The American Bahá’í/Volume 31/Issue 6/Text

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Volume 31, Issue 6

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[Page 1]

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF

JUSTICE

to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States dated March 14, 2000

ear Baha'i Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has r da message of unusual interest from a group of 10 Baha'is in North Carolina who have initiated a pilot program called “A Supreme Effort, white Baha’i men ‘contributing th are to the solution of the problem’ of racism in America.” We have been asked to write as follows.

The House of Justice was deeply touched by the pure-hearted response of these friends to

the Guardian’s urgent appeal in The Advent of

Divine Justice, and it feels that so sincere a commitment to the principles lying at the heart of so

vital an issue deserves to be encouraged wholeheartedly. It is important, too, that the Baha’ institutions off

r guidance that will assist them

to deal successfully with the complexity and sensitivity of the challenge they have assumed.

The initiatives of white Ba sable to the solution of a problem that involves the bl: nd white races equally, must, of course, be read nothing should be done to da ampe: But to h the label “white F their endeavor can raise unnecessary problems.

iis, so indispen

and genuinely welcomed; and heir zeal. men” to

SEE MESSAGE, PAGE 5

We are being heard

Media momentum invigorates interest in Baha’i message, attracts dozens to enroll

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE ocal Baha’i communities across the nation are experiencing increasing interest in the Faith.

In most cases the friends connect ing with the souls who have to the call of Baha’u'lléh through media

esponded

broadcasts munity response to the seeker interest is

although consistent com not universal. Successful follow-up to seekers has

resulted in nearly 100 reported enroll

ments in the Faith. Most of those enrollments have Youth teaching occurred this y In

in the South / page 3

1 20,000 people have visited the public Web site s-bahai.org) without requesting

addition, s

jon. Since January, more 10,000 inquiries about the h stemming from exposure to the national med campaign have included requests for litture or for direct contact. The respons so repres

than

enting

the wide spectrum of American society Com and occur across the country. munities that have seen large: interest recently include California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Washington, DG

The friends in Broward County, Florida, are mastering the art o' cessful follow-up through their “Heart

SEE MEDIA CAMPAIGN, PAGE 5

‘Every step is a prayer’

The vanguard of the cross-country Spirit Run leads more than 100 people on a walkway to the main entrance of the House of Worship in Wilmette. Photo by James Humphrey

Spirit Runners put the teachings in motion

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

long the sidewalks of Wilmette, Ilnois, the procession sounded the call of Y4 Baha’u’l-Abha over and over, from more than 100 throats. Mostly youths but with a significant sprinkling of all ages, they marched tc ready drumbeat—a beat that had impelled the same call into dozens of towns and cities over nearly two months. As it approached the Baha’{ House of Worship from the northwest on July 16,

the group was led by a drummer and nine young men and women who had taken turns carrying the sacred message of Baha’u’llah from the start of this long foot journey, this Spirit Run, this quest to demonstrate the unity of varied peoples through the sacrificial energy of the young.

n other youths who also had run for miles with the Message were among the first to follow. Completing the rainbow

SEE SPIRIT RUN, PAGE 18 _

Aucust 20, 2000

eooeeeoeee

ASMA’/NAMES ‘IZZAT/MIGHT BAHAI ERA 157

VOLUME 31,

IeN°S°I-D-E:

NO. 6

T, (NGDOM

OUR DEVELOPMENT PLAN PAGES 6~7

RACE UNITY DAY PAGES 14-15

VINEYARD OF THE LORD PAGES 22-23

YOUTH » 12 KID’S CORNER ° 17 CLASSIFIED + 24-25 IN MEMORIAM + 26 UNIT CONVENTIONS + 27-29

PERSIAN PAGES + 32-34 fasnameairoeor ests ne|

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and June 30, 2000

$4,500,000 Goal/all funds

$2,431,805 Received

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 3 for details RT |

E-X-C-E-R°P-T-S:

“Is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the

whole character of mankind ... its inner life and external conditions?” —Baha’u'llah

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab ‘A Baha‘i Holy Day

Observed between sundown Oct. 19 and sundown Oct. 20
Work is to be suspended

“The Bab, whose name was ‘Ali-Muhammad, was born in Shiraz [in Persia], on the first of Muharram, in the year 1235 AH. [Oct. 20, 1819]. He was the descendant of a house renowned for its nobility, which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself.” (The Dawn-Breakers, p. 14)

A beautiful Tablet revealed by Baha’u'llah in honor of the anniversary of the Bab’s birth can be found on page 234 of ‘Tablets of Baba'w'llab.

Some significant dates in Baha‘i history

Late August and September

September 1867: Baha’u'llai Turkey), began the process of de world at large. about this time, w

ianople (Edirne, His mission to the nd Rulers, revealed described by Shoghi Effendi as His: “most momentous Tablet.” Sept. 23, 1893: The Bahs the first time in North Americ: World Parliament of Religions Christia Sept. 10, 1911 ‘Abdu’l- Bak lectures in the Western world, s ing to Paris on O Sept. 19, 1919: The Hand of the Cause of God Martha

first series of public ting at London and travel

Root brought her teaching efforts to a succession of Latin American countries that had never been visited by a Baha’i: Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Panama and Cuba. She was followed almost exactly eight years later by the “Mother of South America,” Leonora Holsapple (later Armstrong), who made the first recorded Baha’{ teaching trips to Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, Curacao, Trinidad, the Guianas, Barbados and other Caribbean islands.

Aug. 20, 1921: Agnes Baldwin Alexander was the first Baha’i to visit Korea. Sept. 4, 1943: 4 established

The House of Worship in

ated bys the Hand of He Cause of

Sept. 8-10, 1979: The house of the Bab in Shiraz, Iran, was attacked and substantially demolished by crowds overseen by al Revolutionary that accompanied that country’s Islamic revolution. Aug. 29, 1983: The government of Iran ba Faith and made membership in its inst a se, Iran’s National Spiritual Assembly dissolved all Baha’ institutions in the country.

Upcoming Holy Days

Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah: Nov. 12 Day of the Covenant: Nov. 26 Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Nov. 29

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

N ALL THINGS

JOHN ANGELO, Hollywood, with a 1999-2000 Community Service Award by the California Parks and Recreation Society for hi involving drama and the arts.

freshmen. Samoa, he Hyman, pionee:

CATHERINE BOROVICKA, a Baha'i in Conway, South Carolina, this year’s winner of the South Carolina Black History Month Essay Contest for high school students, sponsored by the state Department of Education. Her winning essay, selected from about 1,500, was on “Louis G. Gregory: Champion of Racial Unity.” As a senior at South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math, Catherine also had won this year’s South Carolina Public — Health

Before

News.

school Jackson

junior

LSONARD ROWED) HYMAN a 16

ted in Hawaii and the son of Bill and Jane in Samoa previously

living in Morristown, entering Leonard is to spend his third straight summer as a reporter for the Samoa

KATIE OSVOLD, a Baha’i who is a high in County, Oregon, won first place for expository

Ashland High School also achieved . Her presentation, ven at Feasts, is a biog

ard for incoming ‘Tahirih that addresses the changing place of women throughout the world. Katie’s use of the talk has provided her with a stream of opportunities to teach New Jersey. the Faith.

university,

the RASHUNDA TRAMBLE, a Baha'i in Greensboro, North Carolina, was honored recently by the North Garolina Associated Press Association for the best television feature story of 1999. It was

raphical sketch and tribute to the life of

Association Award for her community speaking in this the second straight project on recognizing racism. year’s state Speech year the association and Debate has honored the Menlo ‘Tournament, where reporter for WGHP-TV in High Point, fornia, and the c of the her team from North Carolina. # National — Spiritual Assembly, has been Pan the Correction/Clarification ol as this In the June 5, 2000, issue of The Amer-_ * An article in the Feb. 7, 2000, issue ent of the ican Baha'i, an article on the upcoming — of The American Babd’t paid tribute to Hiengy R Heyburn Conference of the Association for Baha'i the life and services of Adib Alumni Public Studies misstated speaker Bahiyyih Taherzadeh, a member of the Univer This award is given every other year to “the UK College of Law graduate deemed to exemplify an interest in the public good.” In a letter to Davis, the acting dean of the College of Law noted in part, “I can honestly say that I cannot think of a more des this prestigious award.”

Service Award.

Nakhjavani’s scriptwriting credits. Her credits should have been listed as: The Secret of Our Century, This Ancient Promise, In Memory of Thomas Breakwell and Paroles des Femmes. The Other Drey_fus is still in the making and she did not write Creating a Culture of Growth, which was made by the Baha’f World Center's Office of Public Information.

sal House of Justice who passed away on Jan. 27, 2000. For clarity’s sake, the first sentence of the final paragraph should have read:

“He is survived by his wife, Lesley, their son Bahhaj and daughter Maryam, as well as his son Tahir and daughter Vida from his first marriage to Zarin Malmiri.”

THE AMERICAN

BAHAT

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ‘THE Band’is Or THE UNITED STATES

panes National Ce: "00. en!

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors

Susanne M. Alexander, Timothy Carroll, Jim Cheek, Kenneth Duszynski, Caswell Ellis, Judith Griffin, Miles Henderson, Patricia Humphrey, Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis, Barbara Nakai, Puran Stevens, Ruhi Vargha, C.A. Whitworth, Angeline Widmer, Rachel Wolfe, Nancy Wong

“stop or consolid aig, cone ‘ Membership: i National | Center, 1233 Central St., rat ee

SP nOTe Sa EDR

lca fom ion eee

SUBMITTING ARTICLES. AND PHOTOS: pr THE AMERICAN BAHA‘i welcomes news, letters or other items of interest — from individuals and institutions of the Baha’f Faith.

ARTICLES should be clear, concise Land

relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans. We may edit stories for length. We cannot print advance articles to publicize locally sponsored events, but may be able to list them in the Calendar.

PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or blackand-white prints. Please submit photos

that are well-composed and in focus, and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope (you do not need to supply postage).

DEADLINES for upcoming issues:

November 4: Deadline September 15 December 12: Deadline October 26

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible ~ publication to The American Babd’t, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail »

AUS eC gad the Baha'is of the United States.

World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2

Tne AMERICAN BAnA’l * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

August 20, 2000 [Page 3]

Young teachers spread message in South

esponding to the Master’s hope and

to the call of the Regional Baha’i Council and Youth Coordinating Team for the Southern States, 92 youths arose in July to teach and serve in the South.

The teachers spent six days of intensive training in Melbourne, Florida, before the actual teaching work began. Every day they recited the Tablet of Ahmad, the Fire Tablet and the Bab’s farewell address to the Letters of the Living, to gather energy and spiritual force.

Then they dispersed to nine locales by July 13 to spend!9 days lovingly sharing the news of the word of Baha'u'llah, in unique ways for each place.

Roughly from east to west, the communities hosting and locally organizing this undertaking were Durham, North Carolina; Florence and Rock Hill, South Carolina; Gainesville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Rogers, Arkansas; College Station, Dallas and San Marcos, Texas.

Here are a few abbreviated highlights from early reports. More complete information on the projects will be available for the next issue of The American Bahd’i.

Localities report wealth of teaching, sharing, service

Product 19 En Fuego Gainesville, FL

tac Baha’i youths one Sunday, according to a report from the Gainesville project to the Regional Council.

A pastor interviewed Baha'i youths for her Sunday show on a popular radio tion. They presented Bahd’u’llih’s mese of love and unity, telling how the ith and service to God shaped their ves. The interview ended with the playing of the gospel song “In This Day Baha’w’llah”—prompting requ for

Then the pastor invited them to a church service that evening. As one paricipating youth reported, four of the Baha'is offered “testimonies” filled with the words of Baha’u’llah. “A Baha’{ read the prayer for unity, and spoke about the importance of youth and the coming of the New Age, and the pastor asked us to lead the congregation in song,” the

here by (from left) Laura Aylesworth,

Louhelen’s ‘Playscape’ is new again

Children gather on the “Playscape” at Louhelen Baha’i School. Three weeks’ worth of volunteer work resulted in major repairs and improvements, enjoyed J’Mag Karbeah, Gabriela Powell, jaleh Darling, Lua Dibble and Shirin Maani. See story on page 21. Photo by Jim Cheek

he Universal House of Justice has

determined, in consultation with the Hands of the Cause of God, that M Brooks and her two daughters, Mi: sten Kansteiner and Miss Avery Kansteiner, of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, are Cov ers. Mrs. with the Covenant-breaker f Jacques Soghomonian of France and the | Leland Jensen in recent years. She has bee a eo pupmed Pana of es. for

COVENANTBREAKER ALERT

bre:

same entire under

The National Spi the friends of the admonition given to every Baha’{ to strictly avoid communication or contact with House of Justice hi i lual believer:

Laura s Kier

nantbeen involved ions of both

Brooks has

ual Assembly reminds

y Covenant-breaker. As the s explained in a letter to

totality of His round and atta stitution of the Faith he vic If this happens ev person to s reactions, but if he persists he must, in accordance with the Himself, be

“The seriousness of Cov the that it st of the unity the instrument to be div how then would His purpose be acl “ ‘Abdu’l-Baha ha:

report continued.

“We sang ‘O Lord My God, Open ‘Thou the Door ...’ And then the pastor requested that we end the evening by singing the ‘Y4 Baha’u’l-Abha’ song (!) and everyone was singing and dancing and hugging.”

‘That evening the young teachers were amazed as they talked about “feeling the spirit of the Church and the sanity) ith working togethe: incredible.”

Emma Welter Teaching Project San Marcos, TX

‘Twenty-one enrollments in the first 11 days. That’s the pace set by a teaching team that included 16 youths, average age about 15, reports to the Southern Regional Council show.

Support and momentum flowed from two bountiful sources: the Houston Baha'i Youth Workshop, which per

SEE YOUTH TEACHING, PAGE 31

National Convention 2001 set in Temple

he 2001 Baha’i National Convention will be held April 26-29. Ati convene in Foundation Hall House of Worship in Wil sessions will at the Bah tte, Hlinois.

The National Assembly eag:

pates welcoming delegates, members of

the Continental Board of Counselors ies, members of the Re small

and their Au gional Baha’ number of v

Councils and a ‘ors as we mark the be ning of the Five Year Plan. Due to a fixed number of s ndation Hall, reser

eb. 1, 2001. will be forthcoming in the months ahead. If you have any ques open for visitors until More det

contact the Conventions e-mail

tions, ple:

Office (phone 847-733-3505,

ovenant and accepts the Revelation. If he then turns 'llah or the central Inthe Covenant. y effort is made to help that the illogicality and error of his

nstructions of Baha'u'llah

ned as a Covenant-bre: nant-breaking is and foundation 30d were to allow

hu

ted that Covenantand that the

foe i S ociate with a pers

on as healthy people on suffering from a

Enrollments

June 2000 .. July 2000 .. Since May 1, 2000

. 152

394

THE FUND

May 1-June 30, 2000 Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)

Goal for entire year: $27,000,000

Received since May 1, 2000; $2,431,805

9.0% of year’s

goal was met

16.7% of fiscal year has passed

April 30, 2001

Total cash-basis revenues

and expenditures for Baha’i National Fund May 1-June 30, 2000

Che)

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

$4,059,961

Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

While these figures reflect the seasonally low level of contributions, at many locations essential maintenance must be performed during summer.

Mail contributions to:

National Baha’i Fund

112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Baha’i ID # on check

him until si course, he can be accepted bac munity. In the meanwhile the fri

serious contagious illness. A contagiously sick person cannot catch healthy people, but, on the contrary, he

health from a thousand

se few peoThen, ifhe y, but the ociation with repents when, of into the com

5.12-5.17 of Developing Distinctive Bahd’t

Guidelines for Spiritual A Anyone being contacted by a hould report the matter to an Auxiliary Board member for

Protection and/or to a Local Spiritual Assembly. @

August 20, 2000 The American BanA’i * THe Seconp Front

page 3 [Page 4]

COMMEN

a

_

TAR

Y°AND* LETT

panes

ERS

ETE RSESEN TNR

Equality of women and men: an African-American perspective

COMMON JOURNEYS:

Pear en tomers]

men from a variety of cultural perpectives, excerpted from Common Journeys: Bahé’i Women on Gender Equality. This compilation of papers is available for $5 (make checks to Baha’i Services Fund) through the National Spiritual Assembly Office of the Secretary, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

BY GWENDOLYN ETTER-LEWIS

he inequality between women and men often is conceptualized in the natural antagonism between two 's wherein one must be dominant and the other subservient. When difarise as a result of this dichotomy, the tendency is to single out the dominant gender (men) as the most probable cause.

However, other factors complicate the question of equality. One of them is women’s relationships to other women. Focusing on women’s relationships to one another can help us understand different cultural perspectives and simultaneously establish a context for reconstructing our strategies for achieving full partnership with men.

‘All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave’*

The combination of gender and color creates a dual membership for AfricanAmerican women in two oppressed groups.

title of book by Hull, Bell-Scott and Smith.

Black women experience double discrimination, which then becomes a lens through which the world sees them and through which they, in turn, look back at the world.

‘These circumstances give special meaning to this quote by Anna Julia Cooper: “Only the BLACK WOMAN can say ‘when and where I enter, in the quiet undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence and without suing or special patronage, then and there the whole ... race enters with me.’ ”

When a black woman breaks through a barrier or kicks open a door, by definition she brings across the threshold both black people and women.

Black women’s history of triumph over insurmountable odds suggests that their ion of gender equality may be different from that of other women who have not experienced oppression to the same degree. So one version or definition of women’s equality will not suit all women.

All the Livelong Day: Black Women and Work

Tam a descendant of working women. We had no choice.

Inside my home—which consisted of an extended family—daily chores, gardening re time activities such as fishing hared by every able-bodied member of the household. I grew up seeing the women in my family do “men’s work” like chopping wood and butchering farm animals for the market, and the men carrying out household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. We were not free of double standards, but daily living was not compartmentalized according to gender.

Outside my home, there was a rich family history of labor-intensive work.

“[Our] members all feel that the workshop has broken new ground for our Assemblys

ee functioning.” — 4 worksop participant

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,

e-mail

or go t0 www.usbneorg

My grandmother’ grandmother was an

ex-slave who worked in the “big house” in the kitchen. My grandmother's mother was a domestic worker: she cleaned the homes of white Americans and took in white people’ laundry on the side to make a little extra money. My grandmother was a domestic who did day work (in other words, not as a live-in) until she moved to California and became a live-in maid. My mother did day work until she earned a scholarship to complete her degree in nursing. Lalso did day work on weekends during my high school years. I earned 50 cents per hour until I gota 25-cent raise. My employer sometimes overpaid me by as much as $1—butno amount was too small for her to deduct from my pay the following week. The tradition of domestic work in my family taught us many lifelong lessons, helped us survive lean times, and— insignificantly—shaped our relationships with white women. Obviously, these relationships were governed by the dynamics of power and privilege with an overlay of race and social class. So when we broach the subject of equality, we must recognize it is inextricably bound to all other aspects of culture and ethnicity.

Unrelated Kin

In 1921, Coralie Franklin Cook, an African-American professor at Howard University (who along with her husband became a Baha’{ in 1913), wrote that she was no longer an “active” suffragist because, she felt, the most prominent prosuffrage organization had “turned its back on the woman of color.”

Assemblies must remember love within consultation

To the Editor:

I became a Baha’i as a youth in 1930. It has been my privilege to serve on Local Spiritual Assemblies for over 50 years, and through that experience there has been one important lesson I have learned: All the troubles which Assemblies experience are a result of our old ideas of administration. This is a new order of procedure. We can use the best methods of conducting meetings from “Robert's Rules” only if we consider that loving consultation is at the heart of the Baha’ way of administration.

“[T]he keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power but the spirit of frank and Joving consultation.” —Shoghi Effendi, Baha’ Administration, p-43 (emp!

‘This quotation gives us the b: ture consultation by Spiritual As Shoghi Effendi further admonished us to avoid exclusiveness, partiality, all prejudice and passion, dictatorial aloofness, a domineering attitude or an atmosphere of secrecy. He also stated the Assemblies should avoid the idea that they are the sole promoters of the Faith. When we read the books about Baha’i administration we

as noted for her activism within le the Faith. However, as much as she believed in the unity of the races, she found it extremely difficult to work with white women because of their exclusive practices.

In contrast, nationally renowned suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who was of European descent, seemed unaware of the lack of unity between black and white women and of the need to be inclusive. She advocated the vote for black men and white women, but her plan did not encompass black women. Stanton strongly expressed this view in the feminist newspaper The Revolution: “While the dominant party have with one hand lifted up two million black men and crowned them with the honor and ity of enship, with the other hand they have dethroned fifteen million white women. ...” How could two women working for the same cause be so far apart ideologically?

Unfortunately, the rift between black and white women is longstanding, and inevitably hinders progress toward equality. Even now at the turn of another century the wounds caused by these disparities have not healed fully.

