The American Bahá’í/Volume 31/Issue 5/Text

From Bahaiworks

[Page 1]


GoaL: CARRY OUT THE

@e@ e e MATIONAL TEACHING PLAN OF SPIRITUALLY DISTINCTIVE aA FAMILIES AMD COMMUNITIES

  • Involve individuals, communities * Foster love, happiness and spiritual

and institutions devotion

  • Encourage leadership and initiative + Insure children and junior youth

among youth acquire spiritual virtues and are

  • Make training institutes fully free of prejudice

operational * Foster devotional life of individuals

and community

GOAL: INTENSIFY DEVELOPHENT

GoAL: STRENGTHEN AND FOSTER

MATURITY OF THE BAHA’:

COMMUNITY

  • Reinforce external affairs activities
  • Encourage success of the Kingdom

Project

  • Strengthen social and economic

development

With the advent of a new global teaching plan as directed by the Universal House of

‘Sap py Justice, our National Spiritual Assembly has outlined the above priorities to constitute our National Teaching Plan. Through the upcoming year, The American Baha’ will organize its content according to those priorities.

“We were less concerned with transferring knowledge than instilling a sense of belonging.”

Teaching from the heart in Texas


BY TOM MENNILLO

N ‘0 one ever accused Texans of thinking small.

nto growth and consolidation efforts, the station Shahriar Teaching Project is well > goals: Initiate engender the



College on the way to meeting ten-gallon-si y by 10s Valley spirit of teaching among participating Baha’is, and create a model of focused teaching for Texas and the can Baha’i community.

souls of all strata have been brought into





ned.


the A high percentage have been ret: Moreover, many are bringing their relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers into the welcoming embrace of local Bahd’is.

Not only has this greatly enlarged the Assembly communities of College Station and Bryan and allowed Brazos County to form an Assembly—it has greatly strengthened them. Witness a number of believers who have rekindled an energetic participation and involvement with the Baha’i community.



SEE TEXANS, PAGE 15

Gregory Institute gets facelift

BY BARBARA McCORD,

Sue RUEARENRATMCCORD Now the National Spiritual Assembly

is tightening its focus on the immediate community, both Baha’i and non-Baha

“Once the facilities have been upg} ed, the Institute will be developed as a community center with programs designed to support the expansion and consolidation of the local Baha’i communities as well as to foster the development of the community at large,” said Nancy Davis, coordinator for the National




xtensive remodeling began in late dMay on four buildings at the venerable Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute (LGI) as part of its transformation into a full-service community center. Because of the renovation work, activities other than continued programming of







Friends gather for some barbecue at the home of a new Baha’ and her family in College Station, Texas. The Shahriar Teaching project not only has helped Baha’i communities across Brazos County to grow, i ing redefine what Baha’i community is all about. Photo by Grant Suhm


is help Forum gives voice to NGOs at UN

en the largest-ever gathering of heads of state convenes in

September, participants will benefit from a unique “declaration and agenda for action” integrating a wide range of issues vital to universal peace.

The

declaration was forged

through consultation by more than 1,000 non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—including the Baha’i

WLGI Radio Baha’i will not be scheduled until after the work is completed.

‘The institute, an hour from the Atlantic coast in Hemingway, South Carolina, has been a center of learning and service since it began operating in 1972.

Education and Schools Office.

‘This new community development challenge will be assisted by Mottahedeh Development Services, a social and eco SEE LGI, PAGE 13

International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly—May 22-26 in a Millennium Forum at the

SEE FORUM, PAGE 53


Juty 13, 2000

KALIMAT/WORDS KAMAL/PERFECTION BAHAY ERA 157

VOLUME 31, NO. 5

  • I-N°S°1-D-E:


SPIRIT RUN,


AN EMOTIONAL SENDOFF

PAGE 5




ANNUAL REPORT PAGES 1748



VINEYARD OF THE LORD PAGES 54-55

YOUTH +7 KID’S CORNER - 8 UNIT CONVENTIONS - 5|-53 IN MEMORIAM = 56 CLASSIFIED + 57-58 PERSIAN PAGES + 60-62

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and May 31, 2000

$2,250,000 Goal/all funds

$1,116,613 Received

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 3 for details

  • E-X-C-E-R°P-T°S:

“The understanding of His words and the comprehension of the utterances of the Birds of Heaven ... depend solely upon purity of heart. ...” —Bahéa’u’llah



[Page 2]ALMANAC


Some significant dates in Baha‘i history Late July and August


August 1844: A few months after the Bab first declared Hi mission, a ‘Tablet of His was delivered to Mirz4 Husayn-‘Alf in ‘Tehran, Iran, who immediately declared acceptance of the Bab as the Voice of God. Mfrz4 Husayn-‘Ali is now known to us as Baha'u'llah.

Aug. 15, 1852: A bungled attempt to assassinate the Shah of Tran cast suspicion on many followers of t 5 Baha'u'llah was among doze known as the Bla Whi His neck, Baha’u'llah months |: e that He was the Manifestation of God prophesied by the Bab. jah, residing in Adrianople European Tu as condemned by the Sultin to perpetual banishment; this order led to His decades of confinement at ‘Akka in the Holy Land.

August 1910: About two years after His decades of








Aug. 1, 1927: The Geyserville Baha’f School was established on. property donated by John Bosch north of San Francisco. It operated there until 25 years ago, when it was transferred to the Santa Cruz area and renamed Bosch Baha’{ School.

July 15, 1932: Bahiyyih Khanum, daughter of Baha’u'llah and siter of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, passed away in Haifa, Palestine. She was chief steward of the Faith from the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha until Shoghi Effendi assumed the duties of his Guardianship.

Aug. 2, 1951: The first Bahs’i pioneers to Uganda arrived in the it isi Banani (later a Hand of the Cause of God) with his i (now a member of the Universal House of Justice) with his family, and Philip Hainsworth.

July 21-26, 1953: Fourteen Hands of the Cause of God were among 374 Baha'is at the European Intercontinental Teaching Conference, one of a series of conferences that launched a worldwide expansion of the Faith at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade.

August 1971: The Universal House of Justice erected a 35-foottall marble obelisk on Mount Carmel near Haifa, marking the






confinement offic



papers, becoming the first Baha’f community to acquire legal sta- At tus.

ly ended, ‘Abdu’l-Baha perm across the bay to Haifa. ” World Center has developed since then. he Baha'is of Chicago filed incorporation


ntly moved s is the city



spot where a House of Worship will be built in future. Upcoming Holy Days

iversary of the Birth of the Bab: Oct. 20

Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah: Nov. 12

Facts in this section were compiled from A Basic Bahd’i Chronology.





Ind Reservation who is member at Diné College, wa Adviser of the Ye:


named



Leaders, an organiza tion with student chapters in 34 colleges and universi





f


lege chapter won first prize in the B Plan Competition at the organi 2000 national conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


oe South Caroli winner of the South Carolina Black His tory Month Essay Gontest for high school students, sponsored by the state Department of Education. Her winning e selected from about 1,500, was

G. Gregory: Champion of As a high school senior, ne also won. this South Carolina Public tion Award for her com






with the Masters Award by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, n of her life achievements as a






ee ue ‘ll b but alonieane their time. One hundred children, and now their parents. The circle of the Children’s _ Theatre Company in New York City is steadily widening, and its Baha'i founders have gained publicity and accolades. Merur Mansourt (from left) and Roya Movarecu were honored recently by Time Warner Cable Channel 1 as New Yorkers of the Week. An accompanying news profile of the effort, aired May 24, showed the two, along with dance instructor Kamal Sinclair, guiding schoolchildren from the Bronx in rehearsal—reciting a line from Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle, a _ quote from opera star Beverly Sills, and _ an excerpt from a child’s letter to God. The two started the project about a year ago, guided by a model of “Assets Based Community Development” and viewing ordinary inner-city schoolchildren as resources who, with guidance and encouragement, can develop



themselves beautifully. The Spiritual Assembly of New York City supports the group with a “lease-grant” that allows performaces at the center's theater without charge.

With three nine-week cycles of “theatre by children for grown-ups” under its belt, the company is developing parent discussion groups that delve into the issues behind the material the children perform.

For information on the Web, see:

  • www.childrenstheatrecompany.org.
  • www.nyl/com (click on the “Nyer of

the week” link) @



LENCE IN ALL THINGS



news broadcaster. The anchor for WISTV is one of only seven recipients of the

award in 12 years.




OsTROM, 3 in Mesa, At graduated’ th



the top of his t Westwood


‘TRAVIS Pinn, a 13year-old Baha’i in Battle Ground, Wa: ton, recently a black belt ranking in Tae Kwondo. Ti has been an honor student at his middle school, and was Student of the Month for October 1999.



received



lifornia, was ational Geo


his school’s winner in the graphic Bee contest.

1 Wipmer, a Baha’i in Chicago, s been elected to a two-year e president of the United ssociation of the United States (UNA-U! A). A member of the Academof the United Nations, he has chaired several UN satellite conferences on human rights, sustainable development and international health issues while a pioneer in South America. Widmer will operate from a newly established Chicago UNA office and be responsible for statewide education programs, expansion of UNA membership and liaison with government officials. @









THE AMERICAN

s7U GO.


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

Baha'i National Center 847-869-9039

Editorial Office of The American Bah@t Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, TL 60201 Phone: 847-869-9039 Fax: 847-251-3652

E-mail:

Editor James Humphrey “

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors Walt Boyd, Pamela Brode, Mary Ching, Mona Goharriz, Red Hubbard, John Kolstoe, Aaron Kreader, Craig Loehle, Barbara McCord, Chris Palmer, Amethel Parel-Sewell, Yeronica Shoffstall, Grant Suhm, Ruhi Yargha, William Vasta, Nancy Wong, | __—_ sree ———_—

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one

special issue) for a total of 10 issues per

year by the National Spiritual Assembly of

the Baha'is of the United States, 1233

Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL.

and additional offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

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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 y ‘There is no need to contact the Editors directly, A form is on the back page.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHA‘E 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).

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PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to The American Baba’, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail )



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Cem once ees World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.



page 2 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

July 13, 2000 [Page 3]oreo


©



THE?’ SECOND*FRONT



Honor where honor is due

Film project drew Baha’i into effort to recognize often-overlooked service


BY TOM MENNILLO

n city after city, / Ameri E “thank you” to the minorities who rved in World War II.

And a chief mover in the Day 2000 movement is a Ba William H. Smith of Sudbury, Massachusetts.





‘The men and women of Afri


ty and government,” Smith said in a een to the National Spi ritual Assembly. “Whereas the denial of an accurate view





prejudice for over 50 ye and public praise for their role can a key source of knowledge and respect, he said. “Thus the Day of Honor isa girder in the bridg

Smith owns a small video, film and visual media company. In 1997 he was contracted to produce a documentary for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The film, African-Americans in World War Il: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor, was widely hailed and won several awards.

But what was left’on the cutting-room floor, at the sponsor’ direction, became the impetus for a second film and the Day of Honor 2000 project.

At a premiere in New York City, the chaplain of an African-Ameri a organization commented to , “Son, film, but it has something «.. [SJomeone has to do a film one day that talks about how they treated us ... [so] the world can know the kind of men we really were—that we done our job in spite of how they treated us.”

Smith vowed to try. That led to 15 months of additional interviews and research into wartime footage.

‘The new documentary, The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices, premiered in Los Angeles on April 13, 1999, with support from the NAACP and DreamWorks SKG.

MEDIA CAMPAIGN Late-breaking news:

New video on the air The third-quarter national broadcast schedule (July through September) includes the new half-hour video program We Are One with Dan Seals! See details on the Web at www.usbnc.org


to span the racial divide.” Productions Inc.,


com T










The family is growing Enrollments resulting from the national media campaign, in interaction with local teaching and community activities, are on the rise as more seekers respond to broadcasts. Details will be reported in the next issue of The American Bahd’i. @


What’s ahead for the Day of Honor movement?

  • William Smith said he hopes

that 200 cities will hold Day of Honor events by the end of 2000 and that Baha’is will become involved. He already plans to give public talks on the Faith at such observances in several cities.

For information, see the Web site (www.dayofhonor2000.org). The Day of Honor 2000 Commemorative es isto be published. *~ :

PBS is to broadcast the film Invisible Soldiers in November.

.

Counselor Wilma Ellis, National Spiritual Assembly 1%, Kazemzadeh and the rest of the overflow crowd of 525 also were treated to a reading of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s prayer for Amer

‘The program's success led to a deci to hold Day of Honor commemorations nationally.


member




Sponsors envisioned holding Day of

Honor events in 10 cities. Soon the number of cities organizing activities grew to 20, then 100-plus.

Meanwhile, efforts were initiated for a congressional resolution that would officially recognize, for the first time, the



William Smith (second from left) stands in the company of a number of dignitaries, including Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West, as President Clinton signs the Day of Honor resolution in late May.

White House photo by William Vasta

role of minorities in World War II and would call upon Americans to honor these veterans with appropriate programs and activiti

These two foci converged May 25-26 in Washington, DC.

A wreath-l g at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was followed by a reception and briefing at the WI hite House Old ve Office Building and activities at Howard University.

That d: 1 resolution








y the congressi and Smith received notice he


was passed

was to report to the White House the next morning for its signi At the





Smith was joined by F ry of Veterans rs Togo West, Sen. Edward Kennedy

and several veterans’ representatives. Also




‘aith as a result

es involving


a action inj the Baha’is in Houston. Kennedy stepped forward and intro


d


ced Smith to the president as “the good n of the Commonwealth setts] who came up with this idea.

President Clinton signed the resolution using eight pens in turn. Then he arose and Smith, who had gotten National Assembly permission beforehand, presented Clinton with a framed copy of the prayer for America. He explained the prayer “has become'a key part of the Day of Honor celebrations across the country. It represents the spiritual aspect of the Day of Honor.” #






Enrollments




May 2000 .... fae oD


May 1999-April 2000 .... 1,389



THE FUND

May 1-31, 2000 Contributions received by National Treasurer {excluding Kingdom Project)

Goal for entire year:

$27,000,000




Received since May 1, 2000: $1,116,613


4.1% of year’s

goal was met


8.3 % of fiscal year has passed

April 30, 2001 }





ley Jackson-Lee of

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Baha’i National Fund May 1, 1999-April 30, 2000 (latest available)

23,335,475

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



$25,514,030 Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.) 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



a for Earth Day



Nick me (from left), Camrika Nkwenti and Effendi Nkwenti were part of a Springfield, Missouri, Baha’i children’s project celebrating Earth Day 2000 by helping a community-based Earthworks Project at a state nature center in Springfield. Older children pulled weeds, while smaller children moved mountains of wood chips to the bird sanctuary area. Photo courtesy:of Chery! Huffman



Cultivating Distinction

A national program of focused study in 2000

The study material for July through December

includes these six letters from the book

The World Order of Bahd’u'llah:

  • The World Order of Baha’u’llah
  • The World Order of Baha’u’llah:

Further Considerations

  • The Goal of a New World Order
  • The Golden Age of the Cause of

Baha’u’llah

  • America and the Most Great Peace
  • The Unfoldment of World

Civilization




July 13,2000 = Te American BanA’i ¢ Tne Seconp FRonr

page 3 [Page 4]COMMENTA


RTE

‘RY*AND*LETTERS~



Beware letting ‘scaffolding’ block our long-term goals

BY CRAIG LOEHLE


ih has given us a blueprint community can be. Hownot yet using the blueprint Our difficulty is threefold.



ever, we a effectively.



t, we do not know how to read blueSecond, we have no example of a completed house to use as a point of reference. Third, must live in the house while we build it.


prints, and must learn slow we

This causes a number of complications.


‘To build a house, we must first clear away an area flat, and start digging a hole. ‘This is the stage of community initiation at which old customs and

the trees, bulldoz:


habits are cleared away, but a new structure is not yet constructed. At this stage, the situation actually looks worse than before the trees were cleared. We have given up corrupted holiday traditions but do not yet have a large community for our own cele brations.


life but for many of us our relatives have not done likewise, leaving our family ties frayed. It is at this

on is kept in mind of the


stage unless a vi


house that is being built

er stages of construction are ched, it becomes possible to function sense in the partially completed house. When the foundation is poured,




in some


We have embraced a new way of

This is an excerpt from the essay “Growth and Development of the Baha’i Community.” The full essay is posted on the Web in MS Word format. Access www.usbnc.org with your Baha’i 1D number, click on the “NSA Departments” icon, then follow links to Education and Schools Office, Educational Materials and Educational Articles.



leaving an open basement, meetings can be held there. It is quite tempting to try to


ke the basement comfortable by cove t with a tin roof.


However,


gets in the way of further construction. We may decide to plant shrubs and flowers around the house to pretty it up, but


then it becomes difficult to do any work. When the initial framing is up, it is tempting to throw a tarp over part of it to keep the sun off of us. We become fond of this arrangement, resist further efforts to build. At each s

may nd


re, the tendency to become accustomed to the conditions we have lived with can cause us to fall in love with the scaffolding we can see inst house specified by the bluepr current stage of the house is visible’and




this. roof

can be made workable enough with a tin roof or a little canvas. The whole purpose, of course, is to build a house, not to build scaffolding. It is not possible to simultaneously maximize our comfort and build the structure as fast as possible.

‘The current condition of the house is the structure. The construction trajectory is the process of community development. Dur: ing the construction process, we often tear






down part of what we have built, such as forms or scaffolding. Too much focus on structure ¢ We hav At each stage of the development of a Baha'i communit


ases resistance to any change.



fallen in love with the scaffolding.

rticular features may or may not be scaffolding, that is, tempo: rary structures t the next s n



exist solely to get us to


age. The only way to tell the difto the blueprints. We may


fer


isto


love having meetings under a tent in one country or in someone’ home in another country, but is either of these approaches the

“best” way? If we are used to one or the


other, we m: it is best, and therefore resist any change, but it may actually be merely expedient rather than inteal to the functioning of the Faith. With ch potential change we should ack to the blueprints to see what is essential and what is merely scaffolding. This will drastically accelerate the process of con assume tha





ea



Thanks expressed for provision of study plan. in 2000

‘To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Stat

I would like to express my gratitude for your guidance on having us study “The Dispensation of Bahda’u’llih” and The Advent of Divine Justice as well as the other




upcoming texts. After re: ation of Baha’u’llah”’some time since I had previously read it—I decided to read and study it again as I begin to read The Advent of Divine Fustice.

I ized while reading



“The



all about.”

“Tt brought us all closer in the joy

of service. We had time away from

the pressure of completing an agenda to focus on what the Assembly was

— a workshop participant


e-mail



Spiritual Assemblies are working to build a new state of mind. Join them by taking one of 15 Assembly Development Module Workshops. Contact the

Office of Assembly Development at 847-733-3490, or go to www.ushne.org



Dispensation” what a wonderful explana tion Shoghi Effendi provides for the station s, including Baha’w’llih and the Bab, i of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, as well as our Creator, using quotes extensively from the Central Figures of our F

Tt struck me that this book can be used greatly i in our teaching work as i and in a definitive tone explains the ba ic fundamental verities of our Faith.

I appreciate very much you! guidance. Thank you.




love and


Bryce C. Abel Reassuring Christians


Dear Friends ‘amiliarity with the Gospels and the n are crucial to our teaching of Christians. By looking up the Bible quotes Baha’u’llah illustrates, we can go to the Christians’ own scripture to show



a solid link between the Revelations of Christ and Baha’u’llih.

Frequently we may also encounter fear of “false prophets,” inhibiting investigation of the Faith for sincere people, even



Christians if we lovingly ask them to review the Bible verses that refer to the “false prophets,” specifically in Matthew, chapter 7, starting with verse 15:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So every sound tree bears good fruit , but the bad tree bears evil fruit.”

What are “good fruits”? Paul identifies the fruits of the Spirit in Galacians






structing our Baha’i communities.

Some examples of scaffolding ilhustrate the problems when process and structure are not differentiated. A key process in a community is deepening of both new and established memt ay that in a small community one individual is knowl




- Let us



edgeable about history and volunteers to give classes on the history of the Faith. This is scaffolding. The community is having this particular c




not because it


ly neéiled but because this individual had only this skill, and only this individual volunteered. The class is being held at a certain time only because that is When this class is a suecess and becomes a beloved

is what is real




when the teacher was free.


local tradition, the community is in danr of falling in love with the scaffolding



and may resist changing the

A key to on the cu shat bac



zhting this tendency to fixate


and to resist ¢ is to develop a habit of referring to the guidance of the Central Figures and the Universal House of Justice as to the processes of growth and the ures of the Faith. Only those

nt structure





essential fe


structures explicitly specified, such as the rules for holding ele: art of the blueprint. Everything else is scaffolding whose sole purpose is to get us to our goals in an expeditious manner.





LETTERS FROM READERS

le welcome letters from readers

on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the current Plan, the principles of the Writings, and response to content in The American Baha'i.

  • The purpose of Letters from

Readers is to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or attack anyone—openly or subtly.

  • Opinions expressed are those of the

writers, not necessarily of the editors.

  • A 250-word maximum length is

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

Please address letters to: Editor, The American Baha’i, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

  • e-mail




5:22-24: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

In Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 257: “Man is like unto a tree. If he be adorned with fruit, he hath been and will ever be worthy of praise and commendation. Otherwise a fruitless tree is but fit for fire. The fruits of the human tree are exquisite, highly desired and dearly cherished. Among them are upright character, virtuous deeds and a goodly utterance.”

We see even the language of Christ and Bahé’u'llah flows seamlessly together. Let us use this to connect with our fellow believers in Christ and lovingly, through the study of their text and ours, see that we follow the same Holy Spirit.

Jeanne Barzydlo Council Bluff, Towa







page 4

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i * ComMENTARY AND LETTERS

July 13, 2000 [Page 5]

“O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of ‘Yd Bahd'u'l-Abhd’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.” —Abdu'l-Baha

Spirit Runners begin their cross-country trek

BY TOM MENNILLO

igh on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, nine young Baha'is drank in early-morning air

laden with chants of “Ya Baha’u’l-Abha.” Then they sprang forward, and the 3,000-mile Spirit Run for race








n. May 29, the anniverion of Baha’u’llah. 1g. 13 when, God willing, these brave souls of diverse backgrounds reach the Shinnecock Reserve outside New York City to complete the run.

‘They will have sacrificed not just comfort but, in some cases, jobs and graduation ceremonies to spread—and model— the teachings of Baha’u'llah from town to town, reservation to reservation, the breadth of the United States.


sary of the Ie will be






An emotional sendoff

Months of preparation culminated Sunday, May 28, at the tree-encircled Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle.

“One seems to be far away from the

city at the far end of this Army. baseturned-park,” recounted Wesley A. Dyring, secretary of the Lynnwood, Washington, Spiritual Assembly, wl is handling the project's financ he immense and profound spirit present was apparent as soon as I arrived.”

Ramona King of Everett, Washington, felt th it. “The celebration ... was so intense in its impact that I doubt I shall ever be the same,” she said.

Inside, people hung onto every word as Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry, the 30-yearold initiator of Spirit Run, spoke at length about the purpose animating the project and shared through tears his vision of the destiny of the American Indians.

Then came a moment that had many in tears: presentation of the sacred message, which runners would carry in a bundle on their backs. “The message of Baha'u'llah would be carried on foot because it would emphasize to the Indiani acred nature,” Dyring said.

After talks by elders and mentors, “the runners were called to the front amid profound and heart-moving applause and cheers,” Dyring said. “We all understood the sacrifice that these nine youth were offering for the sake of our beloved Cause.”

One by one the runners shared their ethnic heri ‘Choctaw, Guamanian, Cherokee, Hungarian, Japanese, African, Pei and Mexican among them—and why they decided to join Spirit Run. Support staffers later shared the stage.

King was impressed with the runners. “[{OJne of the youth brought a plate of food to me, honoring me as one of the















Nine Spirit Runners gather with Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry (at microphone) during a ceremony May 28 in Seattle, Washington, to kick off the 24-month Spirit Run.

A



elders attending the special occasion,” she said. “I felt humble before the service rendered to me.”

Later the Diversity Dance Workshop gave a powerful and moving presentation. ‘The Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, which Scarberry had first approached about Spirit Run, presented him with a blanket.


Prayers into the night

Outside on the parade grounds were four tepees as well as a sacred fire to be used later for a sweat lodge. Prayers were said in the tepees, each at one point of the compass.

After dinner the crowd began to diminish and preparations for the Run started.

Not long after 3 a.m., a number of Run participants and local Baha’is assembled to observe the As ion of Baha'u'llah. By 4:30 everyone was eating breakfast. Several runners were stretching.

One last ceremony was held to bless the run, beginning shortly after 5. In attendance was Erica Tor int, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, who would would travel with the runners as part of the support team. Area resident Phil Lucas contributed traditional Indian elements to the ceremony.

“We heard the prayer for the Western States in a way in which it had not affected me so much before,” Dyring said. “Everyone present took a small piece of stone which was brought back from the









pproximate route of Spirit Run with some stops through early June

a

ro

i



www.spiritrun.org.




construction of the International Teaching Center (building in Haifa.”

At exactly 5:15 the Run began.

“The entire group of runners and many of the support staff ran the first mile together. The chant ‘Y4 Bahd’u’l-Abha’ rang out from the group amidst the sound of jingle bells and rattles on the legs of a couple of the runners,” said Dyring.

The runners began to relay, taking turns running a mile with the Message.

Safety was enhanced by bicycl including Dyring and traveling teachers Jerome and Lucia Knudson—guiding the runners and keeping them visible to traffic. Support vans traveled in front, behind and miles ahead.



Honored at the first stop

Six-and-a-half hours of nearly constant travel brought the runners to Monroe, Washington, and lunch at the home of a member of an American Indian council.

“He expressed his profound respect for the runners and what they are doing, and

resented Arthur with an eagle feather ha small totem,” Dyring said.

With great reluctance, Dyring parted with the team in Monroe.

“It broke my heart to watch the runners [return] to the exact spot where they had interrupted their run for lunch,” he said. “How much I wanted to be with them!”

How we all want to be with them.




Lineup of runners

Spirit Runners at the beginning of the run May 29 in Seattle, as published in the Seattle Times:

Billy Harris, 19, Kenmore, WA

Alfred Kahn Jr., 15, Houck AZ

Charles Nelson, 17, North Seattle, WA Micah Reed, 23, Raymond, CA

Sahar Sattarzadeh, 20, Irvine, CA Samaan Sattarzadeh, 18, Las Vegas, NV Chris Shattuck, 20, Eugene, OR

Nancy Torres, 24, Portland, OR

Mike Pennington, 15, Portland, OR

Glimpses of Spirit Run’s first week

From Verna J. Zuttermeister Leavenworth, Washington

“It seemed as if they appeared from right out of the mountain: Nine runners in white T-shirts with bright nine-pointed-star logos, trotting in rhythm in a double line ... with a drum beating out the rhythm of ‘Ya Baha’u’l-Abha’ and the runners chanting the words. ...

“We had invited a local person and his son to do Native American dancing. ... Arthur, also in full Native American regalia, joined them and danced and then we were all dancing. Even the shy elderly couple who had come in off the street danced the friendship dance.” From Marsha M. and Joseph F. Urlacher Spokane, Washington

“We are very excited to report that all three of our Spokane TV channels have been out following the Spirit Runners this morning as they have run through Spokane, so this should be on our news reports this late afternoon and evening.

“The Spokesman-Review will go out to cover the story tomorrow, Monday. ...

“Our daughter, Tiara, ran with them this morning and got to carry their special bundle. She was thrilled!”

From William Schipp Spirit Run Task Force

“The first week of their journey has been filled with the challenges inherent in moving, housing, feeding and organizing 19 people. It has also been a week of bonding and learning to work togeth




eras a team. ...

“The team ... shared a song they had written, with a working title of ‘The Driving Song,’ a beautifully rhythmic message of hope, love and responsibility for putting faith into action, intoned in the refrain, ‘This is my world, This is my world.

SEE GLIMPSES, PAGE 6


July 13,2000 = THe American BanA’i ¢ NaTionaL TEACHING PLAN

page 5 [Page 6]

ERSTE TERETE


Visiting Counselor brings workshop on equality

6C ision without action is a mere dream. Action without ste of time.

Vision with action world.”

These are the word lifted the hearts of part long presentation of “ Training Manual for Men and Women for the Advancement of Women,” host1 May 21 by the Chicago Regional ing Institute.

Lee Lee Loh Ludher, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Asia, facilitated an overview of the training program for more than 30 women and men. The program has been suc fully used in Asia, Africa and South ith both urban and suburban


will change the




e






The advancement of women is a y, not a luxury, the program minds attendees. And it provid systematic means for men and women to be trained to effect lasting change






without reproach or threat.

‘This community-based training program combines the study of Bah ings with self-awarenes:


ities that challenge attitudes, perceptions and


s and trainers,


beliefs—of parti s men and women alike, conse’ unconscious—to bring the noble principle of the equality of women and men into our liv There are eight modules: four for women only, facilitated by a woman; two for men only, facilitated by a man; and two for women and men together, faci itated by the same woman and man who presented the separate modules.







av: glish, F Arabic and Bengalese. Work progress on Chinese and Hin ions, sa program for g general u s of Women’s Affairs is mistic that “Equal Wings” will be an as: itutes in the United States as it has been in other parts of the world.





Module workshops on equality

This program builds on material that already is available. The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Assembly Development has published two training modules on the equality of women and men.

Part One targets individuals in the spirit of building community. The focus of this 200-minute module is the exploration of the complementary roles of women and men in establishing the partnership bei the sexes as described in the Bah

Part Two, also 200 minutes long, explores the role of the Spiritual Assembly in fostering a partne between the genders and de: resources available to help the Assembly.

The Office of A: embly Development has trained repre: ss the country to facilitate the: materials are available through the Baha’f Distribution Service (see article on page 49).










00-22-UNITE »* Makine It Work IN Your ComMuNITY

‘What happens when your local 800-22-UNITE contact person misses a message?

  • Ifa seeker call is not retrieved five days after it is forwarded to your

community voice-mail box, it “bounces back” to the national 800UNITE

Office.

  • The 800UNITE Office then re-forwards the call to the local community.
  • If the community does not retrieve the call after five more days, the

same call “bounces back” again to the 800UNITE Office.

  • This time, the 800UNITE Office forwards the call to the state “default

box.” A default contact person in the relevant state follows up with the seeker and contacts the local community regarding how to retrieve calls.

or.


BUT ... What if a message is saved as “new”?

Sometimes local contact people will retrieve and record a message, then mistakenly save

it as a new message. In any case:

  • Any message that is saved as “new” will,

again, bounce back after five days.

  • If the state contact person does not retrieve that call from the default

box, the same call bounces back again to the 800UNITE Office, and it is

then forwarded to the appropriate Regional Baha’i Council.

SOOUNITE Office * Phone 847-733-3497 * E-mail

GLIM PS ES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5


“Those gathered were also privileged to hear from the team’s elder, Bill Ekomiak, [an Inuit from] Canada. Ferris Paisano offered prayers and relayed messages of hope and of love from the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai [Idaho] and the Nez Perce Reservation. ...

“(Auxiliary Board] Assistant Ann ‘Torrie presented Spirit Run with a very special and meaningful gift entrusted to her from the Continental Counselor from Mexico, Alejandra Miller ... prayer beads that had been covered with the dust of Fort Tabarsi. ...”

From Dale F. Morrow Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana

“(The runners’) first five days in the state of Montana left us in a state of exhausted wonderment. ...

“In Noxon, where a local member of the Ku Klux Klan stood just outside the door to hear what the youth were saying, the mother of two absent teenage daughters was overheard telling her

ee

neighbor that, whatever it took, she was bringing her daughters to see the Spirit Runners at their next stop in Plains.

“Tt was here that the county sheriff and his wife came because he didn’t have a deputy available to send, and was so moved by meeting with the runners that they too had to come again the next night, where they were both in tears listening to the runners.

“On Wednesday, the runners were met by 10 Navajo runners from the Kicking Horse Job Corps Center. ... They gave the runners some greatly needed relief by carrying the [sacred message] over 20 miles that day. They had so much fun that five of them came out again two days later to travel with and run in rotation with them for almost 50 miles.

“On Thursday the Spirit Runners ... went to the chambers of the Tribal Council of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes for what was to be a brief formal



  • The 800UNITE Office will only be able to

treat that message as one that was not retrieved by the community, state or regional contact people.

  • Then the whole process explained at left

starts over again.

So ... Please delete your messages after you have confidently transcribed

them.

ity. Again the Concourse on high had thrown the doors open wide, and in executive session the Tribal Council decided that the Spirit Runners could have whatever time they wanted and the elected leaders of these peoples heard the Message that the runners are carrying. “That evening they were again welcomed by another Drum with an honor song and a barbecue at the peoples’ center in Pablo, where about 200 people came. ... Things could have gone better there. The runners arrived an hour late. The food got cold and some people grumbled and were impatient “Tt was a time of testing and deep pain. .. It was also a time to witness the grace, the sin-covering eye of Baha’w'llih, for the next morning when the runners came running and chanting ‘Y4 Baha’u’l-Abha’ through Pablo, people came running from the college, from the tribal offices and their homes and places of work to cheer the runners on their way.” #



Core Curriculum program

And still more: The Education and Schools Office of the National Assembly recently added to the Core Curriculum a program on equality of women and men. It includes modules on the role of equality in the world at large, equality in the family, and how to teach the concept of equality.

It is designed to be a 32-hour course that helps the participants in their forts to live by and teach others the principle of the equality of women and men.

As we strive to bring true equality into being we are reminded that, in the words of Baha’u’lléh:

“[I|n this Day the Hand of divine grace hath removed all distinctions. The vants of God and His handmaidens are regarded on the same plane. Blessed is the servant who hath attained unto that which God hath decreed, and likewise, the leaf moving in accordance with the breezes of His will.”

‘Tahirih helps do the teaching in ‘Tucson






e




BY MONA GOHARRIZ

hba Rohani, a Baha’f youth in Arizona, had no idea that her tryout for a Tucson children’s theater play would lead to an opportunity to touch hundreds with the story of a Baha’ heroine.

While working with Rohani on the play, Ride @ Blue Horse, one person in particular, Anne Heintz, grew close to several local Bahda’is. Heintz became very interested in the Baha’i Faith and had many personal firesides with youths.

In time, Heintz was asked to direct the University of Arizona's semester show. She immediately came to her friends and asked for plays that had a Baha theme or dealt with a Baha’s principle.

A search turned up nothing. But as Heintz looked through Baha’i books, she came across The Dawn-Breakers and, the story of Tahirih.

“This is what I want,” she said. “I want to do a play about the life of Tahirih.”

She added, “I can’t believe I haven’t ever heard of this woman before. Why haven’t you told me about her?”

Heintz contacted Baha’is all over the country. Finally, after a few months, she found what she was looking for—somewhat. It was a play written by an early Baha’f in 1902, and it needed some work.

But what she did with it was amazing. She held auditions and cast 19 people for the show, only five of whom were Baha’ The play was publicized in many places including the university paper, where an article and a picture were dedicated to the play.

‘The show ran March 30-April 1. More than 800 people attended.

‘The impact on the cast was greater than anyone had expected. Each actor received a copy of Release the Sun. They have stayed in contact, and the Baha’i Faith is a natural topic of conversation.










page6 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN July 13, 2000 [Page 7]


“... it is incumbent on everyone to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of wealth. ...”

—Baha’u'llah, Hidden Word No. 80 from the Persian work, what they already know while learning new skills and ‘This helps them prepare for future jobs and allows

‘orking at the Baha’f National Center is different from many jobs young adults have after high hool or college, becaus a place where “the ued service to humanity!

the National Spiritual Assembly and “the m is Among more than 20 young adult Baha'is working at the stablishment of the World Order of Baha’ National Center, we caught up with a few and asked them:

It is, however, very similar in that employees use, for their Q: How is your experience here helping you to professionally and personally prepare for your future?









Gerren J. Allen, 24

Special Projects Editor, Media Services

I am able to explore my other talents and I am more deepened on the Faith. What I actually do here does matter and so Lam reminded that I and my skills are needed, especially for th ncement of the Cause. Essentially, my experiences here prepare me to give to anyone I come in contact with who had the same struggles I did the importance of valuing each person’s creative and spiritual contributions.


Photos by Nancy Wong

Ladan Cockshut, 28

Associate Editor, Baha’i Publishing Trust I get to put to work all of my technical and kills as an editor and

a subject area that I love, the Baha'i Faith! I can apply the Baha’i spirit of service to my work—that’s something I will carry with me in any future job I may |










Vahid Farahani, 25 Rebecca Ellison, 29 Clerk, Mail Services Research Coordinator, I am further devel- National Teaching Office


oping my knowledge and understanding of the Faith, and while I

My experiences here are preparing me for more leade: ee


am getting my master’s degre business administration, I can study theories and see how they are being


Pitaies me to Pe more cooperatively on projects with people who have different experiences and perspectives. The work is fun and both intellectually and spiritually stimulating.

Kari Carlson, 21

Associate Producer, Media Services Working on Baha’t Newsreel has practiced withina allowed me both to apply what I Baha’i context. All learned in film school and to develop of these help me to _ new skills. It’s wonderful to combine develop spiritually working in a field I love with service and professionally. to the Cause.



Now, a question

foxy on nl mendexs! Angeline Widmer, 24

Senior Conservation Technician, Temple Conservation

My work at the House of Worship challenges me to dedicate myself entirely to the task at hand and to complete that a high standard of excellence, skills which are readily applicable to any future job or career.

pea ANY TIME THE YEAR

‘SERVICE. OPPORTUNITIES

Q: How are YOU professionally and personally preparing for your future? @






B

Youths are ieedeal in the following locations to work in the teaching and development fields of Baha’i service:

Central Region

  • Supporting college activities and serving in the


Northeastern Region

  • Green Acre Baha’i School, Eliot, Maine

TERESTED?

Regional Baha’i Council offices in Rolla, Missouri Southern Region

  • Louhelen Baha’i School, Davison, Michigan * Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, Office of Youth Affairs

Western Region Hemingway, South Carolina Baha’i National Center

  • Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California * Supporting college activities in Austin, 1233 Central St.
  • Desert Rose Baha’i Institute, Casa Grande, College Station or Houston, Texas; Evanston, IL 60201

Arizona Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Gainesville, | phone 847-733-3499

  • Native American Baha’i Institute, Houck, Arizona Florida; Chapel Hill, North Carolina e-mail

TRAINING FOR ACTION!

hroughout the United States youths are eagerly embracing the concept of training institutes—not only going through cours: idents, but also leading classes as trainers.

In one such program, Be Oregon Regional atically training youths to fe active teachers, administrators and community nbers through an interactive and action-oriented four-year curriculum.

‘This program is quite different from the retreats and conferences many youths are used to attending. For starters, it was developed directly from the guidance of the Universal House of Justice and the Regional Baha’i Council for the Western States, and is matic in natu tute holds for











r conferences per year. There are no lectures or large es; a variety of study meth


ly utilized. The facilitators are collegeage youths who remember what it was like to sit in boring s for ye:

Betwen the main sessions, smaller “circles of learning” are held in local . Youths get to deeper friendships, continue the study process, and make action plans with their older youth fa

“Mystic Foundations’ course everyone tak








on skills training—for “Teaching the Bahai “Teaching Christians” and “Being an Active Community Member.”

Tt doesn’t stop there; it leads to action. After the first conference in March, for example, one youth woke up at 5:15 a.m. the next day to say the long Obligatory Prayer before going to school. Two groups of youths began Circles of Learning with their facilitators, while others led a deepening for their peers.

With similar programs starting in each region of the country, the youth of the United States are preparing themselves for their important role in teaching and consolidating. We can only look forward to greater victories as the process of entry by troops rapidly advances! @







July 13, 2000

Tue American BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page7, [Page 8]

en rls othe aaa









Can you find a community’s spiritual qualities in the word find? How do each of these qualities help make a community healthy and strong? These are the same qualities that helped to make Project Unity successful. (Keep the list of a community’s spiritual qualities for an activity coming soon with one of the Feast letters!)

» %














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mf elrelals >| ol>

Zi <[epwpalpapa|<j3

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=





OO, >| > /O;2zialjajzjyojrjia mlol|zl>lalol>lale[a|alal=



Ola] <|z[slol=| oleate] aio} al Clelolplelmilel[<faf[alal-|z

O|>ierlea >lelalx|=l-lxl-[ololalz| A

ml/Slalazpeim|sal/clajm|al>jaynia Gleja[m[e|OlOjm|zlmi[ejxl< <K)al>|<|ol|Olal >| al mic] <| a]. SE | P| OS Fs ee |

FIZlr/Ols|Olsal[ <<] a |<] el OI Nia N[elalm|<|al—(z2})aq/m|/<)/a)2

CO; O;mia Pla S[lr>l[ol>l| a] zi ci<jK|/2inyixjo

r1Ol<[m[<p<japm “—/>lola}|wins

Children and junior youth from all over the

United States participated


Ce Adaptability Compassion Confidence Courtesy For subscriptions to ea Diversity BRILLIANT STAR, > Faith call Baha'i Distribution Service r an srbtion Se * x Frankness or see page 54 to subscribe.

Zlmleolalam|alm|pate

Generosity Joy Justice Love Nobility Patience Peace Prayer fulness


00" with fre >jecl [Jnilyl

[eee We finished Project Unity with 100% participation of the states. Over 800 Baha’i children and junior youths took part in illuminating the country through our unity in the National Baha’i Fund. Congratulations and many thanks to each one of you who helped to make it a success!













“So powerful is the light

of unity that it can illuminate

the whole

earth.” —Baha’u’llah

Find these hidden words in the puzzle above

Radiance Respect Serenity

Tolerance

Trust Unity

a s



page 8 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BRILuiAnt Stak Kip’s Connex —_July 13, 2000


[Page 9]BAH A’


call us

800-999-9019

I>-DISTRIBUTION+SERVICE


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The phenomenon of near-death experience (NDE) ie shown itself to be of considerable public interest. Light — After Death examines this topic by reviewing various works related to NDE. Parallels are then drawn from relevant books throughout the centuries ranging from Plato’

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5'4" x 8%", 109 pp.





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In his examination of the far- reaching depth and range a

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54" x 84", 428 pp.






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| Throughout the years Mrs. Ruhe has given numerous

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‘Abdu’l-Baha

In New York—The City of the Covenant

| Eliane Lacroix-Hopson

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A revised edition of the author’s 1987 book produced to mark

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3 Spinning the Clay into Stars gathers, within one small solumne a an impressive and cohesive collection of Leach’s journal entries, essays, letters, sketches, photographs and poems. Bernard Leach, a Bahd’{ artist whose achievements and legacy are “... intimately connected to his deep commitment to the spiritual and social teachings of Baha’u’llah,” is thought of by some as “the leading figure of the modern movement in the Western Hemisphere as it relates to studio pottery.”

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July 13,2000 Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BAnA‘i DistRIBUTION SERVICE


page 9 [Page 10]

pe pI

RL sce aa

LooV U2 1H UN (Os LOCI ITP Uy CeNiy






|


© Shoghi Effendi referred to The Baba’?

_ World as a “testimony to the irresistible _

~ march of the Faith and the vitality of its indomitable spirit.” In 1993 the Universal House of Justice stated that it “feels that the availability of a liberally illustrated, attractively designed annual record of Baha’ activities will facilitate

__ the efforts of the friends and Spiritual Assemblies to present to non-Baha’fs at

._ all levels of society current information = about the Cause. ...” This volume

| includes an update on the situation of

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| with numerous color photographs


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page 10

Tue AMERICAN BAHA’i * BAHA’i DisTRIBUTION SERVICE

July 13, 2000


[Page 11]

PTOTESRCRETS

BAHA’i*-DISTRIBUTION’ SERVICE

{tr a Seo ETE



The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah

rhe Dispensation

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aye 13,2000 om eae BanA'i eee SOY ee Page it [Page 12]


BUILDING THE

INGDOM

IT’S OUR TIME


“Abdu’l-Baha at Green Acre * Photo courtesy of National Baha'i Archives

TD 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-Baha 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.”

SPO OS TERETE ICO TET TS EIRP AE


Building on the Foundation

Returning to the Holy Land after His visit to America, ‘Abdu’l-Baha

sent us His Tablets of the Divine Plan, establishing the mission of _ the American Baha’i community and directing our first steps in achieving that ion. The many tasks now before us will not be easy: as the “chief trustees” of the Master’s Divine Plan, we have _ inescapable obligations to our Supreme Body, to our sister national communities and to each other, all across this 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 Baha’is 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’llah.

Comprehensive Development Plan

The goal of the National Spiritual Assembly’ Comprehensive Development Plan is to build on the spiritual foundation laid by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and to “prepare ourselves,” as instructed by the Universal House of Justice, “for ... the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.” ®

A financial commitment of $60 million over the next five years is required to achieve these initiatives.

The goals of the plan represent investments in our future, and demand sacrifices above and beyond 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.










saabiticania isc si insane ak


PRO G RESS RE Pp ORT: ¢ Nearly $15 million in pledges or cash contributions

has been committed to the Kingdom Project. AS OF LATE JUNE 2000 * More than 1,000 individuals have pledged or given.



COMPONENTS OF THE KINGDOM PROJEC

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 Poses


Pro} Strategic Reserves — Establishing an —

Endowment



iS aisdd isda tinued asd




Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops

In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu'lBaha wrote, “In these days, the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance for it is the head corner-stone of the foundation itself. ... This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Baba!”



Mepia INITIATIVE

Throughout the Four Year Plan, our National Spiritual Assembly through its National Teaching Committee pioneered and tested a new approach to the national teaching work through its media initiative. The first phase involved the creation of materials and testing their distribution on both national and local media outlets. This teaching strategy has produced highly encouraging results. Tens of thousands of searching souls have already responded to this effort, and local communities have arisen to support the initiative by providing a welcoming response to those who have been attracted by the message.

In a letter on its behalf, the Universal House of Justice praised the work of the National Teaching Committee:

‘We have been asked to express the immense pleasure of the House of Justice at the high response to the media campaign; it is impressed with the analysis of the results to date and the manner in which the campaign facilitates the teach ing work throughout the country.”

Given this encouragement, our National Spiritual Assembly plans to expand the initiative during the new plan. It will increase production of video materials, in both long and short formats; produce, test and use radio materials; and significantly increase purchases of broadcast time in national and regional media. The goal is to reach everyone in America— regardless of language, ethnic or economic background—with the Message of Bahéa’u’llah in a way that motivates souls to further investigate the Faith. This is a costly undertaking, but one that has already proven to be extremely effective when combined with local activities.

BaHA’i PUBLISHING

Not everyone whose interest is awakened by the media and by related local teaching efforts will come directly to their local Baha'i community. Many, if not most, will instead turn to their local bookstores for resources with which to pursue their own study. The time has therefore come for Baha’{ literature to become available in the retail book trade. Our National


page 12, Tue American BanA’i ¢-Buipina THE Kivapom —_ July 13, 2000 ~. [Page 13]RSPEI pesrereree nr eMMcE reenreE


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Spiritual Assembly is founding Baha’ Publishing with a solid plan to enter the retail market by 2002.

BanA’l-Ownep ScHoots

‘The Baha’{ schools provide believers with opportunities to deepen our unde! standing of the teachings, to associate with other members of our Faith, and to work together toward common goals. These schools offer venues for delivery of training institute courses as well, a critical element in the maturation and further development of our teaching efforts.

‘Abdw’l-Baha himself was personally connected to the Green Acre Baha’s School in Eliot, Maine, and in fact visi ed the armer Inn during his sojourn ‘a. He established the







vision of the school’s future icance: “In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.” He also told the friends that the first Baha’s university would be raised on its site, giving us a glimpse of the potential inherent in the permanent Baha’{ schools.

The existing schools—Green Acre, Bosch Baha’{ School in Santa Cruz, California, and Louhelen Baha’i School in Davison, Michigan—are in need of development and expansion to meet the growing needs of the community.

These enhancements will play a key role in propelling the schools to their next phase of development as centers of Baha’i learning. They will also increase



the schools’ cap: ference and retr eral public. F. also planned for the perr tutes—the Native Ame Institute and the Louis Gregory Institute.

In addition, plans for two additional schools are emerging—one the Southern Region and another in the Western Region. Sites will be purchased, similar to those of the other permanent schools—rural in nature and having the potential to accommodate immediate needs and future growth.


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

THE KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: LOUIS G. GREGORY INSTITUTE


LGI, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

nomic development agency of the National Assembly.

“When we're done by September it'll be fresh, clean and contemporary,” said Sam Conrad of the Properties Department at the National Baha’i Center about the LGI facilities.

Included in the summer renovation work will be an upgrade of the main building’s kitchen, dining room and classrooms.

‘The kitchen will be brought up to code with new stainless-steel cabinets and appliances. Dark paneling in the dining room will make way for brightly painted drywall. All flooring and roofs will be replaced. And, of course, necessary repairs will be done throughout.

Big changes also are coming to the men’s and women’s dormitories.

“Many people remember the dark partitions in the dorm rooms. They’re going, too, as well as the old plastic mattresses that had been endured by so many people for so long,” Conrad said with a smile.

New staff will be arriving soon, too.

“We're really very excited,” said Ellen and Frank Jordan, new administrators of the Institute. The baton recently was passed to them by Lanita Barnes, who has graciously served at LGI the pa: years.

‘The Jordans will work alongside the building renovations to prepare for a busy fall.



Ellen and Frank Jordan, new administrators, will shape Louis G. Gregory Institute’s new role as a community center.

Ellen and Frank have lived in South Carolina for about 15 years, arriving there after pioneering in Honduras. During their first few years back in the U.S. they lived close to LGI as homefront pioneers and attended many events there.

“The Louis Gregory Institute was a spiritual refuge for us. But never, ever did I think that Frank and I would be the ones to now help create the loving spiritual environment that we always enjoyed when we were there,” said Ellen.

“It seems that everything we have been doing for the last few years was in preparation for this role,” she added.

Frank completed his doctorate in community development in 1991, but as a high school and junior high teacher in the nearby Conway public school system had not yet been able to put what he had learned into practice.


Left: Workers prepare the interior of a dorm building at the Louis G. Gregory Institute to be rebuilt from scratch. Above: A washroom wall in the building shows damage from seepage of water over the decades. Photos by Red Hubbard


Ellen, also a schoolteacher, had just spent a year receiving training to teach a remedial reading program.

‘Then they received a call on the second day of this year’s Fas: iting them to serve in this capacity. Everything changed and, at the same time, everything became clear.

“Tt is now apparent that Baha'u'llah was preparing us for this role. We’re now wellprepared to focus on children and youth, as is the instruction from the Universal House of Justice at this time,” Ellen said. “The timing was absolutely right for us.”

She noted that their children are now grown and gone, leaving them alone in their large house in Conway. The “empty nesters” will now live in LGI’s administrators’ residence.

“In a sense I'll be coming back to Hemingway, but Frank has never left there,” Ellen said, referring to the fact that everybody in Hemingway seems to know Frank because he worked for the local school district. “He taught them when they were small and now he'll be there for their children.”

Frank says one of the first challenges he and Ellen will face will be to communicate the new mandate to the people of the surrounding community.

“We want to be able to effectively communicate to the people that the Institute is now truly their resource,” he said. “We'll reach out to all the people. It will be a very exciting time for us all.” #






A UNIQUE COMMITMENT

uilding the Kingdom: It’s Our

Time is a development plan of a type never before launched by our National Spiritual Assembly.

One of its unique features is that the National Assembly is encouraging Baha’is and Baha'i institutions across the country to make pledges. These pledges make it possible to go forward with the components of this bold plan, in the confidence that the friends will be firm in their support throughout the life of this endeavor.

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a voluntary commitment—a promise. Each person or institution prayerfully considers their capacity in a spirit of sacrifice, then decides what amount can be offered between now and Ridvan 2005. The total amount is the amount of the pledge.

Is my pledge in addition to regular contributions?

Yes. The operational expenses of our

Spiritual Assemblies, both national and

local, continue and must be maintained.

