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Techeste Ahderom, principal UN representative for the Baha’i [9 International Community, addresses heads of ff state Sept. 8 | J at the Millennium Summit. | UN Department of Public Information photo by Eskinder Debebe

Baha'i voices heard at UN summits

BY JEFFERY HUFFINES, US/UN BAHA'I REPRESENTATIVE

he United Nations witnessed an unprecedented gathering of more than 1,000 religious leaders

31 at the Millennium World Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. Immediately afterward came the UN Millennium Summit, at which President Clinton and 148 other heads of state pledged to strengthen peacekeeping and to reduce absolute poverty ie half within 15 years.

Peace

‘The religious and spiritual leaders gath U.S. House passes resolution on Iran

Naess of Congre: emph ed the U ment’ position that the Baha’is in Iran, the nation of our Faith’s origin, should be fully emancipated according to the terms of international human rights standards.

have re

govern

The eighth congressional resolution

since 1982 condemning the treatment of Baha’is in Iran, H. Con. Res. 257, was passed Sept. 19 in the U.S. House of

Representatives. The concurrent resolu SEE RESOLUTION, PAGE 14

ered to address proposals aimed at building tolerance, fostering peace, and encouraging interreligious dialogue among all the world’ religions. They also considered a proposed International Advisory Council of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, which would provide a voice at the United Nations for faith communities.

It drew, in the words of former UN Under Secretary General Maurice Strong, a veritable “galaxy of leaders” from all of the world’s major religions, including the Faith, Buddhism, Christianity,

Message of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated Sept. 24, 2000

D ear Baha'i Friends,

In its Ridvan 2000 message, the Universal House of Justice pointed with keen

gatherings concerned with global issues needing urgent solutions, and with how the United Nations is to address them. During the first week of this month, the United Nations Millennium Summit, the last and most significant of three relatents, convened in New York with the participation of the larg: heads of state and of government ever to

ed

of the historic imand the two earlier sions, and considering the prominent involvement of repr tives of the Baha'i International Community in all

ance of this

three, the House of Justice has directed us to convey the following.

In calling for a gathering of world leaders at the 2000 session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations also s

gested the merit

of their inviting the views and recommendations of organizations of civil society; this gave birth to the idea of a Millennium Forum. Another thought that won the warm support of the Secretary-General was that a meeting of religious and spiritu

SEE MILLENNIUM, PAGE 4

SEE UNIVERSAL HOUSE, PAGE 4

‘No call will go unanswered’

News of the national media campaign and how it is energizing

local teaching in several loc:

ies / page 6

Survey shows great efforts for education

BY BARBARA McCORD, EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

he first national Baha'i survey on ion of children and youth shows that most young believers in the United States are the recipients of a gr effort by their communities to make spiritual edu

Local Spirittal Assemblies responding to the survey say that sponsoring the edu educa

cation process requires a number of tasks: providing necessary funds and fac training and retention of teachers, support through community participation, continuous management, Assembly overview and more.

More than half the reporting Assemblies indicated they sponsor Baha’{ education

ies,

SEE EDUCATION, PAGE 31

More information in future issues!

ation to the occurrence this year of

st number of

NovemBer 4, 2000

QUDRAT/POWER QAWL/SPEECH BAHAY ERA 157

NO. 8

VOLUME 31,

“ENeSh DE

YOUTH TEACHING PAGE 7

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT PAGES 20-21

OUR DEVELOPMENT PLAN PAGE 22

22 ©

YOUTH + 18

KID’S CORNER * 19

CLASSIFIED + 26-27

IN MEMORIAM » 30° SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE + 32 PERSIAN PAGES + 34-38 frectwtosemsicarecaenrmesrccemment ral THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and September 30, 2000

$11,250,000 Goal/all funds

$6,481,238 Received

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 3 for details peepee OORT

• E°X-C-E-R°P-T'S:

“Whatsoever is latent in the innermost of this holy Cycle shall gradually appear ... for now is but the beginning of i its

growth. ...

‘Abdu’l-Baha

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u'llah

A Baha’i Holy Day

• Observed between sundown Nov. 11 and sundown Nov. 12
• Work is to be suspended

Mirza Husayn-‘Ali, Baha'u'llah, was born in Tehran, Persia, on Nov. 12, 1817. His birth signaled the dawning of the Day of God on earth and the appearance of the Greatest Name of God. “We should feel deeply gratified and thankful to God that at a time when all humanity seems to be struggling in despair we can come together and, with great assurance, feast and be merry over the dawn of a new day; that in the darkness which envelops the world we see the approach of a new light and the breaking of a new era.” —Shoghi Effendi, Light of Divine Guidance Vol.1, p. 45

Day of the Covenant

A Baha'i Holy Day © Observed between sundown Nov. 25 and sundown Nov. 26

• Work is not suspended

“*‘Abdu’l-Baha told the Baha’fs that ... [May 23] was not,

weer ay circumstances, to be celebrated as His of birth.

Bed as His, He av e ete Nowa 26th, to o ieee as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant.” alyuzi, “Abdu’l-Babd, p. 523

Anniversary of Ascension of ‘Abdu'l-Baha

souls be sacrificed for His meekness, has set our hearts on fire and dissolved our very limbs and members in grief. ... No more does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous songs, and the sweet and holy melodies of the immortal dove are hushed.” —Shoghi Effendi, Babiyyih Khdnum, pp. 148-149

Some significant dates in Baha’i history

November and early December

Dee. 1-12, 1863: Baha’u’llah and His companions traveled in bitter cold from Constantinople to Adrianople in the European section of Turkey, one of the phases of His banishment. It was the first known time that a Manifestation of God resided on Europe: i.

Nov. 26, 1901: The Baha’is of North America celebrated the Day of the Covenant for the first time.

November 1944: God Pas published. Chronicling the first century of the F ‘i Faiths, it is the only full-size book by Shoghi Et fend!

Nov. 4, 1957: Shoghi Effendi died while in London, after nearly 35 years as Guardian. His funeral was Nov. 9 in London. The Hands of the Cause of God, after thoroughly inspecting the contents of his safe and desk on Nov. 19, declared that he had left no will naming any successor as

Guardian. These events began the ministry of the Hands of

the Cause as chief custodians of the Baha’i Faith. Nov. 23-26, 1992: The second Baha’i World Congress convened in New York City, a highlight of the Holy Year that

• Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m.
• Work is not suspended

“Tt is clear how that most dire of calamities, that most great disaster which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, may our

A Baha'i Holy Day

was observed a century after the pa: celebration of Bahd’u'llah’s Covenant drew 27,000 believe from nearly 180 countri satellite television linkup with nine auxiliary conferences held at the same time around the world.

ing of Baha’u’llah. Thi

nd was shared through a historic

Facts in the “Some Significant Dates” section were compiled from A Basic Bahd’i Chronology and past issues of The American Baha'i.

CAMERON COLENDA, a 7-yearold Baha’{ in Angel Fire, New Mexico, finished third among 6- to 7-year-olds in the alpine category at } this year’s National Snowboarding Championships. He is a second-year state champion.

But DeTALty, a Baha’{ in Jamestown, New York, has been presented with this year’s local T. Richard Parker Award for Social Justice. His years of recognized commitment to racial justice and understanding include the founding of the Downtown Dialogue on Race Unity and a central role in the local re-establishment of the NAACP.

BRIAN FrRoOz, a Baha'i in Loveland, Colorado, was recently awarded the ‘Tia altes Memorial § ‘sentation that earned him this full-ride scholarship included an essay, videos and slides on his fiv r experience with the N.LN.E. Baha’i Youth Workshop.

KevIN S. HEMMATI, a Baha'i in Des Plaines, Illinois, received the Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America at the first known Eagle court of honor ceremony held at the Baha’f House of Worship.

Suey Louise Krowstz, a Baha'i in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was given the Julio J. nchez Prize on her graduation with honors from Harvard University. This honor is given to the most distinguished undergraduate over age 50.

SHOHREH Mayjipy, a Baha’ in St. Louis, Missouri, was one of a handful of people honored for their commitment to racial equality and justice by the local organization Focus (Engaging Citizens to Strengthen the St. Louis Region). Majidi was recognized for founding the Race Unity Dialogue held regularly in the Webster Grove/Rock Hill Family Community Center.

ARDYTHE Morrow, a Baha’ in Norfolk, Virginia, and an associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medic School, was one of only 30 medical faculty awarded a fellowship in this year’s Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine for Women program. Among other things, she was recognized for helping launch a project to incre: child immunizations in public housing.

se

BRIAN SCOVEL, a 17-year-old Bah Lake Elsinore, California, was rece: given the Eagle Scout award by the Boy Scouts of America. In his service project he built a steel and timber creek bridge at Santa Rosa Plateau State Park.

in Sparks, Nevada, was presented th Distinguished Performance Aw: Gy the Washoe County ‘Teachers Association. She was recognized for her commitment to teach all students, even those labeled “hopeless,” and for her involvement in a multitude of activities to reduce youth violence, promote environmental awareness, encourage reading and writing and build intercultural bridges.

ELIZABETH WALKER, a Baha’{ in New York City, spent eight weeks last summer in Nepal working on a women’s empowe' ment project with a Nepalese nongovernmental organization, as winner of the Oprah Winfrey Award for Volunteerism. She had just graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, after growing up in a Baha’{ pioneer family in Kathmandu, Nepal.

>] Navin F. Zaer, a 15year-old Baha’ from Savannah, C graduated as valedictorian at the top of his high school class. He was this year’s youngest Other awards include the Georgia Certificate of Merit, Presbyterian College Fellow Award and designation as a Governor's Scholar.

3e0r

THE AMERICAN

syW GOLGI

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE Bands OF THE UNITED STATES

Baha’i National Center 847-869-9039

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

|} renner Sree ——————|

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor ‘Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors

Steve Bonnett, Pamela Brod, Eskinder Oebebe, Hanuchehr Derakhshani, Liz Donaldson, Kirk. Felix, Habib Hossiny, Jeffery Holes, Elie Jacobi, Ravana Jensen, Teresa Langoes, Mary Lov

Lauchner, Barbara HeCord,Rusell Norman, Andy Quals, Barb Quals,

Shelley Rasta, Mike Rlph, Moris Richardson, Richard Rowand, Viadimir Shilov, Derrick Stone, Duane Troxel

-——___—————}

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 Days (plus one

special issue) for a total of 10 issues per

year by the National Spiritual Assembly of

the Baha'is of the United States, 1233

Central St,, Evanston, IL, 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL.

and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Canada: Publications Agreement , Number 1486683 r

ADDRESS CHANGES

Tf you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St, lvanston, TL 60201 (e-mail ) ‘There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

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

• ARTICLES should be clear, concise and

relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans, We 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 black~

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

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Jan. 19, 2001: Deadline December 1 Feb. 26, 2001: Deadline January 7

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DDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to The American Babd’s, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ).

OAL ee ae

CVO men tet ee World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2

Tne American BanA’i ¢ ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

November 4, 2000 [Page 3]

Our 2001 study focus

he 2001 theme study focus for the

United States, as directed by the National Spiritual Assembly, will begin in January.

During 2001, study will focus on the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf and The Secret of Divine Civilization.

Materials to support this educational process will be available soon.

Watch for announcements as you look ahead to 2001.

You may wish to check your bookshelves to be sure you have copies of these texts as part of your preparation.

Sed

3 CIVILIZATION

National Assembly reaches across the U.S.

Meetings to focus on progress toward goals

he National Spiritual Assembly shes to meet with you, and all our fellow believers, at the midpoint in the Twelve Month Plan. The purpose is

to share with you our progress toward meeting the goals of the ‘Twelve Month Plan, with particular emphasis on the Kingdom Project, and to consult with you on the challenges and rewards of the

upcoming Five Year Plan.

ies on 21-22. Another 18 meetings will be held Dec. 2-3 in the metropolitan areas listed below. To find out the location and time of the meeting nearest you, please call the automated information line (phone 847-733-3500).

