhat in between childhood and youth when many changes are occurring within them. Creative attention must be devoted to involving them in programmes of activity that will engage their interests, mold their capacities for teaching and service, and involve them in social

interaction with older youth. The employment —

of the arts in various forms can be of great value in such activity.

And now we wish to address a few words to parents who bear the primary responsibility for the upbringing of their children. We appeal to them to give constant attention to the spiritual education of their children, Some parents appear to think that this is the exclusive responsibility of the community; others believe that in order to preserve the independence of children to investigate truth, the Faith should not be taught to them. Still others feel inadequate to take on such a task. None of this is correct. The beloved Master has said that “it is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son,” adding that, “should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord.” Independent of the level of their education, parents are in a critical position to shape the spiritual development of their children. They should not ever underestimate their capacity to mold their children’s moral character. For they exercise indispensable influence through the home environment they consciously create by their love of God, their striving to adhere to His laws, their spirit of service to His Cause, their lack of fanaticism, and their freedom from the corrosive effects of backbiting. Every parent who is a believer in the Blessed Beauty has the responsibility to conduct herself or himself in such a way as to elicit the spontaneous obedience to parents to which the ‘Teachings attach so high a value. Of course, in addition to the efforts made at home, the par

ents should support Baha'i children’s classes provided by the community. It must be borne in mind, too, that children live in a world that informs them of harsh realities through direct experience with the horrors already described or through the unavoidable outpourings of the mass media. Many of them are thereby forced to mature prematurely, and among these are those who look for standards and discipline by which to guide their lives. Against this gloomy backdrop of a decadent society, Baha’i children should shine as the emblems of a better future.

Our expectations are alive with the thought that the Continental Counsellors will gather in the Holy Land in January 2001 on an occasion. that will celebrate the occupation by the International Teaching Centre of its permanent seat on the Hill of God. Auxiliary Board members from throughout the world will participate with them in what will undoubtedly turn out to be one of the historic happenings of the Formative Age. The coming together of such a constellation of Baha’f officers must by its very nature produce untold benefits for a community which will again be close to ending one Plan and embarking on another. As we contemplate the implications, we turn our hearts in gratitude to the very dear Hands of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furtitan and ‘Alf Muhammad Varga, who by their residence in the Holy Land hold aloft the torch of service which the beloved Guardian lit in their hearts.

With this Twelve Month Plan, we cross a bridge to which we shall never return. We launch this Plan in the earthly absence of Amatu’l-Baha Réhfyyih Khanum. She remained with us to the virtual end of the twentieth century as a beam of the light that had shone during that incomparable period in the history of the human race. In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the Master lamented His inability to travel throughout the world to raise the Divine call, and in the intensity of His disappointment He penned the hope: “Please God, ye may achieve it.” Amatu’l-Baha responded with boundless ener- gy, touching far-flung spots of the earth in the 185 countries that were privileged to receive her inimitable gifts. Her example, which will retain forever its splendour, illumines theearts of thousands upon thousands throughout the planet. Against the inadequacy of any other gesture, might we all not dedicate our humble efforts during this Plan to the memory of one for whom teaching was the primary purpose, the perfect joy of life?

The Universal House of Fustice

page 6 THE AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ FRom THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

June 5, 2000 [Page 7]

THE’ SECOND*FRONT

8 PTET NTT TT

UN resolution notes conditions in Iran

‘he United Nations Commission on Human Rights recently adopted a resolution that noted broad progress on human rights in Iran, but expressed concern about discrimination a gious minori noting par the “unabated pattern of per nst the Baha’ ing de nces and arrests” in that country Adopted / the commi: annual meeting in Geneva, the resolution welcomed s points of progress on huma Iran. Some of those points reg dom of speech, the status of women and

to:

press release.

5

openness in the electoral system. The commission's vote on the i across the United States to 22 in favor and 20 a actions in support of a di abstentions. tion in Con;

This action at the United N the U.S. government’s cond

came soon after our National Spirit Assembly sent a letter asking Baha'is

To the next level of confidence

Materials being developed to help Baha’is share our message with Christian seekers

“the rep

BY TOM MENNILLO

athe ing in Dallas ls next month at the E

the Southern Re ding Sas and

mposium, hosted |

uthors. hers of

Baha’i-Chni

vid oun of the Bill Geissler and Ethel

Assembly and ational Teaching Committee.

The onealiadon was held in response to a challenge identified by the Southern Council through a survey of the Spiritual

Assembl

n the region,

The survey indicated

ds often lack confidenceiin teaching people of a

kground.

ed the focus group to consider their teaching efforts and to

Look in the “What’s New” list in the National Spiritual Assembly’s Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) for Internet links

The full text of the UN commission’s resolution, along with a UN

The full text of the pending resolutions in Congress, along with a

related letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to Local

ual Assemblies in the U.S.

‘ess, which would restate

ssive anti-Ba ns” of the Iranian government.

intro The congressional resolution,

fs solely on account rly 1980s.

s, imprison

attempt to Del s Higher Edu

At pre Iran under s

n. t, the number of ntence of death | with seven others servi all for their religious beliefs or activities.

The U.S. resolution calls on Iran to extend to Bab human rights International Covenant on Political Rights, of which Iran is a tory. @

¢ specific nt resolu

pry

A recent Dallas gathering included a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, members of the Southern Regional Council and the National Teaching Committee and scholars interested in teaching the Faith to those of Christian background.

ify the tools and materials that 1 including pamphlets and othe

ight be developed, publications. The role of ring appropriate courses of

regional training institutes in de study was a key topic of discu: nd despite the presence of many people with passionate opinions, consultation produced “total unahimity on virt a unity of thought atthews of Knoxv Matthews, who has written and published several related

ion.

SEE TEACHING, PAGE 30

Enrollments

April 2000 .....

Since May 1, 1999

- 1,389

THE FUND

May 1, 1999—April 30, 2000

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Goal for entire year: $27,000,000

Received since May 1, 1999: $19,107,200

100% of fiscal year has passed April 30, 2000 4

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures

for Baha’i National Fund May 1, 1999-April 30, 2000

RIOR Reb)

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

$25,514,030

Expen (operations, capital and debt payments ete.)

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

Mail contributions to: National Baha’i Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800

Please write Baha’i ID # on check

Electoral Unit boundaries shifted in advance of October Conventions

for several of October's Unit Conventions have been redrawn, to maintain an equitable gible voters or to

nit boundari

ental states and the District of Columbi reviewed each year to make certain the number of adult believers voting for delegates to the National Convention is equitably distributed.

Electoral Units whose boundaries

voters.

e redrawn

are listed at right. Adult believers living in the affected areas receive lett plaining the chang ny questions may be referred to your

Regional Baha’i Council or the Conventions it the Baha’i National Center (phone 8475, e-mail ).

Adjusted for numbers of eligible voters

Arizona and New Mexico: Several counties in these states were moved to Unit 124

(which had too few voters) from Units 117, 120 and 131.

California: Beverly Hills was moved to Unit 140 from Unit 141.

Florida: Palm Beach County was realigned with one Unit in the north and one in the

south. This action affects Units 63 and 64.

Maryland: Some communities were moved to Unit 18 from Unit 19, which had too many

South Carolina: Several Units were realigned because the number of adult believers

had dedined. Fourteen delegates will be elected rather than the 17 elected in past years.

Texas: A new electoral unit was established. Some communities were moved to

Units 100 and 102 from Unit 101, which had too many voters.

Washington: Two new Electoral Units were created in the Seattle area. Adjustments

affect a number of voters previously assigned to Units 163, 164, 165 and 166.

+ West Virginia: Several counties were moved to Unit 47 from Unit 52 (which also indudes parts of Kentucky and Western Virginia), which had too many voters.

Adjusted to align with regional boundaries

+ Unit 48 now indudes only parts of western Pennsylvania and western New York.

Unit 111 now indudes North Dakota

and part of South Dakota.

Unit 112 now includes counties in southwestern South Dakota and the

Nebraska panhandle.

Unit 113 now includes counties in southeastern Wyoming and northeastern

Colorado.

June 5, 2000 Tue American BanA’i * THe Seconp Front

page 7 [Page 8]INGDOM

BUILDING THE

iESOURT

IME :

uring His visit to America, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, characterized by Shoghi Effendi as the “Founder” of

the American Baha’{ community, placed upon this land a mighty responsibility. On May 1, 1912, with His own hands ‘Abdu’l-Bahé laid the cornerstone for the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Later He would describe the creation of this Holiest House of Worship as marking “the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth.” ‘Today, and for all time, this sacred edifice symbolizes

the charge with which ‘Abdu’l-Baha entrusted this blessed American Baha’i community:

“Your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a centre from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God, will in the plentitude of its majesty and glory be firmly established.”

Reflect on the station bestowed by

‘Abdu’l-Bahi on our House of Worship, and on the vision of Baha’u’llah walking on God’s Holy Mountain revealing the Tablet of

Carmel, “calling into being the metropolis of the Kingdom of God on Earth.” This reminds us of the significance of the day in which we live and what is yet to be, and is particularly meaningful as we prepare to celebrate the victory represented by completing the latest stage

of the magnificent Mount Carmel Projects.

‘The Universal House of Justice states that we have already seen entry by troops in many parts of the Baha’f world, and quotes the Guardian as saying of this process that it “will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature, and

COMPONENTS OF THE

which cannot as yet be even dimly vis alized, will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the eq librium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiri

tual authority of the Faith of w'llah.” “This is the time,” states the Universal House of Justice, “for

ch we must now prepare ourselves; is the hour whose coming it is our to hasten.”

KINGDOM PROJECT

Mashriqu'l-Adhkar The Mother Temple and Gardens Temple Visitor Center Baha’i Home for the

Aged

National Hazfratu'l-Quds Haziratu’l-Quds National Archives

Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops Media Initiative Baha’i Publishing Baha’i-Owned Schools

Providing for the Future Strategic Reserves Establishing an

Endowment

Building on the Foundation Returning to the Holy Land after his visit to America, ‘Abdu’l-Bahi Tablets of the Divine Plan, es the mission of the Ameri munity, and directing our firs achieving that mission. The ma now before us will not be e: “chief trustees” of the Mast Plan, we have inescapable obligations to our Supreme Body, to our sister national s and to each other, all across specially blessed land. Our effort to meet these goals will, in and of itself, through the operation of the. spiritual forces at the heart of the Cause, hasten the advancement of the fortunes of our Faith.

Our capacity must expand in order to foster and accommodate dramatic growth, which is fast approaching. Therefore, with the blessing of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bab of the United States has designed a Comprehensive Development Plan to take the American Baha'i community to our next level of advancement, maturation and service to the Cause of Baha’u’llih.

Comprehensive Development Plan The goal of the National Spiritual Assembly's Comprehensive Development Plan is to build on the spiritual foundation laid by ‘Abdu'l-Bahs and to “prepare our s instructed by the Universal of Justice, “for ... the hour whose coming it is our task to h i

‘The su ful completion of this effort will ensure the restoration and protection of the House of Worship, the expansion of the dependencies of the Mashriqu’lAdhkar, the redesign of the Haziratu’lQuads, the creation of appropriate archive facilities and the fundamental development of the Baha’i-owned schools. It w vill also continue and expand the media tive and other national teaching efforts, create strategic reserves to give our community the flexibility to respond promptly to opportunities for significant growth, and begin the establishment of an endowment to protect Baha'i properties across the United States.

A financial commitment of $60 million over the next five years is required to itiatives. The goals of the vestments in our future, \crifices above and beyond

achieve these i

plan represent and demand s

page 8

Tre AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BUILDING THE KINGDOM

June 5, 2000 [Page 9]

the regular contributions needed to carry on the annual operations of our national community and our ongoing commitments to the international Funds of the Faith.

Preparing America’ Spiritual Home Even as we work and pray for dramatic growth in our community, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that many of our national properties are in desperate need of repair and expansion even to meet today’s needs, much less the needs ofa much larger community.

The most visible national institutions today in the eyes of the public are the Mashriqu’l-Adhkér, a complex of buildings and lands that includes the House of Worship and its gardens as well as the Baha’i Home for the Aged; the Haziratu'lQuds, seat of our National § Assembly; and our National Center.

Mashriqu'l-Adhkar ‘Abdu’l-Baha said, “Not only does the Mashriqu’l-Adbkdr have an effect upon those who built it but upon the whole world. ... Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power

Convention is springboard for the project

BY TOM MENNILLO

t truly is our time, if the response at

the Baha’i National Convention to the $60 million Building the Kingdom comprehensive development project is.any indication.

Delegates in the main sessions, as well as visitors who packed a workshop room, warmly embraced the effort informally known as the Kingdom Project. Contributions and pledges were made on the spot, and everyone wanted to know how they could take the message home.

‘The Kingdom Project was introduced by William Roberts, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, who said that, more than meeting capital needs, it is about “increasing awareness of the joy of giving, the power of creation.”

Over the past 20 years, he said, the National Assembly has faced a quandary: a growing U.S. community with “costs ... at one level and contributions at another.”

The National Assembly has managed to meet international commitments. But at the same time, the Assembly has had to delay some fundamental ni at home and pass up some opportunities.

“Now it is time to really look at addressing national needs,” Roberts said, “and the Universal House of Justice, which we consulted, agrees.”

Srom His Supreme Kingdom, and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill bis heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten bis eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God.”

The Mother Temple

The Master guided the early believers in the development of the “Holiest House of Worship,” calling it “the most important matter and the greatest divine institute.” The Guardian directed the completion of the ‘Temple, naming it “the most important teacher of the Faith” and writing of “the vast, the immeasurable potentialities with which this Mother Temple of the West ... has been endowed.” Sadly, however, due to decades of insufficient funds, our glorious teacher is truly endangered.

The white shell has been damaged by wind and weather, as have the 974 monumental stairs. The terrace, or walkway, around the bottom of the stairs has been the victim of water damage, which has in turn eaten away at the foundation of the Temple itself. The lacy surface of the dome, rising high above the lakefront, has also deteriorated. The Development Plan

will restore the major structural elements and repair the water-damaged terrace and load-bearing walls.

In addition, the gardens will be returned to the Guardian’ own original designs. ‘Two years of research have pieced together the design of the original landscape, which has devolved over time, and have created a thorough picture of what is necessary to restore the beauty and dignity of the gardens as envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the Guardian. When the gardens are completed, the vistas of the House of Worship will be enhanced in new ways by a profusion of lush, fragrant plants whose leaves and colored flowers will enliven the experience of this sacred place for decades to come.

Temple Visitor Center

The devotional spaces of the House of Worship welcome many thousands of visitors each year, and awaken feelings of renewed commitment or the spark of inquiry in countless hearts. The Guardian made it abundantly clear that meetings in the Temple itself should be “purely devotional in character” and that the auditorium is dedicated to prayer and meditation.

Young Baha’is highlighted a ceremony at the House of Worship, launching both the Kingdom Project and garden restoration. At left, Baanu Ferdowsi of Nashville, Tennessee, chants “Blessed is the Spot” in Arabic; at right, Sean Cortes of Chicago turns one of the first shovelfuls of dirt. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

He stated the Kingdom Project’s monetary goals: to receive pledges totaling $60 million—over and above regular contributions—during the next two years and to see the pledges fulfilled in five years.

An inspiring video on the project was aired. Then, children’s Project Unity! mascot Liang the Lion helped hand out printed materials. People stood and clapped along as a gospel song, “Building the Kingdom,” played in the background.

Asa delegate said during consultation: “Kingdom will enable us to accommodate rapid growth and allow the properties to maintain the dignity they deserve. .. It must come from our faith.”

The delegate urged his colleagues to rally around the National Assembly by promoting the project in their reports.

Non-delegates also sought ways to help fan the Building the Kingdom flames. In a workshop conducted by core advisers to the project, along with Kingdom Project Coordinator Rebecca Wilson, they found out how.

After the project’s many facets were explained, Wilson outlined plans to inform believers around the country.

But she hastened to add that there's plenty of room for believers to talk it up on their own.

And when they do, momentum will be on their side: During Convention, pledges of $838,000 and outright contributions exceeding $8,500 were made to Building the Kingdom. ‘Together with previous gifts to various components of the project, plus more pledges since then, resources committed to the Kingdom Project total $8.4 million. @

Calling all architects, engineers and builders! Le us know if you would like to attend a one-day seminar focusing on the next phase of conservation on the House of Worship, onducted by the Conservation Office and the Kingdom Project. Beginning with special devotions in the Mother Temple of the

West, the seminar will include a look at its history, its distinctive and celebrated design and the award-wi

jing triumph of our pre vious restoration work. An in-depth orientation to the condition of the Temple will disclose recent discoveries and outline immediate and long-term plans for conservation of this sacred trust of the American Baha’i community. Contact the Kingdom Project!

Therefore, it is essential to have a complementary facility where visitors can learn more about the history and principles of the Baha’f Faith through books, inspirational talks and friendly consultation.

‘The basement space currently allocated for this purpose is already inadequate for the 250,000 annual visitors, and it is ill-equipped to welcome the greater numbers expected with the massive expansion of our community.

Our National Spiritual Assembly has decided to take advantage of the planned changes at the House of Worship itself to create a new, more appropriate Visitor Center, adjacent to the main parking lot and with a full view of the majestic Temple. A large exhibit space with abundant natural light, flexible auditorium and meeting spaces, video viewing rooms and a bookstore/café will all combine to create a welcoming atmosphere where visiting Baha’fs and seekers alike can find answers to their questions and nurture their spiritual selves.

Baha’i Home for the Aged

The first dependency of our Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, the Baha’f Home for the Aged, has been in service since 1958. Since Shoghi Effendi first urged our National Spiritual Assembly to found the Home, it has distinguished itself for the caring attention given the elderly who reside there. However, the Home has slowly become outdated and does not modern-day standard for such

sion is anticipated, National Assembly has committed to immediate modernization and improvement in b building elements to provide a safer, more comfortable environment for the residents. In addition, the grounds, ble through the large windows of the Home’s common area, will be landscaped to provide a more colorful view and to make possible recreation programs involving gardening, art and other pursuits. These combined enhancements to the environment will make the current residents feel more embraced by the spirit of the Faith and will continue to attract future residents.

Future issues of The American Bahd’i will explore the other components of the Kingdom Project and provide news updates.

How can | participate right now

in our National Spiritual

Assembly’s development plan?

Immediate contribution: A check to

‘ingdom Project” can be mailed to the Office of the Treasurer (you may use a regular Baha’i Funds envelope).

Pledge to be fulfilled by Ridvan 2005:

Contact the Kingdom Project for a brochure and pledge card.

‘KINGDOM PROJECT

Office of the Treasurer 112 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091-2839 e-mail

June 5, 2000

Te AmeRICAN BAnA’l ¢ BUILDING THE KINGDOM

page 9 [Page 10]

‘YSTRIBUTION* SER

800-999-9019

toll

indomitable spirit.” In 1993 the

“feels that the availability of a liberally | illustrated, attractively designed annual | record of Baha’f activities will facilitate | the efforts of the friends and Spiritual Assemblies to present to non-Baha’is at all levels of society current information > about the Cause. ...” This volume includes an update on the situation of the Baha’fs in Iran and a progress report on the Mount Carmel Projects, with numerous color photographs throughout.

6" x 9", 352 pp.

Compilation of Compilations

Volume 3 $21.95 HC (COC3)

Continuing in the same excellent quality and format as in its previous editions, Volume 3 compiles 1] Baha’i compilations into a single volume. Ranging from arts, community functioning, cultural diversity, teaching indigenous people, scholarship and promoting entry by troops, this volume is a. convenient reference on many of today’s topical issues and a necessary addition to any home or community reference library. 5'4" x 8%", 319 pp.

COMPILATION COMPILATIONS

ay 2 march ae ee and the vitality of its”

Universal eae sob Justiée stated that it~

United States (SPIN) Bulk ced

as follows:

10+ $3.00 each

Combining beautiful rere ~ photographs with saphtig ag pena quotes, ‘ Spiritual Wasson eiucate and enlightens by covering subjects including the Covenant of Baha’u'llah, the nature of Divine Institutions, Local and National Assemblies, Regional Councils and the Universal House of Justice. Additional related quotes, photographs and graphics focus on the appointed and elected Institutions, the rarefied atmosphere of Baha’i elections, Unit Conventions and the relationship between the Institutions and the individual. 11" x 8%", 16 pp.

Guidance For Baha’i Groups

Reference Booklet

by the Office of Community Administration and Development

_ | $5.00 SC (GBG)

This reference booklet has been prepared for the use of Baha’i groups. and isolated believers. Although Baha’{ groups are not official administrative institutions, they perform a vital role in a Baha’i community’s growth, | development and eventual raising of a Local Spiritual Assembly. This latest guide provides valuable a

Baha’u'llah, are committed to developing their community by establishing a Local Spiritual Assembly. 84" x 11", 48 pp.

Cte are suitable for special greetings and invitations to seekers, yet are also large enough for matting and framing. These

eight new photographs breathtakingly proclaim the gradual unfoldment of Mount Carmel’s destiny. Each postcard is 4%" x 64"

page 10 Tre American BanA’i * BANA’ DistRIBUTION SERVICE June 5, 2000

[Page 11]

The Dispensation

of Baha’u’llah

Two-CD Set

Shoghi Effendi: read by Steve Boergadine

$19.95 CD (DBCD)

Identified by our National Spiritual

nb} the first book of study in a

nationwide charge to deepen our

understanding of the Baha’ writings, The

Dispensation of Baba’u'lléh is now available,

unabridged, in audio book form. This

two-CD set provides the listener with a

beautiful and professional recitation of the beloved Guardian's letter. In The Priceless

Pearl, our dear Ruhfyyih Khinum reflected upon the first rel of this historic:

letter, stating, “I remember when I first read it I had the most extraordinary feeling

as if the whole universe had suddenly expanded around me

our understanding flew outward: Shoghi

h cart about his other writings, I remarks that he considered he had say, in many ways, in the Dispensation.”

The Dispensation C0) oe Bahau'llah

Making the Crooked Straight

A Contribution to Baha’i Apologetics

Udo Schaefer

Nicola Towfigh

Ulrich Gollmer

59.95 HC (MTCS)

Referred to in the 157 Ridvan Letter from the Universal House of Justice, this significant work is a masterly constructed rebuttal of a 450-page monograph written by an embittered former

Ba against the E aith. As mentioned in its foreword, this book wider implications for the study of the Baha’ Faith than what otherwise might be viewed as a localized scholarly dispute in German-speaking Europe. By the way of an apologia, the reader is led into an instructive exploration of the salient and distinctive features of the sacred teachings and history of the Baha’i Faith.”

5%" x 8%", 862 pp.

THE CROOKED STRAIGHT

Days to Remember | bs compiled by Dr. Baber Forghani $13.95 SC (DTR)

Within one cover, Days to Remember provides a

most efficient guide to individuals, committees, groups and Local Assemblies in their preparation and planning of Baha’i Holy Days, celebrations and commemorations. Each Holy Day chapter includes a substantial list of suggested readings. Several Tablets and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha on the topic of Naw-Riz are published for the first time in this edition. The addition of even more passages from Baha’ sacred writings and the inclusion of several photographs of Baha’i holy places related to historic events of the Holy Days all assist in deepening one’s appreciation and understanding of these nine holiest of days.

6" x 8", 209 pp.

oe as seo pe oan A ibis

Healing

Mind, Body & Soul

Alan Bryson

12.95 SC (HMBS)

While encouraging readers to follow the guidance of Bahé’u’llah to consult competent physicians, Alan Bryson explores the fascinating and often-neglected relationship between health and spirituality. Writing from the perspective of an individual Baha’s, Bryson reviews.a wide range of research findings and examines their implications to our health. Throughout the book, he combines quotes from the Baha’{ writings and from famous individuals while sharing his personal insights on such health issues as diet, spirituality, emotions, faith, virtues, prayer, stress management and “finding one’s own inherent healing potential.”

54" x 8%", 244 pp.

HEALIN Mind

of God

Appreciating ai

Hugqdqu’ll4h © | compiled by Dr. Allan Waters $12.95 SC (HW) ‘This second edition comprehensively educates the | reader about fulfilling their obligation to pay “The Right of God.” Contents include extracts from the writings of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice. In "addition, there are chapters on the history and developrient of Hugdqu'llh, excerpts from a collection of talks on the subject, a quick reference guide for the study of the major themes and guidance for calculation and for making necessary provisions in one’s will. 1%" x 8%", 164 pp

The Right of God CD-ROM

a companion to The Right of God workbook

created by Dr: Allan Waters & Negin Golestani $12.95 CD (RGCDR)

This companion to The Right of God workbook contains a Huqdqu'llih calculator, seven examples, a worksheet showing the value of 19 mithqals in multiple currencies, an expense-calculation

of God J

worksheet and a cash-flow worksheet. System requirement 95 and Microsoft Excel 97 or Lotus 1-2-3,

Animal Tales

Jennifer Lemmon

music composed by Colin Webber

$21.95 CS (ATCS)

This double cassette serves as a companion to the Animal Tales books or can be used alone. It consists of 12 entertaining and captivating stories that reveal to children what virtues sound like, look like and feel like. Professionally produced and attractively packaged

in a “book-style” case, Animal Tales will make a treasured addition to your children’s audio library or an ideal and most appreciated gift.

Dino-Bone, Dino-Bone, Have You Heard?

Songs For Young Children Kim Ivy Milai

$14.00 CD (DINOCD)

This new music CD for children contains active songs for dancing and jumping, quiet songs for sleeping and rest time, and multicultural songs for exposure to various cultures. Kim Milai brings to this project a master’s degree in music as well as 10 years’ experience in teaching music in public schools. Dino-Bone is sure to become a new favorite for children as well as the young in

Let Us Build A Peaceful

World Together

Rosa Vasseghi

$5.95 SC (LBPWT)

Combining fictional narrative with Baha’ prayers and holy writings, this children’s story tells the tale of a diverse group of students who live at a school within the City of Peace. One day the principal lovingly informs the students that they must go out into the world to teach the healing message of oneness and to lend their share to the lifting of the spirit of humanity. That evening the children, frightened by the charge they have been given and anxious about their possible departure from the city, share with each other the stories of pain and suffering that had brought them to this school. Through this sharing they also realize that significant people played a role in providing each of them succor as they find the strength to venture forth to proclaim the teachings for a new age. 5'4" x 84", 68 pp.