Why are pledges being requested by Ridvan 2002?

The National Spiritual Assembly must proceed with some components of the Comprehensive Development Plan immediately. While others will be undertaken later, planning for them relies on the knowledge that resources will be forthcoming from the friends as they unfold.

How do I make my pledge? Once you have decided the total amount you can pledge to contribute during these five years, enter that amount on a pledge card (they have been mailed to Baha’is nationwide). If you wish to complete your pledge before Ridvan 2005, write in that date. Indicate how you would like to fulfill your pledge: by check, credit card or automatic contribution. You may break your pledge into regular payments, which may be paid by various methods.

Where can I get another pledge card? Contact the Kingdom Project (address, phone and e-mail below).

Can I make a contribution immediately? Yes. A check made out to “Kingdom Project” can be mailed to the Treasurer’s Office using any Treasurer’s envelope.

If you would like the Treasurer’s Office to arrange a local briefing in your area on Building the Kingdom, please contact:

‘KINGDOM PROJECT

Office of the Treasurer 112 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091-2839 phone: 847-733-3472 e-mail:


July93, 200Q.4, THR AnmRICAN BANA LstBUL DIU INGO 1 pagesb3y [Page 14]

An alliance for the homeless

Bay Area communities team up to extend free voice-mail service

BY CHRIS PALMER




sponsored program that les voice mail for homeless


San Francisco Bay. The network of 10 Local Spiritual Assemblies covering a 4,000-square




area also dramatizes to an astonished soc and capacity of loc:

Through the Vo


eligible person can use any phone to il box for receiving pri ace a VO! vate recorded me:



being again” ares enough to help us in thi 2 he program originated during yyam-i-Hi 1994, when the Baha’is of Danville, about 25 miles east of Francisco, served dinner at the loc: homeless shelter and stayed to share dining and fellowship with the residents.

Deeply moved by the experience, the Spiritual Assembly consulted for many sessions on what a small community ith few resources could do to homeless in a meaningful way. » One obstacle inherent in homele: they found, is inaccessibility: Without a phone number, a person has no opportunity to receive offers of work or housing.

The fruits of that consultation have evolved into the Voicemail Project, through which the 10 Spiritual Assem


one









Community works

xcitement stirred members of north ern Sonoma County, California, Bahai communities as we gathered in Windsor at the home of James Hesson to hear Danville Baha'is describe something new and promising.

‘These friends had expended considerable effort over the years to hold groups and Assemblies together and at the same time teach the Cause among the rapidly growing population of our area 90 miles north of San Francisco.

We learned quickly that a number of Baha'i communities in the Bay Area were adopting a social and economic development program that would be of considerable interest to county government and independent social services agencies: the Voicemail Project.

‘To some of us, the presentation was electrifying. But questions came thick and




Volunteers from 10 Baha’i communities who run the Voicemail Project gather to meet in May with Derek Cockshut of the Regional Baha’i

Council for the Western States.

Quotes from two of the many newspaper articles and other media stories about the Voicemail Project:

Contra Costa Times: “[FJor the Baha’is, being of service to humanity is their form of worship.”

San Francisco Chronicle: way for [homeless] people to do what they need to do without being stigmatized.”



blies processed more than 28,000 cz March alons

This fre rvice is offered through existing social service agencies under a contract that protects client confidentia ity and shields the Baha’és from liability.

‘The Assemblies rely on professional e workers at the agencies to screen clients, limiting the risk both of illegal








and of the service being used just to make it more comfortable — to remain homele:

activity



The scope of service grew during the first three years. Now itis also used to help women fleeing domestie violence.

And the number of agencies contracting to use the service has grown to 60, including county welfare-to-work programs, the Red Cross and Catholic









cemail Project is made possible through a generous donation of hardware and software by APEX Voic: Communications.

Initially, APEX provided the components to transform a UNIX computer into a machine that would provide 100,000 voice-mail boxes in Contra Costa County. As the program expanded, APEX contributed a total of 11 such






San Mateo | County .


Hap by Mary Ching


for 10 live on-site systems and a backup system.

In 1997, the Martinez Baha’i community took over stewardship of the program in Contra Costa County from Danville. Its more-central location provided local service to more of the county’s concentrations of homeles:

In consultation with Auxiliary Board membe ha Gilpatrick and Farhad Sabetan, the Spiritual Assembly of Danville also decided to assess interest in panding the program to other counties. Baha’is in Napa responded with





ie:






enthusiasm and set up a program for

SEE VOICEMAIL PROJECT, PAGE 15

through wariness, difficulties to join the chain of service

fast, many with a tinge of “impossible!” and “what's in it for our communities?” Even if someone would take on this responsibility, how could we afford it and still keep up our commitments to the National Baha’i Fund?

This was so new to us, so broad in scope yet so pregnant with possibilities for benefit to the homeless and to the Faith, that most of us went home that night with alternating exhilaration and despair as our companions.

In the days that followed, someone volunteered to host the system. Another volunteered to act as liaison to the agencies. And the Spiritual Assembly of Sonoma County Supervisory District 4 accepted sponsorship.

The up-front financial outlay w barely within the means of the community, but by some miracle the needed funds appeared in the treasurer’s report at the following Assembly meeting. What





more confirmation could be needed?

‘The enterprise did not launch without setbacks and detours.

‘To begin, the voice-mail system would be settled into a house that was at the dead end of a country road, outside even a village boundary. No wonder the telephone company dragged its heels when presented with requirements for new lines.

But constant, patient pressure for service over 18 months finally moved the giant utility, and the system went fully online.

Even at that point, the social service agencies wondered: How could an obscure religion give away such service? Could the volunteers be trusted with confidentiality of client messages? Could they be depended upon over the long term?

Yet these and other difficulties proved providential. The social service commu: ty witnessed the patience and resourcefulness of Baha’is through the whole frustrating process. In addition, they saw the







thoroughness and professionalism of the contractual arrangements laid before them, as well as the reputation of the Baha'is with this program in other areas.

Eventually, contracts were signed and the Baha'is gained the chance to prove over time that we would be trustworthy partners.

The Baha’is of Northern Sonoma County are embarked now and for the foreseeable future in a social program of expanding dimensions, a challenge of major proportions to the individuals and to the Assembly.

We are no longer in obscurity in our own front yard; rather, we are becoming known for the very principles on which our beloved Faith stands, demonstrated through service in action. Is it not written, “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning!”? ®



Walt Boyd is system operator for the Voicemail Project in Northern Sonoma County.


page 14 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ MATURING COMMUNITIES

July 13, 2000 [Page 15]

VOICEMAIL PROJECT, continuen From pace 14


Napa County.

With the unified efforts of three Spiritual Assemblies and the Auxiliary Board releasing spiritual forces, many doors opened in rapid succession.

By October 1997, the Danville Assembly was approached by the Bay Area


. Homeless Alliance, a consortium of social

service agencies widely known as BAHA. That group asked the Assembly to expand the program throughout the area.

In close cooperation with its Auxiliary Board members, the Spiritual Assembly contacted Baha’i communities in seven target areas in five counties and presented the program to them. A model was developed for systematic implementation of voice-mail machines, contracts and outreach.

Within 18 months, Spiritual Assemblies in Geyserville (Sonoma County Supervisory District 4), Oakland, Petaluma, San Carlos, San Rafael, San Leandro and Vacaville brought systems

TEXANS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

eoccccececcccce

At the One Year Plan’s outset, area Baha’i communities remain committed to the project. During the last 19 days of July, a concentrated teaching effort is planned in conjunction . with the Southern Regional Baha’i Council and its youth coordinating team.

College Sta aiming for close to 100 percent participation, a year percent of local believers pitched in to help get the teaching project started.

And the project shows every sign of being sustained over the long term. Why? One paragraph jumps out from a recent status repor

“From the beginning, the [College Station] Spiritual Assembly saw this experiment as a model discovering and demonstrating how entry by troops could be integrated into a functi American community. Crucial to the process was keeping and consolidating new Baha’is and involving them in Baha'i activities. We took a long-term approach, realizing that transformation of entire families and communities, although a slow process, would yield the best results. We were less concerned with transferring knowledge than instilling a sense of belonging.”






















Up close and personal

Grant Suhm, co-coordinator of the project, had seen “the value and effectiveness of raising up villages and communities” while a pioneer in Colomb and Micronesia. The key, he said, i: forming relationships with people, espelly youths and children.

“That means visiting them regularly and going out and doing things with them in your free time. They’re not just ‘subjects’ of our teaching,” he said.

Corinne Mills of the Regional Council’s Teaching Office, which is watching the project with great interest, agrees this dynamic is crucial.










coco



on line and established relationships within the social services community.

‘Two Baha'is per community each devote about four hours a month to the project, one as a system operator and the other as a liaison with social service agencies.

‘The service agencies pay the phone bills, amounting to about $80 per month per county for four incoming lines (no matter how many voice-mail boxes are used).

‘That leaves the Spiritual Assemblies responsible for an initial investment in equipment. Some Baha’is have made loans to help with those purchases.

An interesting problem arose in the development of this program. While standardization of technology and contracts was essential to maintain a manageable program, no Spiritual Assembly had jurisdiction over the others.

Consultation between. the Danville Assembly and Auxiliary Board members brought a solution in the form of a con





eecccccce

tract. Danville functions as convenor, with a point person coordinating the effort in a support capacity. For their part, the communities running the program in their counties function as sponsors.

This program commanded immediate attention from local governments and social service agencies, and not just because the Baha’is refuse payment for valuable service. The unity of purpose required to set up such a network over such a wide geographical area had proved impossible among well-meaning counties with conflicting agendas, and among equally well-meaning agencies that must compete for funding.

In fact, the Baha’i administrative network, by providing an organizational framework for the program, has enabled the federally funded BAHA to work together with private industry. The project also marks a unique cooperative tiative involving the institutions of the Rulers and the Learned.










Members of a r | teaching team,

} including a few members of the Eagles, gather during the Shahriar Project in the College Stan-Bryan area. Photo by Grant Suhm




“There is an ongoing effort to visit the new believers [once or twice a week] and to become their friends,” she said. “Getting to really know the new Baha’fs, their needs and desires and just to enjoy each other’s company is a high priority for the project participants.”

Besides this balance between expansion and consolidation, Mills lists three elements important to the project’s suc©



Ongoing, systematic teaching efforts. “May makes the 11th consecutive month the Spiritual Assembly has sponsored the teaching and consolidation efforts.”

Love and unity among the believ rs. “The community and Assembly are united in their teaching efforts. Seekers and new believers continue to be attracted to the Baha’is and the gatherings (social, study circles, Feasts).”

Widespread participation and support. “There is a wide range of participation among community members, ... each providing different aspects of service to the project.”

Adds Mahyar Mofidi, a member of the ional Council:






ities of the Aguila del Cielo Regional Training Institute has also been key. ... This is one of the few exam


ples we have in the country where an ongoing teaching campaign is being supported and reinforced by an in: tute.”

In fact, the training instivute’s strength helped precipitate the project.


Teaching team + Institute = enkindlement

A little over a year ago, members of the Eagles, a group of audacious veteran Baha’i teachers with members in several states, were seeking an area to “jump start,” as Suhm put it.

Jerry Collier of Tyler, Texas, knew the area well and had enrolled several people during a one-week 1998 visit. Partly with his input, the Eagles decided the College Station-Bryan area had “all the ingredients” for a successful campaign.

‘Those ingredients included an institute that offers courses in direct teac! community with strong ongoing activity and an Assembly receptive to diverse teaching methods.

Indeed, the Brazos Valley already had a record of sustaining “very successful firesides, public events, regional conferences, Sunday children’s classes, Holy Day celebrations, Chinese teaching activities, ervice events, college club acti









SEE SHAHRIAR PROJECT, PAGE 16






Earlier this year, based on work done at nearby sites, the mayor of San Fran‘0 asked the Baha’i community to implement the program in that city.

With the benefit of nine other coms’ experience, the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco had the program up and running in their city within a few months.

That completed the current phase of expansion, and proved the ease with which the program can be replicated.

As of this writing, the Danville Spiritual Assembly, in consultation with the Regional Baha’i Council for the Western States, is preparing to transfer its role as convenor for this program to a nonprofit Bahd’i-inspired agency.

‘That way the program can obtain outside funding to hire a full-time coordinator, who can explore possibilities for further refinement of services and the practicality of making the program avail-. able in other Baha’i communities. #

~ BRIEFLY =

Memphis, Tennessee B aha’is here played a visible role when the National Civil Rights Museum hosted an interfaith celebration April 2 called “Bridges of Harmony” to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

More than 300 attended. ‘Two Baha'is had been designated by the Spiritual Assembly to serve on the steering committee.

At the celebration, John Smith, a Baha’i, read from our scriptur: sacred and inspired reading on human rights.

After the service a march of about four blocks in the rain took attendees to a reception at the Civil Rights Museum.

Here the Baha’is had a table display featuring a portrait of ‘Abdul-Baha by high school senior Josh Herron, pictures, books and pamphlets.

A Baha’i “Memphis blues” band called Common Ancestors provided music for the reception. Band members John Jones, John Bailey and Cedric Van Hooks use lyrics inspired by the Baha’i writings.











Annapolis, Maryland The DelMarVa Baha’i Youth Workshop arrived April 1 in Annapolis already knowing they would perform at a Unitarian Universalist church the next morning.

‘The surprise for workshop members was an opportunity to make new friends and enlarge the circle of their service.

On arrival at the church that Saturday night, the Baha'i group was invited by the church’s youths to a potluck supper that preceded a sleep-over.

Both youth groups mingled freely, and when the workshop group started rehearsing, the Unitarians stayed—not only to watch, but to participate as well!

Next morning, as part of a program of celebrating unity in diversity, the workshop delighted everyone with four performances. The Unitarian youths joined them in two. The performers were greeted with happiness, excitement and heartfelt warmth.





July 13,2000 coh Yak ai

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Conninuen/News

page J5 [Page 16]

SHAHRIAR PROJECT,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE I5


ties and a yearly statewide youth conference,” the status report not

The area also had Assemblies in College Station (with about 30 adult Baha'is) and Bryan (about 20 adults) and a registered group in Brazos County (about seven adults

But focused direct teaching absent, according to the report. And the Eagles were happy to fill the breach.

In June 1999, Collier and training institute board member Jeff Kester proposed an intensive week of teaching to the College Station Assembly.

The Assembly responded quickly, keeping a crucial ques would the effort be sustained meeting, the Assembly committed to an expansion and consolidation program with thes

  • A 10-day teaching campaign to start

the process.

  • A followup “teaching weekend” every

month through the end of the Four

Year Plan.

The project was dedicated to Shahriar Yekrangi, a local youth who had recently died in a car accident.
















A potent beginning

The opening salvo was a period of concentrated teaching in July 1999. Ten Eagles from Georgia, Ohio and several other states joined the Texas members.

Just as important, “95 percent of the Baha’s in the area participated either teaching or hosting daily events,” according to the status report. Simultaneously, “the ritual Assembly supported experimenta



tion with all kinds of teaching. Richard Hoft

[an Eagle] and the regional institute provided training in how to teach.”

Immediately, 24 new believers were enrolled.

“Many of the new believers,” the report states, “were widely scattered across the area, with a few clusters being concentrated in certain apartment complexes. More than half of the new believers were AfricanAmerican, reflecting the integrative objectives of teachers and Assembly alike.”


Through discomfort into unity

At first, community follow-up with new believers was “sporadic and ineffective,” the report notes. But by the second followup teaching weekend, with traveling teachers from all over Texas to aid teaching and consolidation efforts, “we had enrolled about 36 believers and established a weekly visit system.”

Soon the entire effort was under local management, with Collier continuing to make regular visits. ‘Teaching weekends, though regular, gradually receded from the spotlight while community-building took center stage.

Challenges arose as the Baha’i commuity grew.

“When you enroll a lot of people, you get stretched and have a new set of ch; lenges,” Suhm said. “There’s more to unity than meets the eye. We learned to recognize that stages of change often included denial, anger, opposition—and








that occurring.

“The important thing is to realize that we are all members of the Baha’ family. Healthy families argue, but then they get over it and get on with their busine:

With an eye on promoting effective consolidation, the project took on “a neighborhood approach ... concentrating on public-assisted housing projects with high numbers of minorities and single mothers,” the report explains. “We adopted three neighborhoods in College Station and two in Bryan.”

With the help of Texas A&M students and a Baha’f Youth Service Corps volunteer, “we tried to visit all interested believers in each neighborhood weekly,” the report continues. “We focused on establishing friendships and bringing the believers to existing meetings and working with children of Baha’is.”

Using this process, says the report, “we had a very high rate of retention—nearly 100 percent for those we [visited regularly].” If people were uncomfortable with receiving regular visits, the project “gave them space,” but maintained regular mailings that include deepening materis and an activities calendar.

Meanwhile, children’s classes at a nearby community center were attended by 10 to 40 people—including most of the new Baha’ children. Outings were also regularly arranged.

Among youths and adults, Ruhi Book One courses were conducted. ‘Twelve tutors then were trained, and study cir was a sign that change was







one











Above: Home-based firesides, along with many other facets of Baha’i teaching and community life, have maintained an increased vitality throughout Brazos County since the project began.

Left: Children from the College StationBryan area meet for regular virtues classes. Photos by Grant Suhm

cles were started. Youths also were encouraged to attend conference

A newly purcha Baha’is and seekers Day events “on a spac permitting basis,” according to the report.

Not only has the vehicle usually been full, many times there have been too many interested youths for the space.

Other lines of action were not neglected in the process. An experimental coffeehouse teaching effort has been successful. Also, a mall teaching booth drew on the energy of some “incredibly enthusiastic” Baha'is who happened to dislike neighborhood teaching.

In each cl the: iti





the report e “concentrated on ips of trust and letting our meeting and enthusiasm light the spark of bel

Suhm terms this approach “natural, c.” Fist came the burst of energy from the teachers who were invited in, he said. Then when the local friends took over the teaching work, more and more new believers participated right away in community building.

Collier noted one other change: “We haven’t been doing quick enrollments as much [during followup teaching weekends}. Mostly i lower process.”









A Bah@’ii center in Bryan he purel of a Baha’f center—a former fraternity house with a large lot in a diverse Bryan neighborhood—has aided the process, Suhm said.

All area communities are contributing to the center fund, s important, new believers eran Bahd’is who had not previ been engaged in the teaching project are working shoulder-to-shoulder with other friends to renovate the future teaching and meeting center.

Suhm said not even a flash flood dampened enthusiasm.












Map by Aaron Kreader

articipants in the Shahriar Teaching Project can look with pride at a year of accomplishments: Enrollment of more than 40 souls Presence of about 15 children who ‘come to anything and everything we host”

  • Amarked increase in the number of

“really active Baha’is in the area,” with some Baha’is who had previously stayed in the background becoming “among our most active teachers” . Drawing 30 to 80 people to firesides, “equally split between seekers/new believers and old-timers”

  • Purchase of a center to support

teaching and consolidation activities Election of an Assembly in Brazos County and formation of a registered group in Burleson County

  • An increase in Fund levels—‘“even

without counting center contributions”—and in the number of friends giving

.

.



.

‘The day after a torrential downpour, the soggy center lot was unsuitable for a planned barbecue and Feast. So construction equipment was moved aside and an inside room quickly cleared of debris.

And when a number of gu in addition to several new B: ing standing room only, the planned Feast was transformed.

Baha'i prayers were read. Gospel and choral music was played. As the Word was spoken, people could be heard intermittently saying “I believe” and “That's right.”

“The light of unity shone bright through the sawdust that day,” Suhm said, adding that a number of people have asked when the Baha’is would be holding more “prayer meetings.”

“Flexibility and innovation have been keys to success,” he said. Significantly, nine recently enrolled believers voted in the latest Assembly election in Bry;

This brand-new believer became active with the Texas A&M youths, ven around my most difficult semester to date,” he said. He was on the staff of the A&M-hosted youth conference in April. He taught the Faith to a wor on a plane to San Francisco. He parti pated in follow-up visits to seekers and new believers in Bryan and College Station.

The kicker: declared.”



arrived creat
















This was all before I


page 16 THE AMERICAN BanA’i * ContinueD

July 13,2000 [Page 17]


RIDVAN 2000

pes


ANNUAL REPORT


of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States


1999-2000 MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS

OF THE UNITED STATES (in alphabetical order)

Juana C. Conrad Assistant Secretary

William E. Davis Chair

Robert C. Henderson Secretary-General

Firuz Kazemzadeh Secretary for External Affairs

Patricia Locke Jack McCants

Dorothy W. Nelson Vice-Chair

William L.H. Roberts

Teasurer

David F. Young



INSIDE THE ANNUAL REPORT

REPORT OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

External Affairs ¢ 18-21 ‘Treasury * 21-24 : Huqtqu’llah * 24

Women’s Affairs ¢ 24-25

¢@ REPORT OF THE AGENCIES OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Secretariat * 25-27 Teaching * 28-33 Education * 34-38 Properties * 39 Publishing * 39-40 Services * 40-42 Social and Economic Development * 42-43

@ REPORTS OF THE REGIONAL BAHA'I COUNCILS Central States * 43-44 Northeastern States * 44-45 Southern States * 45-46 Western States * 46-48

INTRODUCTION

he Four Year Plan aimed at one

major accomplishment: a sig nificant advance in the process

of entry by troops. At the outset of the Plan few of us could foresee a system of research and development that would identify spiritual seekers on a national scale and prompt thousands of them to respond to us, that would help us learn about their spiritual concerns and about how to share Baha’u’lléh’s message in ways that speak to their needs in a language they understand, with video, audio, and written materials tested among those very people—a system that would help us gain new understandings of the Baha’f community itself, its patterns, activities, needs, and beliefs. Nor could we dimly imagine the creation of a new institution—the Regional Baha’{ Councils—and training institutes nd the increas n so short a time, of our capacity to coordinate proclamation and te: ching, training and development plans on a national, regional, and local level. ‘ ‘

At the Plan’s end, we are a community engaged in learning and experimentation and applying knowledge to our plans for the B: mmunity’s growth and development. Continuous learning the means by which we will advance the process of entry by troops, build the Baha’{ system, and embrace new believers with love and flexibility. We have now a keener appreciation of ‘Abdu’lBaha’s statement that “A// blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight.”

Response to the media campaign tripled in the Plan’s last year, with over 35,000 individuals calling the 80022U line. Since March 1998, some 47,000 seekers have contacted the Baha’i commu




















y. We now receive on average over one hundred calls per day; yet caller follow-up, while improving, remains inconsistent. With the scheduled release of new videos aimed at women, Latinos, American Indians, and Christians, the production of radio programs, and the publication of books for the trade, the number of seekers will grow; so too must our to them.

Through the coordinated efforts of the institutions at all levels, forty area teaching plans are now in place, and forty-five more are in development. These plans include local media broadcasts, Td teaching strategies, inst tute training, service, devotional gatherings, and programs for seekers. They are balanced and comprehensive, incorpo















ba:

rating the elements necessary to attract seekers and meet their needs.

Refining Baha’i communications was a major goal of the Plan. To supplement the videos, new teaching materials and publications were produced, including, for seekers, The Light of Unity series of booklets, and, for the community, The Baha’'t Update. The American Baba’ti— whose redesign was warmly commended by the Universal House of Justice—and Brilliant Star are helping to maintain a focus on our priorities and the activities that support them. Soon an Internetbased fireside program will be implemented to support the teaching work. The Local Spiritual Assembly Integration network (LSAT) is now complete and will soon link all of the institutions electronically, providing a range of serv: ices includings e-mail, membership,




we


Centers of learning The rapid growth of national, region


al, and local training institutes is also an important victory of the Plan. Four years ago the Universal House of Just called for a new kind of trai that would educate Baha’ fundamental beliefs and train them to ch and administer the Faith with efficiency and love. The Supreme Body called for a “wide variety of approache: At the beginning of the Plan, after considering the wide range of educational and training programs already in place d the high number of functioning spir| assemblies and large Baha’ commus, the National Assembly called for the creation of local and regional institutes. Local institutes were to be started at the initiative of capable assemblies, and regional institutes were to be established where mblies did not able to sustain such nal Assembly rea




tea











exist Or Were not programs. The N: med that educ functions of local




that taking on this duty is consistent with th


r institutional mandate. ihe call for both local and r




ment among some of the friends, who felt that the House ob ustce

pended


sought the guidance of the Supreme Body, which found merit in the Assembly’s approach.

‘Today over two hundred local and thirty regional institutes serve the community. The efforts of these institutes are reinforced by national initiatives such as the Core Curriculum programs









of the National Teacher Training Center, the Wilmette Institute, the Institute for Baha’i Studies, the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program, and the Stewardship Development Program of the Office of the Treasurer. The Regional Baha’{ Councils, which supervise the regional training institutes, have provided outstanding leadership in their development. Studies are now underway to learn more about their activities and results.

Of special note are the outstanding programs of the Native American Baha'i Institute and the growing distinction of the Baha’f Chair at the University of Maryland.

State of the community

By every measure and indication, the spiritual health of the community has improved continually since the holy year 1992-93. The great majority of Baha'is y daily and read the sacred writings regularly. Baha’is teach frequently and engage in service to the Faith and to other social causes—particularly those that foster race unity—on a scale unparalleled by any other group in the United is have extraordinary confind trust in Baha'i institutions. Baha'is are generous to the funds. The average believer gives three times more to the Baha’i Fund than the average American contributes to religion and charity combined. In the past four years Baha'is have contributed over $83 million to the National Fund, of which 30 percent was sent to the Baha’{ International Fund.

Pioneering and international traveling teaching are another indication of the community's spiritual vitality. In four years, over 6,306 pioneers and traveling teachers went abroad. It lly significant that more than 300 Afric















traveling t ching to Africa in response to the Universal House of Ju: for believers of African descent to go to the African continent. In all, 587 traveling teaching trip fr by American Baha’is during the Plan. Consistent progre: made in the maintenance of the House of Worship. ‘This summer a new s of repairs will begin, including the replacement of the stairs and terrace. In the light of this gratifying progress, we must also come to terms with certain challenges. Foremost is the need to enhance continually the spiritual quality of Baha’ individual and community life: “souls must be transformed, new models of life thereby consolidated.” To prepare for the enrollment and retention of new






‘a were made











July 13,2000

Tne AMERICAN BanA‘i * AnnuaL Rerort 2000

page 17 [Page 18]

believers, we must intensify our efforts to foster united and loving families, communities, and institutions that nurture, in turn, the spiritual quality of life for children, youth, and adults. Of special note is the need to:

  • Complement the administrative competence of Baha’f institutions with

greater efforts to become “loving shepherds of the multitudes.” Balance the demanding pace of Baha’s life with the ongoing need to infuse ritual love and purpose in all things. Learn to accommodate legitimate differences in thought and approach and not allow them to rob the community of a unifying vision and the critical energy necessary for growth. Issues such as mass teaching versus other methods, Ruhi versus the Core Curriculum, and local institutes versus. regional ones must not be permitted to divide the friends, lest we cripple ourselves and repel seekers.

  • Promote gender equality within the

Baha’i community.






na letter dated November 26, 1999

the Universal House of J e

observed that the achievements of the Baha’ community worldwide “in reaching the general public, governments and organizations of civil society and in winning trust in all these circles are striking. Agencies specialized in external affairs, following a well-defined rategy, have broadened the range of the Faith’s influence nationally and internationally. ...” The work of the four offices of external affairs has continued to follow the twofold strategy given to all National Spiritual Assemblies by the Universal House of Justice in October 1994: (1) to defend the Faith, as in the case of the persecution of the Baha’fs in Iran; and (2) to influence the processes toward world peace by focusing on such areas as human rights, the status of women, global prosperity, and moral education.





HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES 1999-2000

Defense of the Baha'is of Iran

he paramount concern of the

National Spiritual Assembly in external affairs continued to be the defense of the Baha’fs in Iran and other Muslim countries. The National Spiritual Assembly’s secretary for external affairs, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, visited Washington, DC, regularly to meet with government officials in the State Department, the White House, and in Congress. On these visits he was accompanied by Ms. Kit Cosby, the director of the Washington, DC-based Office of the Secretary for External Affairs. These and other visits throughout the year by the staff of the Washington office kept the U.S. government up to date on the situation of the Baha’s in Iran. The UN representative, Mr. Jeffery Huffines, and the Washington director also visited



¢ Nurture a fuller sense of Baha’f identity and lifestyle among children and youth.

  • Improve the retention of new believers.

Special notes

‘The loving support and wise advice of the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries were essential to our progres in the Four Year Plan. Their tireless efforts were invaluable to the advance of the national teaching plan, the maturas, the development of training institutes, and the rapid maturation of the Regional Baha’f Councils. To them we extend our deep love and profound gratitude.

‘The dramatic emergence of the Regional Baha’f Councils is one of the Four Year Plan’s greatest victories. Elected at the midpoint of the Plan on the anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the Regional Baha'i Councils have firmly established themselves competent, trustworthy, effective, and indispensable leaders of teaching, training, and development work.






We extend our wholehearted gratitude and profound admiration to all of the offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly for their heroic services, often under difficult circumstances, which unfailingly won the day. To the members of the National Teaching Committee, we extend our deep appreciation for their ground-breaking work in advancing the process of entry by troops which will surely bear a rich harvest. ally, acknowledging thirty-six years of distinguished and historic service to the National Spiritual Assembly, we reluctantly announce the retirement of Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Secretary for External Affairs. His unswerving devotion to principle, his peerless wisdom, and his spiritual stamina have been indispensable to the National Assembly’s growth and functioning as an institution. Moreover, his leadership of the Office of External Affairs, which has_ brilliantly worked to defend the Iranian Baha'is and become a leading force in human rights, will occupy scholars well into the






EXTERNAL AFFAIRS


government officials at the U.S. UN Mission in New York. Such information was reflected in the public statements made by the White House and State Department, in the annual State Department report on human rights in Iran, in Congressional hearings and statements in the Congressional Record, and in other government actions. On May 5, 1999 President Clinton appointed Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh a member of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The commission was created by Congress to provide recommendations for U.S. policy responses to violations of international religious freedom. The commission issued its first annual report in the fall of 1999.




Death sentences confirmed

In February 2000, death sentences were reaffirmed for Mr. Sirus Zabihi-Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat Kashefi-Najafabadi. A death sentence was imposed on Mr. Manuchehr Khulusi who had been arrested in June 1999 because of his Baha’ activities. The verdicts were conveyed orally to the prisoners, who were given only twenty days to lodge a protest against their sentences. On the same day Mr. Ataollah Hamid Nasirizadeh, whose death sentence had been commuted in October 1998, also had his ten-year prison term confirmed. All four men are in prison in Mashhad.

The president of the United States made a statement condemning the death sentences on February 11, and the State Department spokesman addressed the death sentences at the daily briefing on February 14. The Washington office spoke with reporters at the Associated Press and Reuters wire services who later wrote articles about the death sentences.

On February 24, 2000, the Commission on International Religious Freedom held a press conference on Capitol Hill to pubthe death sentences. The chair and vice chair of the commission made statements condemning the sentences. Senator








m Brownback of Kansas appeared in on to speak out against the actions of


pel the Iranian government and also issued a statement along with Senator Joseph


Lieberman of Connecticut. Later that day Senator Brownback issued another statement on the floor of the Senate that was entered into the Congressional Record.

The National Spiritual Assembly's Washington office distributed The Baha'i Question: Iran’s Secret Blueprint for the Destruction of a Religious Community to select U.S. government officials and national journalists and writers who cover religious persecution, the Middle East, and human rights.


Teachers of the Bah4’i Institute

of Higher Education

On April 20, 1999 the White House issued a statement about the sentencing to prison of four instructors from the Baha’{ Institute of Higher Education (BIHE), Messrs. F: Khajeh, Habibullah Ferdosian, Sina Hakiman, and Ziaullah Mirzapanah, who were convicted for teaching Baha’ religious class es. They had been arrested in the autumn of 1998 shortly after the raids on the homes of Baha’is connected with the operation of BIHE, and on March 16, 1999 had been sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven to ten years. The court cited their involvement in a program of Baha’{ studies known as the Institute for Higher Baha’i Studi evidence of crimes against national security.

The National Spiritual Assembly learned in December 1999 that Messrs. Khajeh, Ferdosian, and Hakiman had been released from prison.

The fourth prisoner, Mr. Mirzapanah, had been sentenced to three years in prison. In July 1999 Mr. Mirzapanah became ill while in prison and was hospitalized. Eventually prison authorities allowed him to return to his home, where he remains under house arrest.








future in the calculation of its significance. As our dear brother Firuz retires from the Assembly, he will continue his services as a presidential appointee to the Commission for Religious Freedom. We are unable to express the depth of our loss or mark the boundaries of our love, admiration, and gratitude.

Dear Friends, notwithstanding the decline in enrollments during the Four Year Plan, we are now more confident than ever that the American Baha’i community approaches the horizon of a great victory.

We have but to press forward in a “thrust of action fit for champions” to win unprecedented victories as ‘Abdu’lBaha promised. “The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprebended. Erelong ye will, with




your own eyes, witness how brilliantly every

one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life.” @

The Campaign to inform the

U.S. educational sector Spiritual assemblies, Baha’i campus s i’is who work in the educational field persisted in their efforts to inform the U.S. academic community about the Iranian government’s attempt to close the BIHE and about the continued denial of admission of Baha’is to Iranian universities. As a result, numerous petitions and letters of protest were sent to the Iranian minister of education and to UNESCO, the UN agency charged with protecting the right to education.



Congressional resolution

In September 1999 and February 2000 Representatives John Porter of Illinois, Tom Lantos of California, Christopher Smith of New Jersey, and Steny Hoyer of Maryland invited members of the of Representatives to cosponsor a Congressional Resolution, “a res olution condemning Iran’s ongoing repression of its Baha'i community, Iran’s largest religious minority group.” In July 1999 and February 2000 Senators Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and John McCain of Arizona invited members of the Senate to cosponsor a Senate Concurrent Resolution that was identical to the House resolution. The resolutions will be the eighth since 1982 in defense of the rights of the Iranian Baha’s community. Congress is expected to vote on both resolutions by late spring or early summer 2000.







Diplomatic work

In January 2000 the National Assembly’s secretary for external affairs and the director of the Assembly's Washington office, together with external affairs representatives from six other National Spiritual Assemblies and the Baha’s International Community’s UN offices, participated at the Baha’i World Center



page 18

Tue American BanA‘i ¢ AnnuAL Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 [Page 19]

in Haifa in detailed discussions about the conduct of the diplomatic work, particularly aspects related to the defense of the Baha’fs in Iran.

‘Together with representatives from twenty-eight National Spiritual Assemblies, they also participated in the Fourth Diplomatic Training Seminar convened by the Baha’f International Community in Acuto, Italy, in September 1999. The meeting focused on fostering greater integration and coordination of the Faith’s diplomatic efforts internationally.


Refugees

The U.S. Bahai Refugee Office (USBRO) director, Mrs. Puran Stevens, met regularly with officials from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice and its Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) division, the Department of Health and Human Services, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), national voluntary resettlement agencies, state coordinators for the U.S. refugee program, and regional and local immigration coalitions. These meetings kept key government and nongovernment officials informed of the plight of the Iranian Baha’is and the conditions faced by Baha’i refugees in Austria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

‘The USBRO’s close working relationship with the UNHCR was influential in the latter’s decision to establish a “fast-track” program for all Iranian Baha’i refugees. The fast-track program will greatly speed up the resettlement process for all U.S.-bound Baha’{ refugees once they are in Turkey. The director worked with senior UNHCR and U.S. government officials in arranging for the expedited transfer of elderly refugees and those in need of immediate medical attention. She also received assurances that the processing of Baha'i refugees in Pakistan would proceed once again after a nine-month delay caused by internal problems in UNHCR’ Pakistan headquarters. The U.S. government authorized the opening of a refugee processing center in Pakistan to speed up the resettlement of all U.S.-bound refugees including the Afghans and the Iranians. This processing center will benefit Iranian Baha'i refugees as well.

‘The USBRO continued to execute its responsibilities for coordinating all free refugee resettlement cases (those without immediate family) and for serving as an intermediary between the State Department, local Spiritual Assemblies, and national voluntary agencies. The USBRO staff worked with numerous resettled families throughout the country. More specifically, the office staff worked with refugees to secure Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, and other government tedliving programs, when necessary. Further, the USBRO worked closely with refugee families who had special medical needs, mobil ai physicians to diagnose medical problems and to direct the families to appropriate treatment centers.











The USBRO stayed aware of the latest developments in refugee and asylum law and policies, attending numerous meetings, symposia, and training seminars. In 1999 the director and the assistant director, Kevin Morrison, attended the annual Office of Refugee Resettlement Conference, at which top officials outlined the refugee resettlement strategies and policies of the U.S. government for the coming year.

In the spring of 1999 the Department of Justice stated that all agencies offering immigration services must apply for accreditation through the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Accreditation enabled agencies to represent clients in any matter pertaining to the INS and in BIA cases. The National Spiritual Assembly has now received such accreditation through its USBRO. Mrs. Stevens earned a three-year accreditation after completing the required courses. The USBRO is one of the very few agencies to have received BIA accreditation.

The USBRO was invited by the INS to provide a half-day comprehensive training session for supervisors and officers in the Los Angeles area.

The USBRO also worked with the INS to investigate claims of membership in the Baha’ Faith by individuals subject to deportation proceedings. In almost every case these were false claims made by individuals who attempted to deceive the U.S. government in order to remain in the U.S. In response the National Spiritual Assembly adopted a policy of enrolling Middle Easterners and citizens of other Muslim countries only after they have received permanent status in the U.S.

The USBRO continued to make available the latest information on immigration, refugee, and asylum matters to the Baha'is of Iran and various National Assemblies. At the request of the Baha’i World Center, the USBRO forwarded a Persian translation of the documents regarding the U.S.-government-sponsored 2000 Diversity Visa Lottery. Moreover, documents regarding the lottery (55,000 visas are granted at random to applicants) were forwarded to many National Spiritual Assemblies, including those of Austria, Pakistan, Turkey, and several on the continent of Africa.

The director and assistant director of USBRO attended numerous events, presentations, meetings, training sessions, and symposia in the Chicago area on refugee, asylum, and humanitarian . The director also made several ntations throughout the year on the status of women, nces, and the situation. She addressed a large gathering at the Midwest regional Amnesty International conference regarding the role of the Baha’s Faith in the promotion of human rights and provided examples of worldwide activities. She worked closely with the offices of the Baha’f International Community (BIC) in New York and the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington, DC.


Pp

human rights,




upport for selected UN activities and

collaboration with other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that participate in UN fora has proven to be the greatest avenue for Baha'i entrée into external affairs activities at the national level. Since its initial support in 1985 for USS. ratification of the UN Convention on Genocide, the National Assembly has expanded its activities by working on the preparation for the UN conferences on the environment and development, human. rights, social development, women, and human settlements. In recent years its staff has held positions of leadership within networks and committees that promote international issues and UN activities. The U.S. National Assembly supports and reinforces the BIC’s activities in the international arena, and the BIC and the National Assembly collaborate with many of the same organizations.

US. ratification and implementation of UN human rights treaties

For the past several years the director of the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs has been the co-chair of the General Human Rights Working Group that has organized NGO efforts to ratify UN human rights treaties since the mid-1980s. Current treaties under consideration include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the American Convention on Human Rights, and the Covenant on Economic, Cultural, and Social Rights.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

The director of the National Assembly’s Washington, DC, office and Amnesty International U.S.A.’s chief legislative counsel continued to be co-chairs of the Washington-based Working Group on Ratification of the UN Convention to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women, a group of more than one hundred national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in outreach and education to achieve ratification by the U.S. of the UN treaty that bans discrimination against women. The National Assembly's Washington office continued to serve as the secretariat for the working group, fielding questions and providing materials nationwide on CEDAW to Baha’is and to non-Baha’i organizations and individuals working on US. ratification of the treaty. The director of the Washington office participated in ral workshops and made presentations on the ratification of CEDAW at the White House, the State Department, in Congressional offices, and at several national and regional conferences.

In September 1999 Senator Barbara Boxer of California introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 237), which called for hearings on CEDAW and Senate action by




March 8, 2000, International Women’s Day. As a co-chair of the national Working Group on Ratification of CEDAW, the director of the Washington office played a critical role in developing strategies to achieve universal Senate sponsorship of this resolution. The action plan called upon all US. Baha'is and members of other NGOs around the country to urge their Senators to cosponsor the Senate Resolution. Baha'is in selected states also met with their Senators or their Senators’ aides to urge ratifica~ tion during the 106th Congress.

United Nations funding

The National Spiritual Assembly continued to cooperate with other organizations in advocating payment of U.S. debts to the United Nations. In August 1999 Mr. Peter Adriance, the National Spiritual Assembly’s NGO liaison, became chair of the Internationalism Working Group (INTWG), a group of some thirty organizations and coalitions concerned with resolving the funding situation. The group held visits with congressional staff and administration. officials and initiated cooperative grassroots activities in support of arrears payment. The American Baha’i community contributed to the grassroots effort through letter writing, phone calls, and visits to their members of Congress. The collective efforts helped to persuade Congress to make progress toward paying the debts.

International Criminal Court

During 1999 the National Spiritual Assembly joined an NGO working group that encourages the U.S. government to support the formation of an International Criminal Court (ICC). Throughout the year Mr. Dwight Bashir, the National Assembly's human rights officer, attended numerous meetings of the working group, which developed strategies to keep the U.S. government engaged in the creation of this international institution. In October 1999 the National Spiritual Assembly wrote a letter to the national security advisor supporting the formation of the ICC.

Office of the Bahé’i U.S. UN Representative

‘The U.S. UN alternate representative, Mr. Carl Murrell, chaired the NGO/UN Department of Public Information (DPI) conference planning committee of the fifty-second annual NGO/DPI conference, titled “Challenges of a Globalized World: Finding New Directions,” which was held in September 1999. He joined UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Jordan’s Queen Noor, and former president Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, among others, to welcome more than 2,800 NGO representatives who gathered for the opening session in the UN General Assembly Hall. Ms. Victoria Jones, director of the U.S. Baha’f Office of Public Information, moderated one of the plenary sessions on “The UN and the Media” in her professional capacity as a television and radio talk show host. The UN representative organized the participation of sixteen Baha’is from local communities throughout the country.

‘The UN representative was elected to serve a two-year term as vice president of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN and continued to serve on the Execu


July 13,2000 = THe American BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000 page 19 [Page 20]BD SAMOS


tive Council of the U.S. chapter of the World Conference on Religion and Peace ). The chairman of the al Spiritual Assembly, Mr. William E. Davis, and the UN representative attended in October 1999 the first joint meeting of the WCRP/USA Council of Presidents, Executive Council, and the World Assembly delegation. The UN representative also worked with the U.S. Committee for UNICEF to organize a mailing to all Baha'i Regional Councils, local spiritual assemblies, Baha’i groups, permanent schools, institutes, and regional school committees in the U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico to support the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in October 1999. Upon the request of the BIC, the UN representative helped draft a section on reforming the UN and global institutions for the vision statement of the Millennium Forum, an NGO conference that will take place in May 2000 at the UN. On behalf of the Committee of Religious NGOs, the UN representative also submitted a proposal to hold a memorial service to commemorate UN and NGO staff killed in the line of duty. The event will be held during the Millennium Forum and will include the UN secretarygeneral and other high-level officials. The alternate UN representative was elected as co-chair of the Values Caucus for a one-year term. The Values Caucus hosts NGO gatherings for UN ambassadors to discuss the role of values within the UN system. The Values Caucus, along with the Committee of Religious NGOs and the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, hosted a reception at the New York Baha’f offices to welcome Mr. Paul Hoeffel, the new chief of the NGO section of the UN DPI. The Values Caucus also hosted a reception at the Bahd’i offices in honor of Mr. Alfredo Sefir Younis, the World Bank UN representative. The alternate representative is on the UNEP/RONA interfaith partnership on the environment as well as the NGO committee on youth. In August 1999 he participated in the ninth annual Amenia World Peace Festival in New York sponsored by the World Peace Prayer Society. He was also on the planning committee of the Annual Gandhi/King Season for Non-violence at the UN that took place in January 2000. He gave a teleconference briefing to students in Canada and spoke on overcoming racism at a UN conference for educators. The National Spiritual Assembly cosponsored the third annual interfaith service to open the fifty-fourth session of the UN General Assembly as well as a seminar featuring the UN high commissioner for human rights sponsored by the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief. ‘The UN office encouraged local Baha’f communities to commemorate the annual UN days. The UN Office issued an action alert to all Baha'i campus associations to encourage student participation in the Model UN and to request support of the National Assembly’ initiatives to pay the U.S. debt to the UN and to ratify CEDAW. Moreover, the UN representative recruited and supervised three interns who assisted in a variety of projects on behalf of the UN office.


ANNUAL*REPORT*2000

Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women

‘The National Spiritual Assembly continued its commitment to implement the Platform for Action, the official document of the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing. The year 2000 is the fifth year review of the UN conference, and in June there will be a UN General Assembly Special Session called “Beijing Plus Five.” The Working Group on the Human Rights of Women, of which the Washington office director is co-chair, held a series of meetings at the Baha'i office that was designed to communicate NGO recommendations to the State Department and the White House on the UN “Beijing Plus Five” Declaration and other UN documents. At the working group's request to respond to the spread of misinformation about the objectives of the Platform for Action, Ms. Leila Milani, the National Spiritual Assembly’s NGO. liaison for women’s issues, co-authored a document designed..to dispel the myths surrounding the Platform for Action. She and the Washington director attended regular meetings of the State Department hosted by the President's Interagency Council on Women. The UN representative attended briefings on “Beijing Plus Five” at the UN and at the U.S. Mission.

‘To celebrate the progress made in the advancement of women since 1995, regional outreach “Beijing Plus Five” events were organized around the U.S. by


NGOs, colleges and universities, regional '

community organizations, and the U.S. government. In an effort to encourage and enlist the participation of the Baha’i community at these regional events, the National Spiritual Assembly contacted the local Spiritual Assemblies of Charlotte, Boston, Seattle, Denver, San Francisco, and Adanta, where the regional conferences were held, requested the appointment of individuals who assisted and served at these regional conferences, and ensured Baha’ participation.

The U.S. government appointed Ms. Cosby as a member of the U.S. delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of ‘Women preparatory meeting for “Beijing Plus Five” in March 2000.

The National Spiritual Assembly's Washington director and the liaison for women’s issues maintained their involvement in the creation of a new national NGO, U.S. Women Connect, a focal point for global communications in North America on “Beijing Plus Five.” U.S. ‘Women Connect successfully obtained its 501(c)(3) status, and its board of directors was established in 1999. The Washington director was named to the new organization’s board of directors and served as its treasurer. She spoke about U.S. Women Connect at one of the regional “Beijing Plus Five” conferences and on the “Beijing Plus Five” at the Feminist Expo 2000.

‘The liaison for women’s issues attended several meetings of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and worked on support for the legislation, the Violence Against Women Act II.

‘The Washington office director remained on the Women in International Law Interest Group Steering Committee of the American Society for International Law

(ASIL). In April 1999 she participated in a pane! the ASIL annual meeting on women’ religion and human rights violation. She helped plan the 2000 ASIL annual meeting panel on ratification of CEDAW.




Sustainable development

The National Spiritual Assembly’s NGO liaison served on the National Planning Committee for the National Town Meeting for a Sustainable America (NTM) held in Detroit, May 2-5, 1999. He was a member of the Outreach Working Group charged with attracting broad participation in the event and its related activities. More than 3,500 people including leaders from government, business, and civil society participated in the NTM while more than 60,000 people joined concurrent affiliated events held in forty-six states. The NGO liaison helped develop the National Spiri tual Assembly’s exhibit for the NTM, which emphasized the importance of the oneness of humanity as a spiritual principle integral to sustainable development.

The National Spiritual Assembly continued its involvement with the Alliance for UN Sustainable Development Programs. The alliance monitors and evaluates the work of UN agencies in advancing sustainable development, undertakes activities to broaden public understanding of sustainable development, and expresses its concerns and views on UN sustainable development initiatives to policy makers in Washington, DC. The NGO liaison served on the steering committee.




The Earth Charter

Mr. Adriance continued to work with other organizations in developing the Earth Charter. The Earth Charter has become one of the most comprehensive expressions of the principles of sustainable development available in a succinct document.

The NGO liaison involved the Baha’i community in the development of the Earth Charter through presentations at two conferences: the Fourth Annual Conference of the International Environment Forum, a Bahé’/-inspired organization with membership in more than thirty countries, and the Baha’i Conference on Social and Economic Development for the Americas.

In October 1999 the NGO liaison represented the BIC in an On-line Global Forum on the Earth Charter with participants from more than forty national committees and twenty international organizations.

He also served on the steering committee of the Earth Charter USA Network, one of more than forty national networks around the world charged with helping to develop the Earth Charter. He was co-chair of the Religious and Spiritual Community Working Group, which did outreach to the religious community on the charter. He also helped plan the Second Annual Earth Charter USA National Conference, held in Alexandria, Virginia, in April 2000.

United Nations Association of the United States

The UN representative completed a

two-year term as first vice chair of the

New York Council of Organizations.

The UNA/USA Council of Organiza tions in Washington, DC, and New York

coordinated port UNAS “


in both cities to supWomen 2000” effort to encourage widespread grassroots participation in “Beijing Plus




RACE UNITY

President's Initiative on Race

ie December 1999 the National Confer ence for Community and Justice (NCCJ) asked the National Spiritual Assembly's Washington director to be a member of a ‘committee to plan a March 9, 2000, White House conference at which the president and 150 religious leaders discussed commitments by the faith communities for racial justice in America. The National Spiritual Assembly submitted to the White House details of several local and national Baha’i activities and initiatives that address racism. Several Bahd’is, including the secretary general of the National Spiritual Assembly, the chairperson of the National Teaching Committee, and the director of the National Assembly's Washington office, attended the meeting at the White House. The secretary general spoke to the entire gathering about the Baha'i commitment to racial unity and about two of the current initiatives the Baha’is have undertaken to achieve race unity in America.


Hate crimes legislation

In July 1999 the National Spiritual Assembly endorsed the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Mr. Bashir, the National Assemibly$ human righits officer, aténded a meeting for religious organizations at the White House to consult about ways in which the religious community in the U.S. might play a role in helping the legislation pass in the 106th Congress.


iy | Nhe director of the Washington office

continued to serve on the advisory board of the International Development Conference, one of the premier international conferences for development agencies and professionals.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly appointed several individuals to be its representatives to other national organizations such as the North American Interfaith Network and the National Council of Women.


THE F PUBLIC

|ON


INF

Work with media

he director of the Office of Public Information (OPI), Ms. Victoria Jones, gave interviews and information to several media outlets, including print, radio, and broadcast television. Almost all aspects of the teachings of the Baha’ Faith were addressed at one time or another. There was particular interest in the relationship between the teachings of the Baha’ Faith and the millennium, the equality of women and men, other current social and political

issues, and where the Baha’is “fit in.” ‘The OPI continued its subscription to ProfNet, an electronic expert service that


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July 13, 2000 [Page 21]

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delivers daily a summary list of journalists’ stories being written in the U.S. The OPI was able to recommend several Baha'is to give their expert opinions to the press on issues as varied as prayer and science, interracial marriage, and gender relations.

The OPI advised and assisted communities and individuals on a number of mediarelated issues. The number of Baha’{ communities that hosted regular local radio and television shows increased steadily, and many communities involved in live broadcasts sought guidance on “do's and don'ts.” There was an increased interest in the “Baha’{ view” in many local newspapers. The OPI assisted Baha’fs to understand the difference between the “Baha’i view” and their own opinion of an issue.

The OPI contacted several national media outlets about inaccurate information that appeared regarding the Faith. At times the contact was through a letter to the editor, and at other times the approach was informal. The Faith was under increased scrutiny and investigation by the public, and it was importane that references to the Baha’f Faith in the national media be responded to by the National Assembly's Office of Public Information.