Saturday, Dec. 2 Metro areas of: Indianapolis, IN; New York City, NY; Durham, NC; San Diego, CA; St. Louis, HO; Salt Lake City, UT; Baton Rouge, LA; Atlanta, GA; Greater San Francisco Bay Area, CA Sunday, Dec. 3 Metro areas of: Columbus, OH; New York City, NY; Boston, MA; Dallas, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Wichita, KS; Las Vegas, NY; Houston, TX; Columbia, SC; Sacramento, CA

Hold steady, now

A child gets a facial decoration courtesy of the Baha’is of Charlottesville, Virginia, who sponsored a booth at the 12th annual African American Culture Festival. The Baha’i community, which has participated every year, gave out balloons as well as painting faces. Summer Baha’i activity was varied and vigorous; see pages 7 and 8 for more. Photo by Derrick Stone, Charlottesville, VA

Enrollments

September 2000............... 114

Since May 1, 2000 ............ 636

THE FUND

May 1-September 30, 2000 Contributions received by

National Treasurer {excluding Kingdom Project)

ar Goal for Received since ty is May 1, 2000: SATIS eae: $6,481,238 $27,000,000

24% of year's

goal was met

42% of fiscal year has passed April 30, 2001 f

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Baha'i National Fund

May 1, 1999-August 31, 2000 (latest available)

$7,411,479

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

$9,082,977 Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.) Critical projects that could no longer be deferred forced our Baha’i national operations into a cash deficit.

Regional Councils to be elected soon

‘gional Baha’f Councils will be elected in November according to guidance from the Universal House of Justice: “In view of the experience gained over a period of several years, the Universal House of Justice has recognized that it would be more practical to set a new date for the formation of these institutions. Henceforth, then, the election or appointment of Regional Councils will take effect every year on 26 November, the Day of the Covenant.” —Letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated March 13, 2000.

The four Regional Baha’{ Councils in the United States have been working diligently to advance the process of entry by troops and achieve the goals of the One Year Plan.

At this special time, believers throughout the country are encouraged to pray for the upcoming election for this special institution as members of Local Spiritual Assemblies gather to cast their ballots.

Many Local Spiritual Assemblies will hold community events to celebrate the Day of the Covenant, at which a time will be provided for Assembly members to retire to a private room to vote for the Regional Baha'f Council. Information about events in every region will be available through Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly looks forward to hearing that the number of Local Assemblies participating in these elections will increase over May 1999, when the Regional Councils were last elected. @

The Universal House of Justice has confirmed that Mr. Michael Zargarov should be considered a Covenantbreaker.

By his own repeated admissions, Mr. Zargarov has become an active member of the group formed by Mr. Joel Marangella and calling itself the “Orthodox Baha’i Faith.”

Mr. Marangella is an_ active Covenant-breaker and one of the several former followers of Charl Mason Remey who have laid claims of their own to the Guardianship.

Although Mr. Zargarov has been living outside the country, he has resided in the Houston, Texas, area

CovENANT-BREAKER NOTICE

and periodically returns to the United States.

The National Spiritual Assembly reminds the friends of the admonition given to every Baha’ to strictly avoid communication or contact with any Covenant-breaker.

Guidance on the subject of Covenant-breaking can be found on pages 5.12-17 of the Local Spiritual Assembly reference manual Developing Distinctive Babd’i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies.

‘The friends are asked to inform their Auxiliary Board member for Protection should they receive any communications from Mr. Zargarov.

November 4, 2000

Tue American BanA’i ¢ THe Second FRONT page 3 [Page 4]

“Each child is potentially the light of the world, and its — darkness. Lighting the lamps of these souls is _ a collective responsibility we must collectively assume if © civilization is to thrive. Children must not be deprived of moral

education.”

—Albert Lincoln, secretary-general, Baha’i International Community, at the Summit of Religious Leaders

“Throughout history, from the abolition of slavery to the recognition of the equality of women and men, most great social movements have begun not with governments but with ordinary — people.”

—Techeste Ahderom, principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to ‘the UN, speaking at the Millennium |

UNIVERSAL HOUSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

al leaders devoted to peace would enhance the work of the United Nations.

Thus, the Millennium Forum, the first of these major gatherings, brought together on 22-26 May more than 1,000 representatives of non-governmental organizations from more than 100 countries “to consult about the role of the United Nations in confronting the great global challenges facing humanity in the 21st Century.” They focussed their consultations on the following specific topics: 1) peace, security and disarmament; 2) eradication of poverty, including debt cancellation and social development; 3) human rights; 4) sustainable development and environmeng; 5) facing the challenges of globalization: achieving equity, justice and diversity; and 6) strengthening and democratizing the United Nations and international organizations.

As a result, the participants in the Millennium Forum adopted a declaration, for presentation to world leaders at the subsequent Millennium Summit, in which they set forth their vision and made their recommendations for revitalizing the United Nations. “In our vision,” these representatives of civil society declared, “we are one human family, in all our diversity, living on one common homeland and sharing a just, sustainable and peaceful world, guided by universal principles of democracy, equality, inclusion, voluntarism, non-di: tion and participation by all persons. is a world where peace and human security, as envisioned in the principles of the United Nations Charter, replace armaments, violent conflict and wars. It is a world where everyone lives in a clean environment with a fair distribution of the earth’s resources. Our vision includes a special role for the dynamism of young people and the experience of the elderly and reaffirms the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights—civil, political, economic, social and cultural.”

The Millennium Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, which was held on 28-31 August and involved more

purpose” of this meeting of religious leaders was, as stated in the introductory statement of the programme, “to further the prospects for peace among peoples and nations, and within every individual.” The outcome of this Peace Summit was the adoption and signing of a declaration committing the participants to global peace. Noting that “the United Nations and the religions of the world have a common concern for human dignity, justice and peace,” accepting that “men and women are equal partners in all aspects of life and children are the hope of the future,” and acknowledging that “religions have contributed to the peace of the world but have also been used to create division and fuel hostilities,” the declaration resolved to “collaborate with the United Nations and all men and women of goodwill locally, regionally and globally in the pursuit of peace in all its dimensions.”

As you were previously informed in our letter of 15 August 2000, the SecretaryGeneral of the Baha’{ International Community, Mr. Albert Lincoln, represented the Faith on this occasion. He was listed among the “Pre-eminent World Religious and Spiritual Leaders” in attendance and was afforded the opportunity both to offer a Baha’f prayer during the opening ceremony and to speak during the third plenary session held in the General Assembly Hall on the second day of the event. His oral presentation was an abridged version of his written statement, the full text of which was distributed to the participants, as shown in the enclosure.

The Millennium Summit, the third and culminating event, was held in response to a resolution of the General Assembly that expressed the conviction that “the year 2000 constitutes a unique and symbolically compelling moment to articulate and affirm an animating vision of the United Nations in the new era.” On the last day, the leaders of more than 150 nations unanimously adopted a declaration that began by asserting: “We, Heads of State and Government, have gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 6 to 8 September 2000, at the dawn of a new Millennium, to reaffirm our faith in the Organization and its Charter as indispensable foundations of a more peaceful,

ues”—freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, shared responsibility—the leaders resolved to work towards such objectives as: peace, security and disarmament, development and the eradication of poverty; protecting our common environment; human rights, democracy and good governance; protecting the vulnerable; meeting the special needs of Africa; and strengthening the United Nations. They made a firm commitment to world peace and world order, concluding their declaration on this resounding note: “We solemnly reaffirm, on this historic occasion, that the United Nations is the indispensable common house of the entire human family, through which we will seek to realize our universal aspirations for peace, cooperation and development. We therefore pledge our unstinting support for these common objectives, and our determination to achieve

striking that the spokesman of civil society called upon by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to address so historic a gathering was Mr. Techeste Ahderom, the principal representative of the Bahd’f International Community to the United Nations. He was accorded this honour because as its co-chair he had presided at the United Nations Millennium Forum. After all the national leaders had spoken and before the Summit had adopted its declaration on 8 September, Mr. Ahderom made a speech in which he conveyed to that unprecedented assemblage a report of the Forum. The text of his speech is enclosed herewith.

For any observer imbued with the Baha’i ision of peace and its inherent processes, the substance and implications of these recent events, seen together with previous world conferences that during the last decade also involved leaders of nations, must be gratifying indeed to contemplat It must, too, be doubly thrilling to reali: that at so early a stage in the Baha’ era, representatives of our international community took part so notably in these occurrences that have set down milestones along the way towards that new World Order so clearly foreshadowed by the Pen of Baha'u'llah.

than 1,000 attendees, constituted the sec- prosperous and just world.” With loving Baha'i greetings, ond of these gatherings. The “very specific Highlighting certain “fundamental val- For Department of the Secretariat f ps De re cctssercesle a ton bosolinne eee te te werrea yes nay cotece te toate eel dear eae ocean

‘Administrative Web Site (www.usbne.org). If you do not have access to the Internet, you may contact the nearest Local Spiritual Assembly for a copy.

MILLENNIUM,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Shintoism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism, as well as indigenous religions from nearly every continent.

“This summit of religious and spiritual leaders is without doubt one of the most inspiring gatherings ever held here,” said Kofi Annan, UN secretary-general, in an address to the Religious Summit. “Whatever your past, whatever your calling, and whatever the differences among you, your presence here at the United Nations signifies your commitment to our

global mission of tolerance, development and peace.”

Calling for a “global community based on unity in diversity,” Albert Lincoln, secretary-general of the Baha’i International Community, called for the world’s religious leaders to take on the task of identifying “core values that are common to all religious and spiritual traditions.”

“Our disordered world is in desperate need of a moral compass that is above passing fashion and untainted by the pervasive materialism of the modern era,” Lincoln said in addressing the first such gathering of high-level religious leaders ever held in the United Nations. “The convening of this summit suggests

that the world has become aware of this need and of the capacity latent in the world’s religious traditions.”

Media executive Ted Turner, whose Better World Fund underwrote much of the summit’s expenses—and whose idea was the genesis for the summit of spiritual leaders—received a standing ovation from the assembled leaders for his remarks in which he shared a bit of his personal belief.

‘Turner said in recounting his early desire to bea missionary: “So I said, maybe instead of all these different gods, maybe there is only one God who manifested Himself and revealed Himself in different ways to different people. Huh? What about that?”

In a landmark document, the religious

and spiritual leaders pledged to “practice and promote inner and outer conditions that foster peace and the nonviolent management and resolution of conflict.”

Jeffery Huffines, US/UN Baha’f representative, represented the National Spiritual Assembly at the proceedings and Yael Wurmfeld, the National Assembly's representative to the board of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, attended as an observer. Counselor Zena Sorabjee of India was also invited to participate in the Summit in her individual capacity as were other Bahd’is from Indonesia, ‘Tanzania and Canada representing indigenous peoples.

The following week witnessed another

page 4

Tue American BanA‘i ¢ Continued

November 4, 2000 [Page 5]

UN agency’s partnership helps Bahai in quest to Oe the digital divide

BY JEFFERY HUFFINES, US/UN BAHA'I REPRESENTATIVE

\ \ nium Summit, the

Office for Project Services (UNOPS) announced a partnership with an organization founded by a young Baha’ help people in developing countries make greater use of the Internet. At a New York news conference 7, UNOPS announced the launchi the Digital Service Corps, a private-sector partnership with the nonprofit es Orga i

heads of state were ing at the UN Millen

all Service Corps'willisend volunto developing countries and ies in transition, to conduct intensive training programs in the use of the Internet as a community development tool.

Reinhart Helmke, executive director of UNOPS, introduced Rassekh as a “young social entrepreneur of the dot-com genera

tion” who — is bridging two “gaps” through

the Digital Service Corps—the generation gap at the UN and the digital divide in the developing world.

Now in his 20s, Rassekh was born in Portland, Oregon. His family left the U.S. when he was 4 years old to pioneer in the West African countries of Senegal, The Gambia and Mali. He later attended Maxwell Baha’i School in Canada.

Rassekh, a recent graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania, did his master’s thesis on technology as a tool for development.

“My generation of Americans grew up taking computers for granted. By the

historic occasion when Techeste Ahderom, the principal representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations, addressed world leaders at the Millennium Summit. Speaking in his capacity as co-chair of last May's Millennium Forum, Ahderom urged leaders at the summit to join in a global partnership with civil society to create a peaceful and more prosperous world.

“This historic summit may well be remembered as having opened the door to a long-awaited era of peace, justice and prosperity for all humanity,” he said.

“This new era will, of course, require concrete deeds and not just words,” Ahderom continued. “We in civil society

g of

“[M]y family lives in Mali, one of the poorest countries on the planet. | have seen firsthand how extreme the digital divide

really is.” —Neysan Rassekh

time we got to college, most of us were regularly doing research on the Interet,” Rassekh said. work in development at the grassmy family lives in Mali, one of the countries on the planet. I ha seen firsthand how extreme the di divide really I know there are thousands of people like me who would gladly give four to six weeks of their time to personally contribute to closing that gap. ‘That is why I am sure that GTO’s

Digital Service Corps will be a success,” he said.