June 5, 2000 Tne AMERICAN BanA’‘i ¢ BanA’t DistRIBUTION SERVICE page II [Page 12]SERVICE”

ieee Baha'i | The Singapore Baha’i Studies Review, A CONCISE A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baha’ = Stuties Review _| Volume 4, Number | ENCyQLorEDIA] Faith CanencrsteriteNer Motenien | Challenges for the New Millennium Sie Peter Smith

_ $12.95 SC (SBSR41)

_ The Singapore Bahd’t Studies Review promotes religious harmony by providing a forum to discuss how the application of the principles of the Baha’ Faith can assist in solving contemporary problems as they relate to the cultural traditions of Asia and of the world. This volume includes papers on the role of religion in the rise of the women’s movement in Singapore, the status of moral

values in modern society, moral education in schools, parallels between Bah:

Confucian approaches to human nature, and the study of the modern interfaith

| 20.95 SC (CEBE)

| Presenting from a Smith traces the ori

and knowledgeable perspective, Dr. s and development of the Baha’i g in 19th-century Iran to its modern cond-most-widespread religion in the mploying a readable ea concise style, he provides

positi world.

chings and organization.

nd Its extensive et: 1g, a Eaniolbg and a then index and bibliography enhance this single-volume encyclopedia. Fully illustrated with maps and photographs.

5h" x 84", 396 pp.

movement and its prospects for the future.

x 6", 276 pp.

What’s In It For Me?

An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith Phyllis G.L. Chew

$8.00 SC ae

Angus

From the Heart

Patricia Verge

$22.95 SC (ANGUS)

This biography shares the life story of a man who transcended

childhood loss, poverty and alcoholism to become beloved by

people throughout the Americas. An outstanding membe: 2 aha’ community, Angus Cowan had speci

heartfelt

to the

bth aed

problems of to y blueprint as i s to the divine remedies rev tendency refle eaded into Cause of Baha’u’llah. One Jealth, book] brought me to te own life and relationship to the great Cause of God.”

6" x 9", 352 pp.

nowledging the aw

of man,” nd Security.” 174 pp.

aaiiiaaal The Messengers

| Produced by Jack Lenz and

Who Is Writing The Future

P Ron Allen Produced by Jack Lenz and Composed by Ron Allen; E in’ Tid Kevan McKenzie

assisted by Jack Lenz: eer $18.00 CD (WWECD) $18.00 CD (MCD) Salt River Trio

‘This newest release from the heart and mind of Jack Lenz represents, as he states, “all that I don’t know about God and the soul.” Principally inspired by the life of Baha’w'llah and the birth and subsequent illness of

$15.00 CD (ETCD)

Mike and Bev Rogers and Lee Hos: ck have long entertained communities across the

- The Messengers is an inspiring and artistically impressive tribute to the Prophets of God Who, from time immemorial, have shed the light of divine guidance upon the world of humanity.

It combines diverse instrumentals with subtle vocals, utilizing the human voice as more of a wind instrument than lyrical tool. Each selection is devoted to a different Messenger of God and musically reflects the unique cultural flavor of the time in which He appeared. The CD includes a brief description of what inspired the musical style of each

reflects the folk r roots of this acoustic trio based along the North Atlantic seacoast. It features clear and distinctive vocal harmonies woven with acoustic guitar and the unique harmonica style of Mike Rogers. Three selections—“O Son of Spirit,” “The Remover of Difficulties” and “Healing Prayer” —

Lenz’s daughter, this musical expression defies simple classification. Reflecting aspects of world music, gospel, pop, ancient Eastern melodies and traditional African rhythms, /Who is Writing The Future achieves its author's aim to “inspire other souls on their journey to the presence of the Beloved.” This CD is packaged with a copy of the Baha'i International

iece, as well as a short history of each Prophet. are appropriate for the use at 19 Day Feasts. Community’ statement Who is Writing The Future?

Wi Sacaiclise ake OH ins 1a, dna oe eee aa ce oe eRe ane a ae ee i

'

' SHIGTO. CODE TITLE QUANTITY | COST EACH | TOTAL]! ' ' } ‘

:

} : ! DAYTIME TELEPHONE #( —) ' ' : ' BILLTO '

:

' ' ' : ' :

UNITED STATES: ADD 10% (MIN. $4.00, MAX. $10.00) SUBTOTAL :

:

' CANADA: ADD 15% (MIN. $4.00) SHIPPING ' ' INTERNATIONAL: ADD 40% (MIN. $5.00,VIA AIR MAIL ONLY) SALES TAX ' t :

CREDIT CARD # SALES TAX: SHIPMENTS TO GEORGIA ADDRESSES APPLY '

APPROPRIATE SALES TAX TOTAL !

! EXP. DATE SIGNATURE :

Baha’i Distribution Service * 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd * Atlanta,GA 30336 ;

' ' {NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD [ call us * 800-999-9019 + toll free |:

THe AMERICAN BAnA‘i * BAnA’i DisTRIBUTION SERVICE June 5, 2000

page 12 [Page 13]+

Fiich & Noble, £4!

Liang Pocket Paper Action Figure!

“Q MY SERVANT! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds.”

—Baha’u’tlah

Activity by the Office of the Treasurer

aha’u'llah teaches us that we should find a job we feel we When we work, we take care of our families and our can do well. The world has many different kinds of jobs, _ selves by making sure we have food, clothes and shelter all of which are important. For example, a schoolteacher helps or a home. All of these things keep us and others healthy, kids learn how to read, do math and get along with other kids. safe and strong.

you will need: ¢ Crayons or markers oe

Construction paper

¢ Glue or paste

¢ Scissors

Directions: Glue or paste this activity to a piece of construction Paper. When dry, color and cut along the light outside lines. For Liang the Lion cut along his outside line.

For subscriptions to BRILLIANT STAR,

call Baha’i Distribution Service

ae Te CELT

or see page 31 to subscribe.

« How does each of these jobs help people? « What job would you like to have? « How will your job help others?

June 5, 2000 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i © BRILLIANT STAR Kip’s CORNER page 13 [Page 14]oO

ceeieeneenesimecmeiemmsinnaes

oe

a

TE GREY NTIS EPRI YP LT YT Eo

the Youth

ONES:

Instant communication!

Baha'i e-mail lists To sub: e, city and state of ID number to the

Nine youths from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, traveled last summer to Wilmette to visit the Mother Temple of the West. Here is one youth’s account of this moving journey.

BY SHEILA R. MISRA

ter nearly four hours of praying,

fe c , discussing, and praying nore, we set out in two cars from Ile. Our motto: Wilmette or bust! ‘The journey took more than 11 hours. Once in town, we decided to park a few ch

Did you know exist just for yout your complete nai idence, and Bal address listed.

be, send

so that we could appro: mple by foot. Only one of thos: y car had been to the Temple before.

Baha’i Youth (International) se Our eyes as we rode around Wilmette. I did so.

I got out of the car and was greeted by an excited “Did yo ! Did you see it?!” from the other car. I, of course, had not seen the Temple yet, but I had a composite in my mind from the countless pictures I had seen.

However, nothing compares to seeing

the Temple in person, as I soon found out. After we were all assembled, we began making our way to the Temple. I decided to part from the group and venture there by myself. s lined with trees on both + kept in suspense for a long time. I had walked about five minutes when I caught my first glimpse of the Temple. It was only a silhouette behind the trees, but I w ght so off-guard that I stopped dead in my tracks.

Baha’i College Students

Youth in the Northwest

Youth in the Southern States

Coordinators and Leaders of Baha’i Youth Workshops

In addition, several other regional and area-wide e-mail list re been set up for youth. To look for one in you , visit the Web site (http://bounty.beca.org/~cvoogt/) and select “mailing lists.” You may be surprised at what you find!

Note: Please check with the Office of ng before you respond to any international traveling teaching opportunities by e-mail. @

Showing moral support in Arizona

The Baha’i Club at the University of Arizona in Tucson showed their appreciation to

more than 45 members of the student government at a special “Night of Appreciation,” offering praises, gifts and yummy Persian food. Of course, the event was an excellent opportunity to teach about the Faith of Baha’u’llah, and the audience was eager, asking many questions and taking many pamphlets. One officer, surprised by this unique expression of thanks, commented, “I have been (here) for three years and no one and no club has ever done anything like this for (us) and I can’t begin to thank you for your initiative and kindness.” Once again, Baha’i youths demonstrate in their deeds the potency of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah!

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ...

The National Spiritual Assembly has established an Office of Youth Affairs at the Baha’i_ National Center. Among other things, the office will provide expert study, advise the National Assembly on youth matters, and work closely with regional youth committees.

is had told me stories of

Many EF how emotic as for them to see the Temple for the first time, and these stories cluttered my thoughts. As a person who is g stoic, I hoped that I would be able to contain myself. I took a deep breath and began walking again.

I did not know how much farther it was. The Temple was still only a silhouette behind the tre Ay heart began

Road trip to Wilmette

Nashville student travels with friends to make her own discovery of the Temple

A contingent of Baha’i youths from Vanderbilt University pose at the Baha’i National Center in Evanston, Illinois, during their trip to visit the House of Worship.

running so fast I felt that my fe not even touching the ground

I leapt up the stairs as quic! could, but stopped on the very top s Once there, I cautiously approached the emple, and laid my hands on the cool concrete. Immediately, I felt a warmth circulating between the ‘Temple and my hands.

Finally, I ventured inside and cii

cum

ambulated the Temple t I made my » the center, sat down, and looked the Greatest Name. A deep sense of calmness and complete and utter peace came over me. I closed my eyes and began meditating ... and finally opened them again 45 minutes later.

It seemed that time had stood still during that time, and the Temple shall remain that way in my mind—frozen in time. I have come to conclude that words cannot fully describe the: glory and sheer grandeur of this most holy of places on the continent. @

here I

was all I was>able to utter. Suddenly, I was struck by a deep sense of urgency— I felt that if I did not get to the Temple soon, I surely going to explode.

I J up my pace. Soon I was running, faster and faster—faster than I had run ina long time. I entered through the back side of the gardens and desperately tried to find the entrance to the Temple. I saw the beautiful white stairs, and I was

O YE THAT PRIDE YOURSELVES ON MORTAL RICHES! Know ye in truth that wealth is a mighty barrier between the seeker and his desire, the lover and his beloved. The rich, but for a few, shall in no wise attain the court of His presence nor enter the city of content and resignation. Well is it then with him, who, being rich, is not hindered by his riches from the eternal king

dom, nor deprived by them of imperishable dominion. By the Most Great Name! The splendor of such a wealthy man shall illuminate the dwellers of heaven even as the sun enlightens the people of the earth!

—Baha’u'llah, Hidden Word No. 53 from the Persian

Bosch Baha’i School (California)
Green Acre Baha’i School (Maine)

INTERESTED?

Louhelen Baha’i School (Michigan) Office of Youth Affairs
Little Pond Retreat (Pennsylvania): Ameeting Baha’i National Center

place for the visual, literary and performing 1233 Central St. arts on a small farm just outside Nazareth, Evanston, IL 60201 Pennsylvania, is looking for three individuals phone 847-733-3499 interested in serving as summer interns. e-mail

page 14 Tie American BanA’i* Youn —_ June 5, 2000 [Page 15]

MEDIA CAMPAIGN, continuen From pace |

eeccccccccce

eoce

red the ampaign

More than 41,000 others have v Web site due to the media exposure.

Seekers in more than 24 other couns have also inquired about the Faith, ily through the Internet. Those are routinely forwarded to the respective National Spritiual Assembly for a follow-up. The Uni | House of Justice challenged the American Baha’i community “to effect nificant advance in the process of entry by troop: based on well-conceived plans ... animated by the urgency to act.” The response by the American public to the media campaign has been positive, 24 hours a day, and offers the challenge to local Baha’i com

munities to initiate local plans to prepare the v ‘ge-scale entry into the faith of Baha’u'llih.

Figures and factors

ion of the numbers of inquiries received by communities and area campaigns shows that New York City, the City of the Covenant, leads the nation vith 402 A total of 3,000 more i made at the 15 localities

with the next highest responses, and the

next 35 communities received 3 more inqui Nearly 1,100 locali have received at least one inqui

Known enrollments stemming from exposure to the media campaign are also on the rise, with 55 enrollments reported from 35 communiti town to big city. the latter half of the n The econo has of the nat Americans begin s ing numbers to the broad-based national campaign in October 1999. While many well-organized, systematic and sustainable local medi: under way, the current patterns of calling associated with time, geographic distribution etc.) indicates that about 80% of seekers are responding to national broad

The same general pattern holds true on the Internet. An ongoing survey of isitors to the publicly advertised Web site (www.us.bahai.org) shows th: half the visitors in the months are not Bal , about 80% are visiting the Web site as a direct response to advertisements on television, the Internet or other media.

The number of non-Bahé tors to the Web site is far higher than the number who call 1-800-22-UNITE Counting only those who are visiting due to the media campaign, the number of Web site visito twice or three times the number of phone callers.

In addition to video products, Baha’s communities have access to downloadable Fireside Development Programs for the videos, as well as a newsletter for seekers, Light of Unity, available for their local In development are a new teaching magazine, new print ads, radio spots and Internet ads.

1-800-22-UNITE

How your community can join

Assign a retrieval contact person who will

be responsible for your community’s seeker response system.

Establish your coverage area and research

what ZIP codes you will be covering.

Complete the application form located in

the Administrative Web Site

eecccccccccccccces

¢ MAKING IT WorK IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Useful Hints PLEASE delete your seeker calls after you have confidently transcribed the information. If you need to save a message, listen to the call, then hang up and the call will be placed in your “Saved Messages” for 15 days. After 15 days the call will automatically be deleted. When you access your voice-mail box again you will have the choice of listening to “New Messages” or “Saved Messages.” At that time please

(www.usbnc.org). Look for the red phone. OR: call The National Teaching Committee (phone 847-733-3497) for an application.

You will receive, within 10-15 business

days, a voice-mail box number and password along with instructions for retriev ing calls.

transcribe your “Saved Messages” and delete them from the system. Please do not save your messages as “New,” or the call will “bounce back” to your Baha’i National Center five days after being placed in your voice-mail box, and will be logged as UNRETRIEVED. It will be reforwarded to your voicemail box one additional time.

If the call continues to “bounce back” it will be forwarded to your

Regional Baha’i Council for follow-up.

8OQOUNITE Office * Phone 847-733-3497 « E-mail

New releases

Three new videotapes for proclamation and teaching of the Baha’ message were released this spring:

We Are One, which highlights aspects of the Faith that may bring more responses from a “country” audience.

1 Am A Bahd’i, which features Baha’is telling how they came to the Faith of Baha’u’llah. Latinos And The Bahd’i Faith, which presents the Faith toa Hispanic audience.

Soon to be released are productions that speak to an American Indian audience, a video on the spiritual education of children, and a new production on unity diversity.

In development is a production on the station and claims of Baha’u’llah.

Learning as we go

The National Teachi mittee is also incorporating ed from earlier efforts in the campaign. The Spring 2000 media purchas ple, is focused on 60-second commerIs, afternoon, late-night and weekend time slots with time purchased on Black Entertainment Television (BET), the Odyssey Channel and the TV Guide Channel.

‘The WGN SuperStation, which has been responsible for a large number of responses, is unfortunately sold out for spring and summer. Also, because this is an election year, time on major networks is at a premium and generally unavailable to our broade: until midNovember.

Early findings indicate that for national broadcasts, 60-second commerci: are far more effective on a response-perdollar basis than 30-second commer

m

Is

cials. The additional length allows promotion of the free literature offer of The

more e! ve than 30-m but this is not univ

channels for 30-minute roar is worthwhile to con

On the whole,

nue them. arch to date indi

cates that exposure on the WGN SuperStation was very effective with the commercials, and

the TV Guide channel a little less

Prime time is generally

ature automa

c routing of communities, elimi

nating del The new system will f ture optional access to seeker phone calls and requests through the Internet, as well as automatic tabulation of key data for national and local use. In addition, the new system will offer greater opportunity for experimentation with new i nd other features to encourage

Web ite (www.us.bahai.org) and say positive

so. BET and the s about the Odyssey Channel not the most effective ith. But few of did relatively w them choose to

the 30minute programs.

The usual umption is that the networks with the largest audiences are the b Yet campaign results have shown that this is not ne rily true, if cost per response is used as the standard.

Prime time is generally not the most effective national time slot for Baha’ programming. Results indicate the most effective times for the national programming have been in the afternoons, late nights and weekends

The most effective video aired this year overall was The Power of Prayer, followed by Family: The Seeds of World Peace and The Power of Race Unity. However, these differences were not dramatic.

with

Seeker response systems

‘To maximize the si sful follow-up on people whose interest is captured by the broadcast Message, the national media campaign seeker response system is continually being refined to improve the speed with which local Baha’is contact each inquirer.

An enhancement to the 1-800 phone system, to begin integration shortly after

national time slot for Baha’i programming. Results indicate the most effective times for the national programming have been in the afternoons, late nights and weekends.

take further steps, such as reques a call-back or other contact with the Bab One new feature of the Web site will be an online course on the Faith for seek

ers. The Aguila del Cielo

regional institute

in Central Texas is course for se

For the past veal the campaign h been airing 30-minute video productions The Power of Prayer, Family: The Seeds of World Peace, The Power of Race Unity and a selection of 30- and 60-second television commercials based on the same themes as the video productions.

Several new productions were released just before Ridvan, and others are near completion or being developed.

As successful as the media campaign has been in creating positive impressions of the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly has placed a renewed emphasis on community building in its One Year Plan. The Assembly is stressing the need for communities to demonstrate the unity of the Cause in order to capture the hearts searching for the message of Baha'u'llah as evidenced by the larger numbers. of seekers in the United States. #

June 5, 2000

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page I5 [Page 16]

Outreach brings adoptive children from Ethiopia

BY TOM MENNILLO

Ne Ethiopian emigré’s quest to aid her ative village has evolved into an international project spearheaded by Chester, Vermont, Bahai Jayne Gallagher.

It was during a visit with a friend from pia that Gallagher learned of the emigré’s “remarkable efforts in a small village in the province of Tigray, Ethiopia.

The woman had emigrated to the United Si as an adult, become an American citizen, and earned a living. But never far from her thoughts were the people she had left behind in a small, pr tive village.

She told Gallagher that the continuing war with Eritrea is increasing the number of orphans daily. It stands at about 50,000, and many live in caves or without any shelter.

Because of circumstances, the woman said, these children have little hope for a

permanent family within the Ethiopian community.

‘The two women discussed the option of placing these children for adoption into American families. The emigré would research Ethiopian laws and Gallagher would research American laws, and they would proceed only if the Ethiopian government supported their efforts.

That support was obtained, said Gallagher, with the proviso that the adopted come from the ranks of the homeless, not from orphanages.

‘The government makes the selections, and Gallagher said she has been impressed by the integrity of officials. In return, she said, the government has complimented her for “doing things the way you are supposed to.”

On the U.S. end, Vermont officials steered Gallagher to a woman licensed to handle adoptions. The woman was skeptical that African children—ranging in age from newborn to 15—could find homes

‘Town Meeting’ brings home relevancy of gender equality

Baha'i solutions on domestic violence shine in public light

FORMATION FROM STEVEN GONZALES

{ communities in the Phoenix,

Arizo1 rea again used the “town meeting” format to bring together community leaders as well as present to the public the Baha’i teachings on solutions to violence.

‘The meeting, held Dec. 3, 1999, at Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale, focused on “Solutions to Domestic Violence.” It brought together anti-violence workers and advocates associated with local government, police, education, a women’s shelter, private nonprofit and religious groups. Trish Swanson represented the local Baha’s

“[It is a] transgression of the Baha’i teachings

experts including a Maricopa County rant prosecutor, a psycholo; social workers.

Baha’u'llah wrote that the “fr God” must “not allow ... tyranny to visit the handmaidens of God.” A 1993 letter written by the Secretariat on behalf of the Universal House of Justice declared that “the high incidence of violence within the family” is a sign “of the declining moral order” and that it is “a serious transgression of the Baha’f Teachings” for a “man to use force to impose his will on a woman.”

Members of the sponsoring committees, from the Phoenix and Scottsdale Assem and

[for a]

community, and man to use force to impose _ Plies, labored for Steven Gonzales tert ” months designing moderated. his will on a woman. a town meeting to

Panelists shared —Ffrom a letter on behalf inform attendees what their pro- of the Universal House of Justice about the Baha’

grams and teachings can offer to end the horror of domestic violence, which rages worldwide in all cultures, social and economic classes, races and nations.

Particularly dramatic was a presentation by Kristina Rivera of the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, illustrating how the current system, including well-meaning religious bodies, actually enables domestic violence by discouraging victims from leaving abusive relationships.

Many questions came from the audience, which also featured a number of

page 16

THe AMERICAN BAnA‘i * PROMOTING THE PRINCIPLES

view on this tragic ill facing humanity and proclaim the Faith.

The Baha'i community also benefits from forging friendly. relations with like-minded people in the greater community. In addition, December's meeting commemorated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Phoenix Bahé’is’ earlier use of the “town meeting” format in 1999 a June gathering held on “Alternatives to Violence in the Schools” in connection with the Association for Baha'i Studies conference.

June 5, 2000

ends of

in what Gallagher calls “the whitest state in the Union.” But a small ad published locally produced 43 phone calls within 24 hours.

From a simple idea and tireless effort by volunteers in both countries, 28 adoptive families had been found by this spring.

Gallagher said that because of the volunteer assistance and the mutually respectful relationship with Ethiopian authorities, the cost of bringing these children to America is much smaller than normal for international adoptions.

Plans are also being made to dig wells within a half-hour of Ethiopian villages to improve health conditions—and to allow female children to go to school with their brothers, instead of having to walk up to six hours each way for their traditional water-bearing task.

A preschool has been started that Gallagher hopes can be expanded to accommodate other grades as the pupils get older.

= 7

A member of the Universal Arts Company dances as part of a performance dur And she is working with the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia through its secretary, Asfaw Tessema, to develop Baha'i centers in village:

Gallagher left April 24 on her fifth trip to Ethiopia. Lifetime cable TV network provided equipment so she could film her experiences for a possible television spe

She didn’t know where to find the time to film in the midst of all her efforts. But she dearly wants to show how ordinary Americans can make a differnece.

“If we can raise today’s children with the belief that the world is one and all of mankind its citizens, this may be the generation that ends prejudice and hate,” said Gallagher.

Jayne Gallagher may be contacted by telephone or fax at 802-875-2682 or written at

Chester, VT 05143.

ing a program at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, New York—momentarily between banners depicting dancers. Photo by Vivian Bergenthal

Students applaud unity message

AE a creative effort to promote the principles of unity in public school, a Baha’i schoolteacher in New York City was central in arranging a student assembly program March 30 at Martin Van Buren High School, titled “Celebrating Unity in Diversity through the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.”

Drawing on the themes of nonviolence and oneness, the program created a “pastiche of words, music, visual beauty and dance,” reported Vivian Bergenthal, a faculty member.

The audience burst into applause for the opening procession, with students in varied traditional dress assembling on stage gradually displaying letters that spelled out “Unity: in Diversity.”

Other student performances centered on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, in one

case with a student playing the tabla, a traditional Indian instrument.

Professional performaces included a recitation in the Xhosa language, with translation into English, by a South African poet. “The two women eloquently addressed the issue of sisters in the fight for justice and peace across the globe. The students were fascinated with the exchange,” Bergenthal reported.

A highlight was a dance performance by the Universal Arts Company, includig Baha’is Kamal Sinclair and Chitra Badii, of “Streams of the Unconscious” and “The Beat.”

At the center of the colorful stage backdrop was a banner representing the school’s One World Club. Composed of students of various ethnicities, the club s dedicated to the principles of onenes and all that it implies. @

[Page 17]

Author, filmmaker chosen as key lecturer for ABS event oe

and

filmmaker Bahiyyih is to present the Hasan M. Balytizi Memorial Lecture on the subject and Fiction: Interrelationships between History and Imagination” at the 24th Annual Conference of the Association For Baha’f Stu North America, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Toronto, Ontario.

On this 25th anniversary year for ABS-North America, the conference theme is “A Century of Light: Who Is Writing the Future?”

All are warmly invited to attend and in the conference. A parallel conference will offer an edu

cational curriculum along the themes of

the main conference. Speakers will include:

¢ Janet A. Khan, co-author of Advancement of Women.

Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, member of

the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

Howard Adelman, professor at York

University.

Senator Landon Pearson.

Suheil Bushrui, professor and holder

of the Baha’i Chair for World Peace, University of Maryland.

ABS Special Interest Groups that will present progra

ns at the conference in

A young art appreciator ioe the array of posters drawn by students in southern Orange County, California, as part of the “No Room in My Heart for Prejudice” children’s art contest sponsored by the Baha’is of Mission Viejo. As a program to aid hate crime prevention in two school districts, the contest invited students in every area school to enter. The Shining Stars Baha’i Children’s Chorus provided music for an awards ceremony April 2 at the Regional Baha’i Center, which brought in nearly 200 people. Ding-Jo Currie presented a keynote talk focusing on “prejudice-free education and the role of the family and community.”

Persian Culture Conference to view ‘Century of Light’ Aug. 31-Sept. 3

6c entieth Century: The Century of Light” will be the theme

Annual Conference of the

Persian Culture Association, Aug. 31-Sept.

the Chicago O'Hare Marriott Hotel.

ns will be held both in Persian and

in English, and there will be Paoetaits for

youths and for children age: ‘Topics of presentations will include:

An Overview of the Twentieth

Century—Evidences of “The Century of Light.”

Scientific Developments of

‘Twentieth Century.

¢ The Iranian Baha’i Community in the

‘Twentieth Century.

Persian Literature in the Twentieth

Century.

Women’s Movement in Iran.

Construction of the Are on Mount

Carmel.

Baha’{ Publications in Persian.

Presenters include Dr. Farzaneh

Milani (University of Virginia), Dr.

the

Firuz Kazemzadeh, Dr. Amin Banani, Dr. Qassem Bayat and Dr. Franklin D. Lewis (Emory University), as well as Mr. Fariborz Sahba and Dr. Vahid Rafati from the Baha’i World Center.

Children who are interested in performing (poetry recitation, dance, etc.) should contact the Persian-American Affairs Office (phone 847-733-3528).

Hotel reservations: Contact the hotel (phone 773-693-4444). The rate for conference participants is $80 per room (1 to 4 people) plus tax; make reservations for “Baha’i Arts Festival” to obtain this rate. Parking and shuttle service between O'Hare Airport and the hotel are free.