‘The solution is not to be found in placing blame or in superficial public gestures such as tokenism. Instead, the realization of the equality of women is conditioned by the successful establishment of the unity of mankind. Without basic solidarity, we have nothing. Until we are cognizant of one another as equals, we cannot join together effectively as full partners.

Baha'u'llah has assured us: “The wellbeing of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmby established.” #

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 Bahd’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.

should keep in mind we are just beginning to understand what the new era is about. ‘This is and should be a spiritual awakening, not some sort of “power trip.” Members of Assemblies only have authority when they are in session as an Assembly. Any function directed by the Assembly should be carried out with loving kindness. ‘This is the lesson we all have to learn. We are all, regardless of our station of service to the Cause, only trying to be Bahd’is and live the life as shown us by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Oscar P. Stone Marlboro, Vermont

page 4 Tne AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ CoMMENTARY AND LETTERS [Page 5]TI

MESSAGE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

For one thing, it is illogical that white men should be seen to be more concerned about this matter than white women, or any other segment of the United Baha’{ community; yet s ion can be given by this d tion. For another, these friends could appear as attempting to imitate the Black Men's Gathering, whereas the Gathering istinctive activity with a different agenda. It does not concern itself chiefly with race unity in the Baha'i community as such. It addresses itself to a special situation faced by a minority that bh ffered severe social and spiritual afflictions

imposed upon it by the majority. The program of the Black Men’s Gathering is and exemplary as wenue for scending the legacy of anguis!

tration and social pathology that to black men in the United Stat urges them towards a fullness of life within the spirit and principles of the Baha'i Revelation.

The use of the term men” to designate a program of act 3 in the community could be provocative and confusing in view of the current tensions that characterize the multicultural environment in the United States. It could produce the impression, God forbid, that the B community is pa doxically divided along racial line:

“white Baha’

in what should be a common effort of all

it. White Baha’is can certainly find other to demonstrate boldly their involvement in seeking a solution to the ey of racism without attaching ignation to their efforts.

It has also to be borne in mind how strong is the tendency among your compatriots to rush into popularizing notions and concepts that appeal to their imagination—a tendency that often allows for only a superficial treatment of seriously important things. The hoped-for succes of this pilot program in North Carolina could well induc in other parts of the country with similar well-intentioned motives t ply such terminology to th the friends from other ethi arly

ir a ic

vitie:

groups 0

influenced. Nothing could be more damaging to the reputation of the Baha'i community than to have groups bearing various cultural identities springing up all over the country in the name of the Baha'i Faith with apparently different eth sions of what should be a united effort by the diverse elements of the community to realize a common goal, of humankind. are not meant to detract in the least from the highly admirable initiative of the dear friends in North Carolina, but rather to improve ss. Indeed, they have set for themselves are most laudable.

With loving Baba’ greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

MEDIA CAMPAIGN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

to-Heart Program.” In an personal contact with s¢

in the process of

or in a neutral location, whenever possible.

Complete contact inf well ion activithe the community have been confirmed in the Faith through this effort since March.

in Dallas, nd ‘Tucson,

ful campaigns are those that have shown a high degree of collaboration between the institutions of the Faith in teaching efforts. Generally, Local Spiritual / that have led succes:

ult with their Regional

incils and Auxiliary Board The collaboration fosters a ed, systematic and

members. well-concei tained effort.

In addition, implementing a media plan also serves as a catalyst for consolidation of the community. Building the infrastructure necessary to meet the seeker demands is essential and includes children’s s, deepening/study classes, devotional gatherings, prayer meetings, well-prepared and unifying Feasts and firesides.

sus

Research data helps define current media audience

Current results from the national campaign—which includes not only national broadcasts, but also a wide range of local efforts—show that seekers respond to the Message at all times of the day.

Responses to the media campaign recorded by the seeker response system (1-800-22UNITE and the campaign Web site, www.us.bahai.org) are holding steady at nearly 1,900 inquiries per month, plus thousands who visit the Web

Share your successes!

Do you know of a

a

The Top 19 lists

These Baha’i communities are fielding the highest numbers of inquiries stemming directly from the national media campaign.

All-time:

Latest quarter:

seeker who ea] March 1998-June 2000 April-June 2000 enrolled in the 4 No. of No. of Baha'i Faith who | ieee ea Maneecaaay tena . New York, . New York, tray 2. Chicago, IL 341 2. Chicago, IL 108 unity F Re Fd 3. New Orleans, LA 204 3. Philadelphia, PA 64 through the ie Nason! sureees peserny Poe 4, Philadelphia, PA 167-4. JeffersonCo.,KY 41 national media °St¢d in learning about your teaching 5, Jefferson Co., KY 161 5, Houston, TX 30 successes. Please complete a form avail- 6. Los Angeles, CA 154 6. Chico, CA 30 campaign? able on the Administrative Web Site 7. Springfield, MA 153 7. Los Angeles, CA 29 E-mail your story (access www.usbnc.org and click on the 8. Houston, TX 143.8. Memphis, TN 28 to “NSA Departments” icon at left, then 9. Portland, ME 141 9: Palmdale, CA 27 follow the links to the National Teaching 10. Phoenix, AZ 139 10. Las Vegas, NV 27 Committee and “Teaching Success Sur- a iat te ie Dee: fea ie z vey Form”). 13. Raleigh, NC 110 13,San Antonio, TX 25 Z 14. Pittsburgh,PA 107 14, San Diego, CA 24 =e The latest issue of The 15. Columbus, OH 106 15. Charlotte, NC 23 The Light of Unity |_ 3 Light of Unity, a 16. Milwaukee, WI 102_—_—‘16, Baltimore, MD 2 ==] newsletter designed for 17. Sacramento,CA -101_—_—‘17. Milwaukee, WI 2 seekers, is available for i ome ee, ay 160 Is seule ei a i . Memphis, . Washington, Senet ae a) Other communities close behind: Baki- Others communities close behind:

Wye usbnc Ore aicion more, MD (93); Seattle, WA (93); Tucson, Mallen, TX (20); Columbus, OH (20); the “Media Campaign’ AL (90; Indianapolis, IN (89); Charlotte, New Orleans, LA (20); Phoenix, AZ (20),

icon at left, then click on NC (86), San Antonio, TX (85); Dade Pittsburgh, PA (19); Winston-Salem, NC the “Seeker Newsletter” County Central, FL (82); Knoxville, TH (19); Birmingham, AL (19); Baton Rouge,

us (

site and do not request additional infor mation. Inquiries through the Web site

are showing steady growth and are averaging 200 per month in the last quarter.

We are also learning more about the people who visit the Web in response to the Message, thanks to a recently completed National ‘Teaching Committee study. Generally:

More than half (52%) are under age

34, and 40% are ages 35-54.

Almost half (43%) are single, more

than a third (39%) are married, a few (17%) are divorced or separated, while 2% are widowed.

Caucasians (73%) are more likely to

visit the Web site, but the total respondents are racially diverse.

Almost half (49%) work full time, and

link and scroll down). The Light of Unity can be sent as is, or changed to include local news and information. If you have questions, please e-mail

(64); Washington, DC (78).

UA (19); Jackson, MS (18); Kansas City, HO (16); Indianapolis, IN (18); Seattle, WA (18); Montgomery AL (18); Palm Beach Co, North, FL (18).

ARCHIVES

‘The archives of our National Spiritual Assembly hold thousands of historical documents, publications and photographs, as well as sacred items from the Central Figures of the Faith. They are currently housed in a corner of the House of Worship. A special facility will s to be displayed and

served for future generations. #

YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW:

uilding the Kingdom: It’s Our

Time is a development plan of a type never before launched by our National Spiritual Assembly. Therefore, it is only natural that questions arise. Here are answers to some frequent questions:

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. Fulfillment of the pledge should be made systematically, with portions paid either monthly, quarterly or yearly over the pledge period.

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.

Is the Kingdom Project a separate

fund?

No. The Kingdom Project is part of the National Baha’i Fund.

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

page 6

Tue American BanA’i * MATURING ComMUNITIES

‘August 20, 2000 [Page 7]‘ e

NI

RPT RRS NRT TST EST TAR SOP EET OPN LATICES PRIS EP TAFE PE I PRN M U IES.

Conservation Team brings energy of youth to upkeep of Temple

BY MILES HENDERSON AND RACHEL WOLFE

his summer 19 young people had the unique opportunity to work for the House of Worship in

THE KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: THE BAHA’f

Wilmette, Illinois. Each year the Conservation ‘Team brings in a temporary summer crew from around the country.

Dennis Davis, director of the Conservation Program, split this summer's team into four groups: Continuous Care, Construction Coordination, Concrete Studio and Historic Research.

“The House of Worship, I have found, is more a living entity than anything else. In some strange way, it’s alive. The only problem is that it is slightly ill. It is dirty in places, or broken, or risking infection. The job of the Conservation Team is to protect it from infection, repair it, and keep it healthy.”

—Kit Carson

Marie Jester is among shovelers as the Conservation Team upgrades a sidewalk at the Baha’i Home for the Aged. Photo by Angeline Widmer

Construction Coordination: A ‘before’ picture hat is the condition of every wall, every floor, every window in the interior of the Baha’i

House of Worship? Where are the electrical and

phone outlets, the air ducts, the water pipes? How

will future researchers assess the state of the Temple

and its gardens as of early summer 2000?

Those answers and more have been provided by the Construction Coordination Group of the Conservation Team. Those workers combed the building with cameras and charts, pen and paper to provide an exhaustive “before” picture by the time renovations began on the first sections of the gardens and outdoor stairs.

With professional construction crews on site, the Construction Coordination Group gains new missions: to support the laborers through errands, information and other general help; to help guide visitors and ensure their safety; and to ease the work of building inspectors as needed.

“I see it as a gift to be near the Temple,” said Nadia Williams of Havre, Montana, a member of this group. “It’s very special, putting a little piece of myself into the Temple and working for its future.”

‘HOUSE OF WORSHIP

‘The main focus of the Continuous Care Group this summer was cleaning of the The structural steel in the dome of the Temple had been exposed to the elements from the completion of the superstructure until it w: ered with the orn: concrete. The steel left untouched, collecting dirt until 1996. This summer marked the completion of the dome-steel cleaning.

‘The Construction Coordination Group worked on documenting the current state of the Temple through photography, examination of chairs and taking inventory of electric and phone outlets. Improvements were recorded, and natural wear and tear of structures around the grounds was documented. When construction began on the steps around the ‘Temple, group was responsible for sisting the construction proand for guiding Tem

‘dome steel.

5 COV

iction.

m recently rented a Concrete Studio a few miles north of WilI concrete for the

mette, where ornamen| House of Worship is mixed and poured. New steps will be cast here for the outdoor “monumental stairs” encircling the ‘Temple. Then the massive steps will be moved to the site

and put in place. A good portion of the summer ing the studio for

was spent prepa use, including first-aid stations and interior decoration.

This team had to do a great deal of hands-on r ch to achieve the style of conc inally because the pros through time and could only be repeated through experimentation.

‘The Historic Research group was busy at the beginning of the summer reading to become grounded in the history of the House of Wors| Baha’is who made it a reality. They created a list of people to contact who may have information about the consatruction of the Temple.

The team’s basic objective was to supplement our understanding of the construction of the Temple, to make us more knowledgeable when further maintenance is needed. This has included research on Louis Bourgeois, the Temple architect, and John Earley, the man whose company made the ornamental con

ote orig

used on the ‘Temple, ss has been lost

crete.

Although everyone was assigned to a team, they all came together often to work ona large service project. For example, the entire group replaced a sidewalk in the back of the Baha’i Home for the Aged so residents could walk outside safely. Each team also had a chance to work on the Continuous Care Group with cleaning of the dome steel or gutters.®

“Many times during our break we would go up to the top of the Temple to get fresh air and to look out onto Lake Michigan and Chicago. It is breathtaking! Just knowing that you are helping to preserve this Temple that many travel from across the world to see, and respect so much, is such a bounty.”

Continuous Care: Cleaning the hidden places

ive full summers’ work, employing the hands and steady nerves of three to six people every day, soon will come to this:

The dust and grime of six decades will have been wiped from every square inch of the structural steel beams and crosspieces surrounding the Temple’s interior dome. Likewise for the aluminum frames of the skylights in between that framework and the exterior concrete.

“It’s a major, major accomplishment that required a number of people from all the conservation crews,” said Angeline Widmer, a Chicago student who has served on the Conservation Team every summer since 1996. She trained people this year for the (literally) lofty task.

Members of the Continuous Care Group operate between the exterior and interior shells of the building, high out of the view of visitors. Harnessed securely to the steel framework of the dome itself, they apply a cleaning solution to each length of steel beam, then rinse it. Then they repeat the operation the rest of the day.

It’s a simple operation, but necessary. For one thing, it exposes hidden flaws in the framework that require repair—and some minor cracks and rust spots have been found, Widmer said.

And there’s a principle involved: “It’s good when all areas of the House of Worship are clean,” she said. “Even though this [the inner doma area] is a nonpublic place, it’s important that it’s also cleaned on a regular basis—-even if that’s every 30 or 40 years.”

The Conservation Team celebrates completion of an early summer project, the sidewalk behind the Baha’i Home. Photo by Angeline Widmer

The summer 2000 Conservation Team Director: Dennis Davis Conservation Coordinator: Barbara Geiger Continuous Care: Ben Hendershot, Brooke Hart, Dustin Hart, Eevi Cunningham, Kit Carson, Lian Davis, Marie Jester, Tahirih Moffett Construction Coordination: Abby Bush, Andrew Gagnon, Nadia Williams, Sarah Gonzalez Concrete Studio: Raul Millan, supervisor; Amoz Eckerson, Chris Karps, Dan James, Denise Armbruster Historic Research: Miles Henderson, Rachel Wolfe Other team members: Erik Anderson, Angeline Widmer, Badieh Karps

—Tahirih Moffett

August 20, 2000 Tne American BanA’‘i ¢ MaTuRING COMMUNITIES page 7 [Page 8]remeber sterrecrer aoe?

mapper

URIN

screrssans seams

Ge

AT

COMMUNITIES

Servants, role models for youth

sought as Kellum

ole salute those whose daily lives are a prayer of service benefiting young people, nominees for the 2001 David Kellum Award are being sought by the Baha’i House of Worship Activities

Distinguished servants of h need not be members of the Baha’i F to be eligible.

¢ for nominations is will be honored

ceremony House of Worship in Wil

Each year, our National Spiritual Assembly presents the award to people or organizations who “represent positive role models for youth of all races and

Award nominees

who contribute outstanding service to the community.”

The award honors the memory of David Kellum, a longtime member of the Chicago Baha’i community, who dedicated his life to improving relations between the ra or many years, especially as director of Bud Billiken activities, he focused on development of young people. He also worked as city editor of the Chicago Defender.

For general information on the David Kellum Award, or to receive a nomination form, please contact the Baha’{ House of Worship Activities office (phone 847-853-2327, e-mail °

HUQUQU’LLAH | THE RIGHT OF GOD

1. Shidfar Amirkia 2. David House

3. Elahe Vahdat Young 4. Charleen R. Maghzi 5. Farhad Sabetan

6. Barbara Marino

7. Rhett Diessner

16. Drucilla Waren

Representatives of Huququ’llah in the United States

Shading indicates the area served by each representative, which often includes more than one state or

17. Vahid Hedayati

8. Mardell Harris 18, Marie Scheffer 28. Gisu Mohadjer (incl. DC) 9. Shidan Dahnad 19. Perla Talebi 29. James Sturdivant

10. Kevin Locke 20. Lynette Frieden 30. James West

11. Sharon Babbitt 21. Shokrollah Mirafzali 31. Lauretta Haynes

12. Stephen Ader 22. Dolores Haghighi 32. Elahe Vargha-Schmeil 13. James Borland 23. Darryl Greene 33. Saradj Avaregan

14. Shiva Khadem Ziai 24. Riaz Khadem 34. Harris Snoparsky

15. Billie Kay Bodie 25. Benjamin Levy 35. Paris Khavari

26. Adrienne Reeves

For more information on these representatives, contact the Secretariat of the Board of Huqdqu’llah in the U.S. (address below).

we

27. Melville Thomason

36. Afaf Stevens

Payments to Huqiqu’llih should be made to “The Baha’ Huqdqu’llah Trust” (please write your Baha’i identification number on your check)

and sent to one of the Trustees:

¢ Amin Banani, (phone , fax 310-394-6167, e-mail y ¢ Stephen Birkland, (phone » fax 651-490-7521, e-mail )

Sally Foo, (phone

, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail )

Daryush Haghighi, (phone

, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail )

Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (phone

, e-mail )

Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqdqu’ll4h Trust,

e-mail

).

(phone

» fax 440-333-6938,

Kathryn M. Harris, director of the Illinois State Historical Library, receives a collection of 22 Baha’i historical volumes from Aden Lauchner, archivist for the Springfield Baha’i community, on April 6. Anticipating a move into a new facility, the state library invited the local Baha’i community to begin building a comprehensive collection of U.S. Baha’i Spiritual Assembly of Springfield continues to assemble the collection with the help of the National Baha’i Archives and individual Baha’is across Illinois.

A state recognizes Baha’i history

is part of its history

istorical books and materials. The

“All the world hath belonged and will always belong to God.”

—Baha

‘ullah

Hugqtiqu’llah characterized as vital in construction of World Order

This article is excerpted from the preamble to the the Codification of the Law of Huqdqu’llah, revised in 1999 at the request of the Universal House of Justice and presented to the delegates to the 91st Baha’i National Convention in late April. It was prepared with reference to the compilation Huqdqu’llah, which is available from the Baha’i Distril Service. Future articles will deal with the verities of the Law of Huqiiqu’llah.

Hee (the Right of God) is a great law and a sacred institutic

Laid down in the Most Holy Book (KitabAqdas), it is one of the key instruments for constructing the foundation and supporting the structure of the World Order of Baha’u'llal

Tt has far-reaching ramifications that extend from promoting the welfare of the individual to buttressing the authority and extending the activity of the Head of the

Faith. In providing a regular and systematic source of revenue for the Central Institution of the Cause, Baha has assured the means for the independence and deci functioning of the World Center of His Faith.

By identifying this law as the Right of

God, Baha'u'llah has re-emphasized the nature of the relationship between human beings and their Creator as a Covenant based on mutual assurances and obligation and, by desi; ig the Central Authority in the Cause, to which all must turn, as the recipient of this Right, He has created a direct and vital link between every individual believer and the Head of the Faith that is unique in the structure of His world ordet

‘This law enables the friends to recognize the elevation of their economic activity to the level of divine acceptability; it is a means

for the purification of their wealth and a magnet attracting divine blessings.

‘The computation and the payment of Hugqiqu’llah, within the general guidelines set forth, are exclusively a matter of conscience between the individual and God; demanding or soliciting the Huqiiqu'lléh is prohibited: only appeals, reminders and exhortations of a general nature, under the auspices of the institutions of the Faith, are permissible.

‘That the observance and enforcement of this law, so crucial to the material well-being of the emerging Baha'i commonwealth, should thus have been left entirely to the faith and conscience of the individual gives substance to “and sheds light on” what the beloved Master calls the spiritual solution to economic problems. Indeed, the implications of the law of Huqtiqu’llh for the realization of a number of the principles of the Faith, such as the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty and a more equitable distribution of resources, will increasingly become manifest as the friend me in ever-greater measure the responsibility for observing it.

‘The fundamentals of the law Hugiiqu’llsh are promulgated in the i-Aqdas. Further elaboration of its features are to be found in other writings of Baha'u'llah, in “Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Baha and in letters from i and the Universal Hous i

All these major references have been compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of J ly published. A study of that compi makes it clear that the application of the law been progressi SO, as its ramification are elucidated.

page 8

Tre AMERICAN BanA’i * MATURING COMMUNITIES

August 20, 2000 [Page 9]

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A diverse range of everyday people describe, in their own words, their spiritual fulfillment as members of the Baha’t Faith as well as the impact their religion has had on their lives. The Baha'is interviewed range from single mothers, to midlevel career women and men, to young and old families. ‘They discuss such issues as parenting, professional aspirations, interracial understanding, service to others and the power of the independent inyestigation of truth as elements of faith. 28 minutes

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page 10 THe American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistRIBUTION SERVICE

August 20, 2000 [Page 11]

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August 20,2000 9 THe AMERICAN BAHA’I * BatA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE _ page II [Page 12]NATYTONAL*TEACHING* PLAN

Student group goes international in fight against substance abuse

esponding to the call for Baha’i Re to be more involved in

society and incorporate Baha’i ideals in the lives of all mankind, a University of California, Berkeley, Baha’i has founded a worldwide organization to fight substance abuse.

Kevin Sabet, a native of Anaheim, California, began International Students in Action (ISIA) in August 1999 with the help of National Families in Action, the first parent drug prevention organization in the United States.