UNOPS reported that in May, GTO completed a successful pilot project in Mali. A team ors and 30 students from of Pennsylvania, armed hed computer equipment and the accessories needed to connect to net, spent four weeks in Mali ed 120 carefully selected proprimary- and secondary-school students and teacher trainers. ‘The team established four computer centers, now operated by the Victory

stand ready to work with you and your governments, side by side, in a strong new partnership to create this new world. At the same time, civil society also stands ready to hold you to your commitments if you do not deliver on your words.”

In May, Ahderom had led the Millennium Forum, which brought together some 1,350 representatives of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) at the United Nations to consult about humanity’s future in anticipation of the Millennium Summit.

Baha’{ representatives attended other conferences in New York during the global UN gatherings, including: ¢ The 53rd annual UN Department of

President Alpha Oumar Konare of Mali (right) speaks to television and newspaper reporters in New York, accompanied by Neysan Rassekh, president of the nonprofit Global Technology Organization, which has been working to exand Internet access in the African nation.

Foundation, a Mali-based organization whose 1

The day after the press conference, ‘kh introduced President Alpha Oumar Konare of Mali at a roundtable i ion on public-private partnerships convened by UNOPS and Global ders for Tomorrow of the World Economic Forum. At a news conference after the roundtable, the president thanked the Global ‘Technology Organization for its efforts and the impact it had in his country.

Moreover, contacts at the UN Millennium Assembly and the State of the World Forum afforded Rassekh the opportunity to meet with several heads of state and foreign ministers. Five of them invited Rassekh to look at implementing GTO projects in their countries in the coming months.

Hugh Locke, adviser for international development for the Private Sector Parntership Unit of UNOPS, is a Baha’s who was instrumental in introducing Rassekh to UNOPS. He has joined GTO as vice president in this community development initiative.

One purpose of UNOP!

to form

corporations interested in putting their resources at the service of UN values

Public Information NGO Conference, Aug. 28-30, titled “Global Solidarity: The Way to Peace and International Cooperation.”

© The annual State of the World Forum,

Sept. 4-10.

The NGO Conference focused on the implementation of the action plans that were agreed upon during the major United Nations and NGO conferences of the 1990s. These UN conferences made historic achievements in establishing a broad global consensus on the issues of environment and development, human rights, population control, women’ rights, social development and — housing. Conference organizers emphasized that

Internet links

Religious Summit

• For more information about the

Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders:

‘www.millenniumpeacesummit.org

• Streaming audio of Albert Lincoln’s

address to the Religious Summit at the UN is available on the Baha’i World Web site:

ww bahaiorg/artce-1-1-0-2.html

• The written text of Albert Lincoln’s

address is available on the National Spiritual Assembly’s Administrative Web Site:

wrew.usbnc.org

Millennium Summit

• For more information about the

UN Millennium Summit: ‘www.un.org/millennium

• Streaming audio of Techeste

Ahderom’s address to the UN Millennium Summit: vwvew.bahai.org/artile-1-1-3-I.html

• The written text of Techeste

Ahderom’s address is available on the National Spiritual Assembly’s Administrative Web Site:

worw.usbnc.org.

Other recent UN events

For more information about the Millennium Forum, May 2000: ‘wow mnillenniumforum.org

• For more information about the

53rd annual UN DPI/NGO conference:

.worw.un.org/Moreinfo/ngolink/53conf.htm

• For more information about the

State of the World Forum: www.worldforum.org.

The digital divide

• For information on the Global

Technology Organization, founded by Neysan Rassekh:

www. gtobridge.org.

• For information on the United

Nations Office for Project Services:

‘www.unopspartnerships.org

the work at the grassroots to educate others about the goals of the UN plans of action, and to ensure their implementation at the local and regional levels, is essential to the success of the collective efforts organized by the United Nations.

Eleven Baha’is from around the country accepted the invitation of the National Assembly’s United Nations Office to attend the NGO Conference. Afterward, Mark Griffin from Oxford, MA wrote, “Thanks for the chance to attend this year’s DPI/NGO conference. It was an exciting time and it has re-energized my desires for development work. I made some wonderful connections with people, some of which will hopefully continue.” #

Peni 4, zones — A

MERICAN Band‘ * Scare page 5 284

[Page 6]

+ Involve individuals,

One = Sea

eG a Encourage leadership and

initiative among youth

• Make training institutes fully operational

Look at what’s on the Web!

Baha'i Newsreel

Whether you missed the last Feast or just want to see it again, check out the stories from Bahd’i Newsreel volume 10, number I on the Administrative Web Site today!

• See the progress on God’s Holy

Mountain. Watch as the Baha’is of College Station, Texas, rally around their local teaching plan to advance the process of entry by troops and develop a distinctive community. Experience the momentum of initiatives fueled by the dreams of individuals, such as Spirit Run, the Day of Honor Campaign and the Children’s Theatre Company. Find out how each believer can contribute to building the Kingdom of God on Earth. Each story can be downloaded separately and viewed on RealMedia Player.

Online newsletters

.

+ US. BaHA’i Uppate. A four-page quarterly report on the activities of the U.S. Baha’i community.

• La Luz DE LA Unipan. A spanish

version of The Light of Unity, a downloadable newsletter for seekers, available in a format that allows you to insert local contact information, print and distribute.

BY TD be) camo gut eSeS Ute mae east

PLUS: How to make the most of the 1-800-22-UNITE seeker contact system, materials to help your publicity and fireside development, — tips on using national media

campaign videos locally, and more!

Communities answer the call

Localities pick up pace even during lull in national broadcasts

piritually activated local Baha’i S communities and a receptive national a e helping to maintain a consistent | of response to the national media while the national broadca

wai

t schedule slowed to accommodate election on.

resentatives began ing cities around the nation in October, driving home the point that “no call will go unanswered” from the waiting souls who are ing to the media campaign. communities, they emphasize, spond immediately to se with a loving and nurturing s

National AND local components The media campaign, consisting of \d local media ini leading thousands to gate our Faith. It is built on the foundations of the Four Year Plan (1996-2000) and on the guid: from the Ridvan 153 letter from the U sal House of Justice that “In North America, there are opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place on earth.”

Just maintaining a consistent response level is actually a positive display of the enthusiasm by the national Baha’i community in support of the National ‘Teaching Plan. Start-up efforts such as one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were leading the nation in responses at press campaigns were sustained in = Laguna Niguel, Los Angeles, San Di “rancisco), Florida (Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, ‘Tampa, Manatee County),

Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Holyoke), Texas (San Antonio, Houston, Dallas metroplex), across Missouri, in New York City and southeastern New York state, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

At the start of the fourth quarter (October through December), inquiries for literature or call-backs were running slightly ahead of the summer average of about 1,500 inquiries a month, plus about 3,000 other to the public org) as a result

literally

ekers want to meet in their areas. Over time, nearly 65% of all Web inquirers want to know how to contact the local Baha’i community—and that figure rose in early October to about 85%

Not only has the campaign placed clear examples of the message of Bahd’u’lléh before millions, resulting in thousands of seekers requesting literature, it has motivated thousands who have heard of the Faith before to contact Baha'is now. Many stories from new believers reveal that seekers who

“meant to call earlier, but didn’t” took that step after seeing a national or local broadcast. National and local broadcasts also have

SEE MEDIA, PAGE 33

Seekers in SC bring their children

Te Conway, South Carolina, the community has been consulting on how to accommodate a revamping of its Sunday morning devotional gathering to include Baha’f classes, as a number of seekers have been attending with their children.

Some of the seekers had called 1-80022-UNITE, others had heard the devotional gathering advertised on the WLGI Radio Baha’i community calendar, and others have been invited by Bahé’is. One young seeker has joined the local youth workshop. In addition, the local shelter home brought a van load of children and youths one Sunday, after hearing about it on WLGI.

The Baha’is also had to improvise, with the devotions’ speaker giving a very basic introductory talk on the Baha’f Faith in addition to the scheduled talk. ‘The devotions activity has also prompted “wonderful consultations” at Feast with particular involvement by youth.

After the Conway Baha’ Youth Workshop (renamed “Youth of Zion”) performed for the Martin Luther King Jr. program “Youth and Children for the Dream” at a children’s festival, as well as at an Ayyam-i-Hé party, it added a performance at a middle school.

‘The workshop is reportedly working on a script (to be approved by the schools so there is no appearance of promoting the Baha’s Faith in school). That script will be the basis of four performances at each middle and high school in the county on Bahs’i Holy Days as their community service project.

Longtime teachers-by-example are also showing results.

Aman who had been acquainted with a Baha’ for eight years recently called the Baha’is “first thing Monday morning.”

“I want to know more about the

SEE CONWAY, PAGE 33

‘No call will go unanswered’

he national image of the Baha’i

Faith before the general public was to take a major step forward Nov. 9, with the National Spiritual Assembly’s co-sponsorship of the first broadcast of Invisible Soldiers, Unheard Voices on the Public Broadcasting System.

Produced by William Smith, a Baha’i in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Invisible Soldiers, Unheard Voices details how African-American and other minority World War Il veterans faced and dealt with racism in the military and American society.

Two 15-second Baha’j Faith commercial spots were to air at the start and close of the broadcast and will become a permanent part of the gram. Their dignified style is typica of the short promotions that run _ with many PBS programs. The program is scheduled to air at 10 p.m. Eastern time; please check your listings for local broadcast time.

Schools and libraries across the country that are part of the PBS system are allowed to record the program and use it for rebroadcast in

classrooms. Copies of the tape may

‘be obtained through a toll-free tele phone number to be broadcast during the program.

The production is at the heart of the National Day of Honor program, which was honored with a congressional resolution. President Clinton signed the resolution in a White House ceremony with Smith in attendance.

Many local Baha’i communities _ have organized National Day of Honor service projects utilizing the film and

_ by inviting other to participate in —

local Day of Honor activities. nota any aa izing romans miiusess) tit

• Charleston, West Virginia.

"Salem, Clemson and Dona South

page 6

Tue AMERICAN BaniA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

November 4, 2000 [Page 7]

Asummer teaching project in Arkansas involved Marshall Islander youth Ii Rogers alongside visiting youth teachers from across the South. Photo by Duane Troxel

Teaching fires blaze across the South

cross the Southern States, more than

100 energetic young Baha’is traveled to spread the Baha’i teachings and put them in practice in the last 19 days of July. Nine local Baha’i communities provided the stage for teaching teams to promote the Cause directly through the arts and the spoken word, to engage in service projects, and to encourage new and veteran believers with their visits.

Several days’ training was reinforced with daily deepening and prayer. The results came forth sometimes in numbers of people brought into the Baha’i family, sometimes in a greater visibility of the Baha’i community, and often in the development of the Baha’i community itself. Certainly a lot of lessons were learned to help make future events even stronger.

A previous issue of The American Bahd’i reported on projects in Gainesville, Florida; San Marcos, Texas; and Florence, South Carolina. A close-up look at one facet of the Durham, North Carolina, project appears on page 18.

‘Dawning’ workshop tour spreads light across center of U.S.

Ark Teaching Project Rogers, Arkansas

Youth participants in this project worked with a large group of Baha’ youth from the Marshall Islands who live in Springdale, according to project coordinator Duane Troxel. “I think they were very successful in accomplishing that goal,” he reported.

The visitors and the Springdale youth prayed, deepened and picnicked together. Activities they collaborated on included artistic proclamations with music, dance and drama; direct teaching in parks; and joint worship with a church group.

“We focused on the process more than the outcome,” Troxel added. “The victory is not just declarations, but increased love, unity, trust, knowledge, certitude and readiness to BE Baha’is.”

College Station, Texas ‘The teaching blossomed astoundingly

SEE SOUTH, PAGE 8

Hundreds in Tucson respond to moral message

Nee leadership and empowerment of youth were the driving forces of the Tucson 2000 Baha’f youth project. And southern Arizonans responded by the hundreds.

Conducted July 25—Aug. 8, the project drew nearly 100 young servants of the Cause to Tucson, Arizona, from around the country. They carried out human service projects, proclaimed the Baha’{ Faith through talks and performances, and studied the teachings daily.

‘The project culminated in an Aug. 5 performance t at the Tucson Civic Center, titled “Nothing Less than Peace,” which attracted an audience of about 1,100.

“We were trained not just in moral leadership, but in the importance of teaching and the different ways there are to teach, [and] in the need for community support,” one participant reported afterward.

“We saw the example that living the life provides.”