Registration: Fee for adults and youths is $40. For children’s classes (almost 12 hours of daily teaching, training and caring for three days), the fee is $50 per child for the duration of the conference or $20 per day per child. Please contact the Persian-American Affairs Office (phone 847-733-3528 or 3531). @

clude Agriculture, the Arts, Science and Religion, Consultation and Conflict Resolution, Women and Gender Iss and the Study of Religion.

A symposium on Baha'i scholarship, “Baha’i Studies: Writing the Future,” will be sponsored by the Journal of Baba’t Studies. Panel presentations and discussion will focus on the compilation Issues Related to the Study of the Baba’ Faith.

Nakhjavani’s documentary films include The Other Dreyfus, for the ARTE TV channel in France; Creating a Culture of Growth, on the development of community life in diverse counirt and Faith; In Memory of Thomas

Breakwell,; Les Paroles des Femmes; and The Secret of Our Century.

Her books include When We Grow Up (1979), Response (1981), Four on an Island (1983) and Asking Questions: A Challenge to Fundamentalism (1990).

Her most recent book, The Saddlebag, is a novel based on an incident in The Dawn-Breakers. Published in February by the British literary publisher Bloomsbury, the novel has already received critical acclaim.

For registration and hotel information, see ad and coupon on page 31. @

‘Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF gets support from Baha’is

Fe more than a decade, both the National Spiritual Assembly and the Baha'i International Community ha worked with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on a variety of projects, including U.S. ratification of the UN Convention on the 1 and the international “Bducation for All” initiative

In recent years ‘’i community has extended its support for UNICEF's work to the grassroots level by participating in the American tradition of ‘Trick-or-Treat for UN

‘Trick-or-Treat for UNIC 1950, when a group of young people in Philadelphia collected $17 in decorated milk cartons on Halloween to help children in need overseas. Since then, the program has educated millions of Americans about children in developing countries and has raised more thari $100 million to help support UNICEF's lifesaving work.

‘Today, Trick-or-Treat for UNIC) aimed at educating as well as fund-ra ing. Professionally designed educatior materials promote multicultural a ness and teach compassion and civic responsibility on a global scale. Our children are then empowered to take an active role in helping their peers arow the world by participating in fund raising for UNICE

For many States, the

in

generation: together in a unified effort to help children around the world. It is only through their sel dedication and hard work that the program has become such a success.

As their commitment has grown far beyond the month of October, Trick-or‘Treat for UNICEF has evolved into a year-round program. School classes and civic and religious youth groups, including many Baha’{ communities, organize bake sales and car washes; hold read-athons and dances; and write articles for their publications, in which they describe the work of UNICEF and ask for donations.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is the lead children’s organization in the world. A recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace, UNICEF works in over 160 countries and territories to provide children with lifesaving medicine, better nutrition, clean water and sanitation, education and emergency relief.

During a UN Day celebration last October hosted by the Baha’is of Gainesville, Georgia, several highschool-age speakers delivered moving speeches about the work of UNICEF. Another young Baha'i member made a ‘Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF display to inform others about the program.

“In today’s world, we depend on each other more than ever before to promote the survival, protection and full development of the world’s children,” said Lisa Fielding, National Director of Trick-or‘Treat for UNICEF. “On behalf of the millions of children who benefit from Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, we commend the Baha’i community for their vision and initiative.”

As we look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of this effort in October, Randy Dobbs of the Los Angeles Baha'i Center is planning to Bene the campaign into several of the center's programs. In addition to including information in their regional ions, Dobbs is working with 5. Fund for UNICEF staff to present the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program to the local Baha’i Sunday school and Baha’i Youth Workshop members.

For more information about Trick-or‘Treat for UNICEF and how you can get involved, visit the Web site of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF (www.unicefusa.org) or contact them toll-free (phone 1-800252-KIDS). Or, contact the UN Office of the National Spiritual Assembly in New York (phone 212-803-2500, e-mail

).

June 5, 2000 Tue AMERICAN BanA‘i * News

page I7 [Page 18]TRANSL EES INT

“TNATIONA

LY ConNnVENTI

ON*

ORR IEEE

000

ORE TTT

Reports look back on an amazing year

MAIN CONVENTION STORIES BY TOM MENNILLO

‘ow do you distill the Annual Report into a presentation at the National Convention?

You don’t. Rather, you build upon it by singling out points you hope will particularly stick in the minds of delegates and observ

National Spiritual Assembly

Secretary-General Robert Henderson began with a reminder that the two main goals of the Four Year Plan were to complete this phase of the building proje on Mount Carmel—thereby rele: spiritual energi process of entry by troops.

At the Plan’s inception, he said, we knew too little about the foundations we would have to pour and too little about the elements of entry by troops or how to advance the proc

What a difference four years h:

ng and to advance the

made!

Delegates line up to speak during a consultative session at the Baha’i National Convention. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

“The response of agencies and committees, Regional Baha’i Councils, Loca a Spiritual Assemblies and individ been magnificent,” Hende

We now have a “system that identifies seekers, addre: them and has them respond in unprecedented numbers,” he noted, along with a new system of insti

tutions (Region: al Councils) and a sy of training (institutes at the local, regional and national levels).

“We find ourselves a community engaged in a process of learning, research and experimentation—and applying what we learn systematically,” aid. vidence of that, he

aid, comes in the s have embraced es

formation

Henderson pointed to several: t more; ret enhance the quality of iridividual and community lif foster united, loving families, communities and institutions; nurture the spirituy of children, youths and adults; learn to balance the demanding pace of Baha'i life with a need to infuse spiritual love and purpose in all things; foster gender equality within our community; and

n new bel

accommodate legitimate differences in thought and approach.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, making his last report as National Assembly secretary for external affairs, brought Convention attendees up to date on developments nce the Annual Report went to pre: He painted a picture of innocent Iranian Baha'is caught in a struggle between conservatives who use them. 's and reformers trying to curry respectability worldwide.

Thus, he said, we see simultaneously the courts upholding death sentences against Bahd’is while the government implicitly allows Baha’i marriages to be gistered.

Kazemzadeh noted that an eighth resolution condemning the treatment of Baha'is in Iran is pending in Congres He urged an outpouring of letters urging members of Congress to vote for the resolution and thanking those who have signed on as co-sponsors of the pending: resolution.

Ss

CONVENTION, continuep From Pace 1

ional Assembly, which welcomed Erica int to its ranks. ‘The emotional bestowal by Counselor Jacqueline Left Hand Bull and National Spiritual Assembly member Patricia Locke of a sacred eagle feather, symbolizing the love of Rahiyyih Khanum for indigenous peoples, upon the upcoming Spirit Run. Wise and frank commentary throughout Convention by Counselor Wilma Ellis, who also conducted the delegat of deepening and preparatio1 Loving and ‘challenging reports from the National Assembly's secretary-general, secretary for external rs and treasurer, and from the National Teaching

.

°

Presentation of a revised codification of the law of

Huqiqu’llah as part of a report by four tru A variety of spirit-filled musical presentations to open Convention sessions. Showing of the latest Baha'i Newsreel, as well as special videos relating to the Kingdom project and Kazemzadeh’s dogged pursuit of justice for the Iranian believe: ‘The informative workshops and exhibits sponsored by offices and agencies of the National Assembly.

The presence of Knights of Baha’u'llih and other longtime servants of the Blessed Beauty.

And the sacrificial example of dozens of friends from the Baha’i National Center who toiled behind the scenes to make the Convention run smoothly.

But the show belonged to the delegates, whose maturity matched the import of the days in which we live. ‘They had an unprecented total of 14 hours set aside for consultation.

With part of that time dedicated to focused consultation on the themes of the Ridvan 157 letter, delegates explored how to optimize use of training ates and how our community can model Baha’i parenting and full involvement of children and junior youth.

Having witnessed the unveiling of the Kingdom Project, they made an indelible mark by pledging personal resources.

And handed news that several national committees would be disbanded in favor of a multiplication of efforts on the regional level, the delegates worked through initial discomfort to rally behind this move into the unknown.

fees.

Coeccccccceseccceccccssoes

The work of those national committees and task forces—the Youth Committee, the Committee for the Equality of Women and Men, the African American Committee, the American Indian ‘leaching Committee, the Latin American ‘Task Force and the Chinese American Task Force—has been placed closer to home, with responsibility on the four Regional Baha’{ Councils. On the national level, specialized ” will handle research, policy and advice in those realms.

In fact, the Regional Baha’{ Councils—and particularly the Universal House of Justice’s vision for them— found a new level of acceptance this Convention. Delegates directed nearly as many recommendations and suggestions to the four regional bodies as to their national body.

‘

going to do ina few years. In Savannah we're

over the years.

receive a good education. ... The pr have signed on. We had 133 graduate:

are valuable for our principles. #

CONVENTION

1 T THIS CONVE Formulating what we're going to do in a year is a lot different from formulating what we're

excited about a new center we just bought. We've had a regular half-hour cable TV show. We’re planning on doing a community social and economic development project—we’ve decided to use the Mottahedeh (Development Services) process: Rather than going in with preconceived notions of what we should do, we’re going to try to learn from the expertise that w

For instance, I’ve headed Parent University, which was started to help parents help their children ident of the school board and the superintendent of schools s this year. It’s a community venture that pulls everybody in. ‘These are the kinds of things we're exploring as Baha'is, who are recognized due to our TV show. People know who we are and kind of understand what's driving us. So we take it as a great victory that people are cooperating with us, knowing that we are Baha’is and beginning to realize that Baha’is

Yet the defining example of delegates’ maturity may have been one that echoed the most memorable consultation of last year’s Convention.

‘That time, African-American delegates were joined by those of all backgrounds in objecting to the presence of Thomas Jefferson’ likeness in an exhibit at the House of Worship.

This time, indigenous delegates experienced humanity we have never felt in 500 years,” in the words of one, when their fellows embraced a plea for the Baha’ Faith to be the first religious community to recognize the sovereignty of the 558 Indian nations of the United States and establish a nation-to-nation relationship with them.

‘The delegate chanted a song of thanks in honor of the Creator, ending with “Y4 Baha’u’l-Abha!” #

INTERVIEWS BY JAMES HUMPHREY

MICHAEL O'NEAL

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA FOURTH-TIME DELEGATE

THE ONE YEAR: PL

\TION B

OF

ve gained

page 18 THe American BanA’i ¢ Nariona Convention 2000

June 5, 2000 [Page 19]

It is important, though, to see Baha’is mentioned favorably in other contexts, he said. And that’s been happening with increasing frequency.

He noted a recent New York Times article on WLGI Radio Baha'i in South Carolina. Also highly visible, he said, has been Baha'i participation in processes fostering race unity, the environment, moral education and gender equality.

In fact, as a result of significant Baha’{ participation in a recent White House interfaith event, Kit Cosby, director of the National Assembly's Office of External Affairs, will chair the task force producing a book of references to race in religious writings.

But visibility has its _ price, Kazemzadeh said in cautioning Baha’is about what they say on the Internet.

“The days of anonymity are over,” he said. “In top circles everybody knows the Bahi’is and are looking at us waiting for us to stumble. Don’t give them opportunities needlessly.”

‘Treasurer William Roberts, in a report titled “An Unmatched Reservoir,” reminded us that we Baha'is in the cradle of the Administrative Order have a special part to play in exercising the privilege of giving sacrificially.

He said support is there: stewardship and development seminars, treasurer's special visits, new systems for local communities and materials for children and youths.

Inspiration also is abundant. Roberts told of From Oregon with Love, a project that yielded a 17 percent increase in contributions in that state and a challenge to believers in neighboring states “to meet them on that ground.”

Overall, though, the small increase in giving to Funds on the national and international levels has not kept pace with growth and consolidation need:

Among those, he said, are the media

Delegates (second from left) Marvin Holladay of South Carolina, Phil Lucas of

Washington and Charles Nolley of I!

ois chat with an unidentified acquaintance

between business sessions. Photo by Viadimir Shiloy

initiative and other major thrusts; Regional Baha’{ Council operations; programs aimed at doubling the core of active believers (training institutes, Core Curriculum, encouraging devotional gatherings and daily prayer, etc.) and fostering maturity (race unity, gender equality, social and economic development); maintenance and operations; capital expenditures; and the Arc.

National committees

“People are coming to us, as foretold by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé,” said Ken Bowers, National Teaching Committee secretary. And he had tapes and quotes from 1-800-22-UNITE callers to prove it.

Far from “overly intellectualizing” the process of teaching as some Baha’is have feared, Bowers said, research on audience response has helped our national media initiative encourage people to learn more about the Baha’i Faith— while retaining the spirit of the Cause.

“The Power of Race Unity is really about trust, about a community they would

like to be a part of,” he said.

But even though we're “very likely the most diverse religious community worshipping together,” he continued, “we have to be good at meeting diverse needs and expectations.”

Bowers noted that the American Baha’i community is underrepresented in minorities, nontraditional families and young people, and faces a challenge in keeping the ones it has.

Still, he said, people who respond to Baha'i broadcasts are remarkably diverse in ethnic and religious background, gender and age. Bowers called the response a “reinforcement of individual teaching efforts in the past.”

Looking ahead, Bowers said, the strategic challenge is to recognize that “all growth is local. It depends on leadership, community life and individual efforts.”

He concluded, “The first step in growth is to believe it can happen, then

SEE REPORTS, PAGE 22

PAMELA BRODE

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA VISITOR

aA Se VISITOR AND PARENT, I ink that what made this National Convention so momentous and deeply moving was the Ridvan letter’s focus on children and youth, and that much of the discussions were on the topic of educating and parenting our precious young ones. The delegates expressed their opinions, made motions, voted and consulted with astonishing maturity, humility, selflessness and detachment. Our beloved Continental Counselors and members of the National Spiritual Assembly were warm, loving, very human, and completely accessible to the friends. , Attending Convention is not only a privilege, but also an exciting and fun way to deepen one’s knowledge and understanding of the Baha’{ administrative process © basking in the heavenly spirit of Baha'u’llih and the joyful sense of belonging to this wonderful family of Baha! @

Hundreds had a day to sound their hooray for Firuz Kazemzadeh

retired soul is not necessarily a retir

1992 “at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly,” according to Assembly Chair William Davis, “to de full time to the function of the Office of ixternal Affairs.” great sacrifice,” Davis said, he did it with dignity gation.”

Now Kazemzadeh has retired from the National Assembly itself after 36 years ving on that bod

ote

but

nd complete abne

on external a member of the pre ppointed Federal ious Freedom Abroad.

mzadeh’s words: “I am not going to disappear from the stage. I’m going to be around for a while, and whatever energies are left I will continue to expend in the service of this great Cause.”

‘ven so, his second retirement brought

Firuz Kazemzadeh received a rousing tribute at Convention. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

an outpouring of affection at Convention. se to a standing ovation to deliver his final report as secretary of external affairs. Later, he recited the Tablet of Ahmad beautifully.

But the best was saved for last, an evening “dedicated to ‘hooray, hooray

Kazemzadeh,” said Assembly Vice Chair Dorothy Nelson—referring to how her children were coached years ago to pronounce his name.

Davis led off the celebration expressing Assembly members’ “deep and. abiding affection and respect for his understanding of the history and principles of the Faith.”

‘The Assembly chair then took the audi

ence through Kazemzadeh’s life, from birth in the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, ther served, to his entry into

where his

the United States in 1944, his education at nford and F ard, long service at Yale, prescient” books on

ind longtime work on

also noted unwavering adherence to principle. ... Firu ) seeking to say that the Baha’f standard should not be the lowest standard, it should be the highest stan S in every di 2 Kazemzadeh’s exacting nature earned him the nickname Mikey, after the boy in the cereal commercial whose rare stamp of approval is something spec likes it, it’s OK,” said Davis.

A poignant video was shown summarizing his decades of dogged purs for the Iranian Baha'i commu

ig

the stage, Kazemzadeh maintained a current of good humor. After describing the scene painted by

in in which the presumed-dead ‘Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn sneak into their own funeral, he asked dryly, “Do I need to draw parallels?”

In a reflective turn, K: was always glad to serve ational Assembly itself a have always felt that I was a soldier in Baha’u’llah’s army. I was drafted and I had

mzadeh said he any way the sked, “becaus

no choice.”

In zemzadeh’s view, “It is the National Spiritual Assembly that contributed to me, not the other way around. Tam not even talking about personal satis faction, about friendships that I have made. I am talking about opportunities to serve the Faith.

“There are few people who have been as blessed as I have been, because’ these opportunities were thrown at me for years and years. I’ve tried to rise to the occasion. Ir’s not mine to judge.” #

June 5,2000 = Tne American BanA‘i ¢ NationaL Convention 2000 page 19 [Page 20]

eee a ; ARTHUR FERNANDEZSCARBERRY

LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON VISITOR, ORGANIZER OF SPIRIT RUN

HIS IS MY FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION.

I've met so many people and made so many connections that my head is spinning. The response of the Baha’{ community [to the Spirit Run project] has been phenomenal.

I have been able to witness the amazing Administrative Order that we have in this country. Spirit Run began as a grassroots initiative. Then because it was supported by the institutions of the Faith—be

use of the coor

dination that happened between Local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Spiritual Assemblies, the National American Indian

ching Committee, the National ‘Teaching Committee, Regional Councils ete. all working together—it demonstrated the unity of the administrative body.

It’s so important, as we travel across the country, as this Spirit Run demonstrates racial unity in action and carries the message of Baha'u'llah to the indigenous people and

invites the people to become part of our circle, that they’re nurtured and that we mak efforts to ensure that the American Indian Baha’ ind are brought into all aspects of Baha’f administration. I think that will advance significantly not only the process of entry by troops, but also the maturation of our Administrative Order in this country.

are deepened

Spirit Run, launched May 28 in the Seattle

area, is to bring nine young runners across

the country this summer to proclaim the

Cause and the principle of racial unity. It

will focus especially on Indian populations.

For schedule and funding information, see the Web site www.spiritrun.org

y C2 A

In an emotion-filled ceremony, Counselor Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (right) presents Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry with a cloth-wrapped eagle feather to be carried across the country during the Spirit Run this summer. The sacred feather had been presented to Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khanum decades ago by American Indian Bah: The Hand of the Cause, before she passed away, had asked that the feather be conveyed to the Spirit Run

effort—and also that the runners carry reprints of her 1969 letter to North America’s indigenous peoples.

In the exhibits space downstairs from the main Convention hall, Theresa Mullen (left) shares material from the exhibit sponsored by her Office of Assembly Development with Alice Bathke, co-administrator of the Native American Baha’i Institute, whose booth was a few feet away.

Music was integral to the Convention’s atmosphere of joy, and Illinois trumpeter David Young (left) as well as California’s Jeffrey Barnes Gospel Choir (above) were among featured artists.

Workshops, exhibits, bookstore give visitors great excuses to circulate

h, were it possible to be in two _ self in a large room con

places at once!

hibits also afforded visitors the co-administrators of

with agency representa

ning books, — E ach and pick

up course brochures.

Visitors—and perhaps even delegates—could be excused for having that thought, given the arr offered by offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly at the same time as Convention se

Lots of exhibits also beckoned

ay of workshops

ions.

Convention-goers. Fortunately, they were open between sessions as well, gi ing everyone an opportunity to grab liture and query helpful staffers.

hen there was the bookstore/c run by the Baha’f Distribution Servi Follow the aroma and you'd find your

teaching pamphlets, CDs and, yes, cof- _ tim

fee and past

The 45-minute workshops, held Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, provided non-delegates in-depth information they could take home for

themselves and their communities—and

a chance to ask questions or give feedback.

A children’s activities fair from the Treasurer's Office added a dimension of fun. Youngsters attending Convention could learn about Project Unity!, meet

ng the Lion and make Fund jars devoted to the Kingdom Project.

might otherwise meet only via telephone or e-mail, but more informally than at workshops.

A Local Spiritual Assembly member seeking ways to improve the body’s functioning could pick up information

on Assembly development modules and self-assessment tools, and on the Local Spiritual Assembly Integration project.

Someone considering service abroad could consult with Office of Pioneering rit

staffers on pr s and preparation. Potential visitors to a permanent Baha’i school or institute could meet

An isolated believer could find out from his or her Regional Baha’i Council what resources are available to assist a

local initiative.

And on and on—until that aroma from down the hall got the better of you and the bookstore/café —_ became unavoidable.

There, materials were grouped invitingly by subject ranging from ‘Texts to teaching to transformation. Browsers could pick them up and peruse at their leisure, perhaps over a latté, then gravitate toward the checkout.

page 20 THe AMERICAN BanA’‘i * NaTionAL Convention 2000

June 5, 2000 [Page 21]

Mona Kashani and Faith Holmes work Thursday afternoon, April 27, to prepare the floral arrangements in time for the Convention’s beginning later that day.

PHOTOS BY VLADIMIR

The newly elected National Spiritual Assembly is presented to the Convention: (from left) David Young, Erica Toussaint, Jack McCants, Patricia Locke, Juana Conrad, Robert Henderson, Dorothy Nelson, William Roberts and William Davis.

Delegates exit the Baha’i House of Worship after prayers that followed their voting for the National Spiritual Assembly.

Ford Bowers (right), Distribution Service manager, rings up a bookstore customer’s purchase of a new video on the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga.

The selection of workshops for Convention visitors

Office of the Treasurer: “Planned * United Nations Office: “National * Wilmette Institute: “Systematic

Gi Options Offered by Our UNICEF Month and UN Day” Education for Service: The Story National Spiritual Assembly”; “The —* Office of Assembly Development: of the Wilmette Institute” Best Baha’i Kids Activities Fair ing to a New Stage: Resources» Board of Trustees of Huqdqu’llah:

Ever!”’; and “Bi ig the Kingdom: It’s Our Time.”

Office of Pioneering: “ ‘Oh That | Could Travel ... Raising the Call’ Throughout the World”

National Teaching Committee: “The National Media Campaign, 1-80022-UNITE and Your Community” Baha’i Publishing Trust: “Getting Baha’i Books into the Trade Market”

for Helping Local Spiritual Assemblies”

National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men: “The Equality of Women and Men” House of Worship Conservation: “Steps to the Kingdom” Education and Schools Office: “Expanding the Media Initiative with Videos and Firesides” and “Youth Empowerment”

“Questions and Answers about Hugaqu’llah”

Persian-American Affairs Office: “The Role of Persian-American Members of the U.S. Baha’i Community in the New Plans” (once each in English and Persian) Regional Baha’i Council for the Central States: “Update 2000: Planning for the Twelve Month Plan”

CAROL BUTLER

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA FIFTH-TIME DELEGATE

Ox LOCAL COMMUNITY IS WAY AHEAD regarding the guidance

given to us in this year’s ‘An letter. We have a

Rid strong Baha’{ school and

worship service where Baha’ kids bring their friends. After forming a consultation group, the kids trick-or-treated for UNICEF, had a on how to teach the Faith, and visited senior Baha’is and nursing home residents. The neatest thing is, the children did it themselves! That is what I think the Universal House of Justice means by: “Children are the most precious treasure a community can pos

and by: “An atmosphere needs to be intained in which children feel that they belong to the community and share in its pur

pose.”

Since my husband became : the friends in our Unit alw reports: one from the delegate

Baha’ in 1996, rec

ve two and one from the perspective of a visitor who has seen the special workshops offered to the visito'

After the historic, heartfelt consultation involving American Indians, I realize how rich my own community is in the American Indian heritage. The famous Miami chief Little Turtle lived and is buried in our city. I am inspired to do even more to share the Faith with American Indians in our , and to take full advantage of the Spirit Run opportunity to teach! #

CHRIS BISHOP AUSTIN, TEXAS FIRST-TIME DELEGATE

ap HIGHLIGHT OF THE CONVENTION for me personally was the magic that seemed to occur when it was time to elect the National Spiritual Assembly. I was very apprehensive the day before. I had no idea who I was going to vote for; I'd hardly met anyone. But over the last few d: many people. ... When I walked into the room there was a feeling of serenity, and it seemed to magically happen. Names just seemed to flow.

As the youngest delegate [age 22], I was so encouraged by how much the other delegates have supported me and encouraged me to talk. ... If that kind of support can be seen throughout the community, if the youth are allowed and encouraged to give their input, I think we'll see a major change in the Baha’i community.

Austin is a unique city. We have a very large university—we have tons and tons of youth. We also have a tremendous regional t institute that is

ys I've met so

ining upported a lot by the youth.

We've had lots of media exposure in recent months—TV_ appearances, speeches in churches. The Baha’is have become wellknown in Austin. @

June 5, 2000 Tue American BanA‘i ¢ Nationa, Convention 2000

page 21 [Page 22]

ecce

put in place what will make it happen. We have learned how to bring people to our doors. Every other challenge can be ssed with pei

‘The National Youth Committee was not scheduled to report at Convention. But by popular demand members of the committee, the operations of which will

DEANNA SCHMIDT be regionalized, took the stage to a standKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI ing ovation. VISITOR The members—Leili Towfigh, Eric

Horton, Anthony Outer, Vesal Dini and Nancy Wong—urged adults to “train young minds on a spiritual basis and encourage spiritual practices that connect them to the Faith.”

They contrasted the labels placed on. youth in general with the qualities

sa THE THIRD TIME I’ve visred National Convention. I think it has helped me deepen myself about the Baha’f administration. The first time I was at Convention, I went home on fire,

spiritual fire. attributed to Baha’f youth, saying the ‘Then after the second year I came, Faith presents a viable alternative to most things made a lot more sense within models available in society. And they said

a need exists for materials that are “not patronizing or irrelevant, but allow youth creativity to come out.”

the Baha’f administration. Our Kansas City Assembly is pretty welldeveloped, at least from my experience. I started to see how, with the various committees and other branches, things work very much like a smaller version of how they do things at National.

This year, my third year, it will be easier to go back and see, in my own heart and mind, how it all fits in. We have 10 or 12 people from Kansas City at the Convention. Everyone I've seen is so happy, and we're going to take that back home. We're all taking notes about how the Ridvan letter mentions youth and children, and all the consultation about that. Those are extremely

Regional Baha'i Councils

Each Regional Baha’i Council was allotted an opportunity to touch on its ongoing thrusts.

June Thomas outlined how the Council of the Central States is systematizing its efforts through a simple action plan focusing particularly on race unity and teaching among special populations.

She said the Council is supporting youth through subregional committees and has set in place a network of traveling teaching coordinators.