Because there was an increase in the number of individual Baha'is calling national radio shows and engaging the media on a national level about Baha’f issues, the OPI reminded Baha’fs of the long-standing policy about contact with national media.


The passing of Rahiyyih Khanum

Following the passing of Amatu’l-Baha Rihfyyih Khanum on January 19, 2000, the National Spiritual Assembly asked the OPI to obtain maximum publicity to honor her

life. After writing an obituary, the OPI worked with various journalists. On January 23, in its Sunday edition, the New York Times printed a major obituary article about her. It was the lead obituary for that edition. Stories on Riihiyyih Khénum’ passing also appeared in the two other national newspapers, the Washington Post and the Las AngeJes Times. PBS's weekly television program Religion and Ethics broadcast a substantial news item, and the story was also mentioned on National Public Radio.

‘The OPI sent a press release on the passing of Ruhfyyih Khanum to all public information representatives in the U.S., who were very successful in placing stories in the local media.


very contribution to the Baha’

funds brings blessings to the giver

‘and helps prepare the Faith to welcome new believers into a vibrant community that has the resources needed to realize its ambitions. Any review of the efforts of the Treasury during the Four Year Plan must begin with an expression of admiration and gratitude to the body of believers in general, and to a company of volunteers in particular, whose generosity and service to the Faith are worthy of great praise


Other obituaries

Closely following the passing of Ruhiyyih Khinum, member of the Universal House of Justice Mr. Adib Taherzadeh passed away in Haifa. Three weeks after his death, Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, the first Baha’i representative to the UN, passed away in New York City. The OPI wrote obituaries for both of these prominent Baha’fs. An article based on the OPI obituary about Mrs. Mottahedeh was a feature in the New York Times.

National media campaign

The OPI continued its collaboration with the National Teaching Committee (NTO), Media Services, and other national agencies on the media initiative. The OPI and the NTC worked closely on the development of videos and commercial spots. The director of the OPI participated in the planning and review of upcoming videos, attended focus group testings, and worked with other Baha’i media professionals to give input on the videos and on television commercials.

‘The OPI also created protocols on dealing with media for the Regional Baha’ Councils.

Media training

‘The OPI collaborated with the National Teaching Committee and the Regional Bahé’{ Councils to identify geographical areas where potential for growth in the number of Baha’is might exist and then provided the media expertise to those Baha’ communities to help achieve the goal of increasing their numbers.

‘The OPI also provided comprehensive training sessions in all four regions of the country. Public information representatives and other interested Baha’is increased their skills in such areas as developing and maintaining relationships with local print, television and radio outlets; writing press releases, op-ed pieces and letters to the editor; identifying, pitching, and writing stories of interest to the media.

During the intensive training sessions, the friends learned to consult and act immediately on issues relating to the media, and they developed skills in being interviewed. In many of the cities where these trainings took place, communitywide media task forces have been formed to coordinate better the efforts to obtain press coverage for the Baha’is.


because their loving acts of sacrifice have helped pave the way for growth.

The overarching objective of the Office of the Treasurer at the Plan’s outset was to share with the greatest number of believers possible useful information and a sense of collective responsibility for meeting the Faith's needs. Every success in reaching this objective is due to the believers’ responses, both individually and collectively.

The Stewardship and Development Program was initiated during the Four Year Plan for the purpose of shaping a new understanding of the Baha’f Fund’s role in fostering the progress of the Faith and in

TREASURY

Other activities

The Office of Public Information worked with the American Red Cross on a booklet designed to explain to local authorities and others the needs of adherents of different religions when disasters such as plane crashes occur. The OPI continued to work with PBS's outreach development project of Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, which encouraged the participation of all religions in regional and local debates and discussions. The OPI continues to participate in the Public Relations Society of America and in the Religion Communicators Council (RCC).

The RCC 2000, a once-a-decade religious communications congress, took place in March 2000 in Chicago. It was a major convention of more than one thousand religious communications professionals from the U.S. and around the world. The Baha’{ National Center's OPI office was very involved in the planning committee of this congress.

Public Information network

‘The number of public information representatives with access to e-mail continued to increase, and the OPI encouraged the Baha'is involved in this arena of work to have e-mail access. OPI received and responded to more than 2,500 requests from public information representatives and others this year. Several press releases were placed on the national Baha'i administrative Web site.

Ms. ‘Tonya Homan, assistant to the director, responded to the majority of requests from the representatives. She left the OPI after several years of dedicated service.

One hundred of the most active public information representatives continued to receive copies of World Order magazine on a quarterly basis for use in their proclamation efforts.


n addition to managing the National

Spiritual Assembly’s program for Baha’ refugees, the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office has another responsibility: maintaining the national program for Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation.

The Tenth Annual Southeast Asian

nurturing the spiritual development of those who yearn to participate in sacrificial endeavor for Baha’u’llah’s sake. Some 150 individuals have thus far stepped forward to assist the process as facilitators; together they are responsible for holding, in partnership with local spiritual assemblies, nearly five hundred seminars nationwide. ‘The seminars have ranged from full-day gatherings to short sessions on specific topics of particular interest or timeliness to participants. Two editions of the manual Stewardship and Development, the first material of its kind to be issued since 1979, were published to aid the friends’ efforts in


Community Builders Roundtable Discussion Conference (SEARC) was held at Bosch Baha’f School in June 1999. The USBRO sponsored more than ten Southeast Asian leaders to enable them to participate in the gathering and to share with other Baha’fs the challenges and successes in Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation this past year. Conference deliberations focused on promoting a significant advance in the process of entry by troops among the Southeast Asian populations. The majority of the presenters this year were Southeast Asians; the majority of attendees were youth. A significant development at the SEARC was the declaration of fifteen Southeast Asians, including three Hmong leaders. The Universal House of Justice offered its prayers that “all [may] become enkindled with the fire of the love of Baha'u'llah, arising to emblazon His name among the Southeast Asian populations resident in your country.”

In order to collaborate further with likeminded agencies, the USBRO staff met regularly with those providing services to the non-Baha’i Southeast Asian population in the U.S. The USBRO director attended the fifth annual National Hmong Conference to establish further the ties with Southeast Asian service providers. The assistant director met with the directors of the newly established federal Refugee Youth Commission and the National Youth Crime Prevention Conference.

The director of the USBRO visited several sites in the western U.S. with large numbers of Southeast Asians to stimulate the growth and development of local plans for teaching and consolidation among these populations. She consulted with leaders of various Southeast Asian clans and visited the USBRO volunteers and their families.

The USBRO continued to make available complimentary copies of the Babd’t Newsreel video to Southeast Asian leaders who, in turn, shared these videos with the Southeast Asian Baha’is in their areas.

During the last year the USBRO still maintained the Baha'i world’s largest inventory of Southeast Asian Baha’ materials, including videos and audiotapes.

During the year the National Spiritual Assembly decided that the Regional Baha’ Councils should assume some of the responsibilities associated with the Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation program. The USBRO began to work with the Regional Baha’f Councils.

the field. It is presently in use across the USS. and in nearly twenty other national communities and has been partially translated into Portuguese and Spanish.

“Project Unity!”, a program encouraging children and junior youth to give and promoting their education about the spiritual importance of the Fund, was launched in the final year of the Plan. The number of young participants passed the seven hundred mark in March, with contributions coming from every one of the forty-eight contiguous states.

The Four Year Plan also saw the creation of a planned giving program which, in the


July 13,2000 = Tae American BanA’i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000 page 21 [Page 22]

scope of its goals, is a major step beyond any, previous effort in this area. Planned giving offers important new ways for the friends to extend their support of the Faith into the future, ways that can also secure valuable tax, savings for donors and their families. New materials and workshop resources are available to the friends, while the introduction of charitable gift annuities represents just the first in a series of deferred giving approaches to be rolled out over coming years. Although returns to the institution of such activities tend to be long-term, it is noteworthy that within the past year believers have entrusted nearly $700,000 of their retirement savings to the National Spiritual Assembly using gift annuities.

The Weekend Visit Program continued throughout the Four Year Plan, bringing scores of believers to the Baha’i National Center. Spiritually, through their consultations and by meeting the staff of the Baha’i National Center, they drew closer to the heart of the Cause in our nation. ‘Two of these visits were specifically for local treasurers. After one such visit, a group of treasurers in the Portland, Oregon, area was moved to take the initiative to begin a series of meetings intended to bolster their service to their communities.

A group of twenty financial advisors from all corners of the U.S.—comprising a range of talents in the areas of financial and investment management, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning—was convened on several occasions during the Plan to advise the National Spiritual Assembly on accounting matters, financial management and reporting, investment strategy, and fund development. One product of their work was a revised investment policy for the Baha’i National Fund which outlines “best practices” in this area, embraces the growing number of investment options, and provides risk parameters consistent with Baha’{ principles of fiscal responsibi eeds for such future tiatives as a Baha’{ financial institution were sown; as time and resources permit, such initiatives will be explored more fully.

All of these activities rest on a solid foundation of work performed by numerous staff members at the Baha’i National Center, often in partnership among departments and volunteers to achieve common goals: accounting for more than sixty thousand individual Fund contributions; identifying and implementing more powerful financial and accounting systems; formulating budgets that enable the National Assembly to channel its resources to emerging needs in an environment of continual change; and providing vital support to the Baha'i World Center, the Baha’ International Community, and the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.


Financial results

It is against this background of dedication and engagement by believers throughout the country that we see the financial results of the Four Year Plan and of the year just ending. Since May 1997 the friends have made contributions totaling $83.1 million through the National Center. Nearly one-third of that amount, or $24.1 million, was directed, either through the National Fund or via non-discretionary gifts, to the Baha’ International Fund and

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES.

Contributions Received by the National Spiritual Assembly Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted International Restricted Endowments Total Contributions

Contributions to Other Organizations International and Arc Funds Continental Fund Other Baha'i Funds and Deputization Total Contributions to Other Organizations

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation Capital Expenditures Depreciation

Total Unrestricted Revenues

Total Expenses




Financial Highlights April 30, 2000 (Projected), April 30, 1999, April 30, 1998 and April 30, 1997 Total 2000 1999 1998 1997 4 Year Plan $ 18,105,664 $ 16,862,324 $ 20,179,076 $ 16,610,583 $ 71,757,647 625,652 768,940 321,266 338,533 2,054,391 1,722,727 1,513,324 2,150,456 3,927,662 9,314,169 3,700,000 o o 0 3,700,000 $ 24,154,043 $ 19,144,588 $ 22,650,798 $ 20,876,778 $ 86,826,207 $ 4,620,763 $ 3,742,868 $ 8,643,392 $ 8,121,651 $ 25,128,674 258,564 226,264 395,967 334,207 1,215,002 1,013,480 502,111 806,371 747,260 3,069,222 $ 5,892,807 $ 4,471,243 ~§ 9,845,730 $ 9,203,118 —$ 29,412,698 $ 1,735,256 $ 1,935,719 $ 2,193,609 $ 1,392,152 $ 6,656,736 $ 1,655,445 $ 1,614,448 $ 1,548,585 $ 1,477,025 $ 6,295,503 $ 24,271,316 $ 22,637,352 $ 25,221,654 $ 23,796,999 $ 95,927,321 $ 24,638,179 $ 22,378,618 $ 25,226,984 $ 21,689,371 $ 93,933,152 $ $ 18,599,161 $ 17,871,737 $ 18,129,344

Net Assets

aaah ak ne Ae th


the Arc Fund; this result surpassed the 27 percent allocation target established by the National Spiritual Assembly at the Plan’s beginning. In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly chose to contribute $1 million out of its unrestricted, general revenues to the Baha’f International Fund, raising total Four Year Plan contributions to these important funds to $25.1 million.

Another $1.2 million was received for the Continental Bahai Fund, almost reaching the 2 percent allocation target for this important fund.

These contribution totals do not include a generous estate bequest of $3.7 million. The National Assembly has chosen to add this sum to its permanently restricted as the basis for an endowment fund for national properties, including principally the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.

Fully $3.1 million of the total re at the Baha’i National Center was directed by the friends to a variety of other international projects over the four years of the Plan. This amount was composed mainly of earmarked contributions forwarded by the National Spiritual Assembly to efforts managed by the Universal House of Justice, to other National Spiritual Assemblies, and to a wide array of other uses dear to the donors’ hearts.

In addition to such gifts, the National Spiritual Assembly was privileged to support international financial collaboration goals set by the Universal House of Justice. During the course of the Plan the supreme body invited the National Assembly to disburse $526,000 for new national endowments and Hazfratu’l-Quds; for social and economic development projects; and for teaching plans in places as diverse as Samoa, Honduras, Malawi, Sio Tomé, Albania, West Leeward Islands, and Ukraine.

Additional funds were used by the National Assembly to meet the needs of the teaching plan, to maintain the extensive national property holdings, and for general administration; in the last two years these amounts have totaled $11 million, $6.1 million, and $20.2 million, respectively. It should be noted that general administrative expenses also promote the expansion and



ived



22,403,109

consolidation of the community: support for local spiritual assemblies and their various plans through Community Administration, the schools, the Office of the Treasurer, and Information Services, among other agencies; defense of Iranian believers through the External Affairs Office; publication and distribution of books, curricula, and communications materials through the Publishing Trust and the Distribution Service; and other activities too numerous to list. A significant, unanticipated new activity funded during the Plan was the creation and early development of the Regional Baha’f Councils, which in the two and onehalf years since their inception have required investments by the National Fund totaling nearly $1.3 million.

Capital expenditures accounted for $6.4 mn during the Plan, fully 10 percent of lable contribution revenues, and $1.4 million during the year just ending. These investments included conservation research and repairs at the House of Worship, safety and other improvements at all the national properties, and an increased outlay for information systems and hardware that integrate our operations with the Internet, a field with countless implications for the work of the Faith at every level. The Baha’s National Center currently hosts more than 10,000 Web pages, for access by the general public and in support of international, national, and regional agencies of all kinds.

Asteady flow of funds was used to retire debt. Long-term debt has dropped from roughly $4 million at the beginning of the Plan to just $130,000 at the end of the current year, and total debt went from $6.5 million in 1997 to $5.6 million in 2000. The current ratio, which compares current assets with current liabilities and is a common measure of liquidity, went from 0.91 in 1997 to 1.28 at April 2000.

Contributions through the Bah: National Center over the last twelve months are up 7 percent, to $18.1 million. Of this total, $14.9 million was for the use of the National Spiritual Assembly, while $2.2 million of discretionary contributions were received for the International, Arc and Continental Funds; another $1 million was



received in earmarked gifts for a variety of purposes here and overseas. The National Assembly chose to credit 100 percent of all discretionary contributions to the various beneficiaries designated by the donors.

Other income from operations was lower this year than last, $4.1 million compared with $4.3 million last year. The bulk of these amounts also represents a contribution, in a sense, as these revenues are derived mainly from book sales and school attendance by the believers. Baha’ school tuition remained flat, while resident fees, principally earned ‘on the rental of our school facilities to nonBaha'i clients, was down slightly, from $329,000 in 1999 to $303,000 in the year ending April 2000. The gross margin sales of books and materials likewise declined, from $914,000 to $767,000. A lower demand for books among the Baha'is, the absence of a “best-seller” during the last year of the Plan, and certain cost increases contributed to this result.

Major operating expenses were teaching, including $750,000 in broadcast time purchases and other significant sums for research, materials testing, and seeker response; nearly $600,000 for activities of the Regional Baha’i Councils; $3.1 million in maintenance for the roughly one hundred structures the National Assembly holds in trust for the community; and the $1 million pledge amount for the Baha’i International Fund.

What is the bottom line? The excess this year of expenses over revenues was $367,000. Looking, however, at the difference between actual cash income and expense, which excludes depreciation and includes capital expenditures and debt repayment during the year, we see a cash deficit of $1,571,600. This sobering result reminds us that there is still much to be worked out before we are prepared to welcome large numbers of new believers into the community.


The Twelve Month Plan While details of the next plan are still under consultation, the work of the Treasury will no doubt be dominated by a straightforward equation: Success in the


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July 13, 2000 [Page 23]



NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES

Combining and Combined Statements of Financial Position April 30, 2000 (Projected) and April 30, 1999
















National Publishing. Combined Total Baha'i Fund Trust Baha'i Home Apr-00 Apr-99 Assets Current Assets Cash and Investments $ 2,586,489 $ 71,527 $ 8,320 $ 2,666,336 $ 3,958,885 Endowment investments 3,700,000 0 0 3,700,000 0 Due From/(To) Other Funds 2,072,902 (2,072,902) 0 0 0 Accounts and Notes Receivable 1,283,102 265,072 2,456 1,550,630 349,112 Inventories 298,083 624,057 0 922,140 969,634 Other Current Assets 1,008,707 24,775. oO 1,033,482 857,764 Total Current Assets $ 10,949,283 $ (1,087,471) $ 10,776 $ 9,872,588 $ 6,135,395 Property and Equimpment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,774,540 216,170 355,958 20,346,668 20,266,857 Total Assets $ 30,723,823 $ (871,301) $ 366,734 $ 30,219,256 $ 26,402,252 Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities $ 1,312,378 $ 2,778 $ (9,366) $ 1,305,790 $ 1,543,354 Demand Notes and current Maturities of Long Term Debt 5,504,021 0 0 5,504,021 4,264,518 Deferred Revenues 813,814 33,651 28,179 875,644 239,824 Total Current Liabilities $ 7,630,213 $ 36,429 $ 18,813. $ 7,685,455 $ 6,047,696 Deferred Compensation $ s, $ 5 $ E $ : 26,863, Long Term Debt 130,692 oO oO 130,692 1,728,532 Ta ch See li SRR a USI tena sna Beh IGS tine acl nate taal leimantenteP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES Combining and Combined Statements of Activities April 30, 2000 (Projected) and April 30, 1999 National Publishing Combined Total ve Baha'i Fund ) Trust Baha'i Home Apr-00 Apr-99 Changes in Unrestricted Net Assets Unrestricted Revenues Contributions $ 18,105,664 $ si $ . $ 18,105,664 $ 16,862,324 Pledges 867,000 oO oO 867,000 oO Estate Bequests 997,577 oO 0 997,577 1,125,783 Baha'i School Tuition 1,081,358 oO 0 1,081,358 1,079,525 Sale of Books and Materials 584,825 1,546,379 oO 2,131,204 2,105,015 , Resident Fees 0 oO 302,679 302,679 328,810 ar Income 349,611 204,349 4,533 558,493 765,292 Assets Released from Restriction 227,341 oO oO 227,341 370,603 Total Unrestricted Revenues $ 22,213,376 $ 1,750,728 § 307,212 $ 24,271,316 $ 22,637,352 Expenses Contributions to International Funds $ 3,763,101 $ 3 $ . $ 3,763,101 $ 2,957,919 Education and Teaching Activities 5,669,839 0 0 5,669,839 5,309,042 Properties Operations and Maintenance 2,818,567 185,428 80,999 3,084,994 2,963,944 Cost of Books and Special Materials 406,262 960,424 0 1,366,686 1,191,001 General Administration 9,280,557 1,052,459 420,543 10,753,559 9,386,712 Impairment of Fixed Asset oO O O oO 570,000 Total Expenses $ 21,938,326 $ 2,198,311 $ 501,542 $ 24,638,179 $ 22,378,618 Other Changes in Unrestricted Net Assets (281,873) 0 281,873 0 0 Increase/(Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets $ (6,823) ~$ (447,583) “$ 87,543 § (866,863) $ 258,734 Changes in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Contributions $ 625,652 $ os $ re. $ 625,652 $ 768,940 Investment Income 72,500 0 0 72,500 70,353 Net Assets Released from Restriction (227,341) 0 0 (227,341) (370,603) Increase/(Decrease) in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $ 470,811 $ a $ if $ 470,811 $ 468,690 Changes in Permanently Restricted Net Assets Contributions $ 3,700,000 $ F $ 5 $ 3,700,000 $ i Investment Income 0 0 0 0 0 Increase in Permanently Restricted O 0 0 0 oO Net Assets $ 3,700,000 $ S $ « $ 3,700,000 $ ° Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets $ 4,163,988 $ (447,583) $ 87,543 $ 3,803,948 $ 727,424 Net Assets, beginning of Year $ 18,798,930 $ (460,147) $ 260,378 $ 18,599,161 $ 17,871,737 Net Assets, end of Year $ 22,962,918 $ (907,730) $ 347,921 $ 22,403,109 _$ 18,599,161



national teaching plan equals increased investment. The programs outlined above will continue: the Stewardship and Development seminars, for example, are considered key by the National Assembly to enhancing our shared understanding of some of our most important spiritual obligations and privileges. One goal for this program is to integrate portions of it with the institute process under way around the nation. There can be no interruption in the consultation with the friends, support for their efforts to deepen their Faith, and improvement in all aspects of fiscal stewardship of the Faith’s resources. But the increasing likelihood of a break~ through in the teaching field requires that serious thought be given to the needs that will flow from growth; indeed, preparation for this eventuality has occurred throughout the Four Year Plan and has become more intensive toward its end.

What is the infrastructure that will be required, for example, to stimulate and accommodate growth? Are the present Baha’f schools adequate for a larger body of believers whose needs, in many cases, will be different from those of the current generation of Baha'is, so that every person who declares their belief in Baha’w'll4h will stay in the community as an active member? Is the Mother Temple of the West ready to welcome, not 250,000 visitors annually, but 500,000 or more? And how will the Faith’s financial structure withstand the inevitable turmoil of change and, possibly, financial “retrenching” by the American nation when the number of contributors, as gener‘ous as they have been, is still less than half the community? To address these matters the Office of the Treasurer, together with many other agencies, has been supporting the consultations and planning efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly. Dozens of volunteers from all parts of the country have been consulted over the last twentyfour months in a review of diverse aspects of these challenges, surveys of giving behavior and other indices have been performed, and the Baha’{ World Center has been consulted. New communications and an educational process will be needed to help every Baha’/—whether old or young, veteran or new recruit—to obtain new tools to create and manage wealth for the Faith and for themselves, to review priorities in relation to new challenges, and to play a distinctive role in meeting these unique, historic challenges.




Operations and accounting policies

he National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States (the Assembly) was established in 1927 as a voluntary trust and subsequently incorporated in October 1994 as an Illinois not-for-profit €orporation to administer, teach, and further the Baha’i Faith in the United States. The accounts of the Assembly are maintained on the accrual basis. The financial statements of the Assembly include the assets, liabilities, fund bal




July 13, 2000

(hy

Tne AMERICAN Band’ ¢

AnnuaL Rerort 2000 [Page 24]

ances, and financial activities of the National Baha’f Fund, the Baha’f Publishing Trust, and the Baha’f Home.

The principal accounting policies used by the Assembly are as follows:

Contributions

All contributions from members of the Faith, unless specifically restricted by the donor, are considered to be available for unrestricted use and are recorded as received. Contributions in kind are recorded at an amount representing the estimated fair value of goods and services received during the year. Items received of artistic or religious significance for which no value can be readily determined and which are not anticipated to be sold are recorded at nominal value.

Contributions from nonmembers may not be used to support the Faith and, accordingly, such amounts received are distributed for other humanitarian causes. Contributions restricted by the donor for particular programs and projects, or for property and equipment acquisitions, are earned and reported as revenues when the Assembly has incurred expenses for the purpose specified by the donor. Such amounts received, by not yet earned, are reported as restricted deferred amounts. Estate bequests are recorded when the funds are received.

as organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (LR.C.) of 1986. Accordingly, contributions made to the National Spiritual Assembly and all of its subordinate local spiritual assemblies are deductible by the donors for Federal income tax purposes as provided by I.R.C. Section 170.

Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to the National Spiritual Assembly or its subordinate local assemblies are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes as provided by LR.C. Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522.

Inventories Inventories of books and special materials are valued at average cost.

Investments Investments are recorded at market value.

Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. The Assembly computes depreciation of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives using the straight line method. The estimated lives used in computing depreciation are as follows:


HUQUQU’ LLAH

Juqtiqu'llah (Right of God) is a law revealed by

Baha'u'llah in the Kit4b-i-Aqdas. Obeying the law of Huqdqu’llah purifies the material wealth we acquire throughout our lifetime by giving back to the Cause of God a portion of that which came from our Creator. Payments of Huqdqu’llah are deductible for federal income and estate tax purposes. Checks for Huqdqu’!léh should be made payable to “Baha’i Huqiqu’llah Trust” and sent directly to one of these Trustees.

Dr. Amin Banani Mr. Stephen Birkland Mrs. Sally Foo

Dr. Daryush Haghighi

Tax exempt status

The U.S. Treasury Department has held that the National Spiritual Assembly and all subordinate local spiritual assemblies are exempt from Federal income tax

he Office of Women’s Affairs, | established in 1997, works closely with the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs, the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men, the Regional Baha'i Councils, local spiritual assemblies, and other agencies of the Faith to gather and disseminate information about, and coordinate activities in support of, the advancement of women. forts during the past three imarily on coordinaties: (1) ensuring the ibution of the Nation



Wings of a Bin: The quality of Women and Men as well as its presentation to local government officials across the nation, (2) mobilizing a Baha’f presence at significant national or international conferences dealing with issues related to the advancement of women, (3) ensuring Baha’ support of



advancement of women, (4) initiating a systematic process for gathering statistical information about the advancement of women in the Baha’f community, and (5) establishing a lending library of resource materials for use by Baha’i National Center staff and the various agencies and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly.

To date, some 190,000 copies of Tivo Wings of a Bird have been distributed since its publication in 1996. During the first year after the statement’s release, the National Assembly observed in the Baha’i community an apparent hesitance to fully explore, study, and disseminate the statement. In January 1999, at the urging of the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men, a letter was sent to local spiritual assemblies encouraging them to present the statement to mayors, officials, and like-minded organizations. This letter

Asset description Asset life Furniture/Equipment 5-10 years Buildings/Improvements 20-40 years Baha’i House of Worship 75 years

WOMEN’S AFFAIRS

was followed by a similar message in September 1999. The pace of dissemination picked up substantially as a result of these communications. As of March 2000, over 231 Baha’{ communities had reported their activities. Statements had been presented to more than 169 mayors, 135 city councils, 148 women’ organizations, and 185 community organizations. Furthermore, at least 96 proclamation events and 114 fireles relating to the equality of women and men had been held, 53 press releases on the subject had been issued, and 17 televised presentations had been made. A § language version of the statement will be released soon and 344 copies of the Persian-language edition have been sold.

In a joint collaborative effort bet the National Assembly’s Office of nal Affaii for the Equality of Women and Men, a letter was mailed in March 1999 to the spiritual assembly of the capital city of each state. These assemblies were asked to present the statement on gender equality to their respective governors by September 1999. As of March 2000, only eight presentations had been made.

Though it would be impossible to acknowledge all of the noteworthy efforts to disseminate the statement, several outstanding individual efforts deserve mention here. Dr. Nushin Muvaddat created and sent to a long list of friends beautiful handmade booklets that included a poem by Tahirih, a brief description of her life, and the text of Tivo Wings of a Bird.

In March 1999 Mrs. Marianne Smith Geula, representing the Spiritual Assembly of Malden, Massachusetts, presented the statement to the mayor of Malden. Upon receiving the statement with enthusiasm, the mayor mentioned a pilot program at the Malden high school called Youth Technol






ogy Entrepreneurs, which focuses, among other things, on affirmative efforts to include and encourage girls’ participation in the design, support, and use of information technology. It would have been almost impossible for the Bahé’is as a religious organization to have gained this access without the mayor’ help. Mrs. Geula and Ms. Leili Towfigh, of the National Youth Committee, made the presentation to the director and teenagers in the program.

A husband and wife team, Mrs. Suzanne ‘Turner and Mr. Frank Amanat, began in



January and February 1998 efforts to promote the equality of women and men with a deepening og sponsored by the



ingly honest about issues and_persc experiences and supported one another in trying to find practical, spiritual solutions to common problems and misunderstani

The Office of Women’s Affairs responsible for mobilizing a Baha’f presence at several significant conferences. In February 1999 the Office of Women’s Affairs, along with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Taiwan and Women for International Peace and Arbitration, arranged for a delegation of legislators, judges, social workers, and police from ‘Taipei, Taiwan, to visit New York City to study how domestic violence cases are handled in the United States. Taiwan’ first domestic violence laws were passed in 1998 and went into effect in June 1999. Events associated with the delegation’ visits to courts, police departments, and social institutions included a reception for the group and a dinner co-hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Taiwan and Office of Women’ Affairs. This event resulted in an invitation for the director of the office to give a presentation in Taiwan





Mrs. Elizabeth Martin

on May 24, 1999 on the subject of domestic violence and child abuse. The presentation was covered by seven television stations and the print media. A Counselor and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of also attended the event.

‘The Second Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County presented a day Family Violence Prevention Symposium on March 1, 2000 at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois. The National Spiritual Assembly asked three members of the Office of Community Administration and Development, Ms. The: jullen, Ms. Sue Bingham, and M: beth Frey, to attend. ‘The material presented at the symposium will prove useful in assisting this office to prepare effective assembly development workshops on the subject of domestic violence and additions to an updated edition of Developing Distinctive Baba’ Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies.

Another notable event for which the Office ensured a Baha’f presence was a hearing on the status of women in Illinois at the President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History. The Office of Women’s Affairs arranged for Ms. Roya Ayman to make a Baha’f presentation at the hearing on November 12, 1998 in Washington, DC.

Ms. Shelley Rastall represented the Office at the Beijing Plus Five Regional ‘Training Workshop supporting the Global Reach Out for Women (GROW) Project, held in Chicago, March 23-25, 2000, cosponsored by Partners of the Americas and Women’s EDGE. This training workshop brought together concerned citizens to further expand their knowledge of trade, development, and skills in local community education, trade and development issues in general, media outreach, and advocacy.



one~









page 24 THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * ANNUAL RErort 2000

July 13,2000 [Page 25]

The GROW project will work over the next three years to increase American women’ involvement in educating and advocating on trade and international development issues by giving women a say in political decisions.

Ms. Ada James was asked by the Office to attend the Women Work! National Network for Women’s Employment Power Breakfast in Chicago to learn about key findings from the Year 2000 Virginia Slims National Poll on Women’s Issues: A 30 Year Perspective, presented by representatives from Roper Starch. The findings were preliminary and the complete final report was not available at the time of publication.

The Office also helped to ensure Baha’ support of two important federal legislative issues. In January 1998 the Baha'i community was called upon to support a letter campaign urging the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). More than five thousand letters were sorted by name and delivered to the Senators. In September 1999 the Office again called upon the community to support a letter campaign urging Congress to retain provisions in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) that guarantee equal access to educational opportunities for women. ‘The American Association of University Women pushed strongly for passage, and it passed quickly.

“The past year's activities have also included sponsoring a Diverse Women’s Seminar, which was successful enough to prompt the planning of three additional conferences based on the same format; publishing the talks given at the Diverse Women’ Seminar; offering workshops at the International Women’s Conference—Partnership for the Next Millennium—in Brisbane, Australia, attended by more than 450 people from fifteen countries, with almost one-third of the participants being of Aboriginal descent; initiating the process of systematic gathering of statistics about the advancement of women within the Baha’{ community; and collaborating. with the Bahai National, Centers Human Resources Department to hold a training on gender equality by international management consultant Dorothy Marcic.

In the immediate future the Office of Women’s Affairs will promote the widest possible use of the forthcoming video, titled Speaking of Gender, which has been prepared for use in the national media campaign; continue with the Common Journey series of conferences; promote the identification, understanding, and resolution of the unique issues particular to women of different cultural backgrounds; call for essays and scholarly articles on the sacred role of parenthood for possible publication in World Order magazine; promote education of the community in providing a safe and loving environment where men’s feelings are encouraged and women’ voices are heard; study, analyze, and make recommendations to the National Assembly regarding physical and sexual abuse in the Baha’i community; examine traditional roles of women and men and explore Baha'i concepts of full partership; emphasize the importance of preparing both women and men for parenthood; emphasize the station of motherhood; gather statistics regarding Baha’ elections and gender equality for the purpose of comparing with previous year’s statistics; ensure a presence at major national women’ conferences; collaborate with other agencies and offices of the National Assembly with portfolios regarding the advancement of women and girls; write an ongoing column in The American Babd’t on women’s affairs; promote activities that enable youth and children to develop their true nature, free of artificial gender stereotypes; foster the spiritually healthy attitude and moral responsibility of young girls regarding their sexuality; and foster the development of leadership qualities in women.

‘The extent to which these plans will be fulfilled will depend in large part on whether a full-time director can be hired. At present, the Office is staffed by the Assistant Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly with part-time help from the Regional Baha’ Council Liaison. Because the demands on the time of the Assistant Secretary are so great that there is little time to focus on the work of the Office, a proposal has been submitted to the National Assembly to hire a full-time director. This would enable the staff to systematize the work, gather and analyze statistics about women and equality, and study the surrounding issues.





ANNUAL

REPORT

OF THE AGENCIES

OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES

SECRETARIAT

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT

he office sists of two sections: Community

Adn ion and the Office of Assembly Devel opment. Community Administration provides adminis trative support to the National Spiritual Assembly by offering guidance to local spiritual assemblies and individual believers concerning issues of community functioning and the application of Baha’i principles and laws. The Office of Assembly Development provides resources, training and analysis to assist local spiritual assemblies in their development. These resources also








‘Training Institutes, and other Institutions working to aid assemblies in their maturation.

Community Administration

During each year of the Four Year Plan, Community Administration received an average of three to four thousand letters, five to six thousand e-mails and ten to twelve thousand telephone calls. The challenge which the office’s small staff has faced and will continue to face in the coming years is that of providing timely responses to each of the many inquiries and requests for assistance that it receives. While more and more local spiritual assemblies are growing stronger in their ability to address issues that arise at the local level, the complexity of the concerns brought to their council chambers also has increased. This growing maturation is reflected in the fact that most assemblies are able to correctly identify which Baha’ laws and principles apply in a given situation. Implementing sound decisions based on the laws and principles identified, however, continues to be a challenge for them. It is anticipated that as more assemblies take advantage of the training offered through the Office of Assembly Development, they will gain a clearer understanding of how to apply the laws and principles in a given situation and greater confidence in managing the affairs of their communities. In turn, this should help in reducing the number of communications received in the future by Community Administration.

Since the work of Community Administration is reactive in nature, and varies according to the content of the inquiry or request for assistance that is received, it is difficult to identify the office’s priorities for the future, other than to state that it will continue to do its best to serve the National Spiritual Assembly and the many assemblies, agencies, and individual friends with whom it has contact. Local spiritual assemblies can assist the work of the office by taking the time to educate the friends in their communities about the various laws of the Faith that are binding upon them at this time, answering their questions, and fostering a spirit of genuine love and concern for each member of their community. The individual friends can assist, too, by turning to their local spiritual assemblies with respect and confidence and seeking their guidance before choosing to write or call the Baha’f National Center.



Office of Assembly Development

During the Four Year Plan the Office of Assembly Development increased both the number and quality of resources available to assist local spiritual assemblies in their development and also conducted and analyzed research to aid in development of optimal materials and programs. Resources from this office now include: Assembly Development Forums, Assembly Development Mod ule Workshops, 120 trained facilitators for these workshops, the Assembly Weekend Visit program, the Assembly Self Assessment ‘Tool, and a wide variety of printed and electronic materials. Each of these will be outlined briefly.

Assembly Development Forums are one-day training sessions held to provide assemblies with information to assist them in their functioning and to facilitate communication and sharing among assemblies. The forums include workshops by the Treasurer’s Office, the National Teaching Committee’s office, and the Office of Community Administration and Development as well as parary Board members for the area. Eleven Assembly Development Forums have been held around the country since the inception of the Four Year Plan. In the course of these forums, more than 190 workshops were given to approximately 233 local spiritual assemblies, represented by almost 1,000. individuals. These events have been well received; participants on average gave them a rating of usefulness around 4.4 on a 1 to 5 scale with “5” signifying “high” usefulness.

Assembly Development Module Workshops are threeto four-hour workshops on a variety of topics useful to assemblies in improving their functioning. While several modules were originally developed in 1989, during the Four Year Plan revisions were made to most of the original modules and new modules were created to cover other topics that support initiatives of the National Spiritual Assembly. The ten new or revised modules are Baha’ writings-based workshops that use a wide range of learning to accommodate a variety of learning styles. ‘These mostly interactive workshops develop skills and ned to promote behavioral changes. Participants gave high ratings for the usefulness of these modules, with an average rating of 4.50.

‘To help local assemblies take advantage of these training programs, a group of about 130 volunteers was tate the modules. Fifty-nine volunteers were trained in the first two years of the Plan and an additional 71 were added in the last year of the Plan. Representatives now serve all regions and more than 40, states. Participants rate the skills of the representatives highly, with an average score of 4.65. Annual training was given to representatives to continue improving their skills and to introduce additional modules. The selection of representatives was based upon recommendations from local spiritual assemblies and input from Regional Baha'i Councils and Auxiliary Board members.

‘The Weekend Visit Program for the Baha’i National Center welcomed almost 250 individuals from some fifty local spiritual assemblies during the past four years. During these visits assemblies had an opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them at the Baha’s National Center, visit the Archives to see relics of Baha’u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bah, say prayers in the Mother ‘Temple, hear updates on new initiatives from several offices, and have questions answered by members of the National Spiritual Assembly. Improvements in the program included additional opportunities to interact with the National Spiritual Assembly and visits that are coordinated for assemblies from the same area.

At the beginning of the Plan criteria for the maturation of local spiritual assemblies were developed based upon the Four Year Plan message of the Universal House of Justice. It was decided that only the assemblies themselves could assess their development in each of these areas, so a “Self Assessment Tool” was developed and mailed to all local spiritual assemblies at the beginning of the Plan. Fifty- three assemblies responded with copies of their results. The tool was reissued in the last year of the Plan










July 13, 2000 The American BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000

page 25 [Page 26]

in a simpler format and with supporting


documents that showed where assemblies could go for assistance if they rated themselves lower than they wished in any area. An additional 133 responses were received after this reissue of the document. Analysis shows that the average self-rating on the overall criteria was 2.97 on a scale of one to five, with “5” as the highest rating. The average goal for increased development was to move to 3.79 on this same scale.

During the Four Year Plan thi developed a wide variety of publi resources. The most important of these is the assembly manual titled Developing Distinctive Baba’t Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies, which was revised and published in an updated and expanded vern. During the last year of the Plan it was placed on the National Assembly's administrative Web site in a searchable and printable format. Other materials produced by the Office during the Four Year Plan include: Cultivating Distinction: The Spiritual Nature of the Baba’t Electoral Process, a workshop produced in coordination with several other offices; Spiritual Institutions: The Unique Nature of Baba’ Institutions, a basic booklet on the elected Institutions of the Faith; Flecting Baha'i Assemblies, a basic booklet about the local spiritual assembly and its election; and A Miracle of Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly, a video and workbook deepening for the community and/or the assembly about the station of the local spiritual assembly and the relationship between the assembly and the community. When first-time local spiritual assemblies are formed each year they are sent a welcoming letter listing these and other resources and offering complimentary copies.

‘The Office of Assembly Development has relied heavily upon survey data in the formation of its plans and programs. A survey was conducted at the beginning of the Plan to assess the use of Developing Distinctive Babi’i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies and the Assembly Development Modules. The responses received back were used in the revisions to these materials. The following year the Office participated in a multidepartmental survey that provided information about the patterns of usage of assembly development materials as well as further needs in this area. Both were helpful in refining plans. The Office also conducted a demographic analysis of assembly composition that provided useful input to two of the newest Assembly Development Module workshops. In addition, participants in all workshops and programs continued to be asked to provide information about program usefulness and to make suggestions for improvement. The data was analyzed and the information was used in program enhancements. The Office was also involved with the analysis of Self Assessment Tool responses to provide the National Spiritual Assembly with information related to the maturation of local spiritual assemblies.

‘This Office’ priorities for the future include the completion and testing of additional modules, scheduling and planning the Assembly Development Forums and Weekend Visits for the upcoming year, analysis of data, and preparation of further revisions and updates to Developing Distinctive Baha’ Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies.











OFFICE OF THE SECRETARYCONVENTIONS

he mandate for the convention pect of the Office of the Secretary during the Four Year Plan was to plan, coordinate, and direct the implementation of national and electoral unit conventions and to plan and coordinate the reapportionment of electoral unit boundaries on a regular basis. Related to these activities was the need to educate the American Baha’f community about the principles of Baha’i electoral unit and national elections and about the purpose and principles of reapportionment. In addition to carrying out these activities, a significant evolution occurred in the Convention Office’s functioning and operations during the Plan.

The office spearheaded a nationwide redistricting and education campaign in the first year of the Plan to inform voters of their new electoral units. Increasing decentralization of tasks in 1996 led to this office appointing host spiritual assemblies to take charge of arranging unit convention logistics. While such elections still were coordinated by the Office of the Secretary, local believers were given far more responsibility and education related to the election process.

In 1997 the Convention Office continued to appoint host assemblies and to coordinate Unit Convention elections. A significant additional task was assigned to the office during this year, which was to manage and carry out the inaugural el tion of the Regional Baha’f Councils. The Conventions Office also undertook arranging the logistics for the first plenary meeting of the Regional Counc

As a result of the election of these new administrative bodies, in 1998 a new responsibility was incorporated into the work of the Conventions Office—that of the Regional Council Liaison. As Liaison, the Office arranged the logisitics for the June and December meetings of the Regional Councils, began to instruct and orient the Regional Baha'i Councils about the details and work needed to coordinate unit conventions, and helped the Councils organize the management of unit conventions.

In 1999 the Conventions Office continued to assist the Regional Councils with the coordination of unit convention elections. As the year progressed, a change in the responsibilities of the Convention Office came into being. It was split into two offices—one to coordinate unit and national conventions and one to assist the Regional Baha’i Councils as Regional Baha’f Council Liaison. As a result of this split, the Conventions Office took on broader responsibilities associated with National Convention.

For the remainder of 1999-2000, the final year of the Four Year Plan, the Conventions Office instituted further redistricting efforts, which impacted approximately 25 percent of the electoral units. This activity was followed up with education for the voters about how the new electoral units fit into the redistricting efforts. The Office also organized the final National Convention of the Four Year Plan and began consideration of its agenda for the upcoming Twelve Month Plan.













BAHA'I ENCYCLOPEDIA PROJECT

he primary assignment of the EditoBoard for the Baha’ Encyclopedia Project is to compile a comprehensive, authoritative, and easy-to-use encyclopedic reference work on the Baha’f Faith for Baha'is, the media, students, scholars, diplomats, and others.

On the eve of the Four Year Plan the Encyclopedia Project underwent extensive restructuring, including changes in the membership of the Editorial Board and relocating the project’s editorial base from England to the United States. Since the beginning of the Plan, signi ments in the overall vision, direction, and structure of the project have occurred.

An office was established at the Bah: National Center in April 1996. The staff—a full-time coordinating editor and a full-time administrative assistant—reorganized a vast store of material in various stages of completion that was inherited from previous editors. Electronic and paper files previously held in the United Kingdom and Canada were consolidated into one comprehensive filing system, which has been maintained and refined.

Another major task for the office has been updating addresses of contributors all over the world (approximately 750) and incorporating them into an expanded database to facilitate correspondence with contributors. An article/author database, h provides an overview of the contents of the Encyclopedia according to various categories and makes it possible to track the progress made on each article, was thoroughly reorganized and enlarged.

‘The editors have disseminated information about the project by publishing an article in the April 9, 1996, issue of The American Baha’é, by sending mailings to all contributors and corresponding with authors dually; by distributing information at national conventions; by participating in annual conferences of the Association for Baha’i Studies; by providing flyers on the Encyclopedia Project to be distributed to participants in Special Visit and Local Assembly Development programs at the Baha’i National Center; by offering up-to-date information about the Encyclopedia on the National Assembly's administrative Web site; by giving a presentation on the Encyclopedia Project to a February 2000 meeting of the National Assembly with the staff and visitors; by regularly briefing visitors to the National Center; and by responding to questions posed by letter, telephone, and e-mail.

During this four-year period, the editors have developed and refined plans for (1) the contents and format of an interim series of publications, and (2) eventual compilation of a comprehensive Baha’{ reference work. ‘The Editorial Board has devoted much time to reassessing the large number of articles in hand, establishing standards for overall quality, and identifying additional topics for which articles need to be commissioned. Once articles are accepted for possible publication, editing requires checking for accu racy, researching to fill gaps, and putting the text into a consistent style and format. The














ors,








editorial process has included researching, developing, and refining editorial style policies and working on a full-fledged style guide for the Encyclopedia.

Consultation on editorial and administrative matters is carried out by means of Encyclopedia Board meetings, conference calls, and e-mail consultations. Similar interactions occur between the three members who constitute the editorial team.

‘The coordinating editor has represented the Encyclopedia Project as a member of the governing boards of the Wilmette Institute and the Institute for Baha’i Studies and also as a participant at a conference on Foundational Issues in Baha'i Studies sponsored by the Oxford University Baha’f Society, Oxford, England, April 1-2, 2000.

The immediate priority for the Encyclopedia Project is to bring to editorial completion a group of articles for publication in volume one of a prospective interim series of publications and, generally, to proceed toward publication of the serie: As a corollary to this goal, the staff is working on completing a style guide for Encyclopedia publications.



NATIONAL PERSIANAMERICAN AFFAIRS OFFICE AND NATIONAL PERSIANAMERICAN AFFAIRS TASK FORCE

National Persian-American Affairs Office

n addition to managing the ex

functions of the National Persian— American Affairs Task Force, the Office undertakes various activities to help promote the integration of Baha’is of Iranian descent and to assist various Baha’i administrative agencies in matters related to Iran.

‘The activities of the Office during the Four Year Plan have included: sending the Persian translation of press releases about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and other significant events in the Baha’ community ‘to Persian-language media outlets in the United States; supporting the Friends of Persian Culture Associ; tion and organizing its ninth annual conference; publishing Bi Yéd-i Dust (In Memory of the Friend), a 206-page tribute in Persian to the Hand of the Cause of God, Abu’l-Qésim Fa: helping to translate the messages from Baha’i World Center and disseminating them to a number of National Assemblies around the world; translating Feast letters and other messages of the National Spiritual Assembly; publishing the bilingual quarterly Tabernacle of Unity; preparing the Persian pages of The American Babd' publishing a revised edition of the introductory pamphlet in Persian, “An Introduction to Baha’i Faith”; coordinating the work of the Persian Reviewing Panel as directed by the Universal House of Justice; assisting with the receipt of communications from the friends in Tran; helping to organize the Persian sessions of the ‘Irfin Colloquia; conducting an intensive Persian language course in conjunction with the residential session of the “Spiritual Foundations for a Global















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Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 [Page 27]


R EPOR 2 Te 2o OO ee TRE CRA




Institute in 1998 and several s around the country for training tea of Persian; and co-sponsoring the Insti tute for Baha'i Studies and the Wilmette Institute.



National Persian-American Affairs Task Force

‘The appointment of the National Persian-American Affairs Task Force shordy after the opening of the Four Year Plan was followed by the receipt of a message from the Universal House of Justice, dated Baha 154, addressed to Iranian believers throughout the world. That message, combined with the exhortations of the Supreme Institution in paragraph





10 of the Ridvan 153 message to North American Baha the


s, became the charter for

of the National Amel Affairs Task Force, whose general goal to raise the level of activity and involvement of the more than 12,000 Baha’is of Iranian origin in the United States in support of the goals of the community.

Taking into account the diversity of circumstances and backgrounds of the Persian-American members of the U.S: Baha’i community, the Task Force undertook activities aimed at revitalizing the Baha’is of Persian descent, encouraging them to demonstrate, in every aspect of their lives, the high ideals of the Baha’f Faith; to pay attention to the spiritual education of children and youth; to teach the Faith in the name of their brothers and sisters in Iran; and to teach their children the Persian language. To further these goals, the Task Force appointed sixteen Area Task Forces; organized meetings with Baha’is of Pe: concentration


activities



















sian background in major areas of of Persian-American


Supreme Institution and encourage the friends to better serve the goals of the Four Year Plan; disseminated hundreds of copies of the Baha 154 message of the Universal House of Justice in Per: and in English, along with study guides; produced an audiotape of the Baha 154 message for distribution; and asked the Area Task Forces to organize small gatherings of several families each in different parts of their respective areas for the study of the messages. Additionally in each area, the National Task Force met with representatives of local spiritual assemblies in order to explore ways in which collaboration could lead to the activation of the Persian-American friends.

In order to assist the friends in adopting personal teaching plans, the National Persian-American Affairs Task Force developed a simple plan and outline, which was mailed to all Persian-American Baha’i households.

The national Task Force also took advantage of a private visit to the United States of Mr. Hooshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, to organize five large gatherings to address the friends about Baha’s life. Three of these meetings were held in Washington, DC, and the other two were held in Chicago, Illinois, and Los








Forces were active in in promoting the above in collaboration with the Regional

varying degrees goal


preparation, for th the tasks’ ultimate trans fer to Regional Baha’i Council Another area



where con s that of contact s. A Persian Media Board was created to coordinate efforts to take advantage of the growing number of Persian~ language media outlets in the U.S. for providing accurate information about the Faith to nonBaha'i Iranians. The weekly Persian Baha’i radio program, “Payam-i-Doost,” in the Washington, DC, area, entered its sixth year of operation and, November 1999, began broadcasting over the Internet, thus becoming the first ever Baha’i radio program to be heard around the world, even within Iran. Thus far the program has been produced and aired using volunteers and locally-raised funds.

In response to a message dated June 18, 1999, from the Baha’i World Center, the national Task Force, at the direction of the National Spiritual mbly, gathered and organized ideas and sugions for contacting non-Baha’t Iranians and correcting their misconceptions about the Faith, which were submitted for the National Assembly's consideration.

‘The future efforts of the national Task Force will focus on: (a) the smooth transition of area Persian-American Affairs forces to the Regional Baha’ suring that the Persian translations of The Advent of Divine Justice, The Dispensation of Bahd’wllah, and The World Order of Baha'u'llah (assigned by the National Spiritual Assembly. for study during the next twelve months) is available, preparing study guides in Perian for those texts, and enlisting the assistance of area task forces in identifying individuals who can serve as “Friends of Families” by holding regular study sessions with one to three famili to study those texts in depth; (c) expanding and formalizing the institutional structures needed for promoting the work with Persian-language media and contacts with non-Baha’i Iranians; and (d) continuing our efforts for promoting Baha’i life, especially among the youth of Iranian descent.








of


















OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND REVIEW

principal responsibilities of the Research Office include conducting prepublication review of manuscripts and special materials, assisting and encouraging research on the Faith, correcting published information about the Faith, interfacing with academia, and collaborating with other Baha’i scholarly efforts. During the Four Year Plan the Office’s work increased steadily in several key areas. The Office’s written communications


doubled since the beginning of the Plan. By the end of the first year of the Plan in 1997, some 3,600 letters had been wi ten; in the last year of the Plan, the same two,staff wrote more than 7,200 items of correspondence. The increase can be attributed in part to the Baha’i community’s steadily expanding interest in scholarly matters and the Office’s growng network of contacts with Baha’s authors and researchers.

Since the Office’s inception in 1990-91, during which time it complet ed prepublication review of 64 written there has been a steady and sigi e in the number and quality of items submitted for review. During the Four Year Plan an average of 164 literature items and 304 special materials items were reviewed each year. Of the 655 manuscripts and 1,219 special mate Is submitted during the Plan, at least 70 percent passed review with no changes required to them, indicating that the quality of submissions has increased along with the work load.

The Office regularly supported the National Spiritual Assembly's research needs throughout the Plan. Every year the Research Office organized statistical data requested annually by the Universal House of Justice. It alse collected and edited data and prepared for publ













tual Assembly. The Office was called upon to prepare one or two additional reports per year; in 1999-2000 it prepared a study of social and economic development projects.