The two-week project was planned and overseen by a task force of Tucson and Los Angeles Baha’i youth, in collaboration with the Youth Desk of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Western States and the Spiritual Assembly of Tucson. Much groundwork was done by sub-taskforces drawn from Baha’{ communities in greater Tucson.

Considerable advance publicity— radio announcements, billboards, TV ads, and newspaper articles—was arranged by the Greater Tucson Media Committee with support from the National Teaching Committee.

“We were trained not just in moral leadership, but in the importance of teaching. ... We saw the example that living the life provides.” —Tucson 2000 participant

“The youth were told that after the news coverage, those handling the incoming telephone messages were swamped and had a difficult time keeping the message box empty enough to receive more calls,” participants from Oregon reported.

‘The organization was as impressive as the results, according to a spokesman for the Regional Council, which has planned follow-up meetings with the Tucson Assembly to discuss ways of adding to the momentum.

“We're hoping the lessons from this event will be repeated throughout the region,” the spokesman added.

Focused on empowering Baha’f youth through service and teaching of the Faith, Tucson 2000 was underpinned from the start by the principle of moral leadership.

For a week before the project offi ly began, two facilitators from Nur University in Bolivia trained several coordinators in the university’s Moral Leadership program.

‘Then when youth participants arrived at a University of Arizona dormitory, they underwent four days’ orientation on the aims of the project. Not only the coordinators, but such lights as Counselor Wilma Ellis; Jack McCants, a National Spiritual Assembly member; and Fernando Huerta, a member of the Regional Latin American ‘Task Force, were on hand to drive home the importance of seizing teaching opportunities.

SEE TUCSON, PAGE 30

BY CODY LANGNESS, CARLSBAD, CA

rom the time I joined the Dawning of a New Light Baha’f youth teaching project, I knew it was going to be something different.

Sure, I had attended conferences before. I was a part of the Baha’f Youth Workshop in San Diego for five years. I had even done a year of service and had such a spiritual transformation in Central America that I cannot even begin to write about it.

But this youth workshop teaching trip would be something never before attempted:

• Two months, 12 youths, 50 cities, eight states.

• All of us from different workshop backgrounds, most

from different cities.

• One week of practice (which I missed for my brother’s graduation) before going on the road to go teach

the world that unity is, in fact, possible.

By the end, with the aid of many newspaper articles, radio and TV spots, an estimated 1.5 million people heard the name of Bahd’u’lléh or the Baha’i Faith because of the Dawning of a New Light project. Many more may have seen us on television as just a group of youth working to better the world.

Starting in Bloomington, Indiana, our trip took us to Kentucky, Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and back north to Wilmette, Illinois.

When I met the group in Bloomington, I knew only one person: Frank Hall, who had laid out this project on paper and sent e-mails to all the workshop coordinators he could, seeking performers who could take two months of their summer for this service.

A small number responded—probably a wisdom of God. There was so much for us to learn.

After a week’s performances, we found that many of the audiences were much younger than we anticipated. We also discovered the need to communicate during preparation on a more personal level than many were used to.

Workshop does not normally require that 15 people live together for two months, crowded in a van with broken air conditioning and towing a 28-foot trailer. Conflicts and disagreements came up. The continuation of the group was threatened from the get-go.

Yet this group had one power we had not yet realized, and which soon became clear as the noonday sun:

SEE DAWNING, PAGE 30

That's the spirit

= Ca

On :

“Spirit of Unity,” the Baha’i youth workshop from southern Ohio, was so well-received during a July 3-5 visit in the Huntington-Hamlin area of West

Virginia—including participation in a holiday parade—that it received four invitations to return, including one from a community center. Two observers at performances also asked for information on the Baha’i Faith to bring to their churches.

November 4, 2000 Tre American BanA‘i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 7 [Page 8]Y outh, of course, weren’t the only Baha’is making extra efforts to teach during the summer. Here are some of the local efforts that sprouted up across the country (clockwise from upper left):

• Greensboro, North Carolina: For the second year the Baha’i community was the only religious

organization participating in the Fun Fourth Festival. A canopy provided relief from heat, and Baha’i staffers distributed literature, stickers, pens and balloons to a number of people. Highland Park, Illinois: Paulette Heber of Mundelein (center left) and Diana Harris of Highland Park march in an annual effort in which area Baha’is cooperate to participate in two or three

Fourth of July parades every year. Photo by Vladimir Shiloy

• Manatee County, Florida: A curious pair stops by the Baha’i booth at the Manatee County Children’s Summit. Many were drawn by the booth’s theme, “We Are All One Family ... the Human

Family,” and children could play a “virtues game” with materials at the booth.

• Wolfeboro, New Hampshire: A float refurbished with the aid of Baha’is from several localities took

second place in the local Fourth of July parade, and was enthusiastically received. Photo by kirk E. Felix

SOUTH, continuen From Pace 7

when the combined forces of local Baha’is and visiting youth turned their attention to the nearby town of Caldwell. A “UnityFest” celebration of racial unity drew 350 people to the county fairground, despite the fact that four of the largest churches warned their parishioners to stay away from the event.

“Tt appeared that all of the opposition had only piqued people’ interest,” ported Grant Suhm of the Spiritua Assembly of College Station. Area believers poured out resources and talents to provide music, dance and magic performances, as well as free refreshments and face painting. V ers took to the streets teaching and passing out fliers, and a fence-painting project gained considerable local publicity.

It was only one of a dozen events during the youth campaign to bring the teachings of the Faith to the Bryan-College Station area through word and deed.

The youth project was incorporated into the ongoing College Station teaching and community development plan. With vigorous follow-up and the support of the Aguila del Cielo Regional ‘Training Institute, the project has increased both numbers and participation within the Baha’{ community over more than a year.

children’s

siting youth teach

Rock Hill, South Carolina A total of 23 new Baha’is were enrolled during a teaching project that involved four generations of believers. The Spiritual Assembly’s Planning Committee reported, “Incorporated in

the format and pith of the initiative was having veteran bel volved who are aspects of dire enrollment, etc.”

Not only the prayers of the young teachers, but also the unity and support of the community and institutions plus the focus on structure and plan, were important to creating an “atmosphere of security and safety for the teachers,” the local report . The idea evolved for the young teachers to keep open “in a spontaneous way” to finding opportunities for deeds of human service while carrying out teaching trips.

ers present and inperienced in many teaching projects, early

Atlanta, Georgia

The Youth Teaching Team carried out service proj at a museum, a children’s services center, an “Intergenerational Center” and a day camp at a housing project. The goal was to help establish a deeper bond between the AtJanta Baha’{ Center and the surrounding community.

Along the way there wa teaching, including a fi formation booth at a local shop. This was aided by training that focused on

s some direct Je and an in

The Ark Teaching Project in northwestern Arkansas included a number of public contacts for young teachers in the Fayetteville-SpringdaleRogers area, including a public proclamation/ teaching event ina public square.

Photo by Duane Troxel

teaching the Faith to Christians.

The youths’ daily prayer, project leaders reported, “was strongly influential to the success of the youth in establishing genuine friendships with the faculties, at all four sites” of s he Atlanta community is making a point of maintaining those connections.

ea eS ¢

Dallas, Texas

With the aid of preparatory the North Texas Regional Trai stitute, both local and visiting youth teachers became aware they had the profound choice of living a normal life, or “standing in the gap” to assist the loved ones of God, local organizers report. “They all rose to the occasion.”

Highlights included a se at a veterans hospital, which “ youth a greater perspective on life, and gave the men cheer, laughter, music and company”; a day of teaching in the suburb of McKinney, which brought the Baha’i message to 500 people; and “a relaxed, effortless, miraculous teaching time” conciding with a cleanup effort at a public park in which, learned about the Faith. #

project e the

in, hundreds

Dedicated to Emma

hy was the summer youth

teaching project in San Marcos, Texas—which brought 23 souls into the Faith—named for Emma Welter? Here is a look at the life of a girl who inspired many in her short life.

Emma Welter was born in 1984 and moved to China Spring, Texas, in 1991. Her parents, the only adult Baha'is in China Spring, actively participated in the

~ Waco community.

At her 15th birthday party Emma affirmed her belief in Baha’u'lléh. A ninth-grade honor student at Vanguard College Preparatory School in Waco, she attended many Baha’i youth activities in Dallas and Austin, and was well-known and much loved by her fellow Baha’s youth.

On Feb. 9, 2000, Emma died in an automobile accident in her hometown of China Spring. Emma had touched many people with her kindness and love for others, her bright and smiling face, and her love of animals.

More than 400 people attended her Baha’{ funeral. Her school held a memorial service, dedicated a garden in her name, renamed its Community Service Day “Emma’s Day,” and began an Emma Welter Scholarship Fund. In March, the Baha’{ youth of Waco and surrounding areas cleaned up a neglected cemetery as a service project in Emma’s name.

page 8 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

November 4, 2000 [Page 9]

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

International needs categorized

he pioneer calls of the Three and Four Year Plans encouraged the friends to consider the entire world as their arena for pioneering and traveling teaching. Those responding to the call are asked to examine their own partic lar experiences, inclinations and poss bilities, and after prayer and consultation, choose a destination. ‘This is the most recent list of countries and territories. (Universal House of Justice, letter dated March 7, 1999)

CATEGORY 1 The needs are especially pressing. fauritania, Rodrigues

nd Ci aint Pierre and Miquelon

Aruba, Bonaire

Australasia: Cook Islands, French Polyne: Wallis and Futuna

Europe: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Corsica, Croatia,

Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Macedonia, Malta, Slovenia, Yugoslavia

CATEGORY 2 The Faith is established, but pioneers of

are needed to stimulate the proc growth and to help open new centers. Africa:

Verde, Chad,» Congo Republic, Djibouti,

nin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape

Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Mali,

mbique, Namibia, Réunion,

Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, M

Rwanda, Sao To

Mayot

and Pi

Seychelles,

Helena, Sw: Bah: Islands, Chiloé Island, Dominica,

Sierra Leone,

Americas: Bermuda, C:

nas,

nan ast Leeward Islands, Easter Island, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland,

Galapagos Islands,

HELP WANTED: PIONEERS Combining to such a degree the essential qualities of audacity, of consecration, of tenacity, of self-renunciation, and unstinted devotion that will prompt them to abandon their homes, and forsake their all, and scatter over the surface of the globe, and hoist in its uttermost corners the

triumphant banner of Baha'u'llah —

To REPORT YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP SEE PAGE 32

enada,

uatemala, Honduras, Jama

indez Islands, Nicaragua, St. Luc id C Islands, Virgin Islands, West Leeward Islands

ntand the Grenadines, ‘Turks a

icos

Nicobar Islands, zerbaijan, Cambodia,

Japan, Korea-South, Kyrgy

ar, Ogasawara Islands, Ryukyu Ish hailand, Uzbek Island, Eastern Caroline nds, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia and the Loyalty

an,

Islands, Fiji Islands, Mariana Is!

Islands, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, ‘Tonga, qT

lu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands Europe: Albania, Andorra, Azores, Belarus,

Belgium, Bulgaria, Gyprus-Northern, Czech Republic, Denmark, Elba, Estonia,

Greece, Hungary, 1 huania, Madeira, Moldova, Monaco, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San

Marino, Sicily, Slovakia, Ukraine

CATEGORY 3

The process of expansion and consoli

dation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development.

ameroon, Central African Republic, Céte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo,

hiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, > Nigeria, S South Africa, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,

nican Repul , Haiti, Mex

Paraguay,

Peru, Puerto Rico, d and

Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India,

Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan,

Australasia: Kiribati, Papua New Guinea,

Samoa Europe: Canary Islands, Iceland

CATEGORY 4 Pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult due to restrictions on Baha'i activity, lack of security, or other circumstances that may present serious difficulties. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully, séek out opportunities for pioneering. Africa: Angola, Burundi, Co Bissau, Liberia, Americas: Cuba Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia,

ros, Gi

irra Leone, Somalia, Sudan

Korea-North, Laos, Turkmenistan, Vietnam Europe:

pitzbergen

The below goals and opportunities have been designated or reviewed by agencies of the Regional Baha’i Councils.