In addition, the Council is working with the National Teaching Committee important issues. We already have | in carrying out the vision of the national teacher training going, and classes media initiative on a metropolitan level, for children and pre-youth. But starting with Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from the Ridvan letter we have a Columbus, Ohio. larger process, and that will help Northeastern States representatives strengthen what we already have. Rebequa Murphy and Joel Nizin said the regional body’s fervent effort has been to

SHAHAB SAEED

SALT LAKE CITY FOURTH-TIME DELEGATE

BEL D INFORMATION TECHNOLOC

by Baha’u'llh for us to spread His healing message. Assembly and Office of Information Services have done a great job of crea ing a presence on the World Wide Web for the Bah and have added to the prestige of the Cause. But we have room to do a lot more. Technology allows us to provide a means of listening to the [spoken] words of Baha’w’lah

. along with music, available on the Internet 24 hours a day, so that when ne needs a spiritual lift they can go to the Baha’i Web site and get it. ake advantage of some of these possibilities, it is going to require material means. We need to hire the professionals, we need the computers and we need the bandwidth. It takes money, it takes the healing words of Baha'u'llah, and it takes the devoted believers to contribute to the Fund and teach.

The high point of the Convention for me was the actual election of the National Spiritual Assembly. There is such a magnificent feeling in that process. Then there was the high quality of suggestions and ideas coming from the delegates across the spectrum.

To

REPORTS, continuen From Pace 19

bs 3

Delegates to the National Com

races!

ention gather around a fountain in the Baha’i

House of Worship gardens for the official group photograph. Photo by Viadimir Shilov

help believers “connect with the Blessed Beauty.”

Asa result, they said, “the temperature in the Northeast is rising. The Regional Council is absolutely amazed at change on the local level” in everything from training institutes to media.

And in a region “where prayer and devotion are counterintuitive,” the Council sees the recent Universal House of Justice letter on laws pertaining to prayer and devotion as “meant for us” in particular.

Kambiz Rafraf and James Sturdivant told how the Council for the Southern States has fostered collaboration and partnerships—essential given that 43 percent of seeker calls have come from people in that region.

They updated delegates on the Date with Destiny campaign: Goals were sured in the realms of traveling teaching and devotional gatherings, while and significant progress was registered in homefront pioneering, firesides, teaching teams and social and economic development projects.

Also, a recent meeting of members of the Board of Counselors, the Auxiliary Boards, Local Assemblies, regional teaching institute boards and others looked at boosting growth and conso! dation efforts in South Carolina. Lake chosen for particular attention. nnon Javid, speaking for the Council for the Western States, cheered the assemblage with news that the number of Local Assemblies in the region has

ing several and a 50 percent ico.

He told how a partnership with ary Board members, their assistants and Local s has borne considerable fruit: the adoption of extension hing goals, increased homefront piogz and traveling teaching, more devotional gatherings, a larger number of Assemblies using development modcouragement of individual fireparticipation of 4,000 believers in regional training institute

A teaching plan workbook has been shared among Assemblies, he said, and the region has instituted youth desks to rve young believers and encourage registration of children.

Hugféiqu'll4h Board of Trustees

Four of the trustees of Huqtiqu’lléh in the United States—Amin Banani, Sally Foo, Daryush Haghighi and Elizabeth Martin—were able to express in person. their great privilege to serve the institution of the Right of God.

Foo led off, saying a mention of the “blessings of laws” in a recent House of Justice letter brought to mind the “mighty, sacred, great law of Huqtq,” with its “mysteries and benefits beyond comprehension.”

Relating a story of courage and strict obedience among believers in Tanzania, she noted that ‘Abdu’l-Bahé said any offering made with profound devotion and love is like a treasure.

“Your payment is received as a treasure,” she concluded.

Martin told a story of her grandmother, whose checks to a seminary student in need were always marked “God's part.”

“T feel the same about Huqtiqu’llah,” Martin said. “God's part’ passes through my hands.”

“When I get a little put upon, I take my envelope [of letters accompanying Huqiqu’llah_ payments’ ss it and feel the love of the friends,” sh

Haghighi described the expansion of regional Huqtiq representatives and called the nine present to come forward for recognition.

Speaking of presents, he had one for delegates: newly printed copies of the revised codification of the law of

Huqiqu’llah, which will be widely available soon.

Haghig! attendees that one of the responsibilities of a Local Assembly is promulgation of divine commandment:

“Soon, publications for the young will be available for use in local Baha’i schools so from day one they will be familiar with the law and it will be an integral part of their lives forever and ever,” he added.

Banani, noting that trustees often get letters thanking them for their service, said, “It is we who are thankful for being with you at the time of joy and radiance that you have obeyed

Nothing, he said, “brings such securi ty and joy and exultation as obedience to the law of Huqiqu’lléh.”

page 22. Tue American BanA’i * Nationa, Convention 2000 —_ June 5, 2000 [Page 23]ee

CPR Tea

ALe

PEST EET ORL TO Ue

MESSAGES TO AND FROM THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

From the Delegates to the 9ist Baha'i National Convention to the Universal House of Justice

April 29,2000

p= loved Supreme Body,

Surrounded by yellow roses a portrait of the Hand of the € of God Amatu’lBaha Ruhéhyyih Khanum was ever before us at this 91st United States N: | Baha'i Convention, reminding the delegates of the strength, devotion, aud: y and courage needed to fulfill the Twelve Month Plan

that we dedicate to “the memory of one for whom teaching was the primary purpose, the perfect joy of life.” Our hearts embrace with great appreciation our beloved Hands of the Cause of God ‘Alf-Akbar Furdtan and ‘Ali Muhamma whose prayers we

With loving gratitude we greet you, of the critical issues you have laid in the Ridvan 2000 message. guided by your instruction, nd assisted by our beloved Jounselors Wilma Ellis and Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, and empowered by the cr Plan lovingly conceived by our wonderful National Spiritual Assembly, we stand as one soul, united in our commitment to whatever lies ahead in the unfoldment of the visible Kingdom of God on earth. We are ever grateful for your gift of the Regional Baha’f Councils, whose incredible resourcefulness, energy and creativity attend every aspect of our collective work. There is among us a palpable sense that this is the Day for which we have all waited. The 165 in a rarified atmosphere elected | Spiritual Assembly with 100% cipation. There were 162 balloting in person and 3 by mai no invalid ballots, a demonstration of our increasing maturity. May Bahda’u'llah accept us in His service! We have enjoyed the presence of the ‘Trustees of the Huqdqu’lléh—Amin Banani, Sally Foo, Daryush Haghighi and zabeth Martin along with special guests Javidukht Khadem and Eunice Braun. In addition, we were privileged to have present Knights of Bahd’u’llih Amin and Sheila Banani and Carole and Dwight Allen and Gayle Woe mong others, whose | time of service is the foundation upon which so much of what we now contemplate resi ‘This Convention fondly expressed apprec

= & 3 oF

dinary service to the American Baha’{ community for more than half a century and his 36 years of exemplary service to our National Spiritual Assembly. The delegates enjoyed the stirring gospel sounds of the Jeffrey Barnes Baha’i Choir, the soul inspiring melodies of K.C. Porter and J.B. Eckl and the creative renditions of professional trumpeter David Young. The spiritual environment in which the Convention proceeded was enhanced by the beautiful voice of Evander Gilmer encouraging his fellow delegates to join him in a joyous noise unto the Lord that was responded to by the melodic tones of delegate Marvin “Doc” Holladay’s aphone.

As our National Spiritual Assembly it IS our time! We are determined to play our part in raising the necessary $60 million for the Kingdom Project that was dedicated during this Convention with the turning of the spade in a garden of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar during a ceremony in which prayers for the Temple were read by children. We are also determined to bring about the spiritual transforma of our community to help build the Kingdom of God.

There were many such memorable moments at this ‘historic convention. Among them was the presentation by Jacqueline Left Hand Bull of a Sacred Eagle Feather, a gift from the collection of Amatu’l-Baha Ruihihyyih Khinum received during one of her visits to North America, to the coordinator of the Spirit Run Project. This activity is comprised of nine youth of various races who will take the Feather across the United States symbol cally taking the Hand of the Cause with them on this spiritual journey. Another was the emotional plea by the indigenous believers, accepted unanimously by the delegates, to the National Spiritual Assembly that it be the first religious institution to recognize the sovereignty of the American Indian nations. That action bonded the hearts of all present confirming the relationship each to another as true brothers and sisters.

We have consulted at length on training

institutes and have come to an awareness that institutes can t on many levels, in diverse forms and with infinite variation. We are also cognizant of the challenges and unseen bounties in to become evident as

edly relea provide v

€ potent spiritual forces that will et untapped resources to ins ctory. We are committed to the task! ‘The 91st Baha’f National Convention is humbly grateful to our beloved Unive House of Justice for its divine guidance directing our focus to our precious trea sures, our children. The result has been a unity of thought in our determination to alert the American Baha’f community to the urgent need of providing spiritual protection not only to those in the Baha’f family but to all children. We reflected on the time when parents and children were more respectful of each other, a time when love and discipline were inseparable, when family was more desirable than social position and when the love of God was the magnetic force that held society together. We are committed to addressing audaciously and courageously these issues among brothers and sisters in our Baha’{ family.

We are committed to raising'by all possible means the standards for parenting and children’s spiritual education. The creation of a new climate for the nurturance of our youth and pre-youth is an issue in which we will endeavor to engage all of the Baha’is upon returning to our home communities. ‘The contagious enth m of the National Youth Committee in presenting its report greatly inspired and energized us to take immediate action.

We dedicate ourselves to strengthening our institutions to become sturdy pillars for the bridge over which all of humanity will enter into the Kingdom. Our personal pledge to you, our beloved Universal House of Justice, is that all of us will leave u Convention dedicating our lives anew to the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

Delegates to the 91st Baha'i National Convention

From the Universal House of Justice to the Delegates to the 91st Bahai National _ Convention

April 30, 2000

Db loved Friends,

‘The spirit of unity and the sense of high expectations that have so stirred your National Convention have also touched our hearts through your message of love and of reconsecration to the tasks laid upon you by the beloved Master's Divine Plan to which the American Baha’f community is so specially linked. The leaps of progress attained during the Four Year Plan through the creativity, persistence nd confidence of that ; vibrant community leave us with no doubt that its members are well poised to meet, with characteristic dynamism, the great challenges and rich opportunities presented by the ! twelve-month enterprise on which they are embarking. The shortness of time demands a swiftness of action. May any believer in that dearly loved land who arises in service during this brief span experience the wonder of such divine rewards as only the Abhi Beauty out of the favors of His munificence can bestow.

The Universal House of Fustice

Plan now to make a difference, Counselor urges

Ce Wilma Ellis listened with joy as institution after institution told of its plans for the coming year.

She listened with awe to the words of the Universal House of Justice in i Ridvan 157 message.

‘Then she stood up and asked National Convention participants what they plan to do to make a difference.

“T hear all these wonderful reports, and then the House of Justice talks about us entering a learning mode from which purposeful action flows,” she said.

“But I keep feeling that huge load of responsibility coming down on each of us.

If after all that these institutions have done we do not end up with more Baha

for the strength she said we'll need. She also

recalled David S$. Ruhe

can attract many, many people to this Faith if we would only follow our faith

we have no one to blame but ourselve:

We're all busy, she said. “But it comes down to, when am I going to take time to teach someone this Faith?”

She said training institutes are vital, then added, “It doesn’t do a bit of good to be trained if it’s an end in itself. We have to get the courage to teach.”

A day earlier, at Convention’s beginning, Ellis invoked the late Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum’s “energy, straightforwardness, love and appreciation for the Baha’{ community”

remarking, upon his retirement from the Universal House of Justice, that we should “expect miracles.”

“We're going to see miracles in this Plan and the one that follows,” she said. “We will see recruits who are amazing—a strong group of souls ready to assist us. Everything is in place for victory.”

Throughout the Convention, Ellis also reflected on the theme of children, junior youth and parenting in this year’s Ridvan message.

Speaking frankly, she continued, “We.

about children. We used to talk about the old ways of respect for elders and teachers and one another.”

When they teach the Faith, she said, adults and children alike “must look like Baha'is. ... If we look like any old thing on the streets, how can we say we're a new race of men?”

She told parents in the audience, “We have to make a difference in our children. ‘The [Ridvan] message puts it so clearly, and I hope we take it very seriously: love demands discipline.”

June 5, 2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ Nationa, Convention 2000

page 23 [Page 24]

Regional schools offer programs of ‘Distinction’

Northeastern States

New York “SoLomon R.G. Hitron,” Auc. 11-20 Program: Cultivating Di sions). With Gary Matthews, Ray Estes, Shannon Javid, Phyllis Peterson, Ladjamaya Green. Location: Oakwood Friends School, Poughkeepsie, NY. Facilities: Campus with dining hall, semiprivate dorm rooms; gym. Fees: Adult (13+) $369, Child (5-12) $270, (0-4) free. Day rates available. Registrar: The Cabots, P.O. Box 122, Norwood, NJ 07648 (e-mai

or see Web site, www.bahai.homepage.com).

ction (three ses~

Western States

SouTHERN CALIFORNIA, JUNE 23-26

Prograi ivating Distincti Location: Pilgrim Pines Conference Center, Yucaipa, € Facilities: C

jon.

ference center with central d

ing (vegetarian meals optional), cabins

w/bunks or or limited separate rooms.

Fees: Adult in low $100s, Child half price; dis count for full cabins.

Registrar: Amy or Frank Vahid (phone 909 278-2787, ¢-mail e-mail

Edye York (phone 909-983-1022, e-mail ).

‘Cororano East, June 21-25 %

Woodland Park, CO.

‘chool classrooms and dining hall,

¢ camping (hotels/motels available

Jor

nearby), Fees: Adult $55,

Youth or Child (11-20) $45,

Child 3-10) $35.

Registrar: Don Brayton (phone 719-6873351, e-mail ). Montana “Jonn H. Wiccory,” Juty 30-Aug. 4 Program: Builders and Apostles. With Shannon Javid.

Sultivating Distinction: Champion

cock Park Camp near

dining room, cabin ing, horse

back riding, hiking.

Fees: Adult $160, Youth (12-18) $130, Child

(4-11) $85, (0-4) $10.

Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter,

Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526, ¢). Pre-register by July 10.

New Mexico “Four Corners,” Juty 19-23

tivating Distinction.

‘amp Kiwanis near Gallup, NM.

Dpen-air meeting spaces, chapel,

dining hall, dorm-style lodging (private rooms

for special needs only). Outdoor and team

recreation.

Fees: Adult (19+) $75, Youth (15-18) $60.

Pre-youth (11-14) $45, Child (7-10) $25,

(3-6) $20, Infant free. Day rates available.

Registrar: Bill Bright,

Gallup, NM 87301 (phone 505-722-0039).

Pre-register by July 4.

Onecon East, Aus. 12-15

Program: Cultivating Distinction.

Location: Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp,

in Cascade Mountains.

Facilities: Central meeting, dining; cabins or

lodge. Outdoor/water/team sports, crafts.

Fees: Cabin stay (extra to stay in Lodge): Adult

$105, Youth (13-17) $85, Child (6-12) $75,

nail

{9 Cs Distinction”—the nationwide study program for 2000 prescribed by our National Spiritual Assembly—is the general theme of this year’s regional summer schools across the country. A curriculum guide on this theme, from the National Education and Schools Office, is available on the Web (log into www.usbnc.org with your Baha’i 1D number, click on the “NSA Departments” icon at left, then follow the link to the Education and Schools

Office).

Here is a list of summer schools, through Labor Day weekend, that have reported their plans to the Education and Schools Office in time for publica tion.

(2-5) $50, Infant free. Day rates available. Registrar: Dan Lincoln,

Lyons, OR 97358 (phone 503-859-2390, email ). Pre-register by July 20. Onecon West (NotH) “Carmen,” June 25-30 Location: 20 minutes cast of Pordand, OR. Facilities: Retreat center; meals on si Fees: All ages $95. Registrar: Sue Koos (phone 503-829-8423). ‘Onecon West (Sour) “Baoasu,” Auc. 913 Facilities: Camp with cabins, dorm space. Fees: Family $350, Adult S115, Youth (12-21) $95, id (0-11) $7. Registrar: Lynne Nesbit (phone 503-282-0182,

e-mail . WASHINGTON “Tiny See0,” Aus. 1 Program: Cultivating Location: Brighton C McKenna, WA. cilities: Conference center

16 nction..

k Conference Center,

ith classrooms;

cabins or ten/RV sites. Outdoor, team sports. Fees: ly $600, Adult $160, Youth $150, Pre-youth $100, Child $55, Infant $10. Registrar: Louard Crumbaugh III,

Mount Vernon, WA 98273-2829 (phone 360-419-0408, ¢-mail

). Pre-register by July 21.

EASTERN WASHINGTON/NORTH IDAHO “SHELTERING Brancu,” Jury 1-7 Location: Camp Wooten ELC, southwest of

Pomeroy, WA. Facili

Classroom buildings and cabins or ten/RV spaces; somewhat rustic. Pool, court games, outdoor recreation. Fees: Family $550, Adult (19-59) $175, (60+) S115, Youth (15-18) SHS, (11-14) $105, PreYouth (6-10) $85, Child (2-5) $55, (0-1) $32, Sopnsored Child $132. No day drop-ins. Registrar: Shannon McConnell,

Richland, WA 99352 (phone 509-943). Pre

tudents or

1236, e-mail register by June 10.

Central States

IuuNois “Heartiano,” Jury 15-19

Program: Cultivating Distinction: Building the World Order of Baha'u'llah. With Regional Council member Curtis Russell. Location: Knox College, Galesburg, IL. Facilities:

mpus with d

g hall; dorms

w/o air conditioning (optional hotel nearby).

Fees: Adult or Youth (12+) $165, Child (2-11)

$105, Infant (0-1) $17. Day and meals-only

rates available.

Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel,

Aurora, IL 60504 (phone 630-898-0520, e-mail .

lows, June 21-25

Program: Cultivating Distinction.

Location: Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA.

Facilities: Campus with dining hall and dorms

(camping optional nearby). Fees: Adult $180; discounts for Youth, Child or Family (ask Registrar).

Registrar: Gary Scott,

Mount Vernon, IA 52314 (phone 319-8950519, e-mail ). Pre-register by June 10.

MinwesoTa “Wituiam Sears Great Nortx Wooos,” Auc. 16-20

near Onamia, MN. ssroom setting, meals on site, mily or dorm-style rooms. Lake, volleyball, outdoor recreation.

Fees: Adult (16+) $150, Pre-youth (6-15)

$115, Child (2-S) $40, Infant free. Ask about end and camping rates.

Registrar: Ali Mahabadi,

Plymouth, MN 55441 (phone 612-537-6039). NEBRASKA “Great Pains,” Jury 20-23

Program: Cultivating Distinction. With Aaron Kreader, Ruth Hansen, ‘Tracy Freeman, Billie Kay Bodie, Harron Von Lyle.

Location: Peru State College, Peru, NE.

Faci mpus with air-conditioned

dorms, dining hall; bring bedding. Pool, court sports, crafts.

Fees: Adult or Youth (11+) $95, Child $74 or $50 in sleeping bag on floor, Infant (w/o bed) $15. Day rates Registrar: Ce Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0468 (phone 712322-6399, e-mail ). Preregister by June 15; late fees apply otherwise. Wisconsin “MARIAN Srerres,” Juty 17-21

Locat Facilities: C

ilable.

Peterson,

le, WI. ference center, dining hall, double rooms. Pool, outdoor and team sports, crafts.

yron Center, Brown

Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023,

e-mail ). Pre-register by July 10. Southern States Frorioa, June 30—Jurr 4 Program: With Auxiliary Board members

Farah Rosenberg and Cap Cornwell, Regional Council member Karen Pritchard, Dwight Allen, Dorothy Gilstrap. Choral camp with ‘Tom Price and Barbara Baumgartner.

Location: Florida Tech University, Melbourne, FL.

Facilities: Campus with dining hall, dorm housing (optional; hotels nearby). Pool, tennis and soccer facilities.

Fees: Adult $180, Youth $170, Pre-youth $150, Child (4-10) $140, (0-3) free. Prepayment and family discounts available; day rates available.

Information: Donna Evertz (phone 954-2422562, e-mail ). Preregister by June 15 and discounts may apply.

Kentucky, Serr. 1-4 Program: Cultivating Distinction. With Counselor Tod

ing, Auxiliary Board member Jahangir Cyrus. Location: Kentucky Leadership Center, Faubush, KY. Facilia ins or semiprivate lodge rooms. Outdoor, water and court recreation. Fees: School fee: Family $35, Individual $15. Meals and lodging per day, depending on accommodations: Adult $23.75-47.75, Youth $23.75-36.75, Pre-youth $17.75-31.75, C (6-11) $8.88-20.88, (0-5) free with parent. Day rates available. Registrar: Nancy Ordaz,

La Grange, KY 40031 (phone 502-2418790, c-mail ). Pre-register by Aug. 25. Mariano “Dayspring,” Jury 27-30 Program: Cultivating Distinction: The Unique Nature of the Bah: With David and Margaret Ruh Location: Frostburg State Uni Frostburg, MD. Registrar: Rob Chalmers, Laurel, MD 20707-0464 (phone 301-7255604, fax 301-725-0464, e-mail

Conference center; lodging in cab

Nort Carouna, June 30-Juty 3 Program: Cultivating Distinction: Our Past,

Our Future. With early pioneers to the South; Eric Dozier and One Human Fmaily Workshop Choir.

Location: Catawba College, Salisbu

ith dorm and m, outdoor activities.

mMpUs

Registrar: Sandra Miles, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (phone 336-7676888, e-mail ). Pre-register by Junc 16; late fee applies otherwise. Sourn Carouna, Jury 14-20 Program: Cultivating Distinction—Part II. Location: Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. Facilities: Campus with dining hall and dorms or private room: nis, basketball, swimming. Registrar: V. Douglas Phillips,

Rock Hill, SC 29732 (phone 803-328-6353, vail . Pre-register by June 30. ‘Tennessee Band’i Institure, Sept. 1-4 Program: Cultivating Distinction. Location: DuBose Convention Center, Monteagle, TN.

Facilities: Conference center, meals on

private or dorm-style rooms or camp ery on site. Pool, team sports. Registrar: Kaihan $ Hixson, TN 37343 (information only phone 423-842-2750; please leave your email address). Pre-register by mail only by August 15. Tous, Aus. 4-6 Location: Bruceville,

Registrar: Muhammad Mazidi (c-mail ‘Vircinia “MASSANETTA SpRiNGs,” Serr. 14 Location: Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA. Program: Cultivating Distinction: The Station of Distinction. Registrar: Ruth Clements (e-mail regis .¢

page 24. THe AMERICAN BanA’i * CONSOLIDATING THE VicTORIES —_ June 5, 2000 [Page 25]

wWwidtihelen.org

The legacy continues

ttending Baha’{ school can be one of

he most powerful and, indeed, lifechanging experiences possible for someing the Faith, or a friend of the Faith. Baha'is often bring seekers or friends of the Faith, and the loving community atmosphere is often exhilarating for these guests. Such a teaching role has long been a central feature of Louhelen’s service. A special story illustrates this lega

In 1934 Mary Maxwell initiated her summer of traveling and teaching by inviting her friend Marguerite Reimer to accompany her. Although Marguerite had been brought up in a Baha’f family, she had not yet declared her faith in Baha’u’llah and her parents shared Miss Maxwell's hope that this trip would confirm her faith.

A friend who attended that youth session at Louhelen provided this descripable to all present was the beautiful, simple inspired way in: which Miss Mary Maxwell related day by day those gripping and thrilling stories of the heroes of the early days in Persia told in The Dawn-Breakers. Liste to these stories implanted a deeper desire to serve in the heart.”

Sure enough, after driving Miss Maxwell

Justin Lee practices his archery at a recent Camp Louhelen. Children at the camp can participate in a number of physical activities as well as classes based on the writings and principles of the Faith. Photo by Jim Cheek

Wilmettelnstitute

Spiritual Foundations:

E

Still open!

ontact the Wilmette Institute now (before the end of June) to if space is still open in the~ Spiritual Foundations for a Global — Civilization program. The two-week — intensive period of classes July © 29-Aug. 12 in Wilmette, Illinois, will focus on basic metaphysical and theo

that summer, Miss Reimer made her declaration as a Baha’i dedicated to raise up a world of peace and unity and oneness.

A few years later, Miss Maxwell, now known and loved around the world as Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khinum, became the wife of the Guardian of the Cause of God, Shoghi Effendi, and continued her life of exemplary service—as a Hand of the the Guardian’ repre: tative to the first Baha'i International Council, and as a traveling teacher throughout the world.

Miss Reimer’s lifetime of servi so touched the hearts of mi Besides serving as a member of the National Youth Committee, she attracted the heart of sportscaster William Sears (appointed a Hand of the y of God in 1957) to this precious and became his wife. She taught | pioneered with him, serving

has

throughout America and Africa.

Upcoming programs June 18-23: Camp Loubelen Children’s Institute I: Principles and Teachings of Baba’wlab. June 25-28: Camp Loubelen Children’s

Institute I: Baba’w'lab’s Principle of Oneness

and Promoting Race Unity. Both institutes are for children a

ie Yuille, Angela Blackshere, € Herth, Ei ter, Rul

tam Herth, L ski, Rona

Yuille, Perry Taborn and/or others.

June 30-Fuly 5: Persian-American Babii’é Studies. With Dr. Tahereh Ahdich, Habib Riazati, Fred Schechter; musi

arges Nouhnejad and Shahram Shabriari.

July 7-12: Youth Eagle Institute. With Habib Riazati, Fred Schechter and Ruhiyyih Yuille; for Baha'i youths and friends ages 15 and up. #

logical concepts of the Baha’ Faith and on early Babi and Baha’ history. —

Distance learning

Islam for Deepening and

Dialogue, June 1-August 31; students still accepted until July 1 if space is available.

This course is designed to give — Bah; an essential introduction to— the religion that, Shoghi Effendi stressed, is essential to understand if one wishes to understand the origin — hings of the Baha’ Faith fully. Understanding of Islam is particularly important for Baha'is of the Western ~ world who lack the background to appreciate the beauty and divinely guided role of Islam in world history. — ‘Tuition: $150*

The World Order of Babi’w'llah, Jaly 1-Sept. 30.

‘Spirit of Children’

ik its third year at Green Acre Baha’i chool, the Spirit of Children Conference on Children’s Literature and Art has been expanded to a five-day event Aug. 25-30.

The Spirit of Children conference is organized each year by a task force of writers, illustrators and musicians who produce materials for children. Organizers with particular interest in children’s literature have been spurred on by concern about how few specifically Baha’i children’s books are published each year worldwide.