The Research Office has one a major center of information for researchers (Baha’is and others) who are studying the Faith. The Office planned the Baha’f program at the American Academy of Religion each year, involving one or two panels of talks ‘on aspects of the Faith and a book di: play in the exhibit hall. A staff member served as a Baha'i representative to the Pluralism Project, which studies the diversity of religion in the United States. For the last three years the Research Office has coordinated the Baha’s involvement in the Cooperative Congregational Survey Project, a research effort to study 700 or more congregations in each of 40 denominations in the United States. The survey, to coincide with the 2000 government census, was mailed to all local spiritual assemblies in January 2000; some 500 assemblies already have completed the survey. In the last four years staff members have published Baha’i-related articles in two encyclopedias and one CD-ROM; the journal Nova Religio; a sociological series on religions; and a volume on religions’ views about the millennium. In 1999 the Office helped find Baha’ presenters at a conference on new religious movements in Pennsylvania and a staff member attended and spoke.

The Research Office has been centrally involved in most efforts in the United States to support scholarship by Baha’is. Staff members serve or have served on the boards of the Baha’i Encycloped: Project, World Order magazine, the







Association for Baha’f Studies, and the Journal of Bahai Studies. Reviewing or ng articles for the Encyclopedia and World Order, drafting interchanges and editorials for World Order, and planning special issues of World Order are a major focus of the Research Office. The staff is involved heavily in planning three ‘Irfan Colloquia per year, which focus on scripture and world religions from a Baha'i perspective; in editing the abstracts and papers; and in publishing the program booklets. The Institute for Baha’i Studies, based in the Research Office, sponsored several conferences for Baha'is interested in specialized research topics during the Plan, the most recent one being “Revealing the Splendors of His Light: Exploring Spirituality in Baha'i Life” in Evanston in August 1999. Most of the conference planning was done by the Research

edi









The: Research Office is also the home of the Wilmette Institute, which offers courses on aspects of the Faith. While research and publication are not the focus of Wilmette Institute courses, they have resulted in one or two published articles on the Faith that otherwise would not have been produced. The Wilmette Institute also has helped create an environment in the American Baha’i community that is supportive of scholarship.

The Research Office, through the Institute for Baha'i Studies, worked regularly on issues related to the protection of the Faith. It has become a center for correcting errors in academic publicaand responding to unwarranted or attacl Every year it sought to correct three or four works; lack of staff hampered such effort and a backlog of about fifteen works requiring comment has developed. The Research Office also was central to rallying support for the Baha’i Institute for Higher







Education (BIHE) in Iran when Iranian


government agencies attempted to shut it down in the fall of 1998. The Office became a clearing house for information and developed two list servers—one for Baha’t college professors, the other for students and staff—to provide news about the latest developments. Since then the two list servers have become a valuable conduit for networking likeminded researchers and disseminating research and scholarly requests.

Finally, during the Plan the Office worked to develop research resources in Wilmette by helping to expand the Baha'i National Center library. An important development was the contribution of a collection of works on Judaism in mid-1999,

Over the next year the Research Office hopes to acquire more staffing, allowing it to focus more energy on protection of the Faith; responding to attacks and inaccurate publications; networking Baha’ researchers; and training more Baha’is to be able to answer cult scholarly questions about the Faith. The Office also hopes to make more effort to educate Baha’is about the prepublication review process, especially of special materials.




July 13,2000 THe American BanA’i * Annuat Report 2000 page 27 [Page 28]


he function of the National

‘Teaching Committee is to con duct expert study and analysis of issues pertaining to the growth and development of the Baha’f Faith in the United States; to offer strategic advice to the National Spiritual Assembly and the Regional Baha’f Councils; and to assist the National Spiritual Assembly in executing the national teaching plan. The following is a summary of activities undertaken by the National Teaching Committee during the past year.

Media broadcasts

The national teaching campaign using the media was dramatically accelerated through sustained national broadcasts of existing videos and commercials, beginning in July. Three thirty-minute videos—The Power of Race Unity, The Power of Prayer, Family: Seeds of World Peace—and three commercials—Golden Rule, One Race, and Children Without Prejudice—were broadcast. These same materials were made available to local communities in VHS and broadcast versions. Since July the programs and commercials have aired on the following national cable networks: Lifetime, CourtTV, Bravo, BET, WGN, Odyssey, and TVGuide Channel. There also have been hundreds of airings in local markets on the initiative of local communities.

‘The Harvest Database, designed in 1998, tracks all seeker requests for literature and follow-up phone calls, including those that come in through the 800-22UNITE system or the Internet. In addition, the public Web site counts the number of visitors and includes a survey that allows our office to project the number of non-Bahé’f users as well as the time of their visits. Since last Ridvan some 35,000 individuals have contacted us through Internet or phone. Since the beginning of the campaign in March 1998, the total is about 47,000. All seekers who requested information were sent a copy of The Baha'is magazine and information on how to contact local communities.

‘This past year about one-third of the respondents left requests for literature and/or follow-up calls, primarily through the 800 phone number; the other two thirds visited the Web site as a result of the broadcasts but did not request further information about the Faith.

The number of local phone-mail boxes for seeker follow-up increased from 617 to 1,373 since April 1999. Of these, 883 are operated by local spiritual assemblies; 411 by registered groups; and 23 by isolated beli ers. There are fifty-four “Default boxe: operated by regionally-appointed task forces, to deal with calls from areas without local sponsorship, and one box each for the states of Alaska and Hawaii, operated by those respective National Spiritual Assemblies. Nearly nine hundred boxes have received at least one phone call. Most of them have received far more, ranging up to more than three hundred in one box.









‘The Harvest system generates monthly reports of all seeker calls, including names, addresses, phone numbers, localities, and so on. The reports are sent to the Regional Baha’i Councils, which help to ensure the quality of local seeker followup. A new Harvest system is in developmentat the time of this writing (March 1). When finished it will allow for more efficient routing of calls from seekers to local boxes; Internet access to seeker databases for Councils and local communities; and other data functions that will provide faster and more seeker-friendly services.

Media materials

‘The National Teaching Committee continued its work in developing quality broadcast materials through a process of interaction with focus group audiences.

‘Two new thirty-minute videos were made available in July—The Power of Prayer and Family: Seeds of World Peace. Several new videos are now in production and are scheduled for release by Ridvin 2000: We Are One, targeting a conservative, blue-collar audience; | Am a Bahd’t, targeting babyboomer parents and families; Latinos and the Bah Faith, aimed at Hispanic audiences and to be made available in English and Spanish; and Speaking of Gender, aimed at young adults. The following are scheduled for release early in the Twelve Month Plan: Our Relations, aimed at American Indian audiences; Unity in Diversity, and two new series of commercials aimed at a variety of audiences. Ad slicks to complement broadcast programming are now in development and will be released with each new video. Production also has begun on a new video on the spiritual education of children. A new video on the Station and Claims of Bahé’u'llah is now in script development. Both are scheduled for release during the second half of the ‘Twelve Month Plan.

A series of instructional materials was published in July to help local communities understand and implement local media campaigns. Included in the packet were instructions for arranging local broadcasts, seeker follow-up by phone and by mail, and advice for creating local teaching plans in conjunction with the broadcasts.

A new seeker newsletter, Light of Unity, was launched in February. Developed in collaboration with the Regional Bahai Council of the Southern States and Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai, its purpose is to serve as a tool for seeker followup in local communities. Available on the Internet, the monthly newsletter includes articles about the basic teachings of the Faith and some news of Baha’ activities. ‘The format allows for local adaptation and inclusion of local news and events. Local communities can download the newsletter










and send it to their list of conta Anew series of radio programs is now in development and should be available later



in the year 2000. The se: Il focus on themes of relevance to Christian seekers and is being produced in collaboration with the National Teaching Committee and the Regional Baha’i Council of the Southern States.

Banner ads on the Internet, adapted


TEACHING

from the commercial Children Without Prejudice, appeared on Yahoo! for most of the past year, generating thousands of visits to the public Web site, www.us.bahai.org.

A new introductory booklet for seekers, Unite, is being developed in collaboration with the Baha’i Publishing Trust. Drawing upon lessons learned from extensive research and experience with focus group respondents, the magazine will address issues of known interest to those who are investigating the Faith. It will replace The Babd’is magazine as the main promotional item sent out in response to seeker requests. It is scheduled for release in June 2000.

‘The National Teaching Committee collaborated with the Baha’f Publishing ‘Trust to develop a plan for achieving sustained presence of Baha’i retail bookstores. The plan, availing itself of lessons learned about seeker interests as a result of the media campaign, was approved by the National Spiritual Assembly and is now under way. The first titles are scheduled to be available through the retail trade in late 2001.

‘The National Education Task Force collaborated with the National Teaching Committee in developing a series of fireside manuals to complement each video now in existence and those that will be released at Ridvan.

A plan is now under way for an Internet-based course on the Bahéa’f Faith for seekers. This is scheduled for completion in late 2000.

In January the Committee held speci: consultations with a number of believers with extensive experience in teaching ‘The result was the formation ing group that will offer input and advice on future media materials and will also help the Committee to increase awareness of relevant issues on the part of

the friends.








Collaboration with Regional Baha'i Councils

Collaborations with each of the Regional Baha’i Councils accelerated dramatically in the past year. The main focus of work was the organization of area teaching campaigns to complement the media plan. National Teaching Committee members or representatives attended some two dozen organizational meetings that usually included members of the Councils as well as local believers.

The committee attended two regional training institute conferences. The first, in April 1999, was hosted by the Regional Baha’ Council of the Western States. The second, in February 2000, was hosted by the Regional Baha’i Council of the Southern States.

A number of other specific collaborations are in progress, mostly centering around er follow-up materials and activities.





Area teaching campaigns yield seeker interest, some growth ‘The National Teaching Committee has heard reports from several areas about significant numbers of responses to media efforts, seeker attendance at firesides and other activities, and some enrollments.


These areas include Springfield, Massachusetts; Raleigh/ Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Houston, Texas; and Boston, Massachusetts. All these areas are characterized by an array of activities that together are intended to advance the process of entry by troops. These include media, firesides, training programs, youth and children’s programs, service projects, and the like. They also have systematic programs for tracking seekers and helping to sustain their interest in the Faith.

‘There are some forty more campaigns, most of them no more than two or three months old, with the same elements in place and which have seen seeker response but no enrollments yet. Another forty-five campaigns are now in development, which will have the same patterns of activities. These should be launched within the next few months.

Meanwhile, the believers in greater Nashville, Tennessee; College Station, ‘Texas; and northeastern Oklahoma continue teaching activities which have yielded significant numbers of enrollments in the past year. Programs for consolidation are also in place.

Research

The National Teaching Committee conducted research in a dozen different areas, which will be discussed in turn.

Seeker survey on the Internet. A survey mechanism was put in place to discern the backgrounds and interest Baha'i s to the public Wel has yielded a great deal of information about those who have investigated the Faith as a result of the media broadcasts and has offered helpful insights as to how our outreach might be improved.

Broadcast response patterns. The Committee has continually monitored broadcast responses generated in the media campaign to determine the most effective programs, channels, time slots, and so on. ‘This has provided substantial information helping to guide media buying decisions and will continue into the future.

Internet-based testing. In February the Committee began experimenting with testing new media materials and concepts using respondents recruited on the Internet. The first tests, scheduled for completion in March, will glean audience reaction to a new video on gender equality and a print ad that has been developed for use in a local teaching campaign. If this approach is successful it will be broadened to encompass other future projects.

Analysis of membership database. The National Teaching Committee, in collaboration with Management Information Systems and with the help of William Ahlhauser of Americom Research, conducted a thorough analysis of the membership database of the U.S. Baha’i community, yielding invaluable information about the patterns of growth and retention in the past thirty years.

Consultation of pertinent literature. The Committee continued its rigorous consultation of pertinent literature on the issues of religious change, spirituality, and social developments in the United States.







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Tre AMERICAN BanA’i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 [Page 29]

This information has been helpful in offering insights to our own challenges as a community with respect to both growth and consolidation.

Community life survey. An anonymous survey of several hundred randomly selected Baha’is on aspects of community life and individual participation yielded new knowledge about challenges faced in developing spiritually flourishing communities and increasing levels of participation on the part of believers.

Regional ‘Training Institute survey. ‘The first phase of a series of surveys gauging the impact of Regional ‘Training Ins tute programs was completed in February. The first phase was a baseline study of activities in the Western and Southern regions. Future phases will encompass all regions and will attempt to gain insights that will help improve the overall quality and effectiveness of training courses. The study will be completed in 2000.

Fund survey. The Committee assisted the Office of Fund Development in admintering a survey of believers on patterns of Fund participation. This survey involved several hundred respondents who gave anonymous answers to a series of questions designed to determine individual understandings and levels of participation.

Cooperative Congregational Studies Project. The National Teaching Committee assisted the Office of Assembly Development and the Research Office in developing a cooperative survey designed to yield comparative information about religious denominations in the United States. ‘The project is sponsored by the Lilly Foundation and is now in progress. Published results are expected later in 2000.

Youth, survey. The Committee assisted the National Youth Committee in administering the first ofa series of surveys designed to find out more about patterns of Baha’ youth activities, perceptions and behavio ‘The first phase is under way and will be completed by the end of March. Future phases will be administered later in 2000.

Education survey. The Committee sisted the Education and Schools Offi to administer the first in a series of surveys to determine the quantity and quality of local programs of study for children and pre-youth. The first phase is under way and will be completed i in March. Future phases will be administered later this year.

Community case studies. The Committee launched a new initiative designed to learn more about factors that promote unity and participation in local community life. Undertaken with researchers Dorothy Marcic, Richard Daft, Robert Rosenfeld and others, this case-study approach is designed to yield insights that might later be incorporated into local spiritual assembly development and other training programs. The study is under way and will be completed in the year 2000.























Communications

‘The National ‘Teaching Committee assisted in developing a new newsletter for Baha'is, U.S. Baha’ Update, which will offer “at a glance” information on the latest developments in teaching and other areas. The first edition was published in February and is available on the National Spiritual Assembly's administrative Web site.

‘The Committee published regular articles in The American Baba’, assisted in the process for production of Baba'y Newsreel, and published regular teaching updates on. the administrative Web site.

Analysis of growth, retention and

consolidation

The National ‘Teaching Committee published a report, in December 1999, outlining the major opportunities and challenges in advancing the process of entry by troops in the United States.

The report, Iswes Pertaining to Growth, Retention and Consolidation in the United States, suggests areas of strategic focus to pursue in individual and collective teaching efforts. While affirming all of the major strategic objectives set by the Universal House of Justice for the Four Year Plan, the report explores how those objectives can be met within the context of conditions faced by the believers in this country.

‘The report addresses a range of key sues. Among them are:

  • The historical patterns of growth and

consolidation of the Baha’f community within the past few decades.

  • Modern trends of religious change and

spiritual search in America.

¢ Patterns of American Baha’i community life and individual activism.

  • Experiences in reaching out to audiences using mass media.

Drawing upon survey-based research of

the American Baha’i community, consultation of pertinent literature, and accumulated experience in developing and testing media materials, a number of conch are presented: ¢ Our historical growth rate impressive achievement in the context of American religiot We are in the midst of one of the most significant periods of religious and spiritual revival in American history, a phenomenon which has already impacted our growth and_ indicates vast opportunity for teaching in the immediate future. The issues driving the spiritual search of millions of Americans accord with our most cherished principles, such as interracial understanding, elimination of religious intolerance, and more. Our capacity to retain new believers as long-term active members must be improved if we are to achieve higher rates of growth. We have the proven capacity to reach out beyond traditional boundaries of personal contact to engage vast numbers of seekers, whose interest can then be nurtured through interaction with the believers in local communities. The U.S. Bahai community as a whole is committed, active and enthusiastic; the friends in general are ready and able to rise to present challenges. Discernible patterns in the current dynamics of growth, local community life and individual participation mirror the concerns and issues of seekers, and these patterns shed light on challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable and rapid growth.

The report concludes by offering a

series of specific suggestions in these areas:



















  • Achieving a new mindset about growth.
  • Continued development of local and

national outreach and follow-up.

  • Building our communities: dealing with

diversity of many kinds.

  • Development of Training Institutes.
  • Improving local stewardship.
  • Improving our discourse about teaching.

‘The full text of the report is available on

the National Spiritual Assembly's adminis trative Web site at www.usbnc.org.



Future priorities

‘The National ‘Teaching Committee will now well-established pattern, undertaking research into relevant areas affecting the teaching work, managing the evolving national media outreach effort, participating in key consultations at the local, regional and national levels, and providing. regular reports and other ices for the National Spiritual Assembly and the Regional Baha’i Council

A significant development during the Four Year Plan was the increase in the National Teaching Committee’s collaborations with other agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly and with individual believers, representing a wide range of talents and backgrounds. This unified work toward the common aim of advancing the process of entry by troops was instrumental in the successes that were achieved. ‘This trend will expand in the months and years to come.






MINORITY TEACHING COMMITTEES


National African American Teaching Committee he National Spiritual Assembly and the National ‘Teaching Committee demonstrated

have leadership and express nging the Cause of Baha'u'llah to peoples of African descent with supportive, deliberate action. This expression was realized with the appointment during the Four Year Plan of the National African-American Teaching Committee (NAX Charged with the task of creating its own mandate, the NAATC sought to bring into fruition the majo! n emanating from the direction of the Universal House of Justice to “advance the process of entry by troops.” ‘The NAATC adopted this goal early in its first year of service, examining it through the lens of advancement among peoples of African descent from every stratum of society.

Responsible oversight for the development of such a process has been the primary work of the NAATC. Following the Committee’s establishment in August 1997, the NAATC approached this goal by emphasizing three directives—first, expert study through information gathering from key sources as well as insights gained through field exposure; second, the development of materials and resources useful to the teaching of people of African descent; and third, consultation and dialogue with key institutions critical to the growth of the Faith among African-Americans, including. the Regional Baha’{ Councils and local spiritual assemblies, as well as active members of the











Baha'i community. In implementing these three directives, the NAATC set out on a deliberate course of action. ‘Target areas were pinpointed as potential sites where the expansion of the Faith among AfricanAmericans could be actualized. Areas recognized as potential models for such growth and expansion of the Faith included Detroit, Michigan; Los Angeles, California; and Adanta, Georgia. Work in these areas has yielded great results.

‘The development of teaching materials and resources geared toward African Americans remains a top priority. During the Four Year Plan the Committee produced and distributed a workbook titled Exploring the Historical and Spiritual Significance of Being a Person of African Descent in the Babd’t Faith, compiled by Dr. Richard ‘Thomas, which articulates the contributions of African Americans to the Baha’ Faith and serves as a foundation for conducting workshops as well as personal deepening. A daylong workshop based on the workbook was held in Atlanta in conjunction with the performance of the play “The Pupil of the Eye.” Similar workshops took place in St. Louis, Missouri, and in connection with the 1997 National Convention.

On the heels of the successful distribution, of the workbook, the NAATC produced ambitious follow-up material designed to assist in deepening the Baha’i community and created some teaching materials. A pamphlet geared toward African Americans on the subject of prayer was published, as well as the pamphlet titled Swrategies for Retaining Peoples of African Descent.

A close analysis of the administrative decentralization process combined with a focus on the emerging Regional Baha’i Councils brought to light the importance of establishing African American teaching entities specific to each region. The NAATC set a goal to merge its work into that of the Regional Baha'i Councils. The Committee met with all four regional councils to discuss setting up regional and local African American ‘Teaching Committees.

Through the use of workshops, the development of resource materials, consultations with key institutions, and field work, the NA¢ iequainted itself with the intimate truths of the Am » Baha’ community's state of readiness for African American entry by troops. The Committee remains eager to continue to share the knowledge it gained through its expert study and to offer its strategic advice to individuals, institutions, and communities.

In looking at the priorities for the immediate future, the NAATC maintains its goal of decentralizing its work through the Regional Baha’i Councils and remains. committed to developing resources that can prove valuable to teaching efforts among peoples of African descent.






















National Chinese Teaching Task Force

Guided by its mandate, the Chinese ‘Teaching Task Force focused its attention during the Four Year Plan on four major activities. First was the fostering in the American Baha'i community of the recognition that teaching the Chinese is one of the highest priorities of this country. Second, Chinese believers were encouraged to take a leading role in their Baha’i com


July 13,2000 THe American BanA‘i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000

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muniti teaching. increasing Baha

pecially in the area of Chine he third activity involved influence on the thinking of the wider Chinese community in the United States, especially through the Chinese media. Finally, the Task’ Force worked to build and maintain a strong network of believers who are actively involved in the Chinese teaching work. Efforts to help the American Baha’f community recognize the importance of teaching the Chinese spanned a broad range. ‘The Task Force sent letters to each Regional Baha’f Council, all local Spiritual Assemblies, members of the Auxiliary Board for Propagation, the Unit Conventions, two hundred College Clubs, and all individuals who have lived in China regarding the importance of befriending the Chinese in the United States, offering teaching ideas, support and resources. The ‘Task Force met with representatives of each Regional Baha'i Council and with representatives in several target teaching communities, including Los Angeles, Pasadena and San Francisco, California; Atlanta, Georgi: New York City; and Gainesville, Florida. ‘The ‘Task Force co-sponsored and supported conferences, including regional Chinese teaching conferences in San Francisco, California, and College Station, ‘Texas, and weekend workshops on Chinese Culture and the Baha’i Faith held in Los Angeles, in Chicago, and at the Bosch Baha’f School. Further, the Task Fore: wrote articles for The American Baha'i explaining how to befriend the Chinese, offering strategies for success in teaching them the Faith, and providing cultural education. Chinese teaching materials were made available through several channels and a related Web page was set up on the U.S. Baha’i Administrative Web Site. Chinese believers were assisted to take a leading role in their Baha’ communities, especially in the area of Chinese teaching, through programs designed to implement study groups that led to teaching and service. Macau Baha’i Institute study materials, designed for the Chinese, were used towards this end. Related programs using Macau Baha'i Institute materials for Chinese believers were conducted in target teaching areas. Individual Chinese believers and friends were approached for consultation on matters such as conference content and format and were asked to assist n developing projects and, teaching plans. ‘To increase Baha’ influence on the thinking of the wider Chinese community in the United States, especially through the Chinese media, the Task Force initiated and supported a conference of Chinese writers in the Boston, Massachusetts, area to develop feature articles about the Baha’ Faith for submission to the Chinese print media and to explore the possibilities for using Chinese-operated media and developing such contacts. Contact was made with all indi viduals who have lived in China to encourage their participation and leadership in befriending the Chinese in this country. ‘The Task Force also worked to build and maintain a strong network of believers who are actively involved in the Chi nese teaching work through the development of regionally-based e-mail networks. Contact was made with all individuals who have lived in China to encourage

































their participation in befriending the Chinese in this country.

In considering the activities undertaken during the Four Year Plan and analyzing the current status of Chinese teachi the American Baha’{ community, the Chinese Teaching Task Force has identified the several priorities for the immediate future.

First, many thousands of students and scholars of Chinese background reside in major university towns and cities in the United States. Much remains to be done to reach out to and befriend these receptive populations. Identifying target communities in each region using systematic plans with a focus on loving and sincere hospitality and friendship i is the key to increased teaching s have been taken to share d strategy with the Regional Baha’i Council s demographic analyses of the areas of greatest potential receptivity and growth. se 2 of the Macau Baha'i Institute study and the institute process for both teaching Chinese seekers and consolidating new believers is of primary importance for rent growth and strengthening in community and resource development. The ‘ask Force plans to begin offering training in the use of these materials and has encouraged each Regional Baha’f Council to consider including these courses in the Regional Training Institute programs, especially in areas of high Chinese population.

The development of materials for Chinese print and video media and continued nurturance of Chinese writers, translators. atid reviewers for this purpose remains an important strategy. One such group in the Boston area has formed and is planning a Writers Conference in July 2000 in that area. It is likely that guidance and coordination of this development would be best carried out at the national level.

Another important priority is the continuing education of both Institutions and individuals who are in contact with Chinese friends from the People’s Republic of China who currently reside in the United States regarding the special sensitivities involved in teaching the Chinese and embracing them into the Baha’f community.



















National Latin American Teaching Task Force

The National Latin American Task Force concentrated on two primary objectives during the Four Year Plan. The first was the important need to convey to the Hispanic/Latino believers the love of the Faith and its institutions while stressing the vital importance of their own contributions to the future life and development of the national Bab community. ‘The second to examine the reality of the Hispanic/Latino community in the United States—its demographic characteristics, language dominance, and so on—to make understandable to the Baha’f community at large a more accurate picture of this special population. The result has been a radical reevaluation of the traditional approaches used in teaching this minority population.

‘The Task Force worked on these objectives in several ways. One method was regular participation in major conferences throughout the country in all four regions. The Task Force hoped to create a paradigm shift in the manner Hispanics/Latinos were perceived and under









stood by individu Baha’f institutions, and the Baha'i community. This was accomplished’ through’ participation’ in nineteen conferences throughout the U.S. that included cities with high concentra: tions of Hispanic people. The Latin Tasl Force also met with five Continent: Counselors and members of the Auxiliary Boards in Dallas, Texas (1999), and made a detailed demographic presentation about the Hispanic community that recommended areas where focus should be given to advancing the process of entry by














troops. The Task Force prepared a of documents in support of its primary

objectives and to assist the process of Latin teaching. The first document, Hispanics in the U.S., which was presented to each of the Regional Baha’i Councils in 1997, was a demographic profile of the Latinos in the U.S. organized by state and by cities of more than 50,000 inhabitants. ‘The second document, titled Building Bridges, was presented to the Counselors and Auxiliary Board members during the meeting in Dallas and subsequently wa: sent to local spiritual assemblies in Florida, Texas, New York, Virginia, New Mexico, Illinois, Arizona, and California. The third was a published report titled Advancing the Process of Entry By Troops Among the Hispanic Peoples of the United States of America, prepared in April 1999. The report detailed the Latin Task Force’ vision for Latin teaching based upon its years of experience in reaching out to the Hispanic population. The fourth document, The Southern California Media Campaign: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops, was presented in Los Angeles, California, to assist in the launching of a major media effort initiated by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i of Los Angeles.

The National Latin American Task Force developed and published a bilingual Bahs’i prayer book, making it available to the Baha’i community at low cost. The ‘Task Force also served as a consultant for the pre-publication review of a number of teaching materials and actively disseminated information on the availability of Spanish and bilingual teaching literatu and audio-visual materials.

News about the American Hispanic community was presented by the Tas Force regularly in The American Babd’t page titled “Carta a los Amigos” (Letter to the Friends). The pages featured deepening materials, all four documents prepared by the Task Force, and even a census of Hispanic Baha'is. The data resulting from the cens ared with the National ‘Teaching Committee.

As the National Latin American ‘Task Force faces the beginning of the ‘Twelve Month Plan, it does so with great expectations for the future and a profound sens of gratitude for the wondrous opportun ties now unfolding. Its immediate priorities for the future include assisting the Regional Baha’i Councils in the tra tional process of decentralization already under way; assisting the Regional ‘Training Institutes to develop strategies and courses for Latin teaching with emphasis on children and youth; and maintaining the Spanish page in The American Baha’.






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National American Indian Teaching Committee

‘The role of the American Indian in implementing the Four Year Plan theme of dvancing the process of entry by troops in this country was accorded significance by the National Spiritual Assembly through the appointment in October 1996 of the National American Indian Teaching Committee (NAITC). The Committees main mandate was to encourage and support the efforts of individual believers and communities to advance the process of entry by troops among American Indians residing in rural areas and reservations.

Guided by the Four Year Plan documents from the Baha’f World Center, and on the strength of consultation v indigenous Baha'is, representatives of the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly and. the National ‘Teaching Committee, an ambitious strategic plan was devised, consisting of twenty-nine goals, which were to be nplemented through key strategies coned in the NAITC’s mandate.

A first effort was to apportion the vast arena of Indian teaching among fifteen American Indian Teaching Task Forces, each named after prominent indigenous who have passed on to the next These task forces systematically began to evaluate the opportunities in their respective regions and to devise and implement plans to raise the Divine Call among Indian pn in both rural and urban settings. ’

At the same time, the Committee worked to strengthen and consolidate the Faith in Indian communities through the development and promotion of spiritual education programs for indigenous and non-indigenous believers, including education in the fundamental verities and in the administration of the Faith. The Committee developed and produced important néw media products in support of Indian teaching and consolidation, including: the “Tree of Life” Institute curriculum, designed to educate Indian believers in the teachings of the Faith through the use of indigenous paradigms, metaphors, stories and_teaching/learning yles; the video entitled Al My Relations, de igned to serve as an introduction to the Baha'i Faith for native people (Baha'is and others alike), as presented through interviews with many Indian Baha'is from communities across the country; translation and publication of two Baha’s prayers in the Chinook language; and the recording of two Baha’f songs in the Northern Plains Indian musical style. The Four Year Plan also saw the recovery, republication and systematic use of the Baha'i writings in the Navajo Language through an intimate deepening process called the “Navajo Learning Circles.” This new development was accompanied by many other programs offered at the Native American Baha’i Institute (NABD, one of the National Spiritual Assembly’ permanent properties and an important center of learning that was revitalized with the Committee’ assistance early in the Plan.

Along a related path of empowerment and activation at the grassroots, the NAITC worked to encourage leadership roles by American Indian believers in their communities and in assisting other Indian Baha'is and collaborated in international initiatives














world.













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involving indigenous believers in traveling teaching and pioneering. The Committee encouraged Indian-to-Indian traveling teaching. In the Western States these activities were strongly supported, including the “Trail of Light” traveling teaching tour, which commenced in August 1999 from the Native American Baha’i Institute (NABI) to the Neah Bay Council Fire in Washington state, and points in between. The Trail of Light team characterized its trip as a “trail of miracles,” returning with many exciting stories to share. One such story involved an occasion in Idaho when the team found itself in a Native American parade, attracting the interest and praise of the audience and winning second prize. NABI and the NAITC have made plans to expand such traveling teaching into Canada and Mexico in the future.

‘The Committee also turned its sights to the larger American Baha’{ community, working tirelessly to educate the friends about the urgent importance and special significance accorded by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the Guardian to teaching the indigenous peoples and about the essential spiritual and social principles governing effective Indian teaching. With the active support and endorsement of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Committee promoted the new training publication titled Protocols for American Indian Teaching. The NAITC led Protocols training sessions at NABI on the Navajo Reservation; in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and in Yakima, Neah Bay, and Toppenish, Washington. It also provided consultation and guidance to believers and communities in connection with a variety of Protocols trainings held in California, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Committee also furnished seminars at the Four Corners Regional Baha'i Summer School and at the Oklahoma Fall Baha'i School, reviewed plans and materials devised for Indian teaching and guidance regarding cultural appropriateness, and served as an ongoing point of contact for the American Baha'i community on issues related to Indian culture and cross-cultural communication.

With an eye to reinforcing and coordinating the ongoing Indian teaching efforts underway throughout the country, the Committee began work on a national network of Baha’is active in Indian teaching, along with a database of Indian individuals and communities. More specifically, the Committee consulted and collaborated with other key institutions of the Faith, including: meetings with each of the Regional Baha’ Councils, along with collaborative meetings with area Baha’is on those occasions; cohosting and filming, with the Regional Baha’f Council and the Race Unity Committee of the Southern States, a video entitled A Revolutionary Change, depicting the intimate interactions occurring in a race unity dialogue held as a retreat in Nashville, ‘Tennessee; meetings with local Baha’i communities involved in Indian teaching; a meeting at the Native American Bahai Institute with International Counselor Kiser Barnes, who provided strong encouragement to the Committee’ efforts and helped illustrate the importance of Indian teachin; in the worldwide unfoldment of the Baha community; coordination of the attendance of more than twenty Native American



Baha'is at the Baha’i National Convention in May 1999; assistance with the attendance by three Native Bahd’is at the Pioneer ‘Training Institute held in January at Bosch Baha'i School, in preparation for holding Pioneer ‘Training Institutes at the Native American Baha’f Institute and other locations for prospective pioneers to Indian communities; and participation in February 2000 at the Bosch Baha'i School with the other national minority teaching committees and task forces, leading to the preparation of recommendations to the National ‘Teaching Committee on the decentralization of minority teaching committee work to the four Regions.

To facilitate the movement of Bahda’{ teachers to native communities in the West, the Regional Baha’f Council of the Western States moved to appoint a Regional Coordinator for homefront pioneering and traveling teaching specifically in Indian communities. In general, Indian Baha’is in several communities stand ready to enter the teaching field, but resources have not been available to support a systematic program of traveling teaching.

In the coming year, the Committee’ priorities include the training, orientation and empowerment of the regional Indian teaching task forces; collaboration with and advice to the Regional Baha’i Councils on needs and recommended teaching strategies in each region; distribution and implementation of the “Tree of Life” Institute curriculum for the spiritual education of American Indians; expanded delivery of deepening programs based on the Protocols for American Indian Teaching materials; dissemination of high-quality audio-visual media products for teaching and consolidating the Faith in Native America; and updating and utilizing the database network of American Indian individuals and communities involved in Indian teaching. Additionally, the Committee has provided spiritual support and institutional sponsorship of the “Spirit Run,” a major seventy-nine-day teaching initiative involving the carrying of the “Sacred Leaves” of Baha’u'llih’s teachings on foot by nine ethnically diverse youth runners across the breadth of the northern United States, accompanied by their proclamation of Baha’u'llah’s Message and their invitation to the indigenous peoples of the continent to fulfill their destiny in becoming “so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.” ‘The run will begin in Seattle on May 28, 2000 and conclude on the Shinnecock Reserve in New York State on August 14.

While important progress was made through these and other Indian teaching activities throughout the country, the Committee nevertheless continued to be urgently concerned about the state of Indian teaching in the United States. In particular, the NAITC noted a lack of awareness and enthusiasm in a number of communities and institutions regarding the entire Indian teaching effort. In some quarters, the Committee observed disturbing evidence of continuing patterns of racism and/or of indifference to the challenges of diversity in the Baha’i community.

Tt is the Committees view that significant success in Indian teaching—as well as in reaching and teaching other “people of color”—will depend on the extent to which the American Baha'is more boldly distin guish themselves from the pervasive attitudes and patterns of materialism, cultural conformity and racism continuing to infect the American society at large, as well as on the friends’ willingness to undergo those personal and community transformations that will enable them to reach out in a spirit of genuine friendship and service to indigenous peoples—and to thereby attract and sustain the interest and ultimately the enlightened dedication of those peoples to the sacred teachings of the Lord of the Age.

The National American Indian Teaching Committee eagerly awaits—and continues arduously to work toward—that day prophesied by the Master when great numbers of the American Indian people will, through the divine teachings, “become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.”

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

he National Youth Committee’s man date during the Four Year Plan was to provide expert study and strategic advice on youth to the National Spiritual Assembly, its agencies, the Regional Baha’{ Councils, and their regional Youth Committees; to promote the active participation of youth in achieving the major aims of the Four Year Plan; to rally Baha’i youth in support of the goals of the National Spiritual Assembly; and to develop a national architecture for youth activity that fostered united action.

Appointed at the beginning of the Four Year Plan in 1996, the National Youth Committee established a staffed office at the Baha’i National Center. The office serves some 15,000 American Baha’i youth between the ages of 12 and 25, their families, and institutions by gathering and disseminating information and connecting youth to resources and opportunities.

In order to assess the status of Baha’f youth in the United States and to assist youth in envisioning and activating their role in the National Teaching Plan, the National Youth Committee consulted regularly with individuals and Bahé’t Institutions and agencies, including the National Spiritual Assembly, the Regional Baha’i Councils, the National ‘Teaching Committee, the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men, the African American Teaching Committee, regional youth agencies, and local youth committees. Members also participated in youth gatherings in all four regions of the country. During the Four Year Plan the Committee conducted studies on a range of youth issues, including the overall status of Baha’ youth activities in the U.S., the Army of Light program, the development of regional youth agencies, the role of national youth conferences, and the issue of sexuality and abuse in the Baha’ youth community. Other efforts included a baseline survey of Baha'i Campus Associations and long-term study of the Baha’f Youth Service Corps program. The Committee also developed a systematic vision for future research.

In addition to its research function, the Committee served as a clearinghouse for information o1 ational, regional and local youth activities. The office responded to the information needs and inquiries of the Regional Baha’ Councils, Campus



Associations, Youth Workshops, Baha’ Schools and Institutes, Youth Service Corps volunteers, local Youth Committees, individual youth, and adults across the country. The Committee received and responded to hundreds of e-mail messages, letters and phone calls each month.

Shortly after the inauguration of the Regional Baha'i Councils, regional youth agencies were established under the auspices of the Councils—an important step in the process of decentralization. The National Youth Committee made special efforts to assist these newly-formed regional youth entities to take on their responsibilities through joint projects, training, and the sharing of information and ideas.

‘The Four Year Plan witnessed a reinvigoration of Baha’{ activism on campuses. The Committee supported national projects geared to fostering collective action on campuses around the county. This included working closely with the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men on three successive One Voice campaigns for gender equality, as well as with the Office of External Affairs in support of the Baha’{ Institute for Higher Education in Iran. More than a dozen weekend sessions for Baha’i college students were held, aimed at fostering a stronger feeling of community between the students and stimulating teaching on college campuses. In the future, these weekends will be organized by the regional youth agencies. The Committee developed a campus associations handbook, designed to underscore the critical role Baha’ college students play in teaching the Faith on campus and to assist them in organizing effective Baha’{ activities. In addition, Fertile Field, the national newsletter for Baha’i campus activism, was distributed regularly to hundreds of college students.

Since the establishment of the National Youth Office, the National Youth Committee has coordinated the domestic Baha’i Youth Service Corps program. In response to a decrease in the number of youth offering years of service, the Committee strengthened its relationship with the Baha'i Schools and Institutes, the location of the majority of youth service in the United States. The Committee attempted to promote the year of service concept in the community through intensified correspondence with youth and with local spiritual assemblies. Each year, the office connected many individuals with service opportunities and placed several dozen in posts across the country. Considerable thought also was devoted to the atmosphere and attitudes surrounding the concept of service, and ways to increase a sense of encouragement and appreciation for those youth who devote a period of service to the Faith.

Although there has been an overall decrease in the numbers of active Baha’i Youth Workshops in the country, workshops continued to achieve victories during the Four Year Plan. The Committee supported efforts to systematize training for workshop coordinators and members, assisted in the development of a training handbook for workshops, created an email forum for coordinators, and maintained a database of workshops in the United States and abroad.

A national Web site for Baha’i youth was established to serve as a central loca


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tion for national, regional, and local Baha’f youth commmnications news and training materi share information and provide inspiration while connecting Baha’{ youth with each other and with the institutions.

The Heroic Deeds of Service project was designed in response to the Universal House of Justice’ call “to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause which will astonish and inspire their fellow believers.” It received several hundred pledges of service and personal transformation and forwarded them as a gift to the Universal House of Justice in 1999.

The Committee developed other programs as well. It planned a national youth training conference, to be held in Knowville, ‘Tennessee, in July 1997, which had to be canceled due to low registration. It consulted with the National Education Task Force on issues related to youth training, which ultimately led to the development of the youth empowerment facilitator training program. The Committee regularly submitted material for the youth page of The American Babi. Xe also collaborated with the Baha'i Publishing Trust to prepare a new edition of Unrestrained as the Wind and contributed to the production of one of the National Media Campaign videos. Finally, it conducted a quiet campaign of love, sending messages to individuals to bring them comfort, happiness and joy, and to foster closer and more loving interaction between the administration and individuals.

At the end of the Four Year Plan, major developments in the communications and training infrastructure of Baha'i youth activities, a more sophisticated research approach, and an increased level of activity as generated by the regional youth agencies are all positive signs that the Baha’i youth in the United States are better poised than ever before for dynamic and significant contributions to the Faith.








OFFICE OF PIONEERING

he Office of Pioneering was astounded when it paused to consider the acceleration in activities and developments of the Faith within the American Baha'i community during the Four Year Plan. The steady and ever-increasing flow of believers from. the United States throughout the world reflects in great part the vast spiritual energies released by the approach of the close of the twentieth century, the pending completion of the Arc, and the establishment of a wholly new institution in the U.S. Baha’i community, the Regional Baha’i Councils, whose development has seemingly liberated previously unrealized potentialities. ‘The Ridvan Messages that initiated the Four Year Plan called the Baha’is of the world to join in a “mobilization of effort that will ensure to generations of the fastapproaching twenty-first century an abundant and lasting legacy.” The world Baha'i community responded to the need for an “advance in the process of entry by troops” and the U.S. believers embraced these efforts in every continent of the globe through their services as pioneers, Baha'i Youth Service Corps volunteers

and traveling teachers, each one exercising “those capacities wl include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with others, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society.”

The past four years witnessed the emerging role of the local spiritual assemblies, these“channels of divine guidance,” in the preparation of believers for international service. The need for consultation between individuals and their assemblies is essential to the success of the friends in their intended service. Through these consultations, assemblies have been strengthened in their capacity to guide the friends, to provide ways in which the friends can attain skills pertinent to their service, and to lovingly support the members of the community in the achievement of their individual goals. In addition, individuals both gained in their own personal development and benefitted from the opportunity to place their r : upon the institution of the pillar of support in their service to the Cause of God.

In its 1996 Ridvan Message to the Baha'is of North America, the Universal House of Justice asked that “all believers consider the extent to which they can use familial and ethnic ties to other regions of the world for the fulfillment of the global mission conferred on the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan.” Specific populations were given direction as to where their attentions should be focused. The believers of African descent were asked to attend to the “pressing need for pioneers who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa...” The “friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America.” And the call was made for “the indigenous believers who. are firmly rooted in the Baha’i Teachings” to be “ever mindful of the vital contribution they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.” Within the context of these calls, fortified by a wellspring of spiritual energies all systematically brought into focus, the believers of this country responded with vitality, enthusiasm, desire and commitment.

With a confidence born from the triumphant fulfillment of the Three Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly set the goal for the Four Year Plan at 5,700 believers—1,200 pioneers and 4,500 travcling teaching trips. As of February 29, 2000, with two months yet to complete the Plan, 6,306 believers departed for service from these shores. Among these were 2,981 traveling teachers who undertook 5,113 trips; 587 trips alone were to continent of Africa. To date, as of the end of February, 1,193 pioneers settled abroad, 176 of these being youth who offered periods of service in every continent. By Ridvan 2000 the full goal of 1,200 pioneers will have been surpassed.

In addition to the spiritual benefits of all the believers leaving these shores to serve abroad, the American Baha’i community has been blessed by the talents and capacities of many friends who have had to return to this community after years of






devoted services abroad.

Ways need to be found through which the community can embrace these valiant souls and incorporate their experiences and skills in the expansion of the Faith and the development of institutes here on the homefront. The Office of Pioneering is considering how it can more systematically encompass the experiences of these intrepid servants of the Cause in the preparation of prospective pioneers.

Looking to next year and the following Five Year Plan, the Office anticipates that the development of the Regional Baha’i Councils, the Regional Teaching Institutes, the local spiritual assemblies and local communities will bring to focus the preparation of the friends for service to the Cause of all types, including in the international arena. ‘Thus, in the future the Office of Pioneering’s role may change. It may not continue to be the primary consultant for each individual preparing to serve abroad, a task which, given the entry of troops of believers, will far outweigh the capacity of a staff of four or five. Rather, the Office looks to a time when it will be a resource point for the Institutions and the friends on the international needs of the Faith and a source of information and anal for the National Spiritual Assembly regarding the international movement of the friends from the American Baha’i community.

We are encouraged at every step by the words of the beloved Guardian when, in The Advent of Divine Justice, he reminded the American Baha’i community: “And who knows but that’ when’ this colossal task has been accomplished a greater, a still more superb mission, incomparable in its splendor, and foreordained for them by Baha’u’llah, may not be thrust upon them? ... Suffice it to say that out of the turmoil and tribulations of these ‘latter years’ opportunities undreamt of will be born, and circumstances unpredictable created, that will enable, nay impel, the victorious prosecutors of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Plan, to add, through the part they will play in the unrolling of the New World Order, fresh laurels to the crown of their servitude to the threshold of Baha’w’lléh.” And assured by the words of that same Plan reminding us that: “The moment this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as far as the islands of the Pacific, this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion.”


BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP ACTIVITIES OFFICE

‘he Baha’i House of Worship is a gift

from the Baha’ss to the people of the world and a center for spiritual regeneration. To maximize the service of the Temple to Baha’is and other visitors, the Activities Office provides numerous services, both educational and devotional in nature. During the Four Year Plan the mission of the Activities Office was to explore appropriate roles for the institution of the House of Worship within the goals of the Plan. Specific projects and practices to implement

those goals were developed. As a result of such analysis, endeavors included various efforts to advance the building of relationships with Baha'is, with communities and with the general public near and far; to increase the presence of music in the House of Worship; to offer a venue for prayer and meditation and insight into personal spiritual development, to increase community development by offering formats for skillsbuilding for presentations and for individual teaching; to expand outreach programs; to create computerized documentation § systems to record the quantity and nature of activities; to foster ambitions for service among community members; to offer substantial training for volunteers; to increase the effectiveness of multilingual and multicultural teaching at the House of Worship; to create an environment of welcome for all people; and to generate varied events which accommodate the needs of seekers.

The effort to build relationships with communities, and the general public has been evident in such projects as Special Visit/Spiritual Oasis Programs—a weekend of devotions, deepening and education about the House of Worship and the Baha’s National Center, which is conducted two or three times annually for visiting Baha’is and their families, with invitations extended to the national Baha’{ communities of Canada and Mexico. Story Festivals and Sunday Fellowship were developed as programs for teaching and community development tools to be utilized by the friends. Weddings, memorials and other personal occasions were conducted, and memorials for non-Baha’s families recently emerged as a needed service.

‘To advance the presence of music in the House of Worship, the first step taken was to create a choir in residence to perform regularly at devotional programs and special events. A choral director was engaged to train and direct singers. The Baha’i House of Worship Choir sings weekly for Sunday devotions, at holy day observanees, and at selected other occasions. The gift from a believer of a Bésendorfer Imperial Concert Grand piano. for Foundation Hall was gratefully accepted and is being carefully maintained.

Devotional programs have been offered daily in an effort to maintain a long-standing venue for prayer and meditation and insight into personal spiritual development in addition to dawn programs on holy days, special programs held at the ‘Temple, and programs conducted by special request to meet selected other needs. ‘The upstairs auditorium is open for personal silent prayer from early morning every day until 5 p.m., and every day until 10 p.m. from May through September.

‘The Activities Office has offered workshops for skills-building for individual teaching and presentations, thereby fostering community development and increased resources for programs held at the Temple. Developmental activities in devotional reading, public speaking for youth and for adults, guide deepenings, and guide training on an individual basis have been offered.

‘To expand outreach programs, organizations sharing Baha’{ values have been collaborators in producing various events and presentations. Members of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Reli





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gions shared in the presentation of a World Religion Day program in January of 2000. Residents of the Village of Wilmette gathered with Baha'is at the House of Worship to discuss in an open forum the means to address hate crimes.

Abundant time and energy have been invested in creating computerized documentation systems to record the quantity and nature of activities held at the House of Worship. A demographic study of Baha’is within a fifty mile radius, a volunteerism needs analysis, and a volunteer task analysis have been completed. A volunteer data base and service tracking program have been implemented, volunteer job descriptions were reviewed and _ revised, the tour guide and garden teaching manual was revised, and, in collaboration with the Human Resources office, policy and documentation procedures for reviewing visiting volunteer applicants have been developed. Generous gifts of software and office equipment facilitated this process and other clerical and design work as well.

Effective service by this department requires extensive endeavors to foster ambitions for service among community members. Mailings, community visits, invitations to fill specific roles, and other personal contact efforts increasingly were employed during the past two years. The format and content of the quarterly mailings have been reshaped and continue to evolve. A fourmonth schedule of coming events, a policy page, Book Shop news, a children’s page, volunteer news and notes, special event highlights, music department: news, and comments from the Director and staff are all current features of this correspondence. Its circulation has been expanded, now reaching all Baha'i households within two hundred miles of the House of Worship.

Current substantial training for volunteers included General Guide/Greeter ‘Training, Tour Guide Training, and Garden ‘Teaching ‘Training. Data entry and other project-specific orientations have been implemented or revised. One example of outreach through such training is the annual season of “garden teaching” activity in the summer, carried out by volunteers from 10 p.m. until midnight on weekends at the House of Worship.

‘To increase the effectiveness of multilingual and multicultural teaching at the House of Worship, committees were established to build activities tailored to the needs of Spanish-speaking, Chinese-speaking, Englishspeaking, and Indian-Pakistani cultures. A monthly fireside was conducted for each of these special groups, using native languages as appropriate. An Introduction to the Baha’ Faith class for Spanish-speaking seekers was established, and Spanish-language readings with translation became a regular part of devotional programs. Regular Sunday afternoon programs of varied format were instituted for the public. In the Book Shop, the literature selection was expanded to include a greater diversity of languages and titles to serve the needs of an increasingly diverse visitor population.

Aesthetically pleasing details have been cultivated to create an environment of welcome for all people. A high standard of beauty in floral design throughout the public areas has been maintained and live ambient music was offered whenever pos





sible to enhance the aesthetic experience. Approximately one million visitors were received within the House of Worship during the Four Year Plan.

With the advent of the Twelve Month Plan, this office’s ambition is to escalate its readiness for entry by troops. The Activities Office has prioritized the following -criteria for selecting and shaping activities and services offered at the House of Worship.

‘The office seeks to offer each service to visitors to the House of Worship “as a gift to a king”; to foster an ever-maturing understanding of individual spirituality and Baha’ community life; to cultivate widespread understanding of the evolving institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkir among the and to assist them to deepen thei relationship to it; and to broaden the volunteers, thereby increasing active teaching and opportunities for continued

and interacti






ality of family life by creating forums that encourage greater unity; to host activities that are le to individuals of va ages and personal perspectives; to review and increase the efficacy of communication with communities; to initiate the creation and publication of a compilation of writings about the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar; to continue the improvement of recruiting, training and maintaining volunteer. support; and to enhance visitor experience, attracting people to the Baha'i Faith




NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE EQUALITY OF WOMEN


he National Committee for the

Equality of Women and Men (NCEWM) was initially appointed as the National Committee for the Advancement of Women during the first year of the Four Year Plan in anticipation of the release of the statement titled Tivo Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men {hereafter referred to as the Statement] written by the National Spiritual Assembly. The name of the committee was later changed to its current one in order to reflect more appropriately the role of both men and women in establishing gender equality.

NCEWM established four major goals and worked to meet objectives under each area: transform attitudes, assumptions and behaviors of men and women; raise up a new generation committed to gender equality; promote the development, wellbeing and prosperity of women; and encourage rapid dissemination and broad discussion of the Statement within and without the Baha'i community.

‘The Committee continued to communicate with the American Baha’i community through articles in The American Baba’, as well as through information posted on the NCEWM Web page, under the Bahé’i National Center’s Web site (www.usbne.org) and letters to the local spiritual assemblies, Baha’i College Clubs and the Regional Baha’{ Councils.

NCEWM met and consulted with local

communities throughout the United States, at luding Washington, DC; Dallas, T in Francisco, California; Lansing, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Los Angeles, California. In addition, NCEWM members participated in national, regional and local Baha’{ and public conferences to present the Baha’{ perspective on gender equality, to encourage dialogue with likeminded organizations, and to motivate the friends to transform their lives and thereby the society. Examples of such conferences included: Social and Economic Development, Association of Baha'i Studies, Office of Women’s Affairs, Grand Canyon, Desert Rose, Illinois Commission on the Status of Women hearing, United Nations, “Beijing Plus Five,” Parliament of the World’ Religions, Seneca Falls, and Fer nist EXPO 2000. Furthermore, various M members served as facilitators school programs on gender equality at Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen Baha’ Schools and two were participants in the first Equality Core Curriculum training. One member traveled extensively di cussing gender equality issues especially as they were presented in her published book, Do They Hear You When You Cry.

One of the specific initiatives spearheaded by NCEWM was the Regional Training Seminars on public speaking and workshop facilitation. Five were held—one at the Baha’i National Center and one in each of the four regions in the U.S., with approximately two hundred total participants.