Sabet, 21, works closely with the U.S. Department of State and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in addi involved in influencing federal and even worldwide public policy. “Tt is pivotal that Baha’u’llah’s message of hope and virtue for society be transmitted boldly by today’s young people,” Sabet said. “Drug use is the single biggest threat to growing up to be healthy, contributing members to society.” Strictly nonpartisan, ISIA bases its information and policies on science. In fact, the National Institute on

tion to many nongovernmental organiz tion dealing with substance abuse. ISIA is unique because it not only brings together college students from around the world in fighting and preventing substance abuse on their campuses and communities, but also provides avenues for youth to be

Drug Abuse, which conducts 85 percent of the world’s research on drug abuse and addic tion, has partnered with International Students in Action to conduct two national multimedia campaigns to fight “club drugs” (ecstasy, methamphetamine, keta

y Action has been featured at

mine, GHB, Rohypnol) and steroid abuse. “In December, International Students in Action helped NIDA launch its research and public education initiative in response to the increasing use of club drugs,” said Alan Leshner, director of NIDA. “And now, we're taking the next step by reaching out to student leaders from across the country who we hope will talk to their peers about the dangers of these drugs. International Studer

in

world conferences on drug abuse with the United Nations and in countries such as Thailand, Italy, and England. Its members come from such diverse schools as Harvard University and colleges in

Europe and the Maldives. Its message has been presented to people of almost every country on earth. Currently, ISIA is leading a national effort to physically travel inside “rave clubs” to distribute vital information on drugs such as ecstasy and speed. Sabet, who has been featured on CNN, >-SPAN, ABC and CNN Headline News and in USA Teday and People, is working with the White House drug “czar” writing speeches and leading workshops. He hopes to incorporate more Baha’i youths in the organization, as well as speak to the entire Baha'i community regarding this issue. “Bah:

everywhere should mobilize around this issue and addre: the perfect way Baha’u’llah teaches us: with reason, compassion, and love,” Sabet said. “It my hope that ISIA can act as a catalyst for change by encouraging others to fulfill the potential that Baha'u'llah proclaims we

THE FACES OF CHAMPIONS

“Becoming Invincible Champions of Justice” —a phrase derived from the Jan. 8, 2000, letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’i youth congress in Paraguay—became the guiding principle

all have.”

SERVICE

TEACHING

DEVELOPMENT

NIT

FUN

IES

INTERESTED?

of a recent youth conference at Bosch Baha’i School. At the same time as the Southeast Asian Roundtable conference, youths gathered to understand their role in the Baha’i youth movement, while discussing themes such as gender equality, the role of money as a tool to spiritualize the world, and what it means to be a youth of Southeast Asian descent living in the United States. Participants also benefited from service, artistic and recreational activities. See more information on page 16. Photos by Nancy Wong

Participants and facilitators in the course “Every Believer is a Teacher” take a quick break to pose for this photo. The six-week course, offered through the Chicago Regional Training Institute, met in Evanston, Illinois. The facilitators and participants are all youths, demonstrating that youths are playing an active role in the development of training institutes in the United States.

Photos courtesy of Motoko Caldwell

Well, can you tell the believers apart from the teachers?

rejoice not,

www.ebyc.org

www.usbnc.org www.youth-south.org http://workshops.prohosting.com www.bahai_youth_movement. homestead.com

CONTACT US!

Office of Youth Affairs Baha'i National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3499 e-mail

O SON OF MAN! Should prosperity befall thee,

and should abasement come

upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass away and be no more.

—Baha’u'llah: Hidden Word No. 52 from the Arabic

We b it NOTE: Not all of e. S 1 es these sites are you may want to check out: sponsored by www.Bahaiyouth.com Baha'i institutions; please use

wise judgment in accessing Baha'irelated material

‘on the Web.

Tre AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 12 ‘August 20, 2000 [Page 13]

+, GOAL: CARRY OUT THE

One = went ‘TEACHING communities and institutions

Yeap we * Encourage leadership and initiative among youth + Make training institutes fully operational

+ Involve individuals,

Curtis Russell addresses the inaugural Young at Heart gathering, designed to foster activity by Baha’is over 50. Photo by Judith Griffin

Older friends explore their unique potential for service

ou’re never too old to serve the Cause.

‘The 40 seasoned Baha’is who participated in a Young at Heart meeting May 19-21 at Louhelen Baha’f School surely knew that.

But these over-50s—one is 92 years young—wanted to more effectively put their lifetime of experiences, talents, resources, knowledge and skills to work for the Faith.

And their consultation, facilitated by Beth Bowen and Jeanette Taborn, produced many ideas for individual and collective action.

Attendees came from all over the U.S. Two traveled from California via Amtrak and stopped to do some teaching on the way.

Once at Louhelen, they heard an. inspiring talk by Curtis Russell, member of the Regional Baha’f Council of the Central States; were treated to an impromptu talent

_ show; and held a memorial service

For further information about ie Young At Heart, contact Virginia

se

BY CATIE HONEYMAN

a | ’t it marvelous to see what a short time it takes to join hands with so many nations and so many people from so many pl: 8

The Rev. Diane Scribner Clevenger spoke these words to a group gathered

around a sculpture in progress, called “World Embracing,” that symbolizes the unity of humanity.

That towering sculpture, children dancing a globe, v reason members of the Anthems of Unity Baha'i Youth Dance Workshop traveled from the Czech Republic to Roanoke,

presenting the

yund 2

it, the, workshop—based nspired Townshend Interchool, which draws studnets ‘ound the world—p ted prinof the Ba Faith to tens of ands of people in schools, over the airwaves and ata celebration of residents of all ethnic origins.

Ie all began last fall, when sculptor Ju During its vi at the Baha

dith Damon and her husband, Herb Detweiler, visited the ‘Townshend school, about two hours south of

Prague. They thought they were simply visiting the spot where her artwork was to be installed upon its completior

Soon, though, they found the: was the beginning of another project.

Damon and Detweiler were so moved by the principles taught at the school, they were convinced the message should be shared with others.

“T feel a lot better about the future of our planet, knowing that there are young people like you gettting ready to take over!” Detwiler told the students. When Anthems of Unity performed in their honor, the pair realized they had found a way to share that message.

So the couple, members of the Unity Church of Roanoke Valley, undertook six months of planning, organizing, contact making and fund raising. In May, after 26 hours’ exhausting travel through six airports, a delegation from Anthems of Unity arrived in Roanoke and boarded the “Townshend Express” van.

Undoubtedly a highlight was the Local Colors Celebration on May 21, which brought about 15,000 people to downtown Roanoke with exhibits and performances representing more than 60 countries and ethnic groups.

“Tt gave me chills just to hear the words of Baha’u’llah spoken in front of so many people,” one local Baha’i said.

And the experience was just as incredible for members of the workshop. As one youth recalled, “It felt like a dream to be walking around, in public, in the middle of a city, and to hear the people passing by us say ‘Allah-u-Abha!’ ”

Earlier that week:

Members performed and were interviewed for a local television morning

show with an audience of well over

The Anthems of Unity workshop from the Czech Republic adorns the stage at the Local Colors festival in Roanoke, Virginia. Photo by CA Whitworth, courtesy of the Roanoke Tribune

A preliminary version of a sculpture by Judith Damon, to be placed at Townshend Inernational School once finished.

10,000—an amazing opportunity to

proclaim the Baha’{ Faith and to pub licize their later performances

For three days, Anthems of Unity performed at high schools and elementary

schools around the area. Many members of the always-enthusia: audiences stayed to talk to the Workshop and learn about the dances, the Faith and the socially pc ples the workshop expressed. Contacts were made to help a group of Roanoke students who want to start their own dance workshop. ‘The Unity Church provided a stage for two performances, and for di: sion about the Baha’{ Faith involving the entire congregation. This contact has helped prepare the way for future collaborations between the two communitie: Also, thanks to advance work by Detweiler, the Anthems of Unity Workshop met the mayor of Roanoke, David Bowers. They also met state Sen. John Edwards, who presented the group with a commendation from the Virginia State Senate plus a letter from U.S. Rep. Robert Goodlatte that thanked the group for coming to the Local Colors Celebration and providing “the opportunity to see a sample of the wonderful things you are learning in your Dance

e princi

cus

Working with the community

A number of local Baha’ commu

with the N: Community and J and Roanoke, Virgi ception.

One NCCJ project in which the

Baha’is have a special place is the

annual Local Colors C

ebrated the cultural heritag local residents.

1 Fu, the Local Colors main organizer and a program specialist for Roanoke’s NCC] chapter, consistently extends a special invitation the Baha’i comunity to part the celebration’s Parade of Nations. The Baha’is also have a booth at the celebration each year.

“Pearl insists that the Baha’{ Faith is the one most representative of Local Colors’ primary focus .. promoting education, peace and ity through heightened awareess and appreciation of cultural ersity,” the Local Spiritual Assembly wrote recently.

Workshop.”

As for the sculpture itself? Once the clay figure is finished, it is to be cast in bronze and assembled in time for the dedication of the Townshend school’s new facilities in 2001.

As workshop members and others gathered to publicly honor the artwork at Damon’s studio, Clevenger captured the spirit of the moment: “[A]s we dedicate this sculpture today, we do so from the depths of our hearts and our souls— rejoicing as one, in unity.”

Catie Honeyman of Madison, Wisconsin, spent a year at Townshend International School in Hluboka, Czech Republic, and was a member of Anthems of Unity.

‘August 20,2000

THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN page 13 [Page 14]

Race Unity Day 2.0000

SAVANNAH:

ace unity, fellowship and all the

h you can eat sums up a ful Race Unity Day picnic attended by about 1,000.

When a small group of Baha’is from Savannah, Georgia, heard the First Commandment Gospel Singers last December in Orlando, Florida, they began to develop a dream.

They thought the group would be perfect for the annual race unity picnic, which had been growing in size and recognition in the Savannah area over the past five years.

On June 11 not only was their dream realized but it was far surpassed when musician/songwriter Jack Lenz of Canada joined with the all-Baha’i gospel group in informing attendees of

ST. PETERSBURG: A diversity challenge

ore than 40 guests of the Bahd’is, ener fellowship at the St. Petersburg,

with materi thei

belief in Baha’u’llih.

‘The Race Unity Day event June 10 was a collaboration with the

Pinellas County,

communiti

Dorothea Beane, a law was guest speaker. Beane quickly e

thoughts, ideas, and fe

We are all di

different from you. Celebrate thos

‘The Baha’i Gospel C ing performance. #

y PICNIC,

va’ piversity

The colorful Los Danzantes del Folk

lorico was one of the many ethi troupes performing at the offici sponsored and heavily attended _ fourth annual Race Unity Day picnic __ in Lodi, California.

ly

I to read. A few days later, two of those seekers declared

rwater,

r and professor at Stetson College of Law,

ly engaged everyone by saying, “Ima be if we all talked the same, looked the ings. Thank God we don’t. Look around you. nt and it is wonderful.”

She continued: “I challenge you to go out and meet people who are difference human family, and it is time we recognized that.”

sang and the youth workshop gave a rou

Fish, fellowship, music attract 1,000

the Ba s commitment to racial harmony.

‘The event was planned by the Sav: nah Assembly but supported by believers from much of Georgia and coastal South Carolina. It was promoted

spapers with announcements and two feature articles.

In addition, the friends worked for

to invite friends, associates and co-workers.

Preparation of food to feed a group that large was coordinated with love and patience by Gladys Walker, known. to all as “Ms. Glady

And this was no hot dog- and ha burg-only affair, although barbecue chef David King kept those coming.

The masses were also fed nearly

ed by a day of fun and

8) Florida, Baha’i Center, left

go, and Tampa Baha’

zine how it would me, and had the same

After all, we are one

1,000 pounds of fish fried on site as well as barbecued aw, potato id, homemade peach cobbler (it is Georgia, after all), cakes and chips.

A mayoral proclamation was presented by the mayor pro tem. The superintendent of education expressed her wish for race unity for all children. he president of the Martin Luther King Day Associatior

Crowd response to the rhythmic,

and-clapping, spiritual presentations of the First Commandment Gospel ingers was overwhelming.

For more than an hour after the I: set was played, people who had been moved to ask more about the Bahd’i Faith continued to i

cole:

» attended.

Mayor David Fisher (seated) receives a copy of The Vision of Race Unity after signing the Race Unity Day proclamation. Standing behind the mayor are (left to right) Karen McCord, René Dignard-Fung and Vii

ita Junor.

LODI: City lends support

fficial support, an interfaith presence

and diverse entertainment helped make the fourth annual Lodi, Californi Race Unity Day picnic a big success.

Held in a city park to attract as many ethnic groups as possible, the picnic was supported by the city of Lodi with a mayoral proclamation declaring June 11 Race Unity Day in Lodi.

Attendance by Council member Keith Land was a further indication of city support, even though a family event prevented him from speaking this year.

‘The Rev. James R. “Bo” Crowe from the United Congregational Christian

Church spoke briefly. Also among the 100 attendees were Pastor Jim Harvey from the Lodi Community Church and st 1 members of the Breakthrough ization formed in response to a cross burning in Lodi. Performers included the Peacemakers é’i Youth Workshop and numerous dancers and musicians, including Hmong, Latino, Japanese, Celtic and Nigerian. An appreciative audience seemed to relate favorably to the message of unity. Most stayed until the event closed. The Lodi News-Sentinel spotlighted the picnic with front-page coverage.

small community was amazing, as 95 people filled out evaluations requesting more information on the Faith. Some of those have since been invited to scheduled Baha 's or firesides. One interracial couple said they couldn't believe that they found people who enthusiastically support them. hausted but spiritually high, the Savannah and Chatham County believers. reflected that evening on their effort. ‘They had had a vision of what could be, prayed for a: ance, worked hard and with universal participation. And they were rewarded with an large group of interested souls. Not only that, Savannah has begun to change. A growing number of people are pursuing race unity in daily life. #

WARREN: Prayer works

ren, Pennsylvania, Baha’is believe their commitment to gather each Monday evening for has helped focus their energies. ly the Baha’ group of Warpated in a Unity Rally ted by the town commissioners. The rally aimed at diverting attention from a rally staged by the Ku Klux Kla the courthouse. The small Baha’{ community of seven received astounding attention and publicity. When a state represe: unable to attend, Khashaiar poo opened the event with a reading _ of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s “Abolition of Prejudices” from Paris Talks. _ The ceremony concluded with a prayer for unity read by another

‘Television reporters from Buffalo, _ New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, _ interviewed the Baha’is at the end of the afternoon. gg them to deibe the spirit present. The following day Baha’is showed The Power of Race Unity at the library. In addition, they have aired The Power of Prayer twice on local TV Warren Baha’is also participated in the town’s annual Fourth of July parade, which draws from 10,000 to 20,000 people. Next year, fellow Baha’is in four nearby communities have said they will join in. @

page 14 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

‘August 20, 2000 [Page 15]

“EUCLID: Organizations pull together for unity

BY SUSANNE M. ALEXANDER

y to make Race and keep the

t takes a commu Unity Day a suc spirit going.

The Euclid (Ohio) Spiritual Assembly invited the Interfaith Suburban Action Coalition (ISAC) and Euclid Community Concerns (ECC) to cosponsor Race Unity Day in Euclid on June 24.

‘The two organizations also agreed to co-sponsor the gift of a plaque to

tion to race unity.” ns a quotation from

The plaque cont

Baha'u'llah: “Welcome all with the light of

oneness.”

The Baha’is have held Race Unity Day in Euclid for a number of ye with small attendance.

7 year’s event, held at Henn Mansion, a prominent city historic site,

drew approximately 75 people, fewer than half of whom were Baha’fs.

The Bal recently joined ISAC, and this was their first co-sponsored event. Craig Farnsworth, the Assembly chairman, has recently been appointed to the board of ECC.

Unified collaboration with both organizations was key to the positive outcome of Race Unity Day.

Mayor Oya: peaking at the event,

u

derlined the importance of having an cile their differences —Baha’u’llah”

Mayor Paul Oyaski (left) is presented with an award by Bob Horn of the Euclid Spiritual Assembly as part of Race Unity Day. The award was inscribed “For his tireless dedication to race unity.” Photo by Timothy Carroll

‘The weekly Euclid Sun Journal news inclusive and team-oriented communi- provided a backdrop as the youths per- paper devoted almost a full page on the

ty and called the award a

symbol of formed the “Racism Dance.”

front of its Community Life section to

community commitment to fight ‘The Baha’{ Choir of Northeast Ohio _ the event.

sm into the future.

ra

Heart for Prejudice” sticker. Earth.” A banner created by 90-yea clid resident Lillian Horn s

opened the event by singing “Blessed The Spirit of Unity Baha’{ Youth Is the Spot.” At the end the enti Workshop bestowed on each person ar- semblage stood, held hands, and put on Unity riving for the event a“No Room in My _ together sang

Race Unity Day was covered by I clid Cable Channel 51 and broadcast a teachings

Reporter Jeff Piorkowski wrote: e as- “Te was fitting for the Baha’i Faith to y in that it is a faith

.et There Be Peace on that, while it follows the teachings of

the 19th Century prophet Bahé’u'llsh, embraces other religions’ and prophets’ vital to the spiritual devel

SPRINGFIELD, MA: New way is on display

F or years the Springfield, Massachusetts, Baha’f community held wonderful Race Unity Day picnics. This year, primarily because of a time crunch, the pringfield Assembly tried something different. Phat set in motion an equally wonderful process. It started June 3, when the Assembly brought together a diverse group of 40 children from across the community to learn about race unity. ‘The day began with a story that taught the children that we are really all from the same family. The children also learned why some people dark skin and some have light skin, why our eyes may look different and why our hair is different. Then the children painted wooden figures, about 40 inches tall. They were encouraged to paint a person who reflected how they see themselves on one _ side and a person of another race on the other side.

A second reason for the event was to generate awareness of the principle of race unity.

The children wanted to say to everyone who saw

_ their work that “we are one family,” so they created astriking race unity display. Little did they know the impact that display would have in the region.

As of latest information, the display had been set up in four different malls across western Massachusetts. And the goal is to put the display on exhibit in at least nine venues around the area.

Local Baha’is say that what's great about the project is that they can maximize efforts by using the display for a multitude of activities and events. Letters have gone out to nine other communiti offering to set up the display in their community in any activities they feel would be appropriate.

The display is a turnkey operation. All a community has to do is say it wants the display. #

e

the people in the world should recon- number of times throughout the city.

opment of mankind.” #

%

Sponsored ‘by The Baha'i

Race Unity Day: ge

The vicinity of the Illinois Capitol Building turns into a sea of placards promoting race unity.

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Praise

eee state and national leaders praised members of the Baha’i Faith at the third annual statewide Race Unity Rally, June 4 in the Illinois Capitol Building.

‘The rally, with a theme of “Racism: not in our town, not in our state, not in our nation,” attracted about 200 people from across Illinois. Video highlights from the rally aired on te! vision news in several citi

Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, who. appointed a local Baha’i to co-chair the city’s newly formed Race Relations Task force, gave very special thank you to members of the Baha’i Faith, to whom we all owe so much. For many, many years, before many of us realized how important this issue was, they (the Baha’is realized it and they started something that we're now being asked to continue.”

Other rally speakers included Ken Bowers of the Baha’i National Center, who served as emcee and was featured in several TV news stories on the event; Vibert White, a Baha’i who teaches at the University of Illinois-Springfield; and four members of the city’s race relations task force. @

SANFORD: Funds raised for restoration

joint celebration of Juneteenth and Race Unity Day raised funds for restoration of a building dear to the hearts of many in Sanford, Florida. The structure once housed Hopper Academy, a school established by the African-American community to educate its children during segregation. Restoration will make the building available for by social service organizations. The Seminole County West Spiritual Assembly collaborated with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee to sponsor the June 17 event. B participation over the years in the a MLK banquet and interfaith gathering helped pav the way for the partnership, which the Assembly sees social and economic development project. The first phase of restoration was made po by a $250,000 grant. Interior restoration is next. The celebration attracted some 120 people, including dozens of former Hopper students and teachers.

ble

K.C.: A portrait

ez ors collaboration and the involvement of like-minded organizations extended the reach of Kansas City’s Race Unity Day picnic.

“A Human Family Portrait—Put Yourself in the Picture” was the theme of the event, which drew more than 100 people to a Kansas City, Kansas, park.