The vision for the conference has been shaped by the need to explore what Baha’i literature for young people might

focus is Saieaeene children’s spiritual nature, particularly toward the oneness of humanity, through high-quality literature, art, music and theater.

The event also aims to support creative people with resources, networking opportunities, education about publication and distribution of materials, exposure to book- and music-sellers, and encouragement for their own projects and artistic development.

Not only for writers and artists, the conference brings together storytellers, musicians, actors, designers, filmmakers, game designers, puppeteers, publishers and many others interested in creating materials for children.

‘The program will include presentations by storytellers, local children’s book-buyers, published writers and illustrators, educators, parents and librarians. Several well-known children’s book writers and illustrators will speak.

Workshop topics include: Nurturing the Creator of Works for Children; Finding Your Story; Getting Published; ‘The Spiritual Content of Children’s Materials; Finding Personal ‘Time and Space for Creating; An Educator's Perspective on Children’s Literature; Self-promotion After Being Published

fo Produced; Literacy and much n ut

Publishing presences invited to the conference include:

Terry Cassiday, senior editor at the

Baha’i Publishing Trust, sharing information on the how-to's of publication, especially submitting materials to the Publishing ‘Trust. Several writers and illustrators have published their work as a result of meeting with her in past years’ conferences.

magazine.

Baha’i_ publishing companies from around the world, sharing goals, insights, children’s materials they have published, submission procedures and other materials and resources.

Classes will be provided for children ages 3-14 during the five-day session. For information, contact Green Acre.

Other upcoming programs June 23-28: Junior Youth Academy: Arising to Serve with Farah Rosenberg; for ages 11-14; limited enrollment. June 30-Fuly 5: Family Virtues Week with Kathy Grammer; also, The Baba’ Administrative Order in North America—Its First 75 Years with Jack McCants. July 2: Concert/Pienic with Red Grammer and special 75th Anniversary celebration.

The editorial staff of Brilliant Star

course is designed to help ~ ma fulfill the National Spiritual — Assembly’s request that they study this book together in the last half of 2000. The schedule leaves student three months to give firesides and — deepenings on the book. Tuition: $150*

20% discounts aay to local

groups of three or more. ”

All courses include e-mail listse for students and faculty, regular ference calls, systematic lesson plai and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your local community. All — courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (college-level) advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available for Se bahar pay full tuition.

THE WILMETTE Nene

536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free).

Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute. Sea The Web site is now secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition.

June 5, 2000 Tre AMERICAN BanA’i ¢

CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES page 25 [Page 26]1999-2000 COMMUNITY HONOR ROLL

he Office of the Treasurer is pleased last year. To be eligible, a community | to publish the Community Honor either must give 15 times or more during Roll for 156 B.E. Following is the listof | at least 12 of 19 months of the Bal | the 985 local Baha’{ communities that met | administrative year, or must participate in| 156 B.E. (indicated by a ¥) and audits for the Honor Roll criteria for their contribu- | the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) | the fiscal year ending April 30, 1999, which tion to the National Baha'i Fund. They | for at least 10 of 12 Gregorian months j were due June 30, 1999 (marked by a *). have distinguished themselves by the dili- between March 1999 and February 2000. | Congratulations to these communities, | i ! 1

We are pleased also to recognize Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups who submitted their community goals for

gence and care they have displayed in sup- Communities whose combined contribu- which have demonstrated regularity, conport of the National Spiritual Assembly. tions by mail and through the ACS fulfill ‘The Honor Roll criteria are the same as either criterion are also included.

sistency, responsibility and reliability—all characterics of mature and unified action.

ALABAMA Cerritos Madera Sierra JD* San Luis Obispo Greeley Lakeland Chico¥ Co. Se Jefferson Co: Ve Largo¥x Chula Vista San Marcos*® Leon Co. ses Citrus Hts.* an Mateox

Downers Grove Derby s Dodge City Hays

Claremont® San Mateo Co. $ JD Larimer Co.

Clovis¥« San Rafael& Longmont* Okaloosa Co. en Ellyn.

Concord*® San Ramon Louisvillex Orange Co. E¥x — Glencoe Ok athe

Corona® Santa a Loveland® Orange Co. W Glenview Overland Park¥*

Monrovi Mesa Co. Orlandox Highland Park¥ Wichita Monterey® Montezuma Co. Palm Beach Co. N Hoffman Estates C Supertinowx Moorpark Northglenn Palm Beacl Joliet¥* ARIZONA Dana Point¥* Moreno Valley * Wesuninster¥ * KENTUCKY Avondale Danville Mountain View* ® Boyle Co. “ 7 Lockport Jefferson Co.« CONNECTICUT Mahomet Jeffersontown Coconino Co. S Farmington Town® Maine ‘Twp.¥ Lexington Coconino E Hartford Naperville Louisville Douglas v New Haven a Oak Park¥* Flagstaff El Doratio Co. Newhall JD Oxford Town Sunbizeski! Park Forest Ganado Chapter. = NW Newport Beach¥ Tallaha Park Ridge LOUISIANA Gilbert& El Dorado Co. SE North Fork s . Stamford¥* Weston Peoria Avondale Holbrook* incinitas*® Sonoma Co. Supy — West Hartford Town Wilton Manors& — Rockford Baton Rouge¥ Oro Valley Escondido Dist #4 Roscoe ‘Twp.¥* Bossier City Paradise Valley¥ Eureka kla SonomaiCosSupy:.. Gauls ann ae ae oueneeInN Schaumburg x: East Baton Rouge Peoria¥* Fair O: e Ontari Dist #5* DELAWARE GEORGIA S x lev Orange¥* South Pasadena Dover¥* Springfield Orange Co. SJD* Sta nford New Castle Co. St. Charles Fallbrook San Orinda Suisun N¥x n Urbana Diego¥* Oxna aKOW Sunnyv: New Castle Co. Cobb Co. § Waukegan Fillmore ‘Temple City* Wx Cobb Co. SW¥x = Wheaton¥* S Folsom ‘Thousand Oaks¥ — Newark Cobb Co. W Wilmette¥* Shreveport Freedom Three Lakes JD¥*- Sus 20.4 Columbia Woodstock Fremont¥ Tiburon Wilmington* Dalton Fullerton¥* Toro and Laguna DeKalb Co. N Py aoe MAINE empe Glendale¥ Pet: aluma¥ Seca¥ DeKalb C INDIANA Auburn (Saile-Wheatfields Glendora Poway¥* Torrance DISTRICT OF Fulton Co. NE Angola Augusta ‘Tucson Goletax Prunedale ‘Tuolumne Cent. COLUMBIA Gwinnett Co. Nx Bloomington Twp. Dexter Town Grass Valley Rancho Cordova JD Washington Gwinnett Co. $ Bloomington* Eliot Town¥* Hanford¥* Rancho Union City Hall Co. Fort Wayne¥* Gorham Town ARKANSAS Hawthorne Cucamonga® Upland* Waa) Aaeaabeach\ Coy Gary Kingfield Fayetteville Hayward¥ Redlands Vacaville FLORIDA Roswell¥* Indianapolis Lewiston Hot Springs Healdsburg Redwood City¥* — Vallejo¥« Altamonte Springs Savannah Kokomo Portland Little Rock Hemet Richmond Ventura Adantic Beach Valdosta Mishawaka South Berwick Rogers Highland Ridgecrest Ventura Co. Brevard Co. Mount Vernon _South Portland Russellville Hollister Victorville¥ Charlotte Co. ie aod passim. Muncie Inglewood Vista S IDAHO South Bend* Irvinex Walnut Ada Co.& Vincennes¥* MARYLAND CALIFORNIA La Canada Walnut Creek Boi: West Lafayette Anne Arundel Co. E Agoura Hills Flintridge Westlake Villagex Collier Co. Coeur d’Alene¥ Baltimore Aliso Viejox La Crescenta cramento Co. SE Whittie: Cooper City Idaho Falls¥ Baltimore Co. Altadena La Mesa Sacramento Co. Whittier JD Dade Co. Cent.* — Latah Co. IOWA Cent. Anaheim*& Lafayette Yosemite-E] Portal Dade Co. Nx Lewiston& Ames* Baltimore Co. Arcadiax Laguna Beach Dade Co. $ Meridian Bettendorf Wx Arcata¥ x Laguna Hills® San Bernardino Daviex Moscow Cedar Falls Carroll Co.¥* Arroyo Grande Laguna Niguel& San Clemente COLORADO Deerfield Beach Cedar Rapids® Frederick Co. Bakersfield& Lakeside San Diego Arapahoe Co.¥x — Ft Lauderdale Council Bluffs¥ Gaithersburg Belmont& Lakewood San Diego Co. N Arvada Gainesville¥* ILLINOIS Davenport* Greenbelt¥ Berkeley Lancaster JD¥x Aurora® Gu. Gainesville¥ Arlington Hts. Des Moines Howard Co. Beverly Hills¥* Lemon Grove San Jose Boulder® Gulfport* Aurora* Mount Vernon Laurel Brea Livermore¥ San Juan Boulder Co. Hillsborough Co. Bloomington¥ —_ Sioux City¥ Montgomery Co. Burbank Lodi Capistrano¥ Colorado Springs¥k Ex Bolingbrook Warren Co. Cent.* Burlingame Lomita San Leandrox Cortez Hillsborough Co. Burr Ridge Waterloo Montgomery Co. N Calabasas Long Beach¥ San Leandro Denver Nwy¥ Champaign West Des Moines Montgomery Camarillo Los Alamitos Hayward JD* Douglas Co. Hollywood Chicago NW Campbell¥ x Los Altos San Luis Obispo EI Paso Co. E Indian River Co. Decatur¥* ~~ Montgomery ‘ i Los Angeles San Luis Obispo Fort Collins Jacksonvillex Deerfield KANSAS Montgomery Co. varlsbad& Los Gatos Co. NW* Golden® Lake Co.* Des Plaines Butler Co. SE

page 26 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Community Honok Koi June 5, 2000 [Page 27]

SSE PPMNPIITT ESE REERE ITTY FUT TIES TN ITIP rm ef ae EN SRT LT ENT TT Pe TST A; co T 01 “ROLL Pee Montgomery Co. — Arden Hills NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTH CAROLINA Clatsop C O- Pass Creek Dist. | UTAH Pullman¥ SW Beltrami C Ashevillex . Pierre¥ Logan Redmond¥ Montgomery Co. W_ Chanhassen Black Mountain Rapid City* Ogden Renton Prince Georges Co. Duluth* Buncombe Co. Eugene¥* Salt Lake City¥ Seattlex N Eagan Carrboro Forest Grovex Salt Lake Co. Shelton Prince Georges Co. Falcon Hts. Mi anchester* 3S TENNESSEE Shoreline¥* Ss Foley Nashua Brentwood Snohomish CCD ‘Takoma Park Golden Valley Peterborough Chattanooga¥ VERMONT 3% Grand Rapids Portsmouth¥ Chatham Hamilton Bennington Town — Snohomish Co. wood Durham Co.* Brattleboro¥* N¥x

MASSACHUSETTS = Little Canada Durham¥* chester Snohomish Co. SE Amherst Town Maple Grove NEW JERSEY Greensborox fax Town Spokane¥* Arlington Town May ‘Twp. Bloomfield Guilford Co.¥ Memphis Norwich Spokane CCD 1¥* Barnstable Town Minneapolis ft Hamlet McMinnville fresh Rochester ‘Town Spokane CCD 24% Boston Minnetonka Glassboro Henderson Co. Medford¥*& a Shoreham ‘Town ‘Tacoma Cambridge Plymouth Hamilton Twp.¥ High Point Milwaukie Rutherford Co. ‘Thurston Co. E Chelmsford Town — Rochester* Hopewell ‘Twp. Kernersville Pendleton Shelby Co. ‘Toppenish Dartmouth Town _ Roseville a New Hanover Portland Williamson Co.* — VIRGINIA ‘Tumw ater ‘asthampton ‘Town St. Paul Cox Roseburg¥ Wilson Co. Albemarle Co. J y xboro Town Stillwater Orange Co.* Salem Alexandria¥ Vancouver¥* Ipswich West St. Paul Wake Co. Springfield¥ x TEC AEIOR. esvillex Walla Walla Lexington ‘Town Woodbury Wilmington¥* Talent TEXAS thesterfield Co. Longmeadow Winston-Salem Tigard® Addison ‘Town ‘Tualatin Allen*& Malden¥ MISSISSIPPI Wallowa Co.* Arlington Medford Gulfport Wyckoff NORTH DAKOTA Washington Co. Austin Milford Town son Fargo¥ N¥* Bedford¥* Montague ‘Town burg TT Jamestown Bellaire Nantucket NEW MEXICO Minot¥ Benbrook Newton iGawaaies > | Alamogordox PENNSYLVANIA = Carrollton Gtr. Vienna¥ Northampton* MISSOURI Albuquerque SRE Maw ener or Allentown: Cedar Park Mount Vernonx — WEST VIRGINIA Northfield Town Chesterfield Aztec OHIO Altoona College Station Henrico Co. Charleston¥* Quincy Columbia Belen Bainbridge ‘Twp. Bethlehem Colleyville Loudoun Co. Jefferson Co. Salem Joplin F. Bexley Bu am ‘Twp. Coppell McLean Morgantown¥* Somerville Gallup¥ Bowling Green Elizabethtown Corpus Christi* Newport News Princeton South Hadley Hobbs Bucyrus Borough Dallas¥ Norfolk ‘Town Phelps Co. Lincoln Co. Cleveland Hts. Harrisburg Del Rio Prince William Co. Waltham Saint Charles Los Alamos Co.* — Columbus¥ Lancaster Denison BE WISCONSIN Wareham ‘Town Co.¥ x Los Lunas Dayton Lower Merion Twp. Denton Reston Algoma Watertown Town — Saint Charles¥* Rio Rancho¥ Fairborn Philadelphia¥ Duncanville Richmond Appleton Westford Town Saint Joseph. San Juan Co.* Harrison Twp. Pittsburgh Eagle Pass Roanoke Beloit* Wilbraham Town* Saint Louis¥* Sandoval Co. N Hilliard ¥ State College Edinburg Scottsville Brookfield¥& Springtield¥* Santa Fe Kent¥ Swarthmore El Paso Staunton¥* Cedar Grove Reo aia iaiesal S* Santa Fe Co. Kettering ‘Tredyffrin Twp. Flower Mound¥ Vienna* darburg: MICHIGAN University, City Macedonia Fort Worth¥ Virginia Beach ppewa Falls Allen Park Mansfield¥* Frisco De Pere Ann Arbor nol meta ed NEWYORK, Mentor RHODE ISLAND = Garland& ia Big Rapids MONTANA Albany Miami Twp. Cranston Grand Prairiex WASHINGTON Bloomfield ‘Twp. Bi Amherst Town¥* Poland Hopkinton ‘Town — Grapevine Anacortes mington ‘Town Canton Twp. Beacon¥ Shaker Hts. Warwick Harlingen*& Bellevue¥* Fond du Lack

Clinton Twp. Brighton ‘Town tow Bellingham¥* Glendale Detroit¥* Brookhaven Town¥ Sylvania Bothell Green Bay¥* Fast Lansing¥ GlicencesI>wndteeppanAtlingwns | SOUTH GAROUNA Edmonds Greenfield Flint a Urbana Adams Run Houston* Everett Janesvillex Grand Rapids ct Warrensville Hts.¥ Anderson Co.® Hurst¥ Gtr. Walla Walla Kenosha acest! See ee ey Glencon Irving¥* Tesaquaho TaGrossex Holland NEBRASKA Hempstead Yellow Springs* Columbia Kerr Co. Juanita Middleton Huntington Aurora¥ ‘Town¥*& Conway Lake Jackson Kenmore* Milwaukee

Woods¥ Bellevue Hoosick Falls Cross League City* Kent Muskego Kalamazoo*x Gering Huntington ‘Town* OKLAHOMA Florence Lewisville King Co. E New Berlin¥* Lansing Grand Island Islip Town Gtr. Orangeburg Lubbock : Oshkosh Marquette¥ Lincoln* Ithaca¥ Midwest City Greenville McAllen Portage Co. Midland¥ x Nebraska City Kingston Moore¥* Greenwood Co.¥* McKinney¥* Saukville Twp. Niles Twp. North Platte Mount Vernon Norman¥ Horry Co.¥ Midland* Sheboygan Oak Park Papillion New Paltz, Oklahoma City¥* —Kingstree North Richland Hills Stevens Point Saginaw Scottsbluff Co. New York City Ponca City Lexington Co. Nx Pasadena Sun Prairie Saginaw ‘Twp. North Hempstead Shawnee¥ Mauldin Plano¥* Longview¥x Waukesha¥*

ir Shores ‘Town Yukon Mount Pleasant Richardson Lynnwood¥ Waukesha ‘Twp. Scottville NEVADA Olean North Augusta¥ Round Rock Makah Reservation Wausau Southfield Boulder City* Perinton ‘Town¥* Pendleton San Antonio¥* Mercer Island¥ Wauwatosa* St. Joseph Carson City* Rochester OREGON Pickens Co.¥* Sugar Land¥ Moses Lakex West Allis ‘Troy* Churchill Co. Saratoga Springs Albany¥* Richland Co. N¥* The Colony* Mount Baker*& Wilson Twp. Washington ‘Twp. — Clark Co. W Schenectady Ashland¥ Rock Hill* ‘The Woodlands Mount Vernon Winchester ‘Twp. White River Twp. Las Vegas& Smithtown Town¥* Astoria Spartanburg Co. ‘Travis Co.¥* Mukilteo¥ Winneconne Ypsilanti Twp.¥ North Las Vegas. ‘TonawandaTown¥ Beaverton¥x Spartanburg¥* Tyler Neweastle¥ Paradise ‘Town¥ Utica Bend Victoria® Olympia¥ Reno Victor Town¥ Benton Co.* i caleiadianie habineaies ACO Pascox WYOMING

MINNESOTA Sparks. Webster Town¥* — Clackamas Co. NW SOUTH DAKOTA West University Pl. Pierce Co. Pen. Laramie Aitkin Co. Sunrise Manor¥* — White Plains Clackamas Co. S Custer Williamson Co. Port Angeles¥ Newcastle

June 5, 2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ Communrry Honor RoLe page 27 [Page 28]

PE STITT TTY PYRITE EEE TE TE HUY SoU IPMS SEER REAR ST OPER PESTO TS PORATED comerphis , *CLASSIFIEDe

lassified notices in The American

Baba’ are published free of charge OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

to the Baha’{ community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the have not been approved ral Assembly; the judgment and

care in responding. SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT THE BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS U.S. Baba’t Refugee Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant (part-time). Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Baha'i, government and other agencies involved in refugee

resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Baha’s refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Babé’i and other publications. Needs proven ability to work with confidential information, strong skills writing and speaking English. International Consultant, Office of Pioneering. 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 ete. Staff Producer, Media Services. Full range of video/audio production tasks, especially writ- < ing/development of Baba Newsreel. Will keep day-to-day production process in order; research, gather news, write and edit finished Newsreel stories, at times without assistance; help develop network of correspondents; arrange for duplication/distribution. Needs knowledge/experience in all production aspects of broadcast journalism; flexibility, organizational skills, familiarity with Baha'i administration. Concrete Artisan, Conservation Office.

Assists Concrete/Stone Conservator in the conservation of the Baha’i House of Worship and its surroundings. Must have competence in mixing, placing, finishing and curing concrete flatwork or architectural precast components, experience in building forms or making molds; should be familiar with pressure or acid cleaning, sandblasting, or pneumatic demolition; leadership or supervisory experience ben

ficial, Also essential: valid driver’ license, ability to work comfortably at heights and to wear full or half-mask respirators, good communication skills and ability to interact pleasantly with public. Organized, thorough, patient, cooperative manner desired. Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs at least five years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAG, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five years as a maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Applications Developer: Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with variety of technologies:

URGENT NEEDS

4 ef Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Assistant Coordinator/Kingdom Project. Will help Project Coordinator design and carry out an effective communication plan for the duration of the five-year Project. Needs strong grounding in fundamental verities of the Faith, exceptional written and oral communication skills and advanced computer skills, ability to coordinate tasks. Knowledge of desktop publishing a plus. Prefer bachelor’s degree in communication or related field; minimum three years’ related experience. Bahd’i Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Customer Service Representative (2 positions). Will process phone, fax and electronic orders, respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant voice and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Baha’ literature is a plus. Office of the Secretary, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Interacts with all departments, composes responses to all correspondence, handles high volume of detailed information with frequent interruptions. Needs sound problem-solving/organizational judgment, ability to work with confidential information and to work as part of a team (with and without supervision), written and interpersonal communication skills, proficiency in word processing, driver's license. Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Coordinates administrative tasks; maintains relationships with institutions and volunteers through phone, mail and electronic correspondence; and helps in executing tasks assigned to the Office of the Treasurer by the National Spiritual Assembly. Office of the Human Resources, Evanston: Benefits Administrator. Manages HRIS; administers medical, dental, life, AD&D, LTD and Flexible Spending plans; conducts benefit orientation; creates reports with HRIS and other special projects. Needs precision and accuracy in document/recordkeeping, skill in setting priorities and organizing files. Must be positive, service-oriented, sensi

Microsoft Office; two years’ college.

needs valid driver's license.

tive in handling of confidential matters, able to maintain productivity amid rapidly changing priorities. Desired: Experience in ADP, Report Smith, Excel,

Mail Services, Evanston: Clerk. Handles incoming/outgoing mail; carries out shipping, receiving, distribution, storage duties. Must be computer-literate, especially in Microsoft Office programs. Must speak, read and write English;

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

Visual tools, database and Web tools.

Network Administrator/Engineer. Responsible for configuration, maintenance and security of all computer networking infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including servers, cabling, routers, switches and NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers setup and structure.

SQL Database Administrator, Coordinates 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. Help desk. Coordinates support activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAL Handles or delegates requests for support. Develops training-related materials, assists promotion and education.

AT BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE Futton County, GA

Manager. Will oversee general direction, policies/strategies, interdepartmental collaboration, business operations; ensure high level of service to the community, performance of financial mandates and safeguarding of employee welfare; recruit, train and develop personnel; coordinate marketing/customer service, buying, information services and fulfillment. Needs high-level skills in communication, organization, consultation, presentation, negotiation, problem-solving; expertise in publishing and business management/marketing; ability to

meet changing deadlines and establish priorities; knowledge of Baha’ literature and principles; bachelor’s degree; five years’ experience in business management/development, specifically in personnel and financial management; knowl‘edge/experience in distribution or publishing.

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

AT LOUHELEN BAHA'I SCHOOL Davison, MICHIGAN

Properties Associate. Full range skilled maintenance and manual labor, to care for facilities and grounds year-round. Needs experience and training in carpentry, construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and/or grounds. If interested, contact Rick or Barbara Johnson, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, email .

AT Green Acre BAHA'I SCHOOL Euor, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds. If interested, please contact Jim Sacco, coadministrator, Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-4397200, e-mail ).

New York, NY Director, Manages the National Sp Assembly's Office of Public Information in

itual

New York. Functions as expert adviser to the National Spiritual Assembly, Regional Baha'i Councils, Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals in matters regarding media relations and public information concerning the Baha'i Faith in the United States. This is a supervisory position, ing to the director of the Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC. Responsibilities:

Acts as the National Spiritual Assembly

spokesperson to the national communica tion media on general Bal

matters. Responds to national media inquiries on general issues related to the Baha'i Faith. Develops and initiates stories about the

Baha'i community for national media. Coordinates and oversees Baha'i contact

with national media on general matters.

Directs and guides the work of more than 1,200 public inform: Conducts media 0

jon representatives.

ing seminars for public information representatives throughout the U.S.

Advises and collaborates with the Nation al Teaching Committee regarding

national media campaigns including de velopment of video, radio and press materials.

Conceives and develops public informa tion materials for public and private

institutions such as the hospital industry, public libraries, the funeral/death care industry ete.

Responds to media attacks against Baha’

communities.

Reviews and approves Baha’

articles and letters to the editor to be published in national media.

Requirements:

Professional experience in media/public

relations or related fields.

College degree (graduate degree desir able).

Mature understanding of the principles

and teachings of the Baha'i Faith (experi ence on Bahd’{ institutions or committees is helpful).

Proven ability to work with others in a

high-pressure, time~

ment.

nsitive environ Supervisory/managerial experience. Proven ability to write and speak well.

Ability to use discretion and diplomacy. Ability to handle simultaneous demands.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and a writing sample of no more than two pages to the Office of Human Resources, Baba’t National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430, email ). We regret that no inquiries (by phone, fax or mail) or visits to the Office of Public Information or to the Office of External Affairs can be accepted.

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

page 28

Tue AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ CLAssiFIED

June 5, 2000

[Page 29]

‘The Spiritual Assembly of Washington, DC, is

ing a resident manager for the local

Babé’i Center. Married couples and single

Bahi ouraged to apply. Must be able to provide loving hospitality to Baha’s and

se

non-Baha’i visitors, answer phon

events, coordinate cleaning and maintenance of the Center and its gardens and much more. ‘To apply, please send a letter stating your ifications to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Washington, DC, Washington, DC 20011.

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

inter

and qu:

‘The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the

friends pre for international se!

that end, the Office will post service opportunities related to the needs of other national

Baha’ institutions. Vor international job and study opportunities, we will provide Web si

e-mail addresses and other resources to benefit

your search.

For mor

formation regarding jobs and the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central anston, IL 60201 (phone 847733-3508, e-mail )

study abroad, ple:

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

A change in homefront pioneering appeals

The four Regional Baha’ Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering in the past year. Because of this, The American Bahd’i has changed the way it presents appeals for homefront pioneers. We will regularly print top-priority localities in each region for homefront pioneers, as reported to us by each Council.

“Classified ads” seeking homefront pioneers have appeared in The American Baha’i almost from its inception in 1970. However, at this time it is preferable for local communities to turn first to the Regional Councils for this purpose.

Southern States

For more information, please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team c/o Anne Jalali, secretary (phone 912-825-3542, e mail ) or Connie Donley, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 (phone 270-362-4228, e-mail .

Owensboro, the third-largest city in Kentucky, is ced of the teachings of Baha'u'llah. No ive in this city, the marketing center for the area. With great diversity in its economic base, a sound educational system, two private universities and a large community college, a large hospital and beautiful recreational opportunities, Owensboro is within two hours of Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. Clarksville, Tennessee, was just two members short of re-forming its Assembly (as of this writing). A wonderful dedication to teaching

has resulted in two recent declarations. Near Fort Campbell, Clarksville has had a large number of recent inquiries through the 1-80022-UNITE system.