Another major initiative was the first Baha'i Therapist’s conference. NCEWM convened it to examine the impact of gender inequality on the individual, the family unit and society. It resulted in a publication for local spiritual assemblies to aid them in understanding mental health issues and in dealing with community members with mental health issues who present themselves to their local spiritual assembly for guidance.

Another significant initiative was the One Voice Campaign. For three years, in partnership with the National Youth Committee, NCEWM encouraged the Baha'i College Associations across the nation to speak with, “One Voice” during the first week of the Fast, to say a designated prayer, to present the Statement to key administrators on their campuses, and to participate in gender equality activities.

One of the most important initiatives was the National Campaign for the Dissemination of the Statement to Mayors and City Councils. To date, over 231 local Baha’i communities reported their activities. Statements were presented to more than 169 mayors, 135 City Councils, 148 women’s organizations, and 185 community organizations. There were at least 96 proclamation events, 114 firesides on equality, 53 press releases, and 17 televised presentations.

Another key initiative was the National Campaign to Present the Statement to Governors. In coordination with the Office of External Affairs, NCEWM asked the local spiritual assemblies of each capital city in the continental United States to coordinate the presentation of the Statement to its State Governor. As of February 2000, eight presentations had been completed: Maine, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, South









Carolina, West Virginia, and Montana.

‘Throughout each of the above initiatives, NCEWM sent letters of support and encouragement to individuals, communities and institutions hosting gender equality activities. NCEWM noted an increase in the number of workshops devoted to the role of men in achieving gender equality. In addition, NCEWM coordinated with other Baha'i agencies, committees and institutions, such as working with the Office for External Affairs to support the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the grassroots level. Furthermore, NCEWM worked with the National Teaching Committee’ office on the gender equality video for the media campaign, Committee members served as part of the working group, as one of the facilitators, and as one of the participants, and coordinated with the National Education Task Force regarding the accompanying handbook. In order to explore ways to involve more children, NCEWM consulted with Brilliant Star staff and contributed to the March/April 1999 issue devoted to the equality of women and men.

One of the top priorities for the immediate future includes continued work on the strengthening of Baha’{ marriages. NCEWM appointed a Marriage ‘Task Force in August 1999 to examine Baha’i and other faith communities’ materials on marriage preparation and enrichment. It is anticipated that the Marriage Task Force will develop a workbook that would address some of the problems in the family stemming from gender imbalance and would offer Bahai perspectives to real issues facing married couples.

A second priority is to establish a greater presence in the wider community around the issue of equality. Participating in the Feminist EXPO 2000 and other networking activities has strengthened NCEWMs relationships with like-minded organizations and it is imperative that this work be continued.

Another major priority is to gather data and conduct research to take the pulse of the Baha’ community on gender equality, to determine what impact the release and dissemination of the Statement has had on the lives of individuals and communities, and to examine the needs and concerns facing children and youth.

It is of utmost importance for NCEWM to collaborate more with the Regional Baha’i Councils and the Regional Committees for Equality that have been established. Furthermore, NCEWM plans to work with and support the Regional ‘Training Institutes. In addition to encouraging individuals and communities to take advantage of existing programs like the Equality Core Curriculum and the Local Spiritual Assembly Development modules on Gender Equality, NCEWM plans to work with the Regional Teaching Institutes to provide systematic training for public speaking and workshop facilitation.

With the anticipated release of the video on gender equality, a pressing priority is the rallying of the Baha’i community to use the video and the supporting handbook to proclaim boldly the spiritual principle of the equality of women and men to waiting souls. @



July 13,2000 THe American Ban’ ANNUAL Rerort 2000 _ page 33 [Page 34]


he mission of the Baha’f Chair for World Peace is to develop alternatives to the violent resolution of conflict through conflict. management, global education, international development, spiritual awareness, and world trade; to share the experience of the Baha’i world community in building a global society; and to offer the community as a model for study.

‘To this end the Chair engages in a wide range of activities. It conducts and publishes research, designs and teaches courses, and organizes seminars and international conferences. All its undertakings are intended to promote an awareness of the factors that create conflicts within and between nations and to assist in the search for peaceful solutions to resolve them. Its work assumes that all legitimate forms of human expression, including literature, poetry, music, and art have a role to play in producing understandings that lead to peace.

In December 1999 the Baha'i Chair Professor was appointed an Affiliate Faculty member with the University of Maryland’s prestigious school of Public Affairs. The official letter of appointment from Dean Susan Schwab expressed confidence that the Baha’{ Chair would help “in building national and international recognition for Maryland's great strengths in the policy arena.” This development has great significance in that it directly bolsters a core mission of the Baha’i Chair, creating a high-caliber exchange of ideas between scholars and diverse disciplines.




NATIONAL EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE . AND NATIONAL BAHA'I EDUCATION TASK FORCE

National Education and Schools Office

he National Education and Schools

Office coordinates and supervises the work of the five permanent Baha’ schools and institutes, WLGI Radio Baha’, the thirty-four Regional Baha’{ Schools, and the National Education Task Force. It participates in the interdepartmental Executive Board of the Wilmette Institute and the interdepartmental ‘Task Force of the Institute for Baha’ Studies. The office facilitates representation of the Faith with the Board of Directors of the Religious Education Association and maintains a consulting service in program development for the permanent schools. It also provides the National Spiritual Assembly with advice on educational issues.

The Education and Schools Office ensures that the work of the schools is coordinated and consistent with the National Spiritual Assembly's educational mandates on programs and facilities. ‘The office acts as a resource for education for individuals, institutions, and communities. Encouraging expansion and consolidation




of the Regional Baha’f Schools is also carried out by this office. In addition, it serves as a key member of the interdepartmental work on training conducted by departments at the Baha’f National Center.

‘Throughout the Four Year Plan, collaboration between the Education and Schools Office and other agencies and Institutions of the Faith has increased consistently. Work with the Offices of Assembly Development and Fund Development on the creation and presentation of training programs has been, designed to foster the maturation of local spiritual assemblies. Collaboration with the National Teaching Committee has resulted in the production of supplementary teaching materials for the national media campaign designed for use in local communities and Regional Training Institutes. Five sets of fireside/workshops have been produced, including The Power of Race Unity, The Power of Prayer, Family: Seeds of World Peace, and We Are One, which are distributed through the Baha'i Distribution Service along with the corresponding videos.

Great progress has been made in the coordination and development of the Regional Baha’i Schools. Efforts made to maintain more frequent communication and a list server created to facilitate greater interaction between the regional schools committees have been fruitful. A new Regional Schools Manual was pro duced and distributed. Schools committee

gatherings across the country were organized which solidified the relationship between the committees and the National Education and Schools Office. The number of regional schools has increased from thirty-one to thirty-four, and those that were not functioning at the beginning of the Plan all are active and healthy now. This health is measured, in part, by a marked improvement in the numbers of schools committees that submit reports to the Baha’i National Center, which results in more accurate tracking of progress across the country. In addition, a substantial number of regional schools hold more than one session per year, with a total of fifty-eight sessions during the past year that ranged from two to ten days.

The annual theme documents created by the Education and Schools Office each year provide a curricular framework particularly for the regional schools and have reflected the focus of the Four Year Plan. This last year, at the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, an annual theme document tided Cultivating Distinetion was produced. It is being offered to the entire community as well as to the regional and permanent schools to assist in a nationwide study of a series of writings by Shoghi Effendi. This document, along with a variety of other related resources, is being offered on the Education and Schools Office Web site and is being utilized by individuals, local communities, and Regional Training Institutes in addition to the Regional Schools to develop study programs that will foster a deeper understanding of the nature of the Order throughout the community. This annual theme provides an educational foundation



EDUCATION


for the training programs and educational materials being developed in collaboration with the Office of Assembly Development and the Regional Baha’i Council Liaison. Titled The Spiritual Nature of the Baha’ Electoral Process, these materials will be delivered to the local communities during the last remaining months of the Four Year Plan.

An educational Web site, which was created to assist the work of the numerous Baha’i teachers, educators, and education agencies and institutions throughout the country, is continually being expanded to better serve the needs of the friends across the country. To date, the site contains links to each of the permanent schools, the program schedules of all of the regional schools, the complete annual theme document, information on National Education programs and the National ‘Teacher Training Center, a collection of lesson plans and activities, and the complete revised Baha’i Scouting Program.

Brilliant Star Special Edition, historically a product of collaboration between the Education and Schools Office and the Publishing ‘Trust, has become increasingly a project of the Education and Schools Office as its format and content are targeted more to meet the needs of teachers of children’s classes at the regional and permanent schools. This year’s Special Edition will be a completely new product designed to facilitate the’ instruction of children and junior youth in some of the key concepts found in the annual theme.

An assessment process, conducted by an independent assessment team to identify strengths and areas for growth in the teacher training, was begun during the Four Year Plan to determine the impact of Core Curriculum programs on the Bahé’i community. Initial results suggest very positive outcomes and indicate directions for further research. Collaboration with the National ‘Teaching Committee has resulted in the inauguration of an indepth research effort focused on the state of children, pre-youth and youth in their local communities throughout the country. This information will assist in guiding the development of programs and curricular materials to suit the needs of the youngest members of our communities.

Significant progress is being made at each of the schools and institutes to expand their services and improve facilities despite shortages in funding throughout the Four Year Plan. In the coming years, data collection and analysis will be used to assess the functioning of the permanent schools and long-term development plans will be created in collaboration with the ‘Treasurer's and Properties Offices. These plans will address the needs for increased collaboration and communication with other agencies and institutions; the clarification of the roles of the permanent and regional schools and institutes in relation to the national development of the Training Institutes; the expansion of audiences served at the permanent schools and instiand the further development of programs that attract families and better serve children and youth.


National Baha'i Education Task Force

During the Four Year Plan, the National Baha’{ Education Task Force and its sister agency, the National Teacher ‘Training Center, have designed programs and systems to raise up the human resources needed to carry out the many tasks of expansion and consolidation, including the education and training of large numbers of children, youth and adults. Through increasing collaboration with Regional Baha’i Councils and Regional Training Institutes, these programs and systems will advance and accelerate the process of entry by troops in the upcoming ‘Twelve Month Plan.

The efforts of the Education Task Force have dramatically reinforced the systems and resources for the spiritual education of children, junior youth and youth. These developments include the creation or revision of all seven curriculum booklets for the classroom use of teachers of children and youth; the publication of a book of carefully designed learning activities to teach children and junior youth about the life and teachings of the Bab, which accompanies the previously published learning activities book about the life and teachings of Baha’u’llih; and the publication of both an Individual Spiritual Education Plan and a Teacher's Spiritual Education Plan. Both of the spiritual education planning documents assist the teacher and the learner to plan and to track their systematic completion of the curriculum units over a nine year period, as well as provide Baha’{ children with a transcript of their learning when they move from one community to another, and assist Baha’{ Institutions toassure that local or regional Baha'i schools provide a comprehensive, formal sequence of study to raise up children and youth who will become knowledgeable, heroic champions of Baha’u'lléh and servants to humanity.

‘The systematic development of teachers of children and junior youth has been enhanced by the creation of a two-year plan for the ongoing skill development of children’s class teachers as a follow-up to the Teacher Training Program. ” ongoing teacher development plan ts: Baha'i teachers to become increasingly effective in their efforts to educate children and junior youth through a series of learning experiences that assist them to plan and teach effective lessons, manage unified classrooms, and adapt the lessons to the specific needs of individual learners.

‘The last year of the Four Year Plan saw the development of a Youth Empowerment Training Program, in concert with the National Youth Committee. This new training program raises up youth to teach the Cause of Baha'u'llah by strengthening their commitment to the Blessed Perfection, implementing His teachings in their lives, and practicing the skills of teaching His faith to their peers.

Other new core curriculum training programs created during the Four Year Plan include Marriage and Family Life Training for couples; Preparation for Marriage and Family Life for youth and other singles; and the new Equality of Women and Men ‘Training Program. During the Four Year Plan, the Parent Training Program was








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Tue American BanA’i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000

July 13,2000 [Page 35]


In addition, both the Race Unity Training Program and the Equality Training Program were closely linked to the National ‘Teaching Plan. All of these programs were designed to strengthen patterns of family and community life while assisting individuals and communities to reach out to teach others about these important principles. All of these training programs welcome partic: ipation by interested seekers as well as veteran and new believers. Facilitators for these national training programs have been trained at the National “Teacher ‘Training Center to offer the programs throughout the United States as well as in some other countries. At present 255 teacher trainers, 128 parent facilitators, 165 race unity trainers, 106 marriage and family life trainers, 41 equality trainers and 45 youth empowerment trainers stand ready to offer these training programs under the direction of their Regional Training Inst tute or local spiritual assembly. In addition, 130 individuals from other countries around the world have been trained to offer core curriculum programs under the auspices of sister National Spiritual Assemblies. During the Four Year Plan, the Education ‘Task Force created and disseminated Distribution Service the Fundamental Verities Course Seri designed to directly support the tea and consolidation work of the Plan. Part One of the series, To Se/ve the Covenant, Assists individuals to plan and carry out the daily spiritual practices of prayer, meditation and study of the Baha’f writings. It also helps people strive to implement Baha’u’llah’s teachings in their daily life, to teach Fis Cause, and to serve humanity. The course assists individuals to draw on th love for Baha’u’llih and His Covenant to begin to teach others about this Faith. Part ~ ‘Two of the series, Every Believer Is.a Teacher, provides comprehensive training knowledge, spiritual qualities and teaching, including such topic friendships; practicing listening; answering questions about the Faith based on the Baha’f writings; planning and carrying out firesides; inviting seekers to declare thei Faith; and consolidating new believers. Part Three, A New Civilization, focu: building the Baha’ pattern of life by raising up the embryonic World Order of Baha'u'llah; hosting Feasts, hol


















through the















Funds; and ness of ev



y aspect of communi Four, Teaching Christians, builds the confidence and s| to teach Christians, using the Bible to build bridges of agreement and mutual respect.

‘The Education ‘Task Force, in collaboration with the Education and Schools Office and the National Teaching Committee, has created packets of well-organized, Baha’i writings-based interactive fireside plans to assist the friends to use the videos created for the National Teaching Plan in their individual teaching work. These fireside packets, sold with the videos through the Baha’f Distribution Service, foster the intimate fireside gatherings that bring seekers into the loving embrace of the Faith.

‘The National ‘Teacher Training Center at









en Baha’ School works closely with the Education Task Force to assist Regional tutes and local communities to



achieve their specific expansion and consolidation goals. The National Teacher ‘Tra ing Center serves Regional Training In tutes and local centers of learning by training trainers and facilitators to offer the training programs locally or regionally; collecting feedback about the use of these programs and materials so that they can continuously improve their effectiveness; drawing upon the talents of the entire country for materials development; collecting locally- or regionally-developed courses and materials that can then be made available to Baha'is other localities or regions; assisting local or regional training institutes to more effectively respond to diverse populations; and by developing a system of highly-qualified advisors to assist core curriculum trainers and facilitators to become increasingly more effective in their servic

In the upcoming Twelve Month Plan, the Education Task Force hopes to make its service to Regional Training Institutes ncreasingly more effective by collaborating with Regional Baha’i Councils to implement the national training programs according to the needs of each region. In additional to further re;





















develop more classroom-ready mate

and a Web site of lesson plans that are ea: for teachers of Baha’ children and junior youth to use in their classrooms, while at the same time increasing the use of the long-term teacher development program.



BOSCH BAHA’ CHOOL

osch Baha’i School’s major goal for the

Four Year Plan was to achieve “a significant advance in the process of entry by troops.” To that end the School offered programs centered on the triple themes of the Four Year Plan: Consecration of the dual, the Flourishing of Baha’i Communities, and the Maturation of the Institutions. Programs were offered in an environment that encouraged participants to demonstrate greater personal initiative in responding to the “requirements of the present hour.” A brief review of programs shows that courses on the theme of Consecration of the Individual included: Pion ing Institutes, Seekers’ Weekends, Baha Youth Service Corps Training, Children’s Academies, Junior Youth Institutes, Youth Institutes, Summer College Institutes, College Club Symposium. In addition, children’: programs were aligned with goals from the National Education Core Curriculum. The theme of the Flourishing of Baha'i Communities included programs that focused on The Arts and Teaching, Fundamental Verities, and Artist in Residence during the summer sessions, Choral ‘Training, and Marriage and Family Life ‘Trainings. The Maturation of the Institutes theme featured the launching of the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program, which trained Assemblies in the region on consultation and trust building. More than one hundred local spiritual assemblies par






ticipated in this program. Also, training sessions were held for more than ninety tants to the two local Auxiliary Board members for Protection and Propagation.

Bosch’s community outreach fons during the Four Year Plan included ten Baha’i Youth Service Corps members teaching the Faith at the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC), involvement in an “at risk” tutoring program in Felton, California, and five hours of service per month to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The youth also offered their support to UCSC by attending college fire: and providing musical preRamirez, one of Bosch’ copointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank and through this appointment met key figures of the Santa Cruz community. During the first three years of the Plan, aff hosted an Appreciation Dinner for all teachers of the local elementary schools, as well as two end-of-the-year swim parties. Bosch’s former directors, the Bedfords, served on the Bonny Doon School Foundation Board and the Rural Bonny Doon Association Executive Board.

Bosch Baha'i School offered the local community of Bonny Doon use of its pool every Friday during the summer, which provided great opportunities to meet neighbors and give them information about the Faith and the role of Bosch as a permanent school. The school also hosted annual Labor Day pict

Bosch worked steadily to make the campus more diverse. The present administrators are Hispani Youth Service Corps included youth from Canada, Chad, Congo, England, Germany, Honduras, Tran, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Venezuela, and from all over the United States. Bosch hosted the first Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration (January 2000), Latino Conferences, annual Southeast Asian Conferences, and an annual Ocean of Light Conference for Pacific Islanders.

Financial improvement during the Four Year Plan expanded sharply when sessions went from thirty-three weekends’ in 1996-1997 to forty-five sessions’ in 1999-2000, with many weekends including two or more programs running concurrently. Atendance peaked in fiscal year 1996 and, despite the expanded sessions, began a three-year, 29 percent decline from 2,800 people to 2,000 people in fiscal year 1999. At the approach of the end of the Four Year Plan, with two months remaining, attendance was projected to reach 2,700 in 2000 with a goal of over 3,000 in fiscal year 2001. Financial growth occurred in outside rentals to private businesses; such income ranged from $30,000 to $100,000. There i: limited ability to expand this business option because many inquirers want to book weekend events and priority is given to Baha’ sessions on weekends.

‘The Bookstore/Café made valuable contributions to the bottom line and to the enjoyment of guests. Revenues ranged from $125,000 to nearly $148,000 during the past three years and were projected to reach record levels of more than $150,000 in fiscal year 2000. During each year of the Four Year Plan, Bosch benefitted from the contributions of roughly 25,000 hours of service from Youth Service Corps and























other volunteers; this is equivalent to twelve people working full time for free, or asavings of $600,000 in wages and benefits. Special projects during the Four Year Plan included the construction of three new classroom buildings, at a final cost of under $320,000 with all but $20,000 covered by earmarked contributions. The new cl: rooms allowed greater flexibility and the capacity to run several programs concurrently. Bosch also collaborated with a software developer to create a customized session registration and contact management software application to track financial transactions and long-term registration of sessions. Other key capital improvement projects included major repairs to roads and parking lots; resurfacing asphalt walkways; upgrading the water system; fiberglass resurfacing of both pools; purchasing a mini van used to transport guests to and from local airports; refinishing of the wood floors in the Lodge and Yogurt Shop. Last, the renovation of two staff homes and two guest cabins were overseen from planning to finish. Moreover, a highly visible addition to the Bosch campus was the establishment of a large organic garden. Over $6,000 of earmarked contributions allowed for the construction of a large, fenced enclosure with many raised beds, plus a large greenhouse, an acre of strawberries and forty assorted fruit trees, all generating @ year-round supply of fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers. In the next twelve months Bosch programs will be aligned with Shoghi Effendi’s infallible guidance found in Centers of Bab@'t Learning, guidance from the Universal House of Justice, the requirements of the teaching plan, and the annual study themes and recommendations provided by the National Spiritual Assembly. Bosch will continue collaboration with sister institutions and agencies to help ensure that it makes the best use of its resources in meeting the needs of the institutions, communities, and friends in the Western region. Bosch Baha'i School will place greater emphasis on organizing courses to attract the general public; these will be promoted within the Baha’ orbit and also through targeted marketing and advertising. Plans are in process to develop a marketing strategy to increase outside rentals by 25 percent annually. The physical plant will be expanded and improved to better house staff members with families and to accommodate a growing population of guests, especially children and pre-youth. Finally, Bosch Baha’{ School become a leader in providing regular program content digitally to institutions, communities and individuals.

















GREEN ACRE BAHA'I SCHOOL

reen Acre programs focused on the fundamental goals of the Four Year Plan as well as on specific themes chosen for emphasis by the National Spiritual Assembly during the period. Among the major themes were race unity, gender equality, marriage and family life, art and literature, the education of children and youth, and skills development. Courses related to the issue of race ui were given by some of the most distin



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Tne AMERICAN BanA’i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000

page 35 [Page 36]

guished experts in the field. Topics included the Most Challenging Issue, the Life of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory, and a History of Black Bahais in the Diaspora. Green Acre was privileged to host the 13th and 14th annual Black Men’s Gatherings as well as the first Regional Baha’{ Council-sponsored training of Persian and African-American Race Unity facilitator teams. In 1998, a series of Race Unity Dialogues were initiated, which continue to meet regularly in the Maine/New Hampshire Seacoast area.

A series of courses on the equality of women in partnership with men was promoted during the Four Year Plan. Green Acre chosen as the site for training sessions conducted by the National Committee on the Equality of Women and Men and for the filming of a gender equality video by the National Spiritual Assembly’s Media Services department. In addition, the School collaborated with the Sarah Farmer Women’s group on a series of commemorative events.

A variety of stimulating and practical courses for pre-youth, youth, adults and parents on marriage and family life were conducted by Baha’i professionals in the areas of psychology and counseling. Related training was conducted for Core Curriculum-trained facilitators.

Focus on the arts promoted numerous concerts at Green Acre, by both professional and amateur musicians from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Events featuring everything from gospel choirs to South American dancers were attended by hundreds of Bahd’is and non-Bahéa’is. Green Acre encouraged regular participatory singing in various languages with easy-tolearn musical orientation through the development and use of the new Green Acre Song Book. The School also produced a compact disk and an audiotape of original music titled Her Name is Green Acre, capturing the inspiring devotion and creativity of many of Green Acre’ lovers, including many notable professional musicians.

In addition to music, the school concentrated on the arts by displaying periodic , such as Don Camp's movped Hearts,” as well as an exhibition about





ing “Dust-s attractive Green Acre fi World Congre: ‘aptured the attention of the general public. Annual programs were held for Baha’é authors to provide them an opportunity to share their creations with representatives of the Baha’j Publishing ‘Trust and the editors of Brilliant Star magazine. Such events stimulated authors in their work and resulted in the creation of exciting new materials for the spiritual education of children.

Green Acre systematically sought to improve the quality of its educational programs for the education of Baha'i children, pre-youth, and youth by using Core Curriculum-trained teachers and materials and a more systematic planning and team meeting process with an increased teaching staff. More and better organized educational materials were made available and regular teacher training sessions were offered at the start of each summer.

A growing number of special institutes for special age groups was realized, such as Camp Green Acre (8~-12-year-olds),









Junior Youth Institutes (11-14-year-olds), and Youth Institutes (15—-19-year-olds), as well as College Club sessions for older youth. The number of intergenerational activities was increased during summer and winter sessions, including occasional specially designed intergenerational courses focused on the joy of learning together as a multi-age community. Green Acre also implemented a stimulating exchange program of teachers, counselors and students with the Louis G. Gregory Baha’f Institute. From 1996 to 1999, there has been a phenomenal 53 percent increase in the participation of children and youth in Green Acre programs.

Another achievement during the Four Year Plan was the execution of systematic, sequential skill-building courses. Core Curriculum training programs were conducted for teachers of children as well as the Race Unity, Marriage and Family Life, and Parenting courses. Ruhi-based ‘Tra g Institute programs at the basic and tutor-training levels were implemented. Green Acre also offered social and economic development training programs in collaboration with Mottahedeh Development Services and, in collaboration with the Baha’i Business Forum of the Americas, a series of programs on the application of spiritual principles to business.

During the Four Year Plan Green Acre worked consistently to provide opportunities for people participating in the Youth Service Corps. The School increased its Year of Service staff from one member only in 1996 to five members in 2000. These youth came from the United States, Canada, Bra: Alaska, England, Russia, Run , Bolivia and Mali. A regular program of prayers, study, deepening and skill development, including training in practical work skills, consultation, and team-based management, was devised, and the School recruited and trained about nm youth annually for Green Acre’s summer service program.

In addition to programming, attention was paid during the Plan to facility development and management. The extensive Ole Bull Cottage renovation project was completed and a systematic and documented_ faci management program was established through which all buildings were upgraded to a notably high standard of cleanliness, safety, and extended life.

In the first three years of the Plan, Green Acre increased annual adult enrollments by 19 percent from 1,325 to 1,517 and children and youth enrollments by 53 percent from 472 to 724. Revenues increased by 39 percent, from $322,000 in 1996 to $446,000 in 1999, moving Green Acre further along toward its goal of self-sufficiency. Book sales were increased by 26 percent, from $78,600 in 1996 to $98,700 in 1999, thus contributing both to the goal of a “wider distribution of Baha’i literature” and to revenues. It is noteworthy that the School’ systematic efforts to reduce its subsidy from the National Fund achieved a substantial decrease of 62 percent, from $143,000 in 1996 to $55,000 in 1999.

Green Acre continued to rent its facilities to like-minded organizations, hosting meetings and conferences for about twenty nonBahd’f organizations per year. In addition to the benefit of being able to share informa















tion about the Faith with these participants, the rental program enabled the School to make greater use of its facilities during the months of September through June each year, increasing rental revenues from $6,000 per year in 1996 to $62,000 in 1999. In the 1999-2000 fiscal year, however, Green Acre had to reduce the scope of the rental program due to restrictions resulting from the recent granting of tax-exempt status to Green Acre by the town of Eliot, Maine.

Green Acre worked to improve its marketing and communications by. implementing a new, more efficient computerized registration program and developing an extensive database of Green Acre participants. This resulted in the School's first targeted mailings. Eighteen Green Acre Representatives were appointed the Northeast and were charged with the responsibility to promote School programs in each electoral unit. A beautiful and informative Green Acre Web page was created, allowing the School to reach a significantly wider audience with information about the facility and its programs.

Green Acre Baha’{ School’ priorities for the immediate future include the further development of programs for children, preyouth and youth. The School hopes to increase its accessibility to minority popu tions and to those who are unable to afford the scheduled programs. As attendance and programming increase, the School will need to give priority to planning and building new classroom facilities for adults, youth, and children and to expanding the staff to meet the néeds of thé greater volume of programming. And, finally, in conjunction with meeting the needs of a growing clientele, Green Acre must prepare, train and strengthen its most precious and vital human resources—its staff—in the spiritual, social and technical skills that will enable them all to serve an expanding number of guests with efficiency and love.








LOUHELEN BAHA'I SCHOOL


- planning, implemented in a pirit of striving and loving service to fulfill the goals of the Four Year Pl. revolved around six primary goals through which Louhelen organized its enstaonss ‘These goals and their relevant re briefly outlined here. first goal was to enhance and expand Baha’f education and training programs. The total number of programs held at Louhelen annually has increased from 171 in 1996-97 to 272 in 1999-2000, representing a 63 percent increase during the Four Year Plan. This growth represents an average annual growth of 20 percent in the number of programs held in recent ye: This increase reflects the growing partici pation of new and veteran believers in a wide variety of Baha’{ educational opportunities and increasing participation of non-Baha’is at the School. Further, the total number of days on which at least one program was held at Louhelen has increased from an annual total of 250 program days-in-use in 1996-97 to 270. Within this overall picture, it is important to mention that the Core Curriculum





‘The




training programs of the National Spiritual Assembly also have developed dramatically in recent years. The National ‘Teacher Training Center, based at Louhelen, through which these training programs are continuously offered, now has a year-round training calendar that includes the following systematic training programs: Teacher ‘Trainer Training, Race Unity Facilitator Training, Parent Facilitator Training, Marriage and Family Life Facilitator ‘Training, Equality Facilitator ‘Training, and Youth Facilitator Training.

Louhelen’s second goal was to foster excellence in service and in hospitality. The School consistently surveyed people who participated in its programs in an effort to understand their experience and to learn how better to serve them.

During the past two years, as one means of measuring evidence of the quality of service, Louhelen surveys asked guests to evaluate all aspects of the $ servi programs, with all Louhelen Baha’ programs included. A total of 9,736 guest responses rated the total Louhelen experience—including such things as communications; purpose, quality and usefulness of programs; faculty quality; spiritual atmosphere; registration; cleanliness; and food service— using the following scale: 5 = “Excellent”; 3 = “Acceptable”; 1 = “Disappointing.” Overall survey results revealed that 91 percent of the guest responses rated School services at 4 or 5 [Excellent or Very Good] and 9 percent rated School services 3 [Acceptable] or lower. For comparison purposes, the annual studies conducted by J.D. Power and Associates— which conducts a highly respected, independent annual survey of guests using full-service hotel conference centers—typically finds that 53 percent of guest responses rate hotel services as ‘Excellent’ with 14 percent of guest responses noting significant problems with their stay.

The School’ third goal was to establish a strong rental program as an avenue of proclamation, community service, and revenue enhancement. Louhelen increa enjoys a respected reputati center favored by many non-Baha’s organizations and groups seeking a beautiful, service-oriented meeting facility that is comfortable in serving diverse populations. Louhelen’s rental program attendance has increased 67 percent during the Four Year Plan, and Louhelen has developed respected reputation for quality and service among leading community groups who hold programs at the School, including major corporations such as General Motors and EDS, major uni nd colleges, and a diverse array of religious and community service groups. One of the areas of pride for those serving at Louhelen is the strong presence of predominantly AfricanAmerican groups in the rental program.

A further indication of public recognition of the quality of Louhelen’s service to the wider community was the choice of Gary Schmicker, Louhelen’s Chef, as “Chef of the Year” for Genesee County. ‘This prestigious award, for which all chefs from all restaurants and hotels in the county are considered, is based on anonymous guest recommendations as well as professional evaluation.

It is also interesting to note that, on more than one occasion, groups that have
























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July 13,2000 [Page 37]

held programs at Louhelen have written appreciative letters, which have included significant spontaneous cash contributions. Although the School could not accept the contributions, appreciation for them has been warmly acknowledged with the request that the group apply the contribution to some public work of service that would benefit the wider community. Such letters offer important testimony to the value of Louhelen’s service in the eyes of our non-Bahs’s guests.

Louhelen’s fourth major goal during the Four Year Plan was the maintenance of an excellent physical plant and to upgrade facilities with a consistent, excellent preventative maintenance program and wisely-planned improvements. As a result of efforts toward this end, guests and program participants often comment enthusiastically about the beauty and good maintenance of Louhelen’s grounds and facilities.

During the Four Year Plan, two new houses were built to house on-campus residential staff, thus increasing the School's capacity to adequately staff School operations as efficiently as possible. Further, three adjoining properties were donated to the School by Baha’is, which has augmented the School’ capacity to serve more effectively. In addition, a new large classroom building project is currently under development.

A fifth goal was to increase attendance at programs. Full-time annual attendance at Louhelen. programs has increased from 12,445 in 1996 to 14,241 in 1999. Overall, since 1995, Louhelen has had a 10 percent average annual growth rate in full-time attendance. Full-time attendance refers to one person attending a program for a fullday. Counting all those per who participated in Louhelen programs, the total number of individuals who participated at the School on at least a part-time basis has risen from 16,303 in 1996 to 18,384 in 1999,

‘The sixth goal was to improve the financial basis of School operations. One of the most important elements in improving the financial basis of School operations was to increase the full use of facilities on a year-round basis. During the 1999-2000 program year, Louhelen facilities booked programs on 75 percent of days when it would be possible to host a Baha’i or rental program; this compares with 58 percent of possible days in 1991. Since the School is already heavily used on all weekends and throughout the summer, the primary avenue of increasing days-in-use is through the promotion of the School's mid-week rental program.

In response to the mandate of the Nationiritual Assembly that the permanent hools strive toward ever-increasing levels of financial self-reliance, Louhelen has made some significant gains. At the end of the Four Year Plan, Louhelen meets approximately 70 percent of its annual operating expenses from. self-generated revenues, compared with 39 percent in 1991. This gain has been made primarily through increased effic nda focus on increasing revenues such as bookstore sales and non-Baha’f rental fees—an approach that allows progress toward greater financial selfreliance while, at the same time, preventing increases in Baha'i program fees, which might limit access to the friends.

Given Louhelen’s future destiny as a










university, which was foreseen by the Guardian, and its currently evolving role as a center of Baha’{ higher education and training, it is interesting to compare the basis of Louhelen’s financial operations with that of colleges and universities within the wider society. Such a comparison finds that about 71 percent of Louhelen’s annual operating revenues come from tuition and fees charged for program participation, compared with 40-50 percent for the average college or university.

As Louhelen prepares for the next series of plans instituted by the Universal House of Justice, its most immediate objectives can be briefly summarized with the following goals:

  • Carry forward and continue efforts to

increase progress on goals of the Four Year Plan.

  • Continue to foster increasing attendance

and participation in School programs by the widest possible body of believers, seekers, and public community members.

  • Increase collaboration with local spiritual

assemblies and Regional Training Institutes to maximize the reach and effectiveness of Louhelen services to local and regional institutions.

  • Continue to expand programs for the

training and education of children, youth, and families.

  • Build upon an excellent reputation for

service and programs by farther refining a distinctive example of how we serve, not just what we teach.

LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHA'T INSTITUTE AND RADIO BAHA’! WLGI

he Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute

and Radio Bahai WLGI, in response to the goals of the Four Year Plan, served as resources for the training, teaching, and consolidation of Baha’is and of listeners to WLGL. The functions held at the Institute have served families, local spiritual assemblies, the Regional ‘Training Institute, the Regional Baha'i Council, individuals, groups and institutions throughout the state of South Carolina in an effort to accelerate the process of entry by troops and to prepare trainers and an active core of trained believers, including youth, junior youth and children, in a loving and spiritual atmosphere. During the Four Year Plan, Institute activities were aimed at developing communities in the local geographical area and centered upon social and economic development and human resource development. WLGI continued to stimulate inquiries about the Faith throughout the Plan by strategically and creatively airing broadcasts about the equality of men and women, the elimination of prejudice, holy days, regular prayers, rac i from the holy t Both the Louis G. C and WLGI were dedicated to cc efforts with local communities a





nd agencies and continued working toward the process of social and economic development, education and consolidation.

The lack of staffing and reduced numbers of volunteers has been and continues to be an ongoing challenge as administrative staff,

support staff, education personnel and volunteer services have not been replaced when vacancies have occurred. Although programs, training, broadcasts, conferences, and regular classes were held, the urgent need for additional support and skilled personnel grew during the Four Year Plan. There is a demand for replacement staff for imminent vacancies, and Year of Service volunteers are needed to adequately manage the quality of summer and yearlong programming and broadcast scheduling presently being maintained by a skeletal crew. Other challenges were related to the physical facility, which has been in need of remodeling, building, and repair throughout the Plan and has also placed the Institute in desperate need of assistance.

During the Four Year Plan the Institute conducted annual programs such as Peace Fest, a proclamation festival of the arts for the entire community with peace as its central theme; conferences for young Black males, co-hosted with the Department of Mental Health, with medical and mental health professionals; and Summer Academies for youth, junior youth, and children to develop them into spiritual warriors with the capacity for leadership and traveling teaching. Ongoing Worship Services continued weekly throughout the Plan as well as weekly Baha’i youth and children’s classes held at the Institute for Baha’f and non-Baha’f participants.

Every year WLGI provided technical support and assistance to neighboring Martin Luther King, Jr, Day programs. Tt also provided on-air and technical ing to approximately fifty youth and The station s during the Pla ¢ in Baha’i material ect music was obtained. Renovations to the new radio station building were completed and the staff moved into its new facility.

Other activities occurred at intervals during the Four Year Plan. Agricultural workshops and community development workshops were held, as were Pioneering Institutes and Youth Service Corp training. Core Curriculum Teacher Training was conducted for staff on a quarterly basis for the teachers of youth and children’s classes, increasing the number of trained teachers on campus and in the immediate area. Three staff members and year of service volunteers conducted year-round youth and children’s classes. Volunteers conducted and acted as counselors for summer training and recreational programs. Trained core curriculum teachers visited the Institute to conduct a Junior Youth “Fundamental Verities” weekend (2000) and Junior Youth, Children’s, and Youth Academies (1999). Race Unity Dialogues were held quarterly in 1998 and 1999, Rubi courses on Reflections of the Light of the Spirit were held in 1999 and 2000, hosted by the Regional Training Institute Board. Periodic teaching and consolidation efforts, which included staff and traveling rs, were sponsored by the Institute for ! communities. The inaugural Black Men’s Gatherings were held at the Institute, and a Baha’f Choir, formed by children and youth in 1997, has continued to perform and acquire new songs to date.

New programs were developed and aired by WLGI during the Four Year Plan, including “Sister to Sister,” a program for









and by women, featuring interviews with women from many occupations, health tips, nutrition, and poetry; a program called “51%”, also for women; and a regular program about the weather, the environment, science, and astronomy. More than 2,500 health, events and service announcements were broadcast for local schools, colleges, churches, community organizations, and agencies. In 1997, a professional audience survey revealed that WLGI was reaching 25 percent of households within its listening area; 75 percent of them knew that Baha'is believe in God, the oneness of mankind, race unity, and service. More Baha’i artists have been featured over the years, along with an increased emphasis on music that reflects Baha’{ principles, racial harmony, prayer, and reliance on God. A fifteenth anniversary open house celebration for WLGI was held in December 1999, which was attended by former and present staff and the community: The event acknowledged the station’ long standing and distinguished service to the community. WLGL maintained its status as the largest and widest-reaching teaching instrument in the state of South Carolina and continued its excellent quality of service.

The Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute's future goals involve the National Spiritual Assembly’ decision for the Institute's transition to a community center focused on social and economic development and community development centered around its local community. Additional permanent staff currently are being sought; it is anticipated that new administrative and support staff will unveil and orchestrate the Institute’s new direction and mandate. This new direction will require staff development, training, and ongoing collaboration with Mottahedeh Development Services. Collaboration will continue with the Regional Baha'i Council of the Southern States, the Regional Training Institute Board, and the Institution of the Learned. Renovations, refurbishing and improvements to the physical facility—namely the dorms, auditorium, men’s cottage, and the entire kitchen—are scheduled to begin in Spring 2000.


NATIV! "AMERICAN BAHA'T q ‘STITUTE

s we approach the conclusion of the Four Year Plan, the Board of Direc tors of the Native American Baha’i Institute (NABI) is greatly encouraged by recent progress in the maturation of this unique and significant outpost of the Faith in Navajoland. Under the guidance and inspiration of the National Spiri Assembly and the Regional Baha’ cil for the Western States, as well as in intimate consultation with members of the Continental Board of Counselors and i iary Board, NABI has taken on its designation as a Regional Training Institute (RTI) with enth c, yet focused energy. Being organized as a Board of Directors, with the co-administrators as members of this Board, has streamlined communications and galvanized initiative. The NABI Board is unified in thought, spirit, and action. The NABI campus has renewed its character as a haven of peace,





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“ANNUAL

SREPORT



Petra stra


welcome and unity, and training programs have evolved as the result of the dynamic process of planning, action, and refle Atthe same time, the Institute has provided support and strategic leadership in the teaching field and has begun to establish new partnerships, both within and outside the Faith.

Among the most significant victories during the past four years has been the estabment of a systematic delivery of courses aimed at the development of human resources in a manner consistent with the cultural richness of our target population. ‘The curriculum includes courses addressed to the individual institutions and the community. Training programs include the Ruhi sequence, Navajo Learning Circles, teacher training, traveling teacher training, personal skills development, the Core Curriculum sequence of Local Spiritual Assembly Development modules, the social and economic development sequence, and the National American Indian Teaching Committee Protocols training.

A significant aspect of human resources development is in delivering training in the remote areas of our vast region, as well as on the Institute campus. About half of the training is delivered at the local level. Another signal victory is the delivery of the fundamental verities in a culturally relevant manner, using Navajo-language tions of prayers, Hidden Words, Ruhi training materials and_ selected sacred writings in learning circle environments within the home. These often simple programs have been intended to reconnect the hearts to Baha'u'llah.

The Ruhi Study Circles follow the same pattern; ‘they incorporate and reinforce Baha’ principles reflected in the guidance and symbols of the traditional culture. At the suggestion of Counselor Barnes during his recent visit to NABI, more local materials are being developed. In addition,the stories of the early believers and pioneers in our region are being collected and published in writing and on cassette tapes.

In collaboration with the local spiritual assemblies and groups in this area, community programs training has been designed to engage individuals and institutions in service to the community. The initiatives include support of local Council Fires, traditional Beauty Way ceremonies, Learning Circles, ‘Trail of Light Traveling Teaching projects, Family Camps, Children’s Tutoring Assistance, Summer School, and Regional Youth Programs. Programs to educate children and attract youth have become well established and have stimulated numerous local initiatives and classes within the region. ‘These have led to local teaching victories and heightened attention to Baha’i service.

As a measure of progress towards the development of human resources, NABI programs served nearly 10,000 individuals during the past year alone! Of this total, nearly 2,000 received formal training, 6,000 participated in informal community development programs, and 2,000 attended traveling teaching programs.

Equally significant, during the past year we trained: 29 Core Curriculum Teachers; five Core Curriculum Trainers; 18 SED ‘Trainers; two Youth Empowerment ‘Trainers; 15 traveling teachers, and three Pioneer Trainers. Six indigenous believers
















were prepared for volunteer service at the World Center or for traveling ips to Russia and Siberia. NABL provided materials and leadership support to tutors in organizing local programs in a systematic manner, and also enlisted nearby faculty resources, including five Master LSA Trainers, a master Ruhi trainer, anda Stewardship trainer.

As a Baha’ Center of Learning, NABI’s priorities for the immediate future include inuing the systematic delivery of established training programs through collaboration sister institutions; doubling the number of trained tutors and the number of tutors delivering local training, perhaps by using mobile classrooms or resource centers; making culturally relevant materials and methods more fully operational; delivering children’s education and youth service programs to a larger segment of the public; and relevant campus improvements to accommodate heightened activity, including reliable telephone and e-mail systems.

‘This organizational, programmatic, and service growth has renewed the region’s optimism and emboldened the Board’s thinking and planning about NABI’ further evolution in the coming months and years. As the spirit of the work has been revived, and as the quality, diversity, and responsiveness of programs and services have matured, the Board’ atten i drawn back to the beautiful campus that rves as the Institute's physical, social, and educational, and administrative center.

The beauty of the Navajo landscape and the simple elegance of the Institute’s early buildings have combined to make NABI a place of inspiration and renewal for the Navajo friends and for people of many backgrounds from near and far, It is also the place from which the Master’ guidance for our times is realized in the hearts

$ who, ive education and obtain guidance, “will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.”

















WILMETTE INSTITUTE

he Wilmette Institute was estabed in 1995 to offer courses and other educational services. It seeks to r: up diverse, knowledgeable, articulate teachers and administrators of the Bab Faith by imparting knowledge; developing various skills, particularly teaching skills; and fostering Baha’{ identity. It receives no direct financial support from the Baha’i National Fund but funds its programs through tuition fees and donations. When the Four Year Plan began, the Institute was just a year old and had not completed its first four-year program. During the Plan it accomplished the following:




Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization Program

‘The four-year Spiritual Foundations program held all four of its summer sessions during the Plan, with an average annual attendance of thirty. Every year the students studied all major aspects of the Baha'i teachings, history, and scripture; attended workshops on public speaking,

creative writing, conflict resolution, and public relations; and participated in seminars on teaching the Faith. The majority of students reported a great incre n their self-confidence, in their efforts to teach the Faith and lead deepening classes, and in the numbers of seekers who have enrolled as a result of their participation (about one hundred over the four years that they attribute to the Institute). Much experience has been gained over the last four years, and the next four-year cycle, which begins in May 2000, will feature a shorter summer session, fewer months of home study, more focused classes, and the option of taking distance-learning courses in subjects of special interest to the student.






Distance-learning courses

The Internet and World Wide Web have revolutionized delivery of courses to students scattered across the United States and around the world. The Wilmette Institute launched its first distancelearning course in January 1998 and subsequently has offered courses on sixteen distinct subjects—six surveying the writings of Bahda’u'llah historically and one each on the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the Kitab-iIqin, The Dispensation of Bahd’wllab, The Advent of Divine Justice, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religions, and Zoroastri m. Each course features a list server for student and faculty discussion; conference calls that allow students and faculty to talk together; firesides, deepenings, or institute courses developed by students as ‘part of each courses requirements; and written exercises chosen by the students. Approximately three hundred students enrolled in Wilmette Institute cou during the Four Year Plan. A survey of the students is not complete, but many have recounted numerous teaching opportunities as a result of Wilmette Institute courses; many describe heightened enthusiasm and confidence in teaching; and about ten enrollments attributable to efforts related to Wilmette Institute courses were reported.












Publicity and marketing

‘The Institute has had to develop a tematic and ongoing effort to raise the Baha’ community's awareness of the Institute, its purposes, and its offerings. Over the last four years it has developed a publicity plan consisting of annual publicity mailings, regular press releases to The American Baba’ and other news organs, mailing of “ambassador kits” to many of its students before unit conventions, and a regular presence at the Grand Canyon, Desert Rose, Rabbani Trust, Green Lake, and Association for Baha’ Studies conferences, as well as the National Convention. ‘The selection of a logo and creation of stationery, a banner, and other “identity materials” have given the Institute a consistent “look.” A Web site that is now one of the most popular Baha'i sites has heightened the Institute's visibility. A toll-free number (877-WILMETTE), newly acquired in early 2000, will make the Institute and its far-flung staff easier to reach. Its quarterly newsletter, The Lamp, is now mailed to about nine hundred people in ten countries. Its list server of current and former students and friends has some five hundred



subscribers and provides a means for rapid dissemination of news. An annual catalog has been developed and regularly updated and a faculty handbook released.


Administrative developments

All the above activities were accomplished by an institution with no permanent full-time staff. Youth year of service assistance, periodic full- or part-time support, and help by volunteers has kept the administrative work going. Because some part-time work has been off site, telephone and Internet communication has been vital to maintaining efficient coordination.




Financial developments

The Afsharian Endowment and the Orlando Nunez Endowment, which provide financial aid to needy students, give limited support to the work of the Institute. Semiannual fund raising efforts have begun to build up the Institute’s modest endowment, but a continuing and increasing flow of grants and donations is required if the Institute is to have a firm financial base.




International outreach

The Institute has provided study materials or advice to national, regional, or local training institutes in Alaska, Australia, France, the Gulf States, India, Pakan, and the United Kingdom. In late 1999, the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand recognized a Wilmette Institute representative, who coordinates publicity for Wilmette Institute courses, registers local students, and collec tuition in the local currency for the Institute under the Assembly’s supervision.

‘The Wilmette Institute has begun to develop a Twelve Month Plan and a Five Year Plan. Among their features are the following: sponse to the National Spiritual for study, the Institute has created courses on The Dispensation of Babd’u'lldh, The Advent of Divine Fustice, and The World Order of Babd’w'lldh to be given in 2000. In 2001 the Institute will offer courses on The Secret of Divine Civilization and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

The Institute is utilizing the pool of study materials developed for the Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program to develop new distance-learning courses. Over the next four years (2000-2003) the Institute hopes to be able to launch thirtynine new distance-learning courses in such diverse areas of study as the life of Baha’u’lJah; the life, writings, and talks of ‘Abdu’lBaha; the life and writings of Shoghi Effendi; Baha’s history; Baha'i theology and philosophy; individual development; marriage and family life; development of the Baha’ community; the Baha’f teachings on global issues; and teaching the Faith.

With the creation of a Baha’ satellite broadcasting system, the Institute will explore ways it can create courses using that medium.

The Institute plans to collaborate with the national youth desk in creating an introductory course on the Faith that college students could take for credit toward their degrees, and it has also discussed with the National Teaching Committee creating courses suitable for the growing pool of seekers.













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Tue American BanA’i ¢ Annuat Rerort 2000 july 13, 2000 [Page 39]

HOUSE OF WORSHIP CONSERVATION

conservation work during the Four

Year Plan was characterized by

transition for the Temple Conservation Team. It saw the culmination of the stabilization of the House of Worship and the initiation of a conservation and continuous care program for the Temple that will insure the preservation of the Mother ‘Temple of the West for the next one thousand years.

During the Plan the Temple Restoration Project was completed. The project corrected considerable deterioration that had occurred over long years and enhanced the building’s structural integrity. The restoration work was based on a long-term perspective, employing the best conservation techniques available and assuring that the completed improvements would significantly extend the life of the affected building components.

A significant result of the project was that it received high honors and awards for the outstanding innovations used and for its advancement of the state of the art in quality, craftsmanship, engineering and construction technology. These successes have established the patterns for the future of the conservation program.

‘The adoption of a permanent, comprehensive program of conservation for the House of Worship ushered in a new phase of responsibilities. Actions taken thus far under this program revolved around refining initial plans, establishing a team of skilled staff members, expanding resources, and managing activities that impact the facility. Principles, policies and an operational structure were established that include ongoing inspection, needs sments, thorough documentation,













BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS

aha’{ Publications is a coordinated

group of operations providing pub lishing and communication services to the Baha'i community on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. During the Four Year Plan each operation has undergone major reorganization and expansion, further developed essential core competencies, produced a wide array of information-based products, and established critical collaborative ties with other key agencies such as the National Teaching Office and the Office of Education and Schools to advance the process of entry by troops. Most notable among the group’ accomplishments over the past four years are the expansion of new titles offered by the Baha'i Publishing Trust; the initiation of a new book imprint for the purpose of making Baha’i literature available to the general public through trade

PROPERTIES

testing, and finally, the implementation of preventative and corrective measures. A detailed training and safety program was put in place to facilitates staff development through extensive instruction and research. Testing and research have continued in an effort to sustain the evolution of the Temple’ care. Patience and dedi tion to detail led to discoveries of histori cal information, uncovering original details of the construction process.

Engineering and planning have proceeded in preparation for the next phase of repairs to renew materials that are now forty-five to fifty years old. Upcoming work will focus attention on restoration of the gardens, repairs to the fountains, and replacement of the monumental stairs and terrace of the House of Worship.

In passing the milestone of moving from a mode of reacting to crisis to one of planning and ongoing care, the Temple Conservation Team has identified the House of Worship’ long-term needs. The necessary preparations for such work already have begun. Although implementation will begin during the next twelve months, the work will require several years to complete.

Major projects include replacing: (1) all monumental stairs and landings, (2) the ornamental pavers in the terrace at the bottom of the monumental stairs and adding proper drainage, (3) the ornamental concrete caps on the top of the first story pylons; (4) all of the garden fountains’ plumbing, concrete, tile, and ornamental coping stones, and (5) the gardens’ sprinkler system, lighting, aged trees and shrubs. Some limited deterioration of the ornamental concrete on the first story cornice also must be repaired.

In the coming year the Team will fortify training and expand in-house seminars for properties staff, enhance its safety program, and advance concrete research, testing and development. Research on the weathering










and deterioration of the temple’s ornamental concrete and the development of repair methods for thin surface restoration will be a critical aspect of this work.

‘The systematic care of the holiest House of Worship will continue with inspections and investigation of existing conditions. Analysis of this information will enable the ‘Team to project measured rates of deterioration and to plan preventive maintenance better. This work, coupled with dedication to the highest standards of workmanship, can only improve the Team’s effectiveness as it faces the inevitable challenges of preserving the Temple.