Northeastern States

Consider relocating in the diverse, active community of Lawrenceville,

a fast-grow business community within + Tex:

Charles, Monroe

North Carolina: Gastonia

+ Oklahoma: Broken Arrow

South Carolina: North Charleston Tennessee: Jackson

aytown, Beaumont, Galveston,

base is compl

parks and recreational

nted by many

Please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordinators listed at right.

rom Agen’, Flathead Couny, Great Falls, Hamre, Helena, Kalispel, Lewis and Clark Co, Northern Cheyenne Reservation*, St. Ignatius, Yellowstone County, Assembly commu nities seeking support: Biliogs, Bozeman, Butte-Siver Bow, Missoula County,

ies.

y youth activities and decpenings. Contact Sally (phone ).

00 for more informat

Southern States ‘The Regi il has placed top priority for homefront pio

1 Coun

neering on cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly in March 2000.

• Arkansas: fort Smith, Pine Bluff

Florida: Daytona Beach, Hialeah, elbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach

Georgia: Nbany

Kentucky: Owensboro

Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake

+ West Virginia: Huntington Lynchburg, Virginia, a city of 69,000 with a metro area of 150,000, is a blue-collar city.

However, it has 6 colleges and

universities, including one with a

strong business degr

er highly

ed in spec

tion. The nuclear indust

ing manufacturing and sofware

development, is an avenue for

employment. Very deepened and dedicated Baha'is are needed here. Hialeab, Florida, with a predominantly Hispanic population of 210,000, 10 miles from Miami

International Airport, needs home

front pioncers. It is home to Miami Dade ¢

A strong industrial and business

mmunity College.

in the seven “breath of life” states designated by ‘Abdu

Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan; Arizona, Idaho, Montana,

Nevada, } Wyoming. Goal localities

‘ew Mexico, Utah and

include the followi

list. on www.usbne. communities on Indian reservations (marked with *), contact the American Indian

regio

traveling

homefront pioneering coordina tor listed at right.

+ Arizona: Apache Jnction, Bapchule Diswict", Buckeye, Chino Valley, Goodyear, Kingman, Houck Chapter, Surprise, Tolleson

+ Idaho: Ada Co, Fort Hall Indian Reservation®, Kootenai Co, Meridian

+ Montana: Blackfeet Indian Reservation”,

ance to both New Aileen, Laredo, Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, Ravalli County iladelphia. Good San Angelo Western States + Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill Co, lyon + Ylugitila: Sami, iynciourg, Portsniuth, ne Regional Baha'i Council fias (Padi, Winchester Suffolk put emphasis on Assembly goals + New Mexico: Artesia, Deming, Gran,

Jicarila Apache Reservation’, Los Lunas,

Lovington, Luea Co, Movntainair,

Rio Arriba (0, Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro + Utah: Bountfl, Centerville, Farmington, La Yerkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, UintahOuray"; Assembly community seeking support: West Valley (ity Wyoming: (asper, Cody, Gillette, Laramie County, Newcastle, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Weston County, Wind River Reservation’; ‘Assembly communities seeking support: Cheyenne, Laramie Colorado: 11 goa! communities, indoding jeopardized Asseenblies in Lafayette, Manitou Springs California: 42 goal communities, indluding jeopardized Assembly in Sierra Madre Oregon: 19 goal communities Washington: 40 goal commanities;jeopardined Assembly in Washougal ®

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

The Office of Pioneering i friends preparing for international service. f regarding jobs and study abroad,

\ger to assist the

tional traveling teaching opportuni her events, please contact the

ties and Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central Si anston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail )Answers to frequent questions about serving

internationally are posted on the Web (wwwausbne.org, NSA Departments).

page 32 to report an international trip.

HOMEFRONT SERVICE

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.

Northeastern States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pio neer, contact the Northeast Regional Baha’ (phone

Council secretary, Joel y e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact

the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana

Rouse Kaufman (phone e-mail

).

Central States To inquire ebut locating as a homefront pio neer, contact the Central Regional Baha'i Couneil secretary, Lynn Wieties (phone

, e-mail ). ‘To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate state traveling teaching coordinator (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 homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling teaching-homefront pioinator for each state (list avail

neering coo. able on www.usbne.org in the Regional

section), or one of the regional coor

nail

Homefront pioneering: Flor ‘Toloui,

e-mail ) For information on American Indian

(phone

reservations, contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pio neering coordinator, Helen Kiely,

'(phone

, e-mail ).

Southern States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer, please contact the regional homefront pioneering coordinator, Susan Crossley (phone , e-mail ) To inquire about traveling teaching, please

contact the regional traveling teaching coordi

itz (phone

)o

November 4,2000 = THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 9 [Page 10]

TRAINING

INSTITUTES

‘More connected heart to mind’

wo summer weeks with the Wilmette Institute led to a transforming experience for its students.

“I feel that Wilmette enhanced my life. Iam more connected heart to mind,” said first-year student Diann Stevens after the residency s sion, July 29-Aug. 12 at Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois.

In its fifth year, the institute’s “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization” program attracted students from nine states scattered across the U.S., providing instruction from universitylevel faculty in several fields.

In welcoming the 12 students, National Spiritual Assembly member David Young called the Wilmette Institute “the most effective and best-functioning training institute in the Baha’{ world.”

He praised the institute for its work in systematically tracking the results of its programs such as the number of firesides, deepenings, and other programs given by the students and new believers brought into the Faith.

Young also stressed how fortunate the students are to be a part of this endeavor of learning how to learn through the institute process.

tute has

‘That set the tone for a curriculum that was focused on comparative religions combined with study of philosophy, public speaking, Baha’s theology, the Kitaband Some Answered Questions. Support staff for the faculty included two alumni members of the Wilmette Institute, Alice Ferro and Nancy Turner.

Throughout the program, students strove to develop a deeper grasp of Bahda’u'llih’s fundamental teaching of the oneness of religion.

A special highlight was the chance to visit Buddhist and Hindu temples in the greater Chicago area. Visits to these

Participants in one of the first Ruhi Institutes conducted in Persian in the U.S. are pictured. The session in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, was facilitated by Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh and Feridoon Aryani.

Southern States Regional contact: Susan Nossa * Training institutes: Aguila del Cielo Central Texas + Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khdnum Alabama, Georgia +

Crimson Ark DC, Harylan, Virginia, Delaware, West Virgina *

Greater Houston * Jubilee Tennessee and Arkansas * Magdalene Carney Florida, Lousiana, Misissppi *

Mathew Kaszab South Texas * North Texas *

Oklahoma +

Sam McClellan Kentucky *

South Carolina +

Supreme Talisman North Carolina *

Central States Regional contact: Council secretary * e-mail Training institutes:

Chicago *

Dorothy Baker Ohio * Gateway Missouri * lowa *

Kansas ¢

Metro Milwaukee * Minnesota +

Western States Regional contact: Council secretary * email Training institutes: Arizona + Columbine Colorado * California Northeast *

Patricia Haynie (left) of Florida, a fourth-year student of the Wilmette Institute’s Spiritual Foundations program, confers with Nancy Turner of California, an alumna of the four-year program who served as a support staffer.

Photo by Manuchehr Derakhshani

centers of worship gave the students greater awareness and appreciation for the cultural and spiritual values practiced by these populations.

They also appreciated the value of becoming familiar with the Arabic and Persian languages in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of many terms and concepts used within the writings of the Faith.

First-year student Sherry Krannichfeld expressed her thanks that she had been “given the chance to study the Holy Writings in a systematic way.”

“The two weeks I spent at Wilmette Institute have changed my life,” she said. “I feel closer to the Faith and drawn to study daily. I have a thirst that I have not known in years.”

This year’s students dedicated their studies to the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khénum and donated books in her honor to the Wilmette Institute library.

At the graduation dinner, keynote speaker Counselor Wilma Ellis used humor and honesty to encourage the students to put their learning into concrete action.

After offering special encouragement to the female students to become active as public speakers, she addre: class with a loving challeng sleeping days are over.” #

California Northwest * California South +

IMWW Western Washington

Native American Baha'i Institute * Nevada South +

Oregon

Rio Grande +

Northeastern States Regional contact: Chet Makoski + e-mail Training institutes: Doris McKay Rochester, NY *

Roy Wilhelm Northern New Jersey *

Sadie Oglesby Boston + Thornton Chase Connecticut River Valley *

William Sears Eastern Pennsylvania *

Distance learning: Bah’i Theology; the Qur'an Baha'i Theology, Nov. 1, 2000-Jan.

31, 2001 (registration still open) This topic is mot over the hea most Baha in fact, the course discusses some of the most basic and important teachings of the Baha’t F ¢ The Baha'i concept of God, which our scriptures address in detail. ¢ The Baha'i concepts of the Manifestation of God, divine revelation, the nature of human beings and the nature and purpose of physical creation. From these concepts flow two related ideas: the nature and purpose of the afterlife, which relates closely to the nature and purpose of life; and the Covenant, which relates to the idea of progressive revelation.

s of

The Qur’an, Dec. 1, 2000-Feb. 28, 2001

The Qur’in is the divine revel: which Islam is based. The Baha’ writings are filled with quotations from it and allusions to it. Its study by Baha’fs is emphasized by Shoghi Effendi: “They must. ... approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur’én which, apart from the sacred scriptures of the Babi and Baha’i Revelations, constitutes the only Book which can be regarded as an absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God.” —The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 49

‘The course will examine the entire text of the Qur’én and Islamic and Bahé’i commentaries on its meaning.

Future courses

• Watch for information about courses

on The Secret of Divine Civilization and the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

• Judaism for Deepening and Dialogue is to begin Feb. 1.

• The Bab and the Babi

1844-63 is to begin March 1.

hh,

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 (collegelevel) or advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE

536 Sheridan Road

Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail: Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org,

The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition. —

page 10 THe American BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

November 4, 2000 [Page 11]

00-999-9019

toll free

community grasp of our own ee to be able to evaluate the different perspectives afforded by her it ” Divided into is. parts and covering her life from Mary Maxwell’s birth to Ruhfyyih Khanum’s final years, this tribute chronicles her earlier life in North America, her years of marriage to Shoghi Effendi, and her final years of service and travels.

5A" x BA", 182 pp.

A Message to the Indian & Eskimo Baha’is of the Western Hemisphere Amatu'l-Babd Ribiyyih Khanum (MINES) 1-49 $3.95 each SC 50-99 $3.50 each SC 100+ $3.00 each SC

Reprinted with permission from the National Spiritual Assembly of the American Bahé’i Institute in honor and Ruhiyyih Khénum. This is a reprint of ge to the Indians of the Western

Ruhiyyih Khénum’s 1969 m Hemisphere in which she lovingly encouraged the members of indigenous

peoples to strive for full partnership in society. This publication includes pictures from the Green Light Expedition—a six-month trip that she led through the Amazon basin, representing one of her many personal endeavors towards fulfilling her individual teaching goals. The publication’s size and format is most suitable for wide distribution at Baha’{ teaching events and other gatherings.

6" x 6", 35 pp.

‘Ahd-i A‘la Zindiganiy-i Hadrat-i Bab The Babi Dispensation / The Life of the Bab Abu'l-Qusim Afnin

$60.00 HC (PLBABH)

‘This major Persian work, 20 years in the making and enjoying access to original-source and previously unpublished | materials, is authored by the last custodian of the House of the Bab in Shiraz. Mr. Afnén is also among a small group of individuals in the world who may be regarde urrent experts on the life and writings of the Bab. This remarkable work includes numerous photos and facsimiles of original historical documents and Tablets of the Bab, many of which appear for the first time in this publication. Those who are fortunate enough to read Persian will most certainly relish this new and significant publication.

T" x VA", 672 pp.

The Saddlebag A Fable for Doubters and Seekers Babiyyih Nakbjaviiné

$22.00 HC (SBAGH)

“A first novel of astonishing power and originality. ... by the Holy books of the major religions of the world. ... is both a thriller and a meditation on the ultimate goal of human e: ” —The Good Book Guide

‘This review reflects the sentiments of critic after critic for the exciting novel by Bahiyyih Nakhjaving. Publisher's Weekly, the primary industry periodical for publishing, states, “The novel’s Baha’ message is beautifully rendered in these tales of multiple paths leading to one desti ...” Inspired by the story of a stolen saddlebag filled with divinely revealed s the work of Baha’ artists into the popular genre of religious/spiritual fiction. If you read one novel this year, you will want it to be The Saddlebag.

5%" x 84", 258 pp.

F watny¥tH NARILIAVARE

Inspired

This

Consent of Parents Jobn F. Skeaff $9.00 SC (COPA)

Written to increase the understanding and appreciation of the obligation for Baha’fs to obtain parental consent before marriage, this important book addresses not only the law of consent but continues further in drawing together many

from the sacred Baha’i writings as well as a wide range ights from leaders of thought on the subject of marriage and family. A most useful tool for couples seeking parental consent, parents considering issues of consent and institutions ng individuals.