This year’s event was planned by a task force from several communities. Also, for the first time, 10 area organizations were co-sponsors. @

August 20,2000 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN page 15 [Page 16]

ger eg o> secepemegqeensenenrete:

NATTONAL* TEA CHT

RRR TTT TET

Interfaith contact mines rich vein in California

rn the trust and respect of our fellow believers in God, and they will be drawn to the beauty and truth of the Baha’ writings. That’s what Baha’i communities in and around Rocklin, California, have discovered through their involvement with the Loomis Basin Interfaith Consortium, which held interfaith events aimed at safeguarding religious freedom and promoting unity based on fellowship, trust and mutual respect. An international family potluck May 27 sponsored by the consortium showed tremendous spiritual energy, according to Debra Taylor of the Rocklin Spiritual Assembly. It drew members of several churches, a Jewish synagogue and Baha’is from several Sacramento-area communitie:

The theme of the gathering at a Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) church was “Ask questions; be nosy!” Each faith community had a table to display artifacts and literature. Each offered prayers before the meal. And in a “hand: sp questionnaire “mixer” encouraged people to talk with each othe their faiths’ basic beliefs a

‘Baha'i World’ site gains recognition

es of public televisi gion & Ethics Newsweekly ored The Baha’f World Web site for “significant contribu igion and ethics” by naming it World Wide Web “site of the month” for July.

The Baha’i World (www.bahai.org) represents the official presence of the Baha’i Faith on the Web. It is sponsored by the Office of Public Information of the Baha’i International Community.

Religion & Ethics New:

several

the offering “an introduction to the Central Figures and institutions of the th, as well as its spiritual truths

and sacred writings. The site also offers the opportunity to meet other Ba from around the world.

Janice R. Henderson, the program’s information manager, explained that sites are chosen to “inform and educate as well as ... reflect the diversity of relistems around the world. We believe The Baha’i World site accomplishes that by providing a detailed primer about the Baha’ Faith.” ance of our National mbly’s Office of Public Information in New York might have brought the site to Religion & Ethics Newsweekly’s attention.

Ellen Wheeler, assistant director, said the office is “in contact with [show producers] often to provide information and video clips about the Faith for their show.”

She called the show “very supportive of the Faith” and noted that it “did a nice profile on Ruhiyyih Khanum when she passed away.” @

Karen McGhee (left) and Mary Ann Miller staff the Baha’ display at a potluck gathering of the Loomis Basin Interfaith Consortium near Rocklin, California.

Singing and recitation of Baha’ scriptures and revealed ‘prayers had an evident effect on a number of people. After Karen McGhee of Sacramento sang a prayer, the bishop from the host church asked her to sing another later in the program.

‘The assistant pastor of a nearby Methodist church has gone even further:

i writings and drawing heavily on them for at least one sermon.

° Pub ig prayers in church newsletter and the weekly handout.

Attending a fireside along with several

members of her congregation. “Involvement in interfaith groups is a

tremendously powerful teaching tool

whose time has come. If you do not already have one established in your area, have to share the healing message of Baha’u’lléh with churches filled with people. The waiting souls whose hearts have been prepared will then begin investigating.

- We don’t know how far this will go, but the s right for undreamed-of successes.

The Loomis Basin C formed by several ministers and a rabbi as an organization of clergy and lay believers, after arsoni:

The Baha’f presence in the

group was started through individual

i i \d grew with Loc embly

onsorship and guidance.

A light moment is shared at this year’s Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion Conference at Bosch Baha’i School. More photos on page 12. Photo by Puran Stevens

S.E. Asian gathering focuses on the young

¥o people were firmly at the center of this year’s Southeast Asian Roundon Conference, June 16-18 chool.

With the Ridvan 2000 message from the Universal House of Justice as the main reference for their consultation, partic! pants looked at the topics

The role of parents and communities in

developing the spiritual capacity of

children and junior youths.

Changes Southeast Asian families face.
Use of traditional arts to teach children,

junior youths and youths to celebrate our different cultures and to learn more about the relationship between traditional Asian and Baha’s values.

‘An entire youth program ran concur rently with the main conference, on the

theme “Becoming Invincible Champions of Justice”—derived from a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’i Youth Congress in Paraguay in January 2000. Youths gathered to understand their role in the Bal youth movement, while discussing them ich as gender equality, the role of money as a tool to spiritualize the world, and what it means to be a youth of Southeast Asian descent while living in the United Stat Participants also benefited from service, and recreational activities.

A multicultural and multigenerational program of traditional Southeast Asian dance, song, music, skits and crafts uplifted, involved and drew all the conference participants together, concluding the evening with a Cambodian circle dance.

De

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While this topic sounds over the heads of most Baha'is, it is not. Primaril course God, a topic about which people have speculated for thousands of years and which Baha’i scriptures address in detail. Almost as important to Baha’s theology are the concepts of the Manifestation of

God, divine revelation, the nature of human beings and the nature and purpose of physical creation. From th concepts flow two related ideas: the Baha'i concept of the nature and purpose of the afterlife (which relates clos to the nature and purpose of life) and the Bal concept of Covenant (which re

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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.

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page 16

THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

‘August 20, 2000

[Page 17]

aq m KINDNESS AND « * Goop Faitn!

“...to all must they show forth kindness and good faith; to all must they wish well.”

Sharon Arbtin * Age 10 Story, activity and illustrations by Sharon for the Office of the Treasurer

A Few Kino Worps

4 Everybody can have a bad day, even you. Remember when you had a bad day? Aren’t you glad people were still kind back to you? Maybe the person who is unkind is having a bad day too. But keep being patient and kind.

If the person is saying mean things to you, you can say, “Why are you mean to me? Did | do something wrong? | thought we were friends.”

If the person is talking unkindly $ about someone else, you can say, “! like that person. | wish you wouldn’t say mean things about other people because it’s not nice” Be sure not to say mean things back because that will make it worse!

pir the person is really upset, stay

How many words can you make from the letters in the word KINDNESS? (Clue: you may use words from any language.)

Free Examples...

YL J \ been around people who are

unkind? How does it feel? Not too good, right? We have some suggestions for you as to how you can act

Have you ever

around people when they are unkind. So

calm and leave them alone. Some times when you are upset, it helps

to have a “time out.” You can talk

to the person later and see what

the problem was and how you both can work it out.

If the person continues teasing, you can say, “Why are you picking on me? ’m always trying to be nice to you. If we can’t be friends, let’s just leave

each other alone.”

+f If you feel like the person might physically hurt you, go to a safe place and get help from an adult. If you can help it, don’t pick a fight. Stay calm.

lt you ever feel stuck in a situation, you can always ask for help from

Lookinc For Kinbness

kin

in Kid S$ (Spanish)

pa UK

ph

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—‘Abdu’l-Baha

ay not Ds > S ed wear Clee |

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your parents or another trusted adult. You can also silently say a prayer, like Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha, for guidance.

fp Remember, ‘Abdu'l-Baha tells us to be kind to everyone because every person comes from God and even those that are unkind need and want love.

For subscriptions to BRILLIANT STAR,

CG Vy we caw tae

at 1-800-999-9019

or see page 25 to subscribe ee oe ee eed

E-mail your stories and activity ideas

oo

If you find:

qwords, youare........ A Word Herder 15 words, you are.......... The Fly Eye 14, you are........ A Stupendous Seeker 25 QOUAre ssn. tae A Fantastic Finder ‘3204S fomartwisrniey <2 A Dazzling Detective 40 makes you....... A Radical Revealer

BOF IS fOr se A Totally rae sh

qlongue Twisting Word Transformer 4

August 20, 2000

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BRILLIANT STAR Kip’s CoRNER

page 7 [Page 18]*SPIRIT*RUNe

In the runners’ words

itness the confidence of eight core

runners, as young as 15 and only two older than 21, as they spoke to nearly 200 gathered at Foundation Hall in the Baha’i House of Worship on July 16:

Christopher Shattuck: “The effects [of

the Spirit Run} are difficult to see because were like a wind passing across. We can't see what's happening in our wake.” Mike Pennington: “I wanted to do this because, basically, | was tired of seeing [social sitvations in which] ... over there it was all whites and over there it was all African-Americans and ‘over there it was all Asians.” Micah Reed: “I've had the absolute pleasure of going from community to community, seeing people gather and prepare for us together. ... 1 want everywhere to be like this [diverse House of Worship gathering] when I'm done with this.” Charles Nelson: “[While others see lines of difference between the races,] | look out and see family. And it looks to me like you're all family. -+. | encourage you to go out in your communities and make this family bigger: Billy Harris: “It’s amazing, it’ like ripples in a pond. ... Seeing people's smiling faces, it just spreads. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.” Sahar Sattarzadeh: “We are like a thread crossing the country. ... We are sewing together a quilt that will unite all of humankind.” Samaan Sattarzadeh: “We have all suffered from prejudice in some way. ... What I've learned through this is that we have to put away all the negatives and focus on the positive, because we're not going to be able to build <anything out of the negatives.” Alfred Kahn: “We all have the common goal of race unity, but ... we don’t grow until we actually overcome the tests we're presented. ... All of the difficulties we've had have been of benefit.”

.

SPIRIT RUN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

colored group that streamed around a corner onto the Temple grounds were the dozens more who had joined the whiteshirted “core runners” at a Wilmette park two miles away.

They started up the main steps, then marched clockwise in a full circle around the Temple and its gardens. They sang, then on cue rhythmically shouted, the Most Great Name.

They joined elders, support volunteers and more well-wishers at the base of the monumental s leading to the sacred building’s main entrance, bringing the chanting, love-enthralled crowd to more than 200.

A major leg of th

Spirit Run was concluded. The message of Baha’u’llih had been carried on foot from Seattle, Washington, through cities, towns and Indian reservations to America’s spiritual heartland.

The runners could pause, somewhat, before crossing another state line three days later on their eastward trek.

By the time you read this, God willing, the Spirit Run will have reached its completion at the Shinnecock Reserve in New York state.

‘29 hours a day. tep is a praye' Arthur carberry told a gathering that ig at Foundation Hall in the Hou: of Worship. “With every step we're crying out from the depths of our being ... that the people will be reminded that we all come from the same Creator, that we're all part of the same human family.”

‘Those depths, from all accounts, had grown steadily as the journey lengthened. Having met as strangers in all but the common faith, the company of the Spirit Run has proved to be a traveling crucible in our laboratory of unity in diversity. Its spiration comes not only from the desire to carry the message of Baha’u’llah to American Indians across the breadth of the continent, but also to demonstrate

bring

runners American Indian, Pers Pacific, Hispanic backgrounds to their mobile community. Socially they range from urban to suburban to rural, prosperous to impoveris The journey’s pi pal elder, Ekomiak, is an Inuit from Canada; other traveling helpers have joined the group from many origins and areas of the coun0

n-American

That cherished diversity means different ways of seeing things—for example,

Approximate route of Spirit Run with some stops through mid-July

privacy and sharing—different personal habits, and sometimes clashes.

As principal organizer of Spirit Run, Scarberry testified the nine core runners have been together “29 hours a day, nine days a week, three years over the past month.” Unlike in a normal Ameri Baha’i community, the runners cannot go home every night to cool off.

It can be gut-wrenching, he said. But they have used the “talking circle” to iron out differences under the gi Ss ‘Abdu’l-Baha established for consultation. A jointly understood commitment reinforces this: “Leaving is not an option,” Scarberry said.

The runners’ bonding is a confirmation that “what Baha’u’llah calls us to do can be done,” said Erica Toussaint, a member of the ional tual Assembly who served as a “driver and cheerleader” for

el

the group.

The talking circle became a hallmark of Spirit Run. Daily, or on request, the runners (and any invited crew) would gather to discuss their pains and joys and to grow deeper in their understanding, consideration and love for each other. A cherished consultative aid was their “talking stick” — a colorful staff bearing carvings representing several Native nations of the Pacific Coast, and one of the first gifts presented by an Indian leader to the Spirit Run.

Ae es mi ry

ony

Top and above: Runners gather in a Wi mette, Illinois park before gathering in a &

group of about 100 fora procession tothe Baha’i House of Worship. Photos by Kenneth = © 5 Duseynski L

Above left: “Core runners” for the Spirit Run react after being presented plaques as gifts from the National Teaching Committee on the Temple steps. Photo by James Humphrey

ividence of the circle’s importance came in the Wilmette ceremonies, where the talking stick was prominently carried as an emblem of the group’s unity.

‘Toussaint praised the youths’ c tion with such terms as “speaking dispassionately but without circumventing the -. love but frankn i

nity,” she sai

Carrying the message

“Running,” Fernandez-Scarberry said drily, “is the easy part.”

Off the freeways, ove the open plains, in weather that could be chilly-wet or searing hot, each runner covered a mile ata time, carrying booklets with the message of Baha’u’llah in a bundle with other precious items. Then the bundle was handed off to the runner responsible for the next mii

Vans rolled ahead of and behind the runners to put motorists on alert. A camp trailer served as a traveling kitchen. On days when camping plans had to be changed, a motorcyclist scouted locations ahead.

The goal was an average of 54 miles traveled each day. Many people of all ages ran some of those miles at one time or

‘cep ridges or in

page 18

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Spine Run

‘August 20, 2000 [Page 19]

Drummers from the Chicago American Indian Center perform an honor song for the runners in the House of Worship gardens. Photo by Kenneth Duszynski

Nick Savage of Redding, California, pauses amid preparations at the Fort Thompson, South Dakota, campsite to reflect on the

“phenomenal” group. Photo by James Humphrey

Baha nd

another their fr

s who live along the way, , or admirers they chance to

encounter. In Western Montana, the runners. not only were assisted by 20 Navajo Job Corps students who happened to be serving in the ar heya sed paths with, and for several days lent some runners to, an entirely different project: the Peace and Dignity Run, an Alaska-to-Mexico venzed to bring recognition to ions of North America. ncounter with the latter group of

Iso cre

ture orga Nativ The

runners was almost miraculous, runt Christopher Shattuck noted in an inte

view fora ago-area radio station: “We didn’t know about them beforehand. ... We just happened to be running on the same road at the same time of day in the same city in the as them,” he said. Muscle aches, shin splints, worn shoes and such may have hindered individuals but did not halt the progress. Some of the core runners had to stop run days to prevent minor injuries from becoming major. But they still did their ying the me: hey would walk several miles in the wee hours each morning, to avoid delaying the run. “These kids re phenomenal. Phenomenal,” support volunteer Nick Savage of Redding, id at a camp near Fort Thompson, central South Dakota, two weeks before the Wilmette celebration. “The: no grousing, no ing. When there’s a difference, when something comes up, it’s ‘Let’s consult!’ ” Savage would have choice opportunity to hear any complaints. His duties included the morning wake-up and a number of

camp angements. But, he said, “we’re all a e this is a Spirit Run.” Inconvenience is accepted with grace.

“Yesterday [June 30] the first day without rain. Do you think they’ve griped? No,” he said.

Art Shegonee, on behalf of American Indians in the Chicago area, greets Spirit Run organizer Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry at the Temple garden ceremony. Photo by Kenneth Duszynski

Respected elders have their own table among about 200 people at the Haziratu’lQuds, across the road from the House of Worship, for dinner with the Spirit Run crew. Photo by Caswell Ellis

The healing me: lished by deed. But

ye was clearly estabcase anyone missed the point, the power of words was also channeled: in firesides, in celebratory gatherings, in reports and interviews on local radio, tele

ice encounters, in

jon and newspapers.

Baha’is in large cities, small towns and points in between showered the runnei with hospitality. Tribal leaders on many reservations welcomed them formally, held banquets in their honor, blessed them in joyous ceremony. The Spirit Run presented elders of each tribal group with a red-bound collection of Baha’ writings.

In the Temple gardens

The arrival of Spirit Run at the Temple in Wilmette brought an afternoon cer mony of a type this House of Worship s dom bre shade helped cool the att den on the northe: edifice.

Honor songs rang out before, during and after the hourlong welcoming event, played by a drum circle from the Chicago American Indian Center. The singers carried the Menominee, Potawatomi, Ho Chunk, Ojibway, Cherokee and other

s. La

a gartern side of the sacred

SEE RUNNERS, PAGE 26

Tales from the trail

onsider these few stories, drawn

mostly from reports submitted to

the Web site (www.spiritrun.org) and certainly leaving out many other inspiring events:

Great Falls, Montana: The Rocky Boy Tribal Council, having heard of the Spirit Run from the

Blackfeet Tribal Council, arranged a dinner and ceremonies at the Montana State Fairgrounds. A television station and a public radio station interviewed runners by the next morning. During a proclamation/teaching event in a park, runners chatted with a Browning Indian fire crew preparing to fight fires in Colorado. That evening a new believer presented his enrollment card. Billings, Montana: Not only TV and newspaper reports drew attention to the runners. The singing and drumming procession on a Sunday morning was granted a police escort, with traffic directed for the safety of the runners. Churchgoers were seen parking their cars and asking questions of Baha'is along the route.

Sheridan, Wyoming: To ensure the runners

could attend a dinner and talk at the YHCA, local

believer Bill Henderson agreed to carry the Message in its bundle the last 13. miles into town.

“The Run brought a revitalizing spirit to our com munity,” Henderson noted.

Newcastle, Wyoming: The Spirit Runners

and crew were by far the largestever contingent

of Baha'i visitors here, said Bill and Nancy Moore, longtime homefront pioneers who own KASL radio.

Of course, the runners were interviewed for the

regular Sunday morning Bahi'i program,

Pine Ridge Reservation, South

Dakota: Students of Treehaven alternative

school—which teaches academic and virtues

dlasses—prepared food and lodging for the Spirit Run. Some 41 students took part in a 2/4-mile leg of the run for the sake of the racial unity message, teachers Chuck and Barb Bennett wrote.

Lower Brule Reservation, South

Dakota: Two evenings in the vicinity brought

celebrations involving Pierre-area Baha'is and

many people from the reservation: one evening a

picnic and dancing in the streets, the next a din ner in honor of the Spirit Run arranged by the head of the tribal council.

Redwood Falls, Minnesota: One woman

here provided warm hospitality for a teaching

event at her house on a small reservation, though she was not a Baha'i. According to runner Nancy

Torres, the event so moved the woman that she

followed her heart to the Spirit Run celebrations

several days later at the Temple in Wilmette— and there declared her faith in Baha'u'llah.

Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Indian Min istries organization had prepared for the Spirit

Runners’ arrival the morning of July 8, and the

moment did not disappoint. “To see the faces of

the people who were waiting for us brighten as we came up and to see so many smiles was aweinspiring,” wrote Diane Kerr, a local believer.

After a traditional honor song and welcoming cer emony, the gathering was treated to a talk by

Chester Kahn—a Navajo elder among the

Bahatis—and a youth workshop performance that

portrayed an Anishinambe creation story.

La Crosse, Wisconsin: The Ho Chunk nation

was the host when about 50 people gathered at the Three Rivers House. Questions and discussion went steadily into the night as the runners and Erica Toussaint discussed the power of consultation toward creating unity during the run, according to lowa visitors Karen and Bill Alexander.

August 20, 2000 Tue American Band’ ¢ Srmir Run

page 19 [Page 20]

Te Te

eT RT

__Sriermuat Distincrion

NENT OF SPIRITUALLY 2 ae a ES nwo connonrnes

3 * Foster love, happiness and

4 4 R uP ae devotion

Insure children and junior youth

acquire spiritual virtues and are free of prejudice

Foster devotional life of individuals and community

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 Baha'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

Gratitude for service to the young

Baha’is go the extra mile to honor schoolteachers young Baha’fs and their families

A= communities they have taken

strive for distinction, in at least mple but unusual step—expressing public gratitude for schoolteachers, an often-underappreciated group.

Cary, North Carolina

i iative of two Baha'i Assembly of Cary has sponsored a Teacher's Appreciation Dinner for six y It has attracted more people every year—with 100 participating each of the past two years—and now involves the neighboring Baha’i communities of Wake County and Raleigh:

Students in the communities are encouraged to invite up to four of their hers to be honored. The inviting families provide dinner for the teachers and their guests.

A guest speaker talks on the importance of education, as referenced by the Baha’i writings, in children’s lives.

Teacher Lynn Bitting (left) and her husband, Paul, flank | |-year-old Christopher Mills at the recent Teacher’s Appreciation Dinner in Cary, NC.

The children usually then offer a gift of appreciation to their teachers in the form of a presentation: song, dance, artwork, or craft.

‘Teachers respond very positively. One teacher, who first learned of the Baha’f Faith as a result of the dinner, is now an active Baha'i. A principal, invited for the second straight year, remarked, “I have never felt so honored in my life before. I would not miss this dinner for the world.”

Claremont, California

Preparing to graduate as valedictorian of Claremont High School, Nava Geula felt strongly she couldn't take all the credit for her achievement. So she and her family arranged for a dinner in gratuitude for her teachers.

All her teachers, that is—from grade school through high school. About 30 teachers attended the May 26 event at the Geulas’ home.

Dorothy Nelson, a National Spiritual Assembly member, and James Nelson, a Regional Baha’i Council member, spoke as “special ambassadors” on behalf of the family and the Baha’{ community.

“We all know you brought this great flame to Nava, [and for that] we give you our undying gratitude,” Dorothy Nelson was quoted as telling the teachers in a community edition of the Los Angeles Times.