BAHA'I PROPERTIES OFFICE

uring the Four Year Plan, the Baha’i Properties Department (Properties) supported the teaching efforts of all departments of the National Spiritual Assembly by insuring that their immediate work environments and support facilities were maintained in a pristine condition. The Properties Department works diligently to insure that physical conditions do not hamper the ability of fellow employees to provide support services to and for the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies, Baha’i and other visitors, and organizations that are guests of the National Spiritual Assembly. ‘To this end Properties has maintained the Baha'i House of Worship, the National Center administration building, _ the Haziratu’l-Quds, the Prayer Garden, the Publishing ‘Trust, the Baha’i Home, the Properties buildings, and two residences in Wilmette. It provided management assistance for eighteen other properties in the United States, including the three permanent schools, the Wilhelm Properties, and the Louis G. Gregory and Native American Baha’f Institutes. Inspections and consulta






PUBLISHING

bookstores and libraries; the expansion of the Baha’ Distribution Service and its relocation from Chattanooga to the Atlanta area; the massive increase in the production capability of Baha'i Media Services, due in part to the conversion from analog to digital editing technology; and the redesign of the periodicals The American Babd’i and Brilliant Star to enhance their readability and attractiveness.

‘The Baha’{ Publishing Trust honed core competencies in the acquisition, development, design, and production of books. With only four staff members, the operation published sixty new titles and/or new editions while completing an additional seventy reprints and/or composition and design projects. While ensuring the availability of the sacred and authoritative texts, the Publishing Trust supported the National Teaching Plan by developing new titles focusing on themes such as the equality of women and men, race unity, the power of prayer, and the family; and by expanding its range of titles to reach a broader audience. Some of the most notable works published during




the Four Year Plan include Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986, Two Wings of A Bird: The Equality of Women and Men, a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly; Advancement of Women: A Baba’t Perspective, by Janet Khan and Peter Khan; The Light of Unity, a series of booklets developed to support the national media campaign by highlighting Bahé’s teachings on the subjects of race unity, prayer, equality of the sexes, and family; self-help and deepening materials such as Asisting the Traumatized Soul: Healing the Wounded Talisman, Helping Joe Strong, The Seeker Interaction Model, The Ocean of His Words: A Reader's Guide to the Art of Babi'wilih; Love, Power and Justice: The Dynamics of Authentic Morality, and The Station and Claims of Bah@w'llab; and a colorful range of children’s titles including Like Pure Gold: The Story of Louis G. Gregory, A Prayer for Fluffy, Maggie Celebrates Ayyiitm-i-Ha;, Children’s Stories from ‘The Dawn-Breakers, and Ali Dream.

The publishing organization also began reorganizing itself to establish a presence for Baha’i literature in general trade book




tion with local property administration and facility managers helped to assure consistent standards for maintenance, repair, additions, and new construction at all properties and facilities owned by the National Spiritual Assembly. All of these functions and operations will continue throughout the coming ‘Twelve Month and Five Year Plans.

‘The scope of management and maintenance included the sale of some gift properties; cleaning, repair, and construction tasks; designing replacement parts and material; grounds maintenance; and so on. Each property is, and is treated as, a spiritual trust that must be maintained with the highest standards of quality workmanship, maintenance, repair, and expansion in a manner that is befitting of property owned by the National Spiritual Assembly and used for the progress of the Cause of Baha’w'llih.

Other accomplishments during the Four Year Plan were the establishment of a contract to purchase and install generators at three properties, including the Baha’ National Center; the installation of a new fire alarm system at the House of Worship; modernization of the north elevator at the Bahai National Center; and contracts to purchase and install a new air conditioning chiller and boiler at the Baha’i National Center. Properties also managed contracts for the installation of a new carpeting, new kitchen counter tops and new window shades at the Haziratu’l-Quds as well as the contracts for the installation of a new roof at the 121 Linden residence and maintenance of the roof of the Hazfratu’l-Quds. Some of the aforementioned contracts and services will continue into the Twelve Month Plan.

‘The Properties Department will continue in all subsequent plans to provide the highest quality level of service to maintain all facilities and grounds for the National Spiritual Assembly in its desire to demonstrate that Baha’i Institutions are setting an example for others to follow. @






stores and public libraries. It was acknowledged that this undertaking will require several years of development and investment to make a positive impression on the competitive and expensive commercial book trade. The new imprint, Baha’i Publishing, will offer its first list of books to the trade in fall 2001. This long-awaited expansion is an integral element of the National ‘Teaching Plan and is occurring in close collaboration with the National Teaching Committe

The Baha'i Distribution Service responsible for delivering the products produced by Baha’i Publications and those produced by the many other publishers and producers of Baha’i material around the world. An increasing emphasis is being placed on marketing. Close ties were established with major Inter-net retailers such as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com to ensure that Baha’i literature is available through these outlets The forthcoming BDS Web site, bahai booksandmusic.com, is being developed and will soon be accessible. Other market ing efforts to provide the Baha’i communi







July 13, 2000 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ ANNUAL REPort 2000

page 39 [Page 40]

ty with information on available Baha’ materials include the Bahd’é Reader, periodie postcards, new product announcements, and a quarterly price list. Greater collaboration with National Assemblyowned retail sales outlets at the permanent schools and the Baha’i House of Worship was also established. The relocation of the Distribution Service from Chattanooga, ‘Tennessee, to Fulton County, Georgia, allows for expansion of stock and staff as needed and conveniently positions the facility near an overnight shipping hub and







From the beginning of the Plan, the Baha'i Distribution Service saw the need to reorganize in preparation for the acceleration of the process of entry by troops. As BDS realigned functions and respon ties, they kept two mandates in mind: (1) disseminate publications at the lowest possible cost and (2) function as a self-sustaining business. Other agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly also created teaching and training materials during the course of the Four Year Plan. The prices of some of the most popular teaching and deepening publications were reduced, while new low-cost teaching materials were brought out and deeper discounts for communities were introduced. The results have been both a triumph and a challenge. The popularity of





NATIONAL BAHA‘I ARCHIVES

His

s one of the service agencies of

the National Spiritual Assembly,

much of the work of the National Baha’i Archives remains constant from Plan to Plan. The Archives’ constantly expanding holdings of the sacred writings and relics, the records of the National Spiritual Assembly, and other archival collections must be protected, while the Archives staff also conducts its important work of providing reference and research services. However, there have also been some new developments during the Four Year Plan in how the Archives is used by scholars and about progress in working with non-textual collections.

A primary responsibility of the Archives is to provide research services to the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies, particularly the supplying of historical and biographical information and photographs about individuals and communities and the retrieval of files from National Center record series. The four largest users of the Archives were the Secretariat (26 percent of requests), the Encyclopedia Office, the Baha’i Publishing Trust, and Media Services. In order to provide more efficient access to records, 106 linear feet of files were added to house processed National Center records series.

The Archives has been primarily responsible for maintaining and expanding the National Baha'i Library, which has proven to be an important reference source for the Baha’i National Center



the less-expensive items increased by 21 percent the total number of units shipped by BDS; however, incoming revenue was reduced by 9 percent. Other vital steps in Baha’) Distribution Service activity during the Four Year Plan were the integration of the subscriber services function with BDS customer service; the expanded role of local publications coordinators so they could become a more effective community resource; the inauguration ofa special events program, making it easier to have bookstores at conferences and other large Baha’f gatherings; and the extension of customer service hours at the Distribution Service.

Baha'i Media Services developed i process of content creation by undertaking a multi-year growth plan which included migrating its technology from analog to digital video production; recruiting and developing individuals with specialized media skills; and integrating the print, video, and new media work flow into a single organization. Media Services supported the National ‘Teaching Plan with the production of two thirty-minute ourreach videos: Family: Seeds of World Peace and Speaking of Gender. The Baba’ Newsreel was also produced three times a year during every year of the Four Year Plan. In addition to providing critical audio-visual support services to the House of Worship,












to every Baha'i National Convention, and to numerous special events during the Four Year Plan, Media Services staged a historic live satellite broadcast to over fifty remote sites, enabling Baha'is across the United States to view the proceedings of the 1997 National Convention. Several special documentary video projects were produced at the request of the Universal House of Justice: a video on the election of the Universal House of Justice and a video of the funeral services of the late Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Baha Rihiyyih Khaénum.

‘The periodical publications of the National Spiritual Assembly also saw significant change and reorganization during the Four Year Plan. With the convergence of digital technologies, the sounds, words, and images of the Baha’i experience can now be captured and processed digitally. This change made possible the integration of The American Bahai and Brilliant Star into the Media Services organization to facilitate the better sharing of information and resources. These periodicals have been redesigned to reflect a greater use of color and graphics. World Order magazine is also undergoing many changes with the appoinunent of a new editorial board, which has developed a comprehensive three-year acquisitions and marketing






a SERVICES i

staff. Staff use of the library has been steadily increasing; this past year, there was a 52 percent increase in the number of items checked out over the previous year.

The Archives has noticed a growing number of local spiritual assemblies are celebrating anniversaries or researching their local history. The Archives provided historical information or photographs to sixteen local spiritual assemblies. The Archives also revised its set of biographical sketches of prominent Baha’i from minority backgrounds and added a chronology of interracial unity activities in the United States. The sets continue to be popular with local communities with sixty-four sets being supplied. Finally, the Archives assisted local spiritual assemblies in managing their local archives by providing information to seventy local communities in twenty nine states.

On the international level, the Archives provided information and copies of documents to the Baha’i World Center and other National Assemblies. Archival advice was given to the National Baha'i Archives of Alaska, the Bahamas, Germany, Indonesia and Spain. A new development was the close collaboration that has been developed with the archivist of the Canadian National Baha’{ Archives, who made a visit to Wilmette to consult on matters of common concern.

The Archives contributes to developing human resources through the use of its collections by scholars. Besides the traditional research for biographies of famous Baha’is, such as Leroy Ioas, the Archives has now seen archival collections being used in artistic endeavors. Archival research was used to produce dramatic pieces by three Northwestern


University students and by two Bahai playwrights writing plays on Thornton Chase and on Juliet Thompson. The Archives continues to be a mecca for Robert Hayden scholars. Eight researchers used the Robert Hayden Papers, including professors from the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois/Chicago, the University of Michigan and Iowa State University. Seven books and five articles in scholarly journals were published that used either research or photographs from the Archives, including Leroy Ioas by Anita Toas Chapman and Planning Progress by June Thomas.

‘To support scholarly research, an active program of acquiring and processing collections of personal papers was pursued. During the past four years the Archives acquired fifty new collections and eighty additions to existing collections and processed sixty-seven collections of personal papers. The processed collections enlarged the holdings relating to international pioneering, with the Marion Little Papers, Phillip Marangella Papers, Olive McDonald Papers, Valerie Wilson Papers and Kay Zinky Papers; and homefront teaching, with the Magdalene Carney Papers and Winston Evans Papers. The Archives also has been creating a number of computer indexes to its processed collections, as well as specialized indexes for the membership of various Baha’s institutions.

A new display area for the sacred relics was finished at the beginning of the Four Year Plan. The Archives had long needed a more fitting and dignified area to display these precious relics. The display area also has had a significant impact on the numbers of Baha’i who have been


plan defining the contents and direction of future issues so that theme-based issues reflect the goals of the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly. The next steps will be redesigning the quarterly to update its appearance and appeal. The Internet is being used to encourage a wider range of contributors. Priorities for Baha’f Publications in the coming year include supporting the National Teaching Plan through the publication of teaching materials, outreach videos, and books of interest to the general seeker and ensuring the effective flow of information to the friends so they will feel an even greater closeness to their beloved Faith. Specifically, the Baha'i Publishing ‘Trust will develop its first list of books for a general trade audience under its general trade impring the Baha’i Distribution Service will launch its new Web site and improve its marketing communications; Media Services will prepare to document the growth of the Faith, to develop a digital archival and retrieval system better utilize work already produced, and cover the commemorative ceremonies planned for the official opening of the Arc and Terraces at the Baha’{ World Center; and the periicals will ensure quality coverage and timely delivery of essential information and themes to the Baha’i community. #








able to view the displays; the attendance figure increased 104 percent over. the previous four years.

During the Four Year Plan the National Baha’i Archives started to address the challenges of its non-textual collections. Computer indexes were created for the Audio Tape Collection (4,690 reels), Video Tape Collection (470 reels) and Motion Picture Collection (60 titles). The Archives staff researched the new technology and developed a proposal to transfer the contents of deteriorating audiotapes to longer lasting compact disks. The Archives also received a significant donation to the Works of Art Collection—a sand painting of the Greatest Name by David Villasenor. The Works of Art Collection now contains over one hundred items, including significant collections of works by Mishkin Qalam, Mark Tobey and Marion Jack.

As the Twelve Month Plan approaches, the Archives has two main priorities. The first is to continue to provide prompt and well-researched responses to all reference and research requests, which have increased 19 percent over the previous four years, as well as maintaining the current levels of processing of archival collections and record series to enhance access to historical and administrative information.

The second task is to implement several new projects utilizing new technology. The Archives will be acquiring new library computer software to automate cataloging and circulation functions in the National Baha’i Library. New equipment is on order that will allow the transfer of the contents of audiotapes to compact disks and can scan photographs to create digital copies upon request.



page 40. THe American BanA’i * ANNUAL Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 [Page 41]


D uring the Four Year Plan, the Office of Human Resources was fortunate to attract many outstanding applicants and devoted individuals to serve the National Spiritual Assembly at the Baha’f National Center and its outside agencies. More than 250 individuals joined the staff during the Plan, an average of five to six per month. Hundreds of applicants and thousands of telephone inquiries also were processed during the period. Recruitment of new staff has been maintained at a high level and it is anticipated that this trend will continue into the future.

Among those who have come to serve the National Assembly are youth and young adults who served in the various offices and, in particular, the Conservation Project. The young staff members provided invaluable service to the Conservation Project at an extremely affordable cost to the National Assembly, while also acquiring skills that will serve them well for a lifetime. In addition to the services of the young, there have been a number of retired individuals who served in various capacities at the National Center.

Human Resources implemented a data tracking system to enable the office to more readily access potential staff for both paid and volunteer positions. A plan has been put into place to add individual information to the database, which will provide the Human Resources office with the capability to call upon believers with various expertise from whom the National Center may seek advice.

During the years of the Plan the office was able to negotiate many thousands of dollars in savings to the National Fund through shrewd management of the employee medical plan without sacrificing the benefits afforded those who serve the National Assembly. Human Resources also initiated orientation and staff training programs taught both by current staff and by invited professional trainers and speakers who donated their services to the National Center. Projects such as newsletters, telephone directories and advertisements have all been produced in-house within the Human Resources office.

In the immediate future the office’s goals are to continue to attract highly skilled and devoted individuals who are willing and able to serve the Faith, young workers, and also more seasoned professionals who may choose to take sabbaticals from their careers for a given period of time.



he Information Services Department

(IS) used the Four Year Plan to reinvent the support services it provided to the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies, to the Regional Baha’{ Councils, and to the American Baha’f community. In the last year of the Plan, the department’ goal ‘was to realize a significant change to the infrastructure that could sustain impending substantial growth. Work to achieve this goal also will be carried out during the coming Twelve Month Plan.

Many accomplishments towards this goal already have been achieved. One of the most significant was the establishment ofa national Wide Area Network (WAN), which links the Baha’{ Distribution Service office in Adanta, Georgia; the Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC; the Green Acre Baha’f School in Maine; the Louhelen Baha'i School in Michigan; the Bosch Baha’f School in California; and the Baha’i National Center in Evanston, Illinois. This WAN provides faster, more reliable communication between these sites and with the Internet, and easier administration of the networks at each of these sites from the National Center.

IS continued to remove and replace network servers that had become old and problematic. A change to NT as the network operating system was completed. Servers were added to increase capacity and many steps were taken to increase “up time” by spreading network functions, applications, and data across several servers and by improving back-up procedures, software, and equipment. A microwave wireless system was installed at the Baha’{ National Center campus, bringing the House of Worship, the Haziratu’l-Quds, the Baha'i Home for the Aged, and the Baha’f Publishing Trust into the national network.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Y2K issues were very minor, due mainly to plenty of work done in advance to prevent any problems. IS rewrote code and replaced non-compliant equipment and_ software prior to the beginning of the year 2000.

Major changes to the electronic and telecommunications areas have been planned in anticipation of future growth. Partially driven by the Y2K issues with certain computer applications, cc:Mail was replaced at all sites by Microsoft Outlook. The telephone system at both the National Center and at the House of Worship is outdated; a new system has been identified and should be implemented during the Twelve Month Plan.

As the Internet continued to grow at an ever-increasing rate and, during the last year of the Plan, IS staff expanded from one part-time to two full-time positions to manage work in this area and further expansion will be needed soon. The Baha’i National Center outgrew its Internet connection and obtained a better connection (full T1), which gives three times the throughput.

‘There was a dramatic increase in “hits” on our Web sites. In mid-winter 2000, the popular House of Worship “Cam” received more than ten thousand hits in under two weeks after being named a “Top Ten WebCam _ site” by Earthcam.com. The U.S. Baha’i Administrative Web site (www.usbnc.org) was rebuilt from the ground up. Refinements were made to the public Web site (www.us.bahai.org) and such work will continue into the next Plan. An e-commerce site (www.bahaibooksandmusic.com) was developed in conjunction with the Bahd’f Distribution Service and will be launched later in 2000. IS will continue to bring the Web sites of offices or agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly in house since there is now the server capacity to do so. The department also started to host other countries’ Web sites.

The Application Development area of


Information Services was very busy planning the complete rewrite of all databases in use at the Baha'i National Center. The current applications are in an older database program. As part of a plan to build the infrastructure for large-scale growth, IS will use new technology that can scale easily.

In the last year of the Plan IS undertook a project to replace the old Image processing system by which all correspondence received at the National Center was scanned and made available through computer technology. The project has been completed and the old technology retired. During the coming year, IS plans to expand this system and make it more closely integrated with other internal information systems.

Another significant accomplishment was the writing of the seekers-tracking system in support of the National Teaching Campaign using the media. This software application tracks contacts either from calls to 800-22UNITE or the requests for more information that come through the public Web site. The system underwent continuous revisions as the 800-22UNITE project developed and its needs grew.

The Membership and Records offices within the department continued to be busy areas due to the establishment of the new image processing system. All documents received at the National Center are scanned and filed on a CD-ROM jukebox, making them available electronically to the appropriate staff. This system has reduced significantly the need for storage space; consequently, staff have moved to a smaller area. The Membership office processes more than 30,000 address changes per year, in addition to name changes, local spiritual assembly officer elections, and transfers in and out of the American Baha’f community.

The LSAT project—Local Spiritual Assembly Integration—went to beta testing in March 2000. The current configuration of LSAT consists of an Outlook-like Web interface and includes current community membership lists and an agency directory. This will take the place of the semiannual membership list. Every assembly that participates in LSAT will have upto-the-minute information for its community. LSAT will allow assembly secretaries to make membership changes that in the past have been done on Membership Data Report Forms. LSAI also includes visibility to the 800-22UNITE seeker database for the communities that are participating in both programs. The next version will allow communities to enter information regarding follow-up on the seekers they received from the 800-22UNITE seeker program. ‘That also will allow the National Spiritual Assembly, through the National Teaching Committee, to assess the response to the media campaign and to analyze the results.

As a component of LSAT, e-mail addresses will be available for all local spiritual assemblies that will be consistent from year to year, in much the same way some assemblies use post office boxes. The addressing system also will provide a standard naming convention for all local spiritual assemblies, for example:

Local spiritual assembly e-mail using this system would originate from the e-mail server at the Baha’f National Center, resolving concerns on matters of the authenticity of


electronic communications. Having the local spiritual assembly e-mail accounts on the Baha’f National Center's in-house mail system will simplify automation for the rapid distribution of communications to local assemblies from the National Spiritual Assembly.

The IS Department continues to keep in mind the growing need for decentralization of functions. It plans to assist in the accomplishment of such goals by standardizing the systems it uses, which will greatly benefit the U.S. Baha’f community in the coming Twelve Month and Five Year Plans.


uring the Four Year Plan, the Meet ings and Travel Office provided the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees and task forces, the Baha’f National Center departments, and the four Regional Baha'i Councils with meeting planning services, hospitality and travel services. Such services, consistently undertaken in a loving and caring way, were accomplished efficiently and kept in mind cost-effectiveness in consideration of the funds of the Faith.

‘To improve services, departmental procedures for the handling of travel requests and guidelines for on-site meetings were redesigned, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings. An agreement with United Airlines for a 5 percent corporate volume discount and travel agency agreement saved $13,196 in 1999. Efforts were made regularly to arrange air tickets so that more than twenty-one days of lead time insured maximum savings on air travel.

‘The Office contracted for a new site for the 91st Baha’f National Convention. The new site featured improved services and general on-site conveniences for less cost.

During the Twelve Month Plan the Office hopes to improve further the way guests are welcomed and to provide for the meeting and travel needs of those whom it serves with even greater logistical and financial effectiveness.

PUBLIC


he Public Safety Department is

responsible for safety and security at the Baha’{ National Center. It serves the National Spiritual Assembly, its staff, volunteers, visitors, and special guests by providing for the security of all properties, including the Baha’i House of Worship, the National Center Offices, the Publishing ‘Trust, the Bahai Home, the Haziratu’l-Quds, and other properties that must be maintained.

‘The safety and security of the House of Worship is maintained by regular patrols of both the interior and exterior of the building every day. Approximately 16,800 such patrols occur yearly. Patrol officers often greet and serve all late night visitors to the House of Worship; in the past year 8,005 late night visitors were welcomed. Officers answered their questions about the building and the Faith and invited



July 13,2000 The American BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000

page 41 [Page 42]

them to return during normal House of Worship visiting hours. Constant vehicular patrols and foot rounds also were conducted at all of the remaining properties, adding another 7,500 vehicular/foot rounds during the past year to the Baha’i properties.

Providing service to the staff, volunteers and visitors is accomplished in many different ways. For example, last year the department responded to approximately 2,500 calls for service, including transportation of staff and/or materials, lockout of autos, traf


fic direction, personal injury accidents, and so on. Public Safety monitors and maintains the access control to buildings, alarm and video systems for all Baha’f properties, and provides for the safety and security for all special events and meetings held on Baha’f properties. These activities include assisting in setting up events, traffic direction on the parking lots and streets, guiding visitors to appropriate parking, and escorting physically challenged individuals into the events. The Public Safety Department also has the distinct honor of serving the members of





the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counselors by plan= ning and providing their transportation while they are in the vicinity of the National Center.

Public Safety faces the challenge of providing a safe and secure environment for everyone at the Baha’i National Center while coexisting with a society that has crime, accidents, injuries, and special community events or needs. Officers respond to and investigate all inci accidents, injuries, alarms, suspi


ations, and unusual circumstances that occur on Baha'i Properties twenty-four hours daily. The department interacts regularly with local Police, Fire, and other community agencies and constantly trains its officers to ensure they are able to meet any situation.

‘The Public Safety Department is confident that it will be able to provide the necessary services for the safety and security of the ever-increasing numbers of Baha'is and other visitors who will come to the National Center during the next year. @




SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |

HEALTH FOR HUMANITY

uring the Four Year Plan, Health for Humanity (HH) continued to grow and evolve. Itincreased support and networking capacity from 800 members and supporters in 36 countries to 1,533 members and supporters in 56 countries. The number of U. sed regional HH Networks doubled from four to eight, two of which have hired administrative support to expand their capacity. The central office strengthened its capability by expanding office space, increasing staff from one full-time volunteer and one full-time employee to two full- and one part-time employees, and one regular part-time volunteer, and by adding three new computers, additional telephones and other office equipment. The HH News was published regularly throughout the Plan and for the last two years handsome annual reports were sent to all members and supporters. HH collaborated and/or formed partnerships with a growing number of other social and economic development agencies and national and international organizations to support other health-related projects. New projects were established, focusing on literacy, the eradication of River Blindness (by request of the World Health Organization via the Baha’{ International Community), smoking cessation, the strengthening of marriage and family life, promoting healthy cross-racial relationships between health care providers and patients, and the adoption of a youth mentoring project for under-served inner-city youth. Through further collaborative efforts, representatives went to and participated in Office of Social and Economic Development (OSED), United Nations, World Health Organization and other international conferences focused on development and/or health. Increased institutional capacity allowed for several new developments, including increased fund raising capacity through the tracking and soliciting of annual membership donations and by attracting a vast increase of donations from $13,000 at its second annual fund raiser in 1995 to $60,000 at its sixth fund raiser in 1999. Confidence was expressed by numerous donor agencies by HH receiving and successfully administering grants. Among the major foundations are the Soros Foundations’ Open Society Institute, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, the Harris Foundation, the Saul and Devorah Sherman Foundation and the Mary Jane McMillen Crowe Foundation.









‘Towards the later part of the Four Year Plan, and in accordance with guidance in messages from and approved by the Universal House of Justice regarding social and economic development, the HH Board of Directors and staff held a retreat with network liaisons and other individuals. The retreat resulted in a systematic plan of decentralization to draw out new leadership and to benefit from the unique talents of more participants across the country. Subsequently, the following steps have been taken: (1) the continued periodic study of social and economic development guidelines from the World Center; (2) the clarification of HHS vision and mission statements so that, as the organization evolves, it strives to comply more fully with the guidance received; and (3) the creation of four national committees as a foundation preparing HH for the exciting opportunities envisioned for the future.

In compliance with the Day of the Covenant letter from the Universal House of Justice, Health for Humanity has embarked ona “twelve month effort aimed at concentrating the forces, the capacities and the insights that have so strongly emerged” during its life. In order to pursue its mission into the future, Health for Humanity is undertaking a comprehensive reorganization to carry it forward over the next stage of its evolution. Akey focus will be to consolidate and expand HH membership, programs, office function ing, communications and marketing, networks, interorganizational relationships, grant writing, and fund raising.

‘The concepts of social and economic development as received from the World Center, which agencies throughout the world are gradually adopting, will be increasingly shared with our membership and volunteers in training sessions, enabling more effective contributions from all who support HH programs.

In order to carry its work successfully into the future, Health for Humanity will strive to enhance the opportunities for youth involvement. Efforts will be made, especially through mentoring activities, to expand the opportunities for young people to experience the joy and personal growth benefits of health development work.

A particular area of international program focus for HH is China. A number of efforts have been sponsored over the past few years, and signs are very promising that these nascent collaborations will expand dramatically in the near future.

As a matter of policy, HH will continue to respond, insofar as it is able within the ints of its mission and finances, to requests received from insti











con:


tutions of the Faith for assistance.

As the international stature of the Faith and the global order evolves, Health for Humanity will advance its und nding of e social and economic development pospherent within the Baha'i t ings. A vital initiative is documentation of program outcomes through case studies. Using a process of consultation, action and reflection, Health for Humanity will strive to refine our undertakings to conform with the science of releasing human potential that is so central to the gift that Baha’u’llih’s system has bestowed on humanity.












MOTTAHEDEH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Re November of 1997 the Board of Mottahedeh Development Services (MDS) submitted a two-year plan that concludes with the end of this year. That plan stated that MDS’s mission was “To promote Baha'i social and economic development and to stimulate action in the spirit of service to humankind. The vi hedeh Development community in which active service to the larger community is an immediate and organic expression of Faith leading to the strengthening and expansion of the Baha’i community.” The plan further stated that, “Over the next two years, Mottahedeh Development Services plans to focus its efforts in the following areas: training and education, material development, skill development and technical support to social and economic development projects, enhanced communication and recognition, funding assistance, and youth training.” For the past two years MDS has focused on the mission to increase institutional and human capacity within the Baha’f Community to engage in social and economic development. The following are specific actions over the past year.






Social and Economic Development (SED) Training

MDS has conducted numerous workshops to train project facilitators using the Developing Patterns of Community Life workbook. To date, 210 individuals from 34 states have participated in SED training. ‘The introductory course, SED 1, has been offered at all permanent Baha’i Schools— Green Acre, Louhelen, and Bosch—and at the Native Ameri i Institute. It also was offered at the Family Unity Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, and at Brighton Creek in







Washington State. The SED 2 course has been conducted at Green Acre, Louhelen and the Family Unity Institute. In addition, SED facilitators have provided basie SED training at the Blue Ridge weekend retreats n North Carolina. A third and possibly fourth cou re planned that will focus on specific skills such as facilitation, project management, grant writing, and so on.






Cooperation with Rabbani Charitable Trust

‘This year, as in prior years, MDS supported the Rabbani conference by assi ing in recruiting participants and in facili s. The Business Forum once the development of sessions concerning business and economi






Consultation with Communities

Members of several communities have vis-'" ited the Family Unity Institute and consult ed with Carole Miller, MDS‘ domestic program director, about how to establish similar projects in their communities. In addition, thirty MDS-trained facilitators have consulted with local communities or conducted deepenings on social and economic develop-’ ment. MDS Board Members also consulted with numerous projects, such as the Tahirih Peace Institute, the Tahirih Justice Center, Voicemail for the Homeless, and the Cleveland Community Garden in Ohio.



Resource Bank Development

MDS is creating a resource bank. This is a survey of individual facilitators who possess specific skills and are willing to consult with communities or projects in those areas. For example, the resource bank includes individuals who are competent in grant writing, fund raising, project management, project evaluation, and forming non-profit organizations.


Materials Development

MDS believes it can assist in the development of human and institutional capacity by developing user-friendly training and learning materials. During the past year MDS published and distributed approximately 1,200 copies of its basic SED introductory workbook, Developing Patterns of Community Life. MDS also authorized Nur University to translate the workbook into Spanish and to distribute it.

Development has begun on a skills training workbook, tentatively titled The Skills of Servant Leadership. The first related module, “Facilitation Skills,” is now ilable for download from the MDS Web page; the download includes Power







page 42. THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000 July 13,2000 [Page 43]

point overhead presentations that support this module as well as the entire introductory manual.

Communications

Part of MDS% responsibility is to serve as a vehicle for knowledge sharing and networking. A revised Web site (www.mdssed.org) has been launched share knowledge, cases, and resources with those interested in social and economic development. The Web site contains project case studies, MDS News, educational resources, and links to other helpful sites.

Bah4ii Business Forum of the Americas

This year Mottahedeh Development Services appointed a new Board for the Baha’{ Business Forum of the Americas (BBEA). The following are some of the activities of BBFA.

A Curriculum Development Team was appointed and is working with the Directors of the Green Acre Baha’i School to develop a continuing professional-level set of courses about management and leadership for Baha’i business persons, Baha’i administrators and, eventually, the general public. Members of this team already have presented several courses at Green Acre and Louhelen. ‘Two members of the BBFA board are researching and working toward the development of a youth training curriculum in entrepreneurship that would incorporate Baha’ principles.

‘The Baha’i Business Forum of the Americas has initiated Local Enterprise Networks, which are monthly meetings held in local communities at which Baha’ business persons gather to deepen on the Baha'i writings. The Networks also provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to meet and to consult about business challenges. BBFA also maintains an Internet Business Forum, a discussion forum for those interested in business and economics. Its Web page can be found in the MDS Web site, and contains articles that can be downloaded, stored discussion threads, and links.to useful business resources.

In the near future, MDS will focus on a few key areas.

First, with regard to training and education, MDS is developing a network of coordinators and facilitators to parallel the development of the Regional Baha’{ Councils and the Regional Training Institutes. MDS has assigned or is in the process of seeking a regional coordinator for each of the regions to serve as a primary social and economic developmentresource to the Regional Baha’i Councils and to coordinate the efforts of the SED facilitators in each region.

MDS also will work to identify MDS-trained facilitators who are competent to deliver weekend courses for training institutes in each region. This training would follow the material presented in Developing Patterns of Community Life rather than having each Training Institute develop its own SED course, since MDS already has done the development work. By providing materials and trainers, MDS hopes to speed the work of the Institutes. Such assistance to the Institutes will supplement, not replace, offerings of courses at the permanent schools.

A second area of focus will be to develop training for youth. MDS will be working to create an SED curriculum geared toward young people to help them establish the pattern of service in their lives.

Work will continue on developing the resource bank and providing technical assistance. A continued effort will identify individuals with specific skills to assist communities and projects.

MDS also will continue to develop training modules on, specific skills to assist the development of social and economic development projects. Currently planned are modules on motivation, project management and grant writing.

Further work will be done to enable the MDS Web site to be a primary vehicle for communication. Other communications will include biannual production of MDS News to publicize SED efforts and articles in The American Bahd’t.

Finally, the BBEA soon will consider a proposal to directly fund a start-up company that would be owned by Mottahedeh Development Services. The intent of this business would be both to develop a revenue stream to assure the sustainability of MDS efforts and to serve the Baha’i community through the business activities. BBFA also will continue all of its initiatives currently under way. #




REPORTS] om L BAHA’Il COUN

TH CEE


REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCIL OF THE


first met on December 5, 1997, and began working to better understand its function and purpose

through a consultative meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counselors. ‘This process was enhanced by further meetings with these institutions and by the Council’ study of a variety of Baha’ writings, including the Tablets of the Divine Plan and documents from the Universal House of Justice. According to the House of Justice, “The main task of a Regional Baha’i Council is to devise and execute expansion and consolidation plans in close collaboration with the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the believers within its area of jurisdiction. Its goal is to create strong Local Spiritual Assemblies. ...” These plans were to harmonize with the National Spiritual Assembly's strategic plan for largescale growth in the United States.

In obedience to the Universal House of Justice, and after consultation with Counselor Stephen Birkland and a number of local spiritual assemblies and believers in the central states, the Regional Baha’i Council developed and released in August 1998 a regional plan for the concluding years of the Four Year Plan. The Council called upon the believers and institutions of the twelve central states to adopt the following summarized goals:

  • Generate new expansion and consolidation projects, or

. refine or enlarge such projects already in motion.

  • Enhance the teaching effort among special racial and

ethnic populations and youth.

  • Strengthen and support participation in the national

race unity campaign and the media campaign, and promote racial unity and the equality of men and women.

¢ Promote an increase in contributions to the Fund and develop regional economic resources.

  • Encourage spiritual assemblies, groups, task forces, and

individuals to develop teaching plans and to become directly linked with regional training institute programs where accessible.

In an effort to form warm and loving relationships and collaborate with the local spiritual assemblies and believers, as well as to advance the goals of the regional plan, the Council arranged to meet in various locations throughout the region. By the end of the Four Year Plan, the Council had met at least once in every central state, meeting with numerous communities, individual believers, and nearly half of the local spiritual assemblies in the region. Further, the Council communicated with the institutions and believers through letters, phone calls, the national Baha’i administrative Web site, e-mail, community gatherings, conferences, special programs, and summer and winter schools.

The Council realized the importance of developing a close collaborative relationship with the institution of the Learned; it was imperative to optimal functioning. To this end the Council has met and consulted with Counselors Stephen Birkland and Jacqueline Left Hand Bull. The Council invited the Auxiliary Board members to attend and participate in institutional meetings held throughout the region, as well as in two collaborative meetings with the regional training institutes and the Auxiliary Board.

The Council was blessed to meet and consult alone twice with the National Spiritual Assembly. These meetings were tremendously supportive and helped to guide the Council’s work. The Council also participated in several joint meetings that included the National Spiritual Assembly and all four Regional Councils. The Council has also met with the National ‘Teaching Committee, the National American Indian Teaching Committee, the National Latin American. ‘Teaching Task Force, and the Chinese Teaching Task Force.

In meetings with local spiritual assemblies and communi ee he Regional Baha’i Council of the Central States

_ CENTRAL STATES —


ties the Council stressed the significance of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the guidance of the Universal House of Justice during the Four Year Plan, the regional plan, and the importance of developing and implementing local expansion and consolidation plans to direct the teaching work, further community development, promote a goal-directed process, and allow for evaluation and continued advancement of the teaching work. A focus on using media and developing systems at the local level to respond to and track seeker activity was a feature of these gatherings. The observance of the eightieth anniversary of the unveiling of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, held at the Baha'i House of Worship, offered another opportunity to consider the role of the central states in advancing the process of entry by troops.

Acornerstone to all of the Council’ efforts was the establishment of the regional training institutes. The Universal House of Justice stressed the importance and role of these institutes. “To effect the possibilities of expansion and consolidation implied by entry by troops, a determined, worldwide effort to develop human resources must be made ... it is therefore of paramount importance that systematic attention be given to devising methods for educating large numbers of believers in the fundamental verities of the faith. ...” At present, five nationally designated regional training institutes have been established in the central states. These include,the Dorothy Baker Regional Training Institute in Ohio, the Milwaukee Metro Regional Training Institute in Wisconsin, the Chicago Regional Training Institute in Illinois, the Minnesota Regional Training Institute in Minnesota, and the Gateway Regional ‘Training Institute in Missouri. The Council or its representatives met with all of the regional training institutes and hosted a meeting at Louhelen Baha’i School with Counselor Birkland and members of the Auxiliary Board and the regional training institute boards. The Council also hosted a second meeting that included those already mentioned as well as the members of the Council’s committees.

The Council specifically encouraged local spiritual assemblies in areas served by the regional training institutes to develop expansion and consolidation plans. The planning workbook created by the Regional Baha'i Council of the Western States was provided as a resource where the institutes did not have planning curriculum in place. Through this process the Council hoped to stress the importance of the link between teaching projects and training activities.

During the Four Year Plan, the Council encouraged communities to initiate, refine, or enlarge expansion and consolidation projects, incorporating the elements of promoting entry by troops. For this purpose a project was defined as a combination of coordinated expansion and consolidation activities performed by the believers and institutions and addressed to a selected target population identified as receptive to the Faith.

In an effort related to advancing this goal, the Council established projects using the media in collaboration. with the National Teaching Committee, Auxiliary Board members, local spiritual assemblies, regional training institutes, and communities in the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Columbus, Ohio, areas. The opportunities created by the media are to be maximized by incorporating the dimensions contained in the compilation Promoting Entry by Troops as the standards for the planning and execution of the media project and further community development. ‘These projects will be advanced through skill-based courses provided by the regional training institute and will rely on intercommunity collaboration, fostered by the establishment of a media task force that functions under the direction of an area assembly.

In support of local teaching plans and efforts, a network of traveling teaching coordinators—one for each state—




July 13,2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL Rerort 2000 page 43 [Page 44]

has been established with two regional traveling teaching coordinators to facilitate the process. Complementary to this process, a homefront pioneer coordinator was appointed to identify and promote strategic goals in the region. The homefront pioneer coordinator is preparing specific goals for the Twelve Month Plan to raise groups to assembly status.

For generations the American Baha'i community has sought to enhance the diversity of its membership to reflect that of the world at large. According to ‘Abdu’lBah, “This diversity, this difference is like the naturally created dissimilarity and variety of the limbs and organs of the human body, for each one contributeth to the beauty, efficiency and perfection of the whole” (The Power of Unity, p52). To ensure that all limbs and organs are present and contributing to the whole, it becomes necessary to ensure that the community embraces and enfolds all the peoples of America, allowing none to feel woefully oumumbered or marginalized. The National Spiritual Assembly called special attention to the need to promote the teaching work among Latin American, American Indian, Chinese, and African-American peoples. The Council called upon the friends in the heartland of America to elevate the diversity of their numbers and to develop loving friendships with members of the above minority groups in particular, and to teach and welcome them into the Faith. Regional teaching committees were appointed for African American, Chinese, and Latin American populations to provide resources to local spiritual assemblies and facilitate teaching work in this area.

Since the Faith’s inception, youth have played an essential role in advancing the Cause of God, particularly because of their energy, enthusiasm, and optimism about the future. The Council encouraged youth to take up the banner of the Cause, while assemblies, communities, and individuals were asked to pay special attention to the needs and potential of their youth and to help increase their numbers in our communities. The Council began a practice of holding a special meeting for area youth in every community in which it conducts its Council meetings. This has helped the Council to learn of the concerns, opportunities, and needs unique to the youth. Four regional youth committees have been appointed and are assigned to the respective areas of (1) Ohio and Michigan, (2) Illinois and Indiana, (3) Minnesota, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, North Dakota and

Ts Four Year Plan aims at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of entry by troops. ... [S]uch an advance is to be achieved through marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community.” Several methods can be employed to ascertain the regional effects of this farreaching worldwide plan. One criterion is purely subjective: Have there been any signs of spiritual growth in this center of a dominantly capitalist culture? The answer is a


South Dakota, and (4) Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. These committees have been asked to identify and implement strategies to support the youth to become administrators, teachers, and fully participating members of the Baha’f community. ‘Two regional youth conferences were held to reflect the spirit of the Conference of Badasht some 150 years ago.

‘The Universal House of Justice indicated that connecting the Faith with social and humanitarian issues of the times is an essential ingredient of the process of entry by troops. The social issues that the national community placed special emphasis upon during the Four Year Plan were racial unity and the equality of men and women. A Regional Committee for the Equality of Women and Men was appointed to identify resources and strategies to address this issue regionally.

The Council fully endorsed and supported the national media campaign to promote Baha’ solutions to social and spiritual issues that have been and will continue to be addressed in videos and public broadcasts. ‘The 800-22-UNITE call system provided the opportunity to establish a systematic response to calls either not responded to at the local level or those calls from seekers made in areas not connected to the process. All communities have been encouraged to connect to this system. To support areas not connected to the call system, the Council identified individuals to manage these seeker calls at the state level to ensure that seekers were contacted. The Council also provided information on using the media and responding to seekers through mailings, telephone calls, and presentations in the communities of the central states, as well as making known the resources and findings of the National Teaching Committee. A systematic approach to seeker follow-up and tracking was suggested and the model established by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Marquette, Michigan, was offered for consideration.

‘To further develop and enhance the unit conventions, the Council asked for the support of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants to provide insight into the sacred nature of the election of delegates to the National Convention. The Council also selected four electoral units to study and evaluate. The process of evaluation was extended to all electoral units following the unit conventions. The information gleaned is shared with the host assembly the following year to allow for implementation of

REGIONAL BAHA’[

resounding yes. The Council has observed the changes by traveling extensively throughout the region, attending Nineteen Day Feasts, firesides, devotional meetings, and community teaching activities, finding love and fellowship evident everywhere. Other criteria for measuring our success are, more objective. Can we measure the challenge issued four years ago to the individual by the Universal House of Justice? The individual alone can exercise those capacities which include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with oth NORTHEASTERN STATES ©

suggestions. The Unit Convention Planning Manual has been revised twice, giving focus to developing a spiritual atmosphere and the process of consultation during the convention. A unit convention coordinator has been appointed to work with the host assemblies and planning committees in support of efforts to advance the understanding of the role of the unit convention, increase participation, and provide an atmosphere in which the sacred obligation of the Baha’f electoral process takes place.

The Councils were given the responsibility to organize the electoral process of the election of the Regional Baha’f Council. Several mailings to local spiritual assemblies focused on the spirit and sacred nature of the electoral process and on the specific details of the system of balloting. Support materials are being designed to provide additional information about this process.

The activities of the of the Council since Ridvan 1999 were directed toward advancing the goals of the regional plan and included the establishment of the Chicago Regional Training Institute; the community development projects facilitated by the media in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Columbus, Ohio, areas; the appointment of the homefront pioneer coordinator; the appointment of the unit convention coordinator; further development of the Regional Latin American, Chinese, and African-American Teaching Committees; and the appointment of the Committee for the Equality of Women and Men. The Council hosted the second annual youth conference at the House of Worship; consulted with the four regional youth committees and activated their work in the region; appointed twelve media representatives to manage default calls for each state in support of the media efforts; assumed institutional responsibility for the Green Lake Conference Committee; continued. to foster relationships with local spiritual assemblies and believers in the region; and furthered collaborative relationships with all institutions. Recognition of individual community projects was supported by letters from the Council. Office space was rented to expand the Council office, and the decision was made to add a part-time administrative assistant.

In mid-February 2000, the National Spiritual Assembly called a meeting for members of the Continental Board of Counselors and its Auxiliary Board, the Regional Councils, and the National Teaching Committee to consult on the

COUNCIL OF THE

na

$3

ers, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society, and to convert into action the decisions made by consultative bodies. More than two hundred (3 percent) of the adults in the Northeast are working directly with the Regional Baha’{ Council on its task forces, regional committees, and boards of directors. Approximately 1,050 (16 percent) serve on local spiritual assemblies. Nearly one hundred serve as members of the institution of the Learned as assistants to Auxiliary Board members. Hundreds have been trained by the five regional training insti elements of the Twelve Month Plan. The consultation included the role of the Regional ‘Training Institutes, children, pre-youth, youth, and the media plan.

In early March, the Council met with Counselor Birkland to consult on initial thoughts for a twelve-month plan for the region. ‘The consultation also included consideration of the following extract from the Ridvan 156 message from the Universal House of Justice:

“Where there is close interaction between a Council and a training institute, the stage is set for a galvanic coherence of the processes effecting expansion and consolidation in a region, and for the practical matching of the training services of institutes to the developmental needs of local communities. Moreover, the operational guidelines whereby the Continental Counsellors and the Regional Councils have direct access to each other give rise to a further institutional relationship which, along with that connecting the Councils to the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, effectuates a dynamic integration of functions at the regional level.”

An immediate priority of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Central States will be fostering “a close interaction” between the regional training institutes and this institution.

Other priorities for the immediate future include identifying strategies to work intimately with all institutions; fostering close relationships with the regional training institutes, expanding their regions of service, and establishing additional institutes; and appointing a Regional American Indian Teaching Committee. The Council also will consider ways, means, and resources to promote the education of children and opportunities for service for pre-youth and youth; promote the sacred nature of the Baha’ electoral process, as it applies to wnit conventions and to the election.of the Regional Baha’i Council; and develop a twelve month plan that reflects the National Spiritual Assembly's goals and is suited to the central states. The Regional Council anticipates the eventful Twelve Month Plan as a preparation for unprecedented progress in the Five Year Plan.

It is the Councils hope that love for Baha'u'llah will animate the lives of each believer in the Central States, fulfilling ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s prayer that each may become “a brilliant lamp, a shining star and a blessed tree, adorned with fruit, its branches overshadowing all these regions.” ®

tutes; many have been trained to act as facilitators for courses offered by the regional training institutes; some have arisen to serve as pioneers on distant shores and on the homefront; others participated themselves or enabled a youth to participate in a year of service or some other mode of service. Other measures of our success deal with the workings of the community and the institutions: the establishment and functioning of the Regional Baha’{ Council in November 1997; the establishment of the five regional training institutes (1998 and 1999), which are now offering training in


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the fundamental verities of the Faith and using the Ruhi method; the use of the arts in teaching, proclamation, and consolidation efforts; the wide mobilization of youth, particularly through the “Make your Mark” campaign; decentralization; more effective use of Green Acre Bahai School; numerous intercommunity media efforts; the many new social and economic development projects; and the use of print and electronic media to bring believers in the region closer together. In 1998, when the Iranian Baha'is’ Open University was closed, nearly 50 percent of the local spiritual assemblies and groups in the region contacted educators to share the distressing news and solicit their assistance. Several initiatives during the Four Year Plan are novel and deserve further explanation. The Regional Arts Task Force, for the first time, identified all types of artists in the region and started a “95 Arts” fireside campaign to be completed by Ridvan. 2000. A major success of this project has been the guidance offered to artists and to hosting communities to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of one another’ skills and needs. The Regional Media Committee has helped diverse communities to pool their resources in support of the national media campaign. Statewide committees and unit convention-sized committees now help to raise funds, buy media feeds, interact with seekers, and assist with teaching and consolidation efforts. These local and regional



‘ fter its election in December 1997, A: the midpoint of the Four Year Plan, the Regional Baha’i Council “of the Southern States spent its first year organizing its affairs, creating an infrastructure to serve sixteen states, and establishing a relationship of mutual trust and affection with both the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counselors. The Council also set about identifying and confirming the regional challenges of growth, both quantitative and qualitative, and, having received the resounding confirmation of so many Spiritual Assemblies in the region, began developing a systematic means to address the challenges. This early first step helped shape both the Council’s Mission and Vision statements, later published in the Southern Regional Plan for the final year of the Four Year Plan.

The mission of the Regional Baha’i Council is to advance the process of entry by troops in the South.

The Council’s vision for the southern states is the development of a new state of mind, of a regional community linked more closely to Baha’u’llah, and of a clear sense of mission. The Southern region will be fully engaged in growth, in teaching with increased confidence and courage, and in acquiring effective teaching skills. It is a regional community that celebrates and embraces diversity and fosters a loving and accepting environment. And finally, it is a region that promotes an intimate relationship between the two arms of the Baha’i Administrative Order.

After carefully considering the Master’s

efforts significantly augmented the number of seeker calls on the 800-22-UNITE phone system. The Regional Committee for Equality of Women and Men is organizing a conference at the Green Acre Baha'i School for the purpose of fostering a more spiritual understanding of gender relations personally, locally, nationally, and globally. The regional training institute coordinators are hosting a second conference at Green Acre Baha'i School that includes the five boards of directors, Auxiliary Board members, the Regional Youth Committee and the Regional Baha’f Council. The cross-fertilization of ideas and sharing of effective practices has helped our training institutes grow rapidly with a common vision. The Regional Youth Task Force will hold its second Conference of Badasht at Green Acre (Summer 2000) to train the youth as spiritual descendants of the dawn-breakers and to familiarize them with their religious heritage. This will be followed by a month of summer teaching opportunities. A group of Persian-American and African-American believers have received special training to prepare them for traveling teaching together in teams. This is the first of several sets of teams that will be trained and engage in the traveling teaching arena. The Regional Baha’{ Council and the Auxiliary Board members have established nine working groups to facilitate discussion ona wide range of topics including parenting, the Nineteen Day Feast, individual



teaching, spiritual assembly developriient, and race gatherings will be specific lines of action that the Regional Baha’f Council may choose to incorporate in its future plans.

The Northeast has been enriched by many social and economic development projects, including Lights of Learning in Maine; United Endeavors in New York City; the Haman Development Center in Buffalo, New York; the Tahirih Peace Institute in Boston, Massachusetts; the Baha'i Chinese Friendship Association, also in Boston; Milagro House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; the Race Unity Dialogue in Sodus Point, New York, and many others. A regional communication. network has been established “and strengthened through wide use of the Internet and a newsletter titled North Star.

Plans for the immediate future will build on the victories already achieved. Our goal is to connect the hearts of the believers in the Northeast to Baha’u’llah; to improve the spiritual nature of Baha’ elections; to assist in the development of the Nineteen Day Feasts; to raise and nurture in Baha’ children a strong Baha'i identity and spiritual attributes; and to provide a model of Baha'i culture within the family unit and community.

Plans for race unity endeavors will deal with how to address the most vital and challenging issue; create loving environments in our homes and in the world; demonstrate the value of diversity; initiate

a.


REGIONAL BAHA’i COUNCIL OF THE

SOUTHERN STATES

guidance, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, concerning the unique qualities of the southern states, the Council sought to increase momentum and to foster a sense of regional identity focusing on the potential for systematic, sustainable growth. Deeply inspired by these Tablets and recognizing the abundance of talent and potential latent in the region, the Council dedicated its early months of service to building unity, developing a relationship with local institutions, and engaging the talents and resources of the friends to meet the increasing needs of a growing South.

During the final year of the Four Year Plan, the Council saw a_ significant increase in activity in the region. The brightest stars on the southern horizon are summarized below.

The regional teaching plan, “Date with Destiny,” was widely and enthusiastically embraced. The goals of the plan focus on growth, training, and social and economic development initiatives, calling for individual and team teaching, for the establishment of activities that attract the hearts of seekers, and for a 100 percent rate of follow-up with seekers responding to the national media campaign. Measurable success has been achieved. The goal of holding 163 devotional gatherings was not only achieved but exceeded by 63 percent. The goal of deploying 760 traveling teachers was also not only achieved but exceeded by 52 percent. The goal of holding 350 regularly scheduled firesides was 39 percent fulfilled. The goal of sending forth 365 teaching teams was 37 percent fulfilled. The goal of deploying 89

homefront pioneers was 59 percent fulfilled. ‘The goal of getting 1,618 individuals to participate in regional training institute courses was 32 percent fulfilled. The goal of starting twelve new social and economic development projects was 24 percent fulfilled.