Other priority localities:

Florida: Daytona Beach, Wialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach

Georgia: Neany

Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake Charles, Monroe North Carolina: Gastonia

Oklaboma: Broken brow

South Carolina: North Charleston

Tennessee: jason

Texas: Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Kien, Laredo, Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo

Virginia: Dawil, \ynchburg Portsmouth, Suffolk

West Virginia: Huntington

.

Western States

For more information, contact the appropriate Traveling Teaching-Homefront Pioneering Coordinator for each state or for American Indian reservations (list available in the Regional Councils section of the Administrative Web Site, www.usbne.org).

Roswell is the fifth-largest in New Mexico,

with a population of 49,000, a large me and New Mexico |

nter for agriculture, shipping

manufacturing, oil production and UFO

encounters. Roswell boasts 311 sunny d

year, and the median cost of an owner

dccupied home is $44,600. ‘There are special challenges and concerns for this city so those interested in pioneering here should contact state coordinator santa Fe, NM y

Sue Khozein,

87501-1267 (phone 505/984-2766, ei

‘The Meridian and Ada County Bahai commu nities in the Boise, Idaho,

need restoration

of their Spiritual Assemblies; Meridian has seven adults and Ada County was expected to have eight after annexations. With one of the fastestgrowing local economies in the United States, the Boise area has many job opportunities as well as excellent schools and Boise State University. ‘Phe county’s population is about 300,000, and surrounding counties add greatly to this number. Other priority localitie: © Arizona: hpache Junction, Bapchule District", Buckeye, Chino Valley, Goodyear, Houck Chapter*, Kingman, Surprise, Tolleson Idaho: fort Hall Indian Reservation”, Kootenai Co. Montana: Blackeet Indian Reservation’, Crow Agency", Havre, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co., Missoula, St. Ignatius Nevada: Boulder City, Pahrump, Winchester, lyon Co., Churchill Co.

New Mexico: Bernalillo Co. E., Dofia Ana Co. Cent,

Jicarila Apache Reservation*, Mescalero Apache Reservation*, Rio Arriba Co., Grants, Ruidoso, Lincoln Co., Socorro, Los Lunas, Deming, Carlsbad, Artesia, Lovington, Artec, Luna Co, Shiprock Chapter*, Taos (0. Utab: West Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville Clearfield, Farmington, La¥erkin, Layton, Midvale, Murray, Roy, South Ogden, Uintah-Ouray* ‘* Wyoming: Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Cody, Ravdlins, Newcastle, Weston County, Laramie County, Rock Springs

Colorado: Cortez, Manitou Springs, Englewood, Thornton,

Fremont Co., Pagosa Springs, Southern Ute Res.*, Canon City

California: 83 goal communities
Oregon: 21 goal communities
Washington: 36 goal communities
On Indian reservations; please contact

Helen Kiely, Gallup, NM 87301-4829 (phone 505-863-9074, e-mail )

BAHA’i Wort CENTER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Contact the Office of Human Resources at the Bahd’i National Center for an application (phone 847-733-3427, e-mail ).

YOUTH

‘The National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC, ac tions for the following unpaid

s for summer or fall 2000: Research Assistant. Will assist in the offi research on the status of women, sustainable

development, support of the United Nations,

human rights treaties and/or race uni

as helping with day-to-day office operation. Project Coordinator. Will consult with staff and draw up proposals for Web site design and/or exhibits about the work of the Office of

will also help with day-to-day office operation. Applicants should be college students with a

proven area of interest related to the work of the Office of External Affa

If interested,

nd cover letter to z L Affairs, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the U.S., 1320 19th Street NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036-1610 (e-mail

). Information about the Office

of External Affairs can be found at

wwwiusbne.org under “NSA Departments.”

[am a Baha’é youth writing a booklet for and about youth, and I would like to enlist your help. I need positive and negative storiés of your experiences and those of others, especi dealing with interactions between adults

youths, How did you and others deal with the

situation, and what was the outcome? I also

can ing experiences or moments in your Bah: that changed you, and your challenges, u umphs and what you have found to be effec

tive in teaching the

th to your peers. All stories will be confidential; please do not

include vindictive accounts. P!

write or Lochle, Naperville, IL 60564 (phone 630°527-0785, e-mail

or ).

Desert Rose Bab’i Institute Inc. in Southern Arizona is rapidly developing as a major center of learning for an integrated community of Baha'is of all ages. Provisions are being made for construction of independent living units for those who may have left the work force and would like to be a part of this e In the short terr

ing concept.

¢ aim to offer training courses, programs and conferences as well as to op an outreach program beyond the

dev

. Longer-term plans include

an accredited center of learning focusing on the knowledge and

na Baha'i community on the Institutes

rounds. If interested, please contact obey Hampson, project manager, Desert Rose Baha'i Institute,

AZ, 85231 (phone 520-466-3783, e-mail .

ARCHIVES

The nal letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following: Gertrude Atkinson, Gloria

Dorlan, Bennett Dorn,

Dorrida,

Stich Alfred Downs, Eleanor Drury

Hildegard Doty, Lawrei Doubel

knowing fa

nily members or relatives who might have these Guardian's letters is asked to contact the National Baha'i Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-869-9039).

‘The National Baha'i Archives is seeking photograpbs of ‘Ali Nakhjavini, Peter Khan, Adib Taherzadeh, Ian Semple, Hooper Dunbar,

Farzam Arbab, Douglas Martin, Hushmand Fatheazam and Kiser Barnes. Please identi

the photographs and date. Anyone ha

f possible with name, locality

ng photographs they could donate is asked to s

HUQUQU’LLAH | THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqtiqu’llah should be made to “The Baha’i Huqaqu’llah Trust” (please write your Baha’i 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 651-490-7521, e-mail

Sally Foo,

Phone 609-671-9125, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail

Daryush Haghighi,

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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, Baha’i Huqdqu’llah Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail

June 5, 2000 The AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED

page 29 [Page 30]

This eight-page brochure from the

Office of the Treasurer

contains some Baha’i teachings and practical advice on:

Importance and advantages of a
Five steps to creating a successful will

Checklist for preparing a will

Burial instructions

Bequests to the Baha’i Faith

Individual copies may be requested free. There is a nominal charge for ordering these brochures in quantity.

Es The National Spiritual Assembly's Planned Giving Program has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for

themselves, cheir families and the Faith:

WOLOBI 4

Providing for the Bahs'i Faith in your will

. Making a gift of securities

Making a gift of real estate

Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

Charitable Gift Annuities

Charitable Remainder Trusts

INFORMATION ON

To order The Writing of a

Will or to find out more

about planned giving:

Phone 847-733-3466 or

e-mail

Or, fill out the form with

the attached envelope.

‘To record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on all international trips taken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. 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 on page Include the following special informatio:

h 31 to respond by mail. n (use a separate sheet as needed):

Names and ID numbers of all Baha'is on each wip.

Names of each country visited, plus the

date(s) of visit(s).

Main purpose of your travel.

‘one or,two main localities, and

Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for:

Native Americans to teach in the circum

npolar areas? Hispanic believers to

teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa? ®

TEACHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

books and pamphlets, said teaching Christians is all about “making friends and finding common ground, not arguing prophecies.”

‘That was borne out in a series of Dallas-area firesides that weekend that featured the participants as guest speakers.

When the group reconvened on Sunday morning to “debrief” on these experiences, many commented that Bah@’is often tend to complicate the questions posed by Christian seekers, said Rafraf.

‘The view of participants, he said, was that the friends, rather than engaging

ecocccccce

Christians in detailed discussions of theology, must respectfully convey our love for Christ, His teachings and the Bible and the connection between Christ and Baha'u'llah.

So-successful was the Dallas symposium in the eyes of all attendees that the National Teaching Committee invited a small number of the participants to consult with it in January. Again the spirit and the degree of unanimity were high, said Matthews.

Since then, several lines of action have been pursued, Rafraf s

‘The Southern Regional Council organized training in May on teaching

Glimpses of the Faith in the media

New York Times article publicizes Radio Baha’ nationwide

he New York Times profiled WLGI Radio Bah: a highly positive feature article, accompanied by photos, in March 31 editions. Headlined “Hemingway Journal: A Little Bit of a Change From Old-Time Religion,” the article was available to newspapers nationwide via the Times’ new Reporting from Hemingway, South Carolina, writer Gustav Niebuhr briefl outlined the beginnings of the Ba Faith, a few basic teachings—particularly on race unity—and even some facts about the Hand of the Cause Louis Gregory. The station is housed at the Louis G. Gregory Pe

station pre spreading the Baha’f message crete and playing gospel and other popular mi the 50,000-watt FM__ station announcements’ for local’ churches and fills prayer requests.

“The obvious question is, Why he: the article continued. “Well, d important to Bahai: since thousands of South Carolini: converted to the religion in the 1970s.”

Documentary to feature Temple

Restoration efforts on the Baha’f House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, were to be mentioned as part of “Modern Marvels,” a documentary on the development of concrete, produced for the History Channel of cable TV.

First broadcast was set for May 31. Repeat airings of such programs are com

Christians for regional teaching institutes in the South.

Material related to teaching Christians is being collected by the National Teaching Committee so it can b with Assemblies and RTs and, ultimately, with believers—probably through the ional Administrative Web Site. Similarly, a summary of Bal tion on Christianity is being assembled for dissemination to the friends.

‘These steps, Matthews said, will help the friends take advantage of a “window of opportunity” brought on generally by Americans’ movement toward Baha’s positions on “all the hot-button issues”

mon on that channel.

The documentary's producer and director “fell in love with the Temple” when they viewed video footage of the ongoing project to restore and conserve the building’s decorative concrete and structure.

“They recognized the ‘Temple’s unique role as the impetus for the development of architectural precast concrete now used throughout the world,” Armbruster id.

‘The restoration and conservation projects have won several national and international awards for their innovation in formulation and application of concrete.

sa

Portrait of an artist An article in the winter 2000 issue of MSFocus magazi ional publication of the Multiple § Foundation, profiled Linda Hastings-Johnson, a Baha’f

who who has maintained her work in

culpture despite suffering tating illness sii 1987. ld Beach, Florida, resident carves detailed three-dimensional figures and scenes on the back of clear acrylic blocks, to be viewed from the front. She sells the artwork at East Coast craft shows. “How is she able to continue this finely detailed work despite her MS symptoms?” the magazine’s report reads. “Linda, a member of the Baha’f Faith since 1970, credits her faith and love of her art. ‘My hands are steady when Pm sculpting,’ Linda says. ‘God gives me that gift’

and specifically by heavy response to the National Spiritual Assembly’s media ini tiative.

Just as social principles of the Faith have been adopted by more and more people in recent years, now “the spirit of the age is penetrating to people who haven’t even heard of Baha’u’lléh,” he said.

But to exploit that opportunity, Matthews said, we must be able to respond with confidence when a caller to the 800-22-UNITE line expresses agreement with the content of a Baha’{ video, then says, “I’m happy in my church— what do you have to say about that?” #

IN MEMORIAM

stale een erehes Doron Herat Clarence Gomes IL

-Romoland, CA

Jahan Azimi Elijah Buckner Isadore I. Fine Roger Gordon Leslie Marcus Rouhangiz Poustchi Lucinda G. Spoor Richardson, TX Houston, TX New Rochelle, NY | Thousand Oaks, CA White Plains, NY Orlando, FL Keene, NH March 29, 2000 April 2, 2000 November 25, 1999 January 30, 2000 April 8, 2000 April 2000 December 28, 1999

Mary F, Baral Terrence L. Clark Annabell Gault Stella V. Johnson Veda Matteson Grace Sevier Charlotte Stirrat

Tucson, AZ Detroit, MI ‘Twisp, WA. Brooksville, FL. Orlando, FL. Riverside, CA. Mozambique March 24, 2000. December 4, 1999 December 12, 1999 March 22, 1999 March 24, 2000 October 30, 1999 March 30, 2000

Elisabeth Kurianski Stanley B. Olewinski Rloysine B:Sborenan Juanita R. Ziegler

Fort Belknap, MT “March 6,,

Green Lake, WI ‘ebruary 10, 2000

June 5, 2000 [Page 31]

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening and external affairs

Fall 1999 issue

Editorial: “Taking Dogmatism Seriously”

* Interchange: Th

Robert Hariman on C

Does a ‘Jest’s Prosperity’

Duane L. Herrmann on “Rolling Prairie: Politics, the Press, and the Baha’i Faith in

Ahang Rabbani translates

editors reflect on PT.

n detachment in

fo English a 1901 plan for surveillance of Baha'i acti

Anderson's recent film, Magnolia

n Pulp Fiction

change in “Where omedy and Community

ansas, 1897”

Palestine and Iran

Coming in future issues:

Baha'i scholars rey

books of the 20th century

Muhammad Afnan on the Kitab-i-B:

> Sandra Hutchison on Ri

A tribute to the Bab on the 150th anniv.

martyrdom

the most important secular US.

fh Rabbanis written legacy

ry of His

Subscriptions: $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mailL— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. air mail— $24 / year, $46 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the U.S. National Assembly Subscriptions: US—$I8 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. air mail—$28 / year, $52 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling See Kid’s Corner, page 13

The American Baha’i

10 timesa year; ~ available by.subscription-to Baha’is outside the continental U.S. Outside U.S. surface mail—$24 / year, $45 / 2 years Outside US. air mai—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling

One Country

Quarterly about development by the Baha’i International Community Subscriptions: US.—S$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside US. air mail—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

Herald of the South

Quarterly by National Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand Subscriptions: US.—$28 / year, $50 / 2 years Outside U.S. Contact Herald of the South,

Ingleside NSW 2101, Australia; e-mail Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication?

Send to:

Address.

City,

Country

State, ZIP

Daytime phone or e-mail

Sold to (if different from recipient):

A Century of Light: Who is Writing the Future?

Association for Baha’i Studies 24th Annual Conference Aug. 31- Sept. 5 +» Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre, Toronto, Canada

Program: Fees: Featured speakers include: All conference fees are in Canadian dollars; the

Dr. Bahiyyih Nakhjavani exchange rate may vary. Conversion is automatic if you
Dr. Janet Khan pay by credit card.
Jacqueline Left Hand Bull

+ Prof. Howard Adelman

Sen. Landon Pearson

Prof. Suheil Bushrui

Details on page 17.

Full four-day registration

ABS member: $80 by June 10, $90 by July 3, $100 on site. Non-member: $120 by June 10, $130 by July 3, $140 on

site. Fee includes one-year membership. s Child or Pre-Youth (age 5-15): $50. To register: Discounts (no more than one discount may apply) Use any of the following ways to register.

Web site:

www.bahai-studies.ca + Fax: 613-233-3644

Phone: 613-233-1903

Couple: members, $20 discount per couple; non-members, $50 discount per couple. Senior (65+), Student or Unwaged: member, $20 discount; non-member, $35 discount. One-day registration ABS member: $25 by July 3, $35 on site.

+ Mail this ad and form —_ Non-member: $30 by July 3, $40 on site.

to: Association for Baha’i Child or Pre-Youth: $20.

Studies, 34 Copernicus Refunds: Registration fees are refundable, less 10% St., Ottawa, Ontario, administrative fees if ABS is notified by Aug. 15, and less Canada KIN 7K4 20% administrative fees if notified after Aug. 15.

To mail in your registration:

Please use a separate form or copy for EACH person or couple registering.

Fill out the registrant’s name, addréss, country, phone and ¢-mail information.

Under “Special Information,” please indicate ALL of the below that apply:

Applicable fees in Canadian dollars, plus any amount you add for scholarships.

+ If you're an ABS-North America member, enter membership expiration date (or “Life Member” if that applies).

If you're paying by cheque or money order, please indicate that.

+ If you're paying with Visa, MasterCard or American Express, please enter the credit card number, expiration date, and the printed name and signature of the cardholder.

Hotel information: At the conference site, the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Confer‘ence Centre, near the Toronto International Airport, a block of rooms at the special rate of $99 Canadian (about $67 in U.S. dollars) plus taxes will be available until July 30.

MAKE ROOM RESERVATIONS directly with the hotel (phone 800-422-8238); specify Association for Baha'i Studies to receive the special rate.

or MULTIPURPOSE FORM CLP oR Copy As NEEDED

For which event or activity?

Address Name City State, ZIP Address Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N City State, ZIP.

Home phone

Fax

Work phone

E-mail

Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable to

back

Credit card # if applicable)

ble sales tax.

Baha'i Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for soa plier caret retinas tae Sa

Exp. date

Cardholder signature

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017

‘TAB 6/5/00

Phone E-mail

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

TAB 6/5/00

June 5, 2000 ‘THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * SEEKING YouR RESPONSE page 31 [Page 32]

digas Glilge

EXC! INCE IN ALL THINGS

tly UL AW Gs 9K cman) SILI 54> Paradise Valley dy lg oS sd SS Ujrew WS sat geal 59 slag BE ed ot Gop Cl She Sars OL > WAS CELy? coed VV oF Ly 0d go aL

NV Se Same Se shel i ages Hed GH Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans byl gIS.0,p BAS p99 JLo 59 4S epee GUT cl at viale Gl Saal Jars Jphte el RSI Gd Slo or ol DL» 2 Ge sey Gly b dle gal Cio 4 5 Soo pb T © ple dbyrtils 4 Ske tre whl Go5 2S ee BS olaler gls

99 El Cerrito sty ped! Glol 5) Bey b45 ae oles & Ghple chy» Gly Sib o Wis Ee BE Ae GLI Soroptomise Award of Merit ayS he Byle 4 Corl Gn pn> Pails GIS Jars 3 aetS 5 drole 5 dupe 4 OE 4 Cod Gly L cmd 00,8 CdLy> ole

Sos cll iG 5 G5 ole me gl etl S59 51 OUT os5 5a, G3 o eS Bl pple Ged cols Uist > y olals ole tle Se

—— 9? plz 92015

PAYAM-E DOOST RADIO.

Ugely QS

wowed actly

pe ob SU Srl) HL, omg ply Jrel 5 Qu UL 4 were CLAD! 11)! jb, 2 ty JL AE bls oe yy ly Ob B98 gael (oe 59 tly Milas dal be 5S cle & ntiS JL ls 2 SBA SE al Cae ply ah eel 32 5 ov 05 Sle wl Gaby ol oil 5! at 3/5 15 W6L3 2B per 92 Leo Sle ae 2»

9 NS LG Ly IGS al pel Jalon wba 3y5 abel 52 ot pth 45 looped ee ty Sel spel 9G ety OLD! lp th ATY-V¥Y-PONN :

4 A Bp lel

wl Sed pet

PG 4 Sil ade pay thos, SLT SN epee 9S 5 Lp dies jl tho, St Lee spe yldrepte aber 51 LU 42 4S) wth als QLSee gael Ly JL! oF 2? glunepse 4 gl te HL 59 pty OLD! pte E> wat tls

44 Ly 90) Glide LES GAAS 59 ES po ay Oho alls (BS 44 9 See eee 9 Lge 9 0955 dalle ex Bs tule sd Jia) Geel

wasioy ARS Jove 90 9 ST IIT agi gl jm oy Libs Mile Agi AS Ime » TU ISS ef oo YO (Je WY UQYLS go b- JY OF Cee ngihas drt tak Ime 9 v¥> Vb SK oy

Aen ull MT rod aes gi pi Sy ll Bibb Glyn 92 Gocsil Vo=> pratese ¥ -caseST FY

Boer enerSeeree neta (di tie) Sle WG TF ats Gao Peer eee eee (pdt ie) TE & Jee

Ss OWS awd ~

‘ng

oS shal Clad! GG OS Kobe cline!

OVO! 5) ghd she pees gs ol Sys Sets 92 sie eet

WS woke cliael GSI oye! sd U ety le! hy Da pSs Gul yw) Gdosleds 4 SS pal/ Lily! AEY-VST-YOT) 9 AEV-VNS-TOFA

PS? ed LG jI ae Ge JL 4» te los Saree 5 Hel sper le jl oak BIS BSS 32 5 oe abel ee Gel GB Glee D> eg HS opel Orly 5 teres GIL Crt ey lps 9 lt & ry GEL, AST 5 GUT Gp 51 plas 5 lal Glo! olin Oe Sle AG 5 GL! Ces I pp op SL weed aly GL IAs

bres 99 295 Comme i OLA! sliced acd Sy coe CL I BLS er 4 5n BPH o> AL LS 55 he Ju ty sles gL! dale vice OIL jE OE 49 ohal Galjt apne ly ily Kind oblaiugs Gol oT

Friends of Persian Culture Association Tenth AnnualConference

Syeail YU nlas gly oleh! (ALY) VFT_YAVO 9 (AEY)-VIT- FO) Gab MEV-VIN-TEAF Sd

FSIS) Comey np Bs

Friends of Persian Culture Association Persian-American Affairs Office, Baha'i National Center,

1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

Gxm o1Ssts0d 9 yliio rin -1

Ge UT otra Be aS Grpe glee jl Los iF ls & tad & LL Gly bos 9B Ls gal Ha ole L ate o WStls gath by aly b od clatesls WES Mel gagul BYL: Gol kS gears wilye pat Leby -1

Baby Les pyre cee iI SJL» Geol 5h alae GALES 52 cul vay hee 9 at 03 22 dle! Saad OYG9 GI dee gue Beaby ly Gite Ge) Ser guy pet P92 thee GF ABEL, Tol Aber jl cipal veel AS aS gle We WL! 59 5a

Ghee De Kyo 5 ylRinys 5 gl cls jl 9 pi slaQols 51 sralsy agile optus Oyeo GU sslsy oy UT, Jt I eG Set L A orp thy BAS LS oe ol» iw

AEV-YSF-FOS) ai

abies geardl 2YLee gait kS ceed -f

Baie Fee Hi Cot MN GN sl pli Sons S23 Chicago Marriott O'Hare SL. Jo» Ipod spiuw ord GULeS hel ppoype -r2ptu coed gril I ashe YoLAS hel oblate cl pe Speed tgtly tay oly pul ily gael 9 hee slid cyestyd glSiz5 w0alj pbLS Jared

page 32 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * PERSIAN

June 5, 2000 [Page 33]

Gio ual 9 Salis

die Grits gel rh pols ole pee 4S cutle WUBI 25 CLL, 5 ULe Wy, GL SF Col Grol as SES GE Gris Y Ole ,s oS Oyo hUcsl » 615k

al eS She aT i Gee OL gee Glin she jl alo ope) oles She tind alee 5 Gre cel they GEOL Al 51 683 oll CaF ghee able 5 YlSa,S syst alee 4 tiheagT Jae & Sy! ILI slo! as Shel lens shee yp Leys WW pl gf aisSe aS weed o9g331 CJL gf

AS SA Als! OB 3h) ole ther 5! or Dbe Gly at ye eLel ole 5 AS ilSae Goal Gb 3! pads Gouk,

Canes

JI be oa, Joe a SUS Ole 4 Zl:

Bly PLL pate GLASS 5b

jh ag us Aa he GHGS 39 (US es,+

& slasby 55 SV shel shel spel abo shee

SIG! Gly del ls Sle! olsty pe” olte

DL So AS 95 02,8 bags “te GARB 9 ede Ad Lal dS obj 2 OL Kg Qu obj &

ol} BE jad 55> DR. KAZEMZADEH'S RETIREMENT

it jl aly BUS jy nd ~5o VAAY JL 52 Liszel Jor ol Rtsls 50 Ges sla! glneay os 09S Couly ya GLA! 51 gle les, pire 12,5 pel EN gpl Gye Ly 99h 5) pL AS a5 Cy pas shied vali blS 553 age y ae Silo cody 4 9 aT 59 WS Che vay jo olKtsls yale |) gle dine

pe Cede JL PV Gt ay vals bl 25> BN AS 9,8 Colyd yo dare CYL! gle Gly Jie vial gules wyle Jl 59 dine OLE!

Fis GIGS Rall ly, gL aS alm Olle dae 1b, wlbd GS Oty 59 Garb ay! obs Db pyjGS Lb seb Ley WS slo 3

he shy be ty ten pls ole Ae 9 presld sh Ay Coed hee Cree be tae aS Cit 9 WE 4 dpel iI sl yo 5 Grol CLELE Gee ped ge plat Slee pol deed OLLb JLo!

PScks Holley ks 52 sl; ebUS Fos pds CVU! a VAFF JL 52 5 apt ole a pte ears ay ails 4 ppt, clealSls 59 4 wl Sey pene olStsls slead Go GLILL Gee y Slap

3 Gt GG ty 59

279305 Gre Gold oul GES Gly pet obey! > dyin Gol 5 pS ASS Gel dole 5» spehe phe dew Gb oo 5 IS! ole P> syoh_ sO GAS

Ly tilS 59 Glpol> ol} BIS 55,05 So die BIL ALT oat Gl gly jl as bla! L wcdba AST cosy vole coay cptilS JLSt3 ole5 5

ole 4 te olel LS 2 lol 5! gL! 5» Wabiles cle ge Af SUSI yo CaF 5 oy sT So oT ceed 09,5 Sa abel 92 Ab el Clee wed) onl 5 20,5 vote gee b ole! cle! 2 Sle ee 4S Cel AE 2 (AS Get, ASG 5 Cw

pS lS ala gar So i AF Cal pe ee dys Soo ow ily BS lL ose plac! Lan, lily chyail Sf seo pe ill Grent yb w che OS

ALAS eatte ay gainer val; bLS 25> shel Olina Yel pl tome CYL ELS Sato GM setae. tataL ys tUsl ole 2S dogs Olt! call gary Curd 59 pal 3S le SS slacl & GIL gb ji Lol as 9 ls pole ls wliabd gl 5955 ee yd SAS whey of sete Jule 4 oh oS BLS 5!