‘Teachers reacted with warm gratitude, and sometimes plain incredulity. “I was tickled. Its a unique kind of thing this family would do,” Elizabeth Sides, Nava’s fourth-grade teacher, was quoted as saying.

In fact, 10 years ago, the family held a dinner for teachers of Nava’s brother Naisan.

Michigan Assemblies praise Weekend Visit at National Center

BY THE OFFICE OF ASSEMBLY DEVELOPMENT

embers of eight Local Spiritual Assembli from the Detroit, igan, area came to their Baha’ National Center in June as part of the

mbly Weekend Visi

it program. These 32 people n opportunity

to see relics of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’lBaha in the Archives, say prayers in the Mother Temple, tour the offices of the

Baha’i National Center, hear updates on

Building a foundation of reverence first

Joel Orona (playing flute), Michael Orona (with gourd rattle) and Chic Day provide meditative music for the dedication of land for a future Baha’i center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on a breezy April 29. During the prayerful ceremony, words of welcome were spoken and the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, from his talk at the laying of the cornerstone for the Baha’ House of Worship, were recited. A pink granite stone was placed in the ground, and singing of “Allah-u-Abha” finished the dedication. “Our hearts were touched by the beauty of the land, the music, and the words spoken during this wonderful occasion. The views of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley are imprinted in our minds.” a report stated. Photo by Barbara Nakai.

new initiatives from several offices, and have their questions answered by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘The Weekend Visit program has wel285 people from 60 Local tual Assemblies in the past four years. The goal of the program is to inform Assemblies of the resources available to them at the Baha’{ National Center, form closer bonds between the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the National Spiritual Assembly and_ its offices, and help renew a sense of excitement and importance about the work of the Caus

Results over the years have shown that the visits are very successful in achieving these goal: Evaluations show a nearperfect score in “usefulness ratings.” The most recent evaluation forms included the following comments:

“I feel so close to our National

Spiritual Assembly now. To say that I

trust them implicitly is an understate ment.” “Thi

will definitely strengthen the relationship between our LSA and our NSA. The knowledge and understanding created by this visit, along with the wonderful hospitality shown us, can only improve the bond.”

sit made me feel more connected to the National Center, more inspired to teach the Faith and deep* “The information we learned here will be shared with our community to hten them of the wonderful behind-the-scenes work that goes on here and the need for volunteers,

enli

money and workers.” “As a secretary it is helpful to know what department does what. It is amazing how few people in each department achieve all they do.” “T had a spiritual ing the level of s: who work in our center. The warmth and loving attitude and helpfulness of all the staff and the degree of awareI it gave me were particularly appreciated.” “Very inspiring. I feel so much more connected to the Kingdom of God here on Earth. It’s more than regenerating. My capacity has increased.” “T have a greater desire to execute my nn LSA member. I needed ration to rise up and make use of the materials that we already have, and I got it this weekend

The Weekend Visits originally started 10 years ago, drawing people from around the country. The program was expanded to offer local institutions the same benefits.

Improvements in the program include additional opportunities to interact with the National Spiritual Assembly, coordinated visits for several Assemblies from a single area, and child-care opportunities.

Any Local Spiritual Assembly is welcome to attend one of these quarterly events as long as it can send a quorum of its membership (this requirement is relaxed when are coordinated for all the Assemblies from a certain area).

Interested Assemblies should contact the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail

).¢

page 20

Tue American BanA’i ¢ SrinmuaAL Distinction

August 20, 2000 [Page 21]

WRU RreRHACRLOT

A ‘family’ feeling

COMPILED BY PHYLLIS RING

reen Acre Baha’{ School’s June

30-July 5 session was a “family reunion of the spirit,” according to one participant.

Everyone watched the Peace Flag announce summer’ official arrival. The striped concert tent nearly danced across the lawn as Red Grammer shared a musical menu of fun for all ages at the Concert Picnic. And Jack McCants’ words inspired hearts and paid tribute to the progress of the American Baha'i community and its administration over the past 75 years.

Responding to the call of the Universal House of Justice in the One Year Plan to intensify the development of spiritually distinctive families and communities, presenter Kathy Grammer led a lively and informative session on family virtues.

Future all-ages sessions will include:

Oct. 6-9: “Talking and Listening: The

Art of Spiritual Parenting.”

Nov. 2426: “Children: Toward

Functional Families and Caring Communities.”

and Cammy San Luis of Virginia Beach,

Virginia, were accompanied by their son

Koa, 2, and Tobias’ mother and stepfather,

who are not Baha’is. “The session helped us

all feel like family and community together,” Tobias noted—adding that many fathers were exemplary, helping with baby care to support their wives’ participation. One topic Cammy found especially meaningful was the spiritual destiny of children. “As a parent, your job is to recognize and nurture that, as well as help them be physically and spiritually safe,” she said. “It became very obvious this week how we need the whole community to do this ... with a focus on our commitment to grow as

ikshank of Rochester, Vermont, viewed the session from the perspective of an isolated Baha’i family.

“For our children, being at Green Acre helped them understand that they are part of a larger community. Our children are the only Baha'is in their school and I know from experience that this can be difficult,” he said.

‘Tucker attended the session with his wife, Lisa, and their children Midori, 9, Sierra, 7,

Junior Youth Academy participants help ready the garden under Green Acre’s Peace Flag for the Family Virtues week that opened Green Acre’s summer season. Photo courtesy of Green Acre

and Maya, 3. At the close of the week, Lisa announced her decision to enroll in the Baha’i Faith and join the spiritual family she

had experienced throughout the week.

Laura and Miguel Rivera attended the session with daughters Olivia, 3, and Victoria, 1. In Fairport, New York, Laura runs a virtues group for at-home mothers.

““Abdu’l-Baha said we are here to acquire virtues, that this is our purpose. What could be more important than this?” Laura asked.

She especially valued “the concept that you need to accept and understand problems, rather than struggle against them. ‘They are your path, the path God has chosen for you, and acceptance helps you apply virtues to them.”

Many agreed that the sessions conducted by Jack McCants on the Administrative Order complemented the Family Virtues course well. “These showed how the same things ... apply on the community level,” Cammy San Luis said. @

Complete list of upcoming Green Acre sessions on Calendar, page 36

WWATIEleA rE

A renewed ‘playscape’

aT its Ridvan 2000 letter to the Baha'is of the world, the Universal House of Justice called special attention to the need to nurture children, saying: “Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess. ...”

‘This thought was the driving force of some recent volunteer service at Louhelen

‘Bahs’i School. Major repairs and improve ments were made to Louhelen’s beloved “Playscape” structure by Ed Phillips, a Baha'i from Clifton Springs, New York, during three weeks’ volunteer service he offered in May.

Ed’s family, including his children, not only cheered him on but directly helped him get the project completed. This tremendous spirit of family unity and commitment in service to others, especially to children, is a wonderful response to the Universal House of Justice’s call to

tell more about the project and why it is important to them:

“Hello, girls and boys.

“My name is Ed and I have had the bounty and pleasure of working on the Louhelen grounds this spring and wanted to share with you some thoughts. I would like to

Ocean of Light

early 100 Bah; from Fiji, Yap, ‘Tonga, Samoa and other Pacific islands joined in spiritual conference at the fifth annual Ocean of Light Conference June 30-July 3 at Bosch Baha'i School. ne Twitahi, member of the Continental Board of Counselors, returned to this year’s session to help create an inspiring atmosphere and share with the friends the urgency of teaching the islanders whose receptive hearts eagerly await the teachings of Baha’u’llah. One participant, Calrence Raj from Fiji, shared the story of an entire village waiting

~ Pioneers arrived at the village and told the

leader they wished to share with him the teachings of Baha’u'llih. He told them to leave and come back that evening when he could gather all the people of his village and surrounding villages to hear the longawaited message of the Blessed Beauty.

Other teaching stories also drew attention to the importance of teaching tribal leaders and heads of state because of their great influence on those they lead.

The session ended with a night of entertainment, as dancers and musicians inspired the friends to give freely so that others might attend the conference next year. The free spirit and happiness of the islanders left an indelible atmosphere of spirituality and light, rejuvenating the staff and volunteers at Bosch as they prepared for the very busy summer months.

Upcoming sessions Sept. 8-10: Latino Conference. The Latino Teaching Desk of the Western Region invites all active teachers and those interested in reaching Hispanics to this spiritual conference. The goals are to

to examine the need for heroic sacrifice in reaching and embracing entire populations from the coyntries and cultures of the Americas.

Sept. 29-Oct.1: Family Session: “The Dispensation of Babd’w'llah” with Habib Riazati. This seminal letter of Shoghi Effendi, released on Feb. 8, 1934, outlines in unequivocal language the fundamentals and essential verities of belief and understanding of the revelation of Baha’u’llth. The letter is the essential thesis of the Baha’i Faith and amounts to a testament of belief. The Guardian explains the stations of Baha’u’llah and the Bab as the twin Manifestations, the unique position of the Master and the balancing role of the Guardianship and the Universal House of the Justice in the Administrative Order. ‘The final paragraph of the letter synthesizes the purpose and the goal of the Cause of Bahé’u’llih having as its foundation “God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day.” The study and comprehension of this letter is essential in developing a progressive understanding of being a Baha'i. #

take a moment to invite you and to encour age you to attend Louhelen Baha’i School this summer and to experience the new playscape. If you have ever been to Louhelen, you will marvel at the changes and everyone will love the fun.

“While having fun in the playscape, take a look at the many changes that have taken place to make it a safer environment for you. One of the new additions is a ‘Unity Castle.’ This small building at the end of a walkway offers you the chance to see the world around you through many shapes. As one of the staff members at Louhelen so humorously put it: ‘Remember, it is a

is NO le in the er area of the deck provides benches to just sit and relax. Elsewhere, a

hanging from one of the main place for you and your partly sit and say your prayers together while overlooking the beautiful surroundings.

“Tell your parents, the playscape is not just for kids. Grab their hands and go down the slide together, or better yet, with a new twin yellow slide combination side by side, you get on one slide and race them down the other. Have some fun together and bring a smile to you and your parents’ faces.

“T will say that the time I spent working on the playscape was done with the prayers, the thoughts and the goal: of making it a safer place for you, the ‘precious treasures.’ Thope you find that it is a place in which to play, be safe, have fun and be a kid.

“Please enjoy your summer. Have a wonderful time praying and playing at Louhelen this summer and for many years to come.

“All my Babd’é love, Ed Phillips”

You too, can be a part of this process of arising to serve. Volunteer! Louhelen has a wide variety of needs for volunteer service and will happily consult with you regarding possible avenues of service that will assist the approved plans of the school.

for one by the name of Baha’u'llah to arrive _ review the contributions Hispanics have Complete list of upcoming Bosch sessions — Complete list of upcoming Louhelen sesand establish unity among all the people. _ made in the development of the Faith and _ on Calendar, page 36 sions on Calendar, page 36 August 20,2000 THE AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ SriRITUAL DISTINCTION page 21 [Page 22]

VINEYARD of the] ORD

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER BUILDING/COMMON AREA: RACING TOWARD COMPLETION

h a Counselors’ Conference planned for January 2001, of urgency has emerged to furnish the the International Teachenter Building and Common Area, and to make them ready to be occupied by the end of this year.

Furnishing is nearly complete in the Common Area, where several departments of the Baha’i World Center will be relocated.

Also, work is progr ncil chamber, the offices for the Counselors, the Teach iat, the Auditorium, the dining rooms and the kitchen and

Woodwork and carpeting are under way in the Library on the top level of the Teaching Center Building.

In the Auditorium. final installations of

As landscaping of p

woodwork, carpeting and seating in place, the | equipment have begun.

ide the building began, the external slopes were being planted with n grass and star formations much like those on the slopes below the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and the Center for the Study of the Texts.

BUILDING UNDER TERRACE 11 IS PARTIALLY OCCUPIED

r June, the Baha’s World Center Department of Security and the Office of Public Information moved into new premises in the building under Terrace 11, marking another significant milestone in the Mount Carmel Pro

Nearly complete in the same building is a Visitors Center, designed to ac commodate interest in the B: and across Israel, which has been pand.

The main exhibition space in the Visitors Center will be in a rotunda beneath shaped skylight.

Exhibit panels in the window alcove, an in' ive computer kiosk next to it and exhil anels in the room at the back of the rotunda will provide graphic information for

Woodwork for all th

nearly complete. Nearby is a 164-seat auditorium fully equipped for electronic media pre

sentations. This majestic eagle sculpture provides a dramatic foreground for the Terraces above the Furnishing is complete here, and the acoustic system is being fine-tuned. _ Shrine of the Bab in this photo taken June 29.

ATTENTION TURNS TO PLANTING i ON TERRACES ABOVE THE SHRINE OF THE BAB

Ww balustrades, fountains, ornaments and other fixtures in place on the Ter‘aces ji bove the Shrine of the Bab, work has turned to completing the landscaping of these Terraces. On ‘Terraces 13, 14 and 15 the areas around the fountains have been planted, as have the outer areas west of these Terraces and of Terrace 11.

Red stone service paths, weaving a serpentine pattern through these informal gardens, are near completion. Only a few rugged patches remain unplanted.

Close to these Terraces, the roof of the Center for the Study of the ” is abloom with with multicolored bougainvillea, flame-colored Pyrostegia, glossy dark green Carissa, vine red Fennisetum and other drought-tolerant plants—adding to a harmonious blend of colors on the eastern side of the mountain above Hatzionut Avenue.

he remaining months of the 20th century, gateway to a new millennium, promise to be months of intense and hectic activityfor the Baha’is of the world in general, and the Mount Carmel Projects in particular.

The significance of these months can be gauged from thefollowing words of the Universal House of Justice: “We have arrived at a portentous convergence of ends and beginnings in measures of Gregorian time and the Baha’i era.”

With the impending completion of the Projects on God’s Holy Mountain and the public inauguration of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab planned for May 2001, time is of the essence in the tasks that remain to be completed.

The members of the Mount Carmel Projects team beseech the prayers of the Universal House of Justice and their Baha’i brethren spread across the length and breadth of the globe that the labours initiated in God’s Vineyard may be brought to a successful conclusion.

Mount Carmel Projects, Office of the Project Manager

page 22. THe American BanA‘i ¢ Mount CagMet PROJECTS = August 20, 2000

[Page 23]

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

Left: Landscaping around the International Teaching Center building.

(Below) Entrance facade of the Center for the Study of the Texts.

An ornamental lamp stands ready to light the path to the Center for the Study of the Texts.

Installation is under way for wrought-iron fences and ornamental gates leading into the courtyard of the building under Terrace 11.

ENTRANCE PLAZA TO TERRACE 1

u | Xo speed the manufacturing of marble components for the Entrance Plaza’s spectacula

water features—a star-shaped fountain, a cascade and water channels—contracts were awarded to three different contractors in Italy. Installation is expected to begin in September.

In the meantime, walls have been built at the edge of the Baha’i property along Hagefen Street, and decorative stone cladding has begun.

Drains, irrigation and electric lines have been installed, and the slopes of the Plaza have been covered with topsoil, ready for lawn grass. #

This extract from an article that appeared in The Bahda’i World Vol. 1929-1930, is part of an occasional series of articles providing historical perspective on Haifa and the Baha’i gardens on Mount Carmel.

Haifa—and the Baha'is

BY DR. JOHN HAYNES HOLMES

y eight o’clock we were speeding down the mountain highway to our next stop, Ha This city is the port ... where ships can land only in small boats and in good weather, but soon to be made by extensive building operations the finest harbor on this Mediterranean t. I was coming here to examine this project, and to visualize the fleets of ship which would be floating in years to come upon these waters. I wanted also to see the Technicum, the famous institute of technology and preparatory school, founded years ago by the Germans

But most I wanted to see in this place the head of the world-wide B: i Movement, Shoghi Effendi, and make my pilgrimage to the graves of the immortal Prophets of this noble Faith. This was my desire on behalf of American friend:

coa

and in expression of my own devout reverence for this great inclusive religion of our time.

Our frst view of Haifa was from Mt. Carmel, where Elijah in the ancient day prophets, of Baal. ... On the left, the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean; on the right, the v curve of of the beach sweeping to the walls of ‘Akka; in front the bay, with one numerous smaller craft pe: below, lik

y confounded the

ide

reat ship and

efully at anchor; a tumbling waterfall, the white stone houses of the town; and just in the center, like a lovely gem, the garden in which reposed the bodies of the honored Bahé

i dead.

We visited this garden the next morning, a special audience with the head of the Baha’ Movement. In the center towered the cluster of grateful shade the venerable ‘Abdu’l-Baha sought quiet and refreshment. Around these trees, winding from terrace to terrace, and lined with giant hedges of geraniums, were paths, paved with broken fragments of red tile, which tempted the feet to meditative wandering. Rose bushes, gorgeous with blossoms a few weeks hence, broke frequently the stretches of fresh, deep-rooted grass. On the lowest terrace, facing a straight avenue which shot down, and then like an arrow, to the sea, was the granite mausoleum. We removed

noble cypresses, beneath whos

our shoes ... and stepped into the large room, dimly lighted, through stained windows, in which lay the body of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. ... We stood shoeless upon rugs so soft and heavy as to be warm to the f w silver vase: flowers standing like candles a great peace lay upon the place. I had never seen a tomb so beautiful! After long moments of reverent salutation, vve moved away, and entered a cond room where lay the body of the Bab. Thi great Forerunner of the Faith, martyred in the awful persecutions of the early days, for years had no rest. His body had been snatched secretly from place to place by loyal disciples, hidden wherever a moment's security could be won. But here at last it had found peace, and therewith self had become a shrine. In this room, as in the other, were the rugs, the vases and the flowers. s dauntless hero of the spirit was not without His great reward! @

August 20, 2000

Tre American BanA‘i * Mount CARMEL PROJCETS

page 23 [Page 24]

lassified notices in The American Baha'i ave published free of charge to the Baha’ community. Because of

e limited to items r ith; no personal or com 1. Some of the approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the ould exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

this, notices

ing to the

2 a 2 2 8

g a

f you know of anyone who has skills in

the following areas, or know of people who may jknow others with these skills, especially for positions listed in the “Urgent Needs” section, please contact our Human Resources Department.

AT THE BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will ility/building maintenance and engi

neering staff to provide timely services at mini

mal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance

pment iently and effectively maintained. Needs at least five years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAC,

electrica

1, plumbing, carpentry, painting, clean ing etc.) with three to five years as a mainte

nance manager; valid driver’ lic 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 orders research, gather news, write and edit finished Newsreel stories, at times without assistance; help. develop network of correspondents; arrange for duplication/distribution. Needs knowledge/experience in all production aspects of broadcast journalism; flexibility, organizational skills, familiarity with Baha’i admini: Concrete Artisan, Conservation Office.

Assists Concrete/Stone Conservator in the conservation of the Baha’{ 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; leaders

apervisory

ation.

ip or supervisory experience beneficial. Also essential: valid driver’ license, ability to work comfortably at heights and to wear full or half-mask respirators, good communication skills and ability to interact pleasantly with public. Organized, thorough, patient, cooperative manner desired.

US. Baba’i Refugee Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant (part-time). Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Baha'i, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Baha’ refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast

URGENT NEEDS

Baha'i Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia, or Baba’i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL: Marketing Manager. Will plan, budget, implement, track and report on effectiveness of marketing campaigns for titles produced by Baha’i Publishing Trust for both Baha’ and retail markets. Will prepare research-based marketing strategies; sales estimates and sales/inventory reports; advertising in several media, publicity and other marketing materials. Should have marketing degree, professional marketing experience in publishing, catalog/advertising copy-writing experience, strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of Baha’ literature and trends in religious and children’s publishing are highly desired.

Babéa’i Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Customer Representative. 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'i 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.

ane

Service

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

Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Baha'i and other publications. Needs proven ability to work with confidential information, strong skills writing and speaking English. 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'i 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.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Applications Developer. Provides high-level ign, implementation of information ith variety of technologies:

systems, Visual tools, database and Web tools. Senior Applications Developer. Provides high familiar

level 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

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

Honor those you love on their spe_ cial days or remember them after they’ve passed on

.. with your gift to the National Baha’t Fund. Each gift sent with an “In Honor” or “In Memory” form will be beautifully acknowledged by the National Spiritual Assembly.

You may get these Treasurer's Office forms:

On the Web: Printable forms for these special

‘contributions are available on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbne.org).

Through the mail: Printed forms are available

from the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail h

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 hours per week). Will develop, acquire and compile fun and engaging activities for children and junior youths, network 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’{ 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’ 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).

AT GREEN AcrE BAHA’| SCHOOL EuioT, MAINE Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds.

URGENT NEED

DirECTOR OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION New York, NY For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbne.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.

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 Ji administrator, Green Acre Baha'i School, 188 Main Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439 7200, e-mail )

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 deepen

ings, 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).