A Southern Regional Teaching Office was established in Durham, North Carolina, to monitor progress of the regional plan and to help the community respond to the goals. The office contributed significantly to the success of the regional plan by stimulating a grassroots response through its telephone contact with spiritual assemblies and by providing the Council and the community with biweekly e-mail updates on the plan’s progress. The office also created a database of all assemblies and registered groups and consulted with individuals and institutions on a variety of teaching-related matters. The Regional Teaching Office is joyfully and capably managed by Ms. Corinne Mills, who supervises a cadre of enthusiastic and spirited volunteers.

The network of regional training institutes (RTIs) in the South was expanded. Eleven of them now blanket the region, opening the way for the friends to gain the knowledge, spiritual insight, and skills vital to success in capturing and sustaining large-scale growth.

The RTIs of the South have distinguished themselves in offering a variety of courses throughout the region. The Council has held three annual conferences for RTI boards of directors to help them grasp their assignment and formulate a regional vision of training. A comprehensive orien



provide opportunities for building unity; learn respect; and teach children and adults to be champions of race unity.

Plans to encourage and stimulate individual teaching will be addressed by both a pamphlet and the assistance of the institution of the Learned to help create within individuals a burning desire and an unwavering commitment to teaching, using daily action and continual self-assessment.

Plans for institutions and communities will focus on the decentralization of minority teaching task forces from the national to the regional level; the creation of a Local Spiritual Assembly Training and Development Office; closer collaboration with and training of the local spiritual assemblies; concentration of regional resources on specific sites to create new local spiritual assemblies; and improvement in the quality of courses offered, teaching opportunities, and participation by the graduates of the regional training institutes.

Key to all of our plans and visions are the close, loving collaboration of the institutions of the Rulers and the Learned, a perpetual focus on spiritual development, and the development of human resources through training. As these plans and lines of action bear fruit, each individual in the region will have the opportunity to make his or her own mark in a brief span of time charged with potentialities and hope for all humanity.

tation manual was developed and updated to include more current guidance. The Council worked closely with each newly formed RTI to orient it to its mandate, matching newly formed RTIs with wellestablished ones in a mentoring relationship, thus ensuring that little delay in offering courses of study occurs. The Council itself has undertaken a study of the course “Reflections in the Life of the Spirit” to better understand the institute process and to further secure its unity. The Southern Council is particularly grateful for the services of Ms. Susan Nossa, who devotedly serves as the southern RTI coordinator. ‘The Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team focused on mobilizing greater numbers of Baha’i youth in the region. Charged by the Council to bring about an increased Baha’i youth movement, the team identified and appointed a number of “lieutenants,” who serve as conduits for communication to and from the grassroots level and the team itself. Working in close collaboration with the National Youth Committee, the team has reinforced the network of Baha'i college clubs in the South, encouraging their support of various teaching and proclamation initiatives. ‘Two college club conferences were held the past year; a training conference for the lieutenants initiated them in their roles as servants of the youth movement. The Youth ‘Team, whose talented volunteer coordinator is Ms. Donna Evertz, was very effective in engaging the enthusiasm of the youth in the South. The Council anticipates that youth leadership will bring many teaching


July 13,2000 ‘THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * ANNUAL REPoRT 2000

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victories in the summer months ahead.

The Southern Regional ‘Traveling ‘Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team saw increased movement of traveling teachers and the placement of homefront pioneers in goal areas. It recorded the movement of more than 760 traveling teachers and helped to place some 89 homefront pioneers in the last year. This mobilization reinforced grassroots efforts in both expansion and consolidation, most notably in northeastern Oklahoma, where fresh enrollments were welcomed. The team has worked with state teaching committees to establish a cadre of state-based coordinators, thus channeling teachers to goal areas. The Council is grateful to Phyllis and Gene Unterschuetz, who have served tirelessly as itinerant teachers in the region for the past two years, as well as to countless youth who have served full-time and over their vacations in service as traveling teachers.

More intimate and meaningful dialogue occurred among the friends on issues of racial harmony. The Southern Race Unity Committee launched a series of race amity conferences with the goal of holding annual gatherings in each state. A videotape on the history of these gatherings is now in production. The committee also began production of a race unity dialogue videotape titled A Revolutionary Change, which will be the centerpiece of a campaign to dramatically affect the discourse on the issue of race unity within the southern Baha’f community. The videotape will be accompanied by related study materials. In addition, a pilot effort focusing on the role of white Baha'is in achieving racial unity has been launched in three areas of the region.

The Cou observed promising results of the national media campaign in the southern states. To date, the region has enjoyed a 43 percent share of the national seeker calls, and the Council has called for 100 percent seeker follow-up at the local level. Efforts have been made to help the friends respond more effectively through the planning of spirited, celebratory devotional gatherings that reflect our


s the Four Year Plan comes to a Aces conclusion, the Council wishes to appreciatively recognize the numerous friends and institutions in the Western region who have made their mark through consecrated deeds aimed at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of entry by troops. Without a doubt, there has been a marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believers, of the institutions, and of the local communities comprising the Western region, a brief summary of which is offered in this annual report. When the Four Year Plan opened in the Western region, there was limited understanding of the notion of decentralization, a process that would dramatically unfold throughout the Plan. Prior to the beginning of the Four Year Plan, selected local spiritual assemblies in the Western region were invited by the National Spiritual Assembly to participate in the development of innovative systems of electronic communications.



rich cultural diversity. More than 160 newly-established, regularly scheduled gatherings have been reported by local communities. The Council has charged the state teaching committees with contacting local communities to encourage effective seeker follow-up and to ensure that all calls are readily retrieved.

The Council collaborated closely with the National Teaching Committee, sharing some dozen mutual projects designed to enhance the response of the national media campaign, including the development of new follow-up materials for seekers and the investigation of radio programming initiatives in the South. The Council has partnered with the National Teaching Committee and local spiritual assemblies in the ‘Triangle, North Carolina, area and in the Dallas-Fort Worth, ‘Texas, metropolitan area on two locally based media initiatives. One campaign, based in Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, has received more seeker calls than any other part of the region; to date, more than seven hundred calls have been logged in North Carolina. The DallasFort Worth area also began to attract significant results. Further, the National “Teaching Committee participated in several southern regional consultations. The nature of the Council’: relationship with the National Teaching Committee has been very valuable as we worked together to develop home-study teaching materials, to decentralize minority teaching agencies, to engage the talents of friends who have distinguished themselves as experienced direct teachers, and to develop new courses of study for RTIs that will target both new believers and seekers, among other projects.

‘The regional plan called for the establishment of social and economic development (SED) projects in the South, and the Council worked both to survey and to educate spiritual assemblies about the nature and purpose of SED initiatives. Three members of the Council attended the annual Rabbani Social and Economic Development Conference in Florida. The Council worked

closely with Mottahedeh Development Services (MDS) in SED training and strategy development. It also has been working with MDS to identify and classify existing and new projects, which now number between sixty-five to seventy in the region.

In addition to these highlighted initiatives, the Council either supervised or carried out the following activities: developed new materials for teaching through the services of a Regional Publishing Committee, including the full-color booklet Uniting the Human Family, now in its second printing; the Southern Regional Unit Conventions Planning Committee’ work related to the holding of sixty-seven unit conventions each October; held a conference focused on the need for the friends to become more skilled and confident in teaching seekers from a Christian background; appointed Ms. Jene Bellows to work with spiritual assemblies and regional training institutes to reach and teach Chinese people residing in the southern region; planned and managed the logistics of the annual Regional Council election by the members of some four hundred local spiritual assemblies; visited the majority of states in the region, thereby helping to educate the Baha'is about the nature of the Council, to acquaint them with the goals of the regional plan, and to stimulate the expansion and consolidation work of the Faith; posted a Council home page as part of the national administrative Web site, which included information and educational materials to stimulate the growth and development of the Faith in the region; planned a series of Persian language meetings to engage and embrace the friends from the Cradle of the Faith; assisted with planning, publicizing, and coordinating grassroots response in support of the Riverboat Tour, a performing arts traveling teaching tour that took place last summer in the region.

‘These activities listed above were undertaken in addition to maintaining a monthly meeting schedule, regular conference calls, and the day-to-day operations of the Council’ offices of the secretary and treas REGIONAL BAHA'I COUNCIL OF THE

WESTERN STATES

During the first few months of the Four Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed the first Regional Baha’i Committees, designating the regions according to the four regions outlined by the Beloved Master in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. ‘The seven-member committee for the Western States labored under the direction of the National Teaching Committee to begin to understand the unique needs, complexity, and opportunities for growth within the vast eleven-state region. They set into motion the process of the appointment and orientation of the first Regional ‘Training Institutes ever known to the area, as well as established a network of traveling teaching and homefront pioneering coordinators to help foster the spread of the Faith to more remote portions of the region. Areas of high growth potential were identified and encouraged in their local initiatives.

A letter dated May 30, 1997, from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States



called for the election, on the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah, on November 12, 1997, of Regional Baha’i Councils to replace the appointed Regional Baha’f Committees. Along with the members of the three other sister Baha’{ Councils, the newly elected members of the Regional Baha’i Council of the Western States were invited by the National Spiritual Assembly to Wilmette in December 1997 to begin the first term of eighteen months of service until the second election was held on the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab, May 23, 1993.

‘The Ridvan 153 message to the Baha'is of North America turned the Council’ attention to the opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops

niquely present in this continent, all of which were and continue to be abundantly manifest in the Western region. Endeavoring to build upon the strength of the local communities, particularly evident in the activities of its local spiritual assemblies and in the consecration of its Bahé’i youth,

urer, including related tasks of management, correspondence, record keeping, report preparation, and data storage.

Priorities for the year ahead are detailed in the Universal House of Justice's Day of the Covenant message dated November 26, 1999. While the Council awaits the directives of the National Spiritual Assembly before defining a specific course of action for the coming year, it anticipates that the ‘Twelve Month Plan in the South will focus on continuing to foster the initiatives already underway. The Council also plans to launch several new key programs of emphasis, including the following: the planning of systematic, well-organized campaigns of largescale growth in partnership with local spiritual assemblies in various parts of the region; an expanded focus on the need to create strong local spiritual assemblies; the systematic acceleration of Baha’{ youth activities by elevating the level of spiritual discourse, fostering an increased sense of discipline, providing a well-conceived historical context, and stimulating youth to address social issues relevant to the Faith and to society; a summer of teaching and service activity for Baha'i youth, including training programs to prepare them for their year of service or for summer campaign project volunteer work; the holding of a regional conference in the fall to celebrate and reinforce a southern regional identity; assisting regional training institutes to “bring into full operation the programs and systems they have now devised”; enhancing the relationship between regional training institutes and local spiritual assemblies; connecting the work of the regional training institutes and to the teaching work; developing a regional center for the performing arts in partmership with the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, “Tennessee; decentralizing minority teaching initiatives for American Indians, Latinos, and persons of African descent; and developing programs to foster the equality of women and men.

The year ahead promises to be one of both challenge and victory in the southern states. ®



the positive impression of the Faith conveyed to both the generality of the public and to leaders of thought and people of influence, and the diverse composition of the region’ inhabitants including immigrants, students, and refugees from all parts of the planet the Regional Baha’i Council crafted and launched the first Regional Victory Campaign in 1999 to support the National ‘Teaching Plan announced a few months earlier: The Regional Victory Campaign, sent to each believer and local spiritual assembly, rallied the friends “to continue a significant advance in the process of entry by troops through a marked increase in th tematic activity of individuals, institutions and communities” and called individual believers to lovingly befriend and guide seeking souls in the neighborhoods, towns, and cities and warmly welcome them into ever-expanding, attractive, vibrant Baha’i communities guided by mature and loving local spiritual assemblies.

This vision was implemented through





page 46 THE AMERICAN BanA’i © Annuat Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 Ua Gh Vibe [Page 47]

several regional initiatives and programs, some of which were built upon efforts initiated earlier by the Regional Baha’y Committee for the Western States, and were further enhanced by perspectives offered by the Counselors and their Auxiliary Board members. By the end of the Four Year Plan, the Council had put in place several coordinators, offices, desks, liaisons, committees, and appointees to assist with regional efforts to dispatch traveling teachers and homefront pioneers to goal communities; foster the formation and development of local

iritual assemblies, Regional ‘Training Institutes, and area youth programs; reach peoples of specific minority populations; and make arrangements for conducting fifty-five unit conventions and the Council election. The Regional Council also made a conscious effort to meet with the friends throughout the region to listen to their cares and concerns and receive suggestions as to how the Council might best provide support for local and area expansion and consolidation efforts.

A measure of tir


e and effort was also invested in the institutional development of the Council itself as a body through consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly and members of the Continental Board of Counselors. These consultations illuminated the Council’s understanding of its scope of authority, focus areas, and role, and helped in developing plans of its vision and action within the framework provided by the guidance of the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly. At the operational level, the Council’s offices of the secretary and treasurer experimented with establishing functional mechanisms to provide communication and accounting systems based on the principles of efficiency and love.

The value of the time and effort devoted during this initial period to establishing and refining the Council’: vision, scope, role, and operations became apparent in the significantly productive last year of the Plan.

‘The progress made in the western region during the closing year of the Four Year Plan almost defies description. Great strides have been made in the collective exertions of individuals, institutions, and communities increasingly focused on advancing the process of entry by troops in this blessed, vast, diverse region of the United States.

Contributing to this advancement has been the increasing collaboration between members of the two arms of the Administrative Order, witnessed at all levels in the region. The numerous consultations of the Regional Baha'i Council with members of the Continental Board of Counselors and with the national and local spiritual assemblies, as well as the frequent contact between the local spiritual assemblies with the Auxiliary Board members and assistants, have marked a new stage of maturation. ‘The institutions have increased their capacity to work harmoniously together to propagate, unify, advance, and protect the Cause of God.








Regional Victory Campaign During the final year of the Four Year Plan, the Council recognized notable strides toward the regional vision of individual believers lovingly befriending and guiding seeking souls in their neighbor hoods, towns, and cities and warmly welcoming them into ever-expanding, attractive, vibrant Baha’i communities guided by mature and loving local spiritual assemblies.

Individuals

Increased awareness and dedication by the “friends and the maidservants of the Merciful, the chosen ones of the Kingdom” in the eleven Western states to fulfill the wish of the Beloved Master to recite the daily teaching prayer has taken place. More than 120 individuals have arisen to homefront pioneer, and over 590 traveling teaching trips have been reported. An increased number of individuals and institutions have deputized others to carry out these activities. It has been particularly heart-warming to witness those devoted lovers of Baha’u’llah who have focused their pioneering and traveling teaching services in the states of Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Nevada, and on Native American lands throughout the region.

Notable strides of individual believers to further systematize their teaching efforts have been more tangible. Hundreds of individuals made written personal commitments to hold regular firesides. Teachers, in their love of Bahd’u’llih, have shared His healing Message with increased zeal, wisdom, and confidence. By lovingly befriending receptive seekers and holding regular firesides, teachers have brought new believers into the Cause.




Youth

Activities of the youth and junior youth have increased across the region. Youth traveling teaching teams from several states, youth workshops, college clubs, and youth firesides are among the exciting developments. Youth retreats, local and intercommunity youth organizations, youth committees and conferences, youth networking, and training courses have demonstrated the growing vibrancy of the youth and junior-youth movement. Sunday school classes and study circles have also contributed to the spiritual education of children, junior youth, and youth.


Institutions

At the institutional level, many signs of the growing maturity of local spiritual assemblies have been witnessed. The Council has seen increasing evidence of support for the national media campaign through local efforts, including participation in the 800-22-UNITE. seeker response system, adoption of extension teaching goal areas to raise assemblies, and encouragement of community members to participate in training courses, to homefront pioneer, and to travel teach. Many communities have signed up for voice mail boxes, linking local teaching efforts with the national media campaign and area proclamation efforts.

Use of assembly development modules, developed by the Office of Assembly Development, reached a new high in the western states. Many assemblies participated in assembly development module sessions to further enhance their abilities to “exercise their responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities and loving shepherds of the multitudes.”

Local spiritual assemblies throughout the region evolved their systematic teaching efforts and their capacity to guide and develop their communities. Many of the plans shared with the Council in 1999 clearly showed their close reading and practical use of the Councils workbook, Systematic Teaching Plans, to be an effective tool in evolving the planning and implementation of teaching efforts in 1999 2000. Evaluations of this handbook received by the Council from the assemblies were overwhelmingly positive. Many assemblies increased their collaboration with the Auxiliary Board.

‘The number of local spiritual assemblies inthe region rose from 456 in 1998 to 488 in 1999 due to increased teaching by resident believers, homefront pioneers, and traveling teachers. Wyoming, which had no assemblies in the previous year, regained two assemblies, and local assemblies in various Native American are: such as Navajoland and the Makah reservation, shine ever more brightly. More than forty assemblies have reported adoption of a nearby community as an extension teaching goal with the aim of helping the community attain or retain assembly status in 157 B.E. It is anticipated that the ‘Twelve Month Plan will be greeted in the Western states with more local assemblies.





Intercommunity efforts

Another joyous development has been the further refinement of intercommunity efforts. A working paper developed by the Regional Council and meetings of Council members with local assemblies and intercommunity task forces and committees helped foster and evolve interassembly collaboration. Numerous intercommunity cooperative partnerships evolved as a natural outcome of realizing the benefits of collaboration and pooling specialized human resources. Tucson, Arizona, and El Dorado County, California, are two areas where the local spiritual assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, the Regional Baha’i Council, and National Teaching Committee have collaborated. These areas and several others including Chico, California, and Portland, Oregon show potential for evolution of an ongoing pattern of collective advancement projects as they press forward.



Training institutes

Presently, there are ten regional training institutes in the western region actively engaged in evolving their training services for believers and seekers. All are striving to increase their ability to train the necessary human resources required to sustain an acceleration of the expansion and consolidation of the Baha’i community. The regional training institutes, appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly and ne: worked and guided by the Regional Bah: Council, have greatly benefitted from the intimate involvement of the Auxiliary Board members. These nascent centers of Baha’{ learning have also benefitted from support from and partnership with local spiritual assemblies. The regional training institutes have been in the process of offering their initial training programs and developing their systems of delivery. Through a regional conference, Board of Directors orientations, consultative meetings, guidelines, and field services, the




Regional Council and its newly established Office of Training Institutes have striven to assess and advance the evolution of systematic training efforts in the western states. Over 4,000 believers, both adults and youth, have participated in training institute courses in the western region during the Four Year Plan. These participants have gained a deeper understanding of the basic truths of the Revelation of Bahd’u'lléh, strengthened their Baha’ identity, augmented their awareness of the importance of practicing the spiritual laws, gained new insights into applying the ‘Teachings to social issues, and begun to sharpen their skills as teachers of the Cause. While only the process of organic unfoldment of the training institutes will disclose their true potential and impact, increased participation in and understanding of training courses is already evident. Experience with systematic training efforts and evolution of training approaches have begun to open new venues important to training and galvanizing the individual to arise, to serve, and to act.

Community

At the community level, reports and newsletters indicate that most Baha'i communities in the western states have engaged in race unity and intergenerational activities. The Council has noted and encouraged special gatherings and initiatives designed to serve the rich diversity of peoples that reside in the western states, such as Project 99, serving the burgeoning Southeast Asian community in California’ central valley; the Pacific Islander Ocean of Light ‘Teaching Group; the Spirit Run; and other innovative efforts that build on the richness and strength of this very diverse region and celebrate the oneness of humanity.

A multitude of devotional gatherings, a significant developmental milestone of Baha'i community life, have proven not only to be a welcomed rejuvenating factor of community worship and unity, but also, when opened to the public, have attracted souls to the Cause. Also noted are the beginnings of solid efforts in gender equality and enhancing the spirit and joy of Nineteen Day Feasts and holy days with the use of music and the arts. The Council has actively promoted the arts by sponsoring a song writers conference and commissioning and distributing two musical compact disks. The Regional Council has taken joy in sharing some of these stories in the Regional Victory E-newsletter it recently started to publish electronically.

A multifaceted youth development program for building stronger Baha’i communities through nurturing and integrating Baha’{ youth into all phases of community life has moved from an initial pilot phase by the Regional Baha’i Council to an implementation phase in more areas of the region. ‘This approach has been built upon area partnerships that include local assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, regional training institutes, and the Regional Youth Development office. The program design endeavors to develop and sustain lifelong servants of the Cause. Additionally, several regional youth desks have been appointed. The desks, staffed by one or two individuals, foster teaching activities through college clubs, youth workshops, and junior and senior high school youth activities. Youth wishing


July 13,2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ ANNUAL REPortT 2000

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ANNUAL REPORT:


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to travel teach, homefront pioneer, or offer a year of service are provided with opportunities on the homefront and abroad.


Looking to the future

Just one month after the beginning of the ‘Twelve Month Plan, friends throughout the region will gather at the first electoral meetings ever held for the election of the Regional Baha’i Council. These special meetings will be an occasion for local spiritual assembly members to gather together and prayerfully cast their ballots for the



onal Baha and discuss the progress of the Cause in thei s. These meetings, chaired by Auxiliary Board members, will help the communities to mobilize themselves for the rapid prosecution of the Twelve Month Plan and forge deepening bonds of collaboration between the elected and appointed institutions at the grassroots level.

The Council redoubles its encouragement to all assemblies to work quickly, in close collaboration with their Auxiliary Board members, to develop and launch

members of the Re Council





IS.




local teaching plans and intercommunity efforts, based on close study of the Ridvs messages from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly. The growing capacity of the cent regional training institutes combined with increasingly refined local and intercommunity teaching plans will contribute significantly to the development of the vigor and abilities of individuals of all ages. Individuals will be provided with the skills for teaching by the training institutes and with opportunities to exercise




n systematic teaching plans. ities in the western will continue to work towards ming magnetic models of unity, joyously engaged in regular public devotional gatherings and acts of service to the Cause and to their communities. With the swelling numbers of active seekers calling for spiritual answers to the personal and social issues besetting humanity, the Baha’f communities in the western states are now poised to seize the long-awaited opportunities for growth.





REGIONAL BAHA’I COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP


Central States Northeastern States Southern States Western States Caswell Ellis Nina Dini Covey Cantville Shad Afsahi Elvora Jacobi Robert Harris A. Jack Guillebeaux Fereshteh Bethel Paul Jacobi John Joyce Robert James Carol Brooks Jena Khodadad Neal McBride Ahmad Mahboubi Derek Cockshut Curtis Russell Rebequa Murphy Carole Miller Shannon Javid Morris Taylor Joel Nizin Mahyar Mofidi Charleen Maghzi June Thomas Vickie Nizin Karen Pritchard A. Habib Riazati Richard Thomas Nathan Rutstein Kambiz Rafraf Erica Toussaint Lynn Wieties William Smith James Sturdivant Elahe Young

National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men Layli Miller Bashir + Harvey McMurray * Badi Mesbah * Michael Rogell + Homa Sabet Tavangar * Cynthia R. Thomas * Stefany Lee Unda

National Baha'i Education Task Force

Saba Ayman-Nolley *

Richard Beane Ill +

Beatriz Reyna Curry *

Barbara Johnson *

Ray Johnson ¢ Joannie Gholar Yuille

National Teaching Committee Kenneth Bowers * Ethel Crawford * William Geissler * Jena Khodadad * Alejandro Melendez

National African American Teaching Committee Lana Bogan ¢ Elarryo Bolden + Robert Carpenter * Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis * Oliver Thomas

National American Indian Teaching Committee Sara Bigheart * Helen Kiely * Phil Lucas * Ina McNeil * Christian Norleen

Chinese Teaching Task Force Albert Cheung * Hong Foo * Deborah Karres * Mara Khavari * Susan Senchuk

Latin American Teaching Task Force Vera Berrio Breton * Fernando Huerta Jr. * Elvia Ramirez

National Youth Committee Vesal Dini * M. Eric Horton * Anthony Outler ¢ Leili Towfigh * Nancy Wong

NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

School and Institute Advisory Boards

Bosch Baha'i School Tandis Arjmand * James Cardell * Jan Findlay * Carl Fravel + Traci Gholar * Sharon Jensen ° Kambiz Petri

Green Acre Baha'i School Allison Grover * Wandra Harmsen * Roger Harrison * Tom Hasegawa * Mara Khavari * Chester Makoski * Farhad Rassekh * Robert Rosenfeld * Keivan Towfigh

Louhelen Baha'i School Azar Alizadeh * Solomon Atkins * Elizabeth Herth * Susan Modarai ° Charles Nolley * Bonita Panahi + Patrick Patillo * Richard Yates

Native American Baha'i Institute Alice Bathke * Jerry Bathke + Alberta Deas * Charlotte Kahn * Jeff Kiely * Michael Lindsey * Brad Rishel

Editorial Boards

Encyclopedia Editorial Board Larry Bucknell ¢ Betty J. Fisher * Firuz Kazemzadeh * Todd Lawson * Heshmat Moayyad ¢ Gayle Morrison * Sholeh Quinn * Robert H. Stockman * Will C. van den Hoonaard

World Order Editorial Board Arash Abizadeh » Betty J. Fisher * Monireh Kazemzadeh *

Kevin A. Morrison * Robert H. Stockman ¢ Jim Stokes

National Persian-American Task Force

Manuchehr Derakhshani * Guity Ejtemai * Sohrab Kourosh *

Zabihollah Sabet-Sharghi * Guity Ghadimi Vahid Area Persian-American Task Forces

Phoenix, Arizona Ramna Mahmoudi-Sana Sina Mowzoon Anita Rezvani Nurollah Riazati Rahmat Sana Hormoz Tadghighi Taraneh Tadghighi Davood P. Vazin Shokooh Rawhani Vazin

Los Angeles, California Manijeh Ahouraian Keyvan Geula Shokouh S. Madjzoob Farideh Shahriary Shirin Sohrab Shidan Taslimi

Orange County, .. California Goli Atai Flora Grouber Houshiar Haghani Mina Rassekh Mahine Shafizadeh

San Diego, California Manuchehr Haghani Simin Jalali Minou Khadem Saeed Khadem Farzaneh Mobin Arashmidos Monjazeb Shokouh Roshan

Northern California Soheila Afnani Bahia Farahi Massoud Fanaiyyan Nasrollah Maghzi Mahzad Mehr Firouz Mohtadi Kambiz Petri

Central Florida Shahram Banapour Naser Mohajer Minoo Nasseri Fahimeh Rouhani Kambiz Rouhani Behzad Shahidi Mahvash Taghavi Rouhani

Northern Florida Pari Bauman Bahiyyih Toloui-Nadji Bahman Venus Nahid Mashhud Venus

Southern Florida Shohreh Hassan Bijan Vojdani Mahvash Vojdani

Atlanta, Georgia Evaz M. Fanaian Aghdas Mahmoudzadeh Tarazollah Manavi Khossro Motahed Iman K. Sioushansian Farhad Vojdani Jila Ahdishogh Yazdani

Chicago, Illinois Roya Ayman Ahmad Bastani Hermin Dinparvar Hoveydai Mahvash Doering Farhad Ranjbar Fariba Soheil Shadan Tofighi Fuad Ziai

Boston, Massachusetts Ramin Abrishamian Behnaz Aghdasi Hamed Eshraghian Changiz Geula Shahan Missaghi Darvish Shahruz Mohtadi

Forooz Naderi Soroosh Naderi

New York/New Jersey/ Connecticut Mashiyyat Ashraf Foad Ghebleh Habib Hosseiny Mehr Mansouri Vafa Mavaddat Cyrus Tamaddon Enayat Vosough

Dallas, Texas Gholam Abbas Sharifi Forouzan Afsahi Homa Baher Badie


Sohail Sobbani Parviz Yazhari

Houston, Texas Maryam Afnan Rabbani Hormoz Bastani Fereydoun Eghbali Vafa Ghaemmaghami Houshmand Tirandaz

Virginia/Maryland/ Washington, DC

Payman Akhavan Mona Khademi Kaveh Mehrnama Siamak Monjazeb Shidrokh Rohani Jaleh Sadeghzadeh Soheil Zebarjadi

Seattle, Washington Ata’u’llah Arjomand Nahid Eng Iraj Khademi Behnam Khoshkhoo Rouhangiz Mahanian Pasha Mohajer-Jasbi


page 48

Tue American BanA’i * Annuat Rerort 2000

July 13, 2000 [Page 49]

Study materials illumine our unique election process


he Bal electoral process b unique role in our community life, and a booklet and two Assembly Development module workshops have been r ed to help the friends underand it more fully. These new 1 National Spiritual Assembly’s call for Baha’is to study the role of our Administrative Order in spiritual and social development The booklet, Unique Nature of Baha’ Institution:




fit with the







photography and que explain the election, basic functioni purpose of Baha’i institutions and to highlight their unique character. It emphasizes the role of the individual in this proc

This booklet is designed to prepare belie






s for spiritual par Baha’s elections, including those of Local Spiritual Assemblies,

and


Convention


delegates Baha’f Councils.

The booklet will be particula nd youths, veteran believers who have often part pated in the Bal

Both ne

ly useful well as to


to new bel






module wor s, aiming to incr of the sanctity of Baha’{ elections. one is two hours long with optional




Cultivating Distinction: Bahai Electoral Practices Covered are: the necessity of elections in the Administrative Order, part tion in elections ty, practices t den in Bahé


sacred responsibil are required or forbidelections and the spiritual






specific ways in which Bahé practices differ from secular el

This module will be espe to communities where pa elections is low or where electoral practices may not be well-understood.




Cultivating Distinction: The Spiritual Nature of the Baha'i Elections

Covered are: how electors should prePp ughout the year to perform their sacred duty, qualities to consider and ignore in deciding whom and the atmosphere that e any Ba

This module will be espe to communities that want to spiritual context in which their elections are held.

Assembly Development modules are interactive, Writings-based workshops that include activities to help particind the relevance of the Writings lives and make plans for changes

themselves th



to vote for




f election. ly helpful nce the

should characteriz








Several Baha’is in Pickens County, South Carolina, devoted 16 evenings during the most recent Fast to completing the Ruhi Institute Book 6 course, “Teaching the Cause.” Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday mornings, the friends met at alternating homes for 2 to 3 hours to learn their lessons. The community applauded Ray Lewis for efficient facilitation, and several cooks for making each evening’s breaking of the Fast an anticipated group event. The Local Spiritual Assembly reports that the course immediately improved local teaching and helped create unity and energy.




‘Irfan Colloquium, Seminar to explore mysticism

“Mysticism and the Baha’i Faith” is the» main theme of the 30th session of the ‘Irfan Colloquium, Oct. 6-8 at Louhelen School in Davison, Michi, Rolowing will be the ‘Irfan Semi on the Revelation of Baha’u’llah durin, period. ‘Irfin colloquia and seminars are sponsored each year at Louhelen and other locales by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand







Memorial Fund. This year presentations by more than a dozen Baha’i scholars, followed by open dialogues, will shed light on some of the most important Tablets of Baha’u'lléh: Glad Tidings, Ornaments, Splendours, Effulgences, Words of Paradise, Waves, Clouds, Lover and Beloved, Fidelity, and She-Serpent. Accommodations are ter early with Louhelen Bak







mited, so regis ’{ School. @


The booklet Spiritual Institutions: The Unique Nature of Bahd’i Institutions ($3 each or 10 for $30) as well as materials for any Assembly Development module workshop (10-pack of participant handouts for $15) are available from the Baha’i Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019).

Modules may be facilitated by a trained Assembly Development representative (see www.usbne.org on the Web for a complete list). Or, a Facilitation Guide for any module is available from the BDS ($30, including participant handouts).

Other available Assembly Development modules are:

  • ASense of Partnership: The Individual and the Local Spiritual Assembly

+ Builders of Communities: Developing a Strong, Vibrant Community

.

Fostering Partnership

tation

ciples

Teaching and the Spiritual Assembly + “That The East and West May Embrace”

Builders of Communities: Fostering Racial Unity Builders of Communities: Stress Management and the Baha'i Community

Builders of Communities: The Equality of Women and Men Part I: Shared Responsibility Builders of Communities: The Equality of Women and Men Part 2: The Assembly's Role in

Channels of Divine Guidance: Consultation Part One: Developing the Requisites of ConsulChannels of Divine Guidance: Consultation Part Two: the Practice of Consultation Channels of Divine Guidance: The Spiritual Nature of the Local Assembly

Loving Shepherds of the Multitudes: The Application of Spiritual and Administrative Prin Cultivating and Integrating the Arts in Our Baha'i Community Life

A description of each is available on the Administrative Web Site

(www.usbne.org).

‘These modules may be used by I Spiritual Assemblies, regional tr: institutes, local Baha’f schools, summer


Distance Learning:

The World Order letters and the Kitab-i-iqan The World Order of Baba’wllab, July 1-Sept. 30; students accepted until Aug. 1 if space is available. This thr is designed to give Baha’fs an essential introduction to Shoghi Effendi’ letters in The World Order of Babé’w'lldh, a remarkable series of epistles | Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada in the 1930s that stated basic Baha’f positions on a number of important subjects igs about others.









‘a’ teach



Tuition: $150* ‘The Kitab-i-Iqan and Related Texts, Sept. 1-Nov. 30

‘The course will study s




ystematically the sec corpus and will Some Answered Question Tuition: $150*

  • 20% discounts apply to local study

groups of three or more.

The Wilmette Institute has begun to design a course on Baha’i Theology for Nov. 1, 2000-Jan. 31, 2001. WI hile the ea may sound over the he: most Ba it is not.

Primarily, it will explore the B: concept of God, a topic about which people have speculated for thousands of y and which the Baha’ scriptures address in detail. Almost as important to Baha’i theology are the Bal







i concepts of the


and winter schools or any other group or itution interested in training friends in their areas on the topics.


WilmetteInstitute


Manifestation of God, divine revelation, the nature of human beings, and the ure and purpose of physical creation. om these concepts flow two related ideas: the Baha’ concept of the and purpose of the afte: h relates closely to the nature and purpose of life) and the Baha’i concept of Covenant (related to progressive revelation).








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

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE

536 Sheridan Road

Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail:

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


July 13,2000 Tne American BanA‘i ¢ Spinal DistTINCcTION

page 49 [Page 50]






Energy from history

his past May, Bosch Baha’i School

was the site of what may come to be considered a historic gathering of the future heroines of the Baha’i Faith. Sixteen young women of various cultures and distinguished talents met May 19-21 to discuss the lives of many great Baha’ women and to explore the implications of being a Baha’i woman in a society whose standards so starkly contrast those of the Faith.

Aided by facilitator and mentor Angie Allen, these young women delved into their topics with dynamic enthusiasm. ‘They emerged no less than scholars in


cir OWN | Getsinger, Bahiyyih Khéinum and Martha Root, to name but a few.

This effort is so important, Bosch Baha’ School would like to make this a regular offering. Look for it in upcoming brochures!

Youths “making news” in media

At Bosch this summer, two unique and exciting programs will involve junior youths and youths in media production during the Aug. 19-24 session, even while Ed Diliberto and Fred Schechter will be conducting classes for the adult session:

  • Future writers and publishers ages

10-14 will work on an assignment given directly by Brilliant Star magazine. Students will be encouraged to write, conduct interviews, take photographs and prepare page layouts, all with the help of mentors, standard publishing tools and the latest technology.

  • At the same time, youths 15 and

older will be led by Artis tor of U.S. Bah: preparation of a promotional video that will tell people all over the world about






School. The youths involved firsthand how to tell a video story and will plan the video production, conduct interviews, and shoot footage.

After this week of media production training, we expect a rush of captured creativity in the promotion of the Cause through application of these newly learned skills.

Let this summer leave an indelible mark on your children: bring them to Bosch!


Other upcoming programs

July 29-Aug 3: Youth Institute at Bosch

July 29-Aug. 10: Youth Academy (for high school graduates)

Aug. 5-10: Junior Youth Institute

Aug. 12-17: Family Session: “Baba’t Administration” with Robert C. Henderson

Aug. 19-24: Family Session: “Skills for Teaching” with Fred Schechter

Aug. 26-30: 26th Anniversary Reunion

vith Jack McCants

Sept. 1-4: Family Session: “Cultivating Distinction and Parenting” with Muin and Soheila Afnani #



053'5033.

IWATA eROrE



Spirit of hospitality

“Chef Gary, could you make a house call?” —Loubelen guest

Ee true! Louhelen really would like to send its chef, Gary Schmicker, out on house calls to share Louhelen hospitality with all the friends who have not yet been able to attend a session at the school.

Hospitality and the spirit of loving welcome are key aspects of the atmosphere at Louhelen. One of the ways this is expressed and fostered is in the service of the Louhelen hospitality crew—a team of dedicated professionals and inspired volunteers, including youths from several count

The spiritual connections between loving hospitality, service and friendliness are “the very best advertisements of the Faith.” Perhaps that is why many friends of the Bahai F attend Louhelen sessions and find it a lifechanging experience.

We know it is impractical to send Chef Gary and his hospitality crew out on house calls. However, we can share a wonderful spirit of hospitality that uplifts that heart and inspires service to others. ‘Abdu’l-Baha illustrated how important this connection is through a story he told about one of the Hands of the Cause of God:










Chef Gary Schmicker.

“Yet another Hand of the Cause was the revered Mulla ‘Ali-Akbar. ... I loved him very much, for he was delightful to converse with, and as a companion, second to none. One night, not long ago, I saw him in the world of dreams. Although his frame had always been massive, in the dream world he appeared larger and more corpulent than ever: It seemed as if be had returned from a journey. 1 said to him, Jind, you have grown good and stout.’ ‘Yes,’ he answered, ‘praise be to God! I have been in places where the air was fresh and sweet, and the water crystal pure; the landscapes were beautiful to look upon, the foods delectable. It all agreed with me, of course, so 1 am stronger than

ever now, and I have recovered the zest of

my early youth. The breaths of the AllMerciful blew over me and all my time was spent in telling of God. I have been setting



forth His proofs, and teaching His Faith.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha, Memorials of the Faithful, p. 12

Since Chef Gary cannot come to your house to serye you the special meal he has in mind, we would like to invite you to be a special guest at our house—and suggest you bri ong a friend who you think would Tove to experience the special blend of hospitality, spirituality and loving welcome at Louhelen. The food is great, but that is pr because the “spiritual ingrediei e are blended so well our recipes of service.









Upcoming programs ‘These excellent “Friends and Family” programs are perfect for the entire family, as well as any seekers:

July 28-Aug. 2: “Baha'u'llah: Creator of World Order” with Dr. Robert Henderson, Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Dr. Rick Johnson; musician Susan Engle

Aug. 4-9: “The One Year Plan: Individuals, Communities and Institutions” with Kevin Locke, Danielle Locke, Steven Gonzales, Stephanie Fielding; musician Bob Simms

Aug.11-16: “Building Humanit Future” with Habib Ri Brenda Snyder and Rick §

“Choral Music and




Aug. 18-24: Community Growth” with Tom Price, Evander Gilmer, Barbara

Baumgartner #

Baha'i summer school news

The Massanetta Springs Baha'i School, celebrating its 20th year, has changed its name to Shenandoah Baha’ School. For the latest information, check out the new Web site (www.shenandoahbahaischool.org).

For dates of all U.S. summer schools see the Calendar on the back page.

For information on international summer schools (including Canada), please see International ‘Traveling ‘Teaching Opportunities on page 63. @



Focus on families

ie ate summer and fall are a great time to come to Green Acre. Space is available for some August Family Sessions, including “Packing for the Five Year Plan,” “Mystic Medicine: Religion Shaping Science,” “Hospitable to Humanity” (applying Baha’s principles in the workplace) and “The Spirit of Children”: Third Annual Conference on Children’s Literature and Art. See the Calendar on the back page for date In its Ridvan 2000 letter, the Universal House of Justice stated, “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.” Throughout the fall will address the needs of children, junior youths, their parents and families. Here are just a few:







Upcoming programs

Oct. 6-9: “Talking and Listening: The Art of Spiritual Parenting” with family ther t Keyvan Geula

I-building workshop, based on the

Baha’ writings and on current research,

will help parents, older children and youths

practice communicating across generations. Children’s classes for 3 and up.

Oct. 6-9: “A True Pattern in Action” facilitated by the Foundation for the Investigation of Reality

Discover how raising the quality of our

interactions can hasten the soapee of

entry by troops. L

practical, spiritual exercises that help

solve problems and improve relationships. Children’s classes for 3 and up.

Nov. 10-12: “Getting Real While

Staying ‘Dry in the Sea’ ” with Pepper

Oldziey (for ages 12-15)







how to make personal plans for s

and teaching; and how to balance your

life and be an agent for unity.

Enrollment is limited.

Nov. 12: “Teaching Christians More Effectively” with National Spiritual Assembly member David Young; children’s classes for 3 and up

Nov. 24-26: “Conference on Children: Functional Families and Caring Communities” with Barbara Yazdi Markert, Auxiliary Board member,

A variety of workshops and sessions for

children and adults will focus on the spir itual needs of children and how we can strengthen unity in. family. Children’s classes for 3 and up. #


page 50 THE AMERICAN BanA’i * SrinmuaL DistINCTION

"July 13, 2000 [Page 51]



2000 Electoral Unit Conventions




ere is the latest information on

Electoral Unit conventions, which

will be held across the country in early

October to elect delegates to the Baha’f National Convention of April 2001.

  • Electoral Units are listed by region.

Boundaries of some have been adjust


ed since last year, partly to ensure no EUs straddle two different regions.

  • If you don’t know your Electoral Unit

(EU) number, it will be printed on the envelope in which you receive your ballot in a few weeks. More details may be upcoming soon on the Administrative

Web Site (www.usbne.org).

¢ If information here is incomplete, the contact number or the Local Spiritual Assembly hosting’ your Convention may be reached for details. An updated list will be published in the next issue.

For children’s programs at Unit Convention: Enhance your curriculum with the Teacher's Toolbox, available online at www.usbnc.org by the end of summer, or by mail ($10 per copy) from the Education and Schools Office.



Northeastern States



EUO001: Green Acre Bah: iot, ME; date TBA. I ballots to LSA South Portland oria Smith,


chool,



ballots Concord, P.O. Box 785, Concord, NH 03002-0785 (phone



(phone ).

EU004: to LSA

ite, date TBA. Mail ballots:



Jambridge, P.O. Box

380376, Cambridge, MA 022380376 (phone 617-492-6691). EUOO: TBA.



» dat


EU006: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Barnstable, PO. Box 1275, Hyannis, MA 02601-1275 (phone


508-775-6820).

2U007: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots LSA New Haven c/o Michelle Schrag,




(phone ). EU008: Community Room, at Norwalk € fall, 125


Norwalk, CT; Sunday, Oct. 1 (register 8am), Mail ballots to Mount Vernon c/o Ellen Wheeler,


(phone ). EU009: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA North Hempstead c/o



Luann Scribani, (phone

). EUOL0: Site, date TB. to LSA New Yor 3 E. St. New York, NY 10003-4601 (phone 212-254 EUOII: Grice Middle School, 901 Whitchorse-Hai Hamilton, NJ am-3:30 pm. M:

Hamilton c/o Janet

Mail ballots Ith





are Rd., inday, Oct. 8, 9:30 il ballots to LS





ards,

(phone ).

(012: Wilhelm Baha'i Property 130 Evergreen PI, ‘Teaneck, NJ; date ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Clifton, P.O. Box 335, Clifton 07011-0335 (phone 973-68: EUO13: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA New Paltz, P.O. Box 1158, New Paltz, NY 12561914-255-3229).

date TBA. Mail balece c/o Holly







58 (phone


Ziegler,

(phone


015: Mt. Nittany Middle School, 656 Brandywine Dr., State College

(Boalsburg), PA; Saturday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail ballots to LS. 20. Box 1376, State PA 16804-1376 (phone 214).

Site, date TBA. Mai c/o Franklin D.


State


814-238:


ballots


(phone ).

EU048: SUNY at Fredonia Thompson Hall, Fredonia, NY; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA, Mail ballots to LSA Amherst c/o Sarah P.O. Box 1555, NY 14231-1555 39-2181).


npUs,


Johnson,



(phone 716-8,



Southern States




(phone . ¢, date TBA. Mail ballots SA Baltimore, P.O. Box 2015, Baltimore, MD 21203-2015 (phone 410-563-2294).

EUOL Jate ‘TBA. Mail ballots Co. Central,






Eu02


to LSA College Park c/o Rishworth, (phone a


(phone 703-821-3485). EU02 date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fairfax Co. NW, P.O. Box 1662, Herndon, VA 20172-1662 (phone 703-793-9682).

EU023: Site, date TBA.

EU024: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Virginia Beach c/o Martha Tiller,




(phone . EU02S: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Wilmington c/o Roger Hamrick,

(phone ). EU026: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Durham, P.O. Box 51116, Durham, NC 27717-1116 (phone 919-402-0538). EU027: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Conway, RO. Box 348,

SC 29528-0348 (phone

843-248-3325). EU028: Site, date TBA. , date TBA. Mail ballots ~ to LSA Charleston, P.O. Box 21887,




Charleston, SC 29413-1887 (phone 843-406-7640).

E03 , date TBA. Mail baHots to LSA Lady's Island c/o M Bryant,



Lynn

(phone ). EUO31: Site, date TBA. £U032: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Orangeburg, P.O. Box 2463, Orangeburg, SC 29116-2463 (phone 752). , date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Richland Co. N., P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 29221-0351 (phone 803-798-7116). EU034: Site, date TBA. EU035: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Donnelly, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554-0915 (phone 843-558-9289). EU036: Site, date TBA. EU037: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Florence c/o Steven Bret Breneman,







(phone . ite, date TBA.




, date TBA. EUOA4L: Site, date TBA. EU04 , date TBA.

EU043: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Rock Hill c/o Helen ‘Thomas, (phone

) EU044: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Spartanburg, P.O. Box 2893, Spartanburg, SC 29304-2893 (phone 864-574-2800). EUO45: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Charlotte, P.O. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28222-1155 (phone 704-531-8708). EU046: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Orange County c/o Gregory



Samsa, (ph


.



EU0S2: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots Lexington, P.O. Box 22102, Lexington, KY 40522-2102 (phone 606-263-1820).

EU0S3: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Johnson City c/o Kenneth Warlick,

w LS




(phone ).

EUOS4: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Gwinnett Co. S., RO. Box 870112, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-0003 (phone: 770-483-8242). EUOSS: $ PBA. Mail ballots to LSA De Kalb Co. S. c/o Esther Onaro,





(phone

). EUOS6: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Roswell, P.O. Box 651, Roswell, GA 30077-0651 (phone 770-643-4998). EU0S7: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Cobb Co. N. c/o Nancy Markovich,

(phone ). EU0S8: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Augusta, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919 (phone 706-738-3104).

EU0S9: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots Peach Co. c/o Penelope


(phone ). EU060: Home of Scott Duncan, 3 Midland, GA; Sunday,


Oct. to LSA Columbus,

30 am-noon. Mail ballots


(phone ). date TBA. Mail ballots



357412, Gainesville, FL 32635-7412 (phone 352-338-4565)

EU062: PBA. Mail ballots A Brevard Co. c/o Ladan


re, date


(phone Ls

EU063: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Lake Worth c/o Ted

Brownstei



(phone


to LSA Palm Beach Co. “Tarafdar,

(phone , date TBA. Mail ballots ise c/o Susan Akhtarkhavari,


(phone ). EU066: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Dade County Central, RO. Box 165231, Miami, FL 33116 (phone 305-598-7243). EU067: Ramada Inn Lakeland, 3260 USS. Hwy. 98 N. (at I-4 Exit 18); 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail balots to LSA Polk Co. c/o John Wing, (phone ¥ ¢, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pinellas County c/o Sarah Shurcliff Bansemer,


(phone ) EU069: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Tallahassee c/o Barbara Cook, (phone ). EU070: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Okaloosa c/o Linda Long,


)date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hamilton Co. c/o Linda


Hendrickson,

(phone ). EU072: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots Nashville c/o Katherine



(phone ). Site, date TBA. Mail ballots Little Rock c/o Angelic Caruthers,


(phone

EUO092: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots tw LSA Jackson, P.O. Box 1489, Jackson, MS 39215-1489 (phone 601-373-4107).

EU093: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Baton Rouge c/o Connie Naqvi,


(phone ) EU094: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San Antonio c/o Margaret Leeds,


(phone )EU095: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Bellaire c/o Elizabeth O'dear, (phone .

EU096: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Houston, P.O. Box 301190, Houston, TX 77230-1190 (phone

SEE SOUTHERN STATES, PAGE 52


July 13,2000

Tne American BanA’i ¢ Unrr Conventions 2000

page 51


[Page 52]

SOUTHERN STATES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 Ceeccccccccccccvce

281-531-0975).

EU097: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Austin c/o Bijan Masumian,


(phone » EU098: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Waco, P.O. Box 8995, Waco, ‘TX 76714-8995 (phone 254-772-7951). EU099; Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Duncanville, RO. Box 381653, Duncanville, TX 751381653 (phone 972-709-3877). EUL100: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Dallas c/o Rhonda Sue Palmer,


(phone ). EULOI: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Flower Mound, P.O. Box 270094, Flower Mound, ‘TX 750270094 (phone 817-430-1361), EU102: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots




to LSA McKinney c/o Beth Anderson,

(phone


Harris, (phone

).

2 Site, date TBA. V

Tulsa, BO. Bo:

OK 74101-0251 (phone

918-573-5033).

EUI05: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Edmond c/o Suzette

Rattenbury,

il ballots


1, Tulsa,



(phone ). EU201: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hurst, P.O. Box 948, Hurst, ‘TX 76053 (phone 817-282-4530).




Central States



EU049: Site, date PBA; Sunday, Oct. 8; 9 am-4:30 pm (register 8 am), Mail ballots to LSA Cleveland Heights c/o Melody Yates, P.O. Box 18092, Cleveland, OH 44118 (phone 216-291-2512).

EU0S0: Crestview High School, 1575 State Rt. 96, Ashland, OH; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Mansfield c/o Mina R. Behi,




(phone ). ite, date TBA. Mail ballots innati c/o Lia Ruhiyyih

(phone ).

EU07. , date TBA. Mail ballots. to LSA Bloomington c/o Richard Hatch, P.O. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402 (phone 812-334-2892). EU074: Indiana Purdue U. at Fort Wayne, 2101 Coliseum Blvd. E., Fi






pm (register 8: LSA Fort Wayne ¢/o C: P.O. Box 10007, Fort Wayne, IN

46850-0007 (phone 219-456-8331).



Kalamazoo c/o Dede Lucate!


(phone )

EU076: Detroit Baha'i Cur, 19711 Greenfield, Detroit, MI; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Canton ‘Twp. c/o Barbara Laferier, PO. Box 87454, Canton, MI 48187-7845 (phone 734-455-7845).

EU077: Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI; Sunday, Oct. 1; 10 am—4 pm (register


9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Davison ‘Twp. c/o Daniel Lorsignol, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033).

EU078: Sunday, Oct. 15; site, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Grand Rapids c/o Herbert Reynolds, P.O. Box 1112, Grand Rapids, ML 495011112 (phone 616-245-9781). EU079: Wisconsin Lions Camp, 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI; Saturday, Oct. 7, I-Spm (register Lam). Mail ballots to LSA Green Bay c/o Gwendolyn Hazen,


(phone EU080: Wilson ‘Town Hall, 5933 S. Business Dr. Hwy. OK South, Sheboygan, WI; Sunday, Oct. pm (register 1 pm LSA Milwaukee c/o Helen Doxy,



(phone ). EUO81: Madison Baha’ Ci Lakeside $ Oct. 8, 11 Mail ballots to LSA Mac Elvora Jacobi,




(phone

). EU082: Holiday Inn of Greater Beloit, Hwy. 51 & 75, South Beloit, IL; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 amt pm (register 9 am)..Mail ballots to LSA Rockford c/o Judy Hannen Moe,




(phone ); EU083: Radisson Hotel, 1725 Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL; Sunday, Oct. 8, 8:30 am=I pm (regi ter 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Ve Hills c/o Regina Blum,

(phone



). EU084: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Wilmette c/o Pamela


Mondschein, RO. Box 775, Wilmette, TL 60091-0775 (phone 847-853-8372).