F3y 1S Sats UB getger o3lj BS 25> CL et ort ge te 53 SL yp eLol jl ee ele aly ed Gg Gil Pat gt 0p SaZiliny

2 AS slatlie 5) Slee yl rea, gle % GS3 op AE G2 HEE Sree poms Lbjy, Se Bb 4 eeh sSis Ul >. 3 Ghee soy thd ats lle Goer Gly If j> WLGI Sag Ay bye apel oo lel OS ter ol! ee files 4 BEI CS 5 Ob) Grim 5 gal shor Cote Gasld Gere 59 4 asShe) 55 Ome}

Glade yo Lol OS pt Ad o> Gly v9 sad PR tpi EF 49 0S gh oe Lely & eb seal 53 HL»> WLS GIL Gly te Gul IS Ly Cem gpl Corky opt FS ohal AF 52 Golh wcatls told age 2 dle SS

Be 4S 9S NI gape o9l5 BIS 25> Ll Col Sprite shay opt igs clo eS t3 onl ghee 4 sul jhe elles ae oy Chiles Ub aor etal pa ay Le Spgs Obyo CUS gLtul by olglhy, aoe seule GIL CLib 5» rete Le Gt AA oS whee ley y tot pe lay Semaine Cpr ig S path Cale wl

Col

eho sileg) Joe clacl Gul

MEMBERS OF THE NEW NSA

gabe jl gs VW 5! IS DE 5 coe 9 Bolo whe Gl go bY 5 sol yi, Lae wats lal MeL Gh ee ae

parce CYL he ily ine glacl pb newly NB tte fire yo ob ce, a5 b ets SF 23S Qe Ula i dire dy toms pls ole Saree pe epee Co Srl le ~ SY Lay ob SS SS ole as AE oh sp pile Gre onl snl pbs ole kes Ky! Bb SL typo oke

ox aikegs

se ailog, fire BILLY N55 ‘THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NSA

los, pire pts gets Onl) Ss hel Gar 93 wubb Ll Jie BIL IT Le AF cSLs ghLE, bE gli! 25 j4T JLjYe ise GEILSL SF tbe» pal Gar 42 gl jh RL debe lope Cepeda sod PUT nay) Sle pel Spe 53 pape rer RAS nsjon ahh ps cStsl cinta ysis web; pore Lena foul 0310s Gy AS lett de JL Ue on!

sihys 6S Sealy Sl alST gal ay aay & bal 5 play Ble 4 Glaek colts old , oy eam Sei sly gvalst tees lhe ales

pel Je 42 45 Ctl sYybl pre ~5> ELE | cbr hs ye SF pl Corr 59 ls AS By Hho YT 5! slab y daw Ly as ale DLS gle Ub opey 4 pee OL! wake tied le Us Gy Gla bl, Leh hss les glee 59 tld OL ngs -25)

SoG aly tele 66 CS pin 25 9 ee JE yp elest 5 tees inl ob S BSUS Gb wT welt 5 ul 25 pp oy 23 gt 9 Beh ge ays) oboe bebo!

(wi a 4 palsy Gl bbs Ate Lh tS oll OG oly guia 259 9 62d Ole CAS Spel |) lias jb fet 2 lS Ca gg 2? teeter b cle!

Prey WIILT » 4 gle 4 Wr Soy Sux ee Smad ty bpp Glo tee alee 52 fen PPS ham dy Cee leg 5 Cree SUI gs Sle

June 5, 2000

THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ PERSIAN page 33 [Page 34]

eS elas 1 UT (5255 4S see ols 4 ile SoG 5 3 Gey el nln we LE Ly JLbI OO oe Dele yy) HL tao Ap aT Gl 29 IGG guyslte plarl a Ls jUssl jays

ed Cle ty AS Coed MAS oF gd VV aayil5 pels por Anh Fe > UI ge GLI) Pw seslary 3! SS gael wl > at & isles Gore glacl op 1S gS pac ool gull poe ctl weal s CSjLes gayle Ly GALS deel 2b tly tek glare ole 4 gala ale JE 42 SF ayof pee Glau Gly ol aT By a So 8 apt 5g AE GL 2 Ord etl ge Cth ls 2 9 aly lal p56 le Goll Ola ee ole bel Lays Atredle OL 5 yr, SI de CL Ly ete Jatin esl Gay! gr all LG US pdligge olagee A555) LLG 52 ill Gs Opa 0S lasts SS oljs5

1S AIS eaalsd hy 5! aaloorjlys L248 yl L Pb Abe lls oth palsy Gl of ay Se SLT LE ay, Yl el ope Grate glue pew oA dG G YI ilo 5 Ge 5! Bg Slope DE 92 SF gy pat Uw, Udine Spar ttl b & oy hb yg, By Coed pier WS Wye pel GALS cll eb dl ol De 5g ls Je >I PED 2 93 Ore Oper QW 32 dy 5 IL $l Opae “19,5 55-0 Los aL Lt! ASL) 49 Wale Hl ol & bbe ad & «UI LUT 5 2525 jie ypAS VAD yp cole LW fail BS Aipeh AL agin Slt lye 5 PAR 5 AE oper AHS GL GLA! oS Je 2b eB able Cr5 5 2p wld bd | 05

Ore SL le es ty IES +1

ab ells ole le G Re pho ped 2 aye a Uall dal Spar ay Col areslt oS ob of |, 22 Ly 295 BoE gels WS Cul See LT purl ctl pel Gl oS pls By gad DE 4 8B gil SI85 92 SAS gape ee 9 AGI Gare

Soy Cpr

oa Ja) ee

lye ss 0S cere gil sl aeale ole ols! oe 02 Wyo Gh 3 JL VO GAY games pe 5 Vptne steel WS ate LSS | 26 45 ll pH! Oe oe Ih) wh oe pee Geils AS camel hey al 5 AS NS lye 4 S255 4555 WL ede gy UT oye 32 Ls OL ws Ly lee Gop Wy CBE 5 IIL las CpeeSpoo Si eeeeoN yeas es CS 5 dS Gls | oleh!) wul zh UG Spete GUS go UT ys tere Grn GHGS gz > aS ol SILT» oble Deke ly Gliese a Lape gly if slic! ote Gk

aS ghols 5 bay we GladlS ae LE Jb lbs ilo age » by JUB! tory WG! Cds leg He 6S pale ee GT i! pls ly I Sp yl Spine pyle 45,5 gLULbI wrole bags 7 [pane iby ol SES ed Dial bir gly 0S silo ede Soo sp cul Ue bh Sle el LL CEb 65 52 JLB! one 4 cle th I Se pan ob ls 5) See tL SL pte Go! lab, AS horpe,d dle Oper ce Gere LH! 4 by ee 9 FED AS Col ot ed ale 4g Wlrryed lol 4 Als Cosy plo Coe ly aot Sy 255 92 AES gpd oped gil p> SI oS Olas SI A Gee SO aypr tn 5 ppole y 5b She le Cpe yo ple 5 4 Oars JIS 295 JUbI giles, 24, & gob JSt y orp PE! on sly b 28 SUP He Se 4 vw! Ste Bly aS Ghow 1p) .w IKI LG gb! Ay edd tay, Sl Glo! Gly AAS yl & 3! gal5T 5 (fanaticism) S23 a5 pre «icp! pl dere pS 92 192-5 Ont Ge Ol J oy A al JU Gory 9 hd 2b aT el Ane 5 epee Sle Jae 4 4S rls Ded, 5 Syhe has F ay oS ola by ot CD me SF Slul |) gett, jl CELI o,5y 9,5 0S Ls 5 gly IU Sle Sly I! he 15 DAF SAS 2 oe EI cel OG JL AF SUNS GIG oles 5 gba apt er vl pe POA rte LEH ele oo JUBI On Gly go JLabl oS cutls bi we OL pee 1d poe ee Geb oS BS GEU) SL> 1S GS Gili yy putt Sine U5 WS Ibi Ay eS cle! 6b Geol, Hb 5 aileees hae ISL slsil, iI UT ot wd Erk we bbe! Jb I le gl Hl Gorse 99 4S dees SUIT ge 52 9 eee

alae Coal) Slang cals Oe) ay jlrg 31) TF oylpe pls obtes AF Cul 35 oke yl 2 gaily Ly GSI dye gles! gl SI wl op rn Shere aly oF jl 5 325 oo Jews glib! » D> HN EE apt po oyhy WWo,F gl HS ly Sale 5 ha pe be oe tele el Clee Shel gpl Ae ly pas Shel» lt oo! 9 S278 SUAS YG SI | Le te LL she Sa silo wal bie 5 SoS Ble be

Be I ty JUD & hype GUUS & SI eis Oy hy ape OLS GI 9, atiF She othe 55 5 JUBI ey, CaF cul 1055 SE ES sg ow ROR por Pe er Ore, Dap Sb oy alae Scmeliccy eto en Gly Sob, be wb tip! Clip. by ab OLS A515 2 SF S255 SLU ole 4 SI aes ap WII Che Ele LS! »» IGE shy Glade CLS 5 Soy Gey gael PENS GI ey LB opel gl GI Cl Gy > Caakt gS. 4 GE! Gn 59 HL AF CH! 239,8 Jyare JUbI le ls ne Orbe pls > CLnys yg cael OUT 595 > 4S 459 9 Gib 5b JULI & reads gate JUBI ob) aces) 9 Leth atts 9 YL AE 9 AB yb gee a gl Dromsl ay 4) tp 9 Coll ope pe DLE 9 4S Atl sath IS Ol oy n0

ArT ge Al SF ylSrF srole SQ sho 52 Sole BU529F schon gles 5 s.0! JLibI 15 we ty lob dle CEsyad 1 awe Sl lL

ILI 4S sylo rye5 Garejsls oul

G gVhSyy 3, Al yo Aty Sf Shera vo) eh IS LT GULLS 5 od I > LUT aS lancle po oF see ULI 95,5 Biya peices Ses Matias apes aS GAS Sy, bye JUD! 4 ale ane Coe ly eS Iykee ET St CES tauylo ol

Bad GWS2yF hy Coed GILT Lb) 4 Syke jb ga A 5 455 5b le Gea jl ole

A 5 el bail HY Cee el pd JEL S15 ceeds Cale (che & Ly Qa SHI ab 4925 Sls & plSly 295 err 9 Gr wb BLS Goliol JUD! aS aust oyey Gao wh al dele tolie 4 Gla! 59 5 Wl Glo aul GLE L 9 pe GL 2S ete 9 St Sl geilee 9 Upel Gels G oy oleal, | JU! wre bh Ts BSI ly pl 5 eS S55 GF HL GL oT Lt b

Eevee)

page 34 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN

June 5, 2000 [Page 35]

pee GET 1, wale vojhys 280 ole, gel 49 Gis oly WL GI Cul GS ate gl ole as F pt Cbdie 26 Gly Gos le As jl Sy

ony 2 lane Oper tds 248 cle Cee

4S sgl oop sald 55 GI 5 sth GV se JL. eS ty tt GET 5s lp & ty JL le

Ls ly iY Glas 5 bled 5 bl Glee wi otebal y ot ly «Kol, plies ayry GS yp 59 slates y he ptiped Linge

whe S op 1, GoUs , bueb, ob wyI>

AY ae ClLatjze UNIT Lol Ue py JolS pry

Cd nt vols Gots UT ay js af bla 5»

3 ahs OL ZSL pire Gly oS nal RL Gl Cbg Ghst 5 wo) OL! Gb

eee ay Glos 6 .oyt acth py Grub Glee

22 Ghar G hangs 5 At) Gey" AS Cul pyline Sole 5 gayslis bas G15» 52 dol pre ool 5b aS gules QS jc oat ol! LL wt cloaks 42 52 UT wale Cun Lub, Gl OLasze 5 aKrl ost jf ad asl sslizul Vy 295 A555 AS oye jbl Gee Glee wale 5

RAB ol Silo Gylans paslel Lbs ie olia, FAS 93Se0 GT VV glee 59 4S Gly

Bop Ly tly ple spp Ae 15 th ll

vides weld galde chil Joo Conte gay She JSte & Gly oul ay 0559 Jip lactis

AS saarosls Le WWSa,F rat voles WL 55 G Ko

hist he le pl ole 92 5 Hb bs Yory

Ny 0S Sls 39 G aps Lay Aly |, yl So, 5

29 2 JUbI 9S gh Sp Cul DEI ol bbs tale hy tte Gory dele pole

Ali SIT BS Gli eilner 2 Jab Uppal tsccan

HN Ag MS2yF tle Spe 5 Glo y pre pele!

only 6S Se elo pid az gy Sb Gol ye

dt, whey YT eo ons ILS, pL, YT eg Le SI AG er oy 92 RIES oF! ay golizel og oT GS po dtm aS Cul (Materialism)

995 pared Le dae 59 1) pope rhb 5 Col esha

Glas iyatNlabl Peclaxel eg uh omsipelasloney eecall

378 JE 52 AS Comldrele BLS gh 9 be tai ols ay elas! ctey gol cul 51 Wyld S gly ane cols 2K galas aay &

Ly WWa55 glee Goes jh Glew 49 WF gp! Us

42 SNS glee LAUT 5 eS ge plrmel GL Gly 47 slaly Aida pies Sap Fes 5 uLSus ils

SSNS 54t 5 EBs wiles Epoye 5 eS pe Lod

2 S shoe 4 obra «eae 13 (pornography)

BES ge bey by 99d WWS2F et es Go

55 Col SU flee Shey Gly te Me ope tte Glety, SUI Jydee Gopi PIES pele 32 GSD OS BL ULE OS » & A ee Leal 32 Gola! glow ls bu dae Sut oT ese o9 GI at Sle sla! ae lorly 5 954 Gpby slob JSLX & UT 3 cdl Mal ey She ayel 5 STL 32 WF 0S abel 59 HI SWE Gal opt by Gb Gls PG pm 39 5 BSWK Share of Cul hb Ly Leal GIy Spam pent sree oly 5 yo [le 1p WS yl pe lL & el AS LAH EL 4» dN pkeel 5 Glut ple Samy isle Gar 5 reir’ (anes) “cul pul BS ge 59 pe 3 gle

Galas Je 2 Ly Bale 2 Je Ue ga! obl v2 FENCES NB BU OY pe 9 GE pay WD orl pe Se jl pelt UyUT , elk thee Soo sm Sts yb yo by pre of dob AS oe CBI 3295S Ape LES pe 92 Ge 22S MKAT GLE IL: Ey 99 gl 39 oS Sliys9 OSe S pols Jab » Sb alae of pL ole pa bs Ue GE: al 92 Cyl Gish > As Ope 65 Sree sy Alyy 5 LS 8 ort spew Gh! 39 Oty Gre all o> cel AL Sole U9 ged oy te ty par Symes 5 gtytil yy gal he lez Au Gb ale LaF oS Al aS Sle} » dll Gy AS at abe e 5 CHL Ate ty 5 Troy Lee hy 99 Ab sled alee GLY pe ILE He » 3 Stl Moe s ele the Gay BHT LL 22 GAVL cae wy ily he 5 cher Lbu po elie slab pay OF tery 9 IG GUS aL, pr Lj a)1KT pe Cary Le 59 WSL , aad ge OS > ly Le Gl pe y 99,5 Le Br UE 9 GL ots Und of jl Le 5b6 Ae bye 39 Why Opa Gli 55-0 af Cul Ly tly ete pl Gly Glee Joe y col bbs 2 SW EbE 55 5 2905 Gwocrb ape Gh heel ed dtl GIy ope AS OF BLL 92 JE SF 2545 sylal ob uel Gye Brgbe gle dj oy> Ul ply 52 ot hel JS ol oS plete Gh & OSI eel 2 cel at wajlene Jrabs SAS |b hej ab, 3 GNSS yg GhdgS 3 yr aS Goel y cloner! dye dh ly Oper a> Glee 5! LG Gee pat LS GU, Glel Gre Lb Jb wl We LUGS. state Syge AS spar 395 953 “at alsd pre dll ol Ub poe w telbil wl 1b vel 5 bel ale aS obj 38

shee

«dyad plaza NANO JLo 59 IT gL | dale sly te oles Ghar BLS AI gy! JL! ol SI tees or Sr Oper LT lhe ae S pte ate BT JL 59 55 OLS 2» Glande nae cobs 8 y le Sh oSanls dng yo 4S asals JoKts Coed ELS yo WAKA JLL she ole olol GS glne os Glu, of OL gy OL Slie 11 le 255 “glee 5 ays cel SSA iI Gow tS OE pam ype jl SSL oe SY wld GIBH ble AS ee cles Stl o> G5 Sly oe Cle 9 Sher sound glee 59 Bp he pe OLLI Oe OL gy Glebe! Jyat S225 5 las hl WSAT oye sluts abst oe ely 52 Gade ay G ant Sae gs Ube Calpe AS rp tnn aloe sy dyey od oe by ey? 9 OSI Ly Bl Ace sd 255 Olay I Aly Oper WS slaces, wath I> Sos obal pla 4 cee &

a2 Je lee ool 9 sly Mele tlie OLS! Se pd Gpty drole 0 C55 po Lj GI 6S ode gil 59-99 Slade Gal,bl y giles 29 bly dele Ll 52 325 Gas Ieo Hn wt el CS > yet fee b ole ple dial GIy Oper oS dale 4 bru OVS ol AS WT ety popes & hooped ltl gly Ly Le A555 Silo Je Jo JL Crat 5! jylere 9 ASG = W955 5 apne” ae abe pe abe 9p w He 32 Sate bile af OG y plas! - Jobo “eres 3 Gate Hable OLtL 4 rypte ory bls obye 32 gl stayed Gybas Cul (uae) dale (Elo ay las! of Qabl,> jl ole 5» LS SUS aS pb glia sQyogs bie cutl gly PL thee pal pate CHjLde AFT wt ool pe GUL > ale 49 gel AS Ae bY te 4 oles oly pee oo lis Gb 59 > Js AL GUSe AT Gb Sy tye > Glhed 5 sels lew Cele GEG 5,2 3 SAMS ghey 57) Saye syabet ler ABET? ope $a,F qho 1 Lay t 5h galas «se pb SUSE ott 2 5G Et Gl OL pe ped Nano ay Ip ped S53 ghIS Lr gn GaSe ES 5 GISr Gly ble Gb» GI oof 52 GI pS ysl ole aS pene abcera eel leg. ct he WISH Gly dhe ope lye al, a Sty Ge 9 155 plod Ghee SUS 22 abshy 66 UI pe eels wae OLL> ced NS tee tS ole Ula A Lbs! “aude pe Colin Ober Gil” 52 ole ol

wuts

Bpter obSys caller 3L3 o SUS po u Jlibl , ls GIB» W5Y aul & (Millennium Summit) June 5, 2000 Tue "AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Persian page 35 [Page 36]

GUT e340 Gil kT Gul th actly Glos Mine ge ole 49 dle gli. JS poo “yke (3,5 G sede Cod Ss tule GUYEL JL & 9 5 Ob! lie he Hb > b 25 Geass » ok (Millennium “La, p25 gl Gel 59 le b sas Ble GET cy Jl pole. 42 4S Summit) 2S NB aay 9 at dupe 22 See diace te leg be Gy et SL! Dele Gly Cle ete Gy > » 8 Spd y Ol lade JKts ay Go portion y Gee oll oo SL see 4AB Jb oo 4 AOL OLS QLoT! ge AK dle astlin Gr Sle pl ole Es ol Obsl gly cul oat adpl wes oS,2 glal 51 9 Ae SHS WE AS pet 52 paler ole 52 ole BALE 655 Cee SLT ge 59 SH pe ht ols tee CSS of 59 Ctl pes GS le SPs er GOI oo ULL Bra Ce > als 55 Ly eel gel AF UI ge Bae JN sldzsy onl 4 ololey Gare side JLo 42 GLLL gear 52 AS opus dete Lol Whey Spear pb GL arnt Gly SIR 52 AS 53 Me apy ot} pe > eet sel 2 the 94S glorVWigew Seo Le Wel 99.59 et. SS olde obily at LS ga! po ANT aly Leja) NAS Ss tastls Spey (gen ES BL tle Gp Seo y “ghal ABs GL yh 2? tly WALLS soy “the 4 ws” Sle Was ys 55 des 52 5 oLSal, 59 45 len! > AL ype tS LS SIs GLU 7 dy oe GL spam 39 5 hoo 39 4S Goll Cnslte Cte pas rit yj iE w9S sine dade 99 SF oy hal Sans I SS GIS AS galSce Glad 42 .t59,F sll gSUbe ayy 99 ySeo bee Cols cote clacl & sly lSarks ey pad tbl GIS 52 tute ble Subs pul eee 99 bey tly CLs Ar OS ae slash ppm 52 paler gel 25,5 515 ppee jUnsl 2 GAPNS peel Gdal cab! Gad, «ctl glo Ole 9 9 AS LS ser Glee WL Fo beets septal zalScl) jaybioe tess 8 at aca ee OLY ge OS® 52 1 obsle ob os! Gly oldT ret G53 GHG 5b shy oul wok oS 4 AS MS re 3d pet Sy el ty Ce epee ays y ats pol ale yeas iI SS Ae VAAN Je 2 ol at GUS cle, be & obs I ALS ole oly oT ees GO G3 BAR SS gal oles tba, Seo jel ol bb WS oy ard Ves 59 HIE LS jl ol 9 the ab oLAG 31 SY 9 at Gb I GI

Atl Capac

dod Je gle 52 ike UII ge Hele at} ol 32 Se 5 phd ly GIS! Glob, nig 5 9 Cop 59 GS aS atl Lol bw le los Jie V4 Salle ola! sl, mel 635 ple app 2 Cel oat QSIy Ain les, fies OY bas ols 55 uly gle 2» Sle dlape 4 G65 SI GAS slag CFLs «le bsiee Cyl 59 0 Sle 5 Coy lube y Gol as SAS tet ote cell ey ele gpl Hel Geers 52 see Glee shad ly Sly Gio 4 AS Gland abe jl > pt Geoljl eed Je ghejhe 42 95 gpol HS 5 sees Lg Spam ghee AF Cont GL eS GFL 2 5 0) Go Gols Jeol Wty 4 Cate Abs ge

abels B55 O68 53 05. SL! Ly glezam rl BL 42 CLI se Gh, So GK! OL! weed Ly polars! pope dee Olle & Ly frie I! A oy GLb! Jols GLE S 955 oul GS Col C5 tl AS 52 “Ctl ole” Gop aie DL a RY 5 ey Boe orks le > yo JLy Bly GLAS foul 05415 glare He Leela, Hae 99 85 pe hy art ae aT footed Ge C95 phen Sie oh a Cy SI Us AK 5 AS Cre ole pace LET vaio ia olys5 we eel SK laa Gay obj & ob, gl cul oy pl toe OIL CHL yesh, Lik pled o2 Co SH! AS 52 OL! pL 52 Ll 944 62

"ang plan cstayily Lay

erties Lap Sy cal py tes yo Lio deel sp)lS byes gale ol cle oS po Qh DE coke, sy eS by thee jy Solas p> DG! tLingS5 wi Lateegs ell (pclys CLslde) 115’ opp aster Legal they, eg Sam Ty S gla cel OS 513 Byte 59 DUST GL

AL OLE 93 gil ESI L ployer oF Glory Cs apd Glo rmuly ds SUGb! cle ober pope LS "ike dle GUSLGj LW wy JE aS Cul Gilce Bole DUD peer 59 ol Gly cel cay S nee leapt che cpp Dele AS, Collie 8 oats ol oo ole Ubse La pre S ape Slik dale tol aS gloiac cySlie 5s wiih cSpme hole lyin L gar obete! 25 pe gees ee hel ELS cl oy Ee Oey oboe! Cle mete alps, He glaze 52 tle Mb ony deole Pd ynare gyre clhplojls AS Srte AS ABS ree ppp Com dy gly BLS oLasl Ble sLkS gale ee 22 dle Mb ge Lele culos dibs 5 COs} (Millennium Forum) “>

jit Sel jl bs Gly SF SLL! AI o> sly MS cep Laole 1t9,5 Spore ola! 52 olerwrer 4 AS odd syd Ghde ht 4 pLol jl oly Sis thal eipcieo Maal apse atad) lle ga Sal 9G Abele apbee y cel vont ope wb ps 4 be Olucze oul Giy ole yo 4S lane oly JS Gly Gurr Goo, vb Loy, Ae dede Ls glajle 5 Yayo opepe OL! opdle 4555 lp! 9 Olin as Whee .tleoype Fes cath, Ghee agsy by alge Gays Ole 92 plael plSol glal p> aWols af 3 gl Lele 2% She tele pS 5 09,5 plat Ly clot 5) pe SI Gagt fel Ke Sap re rrp pale pp 9 AS (Sepa) toe CYL ap ter Gat Gb BGs, Miya cctSp sslesiol kas sesso pe tas! lz! lol placl ade Ye gl y Lio ol», Sh pa tS GES Shans) gd AS pee 5k, BAS Geperes yyy load p Sore SYyb

pS Je Lh Usb, plas Je » a dbale Geb ola! 5 Hl 5 BL dy Le AS pts ge ged abel 59 1b 255 all> Joke AS 4 aps ole & by Gliter Welw 421 OT Glib yee wiles yl Stlad oul .aiylige 9 OSUb ae & abel glisly aS Cul oof CRS ttle obey peeT ns ole De & ol! prs ae ye tls gs ablin ot aly LT 2 0S She SS ete Gols aS 9,5 oly olter Ge BS AS ole galas aly 92 dorb oie Whe AS cutls opey GSoo ol LT Sastoa,S Solin! OUT i! Sy LB 3) GS Is dln! Glo! ALS slog! ler ele 52 apt peel ay pp Sore gry TL alnl S Gee yee FS bE OSG anale ot py glares 46 Comal 59 CoH A! pls 5 Spel af supe | oS yl wlarnils Se 9 Jee gy Je Qe gal of bE w os pile he thy gaaaze LbSo wher S lad bioyd ol hy slesl obj 52 b pre Goals af cul GAS SHS cog pee 9 pb AS Coed Gyn djlane Cakes SIL apt aby abel Gel » OyL3 gpI Sale ghee 9 HS 8lsd Gl O53 4 ortho y 39 pS py Read Ol dds ee Get Gl! YL s De sabe ablibulpanacedb:pellicicalyai5

Bs eG bly pte bs Sp Gr 5.l 5 pie pty Gym depes sez 99 Aydee OLM3! 2 Pll ne 5 DEI Oe 5 Slee oy 635 lee Spe 92 2p Sole el AS 3 cular dhe Gyl> dnpey 99 WS ced Soy Copy 51 SE F32 pty Gre rape yp col oh S Jol 9} ple

page 36 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * PERSIAN

June 5, 2000 [Page 37]

a nee plies OLS pat cle ge Cth care Hind sil ole ble Gly PhS BEI Ces 5 les 55 he ele ov» yd apd els GOLF Gleb 4 ole ip 4 srl le oLS 52 S oy oy OLS! 6,5 es