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

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportuni ties and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

page 24

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLassiriep — August 20, 2000 [Page 25]

BAHA’i WorLD CENTER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Managerial: Audio-Visual Dept., Cleaning Maintenance Dept., Dept. of Gardens, Dept. of Statistics, Dept. of Publishing, Office of Personnel, Dept. of Security, Administrative Development

Audiovisual: A/Y and darkroom technicians, media specialists, archivists/cataloguers

Clerical: Administrative assistants, data entry, document analysts, secretaries

Computer: Programmers, support assistants, systems administrators

Conservation: Analytical chemists/biochemists, cleaning specialists and helpers

Financial: Accountants, auditors

Gardening: Gardeners, horticulturists, pest management, assistants

Language-related: Working knowledge of Persian or Arabic as well as English

Legal: Lawyers (contract, insurance, property, labor)

Librarianship: Acquisition, reference and periodicals librarians, cataloguers, AIY services managers, archival assistants

Security: Dispatchers, guards, warehouse assistants

Purchasing: Buyers, import/export administrators, storekeepers

Trades: A/C and electronics technicians, carpenters, electricians, irrigation engineers, masons/tile-setters, painters, printers, plumbers and others

Service terms: 12 months, 18 months, 30 months or indefinite English language ability required for all positions Bahd@’is in good standing, age 18 or older

For more details or an application contact the Office of Human Resources at the Bah4’i National Center (phone 847-733-3427, e-mail )

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT ARCHIVES

‘The National Bal chives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following a

A change in homefront pioneering appeals

Pearle

The four Regional Baha’i Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering. Because of this, The American Bahd’i has changed the way it presents appeals for homefront pioneers. We will regularly print contacts and/or top-priority localities in each region for homefront pioneers, as reported to us by each Council. Please see page 31 in this issue.

Eaton, W. Edgecomb, Mabel

Vv.

Edmonstone. Anyone knowing family mem

igecomb and J

bers or relatives who might have these

's letters is asked to contact the

Baha'i Archives, 1233 Centr Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847,

2359).

‘The National Baha’ Archives is seeking copies of the following works by Babi’u'llab in good or mint condition: Kitib-i-fqin, paper, 1985,

“Classified ads” seeking homefront 1989; Hidden Words, paper, 1979, 1980, 1982, pioneers have appeared in The 1985, 1990. Anyone with copies they could American Baha'i almost from its donate is asked to send them to the National inception in 1970. However, at this Baha'i Archi 1233 Central S Svanston,

time it is preferable for local communities to turn first to the Regional Councils for this purpose.

IL 60201-1611.

MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED

Discover Europe’ best kept secret: The Babé’i Studies Review! Over the past eight

Desert Rose Baba’i Institute Inc. in southern

Arizona is rapidly developing as a major center

, this annual publication has come to be

regarded as the leading Baha’f studies journal

of learning for Baha'is of all

construction of independent living u

of in the world, at the cutting edge of discourse

integrated communit

. Provisions are being made for

on issues

s for tice. Each issue is packed with lively and

those who may have left the work force and scholarly articles, ranging from invited com

would like to be a part of this exciting concept. __mentaries by eminent

fan Semple and

John Hick are past contributors), to substan

In the short term we aim to offer taining cours ences as well as to devel

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plans include an accredited Bal thinkers, to jews of books, music

center of learni focusing on the arts. We wish and ff Several articles are already classics: Momen on women and on fundamennd Udo Schaefer on morality (see our Web site,

http://bahai-library.org/bsr/). Orders to: ABS to utilize the knowledge and expertise reti

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rounds. If

may wish to contribute while living i m, Robert Stockman on J

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interested, please contact Ruth Tobey Hampson,

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Editorial: Amatu’l-Baha Rihfyyih Khénum 1910-2000

Julio S
Gwendolyn

ndra Hutchi

s “Religious Pluralism: A Baha’{ Perspecti

ignificant non-Baha’ books of the 20th century s Réhfyyih Khanum’s written legacy

Ahang Rabbani translates into English a 1901 plan for surveillance of Baha’t activities in

Palestine and Iran

Still Available: Fall 1999 Issue

Editori ing Dogmatism $

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Inte
Robert I non Chri

Praise of Folly and Quentin

sly” Phe editors reflect on the film Magnolia n detachment in Erasmus’ antino’s Pulp Fiction

Politics,

s, 1897”

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The American Baha’i

10 times a year; available by subscription to Baha’is outside the continental U.S. Outside U.S. surface mail—$24 / year, $45 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling

One Country

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[Page 26]

“STN MEMO

Frank Jenkins is remembered for leading by example

BY SUSANNE M. ALEXANDER

hoe Jenkins’ life was exemplified by ervice ighbors, friends, famii i nd the greater Cleveland

y. His passing left holes that will be difficult to fill, and memories unlikely to dim, as people dedicate themselves to in his

attack

heart May 28, 2000.

He was 58. When. family and friends remember they invariably speak of his

love for people, greeting each person he met with a smile and often a hug. For many, he demonstrated Baha’u’llah’s words, “Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love.”

A 31-year resident of Warrensville Heights, a Cleveland suburb, and a member of the Baha’i Faith for over 40 years, Frank gave his volunteer time as trusted treasurer for: Friends of the Warrensville Heights Library, the Texas

Instruments Computer Cluby the Crimson Ark Baha’i Institute, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé’is of

Warrensville Heights, the Gladstone Residents Association and the Midwinter Baha’{ Youth Confere:

RUNNERS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

nations in their bloodlines.

A delegation of National Spiritual Assembly members—Secretary-General Robert C. Henderson, Assistant Secretary Juana Conrad and Toussaint— conveyed the Assembly’s welcome. Henderson noted that 20 years earlier to the week, a historic North American Baha’{ Native Council drew hundreds of people to the precincts of the House of Worship, dedicated to helping the spiritual power of this country’s indigenous peoples blossom.

He praised the Spirit Run for its part in the Baha’i mission to awaken “all of America to a more noble calling and a new history ... to lead the world spiritually as it has led materially.”

Art Shegonee, before pronouncing a blessing on behalf of the Chicago American Indian Center, praised the gathering of nearly 200 for its diversity. “Look around you in the audience—the people are from every place,” he said. Not only the run itself, but the sacred spot of the Temple, is dedicated to the unity of all peoples: “It’s about peace. It’s about reconciliation,” he said.

Welcomes were also extended on behalf of the National Teaching

n and bookis of Greater

national tre

He served the Greater Cleveland by teaching children and adults at the Crimson Ark Baha'i Institute, driving youths long distances to partic intaining datab:

and videotaping

community events.

Frank was deeply committed to demonstrating the onene through the interracial mi: is own family, which welcomed people of all hues into their home. k and his wife, Mary Lou, made the decision as a white couple to move to Warrensville Heights, a predominantly AfricanAmerican suburb, early in their marriage. This had a profound effect on friends and neighbors.

For many years Frank gathered people from across the spectrum to march in the Warrensville Heights Memorial Day Parade and share in a backyard picnic. Many people remarked after his death how they always felt a sense of belonging and warmth in Frank’s presence, no matter where they encountered him.

The National Spiritual Assembly, in a letter read at the memorial service on June 3, referred to him as “dearly loved Frank Jenkins, a stalwart servant of Baha’w'llah, and cornerstone of the Cleveland Baha’{ Community.” The letter went on to say, “Frank Jenkins will be well remembered for his determin: tion to further the Cause of God and for the kind and generous spirit with which

RCH

he served the Community. He was a mentor and a spiritual haven for many youth, encouraging and inspiring them by his words and deeds to carry high the banner of Bahd’u’llah. His most important legacy i: passionate commitment to the Faith that will forever

enrich the lives of his children.” urvived by his wife of 32 years, their four children, Dawn, , Jennifer and Kyle, all of the his mother, Sylvia , Missouri; four brothers, a sister and a grandson. #

IN MEMORIAM Parizad Badkoubeh Benjamin Mashaw Bradley R. Schmidt Montrose, CA Kalamazoo, MI Westn er, MD January 13, 2000 April 30, 2000 April 8, 2000 Merle B. Borden Clifford L. Mays Larry G. Scott Wheeling, WV Antioch, CA Pass Creek District, SD June 7, 2000 December 7, 1999 May 27, 2000 Lua J. Daniel Earletha L. Mouzon Carl Shaunessy Butte, MT. Kingstree, SC St. Petersburg, FL. May 29, 2000 April 2000 June 2, 2000 Evelyn L. Godard Leonora P. Norman — Zahra Shahnematullahi Muscatine, IA Ipswich, MA Fresno, CA August 19, 1999 December 8, 1999 June 20, 2000 Frank S. Jenkins Rufina P. Peabody Bonnie F. Wells Warrensville Heights, OH Ipswich, MA Orange, CA May 28, 2000 January 27, 1999 May 1, 2000 Roderick E. Jensen Dorothy E. Roberts Annie B. White Moffat Reno, NV Orange County, FL Rock Hill, SC ~ June 9, 2000 June 26, 2000 June 4, 2000 Robert Kogan Leo Rovin Dolores V. Williams Norman, OK Costa Mesa, CA Victorville, CA June 8, 2000 May 31, 2000 June 5, 2000

The Spirit Runners and volunteer helpers, including Baha’is from nearby Pierre, start to set up camp in Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Photos by James Humphrey

Committee and the Regional Baha’i Council for the Central States. Rebecca Ellison, in a statement for the NTC, noted that Spirit Run represented an infusion of the energy of the young into the work of reconciliation. “Their struggle may be great but the fruits of their exertions can not only rejuvenate the communities of this country but the towns and cities of the world for generations to come,” she said. “Their dedication, moral courage and purity of heart represent the standard which all should follow.”

Morris ‘Taylor of the Regional Council lauded the run as a living embodiment of the beloved “Blessed is the spot ...” prayer. The run, he said, “is evidence that society’s future is going to be different.”

House of Worship Director Caswell Ellis, also a member of the Regional Council, said he was particularly proud that the run would pass through seven of the Central States—more than any other region.

In his turn, Fernandez-Scarberry expressed great gratitude to everyone

who supported and prayed for the Run.

He cautioned that the runners them selves were not the focus—but all eyes

should be drawn to the message they

bear. “All we're doing is car

message and this light,” he s: From Chicago forward

‘The company spent two more days in the Chicago area. Another welcoming ceremony was held at the Chicago Baha’i Center, plus a fireside and general socializing the next evening. Naturally, the youths had more time at the Temple to pray, wander the gardens, or circulate among visitors.

Then it was on eastward, through Indiana, Ohio and Michigan into Canada, then across New York state to a rendezvous with the Baha’is of New York City and the Shinnecock Reserve on Long Island. The runners, elders and some organizers were invited to attend a United Nations event focusing on the indigenous of the world, and the Spirit Run and its message of interracial unity was to be recognized from the podium.

“The Glory of Glories has caused us to see just how glorious these days are,” said Ekomiak, who joined the chorus of praise for how the young runners have evolved in character. He added: “I used to feel I didn’t belong [in the Baha’i community], but more and more and more I see I do.” #

page 26 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * IN Memoniam/ContinueD August 20, 2000 [Page 27]

2000 Electoral Unit Conventions

For children’s programs at Unit Convention: Enhance your curriculum with the Teacher's Toolbox. It

can be ordered online at www.usbnc.org or by mail ($10 per copy) from the Education and Schools Office.

ed since last year, partly to ensure no EUs straddle two different regions. Also, some units have been combined with others.

If you don’t know your Electoral Unit

(EU) number, it will be printed on the envelope in which you receive your ballot.

Information here is more complete

and, in cases, changed from the list as it appeared in the July 13 issue of The American Babd’i. Please note: Corrections in mail-in ballot information for Units EU022, EU0S3 and EU054 are indicated in italics.

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

Northeastern States

of the West, Green

Baha’i School, 188 Main St., , ME; Sunday, Oct. I (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA South Portland c/o Victoria Smith,

(phone ). EU002: Webster Town Hall, 945 Battle St, Webster, NH; Sunday, Oct. I (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Concord, P.O. Box 785, Concord, NH 03002-0785 (phone 603-753-4593).

EU003: River College, Education St, Nashua, NH;

1, 10am (ri allots to LSA Manchester c/o

‘ister

vabeth Corgnati,

(phone ). EU004: Boston Baha’ Ctr, 595

Boston, MA; Sunday,

ter 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cambridge c/o Nancy ‘Tancredi, P.O. Box 380376, Cambridge, MA 02238-0376 (phone 617-492-6691).

EU005: Smith Vocational High School, Rte. 9, Northampton, MA; Sunday, Oct. 1; 8 am-3:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Amherst c/o Mabel Garis, RO. Box 2118, Amherst, MA 01004-2118 (phone 413-256-6277). EU006: Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Barnstable, P.O. Box 1275, Hyannis, MA 02601 (phone 508-775-6820). EU007: Albertus Magnus College, 700 Prospect St., New Haven, C Sunday, Oct. 1 (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA New Haven c/o ‘Michelle Schrag,

125 East Ave., Norwalk, CT

Janic

(phone )

EU008: Community Room, City Hall,

inday,

ballots to

Oct. I (register 9 am). Ma LSA Mount Vernon c/o Ellen

Wheeler,

(phone . EU009: Waldorf School, Cambridge Ave., Garden City, NY; Sunday,

. 1, 9am-1 pm (register 8:30 ‘Mail ballots to LSA North

Hempstead c/o Luann Scribani,

(phone . EUO10: New York Baha’ 11th St, New York, N Oct. 1, 1-5 pm (register 1 ‘Mail ballots to LSA New York ith,

(phone ).

EUO11: Grice Middle School, 901 Whitchorse-Hamilton Square Rd., Hamilton, NJ; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Hamilton c/o Janet Richards,

(phone ). EU012: Wilhelm Baha'i Property, 130 Evergreen Pl., Teaneck, NJ; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to Clifton, P.O. Box 335, Clifton, NJ 07011-0335 (phone 973-684-5509). EUO013: Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA New Paltz, PO. Box 1158, New Paltz, NY 12561 (phone 914-255-3229). EU014: Pittsford Middle School, 75 Barker Rd., Pittsford, NY; Sunday, Oct. 1 (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Greece c/o Holly

Ziegler, (phone

EUOLS: Ramada Inn, 1450 S.

Atherton S

, State College, PA; Sunday, Oct. 1 (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA State College, P.O. Box 1376, State College, PA 168041376 (phone 814-238-7214). EUO16: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Philadelphia c/o Franklin D. Kinder, (phone

).

W048: SUNY at Fredonia

npus, Thompson Hall, Fredonia, NY; Sunday, Oct. 1 (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Amherst c/o Sarah Johnson, P.O. Box 1555, Williamsville, NY 14231-15 (phone 716-839-2181).

Southern States

EUO17: JD’ Cafe, Concord Plaza, 3505 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA New Castle North c/o Lynn Paul,

(phone ). EUOI8: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Baltimore, P.O. Box 2015, Baltimore, MD 21203-2015 (phone 410-563-2294). EUO19: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Montgomery Co. Central, P.O. Box 6536, Silver Spring, MD 20916-6536 (phone 301-962-8232). EU020: Adele H. Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; Sunday, Oct. 1, 11:30 am-6 pm (register 11 am). Mail ballots to LSA College Park c/o Susan Rishworth,

(phone ) EU021 Government Center Pkwy. VA; Sunday, Oct. 1, ti ballots to LSA G Box 156, Dunn Loring, VA 220 0156 (phone 703-821-3485). EU022: George Mason Student Union 2, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA; Sunday, Oct. 1,

10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Fairfax Co. Central South, PO. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22009-0514 (phone 703-425-6727). EU023: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Henrico County, P.O. Box 4271, Glen Allen, VA 23058-4271 (phone 804-360-4972).

EU024: Site, date TBA. Mail bal

fax Co.Govt. Ci

lots to LSA Virginia Beach c/o Martha Tillet, (phone

). EU025: Wilmington Baha'i Ctr, 15 N. 8th St., Wilmington, NC; Sunday, Oct. 8, 1-5 pm (register 11 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wilmington c/o Roger Hamrick,

(phone ). EU026: Intercommunity Bah Ctr, 5103 Revere Rd., Durham, NG; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 am-4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Durham, P.O. Box 51116, Durham, NC 27717-1116 (phone 919-402-0538).

EU027: Coastal Carolina Univ. Admissions Bldg., Hwy, 501,

nway, SC; Sunday, Oct. 8,

11 am-4 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Conway, P.O. Box 348, Conw 9528-0348 (phone 843-248-3325).

EU029: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Charleston, P.O. Box 21887, rleston, SC 29413-1887 (phone

843-406-7640). EU030: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lady's Island ¢/o Mrs. Lynn Bryant,

(phone ).

e, date TBA. 1. Odell Weeks Community Ctr., 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC; Saturday, Sept 30, 10 am-4 pin (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Orangeburg, BO. Box 2463, Orangeburg, SC 291162463 (phone 803-536-2752).

EU033: Heathwood Park, 800 Abelia Dr., Columbia, SC; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-2 pm (register 9 am). Mail pallots to LSA Richland Co. N., P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 292210351 (phone 803-798-7116).

EU035: Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute, 1313 Williams Hill Rd., Hemingway, SC; Saturday, Oct. 7, 1:30-4:30 pm (register 1 pm). Mail ballots to LSA Donnelly, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554-0915 (phone

, e-mail Debbie Jackson). te, date TBA. Mail ballots lorence c/o Steven Bret

EU03' to LSAF Breneman,

(phone ).

EU043: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots

to LSA Rock Hill c/o Helen

‘Thomas,

(phone ). EU044: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Spartanburg, RO. Box 2893,

Spartanburg, SC 29304-2893 (phone 864-574-2800).

EU045: anday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Charlotte, RO. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28222-1155 (phone 704-531-8708).

ite

EU046: Mebane Arts & Community

Ctr, 622 Corrigedor Dr., Mebane, NG; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 am=12:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots

to LSA Orange County c/o Gregory Samsa, (phone

EU047: Holiday Inn, 1-81 and Rte. 275, Staunton, VA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Staunton, P.O. Box 2682, Staunton, VA 24402-2682 (phone 540-885-6247).

EU0S2: Catherine Spalding Retreat & Conference Ctr, Bardstown Rd., Nazareth, KY; Sunday, Oct. 8,

9 am-4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Lexington, P.O. Box 22102, Lexington, KY 40522-2102 (phone 606-263-1820).

EU0S3: Lake View Clubhouse

“(Lake Tomahawk), 401 S. Laurel

Circle Drive, Black Mountain, NC; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-3 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Asheville, PO, Box 882, Asheville, NC 28802-0882 (phone 828-274-7676). EU054: Barnett Shoals Elementary School, 3220 Barnett Shoals Rd., Athens, GA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am3 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to L Athens-Clarke County, PO. Box 5304, Athens, GA 30604-5304 (phone 706-369-0102).

EUOSS: date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA De Kalb Co. S, c/o Esther Onaro,

(phone EU056: Comfort Inn/Six Flags, 4330 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10:15 am-4:30 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Roswell, RO. Box 651, Roswell, GA 30077-0651 (phone 770-643-4998).

EUO0S7: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Cobb Co. N. c/o Nancy

Markovich,

(phone ). EU0S8: Office of Dr. Bahram Darugar, 132 Sparta Hwy., Eatonton, GA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Augusta, RO. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919 (phone 706-738-3104). EU0S9: East Macon Park Recreation Bldg., 3326 Ocmulgee E. Blvd, Macon, GA; Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 am-3 pm (register 10:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Peach Co. c/o Penelope Raeside,

(phone ). EU060: Duncan residence, 3 Mink Ct, Midland, GA; Saturday, Sept. 3 9:30 am-noon. Mail ballots to LSA Columbus,

(phone EU061: Gainesville Baha 4451 N.W. 19th St., Gainesville, Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Gainesville, P.O. Box 357412, Gainesville, FL 32635-7412 (phone

0,

Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Brevard Co. c/o Ladan Delpak,

(phone ). EU063: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lake Worth c/o Karen V. Murk

SEE SOUTHERN, PAGE 28

August 20, 2000 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * Unrr Conventions 2000

page 27 [Page 28]

SOUTHERN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

(phone ). EU064: Recreation Dept. of Palm Greens (Clubhouse), 5801 Via Delray, Delray, FL; Sunday, Oct. 8, 11:30 am-4:40 pm (register Lam). Mail ballots to LSA Palm Beach Co. South c/o Iris Tarafdar,

(phone ). EU065: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Sunrise c/o Susan Akhtarkhavari,

(phone ). EU066: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Dade Co. Central, BO. Box 165231, Miami, FL 33116 (phone .

305-598-7243).

EU067: Ramada Inn Lakeland, 3260 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. (at I-4 Exit 18); Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am), Mail ballots to LSA Polk Co. c/o John Wing,

(phone ).