EUO85: Illinois Institute of ‘Technology, Herman Union Building, 3241 S. Federal St., Chicago, IL; Sunday, Oct. 1, 4-6 pm (register 3:30 pm) Mail ballots to LSA Chicago c/o Addison Bibb, Chicago Baha'i Ctr, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616-3933 (phone 773-784-2304). EU086: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Naperville c/o Ralph Chapman, P.O. Box 851, Naperville, IL 60566-0851 (phone 630-416-8189).

EU087: Northfield Inn, 3280 Northfield Dr,, Springfield, IL; Sunday, Oct. 8. 9:45 am-4 pm (register 9am), Mail ballots to LSA Springfield c/o Aden Lauchner, RO. Box 1841, Springfield, IL 62705-1841 (phone 217-546-6895).

EU088: Ambroz Recreation Ci

2000 Mt. Vernon Rd S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cedar Rapids c/o Janet King, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2298 (phone 319-377-0023).

EU089: Jesse Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Union UMG, Columb MO; SundayOct. 8, 1-Spm (register noon). Mail ballots to LSA Boone Co. + Pollard, P.O. Box 30757, Columbia, MO 65205-3757 (phone 573-696-0316).

EU090: Heman Community Ctr, 975 Pennsylvania, University City, MO; Oct. 8, 10 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA University City c/o Janet Klutho, RO. Box 3121, University City, MO 63130-0521 (phone 314-997-5864). EU106: Wichita State U., Rhatigan












Wichita, KS; Sunday,

ne TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Wichita c/o Linda Munhall, RO. Box 1979, Wichita, KS 67201-1079 (phone 316-636-2806).

EUI07: Jack Reardon Civic Ctr,, 500 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am-3 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Overland Park c/o Omalley Abel,

PO. Box 4355, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 (phone 913-642-5612). EU108: Ramada Inn, 1101 W. Bond, Lincoln, NE; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA Lincoln c/o Brian Lepard, P.O. Box 80601, Lincoln, NE 685010601 (phone 402-423-8338).

EUI09: U. of Minnesota, Humphrey Cir, Minneapolis, MN; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am—4 pm (register 9 am). M: ballots to LSA Minneapolis c/o David McKune Ingham, RO. Box 58041 Minneapolis, MN 55458-0415 (phone 612-823-9074).

EUL10: Best Western Maplewood Inn, 1780 E. County Rd. D (just off 1694 and White Bear Ave.), Maplewood, MN; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-3:30 pm (register 9am). Mail ballots to LSA Stillwater c/o Steve







Milston,

(phone ULL L: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots argo /o Pamela Ludwig,



(phone ). EUIAL2: Treehaven, Box 407 (12 miles N of Hwy. 18 and road to Allen, SD), Kyle, SD; Sunday, Oct. 15, 11 am-3 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Rapid City ¢/o Alberta Schulte,

(phone



Western States



EU113: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Cheyenne c/o Deborah KingBua Chaplin, P.O. Box 20763, Cheyenne, WY 82003-7016 (phone 307-638-3635).

EUL14: Metro Denver Baha'i Ctr., 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, CO; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Douglas County c/o Roberta Smith-Lange,


(phone ) EULIS: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pueblo c/o Melonie Housman, (phone

). EUL16: Ramada Inn, 2803 W. 2nd, Roswell, NM; Saturday, Oct. 7, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hobbs c/o Wynne, P.O. Box 5161, Hobbs, NM 88241-5161 (phone 505-397-3092). EUI17: Albuquerque Baha'i Cur., 202 Harvard Dr: S.E., Albuquerque, NM, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA







Albuquerque c/o Manijeh Kavelin,

(phone ).

EUII8: Site, date TBA.

EUI19: Site, date TBA.

EU120: Site, date TBA.

EUI21: Phoenix Baha’ Ctr, 944 E. Mountain View, Phoenix, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am. Mail ballots to LSA Phoenix ¢/o Marjan Halstead, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 850680961 (phone 602-942-2836). EUI22: Peoria Community Ctr, 8335 W. Jefferson, Peoria, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-1 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Peoria ¢/o Donna Kime Jeffers, P.O. Box 1021, Peoria, AZ 85380-1021 (phone 623-872-9347).

EU123: McDowell Mtn. Elementary School, 14825 N. Fayette Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, \¢ ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fountain Hills c/o Michelle Arbab,



(phone

) EUI24: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Flagstaff c/o Jacqueline Holland, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-2533 (phone 520-226-8707). EUI25: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Tsaile-Wheatields c/o Jeanette Coffey, RO. Box 84-B, ‘Baile, AZ 86556-0084 (phone 520-724-3495). EU126: Salt Air Room, U. of Utah Student Union, 200 S. Central Campus Dr,, Salt Lake City, UT; Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-8 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Salt Lake City c/o Amanda Gottsegen, P.O. Box 58305, Salt Lake City, UT 84158 (phone 801-519-8040). EUI27: Site, date TBA. EUI28: Site, date TBA. EUI29: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Walla Walla c/o Patricia Parrish, P.O. Box 2016, Walla Walla, WA 99362-0948 (phone ‘ 509-522-2109).




EUI130: Winnemucca Convention Ctr, 50 W, Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV; Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15, 10 am-4 pm each day. ‘Mail ballots to LSA Reno c/o Hillary Rath, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513-6447 (phone 775-829-7881). EUI31: Las Vegas Baha'i Ctr,, 7035 Oakley Blvd., Las Vegas, NV; Sunday, Oct. I, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Las Vegas c/o Mary Pat Fatheaazam,

(phone


, date TBA. EU133: San Diego Baha'i Ctr, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San Diego c/o Susan Collins, (phone

) EUI34: , date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Encinitas c/o Angelina Allen, P.O. Box 230088, initas, CA 92023-0088 (phone 760-944-6441).




EUI35: Site, date TBA.

EUI36: Site, date TBA.

EU137: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Huntington Beach c/o Dale Neuls, P.O. Box 1791, Huntington. Beach, CA 92647-1791 (phone 714-840-8018).

EU138: Site, date TBA.

EU139: Cerritos Park Community Cur, 12234 166th St., Cerritos, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8 am-2 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Cerritos c/o Pejmun Motaghedi, P.O. Box 4821, Cerritos, CA 90703-4821 (phone 562-402-4870).

EU140: Veterans Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Santa Monica ¢/o Sheila Banani, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406-1066 (phone 310-394-5449).

EUIAIL: Arcadia Community Ctr., 365 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA;

SEE WESTERN STATES, PAGE 53


pages§2., THE: AMERICAN BANAL 2-UIT-CONVENDIOSS: 2Q00

July 13, 2000 [Page 53]

FORUM, continuen From Pace 1

eecccccce e


eo



United Nations.

Themes addressed include peace, poverty eradication, human rights, sustainable development, the challenges of globalization, and “strengthening and democratizing the United Nation:

Co-convenor of the forum was Techeste Ahderom, the Baha'i International Community’ principal representative to the UN.

Past NGO meetings associated with major UN conferences were confined to gle themes such as population, women, human rights or poverty alleviation, rather than tackling many issue: terrelated.

“Tt seems to me ... that this occasion when a global civil has been convened to discuss the entire global agenda at the seat of the only truly global organization, the United Nations,” said Miles Stoby, UN assistant secretarygeneral and coordinator of preparations for the September summit.

Ahderom, in a general address opening the forum, said the conference would build on the important action plans devised at those past conferences and attempt to knit them into a coherent whole.

“One feature of the draft Millennium Forum declaration and the other documents before us is that they strive to focus on concrete actions that the world can take to achieve the long-dreamed age of peace and security, in which no one goes hungry, violence is never a recourse, and justice is the guiding principle,” Ahderom said.

His participation was historic for Baha’is, as the community of UN-affiliated NGOs relied on the Baha'is as never before for their organizational, communicative and unific skills.

On the forum’ first evening, Ahderom officiated at a commemoration to honor UN and NGO staff killed in the line of








the first ty forum.







duty. Since 1992, 184 UN staff members have died in service to the world body.

‘The commemoration, which took place during a multicultural performance at the public lobby of the UN headquarters, was organized by Jeffery Huffines, UN representative for the National Spiritual Assembly, on behalf of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN.


Broad but concise

Out of the NGOs’ five days of consulta tions arose a broad but concise document:

‘We the Peoples—Millennium Forum Declaration and Agenda for Action; Strengthening the United Nations for the 21st Century.”

Religion and spirituality are given scant attention in the declaration. But it runs along several currents parallel to Baha’f social principles and external affairs goals established by the Universal House of Justice.

The document’ vision statement is. indicative:

“Our vision is of a world that is humancentered and genuinely democratic, where all human beings are full participants and

WESTERN STATES, continue From pace 52


Techeste Ahderom (left), principal UN representative for the Baha’ International Community and coconvenor of the Millennium Forum, greets Nane Lagergren, wife of Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, at the forum’s opening session.

Photo by Veronica Shoffstall, One Country

determine their own destinies,” it reads.

“In our vision we are one human family, in all our diversity, living on one common homeland and sharing a just, sustainable and peaceful world, guided by universal principles of democracy, equality, inclusion, volunta , non-discrimination and participation by all persons.”

Challenges to that vision, the document acknowledges, include the persistence of violence—from armed conflict to domestic violence—widespread injustice, extreme poverty and emergence of new diseases including AIDS.

While globalization of the economy and technology can help share some solutions, it can also widen the gap between rich and poor and worsen the condition of people who already face discrimination.




Reommended actions The document recommends a list of actions, more than 20 pages long, addressing the broad themes of eradication of poverty; peace, security and disarmament; equity, justice and diversity; human rights; sustainable development and the environ


eececccccccccccce



ment; and strengthening and democratizing the United Nations and international organizations.

Tt recommends action within each of those areas for the UN itself, for national governments and for civil society. Among other things, it calls for specific steps toward:

  • Eradication of extreme povert
  • Universal education, with special atten

tion for girls, and shielding children

from exploitation. © Stronger international courts and regu latory bodies, both to serve the cause of ¢ and to ensure that conduct of business preserves human rights. Honoring the roles of women, protecting them from violence and working for their equal partnership with men at all levels of society. Bringing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 into full effect and working for universal ratification of all human rights treaties. Supporting sustainable farming practices and other means of livelihood. Creating consultative bodies that bring a variety of interests together, including groups that have been adversarial such as business and labor. Disarmament backed by a sophisticated international conflict-management system and, as a last resort, trained global police and peacekeeping forces. Respect for the various cultures and nationalities of the world, including the indigenous, even as understanding is promoted.






.

.

The complete text of the Millennium Forum Declaration and Agenda, as well as numerous reports on the Forum, can be found on the Internet (Web site www.millenniumforum.org). ®

eecccccccccce

Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Monrovia c/o Joannie Yuille, PO. Box 346, Monrovia, CA 91017-0346 (phone 818-358-8254). 142: Los Angeles Baha’ Ctr., 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA; Sunday, Oct. I, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Los Angeles c/o Randolph Dobbs,



(phone

). EU143: Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Rd., Santa date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA La Crescenta c/o Rebecca Morris, P.O. Box 615, Verdugo City, CA 91046-0615 (phone 818-248-1782). EU144: Borchard Community Ctr, 190 Reinord, Newbury Park, CA; date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Camarillo c/o Leo Misagi,


Clarita, CA

(phone EU14S: Nine Oaks Baha’t Institute, 1201 Old Oak Park Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA San Luis Obispo c/o Leslie V. Nelson, P.O.


Box 3333, San Luis Obispo, CA


93403-3333 (phone 805-543-6190). EU146: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 Alvin Dr,, Room 11, Salinas, CA; Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 am-5 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Prunedale c/o Jana Davis,

(phone . EU147: Site, date TBA.

EU148: San Jose Regional Baha’ 945 Willow St., San Jose, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Live Oak-Santa Cruz c/o Michelle Reid, P.O. Box 3068, Santa Cruz, CA 95063-3068 (phone 831-464-8086).

EU149: Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Ln., Santa Cruz, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, | pm—4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Santa Cruz c/o Naghmeh ‘Towfigh, P.O. Box 8264, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-8264 (phone 831-457-1962).

EUIS0: Burlingame Lion's Hall, 990 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 am. Mail ballots to LSA Burlingame c/o Diane Downing, PRO. Box 117628,




Burlingame, CA 94011-7628 (phone 650-344-8619).

EUISI: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Pleasanton c/o Fereshte Faustini, P.O. Box 22, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (phone 925-600-0570). EUI1S2: Site, date TBA.

EUIS3: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Modesto c/o Cynthia Christensen, P.O. Box 1893, Modesto, CA 95353 (phone 209-524-2969).

EUIS4: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Roseville c/o Daniel Thorpe,




) BA. Mail ballots to LSA Davis c/o Andrea Atkinson, PO. Box 578, Davis, CA 95617-0578 (phone 530-753-9163). EUIS6: Sonoma State U. Student Union, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA; date and time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Santa Rosa c/o Sonja Rustad, P.O. Box 2744, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-0744 (phone 707-546-8695). EUIS7: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Shasta County c/o Mahin-Taj




Peececcccccccccccccccccs

Raines, RO. Box 494057, Redding, CA 96049 (phone 530-244-7427). EU1S58: Umpqua Community Ctr, 1140 College Rd., Roseburg, OR; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Roseburg c/o Rodney Olson, P.O. Box 2056, Roseburg, OR 97470-0442 (phone 541-672-5830). EUIS9: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Benton County ¢/o Paula Siegel, RO. Box 396, Philomath, OR 97370-0396 (phone 541-929-2718). EU160: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lake Oswego c/o Negar Meshkin,



(phone

). EUI61: Portland Baha'i Cr, 8720 N. Ivanhoe St., Portland, OR; Sunday. Oct. 8, 9 am. Mail ballots to LSA Gresham c/o Roberta Hafenstein, RO. Box 532, Gresham, OR 97030-0120 (phone 503-674-7904). EU162: Duncan Law Seafood Ctr, 2021 Marina Dr., Astoria, OR; time ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Clatsop Co. c/o Carrie Bartoldus,



(phone 503-325-0091). EU163: Site, date TBA. EU164: Woodinville High School, 19819 136th St. N.E., Woodin


WA; date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Woodinville c/o Barbara Larson Moses, P.O. Box 768, Woodinville, WA 98072-0768 (phone 425-488-2673).

EUI65: Maple Valley Cc Ctr, 22010 SE 248th S Valley, WA; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Kent e/o Jerome Jacobs,



(phone

). EU166: Site, date TBA. EU167: Masonic ‘Temple, 878 Sth St., Bremerton, WA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-4 pm, Mail ballots to LSA Kitsap County Central c/o Caroline Sbragia,



(phone ).

EU202: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Edmonds c/o Nancy Smith,

(phone ).o


July 13,2000. Tre American BanA‘i* News — page 53 [Page 54]

"MOUNT*CARMEL*PROJECTS

VINEYARD of the] ORD



Extensive stone paving is under way, enhancing the floor and walls of the courtyard

leading to the Visitors Center in the building under Terrace 11, uphill from the Shrine.

Gardens at the Shrine of the Bab

Nea and Ridvan celebrations

provided the impetus for the Mount Carmel Projects team to work in advance to enhance the vistas on the route to the Shrine of the Bab. Newly planted grass, shrubs and flower beds on the gardens behind the ine completed a beautiful i ocher




colored crushed the bridge over Hz

During the Naw 21, a large number of pilgrims, Bah:

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

tors and staff proceeded from the Concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice via the bridge to the Shrine of the Bab.


Pilgrim Facilities The Mount Carmel Projects Office has embarked on another si; jec construction of a Pilgrim I itors’ Center at Bahjf in ‘Akka. Ex tions began April 9 and pile foundations were completed in May. completed renovation of two buildings in Haifa to house pilgrims.




In order to provide the best, most current pictures from the Mount Carmel Projects, we are abridging the written progress report for this issue of The American Bahd’t. More detailed reports will resume in future

Workers make progress on the main fountain of the Entrance Plaza, at the base of Mount Carmel below the Shrine of the Bab.


page 54 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Mount CARMEL PROJECTS

July 13,2000 [Page 55]Four main buildings cling to the Arc on Mount Carmel: (1

Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Building.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER BUILDING IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED

the International Teaching Center Building for a group photo to celebrate the substantial completion of the building exactly on schedule.


oN Above: Handrails are installed along the steps descending into a lightwell at the International Teaching Center Building. Right: The Teaching Center’s auditori um, even during finishing work, gives a hint of its future grandeur.


Teaching Center building handed over Mx than 100 key participants from the main contractor’s team, the Mount Carmel Projects team and subcontractors of all trades, together with Giora Perez, managing director of Perez G.G. Engineers, and Fariburz Sahba, project manager, together May | to celebrate the substantial completion and hand-over of the International Teaching Center builiding. It was a time for emotional farewells. Sahba spoke at length in praise of all who con




me




tributed to the speed and quality of the construction. David Gitterman, construction manager of the Perez firm, recalled his initial trepidation on being invited to work with the is due to their reputation for exacting quality standards, but said that over th he came to appreciate their professic

The level of cooperation and understa ing is reflected in the fact that no claims or addit 1 costs were submitted with the contractor's final bill, most unusual in the construction industry.




from left) the International Teaching Center Building, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the

ee P



Anew pilgrim facility, in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Bab, stands ready on Hatzionut Avenue. Along with another building acquired for pilgrims’ use, it has been undergoing renovation since July 1998.

Landscaping guide lines mark the garden immediately in front of the International Teaching Center Building. Now that the contractor has handed the building over, interior finishing and furnishing work is proceeding rapidly with the expectation that the building will be ready for a meeting of the Continental Counselors in January 2001.






July 13, 2000

Tue American BanA‘i * Mount CARMEL PROJECTS

page 55 [Page 56]

Kay Zinky, Knight of Baha’w'llah, researcher

dith L. “Kay” Zinky, a wide-ranging Baha’ teacher, researcher and educaas designated a Knight of Bahs’w'llsh king a pioneering post in 1954 in the en Islands, in Canada’s Gulf of St.





She passed away on May 10, 2000, a 97. In the course of her life she had bees homemaker, teacher, opera singer and inventor.

Born March 25, 1903, in Rocky Ford,




ehaol pe, in

Q ied Raymond Zinky in 1922. Even as their sons, William and Robert, were growing up, she showed great interest in the arts and music, and in 1938 she made her operatic singing debut with the Pueblo Symphony. As a solo artist and with groups, she performed in and concert, and sang to entertain soldiers at USO clubs and events. During a brief





time living in California, she sang with the Hollywood

Singers at the Hollywood Bow! and a World’s Fair.

Her needlework talent led her to patent a method for making silk stockings that would not — run. the timing was such that she invention; the

However, couldn’t profit from. thi advent of World War IDhalted U.S. imports of silk from J




by Loulie Mathews, herself a disting. international teacher of the Immediately on accepting the 1947, Kay studied deeply and be active teacher, enrolling many sou

Her first appointment was as regional teaching secretary, a capacity in which she


aith in me an






served for many ye ic



Among other servKay was manager of Temerity International Baha’f School in Pine Valley, Colorado, for two years. She relinquished



that post to pioneer in the Magdalen Islands, a virgin goal, for which Shoghi E

fendi designated her a Knight of Bahé’u'llah.

On her return to Colorado, she criss crossed the United States as a cil teacher for a number of years. A longtime member of the Spiritual Assembly of El Paso County West and often a delegate to the Baha’{ National Convention, also served on the Baha’f Rev and the National Reverence Committee.

A tireless researcher, she prepared many compilations on numerous subj from the Baha'i Writings, and taught at many B ummer and winter schools in the United States including Hawaii. She also d icant teaching work on Indian reservations and in Mexico.

In 1963, her research in the British









Tribute to Eugene King, a northern light

BY JOHN KOLSTOE WITH LAURIE CROPLEY AND CHARLOTTE SIVERLY

Burs regal bearing and quiet dignity made him a king in anyone’s court. With a natural grace and a selfassured manner people were inspired to act as if they were in the company of nobility, which they were.

He passed away Sept. 20, 1999, only days before his 82nd birthday.

His essence was the quote “Noble have I created Thee. ...” With pride and respect he served his people and Native believers knew his heart ached with a desire that they would see with spiritual eyes and hear the message of Baha’u’llah.

He was of a royal line of Tlingit Indians from Southeastern Alaska. His station was such that, at the mention of his name, traditional Tlingits would reflexively sit or stand more erect as a sign of respect.

His service as one of the first Native members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, speaking at an international conference, or voting in the Holy Land gave Native people a glimpse of what


Message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual

Assembly of Alaska:

“The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn of the passing of a former member of your (Alaskan) National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Eugene King. It will supplicate at the Sacred Threshold that his soul may be blessed with the outpourings of divine grace throughout all the worlds of God. It will also pray for the solace of his family during this difficult time.”

they could achieve as Baha'is. He confirmed that there was a place for the indigenous in the Faith. He courageously paved the way and was a strong role model.

While a young man, Eugene lost his eyesight. He later commented, “If I hadn’t lost my sight, I would never have had the insight to accept Bahd’u’llth.” In 1954 Eugene enrolled in the Faith and in 1969 he and his wife, Melba, pioneered to Alaska. In 1970 he was elected for the first time to the Alaska National Spiritual Assembly.

He attended International Conventions in Haifa, Israel, in 1983 and 1988. Proudly wearing his ceremonial Tlingit vest, he reverently cast ballots for the members of the Universal House of Justice.

On several occasions in his later years


his doctors told him to move to a warmer climate. He declined, feeling that service to his people in Alaska was more important than health or physical comfort.

His days of blindness are over. At last he can see the Shrines and Holy Places he loved and the shining faces of people all over the world to whom he brought such joy. And, maybe, now he knows how much his sightless sojourn brought new and rich visions to legions of people who did not have his brilliant insight.


September 22, 1999

Philip Cavanagh Midland, MI May 20, 2000

Shane K. Cowell Phoenix, AZ May 11, 1999


April 2000

June Huang Framingham, MA December 10, 1999

Bahieh Imani El Cajon, CA April 1, 1999 _


IN MEMORIAM Ashraf Ashouri Richard E.De Greene Margaret Leonard Anita P. Olsen Robert C. Taylor San Diego, CA Houston, TX Stanley, Falkland Islands Frederick County, MD Detroit, MI March 13, 1999 October 1999 December 16, 1999 February 6, 2000 June 1999 Victoria Burrows ‘Timothy J. Grant Hilde McCormick Vera Overeem Nasroullah K. Vahedy Charlotte, NC Kokomo, IN. Flagstaff, AZ Lombard, IL. Evanston, IL

April 18, 2000

Dorothy F. Miller Carmel, CA June 3, 1999

Herbert W. Miller Wood Dale, IL. April 8, 2000

April 28, 2000

Kenneth Perkins Sr. Frankfort, KY March 1999

Elouise G. Sanders Jamestown; ND. May 19, 2000

September 1999

Leonard H. Zachery Murfreesboro, T) April 13, 2000


Kay Zinky Colorado Springs, CO



May 10, 2000

Museum Library helped uncover some 300 unknown Baha’i Tablets. In 1964, after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she traveled to teach in Istanbul, Adrianople, Africa, Europe and Canada. ecumulated an extensive personmany of her own comrch , and many ne to her for training and research. ‘Two substantial works were compiled later in her life. tion drawn












West, dealt with the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the She thought this mportance that she travively for years throughout the United States giving weekend institutes on the life of ‘Abdu’l-1

Another compilation, Martha Root: Herald of the Kingdom, contains major correspondence to and from the Hand of the Cause Martha Root, plus a number of reports and essays drawn from her travels to teach the Faith.

Hilde McCormick

was Arizona pioneer





ne McCormick, a greatly loved member of the Flagstaff, Arizona, community, passed on April 18, 2000. She was 85.

Born on March 27, 1915, to Baha'i parents Heinrich and Marie Walker in Stuttgart, Germany, she was a faithful servant of the Cause of Baha’u’llah from




Cormick served as stenographer for the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, as well as the Spiritual Assembly of — Stuttgart, Germany. She arrived in Flagstaff in 1949 as a homefront pioneer and remained at her post until the time of her passing.

She was instrumental in establishing the Bellemont Bahé’f School and was a staunch supporter of the school for 43 years. A multitude of the friends will remember her warm and gracious hospitality.


Note of appreciation

The family of James MacDowell “Mac” Markert Ill, infant son of Laili Radpour Markert and Jim Markert Jr., express their gratitude to all who remembered in their prayers this child, who passed away on Jan. 15, 2000, in Birmingham, Alabama, at just under 3 months old. He was born with congenital heart problems and leukemia. Baha’is worldwide followed Mac’s struggle for health through e-mail reports, and enveloped his parents and extended family with love through their prayers and messages. ®


page 56 Tite AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ IN MemoRIAM

July 13, 2000 [Page 57]

lassified notices in The American

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES


AT THE BAHA'! NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

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 (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five years as a maintenance manager; valid driver's license; supervisory command of English. Staff Producer; Media Services. Full range of video/audio production tasks, especially writing/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; flexibilit al skills, familiarity with Baha’{ administration. Concrete Artisan, Conservation Office. Assists Concrete/Stone Conservator in the conservation of the Baha’f 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 beneficial. Also essential: valid driver's 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. Switchboard Operator/Receptionist, Office of Human Resources (part-time). Receives and routes telephone calls; greets visitors to the Baha’{ National Center in a pleasant and friendly manner; interacts with all staff and National Assembly agencies as well as the Baha’ community at large and some international contacts. Must be flexible, effective in service as a team member in a fast-paced environment, able to promote unity within the workplace. US. Baba’ Refugee Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant (part-time). Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Baha’t, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Bah’ 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.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Applications Developer. Provides high-level

analysis, design, implementation of information


URGENT NEEDS


Babé’i Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: 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 business management/marketing.

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.

Baha'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 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 Huma@n 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, sensitive in handling of confidential matters, able to maintain productivity amid rapidly changing priorities. Desired: Experience in ADP, Report Smith, Excel, Microsoft Office; two years’ college.

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




systems. Familiar with variety of technologies: activities for children and junior youths, net Visual tools, database and Web tools.

Senior Applications Developer. Provides highlevel analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: Visual Basic, SQL7, Microsoft Access, Web tools, Delphi, C++.

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.

For BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS Activities Editor (10 bours per week). Will develop, acquire and compile fun and engaging

work with contributors, help foster cultural diversity, participate in magazine and article development including research, writing, editing and on-site proofreading for all six issues each year. Must be able to stay abreast of trends and needs in Baha'i children’s activities, participate in regular staff meetings, assist with marketing and promotional activities. Should be self-motivated, flexible with time, comfortable with a creative, deadline-driven atmosphere, and broadly familiar with Baha'i writings and principles. Needs background in education and in children’s varied learning styles. Must be a good communicator. Experience with publishing preferred. Applicants who live within 100 miles of Evanston, IL, are preferred.

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

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

URGENT NEED

Director OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION New York, NY For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbnc.org and click on the “Current Opportunities for Service” link in the What's New list.

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.




AT NATIVE AMERICAN BAHA'I INSTITUTE Houck, ARIZONA

Children and Youth Program Coordinator. Carries out administrative, training and social tasks to coordinate day-to-day operation of youth programs, including Youth Service Corps volunteer program; collaborates with administrators to design and run an effective service, training and community involvement program for youth volunteers; communicates with youths from around the region and the country; develops youth newsletters, periodic conferences, organized retreats and deepenings, facilitating an abundance of good times for all; completes special projects and other duties. Needs driver's license. Administrative Assistant. Maintains relationships with institutions, volunteers, staff, and the public through phone, mail and electronic correspondence; prepares newsletters, flyers, bulk mailings and reports; maintains financial records; coordinates Institute purchasing; other duties. Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and materials. If interested in either post, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT GREEN AcRE BAHA'I SCHOOL Euiot, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds. Receptionist/Office Assistant. Receives phone, e-mail and fax communications; greets visitors in a courteous, efficient manner; provides administrative support for co-administrators, registrar, program coordinator; helps bookstore manager with sales and inventory. If interested, please contact Jim Sacco, coadministrator, Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-4397200, e-mail b

At LOUHELEN BAHA’l 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’s School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, email ).


July 13, 2000

Tue American BanA’i ¢ CLassiried page 57 [Page 58]

Cc


ACROSS THE NATION Needed: Colorado Baba’i Youth Workshop CoCoordinator. This very successful workshop, with about 25 youths ded




the Cause of Baha’u’


ested in wor


ing with the youths


e


coordinator. Needs strong love for the Saturday after


cause and ability to commit

noons. Colorado’s economy is booming, jobs



great place to raise a family. Ple:

inquiries to the sponsoring Spiritual Assembly

of Fort Collins (phone 970-229-5962, e-mail ).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to a: friends preparing for internatio




I serv


rudy abroad, ing, Baha'i


ion regarding jobs and




¢ contact the Office of Pione



onal Center, 1233 Central St., IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

events and traveling teac!

nston,


ome international



ing opportunities are

listed on page 63.

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT


A change in homefront pioneering appeals

The four Regional Baha’i Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering in the past year. Because of this, The American Bahda’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’ 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.

Northeastern States

Urgent! Homefront pioneers needed to save the Local Spiritual Assembly of Altoona, Pennsylvania. This goal city of 50,000 is centrally located in beautiful rolling hills, away from the maddening crowd. Good


schools, safe environ to teach the Caus

nt and opportunities



porary housing ai able for those who wish to visit. Coll


students welcome at the lovely Penn State

Altoona Campus. Pl contact Gail


Alberini (phone ). Make your mark. ‘To inquire about other possible localities,

contact the Northeast Regional Ba


i Council secretary, Joel Nizin (phone

.

sen


Central States

To inquire about locating as a bomefront pio neer, contact the Central Regional Baha'i

Council secretary, Lynn Wieties (phone e-mail .

Western States

For more information, contact the appropriate traveling


homefront pione:


coordinator for each st



Regional Councils s

Administrative Web Site, www.usbne.org), or


the regional homefront pic tor, Flor Toloui,

ng coordina (phone e-mail ).

For information on American Indian reser vations (localities listed below marked with *),

contact the American Indian regional traveling


teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator, Helen Kiely,

(phone , e-mail

The Regional Baha’i Council has put emphasis on Assembly goals in the seven “breath of life” states designated by ‘Abdu'l-Bahi in the Tablets of the Div


Plan: Arizona, Idaho,


Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and


Wyoming. Goal localities below: Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District", Buckeye, Chino Valley, Goodyear, Houck Chapter*, Kingman, Surprise, Tolleson Idaho: fort Hall Indian Reservation", Meridian, Ada Co, Hootena Co.

Montana: Blackfeet Indian Reservation”, Crow Agency", Harr, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co, Misoula, St. Ignatius Nevada: Boulder City, Pahrump, Winchester, Lyon Co, Churchill Co.

New Mexico: Bernalillo Co. £., Dofia Ana Co. Cent, Jicarila Apache Reservation", Mescalero Apache Reservation’, Rio Arriba Co.,Roswel, Grants, Ruidoso, Lincola Co, Socorro, los Lunas, Deming, Carsbad, Artesia, Lovington, Aztec, Luna Shiprock Chapter’, Tas Co.

Utah: West Jordan, Bountiful, Centervilelearfild, Farmington, La Yerkn, Layton, Hidvale, Hurray Roy, South Ogden, Uintah-Ouray*

Wyoming: Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Cody, Rawlins, Newcastle, Weston County Laramie County, Rock Springs

Colorado: Cortez, Hanitou Springs, Englewood, Thornton, Fremont Co,, Pagosa Springs, Southern Ute Reservation’, Canon Gy

California: 83 goal communities

Oregon: 21 goal communities Washington: 36 goal communities

Southern States

For more information, please contact the ieoan Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team

Southern Regional " ng and


li, secretary (phone il )or Connie Donley,



jie (phone , e-mail

)

‘The Regional Council has placed top priority

for homefront pioneering on cities with popu Jations of 50,000 or more and no Local

Spiritual Assembly as of March 2000.

  • Arkansas: fort Smith, Pine Bluff
  • Florida: Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami,

Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach

Georgia: Abany

Kentucky: Owensboro

Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake Charles, Monroe

North Carolina: Gastonia

Oklahoma: Broken Arrow

South Carolina: North Charleston

Tennessee: Jackson

Texas: Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Killen, Laredo,

Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo

Virginia: Danille, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk

+ West Virginia: Huntington


‘The National Bal

BAHA’i WorLD CENTER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Mount Carmel Baha’i Projects

Project manager is secking an expert stone mason and an industrial/commercial plumber to helpin maintenance and, as needed, restoration at the Baha’s World Genter properties.

Insurance professionals

Baha'is knowledgeable in the field of insurance relating to general property, buildings, natural disasters, public third-party liability, motor-vehicle and general insurance.

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

ARCHIVES



Archives is seeking origi nal letters written on bebalf of the Guardian

to the followin; Nellie Duff, Anna

Gertrude Duell, Howard and Dufly, Elizabeth L. Duffy,



Dora Dunbar, Ruth Newman Dunbar, Avona

Gc

. Duncan, Allen and Anita Dunn, Kathryn

Dunn and Robert Durr, Anyone knowing fami ly members or relatives who might have these


Ey


ed to contact the ational Baha’f Archives, 1233 Central St., inston, IL 60201 (phone 847-853-2359).

‘The National Baha’i Archives is seeking photographs of the following Hands of the Cause to add to its photograph collection: Hermann Grossman, Jalal Khazeh, Sutherland Maxwell, Adelbert Muhlschlegal, Rahmat’u'lls




ir, Enoch Olinga, Keith Ransom Kehler, John Rol zu lah Samandari,


luhammad


Varqé, Valiyu'lléh Varga. Anyone having pho tographs they could donate ed to send



Central Evanston, IL 60201. Pl

tify the photographs if possible with people,


date and place.



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

Includes talks by:

  • Dr. Bahiyyih Nakhjavani
  • Dr. Janet Khan
  • Jacqueline Left Hand Bull
  • Prof. Howard Adelman
  • Sen. Landon Pearson
  • Prof. Suheil Bushrui

Ahaalf-day session in Persian will be conducted Sept. 2,

by the Association for Baha’i Studies in Persian. To register

  • Web site:

www.bahai-studies.ca

  • Phone: 613-233-1903
  • An ad and form were

made available in the June 5 issue of The American Bahd’s, p. 31.


Hotel information: At the conference site, the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference 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.

All conference fees are in Canadian dollars; the exchange rate may vary. Conversion is automatic if you pay by credit card.

Full four-day registration ABS member: $100 on site.


Child or Pre-Youth (age 5-15): $50.

Discounts (no more than one discount may apply)

members, $20 discount per couple; non-members, $50 discount per couple.

Senior (65+), Student or Unwaged: member, $20 discount; non-member, $35 discount.

ABS member: $35 on site. Non-member: $40 on site. Child or Pre-Youth: $20. Refunds: Registration fees are refundable, less 10% administrative fees if ABS is notified by Aug. 15, and less 20% adi


Fees

includes one-year membership.

One-day registration

ative fees if notified after Aug. 15.




This brochure from the Office of the Treasurer

contains some Baha’i teachings and practical advice on:

Importance and advantages of a will * 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. | * Phone 847-733-3466 or e-mail

-* Or, fill out the form with the attached envelope.


page 58

Te American BanA’i * CLassiriep/News

July 13,2000 [Page 59]ESPO


BAHA'I SUBSCRIBER SERVICE ° 800-999-9019


World Order

Your window to

teaching, deepening and external affairs

Winter 1999-2000 issue




\dra Hutchison ¢

  • Ahang Rabbani translates into En;


sh a 1901 plan for surveillance of Bah

um 1910-2000


Stokes, of the 20th century

Morrison, Ji


\ctivities in

Palestine and Iran

Still Avai “ry

he edi


ble: Fall 1999 Issue aking Dogn



© Editorial


  • Interchang
  • Robert Hariman on Christian detachmei

Praise of Folly and Que

  • Jim Stokes on the power of
  • Duane |



Jerrmann on the Press,




Subscriptions: US—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. air mait— $24 / year, $46°/2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling


Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the U.S. National Assembly Subscriptions: US.—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail—$18 / year, $33 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$28 / year, $52 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling See Kid’s Corner, page 8

The American Baha’i

10 times a year; available by subscription to Baha’is outside the continental U.S. Outside US. surface mail—$24 / year, $45 / 2 years Outside US. air mail—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years

Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling

One Country

Quarterly about development by the Baha’i International Community Subscriptions: US.—SI2 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mait—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside U.S. 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,

e-mail Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling



Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication?


Send to:


Address


City Country

Sold to (if different from recipient):


Daytime phone or e-mail



10TH ANNUAL

Conference of the Friends of

Persian Culture

20TH CENTURY: CENTURY OF LIGHT CHICAGO O'HARE MARRIOTT ‘HOTEL * AUG. 31-SEPT.3

RS TO INCLUD!



Presentations in both Persian and English

@

Youth sessions in English on interracial issues, role of arts in promoting unity, marriage and family, pioneering/year of service, other topics


Dr. Ghassem Bayat, Dr. F ory University), Nacem N. ch Milani (University of Virgi

i ahba and Dr. Rafaci from the Baha'i World Center

TOPICS TO INCLUD An Overview of the 20th Century, $





Developments in the 20th Century, The




Iranian Baha’ Community in the Twentieth @ Century, Persian Arts and Poetry in the Byes, ‘Twentieth Century, Women's Movement in Iran Children’s classes for ages MUSICAL, THEATRICAL


3-ll FOLK DANCE PERFORMANC

‘REGISTRATION

Fees: Adult or youth (12+): $35 by Aug. 1; $40 at door. Child (3-11): $50 for whole conference or $20 per day.

To register: Fill out the Multi-Purpose Form below and mail to Persian-American Affairs Office, Baha’ National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60202.

‘HOTEL RESERVATION

Special rate: $80 per room (1-4 people) per night; call hotel directly at 773-693-4444 by Aug. 1 at latest and make your reservation for “Persian Arts Festival.”

Youths: Call ahead if...

ses You want (0 share your artistic or poetic talent. Contact Sheedeh Mahboobipoor (phone

). Children: Call ahead if ...

ses You want to perform (poetry recitation, dance, etc.). Contact the Persian-American Affairs Office; number at left.






Parking and O'Hare Airport shuttle service are free. ‘PHONE FOR INFORMATION:

Office of Persian-American Affairs, 847-733-3528 or 3531






INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP


‘To record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs informa tion 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 below to respond by mail.

Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

Names and ID numbers of all Baha’fs on each trip * Names of each country visited, plus the one or wo main localities, and date(s) of visit(s) * Main purpose of your travel



aT MULTIPURPOSE FORM CLIP OR Copy AS NEEDED


‘or which event or activity?





Address Name City State, ZIP aes Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N

City State, ZIP Home phone Fax Work phone E-mail phone ail


Check/money order zpeymcns must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable to

Baha'i Distribution

Credit card #

rvice. Do not combine subscri ents with payments for baclstamies Oc Gchcr alsgln ieanel Georeia resilenrs Iocan oC

le sales tax.




(if applicable) Exp. date Cardholder signature Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service, ‘TAB 7/13/00

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017







Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):










TAB 7/13/00




July 13,2000 Tue American Band’ ¢ Seexinc Your ResPonse page 59 [Page 60]


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page 62 THe AMERICAN Band’ * PERSIAN

July 13, 2000 [Page 63]

Teaching Projects

  • Poland: Preparatory Institute in Cieszyn

July 15-22 (Ruhi Institute books will be available in English) followed by teaching project July 23-28 with street teaching and evening performances supported by a dance workshop from Germany. Summer school next, through Aug. 3.

© Russia: Marion Jack Project XII, caeouek

the end of summer, Small teaching teams

will spend 1-2 months doing proclama tion, teaching and consolidation work,

Wide range of teaching skills and diversity

of believers needed, including youth

workshop performers.

Central America: Second Hearts Ablaze

Project through Aug. 18; youths mini



mum age 15. Traveling team proclaims to

youth through performing arts (dance); residential teams teach and serve in one community. Project includes International Youth Congress in El Salvador in July, Scotland: “Traces” youth workshop teach ing tour needs several, particularly male, participants ages 15~25 years of age. ‘Tour includes several mature communities with

.

dedicated helpers of the dance group; fin ishes at summer school in the Orkney islands to attend the island summer school. South Africa: Beyond Words youth performing arts teaching project, July 2000 to June 2001 (part-time membership possible).

Performing arts have proven very effective.

Mexico: Border teaching project Aug. 10-24, immediately after the Tucson, AZ, ‘Teaching Project. Performance, fireside and consolidation teams (knowledge of Spanish most important for consolidation). Particularly for youths age 18 and above.

Conferences, Schools and Events Canada: Youth Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 20-24. Summer school information British Columbia: Aug. 5~7 (Harper _ Mountain, e-mail y and Aug. 8-13 (Shawnigan Lake, ¢-mail

) Alberta: Through the summer (Sylvan Lake Baha’{ Center, phone 403-887-5728,

.




e-mail i Saskatchewan: Aug. 47 (e-mail ).

Ontario: ‘Through the summer (Wildfire Outdoor Education Center, e-mail LS

  • Dominican Republic: International Youth

Congress for the Caribbean July 27-30. Proceedings in English, French and Spanish.

  • Pakistan: Asian Youth Conference 2000,

July 21-23 in Karachi. Honorable speakers, cultural shows, other art performances. Netherlands: Tahirih Youth School July 28-Aug. 4 in Arnemuiden, for age 15 and up. Sessions available in English. © Hungary: Summer school Aug. 5-11 at Séstégyégyfiirds (Saltlake spas). ° Irela summer school Aug. S~18 in Waterford. Theme: “The Covenant.” Please contact the Office of Pioneering for further information about these and other opportunities for international traveling teachers. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail +



Shining example dissolves barriers during choir tour

INFORMATION FROM PAMELA BRODE

he affection members of the Voices

of Baha choir exhibited for each other and those around them warmed the hearts of nearly everyone they encountered during a too-short visit to Slovakia to record and perform.

Despite a few incidents of racism exhibited by people unused to seeing a mixed group, the singers and crew were able to spread Baha’u'llah’s message of love to wary Bratis s—whether in reheat the hotel or a local Gypsy restaurant.

The trip began March 17, when director Tom Price and the 160 singers and crew from 20 nations came together in Haifa, Israel.

For three days, the choi glory of visiting the Baha’f Sacred Places in the Holy Land and learned songs composed by Price for his«new oratorio, Carmel.

On their last in. Haifa, only a few hours before sunset and the beginning of Naw-Riz, Price led choir membe: n song at the Temple site. The finale was “Prayer for the Hands of the honor of beloved Amatu’l-Baha Ruhi Khanum.

After a flight to Vienna and bus trip to Brati , the choir had reached a total number of 180 singers and 20 Baha’ trav




lava



reveled in the








av:



eling teachers. It also reached its full and glorious diversity of culture, race, nationality, and age.

The contrast between the sor t boisterous Baha'is, particularly those from the United States, and the seemingly stoic Slovakians, was immediately noticeable.

Another contrast was soon evident. The Baha’is, warned of potential racism in the city, had their fears realized. But th sters and brothers who faced incidents of iscrimination and stark prejudice exemnobility, dignity, courage, and spiritual radiance that had to leave a mark on the populace.

It certainly transformed the musicians of the talented Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. The first day they were reserved and very quiet. But as time went on they grew livelier and friendlier, allowing themselves to laugh out loud, snap fingers and clap along with upbeat numbers.

Hotel employees were also observing the mutual res love and affecti openly displayed among diverse choir members. In time, several of the employees became genuinely open and even tried to learn English words in an attempt to engage the Baha'is in conversation.

Then there the trip to Expos, a Gypsy restaurant, where the choir was serenaded by a wonderful violi

It was impossible for the Baha’

















5 not to.


Proclamation in Nigeria






Baha’is in Sapele, Nigeria, carry out a teaching project in the areas within walking distance of their Baha’i center. Three banners feature different Baha'i teachings, and music cassettes attract people to the group. The project has been successful beginning with its launch in December. Baha'i International News Service



COMMUNITY

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS



  • Bosnia-Herzegovina: The new nation’s

first Naw-Ruz feast was celebrated at the Baha'i Center in Sarajevo March 21 with 15 friends attending, including pione from different parts of the country and visitors from France and the Netherlands iveryone present was very joyful,” according to participants, “and it is our hope that this very fact demonstrates the power of the Revelation of Bahé’u’llah which brings joy to the hearts even after war and in the midst of economic difficulty.”





  • Réunion: The Inter-Religious Group of

Réunion, representing Baha’t, Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities, cowrote and published a manifesto for interreligious dialogue to mark the beginning of 2000. The statement w: de public at a Jan. 3 well-publicized news conference. “The Cause of Baha’u’llih was for the first time presented by the media, in association with other deniominations on the island, as a religion in its own right,” the National Assembly reported.



get into the act, and they sang along—in harmony, of course—prompting the delighted violinist to play every American song he could think of, including “Jingle Bells” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

On the last night of the tour, March 25, the Voices of Baha joined the orchestra in concert at the Radio Music Theater in Bratislava. Before an audience of about 500 Slovakians the choir members sang hearts out, officially marking the oratorio’s public debut.

Soloists I s, Van Gilmer, Lucie Dubé, E1 inger Aaron Judisch all sang splenThe orchestra was superb, and the choir members, especially those who were performing for the first time with Tom Price, were in sheer ecstasy and amazement.

‘The tour was such a success that Voices of Baha organizers have already begun to plan a European tour with the full Slovak Radio Symphony for the summer of 2001.









Pamela Brode has participated in several tours of the Voices of Baha. For more information about future tours and local concerts, and to get on the Voices of Baha mailing list, contact Barbara Baumgartner, (phone » e-mail ).

TEACHING

© Hawaiian Islands: The National Spiritual Assembly here launched a media campaign Feb. 7 making use of the 1-800-22-UNITE phone response system. It uses the 30- and 60-second telen commercials, with time bought on affiliates of four major networks.

After the U.S. 800UNITE office forwards phone messages to Hawaii’s National Baha’{ Office, the Teaching Desk staff forwards them in turn to Local Spiritual Assemblies or other local contact points.

During the first month of the campaign, more than 100 literature and/or call-back requests were received. Some communities reported contacts attending firesides, and one has ongoing “chats” on the Internet with those who have visited the official Baha’{ Web site.

  • New Zealand: At least 21 local Baha’f

communities supported Race Unity Day, celebrated March 21 and established by the national Race Relations Conciliator.

  • Baha’is in Gisborne wrote a letter to

their newspaper about the day. Friends in Invercargill placed a display in their public library.

Believers in North Shore sent a letter to all schools in their area promoting race unity and enclosing a copy of “Race Relations in Aotearoa/New Zealand: a Baha’i Perspective.” Baha’is in rural Hurunui District decided it was beyond their resources to organize an event. However, they contacted local newspapers to arrange interviews with a newly arrived Baha’f family, originally from Egypt. Frontpage articles with photos in two newspapers resulted.












July 13,2000 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i * INTERNATIONAL News

page 63 [Page 64]CXUEND



FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly — phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail - Louhelen or its agencies at the Baha’i National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and Baha’{ School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail

ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the perma- . Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, phone 843-558-5093; nent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’i School, phone 831-423- fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Baha’i Institute,

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail + Green Acre Baha’ School, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail _¢




JULY

17-21: Marian Steffes Baha’i School, Brownsville, WL. Registrar: Lisa Riemer, (phone , e-mail ).

17-23: “Art and the Mystic Path” at Little Pond retreat center, Nazareth, PA (phone 610-837-2741, email Web site www.littlepond.org). 19-23: Four Corners Baha’i School, near Gallup, NM. Registrar: Bill Bright,

(pho: ins Bah;


). chool, Peru, NE.




(phone , e-mail ). 21-26: mpowerment Institute for Junior Youth at 22-26: " Complement and Helpm: Equality”; C:

22-27: Pei 27-30: Dayspring Bah Registrar: Rob Chalmers,

(phone


‘ eich Frostburg, MD.

, fax 301-7250464, e-mail 28-Aug. 2: “Baha’u' Louhele 28-Aug. 2: “The Dynamics of Authentic Relationships” at Green Acre.

29-Aug. 3: Youth Institute (grades 10-12) at Bosch. 29-Aug. 10: Youth Academy (high school graduates) at Bosch.

30-Aug. 4: John H. Wilcott Bah chool, near Livingston, MT. Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, (phone

’Ilah: Creator of World Order” at






mail ) BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

KALIMAT, KAMAL ° B.E. 157

AUGUST ee

4-6: Texas Baha’f School, Bruceville, TX. Registrar: Muhammad Mazidi (e-mail ). Preregister by July 27.

4-9: “Packing for the Five Year Plan” at Green Acre. 4-9: Friends and Families session on the Twelve Month Plan, consultation/conflict resolution, at Louhelen. 5-10: Junior Youth Institute (grades 7-9) at Bosch.





lum teacher training. ichool, McKenna, WA.





Poughkeepsie, NY: Registra 122, Norwood, NJ 07648 (c

North Woods Baha’ School, near Onamia, MN. Registrar: Ali Mahabadi, (phone 18-20: United Spiritual Gathering Counci Neah Bay, WA: “Renewing Spiritual annon and Reggie Newkirl Spiritual Assembly of the Maka 360-645-2153, e-mail site www.olypen.com/jensens). 18-23: Pioneer Training Program at Louhelen; contact Office of Pioneering to registe: 18-23: Two s Humanity: Bah: for Youth: “In the : 18-24: “Choral Music and Community Growth” at Louhelen.





ions at Green


Youths put together puppets for a presentation at a recent Oregon Regional

19-24: Two sessions at Bosch: “Skills for Teaching,” Family Session; Brilliant Star and TV Production for Pre-Youths and Youths.

25-27: Green Lake Baha’{ Conference, Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI. Contact: Lori J. Block, (phone e-mail ). 25-30: Two sessions at Green Acre: “The World Order of Baha’u’llah”; “The Spirit of Children” conference on children’s literature and art.

26-30: 26th Anniversary Reunion at Bosch.

31-Sept. Conference of the Friends of Persian Culture, Chicago, IL. Details, page 59.






SEPTEMBER

1-4: Homecoming Weekend: “Baha’w’llah, the Individual and Teaching” at Louhelen. 1-4: “I Dedicate Myself to Thee: The Power of Devotional Life” at Green Acre. | 1-4: “Cultivating Distinetion and Parenting” Family

"{ Social Group at Bosch.

ea Shenandoah (formerly Massanetta Springs) Bahé’t School, Harrisonburg, VA. Registrar: Ruth Clements (e-mail 1-4: Kentucky Baha’ Nancy Ordaz, (phone





chool, Faubush, KY. Registrar:

, e-mail ). Pre-register by Aug. 25. 1-4: Tennessee Baha'i Institute, Monteagle, TN.

Registrar: Kaihan Strain,




(information only phone

please leave your e-mail address). Preregister by mail only by August 15.


" 60201- 16, If f


Training Institute session. Youth involve ment has spawned

circles of learning and z deepenings conducted by the young trainees. See story on page 7. 4 Photo courtesy of




Colby Toussaint

Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable)

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS



Su

Apartment # (if applicable)


JULY 13-AUGUST 19, 2000

iy


City

State


Zip code


D. NEW COMMUNITY

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER






Name of new Baha’ Community Moving Date ‘Area Code Phone Number Name F, WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number Name Area Code 52 Number Name



G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES We do not have the same last name. We do not want extra



CAUSE: [171i last names and addresses on our address labels do not copies, so please cancel the copy for match. We have listed above the the person(s) and ID number(s) — full names of family members as listed above. they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.





H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

Our houschold receives only ‘one copy of The American Babé’s. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.




Tue American Band’

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