5A" x 814", 60 pp.

Dreams, Nightmares and Dreams Again Angéla Szepesi a $19.95 SC (DNDA)

Presented here is the amazing story of a life lived in times of great upheaval, for the world and the author, spanning World i War I and formative years of the Baha’ Faith. Written from | an intensely personal perspective, this book is presented as such; it does not pretend to be an official statement about the Faith, its institutions, or even her family. is about a personal relationship with her family, God, and the Baha’f Faith. Not a smooth pathway, but a journey worth taking, and now through this book, worth observing.

5'A" x 84", 60 pp.

Women’s Talk

Florence Conway $7.50 SC (WT)

Florence Conway’s interest in the status and advancement of women spans many decades. Her experiences of living in a diverse range of cultures and her extensive travels have enabled her to closely observe the prevailing conditions and influences on the lives of women throughout the world. Her passion for these issues clearly rings through this volume as. she encourages women from of all walks of life to arise and, through their deeds, become a catalyst for change.

5!" x BA", 112 pp.

Pn eee rol

aC

Her Eternal Crown

Queen Marie of Romania and the Baha’i Faith Della L.. Marcus

$24.95 SC (HEC)

“If ever the name of Baha'u'llah or Abdu’l-Baha comes to your attention, do not put their writings from you. Search out their Books, and let their glorious, peace-bringing, love-creating words and lessons sink into your hearts as they have into mine.” —Marie, Queen of Romania

Her Eternal Crown is the compelling story of Queen Marie and her association with the Baha’{ Faith, told through her own letters and diary entries, and through the letters and articles of her teacher, Martha Root.

5/4" x 8'A", 324 pp.

November 4,2000 = Tue American BanA’i * BanA’i DistRiuTION SERVICE

page II [Page 12]er)

Writings and Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

- acompilation — $39.95 HC (WUABH)

Writings and Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd is a compilation, in a single volume, of almost all the writings and talks of our beloved Master available in English. The book consists of two sections to allow for division between writings and talks. This anthology of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s writings in English is most gratefully welcomed as we strive to emulate His life through the study and application of His Writings that are “boundless in wisdom, consummate in form, generous and loving in spirit, and rich in significance.”

6A" x 9A", 1,368 pp.

Supporting Our National Media Initiative

The most recent videos that have been broadcast as part of the national media initiative are now available for individual and bulk sales. Whether used for local community support of the media aspect of the National ‘Teaching Plan or for individual firesides, each represents

a wonderful advancement in constructing a message ever-more “suited to the capacity of those who hear it.”

Bulk pricing as follows: 2- $15.00 ea. - 10. $7.50 ea. We Are One (EWAON)

This video explores the effect of Baha’u’llah’s extraordinary teachings of oneness on ordinary rural people. It opens with Dan Seals and his son Jesse using the guitar as an analogy to introduce principles of unity in diversity gently. Jesus the Christ is mentioned a number of times with great reverence. Throughout his series of poignant interviews with Baha’i friends, Dan combines a spiritual compassion with his music and insightful lyrics.

28 minutes 30 seconds

Baha’i Education for Children Books 1, 2, & 3

1Am a Bahai

(EIABN)

A diverse range of everyday pe: fulfillment as members of the Bah: on their lives, The Baha’is interviewed from single mothers, to mid-level 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 investigation of truth as elements of faith.

28 minutes

The Power of Prayer (EPOPN)

A series of personal and highly accessible profiles introduce the viewer to

Baha’fs from diverse backgrounds and regions of the country and explores how they use prayer in their lives to meet challenges and create unity. Intermixed with basic Baha’i principles and statistics, The Power of Prayer is a great introduction to basic concepts of the Baha’i Faith.

28 minutes 30 seconds

La Fe Baha’i—Latinos in the Baha’i Faith (ELBEN)

This introductory video represents the first one to focus on Baha'is of Hispanic descent. Although filmed in English, the friends share their thoughts and impressions of being a Baha’i from a Hispanic perspective. This inspiring and heartfelt video is suitable for seekers of any nationality.

28 minutes 30 seconds (in English)

Readings st grow by

Read ings

to grow by

Readings To Grow By from the writings of Baha’u’llah

In light of the special focus given to us in the Ridvén 2000 Message, this series of books provides yet another welcomed tool for educating children of various ages. Created years ago by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furdtan, and later translated and revised with his permission, these lessons include Baha’i quotes regarding the education of children, lesson plans and lesson reviews.

5A" x BA"

‘Ali-Akbar Furiitan

$4.50 SC Sally’s Coat Book 1: Ages 5-6 (BEC1) 58 pp. written & illustrated by Gillian Nix Book2: Age7 (BEC2) 64 pp. $6.95 SC (SACO) Book 3: Age 8 (BEC3) 70 pp.

One day Sally is invited to play with her friends. Her mother encourages her to have fun but to be careful with her new coat. Yet, during a game of tag, her coat is accidentally torn. In order to avoid her mother’s anger, she and her friends imaginatively create potential stories. After fabricating a great number of incredible scenarios, Sally must decide what to tell her mother. The story concludes with quotes from various sacred scriptures regarding truthfulness.

8A" x 5%", 40 pp.

illustrated by Anja Shanmugampillai

$10.95 HC (RWBGBH)

$6.95 SC (RWBGBS)

Thirty-eight beautiful gems from the words of Baha'u'llah are combined with wonderful illustrations depicting a child, seated and reading the Writings, against a variety of settings that span the globe, These writings, covering a wide range of subjects, are of ideal length for memorization.

4A" x 6%", 48 pp.

page 12

Tre American Band’ * BanA’i DistRIBUTION SERVICE

November 4, 2000

[Page 13]iste of ld Order includes the article “The Path of Beauty The Literary Life of Amat’ 1-Baha Riihfyyih Khénum. personal interviews with Rihiyyih Khénum and additional research, the author explores the literary aspect of her life, which has often been relegated to the background in light of her other extraordinary a contributions to the Baha’f Faith. Her literary legacy ‘ that can be appreciated as much by those who share Amatu’l-Baha’s tai gay dipae ora do not.

1.” Based on

includes

highlights include “Religious Pluralism: A Baha’ Perspective,” by Julio Savi.

10" x7", 48 pp.

scripts, literary criticism,

Cultivating Distinction: Newly Released Assembly Development Modules

These development modules prepared by the Office of Assembly Development at the instruction of the National Spiritual Assembly are designed for the purpose of “... enabling Assemblies to rise to a ‘a new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities.” As with each of the previous Assembly Development Modules, Assemblies are reminded that they may study these modules as an institution, invite other Assemblies in their area to study together, or invite their community to join them in exploring these educational modules.

Baha’i Electoral Practices

An Assembly Development Module Workshop $15.00 (DMPBEP) 10 pack of participant handouts $30.00 (DMFBEP) 1 Facilitator’s Guide

Objectives include gaining a broad understanding of the s of Baha’ elections, recognizing the underlying these s, and appreciating the importance of participation in elections as a sacred responsibility.

The Spiritual Nature of Baha’i Elections

An Assembly Development Module Workshop $15.00 (DMPSNBE) 10 pack of participant handouts

$30.00 (DMFSNBE) 1 Facilitator’s Guide

Objectives include exploring aspects of “a new state of mind,” identifying ways to prepare oneself throughout the year to perform one’s sacred duty, recognizing qualities to consider and ignore in deciding who to vote for, and heightening ones appreciation of the significance of Baha’u’llah’s Administrative Order.

Sacred Verses Grant Hindin Miller $16.95 CD (SVCD) This collection of familiar passages such as “Whither Can a Lover Go,” the Tablet of Ahmad and “Blessed is the Spot” is combined with other prayers and writings recited and sung by Miller as well as other adults and children. Sacred Verses most reverent and diverse mus lection that will provide new melodies for feasts and devotionals.

Beyond This World Mansoor Sobbani $15.00 CD (BTWCD)

Whether chanting a

prayer by Baha’u’lléh or singing a heartfelt rendition of “Dastam Begir ‘Abdu’l-Bah4,” Sobhani empowers each familiar piece with his radiant spirit. Many selections are accompanied by santour. Prayers also include “The Healing Prayer” and “Is ‘There Any Remover of Difficulties.”

In Quest of

-of Bahs’u'llih represent some of

the Beloved

The Seven Valleys and other selections from the writings of Baha’u’llah recited by Lisa Fanti

music by Bob Alcivar

$15.00 CD (QBCD)

These selections from the writings

the most inspirational and mystical verses from His vast Revelation. The meditations have been taken from The Seven Valleys, The Four Valleys, Gleanings and the Hidden Words. Lisa Janti is executive producer of U.P. Inc., an arts and education organization for youth. Bob Alcivar is a Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated producer and arranger. Together they have created a wonderful mix where the spoken word and original music interact in a uniquely beautiful and dynamic way.

Est li nS err ig pea Pg tort Sali 9-1 Ta laa pa CT i ' ' ' Stee CODE TITLE QUANTITY | COST EACH | TOTAL | ! ‘ ‘ ‘ : ' : ' ' ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' '

:

! DAYTIMETELEPHONE #( —) ' ' ' { BILLTO ' ' '

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! NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD [ call us * 800-999-9019 © toll-free |

November 4,2000 = THe American BanA’i * BanA’i DistRiBuTION SERVICE page 13 [Page 14]

Firuz Kazemzadeh, former National Spiritual Assembly secretary for external affairs, was singled out for commendation in House discussion on the resolution.

RESOLUTION,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

tion in the Senate, S. Con. Res. 57, was

passed on July 19.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Washington office, the Office of External Affairs, thanks all Baha’is who contacted their senators and representatives to request that they co-sponsor the resolution. Feedback from congressional offices indicates that these calls and letters made a significant impact.

Selected Local Spiritual Assemblies will be contacted by the National Assembly to request that they write their respective representatives to thank them for co-sponsoring the resolution.

The Office of External Affairs worked closely with aides to Rep. John Porter, primary sponsor of the resolution, and to Rep. Ben Gilman, chairman of the House International Relations Committee. Other leading House sponsors include Reps. Tom Lantos of California, Chris Smith of New Jersey and Steny Hoyer of Maryland.

Statements by representatives in support of the resolution included:

• Updates on the situation of the Baha’fs

in Iran.

• Brief recitation of basic Baha’i teachings.

• Examples of Baha’{ service.

• Special praise for Firuz Kazemzadeh,

former external affairs secretary of the National Assembly and still a key adviser to the Assembly, for his action over the decades in defense of the Baha’is of Iran.

“Despite the fact that they are committed to nonviolence, tolerance and loyalty to government, the Baha’fs continue to suffer deprivations and harassment from the fanatical elements of Iranian society, ranging from local clergy and their uneducated followers to highly placed government officials,” said Gilman, who js credited with guiding the resolution to passage.

Gilman condemned the fact that several Bahd’is remain in Iranian prisons, “arrested, tried and sentenced as a result of their personal religious beliefs and peaceful religious activity.”

Porter, Lantos, Rep. Earl Hilliard of Alabama and Delegate Donna Christensen of the Virgin Islands also made statements supporting the resolution. Remarks were made in praise of Gilman, Porter and other principal cosponsors for their continued work to ensure Congress remains aware of the treatment of Baha’fs in Iran. @

To find the complete text The complete text of H. Con. Res. 257, “Concerning the emancipation of the Iranian Baha’i community,” was published in the April 28, 2000, issue of The American Bahda’t. The resolution was passed on Sept. 19, 2000, in the U.S. House of Representatives. A concurrent resolution, S. Con, Res. 57, was passed in the Senate on July 19, 2000. Its wording is nearly Icercleal cre nceb for llehly, afferent stntlscis oft she mim rio Pale Iran on genet. Toy oc ocher wise sapriconed craked aol aby mg

discussion The Belleviing esiaris by meerabore anal T Sslagaes Th Ud Hoek at ROBTRoanaliegk eter gal frase Gescecion Sosa in the Congressional Record, illustrate the support within the U.S. Congress for the basic human rights of Baha’is living in Iran. Our National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs believes that one significant reason for the passage of the resolution is that Baha’i individuals and communities have responded to the National Assembly’s calls to contact their. members of Congress.

From remarks by Rep. Benjamin Gilman of New York:

Baha’i religious gatherings and administrative institutions were banned [by the Iranian government] in 1983. A 1991 government document calls for the continued obstruction of the economic and social development of the Baha’ community. ...