EU068: Pinellas County Baha'i Ctr, 2898 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, FL; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-4 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Pinellas County c/o Sarah Shurcliff

Bansemer,

(phone

).

EU069: Rezvan Ctr, 1310 Cross Creek Cir. Ste. D, Tallahassee, FL; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9:30 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA ‘Tallahassee c/o Barbara Cook,

(phone ). EU070: Fort Walton Beach High School, 400 $.W. Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (register 8:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA Okaloosa c/o Linda Long,

(phone ).

EUO71: Sheperd Community Ctr., Sheperd Rd. off Hwy. 153, Chattanooga, TN; Saturday,

Oct. 7, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Hamilton Co. ¢/o Linda Hendrickson,

(phone EU072: Gallatin Gi Albert Gallatin Rd., Gall Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-5 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Nashville c/o Katherine Diaz,

(phone ).

EUO91: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Little Rock c/o Angelic Caruthers, (phone

). EU092: Health and Wellness Center, Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to 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: Barbara Jordan Ctr. 2803 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, ‘TX; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA San Antonio c/o Margaret Leeds,

(phone ). EU09S: Houston B Oakdale, Houston, Oct. 15, 9 am-3 pm (register 8 am). 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 281-531-0975).

£U097; Austin Baha'i Cur, 2215 E.M. Franklin Ave., Austin, T Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am-3 pm (register 8:30 am), Mail ballots to LSA Austin c/o Bijan Ma’sumian,

(phone EU098: Waco Baha’ Cu Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX; Oct 1, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Waco, P.O. Box 8995, Waco, TX 76714-8995 (phone 254-772-7951).

EU099: Duncanville Senior Citizens Ctt:, 206 James Collins,

Duncanville, TX; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-Spm (register noon), Mail ballots to LSA Duncanville, P.O. Box 381653, Duncanville, TX 751381653 (phone 972-709-3877). EUL00: Dallas Baha’ Ctr, 4235 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1:30-5:30 pm (register 12:30 pm). Mail ballots to LSA Dallas c/o Rhonda Sue Palmer,

(phone ). EULOL: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Flower Mound, P.O. Box 270094, Flower Mound, TX 750270094 (phone 817-430-1361). EU102: McKinney Community

Ctr, 2000 S. Central Expwy., McKinney, TX; Sunday, Oct. 1, 2-6 pm (register 1 pm). Mail ballots to LSA McKinney c/o Beth Anderson,

(phone . EUL03: Noel Center, Odessa College, 619 N. Grant, Odessa, TX; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Midland c/o Lisa ShafferHarris, (phone ).

EU104: Heritage Inn, 6030 Skelly Dr., I-44 & 41st St,, Tulsa, OK; Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 am-5 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Tulsa, P.O. Box 251, Tulsa, OK 741010251 (phone 918-573-5033). EU105: Edmond Baha’s Ctr, 321 E. Campbell, Edmond, OK; Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Edmond c/o Suzette Rattenbury,

(phone 3 EU201: Tarrant County Baha'i Ctr, 723 E. Border St., Arlington, TX; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-3 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Hurst, P.O. Box 948, Hurst, TX 76053

(phone 817-282-4530).

Central States

EU049: Baker Hall, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-4:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cleveland Heights c/o Melody Yates, RO. Box 18092, Cleveland, OH 44118 (phone 216-291-2512).

EU0S0: Crestview High School, 1575 State Rt. 9, Ashland, OH; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (regis ter 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Mansfield c/o Mina R. Behi,

(phone . EUOS1: Live Oaks, 5956 Buckwheat Rd., Milford, Ohio; Saturday, Sept 30, 1-5 pm (register noon). Mail ballots to LSA Cincinnati c/o Lia Ruhiyyih Ferrell,

(phone E EU073: Executive Inn, 1 Executive Blvd., Vincennes, IN; Sunday, Oct. 8 (register 9 am), Mail ballots to LSA Bloomington c/o Richard Hatch, P.O. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402 (phone

). EU074: Indiana Purdue U. at Fort Wayne, 2101 Coliseum Blvd. E., Fort Wayne, IN; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Fort Wayne c/o Carol Butler, P.O. Box 10007, Fort Wayne, IN 46850-0007 (phone

). EUO75: KVCC Arcadia Commons Campus, 202 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI; Sunday, Oct. 8, 12:30-5 pm (register 11 am). Mail

ballots to LSA Kalamazoo c/o Dede Lucatelli,

(phone ). EU076: Detroit Baha'i Ctr., 19711 Greenfield, Detroit, MI; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am—4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Canton ‘wp. c/o Barbara Laferier, P.O. Box 87454, Canton, MI 48187-7845 (phone ). 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 ). EU078: Dominican Sisters Marywood Campus, 2025 E. Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI; Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 am-5 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Grand Rapids c/o Herbert Reynolds, P.O. Box 1112, Grand Rapids, MI 495011112 (phone 616-245-9781). EU079: Wisconsin Lions Camp, 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI; Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-Spm (register Iam). Mail ballots to LSA Green Bay c/o Gwendolyn Hazen,

(phone ). EU080: Wilson ‘Town Hall, $933 S. Business Dr. Hwy. OK South, Sheboygan, WI; Sunday, Oct. 8; 2-6 pm (register 1 pm); Mail ballots to LSA Milwaukee c/o Helen Doxy,

(phone . EU081: Madison Baha’i Ctr., 324 W. Lakeside St., Madison, WI;

Sunday, Oct. 8, 11 am=4 pm (register 10 am). Mail ballots to LSA Madison c/o Elvora Jacobi,

(phone ). EU082: Holiday Inn of Greater Beloit, Hwy. 51 & 75, South Beloit, IL; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 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-1 pm (reg ister 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA

Vernon Hills c/o Regina Blum,

(phone ). EU084: Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 am-2 pm (register 8 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wilmette c/o Pamela Mondschein, P.O. Box 775, Wilmette, IL 60091-0775 (phone

). EUO85: Illinois Institute of ‘Technology, Herman Union Bldg., 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’ Ctr., 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616-3933 (phone

). EUO86: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Naperville c/o Ralph Chapman, P.O. Box 851, Naperville, TL 60566-0851 (phone

).

EU087: Northfield Inn, 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield, IL; Sunday, Oct. 8 9:45 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Springfield c/o Aden Lauchner, P.O. Box 1841, Springfield, IL 627051841 (phone os EU088: Ambroz Recreation Cwr., 2000 Mt. Vernon Rad S. Rapids, 1A; Sunday, Oct. 8, am-3:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Cedar Rapids c/o Janet King, BO. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2298 (phone

). EU089: Jesse Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Union UMC, Columbia, MO; Sunday, Oct. 8, 1-Spm (register noon). Mail ballots to LSA Boone Co. c/o Jennifer Pollard, P.O. Box 30757, Columbia, MO 652053757 (phone ). EU090: Heman Community Cur, 975 Pennsylvania, University City, MO; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-3 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA University City c/o Janet Klutho, P.O. Box 3121, University City, MO 63130-0521 (phone

). EUL06: Wichita State U., Rhatigan Student Ctr, Wichita, KS; Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 am-5 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Wichita c/o Linda Munhall, P.O. Box 1979, Wichita, KS 67201-1079 (phone EU107: Jack Reardon Civic Cu, 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, P.O. Box 4355, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 (phone

. EUL08: Ramada Inn, 1101 W. Bond, Lincoln, NE; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail ballots to LSA Lincoln ¢/o Brian Lepard, P.O. Box 80601, Lincoln, NE 68501-0601 (phone

). EU109: U. of Minnesota, Humphrey Ctr., Minneapolis, MN; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-4 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Minneapolis c/o David McKune Ingham, P.O. Box 580415, Minneapolis, MN 55458-0415 (phone 3 EU110: Best Western Maplewood Inn, 1780 E. County Rd. D (just off 1-694 and White Bear Ave.), Maplewood, MN; Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 am-~3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Stillwater c/o Steve Milston,

(phone i EUILL: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fargo c/o Pamela Ludwig, (phone y EULI2: Trechaven, 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 c/o Alberta Schulte, (phone ).

page 28

THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Unit Conventions 2000

August 20, 2000 [Page 29]

Western States

EUIL3: Laramie Co. Community Coll., 1400 E College Dr., Cheyenne, WY; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Cheyenne c/o Deborah King-Bua Chaplin, RO. Box 20763, Cheyenne, WY 82003-7016 (phone

). EUL14: Metro Denver Baha’s Ctr, 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, CO; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-S pm. Mail ballots to LSA Douglas County ¢/o Roberta Smith-Lange,

(phone )

EUIIS: Univ. of Southern Colorado, University Ctr., Pueblo, CO; Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Pueblo c/o Melonie Housman,

(phone ). EUL16: Ramada Inn, 2803 W. 2nd, Roswell, NM; Saturday, Oct. 7, ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Hobbs c/o Curtis Wynne, P.O. Box 5161, Hobbs, NM 88241-5161 (phone

). EU117: Albuquerque Baha’ Cu, 202 Harvard Dr. S.E., Albuquerque, NM, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Albuquerque c/o Manijeh Kavelin,

(phone ). EULI8: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Alamogordo c/o Linda Gurinsky, P.O. Box 1461, Alamogordo, NM 88311-1461 (phone ). EU119: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Oro Valley c/o Sharon Ewing, P.O. Box 68557, Oro Valley, AZ 85737-8557 (phone

). EU120: Site, date ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Chandler c/o Sina Mowzoon, P.O. Box 3393, Chandler, AZ. 85244-3393 (phone

). EUI21: Phoenix Baha’s Ctr., 944 E. Mountain View, Phoenix, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am. Mail ballots to LSA Phoenix c/o Marjan Halstead, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-0961 (phone

). EU122: Peoria Community Ctr, 8335 W. Jefferson, Peoria, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9:30 am=1 pm (register 9 am). Mail ballots to LSA Peoria c/o Donna Kime-Jeffers, BO. Box 1021, Peoria, AZ 85380-1021 (phone ). EU123: McDowell Mtn. Elementary School, 14825 N. Fayette Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Fountain Hills. c/o Michelle Arbab,

(phone b EU124: Northern Arizona Univ., Du Bois Cur., Bldg 54, Flagstaff, AZ; Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-5 pm.

Mail ballots to LSA Flagstaff c/o Jacqueline Holland, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-2533 (phone

). EUI25: Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9am. Mail ballots to LSA ‘Taaile-Wheatfields c/o Jeanette Coffey, P.O. Box 84-B, ‘aaile, AZ 86556-0084 (phone

. EU126: Univ. of Utah Student Union, 200 $. Central Campus Dr, Salt Lake City, UT; Saturday, Oct. 14, 12:30-9 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Salt Lake City c/o Amanda Goutsegen, P.O. Box 58305, Salt Lake City, UT 84158 (phone

).

¢, date TBA. Mail bal

EU127:

lots to LSA Billings c/o Rosalyn Cottrill, P.O. Box 50458, Bi MT 59105-0458 (phone

EU128: West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye Ave., Spokane, WA; Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-8 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Spokane Co. Comm. Dist. #2 c/o Mary Beth Bertis, P.O. Box 14724, WA 99214-0724 (phone

. EU129: Walla Walla High School, Abbott Rd., Walla Walla, WA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 am-3:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Walla Walla c/o Patricia Parrish, P.O. Box 2016, Walla Walla, WA 99362-0948 (phone ). EU130: Winnemucca Convention Ctr., 50 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV; Note: Two days: Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 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

» EU131: Las Vegas Baha'i Ctr., 7035 Oakley Blvd., Las Vegas, NV; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Las Vegas c/o Mary Pat Fathe-aazam,

Spokane,

(phone )

EUI32: La Mesa Community Cur, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA.

Mail ballots to LSA Spring Valley c/o William Hargis, P.O. Box 2582, Spring Valley, CA 91979-2582 (phone ).

EUI33: 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 ).

EU134: Carlsbad Cultural Arts Ctr,

3597 Monroe, Carlsbad, CA;

Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 am=1 pm. Mail

ballots to LSA Encinitas c/o

Angelina Allen, P.O. Box 230088,

Encinitas, CA 92023-0088 (phone Dies

EUI35: Site, date TBA. Mail bal

lots to LSA Corona c/o Amy Schechter Vahid, P.O. Box 1011, Corona, CA 92878-1011 (phone

). EU136: South Orange Cty. Baha’ Ctr,, 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, CA; Sunday, Oct. 8, 8:30 am-I pm. Mail ballots to LSA Mission Viejo c/o Vanessa Piper, P.O. Box 2696, Mission Viejo, CA 92690-0696 (phone ). EU137: Edison Community Ctr, 21377 Magnolia, Huntington Beach, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-7 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Huntington Beach c/o Dale Neuls, P.O. Box 1791, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-1791 (phone EU138: Yorba Linda Community Ctr, 4501 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda, CA; Sunday, Oct. 8, -TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Upland c/o Dr. Zabibullah A:

(phone ). EU139: Cerritos Park Community Cur, 12234 166th St. rritos, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8 am-2 pm. Mail ballots to LS: Motaghedi, RO. Box 4821, Cerritos, CA 90703-4821 (phone

). EU140: Culver City Veterans Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-2 pm, Mail ballots to LSA Santa Monica c/o Shei Banani, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406-1066 (phone

). EUI41: Arcadia Community C., 365 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Monrovia c/o Joannie Yuille, RO. Box 346, Monrovia, CA 91017-0346 (phone

LS EU142: Los Angeles Baha'i Ctr, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Los Angeles c/o Randolph Dobbs,

(phone ). EU143: Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA La Crescenta c/o Rebeca Morris, RO. Box 615, Verdugo City, CA 910460615 (phone ). EU144: Borchard Community Ctr, 190 Reinord, Newbury Park, CA; Sunday, Oct. 8, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Camarillo c/o Leo Misagi,

(phone

). EU145: Nine Oaks Baha'i Institute, 1201 Old Oak Park Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA San Luis Obispo c/o Leslie V. Nelson, P.O. Box 3333, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-3333 (phone .

EUL46: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 Alvin Dr, Room I, Salinas, CA; Saturday, Oct. 7,

LL am-5 pm. Mail ballots to

LSA Prunedale c/o Jana Davis,

(phone ). EU147: Fresno Baha'i Ctr., 2240 N. Agnus, Fresno, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 am—4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA. Fresno c/o Richard Rowland, P.O. Box 5501, Fresno, CA 93755-5501 (phone ). EUL48: San Jose Regional Baha'i Ctr, 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 ). EU149: Bosch B: School, 500 Comstock Ln., Santa Cruz, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Santa Cruz c/o Naghmeh ‘Towfigh, P.O. Box 8264, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-8264 (phone p EU1S0: Burlingame Lion’s Hall, 990 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 am. Maii ballots to LSA Burlingame c/o Diane Downing, P.O. Box 117628, Burlingame, CA 94011-7628 (phone

4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 11:30 am-5 pm. Mail ballots to

SA Pleasanton c/o Fereshte Faustini, P.O. Box 22, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (phone

). EUIS2: Site, date TBA. EUIS53: Morris Hall, 808 E. Morris Ave., Modesto, CA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Modesto c/o Cynthia Christensen, PO. Box 1893, Modesto, CA 95353 (phone ). EU154: Cordova Community Cur, 2197 Chase Dr., Rancho Cordova, Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 am-2 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Rancho Cordova c/o Lisa Kewish, P.O. Box 2784, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

2784 (phone . EUISS: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Davis c/o

Andrea Atkinson, P.O. Box 578, Davis, CA 95617-0578 (phone

). EUI56: 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

). EU157: Martin Luther King Cur, Redding, CA; Note: Two da Saturday, Oct. 14, 4 pm-evening

and Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 am-5 pm.

Mail ballots to LSA Shasta County

c/o Mahin-Taj Raines, P.O. Box

494057, Redding, CA 96049 (phone ).

EUIS8: Umpqua Community Ctr,

1140 College Rd., Roseburg, OR; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 am-4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Roseburg c/o Rodney Olson, P.O. Box 2056, Roseburg, OR 97470-0442 (phone . EUIS9: Clemens Primary School, 535 S.W. 19th St., Philomath, OR; Note: Two days: Saturday, Sept. 30, 1-5 pm and Sunday, Oct 1, 8 am-3 pm, Mail ballots to LSA Benton County c/o Paula Siegel, PO. Box 396, Philomath, OR 97370-0396 (phone EU160: Camas Community Cu, Camas, WA; Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 am. Mail ballots to LSA Lake Oswego c/o Negar Meshkin,

(phone ) EUI61: Portland Baha’s Ctr, 8720 N. Ivanhoe St., Portland, OR; Sunday. Oct. 8, 9 am-4:30 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Gresham c/o Roberta Hafenstein, P.O. Box 532, Gresham, OR 97030-0120 (phone

). EU162: Duncan Law Seafood Ci 2021 Marina Dr., Astoria, OR; ‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Clatsop Co. c/o Carrie Bartoldus,

io

(phone ) EU163: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Lakewood c/o Joan Belshaw, P.O. Box 98496, Tahoma, WA (phone ). EU164: Woodinville High School, 19819 136th St. N.E., Woodinville, ¢ TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Woodinville c/o Barbara Larson Moses, P.O. Box 768, Woodinville, WA 98072-0768 (phone

. EU165: Lake Wilderness Ctr., 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley, WA 98038; Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 am— 4 pm. Mail ballots to LSA Kent c/o Jerome Jacobs,

(phone ). EU166: Site, date TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Bellingham c/o Lina Zeine, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98227-0103 (phone ). 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: Meadowdale High School,

6002 168th St., Lynwood, WA; date

‘TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Edmonds

c/o Nancy Smith,

(phone EU203: Seattle Baha'i Ctr., 3001 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, WA; Sunday, Oct. 8, time TBA. Mail ballots to LSA Seattle c/o Robert

(phone

).¢

August 20,2000 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * Unir Conventions 2000

page 29 [Page 30]

“SEEKING: YOUR SRE SPONSE

2000 BAHA’[ CONFEREN IN SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS December 14-17, 2000 ¢ Rosen Plaza Hotel * Orlando, Florida

INFORMATION ON YOUR Nida TNyW ule) N 7a TEACHING TRIP

THEME: ADVANCING THE PROC!

S OF TRANSFORMING THE WORLD

‘TOPICS

The organic nature of social and economic

development, What is SED all aboue

A new vision for the arts in building Bahd’u'llih’s new

i " ; ; “i order. SED and Indian Peoples in the Americas. \ " all international trips taken for the Agriculture and Environment: Bound by the Covenant. Ld " sake of promoting the interests of the Use of music as a metaphor for racial harmony. Youth Eloy Anello Elizabeth Bowen Eric Dozier Nang Children’s Theatre Co. Faith. This information is important leadership for community service. Getting to the nitty whatever the level or amount of servgritty: identifying community realities asa first step in] This year’s conference theme is “Advancing the Process of Transforming the World,” ice and regardless of whether your Sena Bae oe ae and nie | Which was inspired by the drafe compilation prepared by the Office of Social and trip was exclusively for service to the community planning. Living the life of SED. Conflict Pai . -, Fe eee io era Economic Development: “Seminar on Social and Economic Development—July 1999.” Faith or was combined with a trip for resolution techniques in Baha’t administration. Moral Fata et Dentecchit prberaant eed mane rvuacdt meare Virtually all the topics of the keynote addresses have been drawn from this valued . ess, holiday, family, study or ~ 6. as o otherwise. MUSIC AND DRAMA and profoundly enriching document. Key elements of the program plan include a Fan Oni OF Pi : Inspirational learning through the arts, Leslie Asplund, yixeure of full plenary and smaller concurrent sessions featuring presentations on SED Tenge eae eta director; featuring the talents of Laura Lee, Farzad TAS A : 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 endaa vind Russ Garcig, Bll and | Principles, concepts and core processes and in-depth case studies, with a number of (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733Bridget George, Narges, Dan and Andi Seals, Anne and] repeat sessions to assist the friends in being able to attend sessions of interest. 3509, e-mail ). i Family (Martin, Wendy and | Featured speakers: Peter Adriance (U.S.), Douglas Allen (U.S.), Dwight Allen (U.S.), Caitlyn), Cheistina and Richard Quinn, Kathryn Tahiti, | Eloy Anello (Bolivia), William Davis (U.S.), Danielle Locke (U.S.), Patricia Locke (U:S.), Use the Multipurpose Form

ihram Shahriary, Mansoor Sobhai

below to respond by mail. Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

Gordon Naylor (Canada), Susani nd Andras Tamas (Canada), Ludwig Tu

n (U.S.),

Anne Tomas, Susan Lewis Wright, Phil Lucas, Mark Ochu, Joyce Olinga, and more. Mark Wedge (Canada), Donald Witzel (Venezuela), Johanna Merritt Wu (U.S.)