So At bel siped ole wr ri VdSIs 92 dbp 33 Sle tied Shee uy2 ote 2? ropaiee gtipal glooys oT HL 2 aS oy wl yo bel Spe & go Sl y BI LT ee Glee LLL 52 Guaymi (01,5 Hob 52 & ole Ginelh Gola! OLN! 3245 Sale 4 be oY Clabes 49 whee Qty? Oly. aS

wdF 5ST tT CLicp Goeuob,

G3ly Ante Gola! y pele tees CL Gly elt oS col oat GET yybee gil a LLG! wt 99 ap Ste Singin Casall pbipel Lenz 095159 poe sil ole Jd 3! LLG! ob JL Sb > abe 5 dhe wale 59 thy gra SN galas .aslosls I 5-aupes 4 olojT 2, 1 ols I WIG Ls oboe Hey oS Shr oFe Gypas |) apd eles 5 tt els ly the Gli G ger aber jl hoa S Slob cal orlS 52 porate Gay b pyle » Ske 299 ree ll Cm 4: apes GAL Lwboy, jf oS NP 5h Sale Je G Sly an ol ey PII Soo vyp0 15,5 513 aqdles 550 9 lo pb “Srey IST SF Cul geyl > Goyad Bayes ced ae S BL Ar we Ll oles 9 Aaeeys geno WS Seal gation 99 Sad prrlST Soo Sle 6S AG & 293 Sil Geb, ut IIL 42 dyp5 5 95 elel by Gale ole ed oped al 099d til ey GUES alo cola! G See orb 52 5 Col Sod 09 oy elStslo PB AS DEI 5p) Ly hel AI 52 sylST ple by ete ples IS eT Oley volo 9 eles! LS CLs 12} 5 HI! ee oS seals CLL! 3 gl Gola! GAdlyd Le Lge AE Gla! Gly opter STL ceed ath slimy

AS a bly bye Jol p> SS & vala 13 he Ses, fobs jL5! 52 ANF JL jo LNG! ej 39 ly Sele CLG , ob at GSI CIES glee ay ayer OLED y Klas YG JS BUS! 59 Ly oly tele 5 COL sees 9 hye et SLL SL 5 Lyn 5 Ue gil art jell oper alo 5 aS Gel, 2 dee bh ley Me whe 59 59 SLI vt GIGS BS Se SLL 5S pate ell Gao vl 5! pbs GS 3s ole che & bye ObL >

eCmsl says)

2S op ps Glee yoy At bel 5 acy 22 Wel bye 4 spline eee 4 “hasle 52 Gila ated

CK Iyor Cees ly mae Lopate spel UT eb 5 aes IGG Gl Gris degre ey dL ap y oy LT, WAI 5» OL 4 5! lars OLS Jolt 8k Ea! aed pew 5 ge

Gey Giles (uSts fol ates ae SI plecl Ace Sil pay 4 apd VAAV JL jt aS bee BAS JM me AS te Gb eS ole, dg Aye ral gil Ll ct jp CLs 9p) BL AE IL GL, bb skis eel ob 2 dle gow UT ole 3 CL! ye o2y55) phecl Janlciy tech lo ope Ce Silbvs oles 53 wl ws 0S wt Ul Jie VAY 4 QL obs,

WS Sf cel Gamal, 5 Spt LL opep ag CRBS 4 bye SUAS dey JL Ue ol > 9 AB Fae HS Sle pl» ate olde , ete 5 5 SS hs Cay ile Ribs L lee 7 EE NS cl Srl OG 5 HS ort Bt GAS ot! 5! VL I laces ds 6 Sey Bee Gere BL 42 4S Cul alts WE Opes ball GSE le pl Jpol Ae abt GI ole BLE bls AS ily Olas Gs rl AS a el ot pees epee Comes eae] Riel Darts ic anes v5 Wes Gl gS! JS col aaS aSLel carl GSE! pL! 5 (L2G) re 2S > ly

ath Sopto spl OL!

o> lal

le & pe paie 4555 JL o> old Sly ollbs SI lel Sel onlh 32 ee Arse 9 Go by, gle ope Ces Slee ul SF Cul SIE 5 Ee cual 03,5 4 bp OCLs 99 hel Cbpey 495 or

de Sl ctl GAS tee Gola! y ~clerl ns Slee rb lass Al aS aeaee ols -G)I , wut wel ody AE SL 55 OL BS glo by AS col of GI SE SL! go! BIL. GUS SI Ae 2 Ctls oye ate laa! 5 oS cb IVOSe cel aS Ml ati abl 32 cb VA: pty Ae le pe 5 yal Lk ge ty99 gal 59 deer OL are, DLS Jeol HL 59 lS! 5 Srpte Gy5 ph dine Clee 5. «pola! » ~cliol t.,5 pee hy her 5S > Glad!» ~clrl Vo opt> Leper 45 ol 25,5 Glathee JL, AUS Spa GTsyd) ygt5. Ne

gl OL! gt

axe 73> gl als

bel Be GUrytS 0 SF Gi gril sae PAS op dt gees OUT ly aS galas jl antl hG cles olecl orth ys eel wer 4, ce ey al co Se 2 ob able 5! ES 22 LS SUB slo! uF -Sd> QL op EY 4 ths Gljie Gly Wo & Spl be CYLI wy Wl

SES SLMS! giare Dl 25 5 gel JSts collin las IL. uth pp Jurts cls oy UT Jal, Gahan able chars & bass pape Ht GAS las aS yt pals by Gl ble WH Glee yt LAT Sly ol lo J) Gapl ig, tas 5 oy WaeF u95b le 4 He LEST Gate Leyak et Ide Ly yt PE oyclee GE ape yo HIT JL 42 4S gan CLS gol 2 aDhe -cuel actl sS weal, wl ky Ay cle SUS «bel & aS shot, 15,8 1,3 wslizal ay5— oly. bs he dS Sree Ly ZI yr Kl ae SL pw iI Coat opt 5 ol WS & Get wat Sly pI bb 3» Ate CLO! ap clbe jCast p51 52 Sle webs GLOW] 5 pl! ost S pol Spee 52 SU Ly tle che Gil GB Ls te ee Sy SarlRee! SET 5b anys AS pe ly Goal, Se Be bh Grn s Srob eles eae owe gual = ahora ess am AS Sie slowly, Garb jI pl ire sees eS il tly tS 59 whe 5G] OLAS! £5 ol as esl Lad 5 IS SANS 322 Sorter CUED 5 (hel le OG SUB ys gr eb SUT CAMS» Syed Loby Bry dove olin of ba die poll ey by oe yo Yoo JE Laale plaid Lol opty WS oy Ml ye Geol, eS Lal sly

gM obw Spee Lobe, jt > 5) ole! 39 Pale Jbel s Gel Olesbee s25 5 Hel ES po jl slid CAS ly dale 59 Jue! 9 Jas Wea) Sypey Bae 5 At able Ode y ole em o> Lal a ole Abies Ghee 42 6S SU LLs 5 JS ay opel Ologlee a3 9 gals OLLI! 4» WT sae OLS jl pe i) Sere Soe Ga 8) LISI Jolt 5 25, 515 423, shel 5 ihT 5 hd het SOS crys AF AE pepe GNI des slaps le aS tll lo pa ee Lay 59 Lopaiee 11 05,5 IS a rr Sp or He ct lo pl yp GS te SN plated ay gylee wy Lyd 4 UUW 4,45 50 GI "BRS a7 ole Coe Glasby Glo pl p>

rode CYL 59

le» oy -!

June 5, 2000 Tne AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ PERSIAN page 37 [Page 38]

PS! gel dlp Oypte y GL Goats ig plasl , iS Jae clothe cho IL » Ghee Oba 5 by Llu y aye shire Cre pL ee tee OL pass Cb ober 22 tly OK pole anal PUD 55 Mops onl jh y 2S pete 9 Jodo ade oy Wel depe oul 92 5 AS ly ate Glel a 45,

I SY SUIS Gel Olt 6 C5L Syypo 4 ee ALLS Jeb glia ll Joo b able Gly Gan pa tee anal yore) pod 52 4} Hl SEL A boils uel GK sy Hil olcy, on Ste oS Lb gl glue Sly whl CG 5 3b ase Gh y be ob. Bee U oUT Le Jobu 65 he I Se Als gt Ca ee tole Ghote ori iy oe & oe ol EH bly ge Srey obey! SLUG! 3 Soo dee 99 Gly SY Ga bs hangs ty bye OLS dees 59 Sy eth bls! 9 SB 3) tte AE AS gladly pelcl Pr iv Lily) 5» she 9 219 deol hee wale & able & GL cell wl oS Sle Li cel Gree IE jl CHypre tb jl oe aS aztls clack aur 4 oe GE CLI! 5 Sele cel oye Go ceed ee Ghil gl 59 YT gant» Bien | glam lobes J Sr pola pd AL ge ABB OLIGI Lela Cay 7 JID oS papt

SS 3 Ll 5 CEL QLSL 45! U2)! 52 ob AS dypee SS Anal AS ody CHR Spry AG aw BLE grte JL bh 6 15 DE! Je dlpey ply 29 F BLSL glee, gol p> dy ade sbeojl ypbere ay aS ogy oat Lil gly anti weed oe oalizel gly 99,5 ays Lie 52 guth LL. Coe Ge iY Glee ss} Ger > 9 oe I ey le at oS gl el BY Cote 22 le bg oly oFaeSyagl dese She Leet kee el heey pe LAs 15 gy he SS Shel 5 LUT 5) cae cul ole 39 oT eb

elodl ay sath GULF Sg 4 days ol 59 tend oat actly wo S $3.5 al 2 3s Sp 9 tb all 25 9 DLE ope 42 Abe 5 Sib Ls Le jt lial gl GUT Caw 39 sly, Clues cle Cite 5 shy, a GS Lol I YP * ope J SN Sole tt Ib LG 5 5,5 Glo prle ay eels ayy sale eles Vyene aS lay tS) tele Erb I Se AS tropes plyel Soo clots SIG! 5 WLU oly ele Cl ap LL SN alps ys guprlys ore sj! pol de

Ae yoy At PS lls oF At y aX, & glee oth SLE 215! we ydier slaw & ee Sle le tel Glas! OLI5! »! 4 9 antl Jodie Gate ey OCLs 5 eo 5r5

9 td Gly adh adie WUT 52 gan y Jab dng Sls 4 Ler tls 9 oS) Shy, UT 9 BA ples, NES Sole ol AI 52 5a Sap 5 rele Abe Ot L ay5 SWLL ay eee de SF ete gedoe old cop tne Saul Gagidd JLS LL Gl atl GLE Alp! po! 9p Odea Llp ph jl opt pe dle af 9 ABS 59 1 sale jl Grams Gly ee

deb G39 Sle Ol> 4 tue Sher ole »>

cud ot

Peel seny

By lie 4 Are deel 5 rhb oe cares LISI 5 lS 5 Shylis 3b gr doyll ae & BLS 52 aS Cal guysltde Lanz lee ol CSL Isl jo eI, SEF 9 Gets SI AGL eer 5 2 O15! damgey WS shane oy HM ge GLU on cud ST 5 Sle ole 5 lS

Ce 9 er AS ee LAE Ll pays BL GAL Dp oy gabee Cli d55 ole Wy 4555 5 sys) ayry a Jae 9 Kis ole Saale WS Slay Lele LG pee 92 ode Hope oul G ae SL) Gybee Wl Gbo gis poe 59 Ul Bat als walil piney cores ocede cll dys BUT 42 4S ditlal By Oper bey Go Cee pSY Saar pr JES! gay leaped HLil gly 95 cthel Gar gal oat wal sd pl Gall pole Gar dyeb pt spl GC glyil jo ate GS 5 eb oT pepe SF CAS ty pd 9 Sy ee AY on! obey (Slee) Gobo y phe ate shael tS pe rr S 5 625 CLI Gly 9 pi Olele w Se uf ASL» Gey Sy sek Ay ober dee BE OL gol pie 5 Some Sain pS rel ctl E59 5 29 Sae sree 5 pS S03 GSSs 5 ols golee ts oy anale

Dll Eee ol Roy cdes Glen LS CyB, 15 8b tbe be Cll! AS ay pte GLI gr turn 9 Grol OL. BS ty Ly LUG 5 Sole gal ter af 1 bobs ww Ls LG Ld 5 ol ne ojlne Jes 4S ryslte 5156 Gre WAS om oS in BBE to9,5 rds A5! G2! 52 1440 ~los 59 Seas Y geslte aye HAS 52 oy LT ies US) Goll tgp 99) ded Casli aE doar 9 ebb Olle 2 le shy, Ble & gust»

wel Jad Om ply Voss Ae olgay Zaye mle obey & Clee

Persian Translation of the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World Ridvan 2000

tl 5236 Obl

det el 0 oa 9 at HL GL JI eye OGG & SL Ge ler Ltt 1S St, role ate GUT 51 aS Gp Silos ols trols dpe Sy Oper QT dy Gelee 5 pel ot BS ea Ole il pS pte pl we a tle lee ele By) ee WF ad 5b ole Ly POL Laa ty, GLa oltre 4S vay2,F solo Gama Opes

ol CAS > Cyl LS 5 OHS 59 Osls es CS 5h 5 phd yg eee Gl AS 3h say Je Gly dele Saad p> 095 WS shal ane folge 52 Sherer Ly iS So gel cul 9 Gl Clty. col Sl ey Wes Lol gh 45 38 ee 5 CSL» Cres be Gl pte SLUT ipo5 ig IG a3 QLELLG. 9 Obl Gae p beet oo y acts phe 4 ge AS esa eS yl ees eed oS 095531 ltrliccl 5 asl 2 oes 49 hee SI hee Gol able Pe Fe Y tl plo HL > b 9b Clie SI By ele Uy obs Ge y ety QUIS! PS 9 829 SLI 52 4 cdl pl JES! 2 GL sd, WS 4; 9,5 gle ne L gle » 555 Fy et GLH LSI 52 AST ge 0,5 ey AK of Res AS ot shel Gel GL

IS pr 3 ed aij, SIT) 99 ayer GL GS col tj? Clic Wt ORG Sos gl Obs ee 5 WS camels lle Ctl Al Sod 4g dass gualee 92 plaid gol US CaS 12S Cpe Whule LB Slee Soy

GS ly oll sll Ia as Gow 29 9 Coal 52,9 AISI sajl oT Byes oS Gell pl ly Ola 4 Bhyt y hy ple Sule ste! Jute Gla rged ELL 9 gab y ably ptlns cules Pie gle tek OLN! 5b 2 S Jac y Se til ClLn5. (pene) plas yy po ot edly whey Syd ty orter Gb Ob > Wore 155 Ups orl PSL tint Classe I ly cul deals oly Olde oly che eS sles UII 2 55 ont 9 09!2 deny | 29> Clee

ole 92 pl te

3) el oS tet Ce Engi 92 We .asheag 3! alls Glau»

page 38) THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN

June 5, 2000 [Page 39]

Teaching Projects

Poland: Preparatory Institute and direct.

teaching in Cieszyn: July 15-22, study of Ruhi Institute, Book 2 one will

street teaching, i performances pi bya dance workshop from Germany).

Russia: Small-team teaching in selected

cities stargting in July. Teams will spend

1-2 months doing proclamation, |

and consolidation work. Wide range of

skills and diversity of believers needed. —

Central America: Wearts Ablaze Pr

June 18-Aug.18. Fifty to 60 youths (mini mum age 15) from different countries:

anticipated, forming a traveling team | claiming to youth population through performing arts (dance); or residential team(s) teaching and serving in one community. Project preceded by nine-day on~ training; includes International Youth —

Congress in El Salvador..

South Africa: Beyond Words youth per forming arts teaching project, July 2000

to June 2001 (part-time membership pos sible). South Africa is a country with con- — stant expansion of the Faith and obit performance has proved very effective in promotion of the Baha’f ete

.

Marshall Islands: Ocean of Light! Conference June 28-July 2 in Majuro. International participation, including artistic presentations, warmly encouraged. —

Summer ce July 5

for the New , Ceara © Greece: Summer school July 10-1 San Stefano Hotel in Tsangarada, This region is well-known forthe singula

ae Aegean Sea. Hawaiian Islands: Summer Sch

'llah Catalyst for Change.” With Nabil and Azadeh Fares. For information, contact National Baha’i_ Office, Honolulu, HI 96817 (phone 808-595-3314, e-mail

). Deadline June 15. EL Salvador: International Youth Congress for Central America, Mexico, — Panama and Belize, July 12-16, near Coatepeque Lake. For mort infos please see Web site ane

(http://elsal2000.homepage.com)

Canada: Youth Congress July 20-24

Vancouver, British Columbia; and Jt 29-July 2 in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Pakistan: Asian Youth Conference July 21-23 in Karachi. Honorable 5

The Family.” With Bijan Agnes Ghaznavi.

‘opportunities for international traveling —

teachers. Office of Pioneering, 1233

St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847

3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail DS

Police investigate theft at Guardian’s monument

ur National Spiritual Assembly

received the following letter, dated April 20, 2000, from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Kingdom.

Dear Baha’i friends,

‘The following statementis being issued from this office about the shocking theft of the eagle from the monument to Shoghi Effendi at his Resting Place.

The police have, after a slow start, begun a full-scale investigation. We had to persuade them that this was not just a piece of cemetery statuary of limited interest but a matter of concern to the millions of members of a world-wide faith community. It was only when the international and religious dimensions of the crime were drawn to their attention that the police began to act with any vigour.

At a much higher level, Lembit Opik

MP, the Member of Parliament who is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha’fs, has tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Home Secretary asking what actions the police are taking to recover the eagle; Mr Opik and I have also written a joint letter to the Home Secretary drawing the serious of the matter to his attention and making him aware of the Guardian’s Resting Place as an international place of pilgrimage.

We have been in daily contact with Mr Fariburz Sahba at the Baha’i World Centre. The Universal House of Justice has placed Mr Sahba in charge of replacing the eagle, should that be necessary, and he is liasing between the National Assembly and the House of Justice on this matter. Mr Sahba is currently undertaking research into the casting of the eagle so that any replacement will as near as possible match the original. A number

Intergenerational study

Youths and adults in Relva, Cape Verde Islands, study Ruhi Book | during an institute study circle. The gathering was initiated as part of a teaching project carried out last fall. Baha'i International News Service

MEDIA

YOUTH

Germany: A public television special

titled “On the Way to the Land of Unity—The Bah Religion” was broadcast in January, viewable in southwestern Germany and parts of neighboring countries. Produced by Raimund Ulbrich, a journalist who has been acquainted with the ith for years, it conveyed a glimpse of the life, work and staton of Baha’u’llah, as well as the basic history and tenets of the Faith. It combined footage of Baha'i holy places in Israel with film of Baha’i community life in Erfurt and Esslingen.

The National Spiritu worked closely with Ulbrich in all stages of development and was impressed with the reverence, respect and integrity in his approach. It was investigating ways to show the program on other television channels in Germany.

Assembly

Venezuela: ‘Iwo 18-year-old Baha'is

in Cabudare, Georgeani Camara and Michelle Hemmat, organized a successful interreligious conference in February at Yacambu University. On the theme of

life after death, the program included repre: tives of the Baha’, Muslim, Christian and Hindu i

Through the two yout of the conference was broadcast on nearly all the region’s radio stations and printed in two newspapers.

Kenya: Some 550 Baha’is from 26

countries attended the International Youth Conference Dec. 23-27 in Nairobi. International Counselors Firaydoun Javaheri and Joan Lincoln as well as 13 Continental Counselors were among presenters. A teaching campaign that followed led to enrollment of 11 souls into the Faith.

of friends have offered to sculpt a new eagle or to contribute towards its replacement. We emphasize that the matter of the replacement is entirely in the hands of the House of Justice.

The friends should be assured that every possible step is being taken to recover the eagle, which has special significance since it was the one chosen by Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khanum, and to put in place improved security measures at the Guardian’s Resting Place to try to ensure that such an outrage does not happen again.

In all matters to do with the Guardian’s Resting Place the National Spiritual Assembly acts under the direction of the Universal House of Justice.

With loving Baba’ greetings

Barney Leith, Secretary

National Spiritual Assembly of the Babd’is of the UK

DEVELOPMENT

Taiwan: When a devastating earthquake struck western Taiwan in

September 1999, the National Spi Assembly recognized its responsi to help in the recovery. But how?

“We do not have the monetary resources to provide financial a: and our human resources are limited,” the Assembly reported. “But we do have the healing message of Baha’u’lléh.”

After consultation, the National Children’s Committee decided to start children’s classes in Puli, which sustained some of the worst damage, and to ensure the s would run regularly for six months. Curriculum and teaching materials were developed, and volunteers s place.

But familiar places suitable for c s had been destroyed by the quake, and the Baha’is lacked contacts that would lead them to other facilities. After several fruitless visits, the committee bought a map of Puli, prayed, and began to drive around the area.

They encountered children playing near a few tents. Asked about the idea of the classes, the children were enthusiastic and took the committee to meet with their school’s principal. In turn the principal listened to the Baha’is’ plans, read their curriculum—and readily agreed to make the school building available.

Arrangements were made to start n early November. “Imagine our ise when we arrived 345 children waiting for our beginning on!” the committee wrote. “These lessons continue to be held every Sunday morning.”

Another response to the disaster came from a believer in Nantou City, who arranged to carry out regular radio broadcasts on dealing positively with emotional reactions to the earthquake’s destruction. The pre-recorded programs begin and end with mu Bahai readings and feature interviews with people expressing Baha'i viewpoints on each week's subject.

June 5, 2000 Tne AMERICAN Ban’ ¢ INTERNATIONAL News page 39 [Page 40]

or its agencies at the Baha’

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly _ phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’i schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’i School, phone 831-423 Green Acre Baha’i School,

Louhelen

Baha’i School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail

. Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Baha’f pe phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

JUNE

9-11: “Planning Progress: Lessons from Shoghi Effendi” at Green Acre.

10-15: Texas Family Reunion at Bosch:

“The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah.” 16-17: Hemlock Haven Baha’ School, Marion, VA. Details, page 24.

16-18: S.E. Asian Roundtable Conference at Bosch: “Fostering the Spiritual and Social Development of Children.” 18-23: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute I for ages 8:

21-25: Colorado Woodland Park,

23-28: ne Youth Acad

y: to Serve” for ages 11-14 at Green Acre.

24-29: Youth Eagle Institute at Bosch. 25-28: s Institute II for ages 30-July 3: North School, Salisbury, NC. Details, page 24. 30-July 3: Ocean of Light Teaching Conference at Bosch.

30-July 4: Florida Baha’{ School, Melbourne, Details, page 24. 30-July 5: “Family Virtues Week”/

“The Baha’i Administrative Order in North America” at Green Acre.

Baha’u'llah” and The World Order of Babé’u'lléb at Louhelen.

BAHA’’ MATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN WILMETTE, iC "0091-2849

JULY

2: Concert-Picnic with Red Grammer at Green Acre.

1-4: Bellemont Baha’ Summer School,

near Flagstaff, AZ: “The Advent of Divine Justice.” Information and registration: Bellemont Baha’i Summer School, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003 (e-mail ). Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Flagstaff.

1-7: Sheltering Branch Baha’{ School, near Pomeroy, WA. Details, page 24. 7-12: Badasht Academy en Acre for youths ages 12-18; sponsored by Northeast Regional Youth Committee. To be followed iby a ay ene

Y Academy at Bosch. 7-12: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen. 14-19: Two sessions at Louhelen: “Spiritual Parenting”; Friends and Families I. 14-20: South Carolina Baha’i School, Rock Hill, SC. Details, page 24. 15-19: Heartland (Illinois) Baha’i School, Galesburg, IL. Details, page 24. 15-20: Persian Session: The Advent of Divine Justice at Bosch. Marian Steffes (Wisconsin) hool, Brownsville, WI. Is, page 24.

Liang the Lion, the Treasurer’s Office helper for children’s fund education, greets National Convention visitor Rezvan Mohragi during a rare live appearance—adding to the celebration after introduction of the Kingdom Project. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

JUNE 5, 2000 NOR, RAHMAT + B.E. 157

—

4-6: Texas Baha’i School, Bruceville, ‘TX. Details, page 24.

4-9: “Packing for the Five Year Plan: Are We Ready?” at Green Acre.

4-9: Friends and Families IIT at Louhelen: 5-10: Junior Youth Institute at Bosch. 11-16: Friends and Families IV: “Building Humanity’s Future” at Louhelen. 11-16: Two sessions at Green Acre: “Mystic Medicine: Religion Shaping Science”; Core Curriculum 21-25: Tiny Seed Baha’i Sc McKenna, WA. Details, page 24. 11-20: Solomon R.G. Hilton Baha’i Louhelen. School, Poughkeepsie, NY. Details, 22-2 page 24.

‘The Complesteatt elpmeet of 12-1 ) ‘ach Other: Gender Equality”; Camp. 16-20: William Sears Great North Green Acre for ages 8-12. Woods Baha'i School, near Onamia, 22-27: Persian/American Session at Bosch.

27-30: Dayspring (Maryland) Baha’ cilfire at Neah Bay, WA: School, Frostburg, MD. Details, page “Renewing Spiritual Energy.” With

24. Jack McCants and Reggie Newkirk. 28-Aug. 2: Friends and Families II: Fees: $12 registration, $10 camping. “Bahé’u'llah: Creator of World Order” Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of the at Louhelen. Makah Rese: vation (phone 360-64528-Aug. 2: “The Dynamics of 2153, e-mail

Authentic Relationships” at Green Web site www.olypen.: Soni jerises))Acre.

17-23: “Art and the Mystic Path,” retreat on the creative process with Bill George and Sally Cordova at Little Pond retreat center, Nazareth, PA. (phone 610-837-2741, e-mail

, Web site www.littlepond.org). Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, PA. 19-23: Four Corners Baha’f School, near Gallup, NM. Details, page 24. 20-23: Great Plains (Nebraska) Baha’i School, Peru, NE 21-26: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at

29-Aug. 3: Youth Institute at Bosch.

29LAug, 10: Youth Academy at Bosch. SUMMER BAHA’i SCHOOLS Wilcott Sessions through Labor Day hool, near Details on page 24

. Details, page 24.

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Babd’?, send all family members new address and ailing label to: Membership Office, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central L 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for process:

ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

A. NAME(S)

IDe

ID#

5

B. NEW RESIDE!

ADDRESS

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS

Street Address Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable)

Gy City

State Zip code State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

We do

listed above.

ot have the same last

name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s)

“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.

Name of new Baha’? Community Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)

Area Gode Phone Number Name ““RYET Codé Phone Number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

[E12 bowschold receives only ‘one copy of The American Babé'. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

Tue American BanA‘i

Notifications

Personal tools

The American Bahá’í/Volume 31/Issue 4/Text