Baha’fs continue to be denied government employment, denied university employment, denied legitimately earned pensions, denied admission to Iranian universities, denied access to the legal system, denied access to decent places to bury their dead, and a host of other civil liberties that we in our nation have come to take for granted as basic elements of a free and just society. ...

We have seen some improvement in the treatment of individual Baha’is. In the last 2 years, Bahd’is have been granted passports for travel abroad more frequently and some have been granted business licenses again. A significant concession s a recent modification of the rules of registration of marriages that now omits references to religion, allowing Bahd’fs to register marriages and legitimize their children for the first time in many years.

‘Those steps are significant and they should be acknowledged as signs of promise for full emancipation to come in the future. Yet those actions have been taken silently and come far short of granting Baha’fs the recognition under the constitution, the Iranian constitution, that would improve their situation and protect them from fanaticism.

From remarks by Rep. Ear! Hilliard of Alabama:

The resolution states that the Congress continues to hold the government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha’i community.

The resolution also condemns the repressive anti-Baha’i policies and actions of the government of Iran. These policies include, first, the denial of legal recognition of the Baha’f community; preventing the community from organizing and electing its leaders; stopping the education of Baha’i youth; and stopping the Baha'is from conducting the normal activities of a law-abiding religious community.

The Porter resolution also urges the government of Iran to permit Baha'i students to attend Iranian universities and to permit the Baha’i Open University to reopen.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the resolution calls on President Clinton to continue to make Iran’s treatment of the Baha’s community a significant factor in the development of U.S. relations with Iran; to emphasize the need for the UN Special Representative for Human Rights to be allowed to enter Iran, and to urge the government of Iran to emancipate the Baha’i community; and finally, to encourage other governments to appeal to Iran to protect the rights of Baha’is.

Mr. Speaker, the Baha’is in Iran have been persecuted far too long. ... Iran’s leaders must understand that their anti-Bahd’i policies are being closely watched by the international community.

From remarks by Donna Christensen, Delegate from the Virgin Islands:

.. [T]he Baha'i Faith is the most recent world religion. Its founder, a Persian nobleman, declared his mission in 1863, proclaiming he was the promised one of all religions who would usher in a new age of peace for all mankind. Among

Bahé’u’llah’s most fundamental teachings are oneness of God, oneness of the foundation of all religions, oneness of mankind and all peoples are equal in the sight of God.

The Baha’i Faith was established in my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1954, with the settlement of pioneers on St. ‘Thomas. The first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’{[s] of St. Thomas was incorporated in 1965. The Baha’i{s] of the Virgin Islands have been and are active in, among other things, providing education and enrichment programs for young children and adults, working with the Interfaith Coalitions on St. Thomas and St. Croix, as well as assisting in hurricane recovery efforts.

Mr. Speaker, the Baha’i community of the Virgin Islands strongly supports House Concurrent Resolution 257 because it would condemn the repressive anti-Baha’i policies and actions of the government of Iran, and expresses concern that individual Baha’{[s] continue to suffer from severely repressive and discriminatory government actions, including executions and death sentences, solely on account of their religion.

From remarks by Rep. John Porter of Illinois:

Thousands of human rights abuses take place around the world on a daily basis. Almost all go unnoticed by the U.S. media. The Baha'is of Iran are one such group.

.. Dr. [Firuz] Kazemzadeh immigrated to the United States from Iran in the 1950s and became a professor of history at Yale University. He has devoted a great deal of his time and efforts to improving the condition of his fellow Bah@’is in Iran. He has quietly, in his way, been a tremendously effective fighter for his fellow Baha’is and has clearly saved many Baha’ lives and much Baha’i suffering. I would like to specifically commend Dr. Kazemzadeh for his decades of work helping the Baha'is.

Baha'is have suffered persecution since their religion was founded, but the situation gravely worsened in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Many of the leaders of the Baha’ community were jailed at that time and many were executed solely for their religious beliefs. The fact the Baha’i community has survived in Iran over the past 20 years is a testament to the Baha’{ people and their commitment to their fa.th.

‘This adverse situation for the Baha’{ community co ud be completely reversed by the Iranian Gove-nment at any time. ... Religious intolerance has caused the world’s people untold suffering and its presence is felt across the entire world. But in Iran it is institutionalized and written in law. And it is not only discrimination. In Iran it can mean torture, imprisonment, and death.

From remarks by Rep. Tom Lantos of California:

I have had the very good fortune over the past 20 years of working very closely with John Porter on a vast number of human rights issues. ...

[O]ne of the human rights issues that John Porter has championed since the day he was elected to the Congress is the situation of the Baha’is in Iran. The Baha’{ [community] has suffered greatly since Iran’s Revolution in 1979. The constitution created by the Ayatollahs establishes Islam as the state religion of Iran. It also recognizes Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians—religions that flourished in Persia before Islam—as “protected religious minorities” which are afforded legal rights. Iran’s 350,000 Baha’i[s], however, are not afforded these protections, and they enjoy no legal rights whatsoever. @

page 14

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Continued

November 4, 2000 [Page 15]

<7 7" se GOAL: INTENSIFY DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUALLY DISTINCTIVE FAMILIES s ‘AND COMMUNITIES a + Foster love, happiness and eon a> spiritual devotion

• Insure children and junior youth

acquire spiritual virtues and are free of prejudice

• Foster devotional life of individuals and community

Our recent research indicates that the most active Baha’i communities are those with children. The following story, the first in an ongoing series on local spiritual education efforts, is a wonderful illustration of how an entire community is enriched by striving to promote the spiritual growth of its children—even if there are only three.

_ Distinction

A national program of focused study in 2000

The study material for July through December

indudes 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

=

A ‘gift’ of

2 f

Core Curriculum:

ee training

ore Curriculum Teacher Training — was so important to Baha’i education in Bloomington, the Spiritual

Assembly called on Barb Qualls and — Bev Enslow to undergo training as

teacher trainers—even though the two live outside the Assembly’s juris diction.

The two jumped at the chance, part of the chain of events that led to a successful Vacation Baha’i School.

“We went through the training and then involved the others in the community,” Qualls said. That took the form of a 32-hour training course in Bloomington in May. Eight people, some from more than two hours away, pai completed the course.

Five members of the Bloomington Spiritual een were © present d least part of the training, either participating or in support roles. That training, Qualls said, was itself conducted withthe Core C proach, which aims to cultivate knowledge, wisdom, spiritual | eloquent speech. She added that she and Enslow had excellent. al Education Task Force members Joannie Yuille and Barbara “Core Curriculum is a wonderful, systematic program with what Baha’i education can become throughout our country.

it sooner,” Qualls said. “The whole experience is a gift.” ©

Children, by their very existence, bring vibrancy to that community. How much more vibrant the community that fully engages children in its fabric and function! —Nancy Davis, National Education and Schools Coordinator

Blossoming in Bloomington

Small numbers don’t deter a community’s drive to give children their best

First of a four-part series on local Baba’ school initiatives

BY BARBARA McCORD, EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

ummer is often a time when local S teachers of Baha’i children’s classes scramble to figure out what to do idents. are going on vacation, and children seem to think they deserve a break from it all.

At the same time, churches often have exciting summer programs for their children and friends at Vacation Bible School (VBS).

“With this year’s Ridvin Message and its emphasis on children, engaging our children locally in ‘something Baha’i’ seemed more important than ever,” said Barbara Qualls, a mother arid children’s teacher near Bloomington, Indiana.

“Several area Bahd’is had recently completed our National Spiritual As

Marsha Waren (left), chair of the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, rides a slide with Britt Sweeting during playtime at the Vacation Baha’i School. Photo by Barb Qualls

sembly’s Core Curriculum Teacher ‘Training, so the community seemed prepared in this way as well,” Qualls said.

“We tried a new twist. ... We held our own VBS, but it was a Vacation Baha’s School.”

That effort July 24-28 drew seven children and nine adults as participants. Qualls served as coordinator and main teacher.

Only three of those children were Baha'is; the other four were friends or relatives of Baha’fs.

Yearning to develop

‘The genesis of the project came some months earlier, as organizers of local children’s classes were yearning to develop them further, according to Marsha P. Waren, chair of the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington.

“The instructors had been working hard but had reached a point of not knowing what to do next, so they came to our LSA for help,” Waren said.

‘The Assembly decided to send Qualls and Bev Enslow, another teacher from the area, to the Core Curriculum sesions at the National ‘Teacher ‘Training Center at Louhelen. In turn, they trained several others in the Bloomington area in May.

“That training was a real eye-opener for those of us who had always considered children’s classes a chore,” Waren reported.

“It was only after experiencing that training that I had the confidence to volunteer for Vacation Baha’i School,” she said.

The children at the school, ages 6 to 9, included about as many boys as girls and a mix of racial backgrounds.

For some participants, this was their first real study of the Baha’i teachings— but all seemed equally at home, Waren said. “It was awesome!”

One special moment provided an example opportunities for growth during the session, Qualls related:

“One of our guests didn’t like it when he felt that some of the kids were making an issue of a necklace he was wearing.

“He challenged all of us to live up toa Baha’f standard by saying ‘Baha’is don’t do this sort of stuff. Everyone is welcome with the Baha’is!’

“He was right and everyone knew it. The kids rose to the occasion and changed what they were doing and saying to be inclusive.

“By the end of the day, this same boy wanted to be sure to let us know that he wants to come to Baha’{ things any time he’s back in Bloomington,” Qualls said.

Alternatives for helping

Adult believers had opportunities to help out—signigng up for two-hour blocks of time—without committing to teach classes, she added.

“Adults came to help and to shower the children with love ... everything from a touch on the shoulder to a smile ... and, oh, how the children responded!” Qualls said enthusiastically. “For five hours each day, we were a community!”

SEE VACATION, PAGE 16

November 4, 2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ SpiniruaL DistiNcTION page 15 [Page 16]TUAL

New Assembly module packed with practical skills

Spiritual Assemblies: to function more efficiently and effectively. One positive answer: the new Assembly Development Module Workshop, “Channels of Divine Guidance: Becoming a More Efficient and Effective Assembly.” ‘This practical workshop is designed to help Assemb!

• See how efficiency and effectiveness

can address the demands implicit in entry by troops. More thoroughly unde!

| t’s a need expressed by many Local

Participants can find ways to express

the spiritual qualities of efficiency and effectiveness in the Assembly’s functioning through development of specific skills, such as time management, agenda planning, and delegation.

The Office of Assembly Development designed this workshop as the result of input from many Local Spiritual Assemblies stating that these issues were of great immediate concern. The office gained this input through surveys, returned Self A: nent Tools and comments at its Assembly Development Forums.

In response, the office undertook a study of the Writings of the Faith, and gleaned practical tips for improving As

sembly functioning from books by Baha’i and non-Baha’f authors.

As with all Assembly Development Module Workshops, this module employs a learning style designed for high retention and for helping to change behavior. All information is presented in the context of the spiritual nature of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

One Assembly can do this module by itself or with a number of other Local Spiritual Assemblies. When facilitated with a group of five to nine participants from the same Assembly, this workshop will require about two hours for the core material plus additional time for each optional extension. A larger or more di

Bloomington, Indiana fast facts

• Population: 60,000

• Baha’i community: 25 adults,

three children

• Have held children’s classes on

and off for years

• Currently holding Sunday Baha’i

classes during school year every other Sunday with 1-3 child attending ¥

• Presented special Summer Vacation Baha’i School (VBS)

Session, involving seven children and nine adults

Millard “Pop” Qualls (center) gets together with his granddaughter, Cassie, and her friend Daniel Fox at a community ice cream social held to mark the last day of Vacation Baha’j School Jast summer in

National statistics: survey response from Baha’i communities nationwide

• Most communities band together to provide instruction

for children. Only 15% of all communities (and 26% of those that sponsor education classes) say they provide

education independently.

• At least three-fourths of Baha’i children and youth live in

communities that sponsor Baha’i classes for children.

• Communities with children tend to have higher partici

pation rates.

More statistics regarding local Bahd’i education on page 31

VACATION,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Music and art were integral parts of the experience, as were games, independent study and teamwork.

“We began by exploring spiritual principles and virt both those acquired and desired,” Qualls said.

“The next day, we examined ways principles could be manifested through social principles.

“Day three: in-depth study of the equality of women and men, complete with a three-legged race where the girls were not allowed to help (think of two wings of a bird).

“The next day was dedicated to the study of the need for race unity. The children became the experts at ‘Baha’{ University.’