Registration & F

Names and ID numbers of all

Baha'is on each trip

Names of each country vi

the one or two main localities, and

er online at our Web site: www.rabbanitrust.org, g on, call 407-740-5415

Adults $120 * Youth (15-20 years) $80 * Children and Junior Youth (3-14 years) $60 * Add $19 contribution if possible for scholarships Add $20 per person after Nov. 10 + No refunds for “no-shows” * All cancellations subject to a $20 cancellation fee date(s) of visit(s) STER BY MAIL: Use the Multipurpose Form on this page * SEPARATE COPY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL REGISTERING © Main purpose of Mail check (in U.S. dollars) co Rabbani Charitable Trust + 2693 W. Fairbanks Ave, Suite A * Winter Park, Florida 32789 * Did OR: To pay by credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, DC, CB), under “Special Information” wr cardholder's signature Unit HOTEL/AIRLINE/RENTAL CAR IN Hotel rooms at the Rosen (formerly Clarion) Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $50 per night (up to 4 people per room) ircumpolar areas?

Limited availabftity-~call promptly 800-627-8258; mention B miilies ; Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants 800-393-5050 File #164074A.

Avis Car Rental discounts 800-331-1600 * Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

ed, plus

5)

e to meet the rsal House of Justic Native Americans to tea

oe ee ee eee eee nee ee nen ny BCL EO us 18 acataaiee er aac A 3 MULTIPURPOSE FORM S CELE ES '50 YEARS CLP oR Copy As NEEDED OF “TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF” ; 1 For which event or activity? Held every year in October, 1 “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” Naina educates American children about the needs of other children in developing Address. and encourages community ng efforts that support City State, ZIP programs. 1 1 Phone E-mail 4. Your donations will help UNICEF, | , the United Nations Children’s Fund, 1 ving medicine, better nutri- 1 Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip): tion, clean water and sanitation, education, and emergency relief. The ' leading children’s organization in the world, UNICEF works in more 1 than 160 countries and territories. 1 1 What can you do to help? i i VY Call 1-800-FOR-KIDS or vi H contribution or find out about volunteer opportuni- 1 ties ! in your area. H i «f Find out more about UNICEF educational materials ! _» Online at www.unicefusa.org. } Buy or sell UNICEF greeting cards for special | occasions. r < For more information about “Trick-or-Treat for : UNICEF,” see the story in the June 5 of 1 The American Baha r Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ fs of the U.S., t “TAB 8/20/00 i ‘AB 8/2 bee ee eee ee eee een enn nnn ne eee end

page 30 THe AMERICAN BantA’i ¢ SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE August 20, 2000 [Page 31]*NEWSe

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

International service

ic services of Baha'i youth are needed all over the world. ntribute your experience through the hands-on pioneering work in another culture. Learn how t

Reach new kinds of people with the

message of Baha’u’llah. Help children, youths and adults learn how to be the active.

Be teachers and builders of the Cause.

Support the administrative work of Baha’ institutions. Promote social and economic development. Proclaim the Faith through the arts, and let it spread like wildfire!

Mobilize the youth of a region or even

a country. Share the teachings for which they thirst with fellow students and professors while studying overseas. The Office of Pioneering has a list of more than 150 specific international needs and opportunities for youth pioneers on every continent, provided by the Baha’i World Center, National Spiritual Assemblies or other Baha’i institutions.

he enth

.

_ If interested, please contact: Office of Pioneering 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3508 fax 847-733-3509 e-mail

Serving on the homefront

Detailed information to help those who wish to travel and teach or pioneer within the 48 contiguous states is available on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org), in the Regional Baha’i Councils section.

Southern States ‘To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, please contact the Southern Re and Homefront Pion

Te

n c/o Anne Jala

Connie Donley,

(phone s 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: Albany

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, Killeen, Laredo,

Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo

Virginia: anvil, tynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk

West Virginia: Huntington

Northeastern States

To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer, contact the Northeast Regional

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana Rouse Kaufman (phone

).

Central States

To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer, contact the C

ntral Regional Bahs’é Council ynn Wieties (phone

,e ). To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate state traveling teaching coordi

nator (list is available on www.usbne.org in the Regional Councils section) or contact Marilyn Ray (phone

).

e-mail

Western States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator for each state (list available on www.usbne.org in the Regional Councils section), or one of the regional coordinators: ‘Traveling teaching: Jan Saced, (phone » e-mail . Homefront pioneering: Flor Toloui, (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’f Council has put emphasis on Assembly goals in the seven “breath of life” states designated by ‘Abdu'l-Bahé in the ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Goal localities include the follow

ing (complete list on www.usbne.org):

Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District", Buckeye, Chino

Valley, Goodyear, Kingman, Houck Chapter*, Surprise, Tolleson

Idaho: Ada Co, Fort Hall Indian Reservation*, Kootenai Co,

Neridian

Montana: Blackfeet Indian Reservation’, Crow Ageagy*,

Flathead County, Great Falls, Have, Helena, Kalispell, Lewis and

ark Co., Northern Cheyenne Reservation, St. Ignatius,

Yellowstone County; Assembly communities seek ing support: Bilings, Boreman, ButteSiver Bow, Missoula

County, Ravalli County

+ Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill (o, lyon Co., Pahrump,

Winchester

New Mexico: Artesia, Deming, Grants, Jicaila Apache

Reservation’, Los Luna, Lovington, Luna Co., Mountainair,

Rio Ariba Co, Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro

Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Yerkin, Layton,

Nidrale, Ogden, Roy, Vintah-Ouray"; Assembly commu nity seeking support: West Valley Cty

Wyoming: Casper, Cody, Gillette, Laramie County, Newcastle,

Rawlins, Rock Springs, Weston County, Wind River Reservation’;

Assembly communities seeking support:

Cheyenne, Laramie

Colorado: 11 goal communities, induding jeopardized

Assemblies in Lafayette, Manitou Springs

California: 42 goal communities, induding jeopardized

Assembly in Sierra Madre

Oregon: 19 goal communities

+ Washington: 40 goal communities, including jeopardized Assembly in Washougal

YOUTH TEACHING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

formed ata park and later at a shelter for troubled youths; and training si conducted by Richard Hoff, whi them “confident and inspired to teach.”

Door-to-door teaching brought plentiful opportunities to connect hearts with Baha’u’llah; in one day, the team accounted for “seven enrollments by lunch time, three more in the afternoon and two more in the evening for a total of 12,” the report states.

On the campus of Southwest Texas State U: sity, the healing message of Baha’u’llah was offered as an ultimate solution to youth violence.

Follow-up began immediately: The youths launched visits to the homes of several new Baha’is, and welcomed all into their new worldwide family by phone and by postcard—to be followed again by letters from the Local Spiritual Assembly.

Florence, SC The project here got off to a shining start when youths, children and adults rallied around plans for a “Calling All Colors” racial unity conference for young people.

On the second day of the project, the youths presented statements to the mayor and police chief and visited three recreation centers. Then they went to designated neighborhoods and invited children to the Calling All Colors conference the following week—as well as

izing a fireside series on the power

As if that weren’t enough for one day, a youth that evening convened a meeting to plan the Calling All Colors event. Not only the ing youths but local children were in on the consultation, which was also attended by “a dozen adults who were thrilled with the idea of a diverse group of youth planning a conference for kids on racial unity,” a message to the Regional Council stated.

“The adults were shining with the light of Baha and were so attracted to our youth and the Baha’i spirit that many fireside discussions were going on outside the recreation center until the sun set!” enthused Anne Breneman, a representative of the Local Assembly's task force for the project.

“Thank you and the [Regional] Youth Committee for the great training for the work!” Breneman added. “We in turn are being trained by their presence.” #

Charitable Gift Annuities

now offered by our National Spiritual A charitable gift annui

Assembly as a gift-planning option

is a contract between you, as the donor, and our

National Spiritual Assembly—providing advantages for both.

Under a charitable gift annuity: _ Benefits: + A donor irrevocably transfers funds to ‘our National Spiritual Assembly, which are invested with other annuity funds, + Regular quarterly payments are made to you, the donor, for your lifetime. + The remainder of the annuity fund is transferred to the Bahi'i Fund after

Your passing.

Examples (based on a $10,000 annuity):

Guaranteed fixed payments for life,

4 portion of which is non-taxable.

Requirements: + Must be at least 60 years. ‘of age to enter into an

+ A charitable income tax deduction annuity agreement with our for a portion of the gift in the year National Spiritual Assembly. in which the annuity is established. Must establish the annuity

+ Reduced capital gains taxes if fund= with a minimum of $10,000. ed with an appreciated asset. + Must irrevocably transfer

‘+ Increased support of the Baha'i Fund. the funds.

* Will receive a lifetime an‘nuity payment.

‘Age 60: Charitable deduction $3,782.30; annual lifetime annuity $660

‘Age 70: Charitable deduction $4,261.20; annual lifetime annuity $750 ‘Age 80: Charitable dediiction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California, _ Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin

Individual copies

This eight-page 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

may be requested free. There is a nominal charge

for ordering these brochures in quantity.

The National Spiritual Assembly's Gift and Estate Planning Program has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for themselves, their families and the Baha’i Faith:

+ Providing for the Baha'i Faith in your will + Making a gift of securities

Making a gift of real estate

Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

Charitable Gift Annuities

Charitable Remainder Trusts

To order The Writing of a Will or to find out

more about the gift and estate planning program:

Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail psolon@usbne.org.

Or, fill out the form with the Baha’i Funds

envelope attached to this paper.

August 20, 2000

Tne American Band’ * News/Continueo page 31 [Page 32]

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page 33 [Page 34]

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page 34 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i * PERSIAN

August 20, 2000 [Page 35]FaaRERROREIN

Renee RYOTE:

Sen REET

SERENE TAL

School turns to Temple for inspiration

Es year, several hundred school groups visit the Lotus Temple in Bahapur, India. In most cases, the emphasis is on information about the Baha ith, and a relatively brief time is spent in the prayer hall.

A very different school visit took place May 4, as a public school group of 50 students went to the House of Worship inly to pray and medit

Shyama Chona, principal of the nationally renowned R.K. Puram branch of the Delhi Public School system, requested permission to launch the school’s “Gift of Service” campaign at the Baha’i House of Worship. he wanted the students to begin with meditation in the prayer hall to ‘help them decide how best they could serve humankind.

The rvice campaign gi summer students an opportunity to visit, interact with and try to understand the needs of orphans, senior citizens disowned by their families, the physi

TEACHING

summer

© Tanzania: The Local Spiritual Assembly of Iringa set out to meet with people of capacity in its region to introduce them to the Faith and present them with Baha’i literature. By the end of Ridvan the friends met with 23 dignitaries, including the regional and district commissioners, the mayor, a member of Parliament, bank managers and others.

Nearly all the meetings went well beyond the 15-20 minutes originally allotted, as dignitaries who had heard of the Baha’i Faith asked detailed questions. One office asked the Baha’i delegation to return with more literature.

EDUCATION

Germany: ‘Twenty-six countries or regions from across Europe were

represented among the 26 people attend+ ing an April 21 seminar on training institutes sponsored by the International ‘Teaching Center and the Continental Board of Counselors. Study, marked by “good humor and laughter,” included Ruhi Institute tutor training, and resulted in a fertile exchange of ideas for advancing development of training institutes. #

DEVELOPMENT

The “Lotus Temple” near New Dell India, attracts visitors by the millions each year.

and mentally and those detained by the

During their Temple visit, the students were told about the purpose of the House of Worship and the various institutions that will be built around it in the future. A | devotional meeting included quoions about service were read and chanted from the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Qur'an and the Baha’é writings.

challenged,

spe! t

“The students were truly uplifted by their experience in the prayer hall,” a report stated. “Dr. Chona w happy and we hope that people from the school and its various branches will now visit the House of Worship on a regular basis.”

Raising ‘a banner of light’

Netherlands Baha’is stage proclamations each day of Ridvan

he Festival of Ridvin has 12 days. The Netherlands has 12 provinces. This coincidence inspired the National Spiritual Assembly to coordinate an ambitious proclamation campaign: a public event each day of Ridvan in a different province’s capital, to “a banner of light” across the land. ever in the history of the Faith in Holland has such a proclamation been held on such a scale,” the National Office of Public Information reported. Newspaper and broadcast coverage was plenti The April 21-May 2 events included:

Handing out of 360 red roses to passersby at a busy train station in Haarlem,

followed by a barbecue and discussions. ¢ An “open. feast” with readings and music in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Literature was distributed in the town center. ¢ A talk in The Hague, attended by 100, discussing the vision of ‘Abdu’lBaha and His ‘Tablet to that city. ¢ Distribution of flowers and literature in Middelburg, ng on abolition of racial prejudi

Reaching across the border

Indigenous par:

pants in a special international Trail of Light teaching project this summer are pictured in Nowat, Mexico. The Native American Baha’ Institute in Houck, Arizona, trained three teams to spread the Baha’i teachings among indigenous people in Mexico, as well as cheering the hearts of pioneers and isolated believers with their visits. Teams traveled in June and July to rural and urban areas of Chihuahua state near the border and to the Nacimiento del Rio region of eastern central Mexico. There were four immediate enrollments and dozens of requests for follow-up. The teachers, mostly American Indians, reported that their eyes were opened to the needs of their neighbors across the border, and that their desire to teach the Faith had been heightened, according to a report from NABI. Photo courtesy of NABI

ARTS

Marianas Islands: The third annual

Global Unity Symposium, April 8 on Guam, featured a legislator, educators and a journalist s of men and women, including a Bahé perspective presented by a University of Guam professor. An active sharing of ideas followed among a number of educators, students and other members of the wider community.

¢ United Kingdom: The National Chamber Orchestra of Wales and Cardiff's Ardwyn Singers performed the world premiere of “Ridvan—the New Dawn Oratorio” on March 25 in Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

Denver Morgan, a Baha’, composed the large-scale piece by setting one of the idvin Tablets of Baha’u’llah to music for solo singers, choir and orchestra.

Every member of the audience, choir, orchestra and the soloists received a copy of a presentation booklet of the Tablet.

All the musicians involved have bee! prominent in development of new musi cal works, Morgan said, adding that “their collaboration with a Baha’i comis an important breakthrough in eptance of the Baha’ writings as a source of musical inspiration.”

A reception in Arnhem emphasi

the individual’s role in world peace. A well-publici: presenting ideas on elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty. A well-received evening information display on the main street of Zwolle, on a “world auxiliary language” theme. On the theme of “work in the spirit of ship,” presentation of appreciative gifts to 30 service agencies in Assen. A performance by the Belgian Dance Theatre in Maastricht, followed by a talk on the unity of humanity. An open-air Youth Workshop performance in Utrecht, with nearly 100 pamphlets distributed. An educational nature experience for children ages 9-11 in Leeuwarden. An information table on the harmony of science and religion in Groningen, including an attractive video. A Ridvan Working Group formed by the National Spiritual Assembly coord nated the themes and arranged for production of literature and a Web page.

YOUTH

.

Canada: The vision of the Baha’

youth movement grew to encompass dhe whole Western Hemisphere as more than 500 young Baha'is attended the sixth annual Youth Forum May 26-28 in Kingston, Ontario.

Speakers Duncan Hanks of Bolivia

and Meim Smith of Canada put Ontario’s Baha’{ youth activity in the context of the youth movement across the Ameri The new Baha’{ culture referred to in the Ridvan message was easily visible,” an attending Auxiliary Board member reported, ing the youths’ love for the Faith, humility and selflessness in service.

Belarus: ‘Twenty-five friends from

seven cities attended the first National Baha’i Youth Deepenings, May 13-14 in Gomel. Organized by the National Youth Committee, the event featured lectures and seminars centering on Baha’i identity, service and virtues, given by two Auxiliary Board members, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belarus, one member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Lithuania and three National Youth Committee members.

Kyrgyzstan: The Raduga Mira youth

group proclaimed the Faith through music and dance in packed halls around the north of the country March 11~April 2. With selections on the themes of equality of men and women, elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth, prohibition on the use of drugs and setting aside of racial prejudice, each performance was followed by a fireside. Two enrollments in Kara-Balta resulted directly.

“Your dances are different from what I know,” one young man in Tokmak responded. “There are special meanings in them that make me think about the destiny of humankind.” #

August 20, 2000

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’i National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’{ schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’{ School, phone 831-4233387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail . Green Acre Baha’i School,

phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail . Louhelen Baha’{ School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; é-mail

. Louis G. Gregory Baha’s Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Baha’s Institute,

phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail .¢

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

1-4: Homecoming Weekend: “Baha'u'llah, the Individual and Teaching” at Louhelen.

1-4: “I Dedicate Myself to Thee: The Power of Devotional Life” at Green Acre.

14: “Cultivating Distinction and Parenting” Family Session; Bay Area Baha’ Social Group at Bosch.

14: Shenandoah (formerly Massanetta Springs) Baha’f School, Harrisonburg, VA. Registrar: Ruth Clements (e-mail

). 1-4: Kentucky Baha’s School, Faubush, KY. Registrar: Nancy Ordaz,

|, e-mail

). Pre-register by

(phone

Aug. 25.

14: Tennessee Baha’i Institute, Monteagle, TN. Registrar: Kaihan Strain,

(information only phone ; please leave your e-mail address).

1-4: “Heralds of the Kingdom?” youth retreat, Camp Chestnut Ridge near Chapel Hill/Durham, NC, Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Chapel Hill. For more information e-mail wwilkinor visit the Web site (www.chapelhillbahai.org). 8-10: Two sessions at Bosch: Latino Conference; Seekers Weekend. 15-17: Urban Assembly at Bosch.

OCTOBER Early October, weekeads: Unit

Conventions; dates and times vary. See pages 27-29 for updated listings.

6-8: ‘Irfin Colloquium and Seminar at Louhelen.

6-8: Local Spiritual Assembly Team

15-17: “Developing Patterns of Community Life” SED training part 1 by MDS at Green Acre.

15-17: Oklahoma Regional Baha’i School, near Stillwater, OK. Classes for adults, youths, children. Registrar:

Cathy Turner, Development at Bosch. (phone 7e 6-9: Two programs at Green Acre: mail “Talking and Listening: The Art of

). 21-24; BNASAA Conference at Bosch. 22-24: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” Ruhi Institute Book | course at Green Acre. 22-24: Campus Association Weekend at Green Acre. 22-24: Ruhi Book 6 training at Bosch; part 2 will be Sept. 29-Oct. 1. 28: 89th annual Memorial Service for Thornton Chase, the first American Baha’i; at Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave., Inglewood Park, CA. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Inglewood (phone 310-518-1911 or 310-677-2898). 29-Oct. 1: “Dispensation of Baha'u'llah” Part 1, Family Session at Bosch.

PAID SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

at the Baha’j National Offices » BDS: Marketing Manager, Customer Services Rep

Information Services: Developers, Administrators, Help Desk
Also: Administrative Assistants, Video Producer, more

Spiritual Parenting”; “A True Pattern in Action: Solving Problems and Improving Relationships.”

20-22: Assembly Development Forum at Green Acre.

20-23: “The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah” Part 2, Family Session at Bosch.

Institute: Book 1 at Green Acre. Prior completion of Ruhi Institute Book | course required.

26-29: Pioneer Training Program at Green Acre.

27-29: College Club Weekend at Bosch.

See page 24

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

acquiring a Post Office box, your reside @ ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

3-5: Royal Falcon Fall School, Best Western Hotel, Pensacola Beach, FL. Registrar: Carol Payne (phone 334774-0020, e-mail » Web site

http://bahai.home.mindspring.com); pre-register by Sept. 17 for discount. Hotel reservations: Best Western (phone 800-934-3301); deadline Oct. 15 for special rate. 10-12: Two programs at Green Acre: “Teaching Christians More Effectively”; Junior Youth Session: “Getting Real While Staying ‘Dry in the Sea’ ” for ages 12-15. 10-12: Louisiana Baha’{ School, “Cultivating

Spiritually Distinctive Families and Communities” with Counselor Tod Ewing, Auxiliary Board members Jeanette Hedayati and Farah Guchani-Rosenberg. Registrar: Marilyn Jenison,

, e-mail ). Pre-register by Nov. 1; discount before Oct. 1.

(phone

17. Baha’i-Centered Management: Principles and Practice” at Green Acre.

23-26: ‘Irfan Colloquium and Seminar at Be 24-2 nference on Children: “Functional Families and C; Communities” at Green Acre.

new address | 60201-161

‘A. NAME)

ID

early-morning eee moments for a tai chi session. See _ bean story on page 16, a photos on page 12.

De

Photo by Puran Stevens B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS,

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS.

Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable) Apart f applicable) AUGUST 20-SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 City City ASMA’, ‘IZZAT * B.E. 157 soe Zip code ce Zook D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER Name of new Baha'i Community Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name FE WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: We do not have the same last name. We do not want extra

copies, so please cancel the copy for

the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.

only one copy.

‘The last names and addresses

on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the | Ba full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

Our household receives only ne copy of The American wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

Tue American BanA’t

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The American Bahá’í/Volume 31/Issue 6/Text