“The last day was a wrap-up, ending with an ice-cream social and open house

• The majority of Baha’i children (60%) live in smaller

communities with fewer than 50 members.

• More than half of Local Spiritual Assemblies sponsor

Baha’i education classes for children and youth. A vari ety of curriculum formats are used for the instruction children and youth, with almost half (47%) of communities that sponsor education said they use the Core

Curriculum materials.

with the community. Nearly 20 people came together to celebrate the children’s accomplishments,” Qualls said.

“We talked about respect, kindness and caring and stuff like that,” said Diana Fox, age 8. She said that she made new friends and that she would like to go again next year “if my mom will let me.”

Her mother, Kathy Fox, seems inclined to agree.

“I think [her children] learned more about how to respect each other than they knew before,” she said.

“Jt was a very valuable experience. Our family is not Bah’, but I appreciate the vision of unity taught by the Faith.”

For Waren, the school has brought about “a stronger sense within our community of the importance of children's education; and a breaking down of barriers among the age groups.”

“For example, we now know that we don’t have to send the children off by

’

themselves in order for us all to have a good time,” she said.

In the meantime, classes on alternate Sundays are continuing.

“I hope Barb and Bev are persistent in getting adults involved in children’s classes,” said Waren. “Too often we tend to stand around and wait to be asked— and then miss out on the fun.”

“People who normally didn’t do anything with children became involved in this and had a great time,” she said. #

For more information on the National Teacher Training Center, contact the center (phone 810-6535033, e-mail ). If you have questions about this series of articles, or can contribute information, contact Barbara McCord (phone » e-mail

verse group will require extra time for group discussion and reporting back. Assembly Development Representatives are available to facilitate this workshop or any of the 15 other Assembly Development Modules. A list of the workshops and representatives is on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbne.org) or can be obtained directly from the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail ). Assemblies would need to purchase the workshop Facilitation Guide only if they are using the services of another facilitator of their own s obtained from the Bahé’{ Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019). @

Songs of humanity

ring through night at Neah Bay

INFORMATION FROM ROXANA JENSEN

ranted, there was some difficulty

balancing the needs of those who wanted to sleep with those who wanted to sing and dance into the early hours of the morning. But overall, this year’s Neah Bay United Spiritual Gathering was an inspiration to its more than 300 participant

The Aug. 18-20 event on the Makah reservation in Washington state began with an acknowledgement of those who passed on during the year, including the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahé Rihiyyih Khénum, Universal House of Justice member Adib Taherzadeh and local elder Champ McCarty.

Songs and dances were offerred throughout the program. There were songs of a classical nature, folk songs, songs from ‘Tonga and songs from various American Indian origins combined to bring an appreciation of the diversity of humanity.

Honored guests included Reggie Newkirk of Canada and Shannon Javid, a member of the Regional Baha’i Council for the Western States. Both spoke of the work that lies ahead in the Five Year Plan and of the need for race unity.

Another highlight was having some participants in the newly completed Spirit Run share their experiences.

The Native American Baha’i Institute also sent some participants from the ‘Trail of Light teaching campaign. They brought a recently republished edition of Réhiyyih Khinum’s address to the American Indians. This brochure was given to every attendee.

Several hundred dollars was raised for the Baha’{ Fund. One guest from Oregon became a Baha'i during the program.

Carvings, baskets, jewelry and other artworks were donated and given away to raise money for the Fund. The salmon bake dinner was a success.

Children’s activities included beading, nature walks and making a large mural. @

page 16

Tue American BanA’i ¢ SriniTuAL Distinction November 4, 2000 [Page 17]

Grace and spirit

BY LIZ DONALDSON

Ke Locke, one of the foremost rican Indian flute players and Lakota dancers, also an Auxiliary Board member for Propagation (North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming), enchanted Baha'is and local residents during a hoop-dancing exhibition at Louhelen Baha’i School on Aug. 6.

His grace with the numerous hoops prompted a 6-year-old child to call out, “Look! He looks like he is soaring through the sky!”

Locke’s performance before nearly 100 people also included prayers and

ere’s a great idea for the family to do together during the long weekend after Thanksgiving, an activity that is aligned with the Ridvan Message, will take place at Green Acre and looks like it will be a lot of fun.

It evolved naturally.

“T think [I’ve been concerned about the spiritual needs of children, and have been their advocate for a long time now,” said Barbara Yazdi Markert, Auxiliary Board member for Protection.

“J have seen firsthand how instilling a sense of the Spirit of God and an appreciation of the wonderful bounty we all share as a common family are very important for these precious gems, these beautiful children, whom we have in our midst,” she said.

“And as I looked around the greater Baha’{ community, I saw some families who were happy and flourishing and some who have been through: tough times. I couldn’t help but feel that we, as a community, have a real responsibility to fortify our children against unnecessary suffering,” said this woman whose Baha'i genealogy stretches before and after her for at least two generations.

Markert

songs in the Lakota language.

Between songs on his 100-year-old flute and dances incorporating up to 28 hoops, Locke spoke of the universal human need for spiritual connection with each other and with God. The Davison Index, the local weekly newspaper, published an advance story inviting local residents to attend Locke’s performance.

The Baha’is attending that special Family and Friends session at Louhelen Baha'i School wrote a follow-up article, which the local paper also published.

“Inviting the public to this special performance is consistent with the Guardian's direct statement that Louhelen should be ‘an attractive center not only to the believers but especially to non-Ba ,’ ” said Barbara Johnson, co-administrator of Louhelen.

In fact, Johnson said; an upcoming session featuring well-known author Adrienne Reeves will likely appeal to Baha'is and friends of the Faith. This workshop, aimed at published and aspiring writers, includes study of the Baha’{

Markert said she has been clipping and saving related articles and materials for some time.

“Then when we received the most recent Ridvan message, I had this file and knew I had to DO something,” she said.

So she invites you: “Come and bring your family and friends the day after the national Thanksgiving holiday to a conference called ‘CHILDREN! Functional Families and Caring Communities.’ ”

An intense and uplifting text-based deepening session is planned for adults, with age-appropriate deepenings for children as well. A panel discussion, exciting workshops, a Family Fun Night and a child-friendly Holy Day celebration will also be included.

The workshops and sessions for children, adults and all ages together, will focus on two important points: 1) the spiritual needs of children and 2) the need for and process of building functional families and caring communities as a pivotal step in raising strong Baha’{ children.

‘Topics will include:

• Testimonials from folks who grew up

in a positive Baha’{ family.

• Children’s spiritual destiny.

• Consultation and unity in the family.

• Prom g violence-free families

today’s society.

¢ The importance of the Baha’f community.

• Single parents.

• The idea of developing “divorce-prevention.”

• Special inspirational stories, music,

arts and more.

This weekend program will open with a Friday lunch and includes interesting and fun classes and activities for children ages 3-14, as well as a special celebration of the Day of the Covenant.

Complete list of upcoming Green Acre events on Calendar, page 40

Adrienne Reeves is to conduct a Louhelen session for aspiring writers. Photo courtesy of the Post and Courier (Charleston, 0)

writings on literature and the arts. “Expressing Creativity through the Writer's Art” will be a weekend session at Louhelen beginning Dec. 8.

Dr. Reeves is a well-known author of romance novels that appeal particularly

Approaches to teaching

t takes all kinds. For example, as students of the history and principles of the

Faith, we need all kinds of teachers as well.

‘Two outstanding sessions at Bosch Baha’ School recently demonstrated that reality. Both were focused on specific questions and actions related to the need for all believers to understand the urgency and extent of the tasks ahead.

‘The questions were asked: “How do we, the servants of Baha, create a new world order and transmit, as Shoghi Effendi said in The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 18), “the energizing influence” of Baha’u’llah’s revelation to those thirsty and wakeful souls?

“This new Revelation has in reality been the water of life unto the thirsty, a sea of knowledge unto the searcher, a message of condolence to the weary and a new spirit and life to the whole world. And now it remains that we, the humble servants of our Lord should be confirmed, through our own effort and through His bounty to diffuse this light everywhere and to carry this Glad Tidings to every cottage and princely home.” —Shoghi Effendi, from Babiyyih Khénum: The Greatest Holy Leaf, p. 188

‘Three teachers with three styles; all with the same message.

Fred Schechter, a Knight of Baha’u’llah for his pioneering to French Somaliland, former Counselor member

to African-American women with a spiritual orientation to life, whether subscribing to Christian, Baha’i or other beliefs. Reeves says her stories are “emotionally satisfying and have optimistic endings.” They differ from many novels of this genre because her characters behave chastely.

She started her creative writing career relatively late in life, and is working on her sixth novel in as many years. This latest work is set in the historical backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina’s black community.

Other upcoming programs

Nov. 16-19: “Caring for the Light of the Spirit,” the second annual conference of the Association of Baha’f Mental Health Professionals. Nov. 17-19: "Spiritual Empowerment for Junior Youth,” fast-paced interactive workshops designed to deepen 12- to 15-year-olds.

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen events on Calendar, page 40

of the International Teaching Center and a former member of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas; and Eddie Diliberto, former Auxiliary Board member and longtime South American pioneer, led their students ‘through the Tablets of the Divine Plan, The Advent of Divine Justice and Citadel of Faith. This text-based approach combined with study circles and group research generated a great deal of energy and love—the same forces essential for the revitalization of mankind.

Schechter maintained his buoyant enthusiasm throughout the sessions and shared an incredible amount of information as well as a few stories of Shoghi Effendi’s wisdom, kindness and humor. Diliberto, noted for his class on The Dawn-Breakers and his depth of knowledge of the Faith, presented in a lovingly intense manner and captured the attention of the class.

Their ion was immediately followed by a class led by Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and also a former pioneer in the islands of the Pacific. With great fire and spirit, McCants brought the power of the Faith to life through the recollection of his many personal experiences, speaking of the importance of faith and sharing stories of believers who demonstrated willing submission to the Will of God.

Asa result of being exposed as a group to the offerings of these three great men, what had simply been a lecture class was rapidly transformed into an intimate circle radiating laughter and awe. As memories poured forth of devoted pioneers and consecrated believers to the Cause, spiced with humor and bound with sincerity, those in attendance watched each other grow in faith and determination. #

Complete list of upcoming Bosch events on Calendar, page 40

November 4, 2000

Tue American BanA’i © SpiRTuAL DisTINCTION page I7 [Page 18]

Connecting with ‘special needs’ youth in Durham

BY PAMELA BRODE

and youth with mental and

physical impairments and wasn’tsure at first what to expect,” said 18-year old Alexandra. Asbaghi of — Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, reflecting on her experiences as a volunteer at Camp Civitan—a summer camp for children and teens with developmental —disabilities in Durham, North Carolina.

Alexandra was one of nine Baha’{ youths who traveled to Durham from Florida, Oklahoma, ‘Texas and elsewhere to participate in a youth teaching initiative during July, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Durham. For more than two weeks the youth

engaged in teaching and service proj including six days’ service at Camp Civitan.

6C I had never worked with children

Interaction with young people with disabilities, the young Baha’is agreed, raised in them a new awareness of the need for inclusion of all children and youth in the Baha’f community.

Bahar Hatami, 16, of Houston, Texas, volunteered

four days at the camp. “I have a whole new perspective,” she said. “I never thought about

serving Baha’u'lléh in

that way, but I really enjoyed it.

“Interacting — with the kids at the camp made me realize that there’s no reason to sepa rate the children and youth

with impairments in the Bahd’

community, We are all human beings. We need to create activities to make all children and youth in our community feel comfortable. The camp made all of the children and youth feel comfortable in a loving atmosphere. We in the Ba munity need to do that too.”

Camp Civitan provides campers with a

fcom Avery personal commentary: Including all youth and children in the community,

hrough the years my husband and I

have watched our sons Alex, 19, and Ben, 13, miss out on countless Baha’i children’s and youth act not because of a lack of will or desire on their part, but because those activities were not geared to meet their special needs and learning styles.

Alex and Ben were born with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disease. It is the leading known hereditary cause of developmental disabilities that can include mild to severe mental impairment, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, autism and attention disorders.

Although Alex and Ben function in the upper-moderate range of mental impairment, they are very spiritual, sociable young people with delightful, lovable

personalities. They love music, enjoy sports, and—as any other child or youth—they want desperately to have

friends and to feel good about themselves. On the downside, they read and write at

a 5-year-old level, and while they have fair ly good verbal skills, their comprehension

of speech is limited. Let’s face it—a pro gram focused on discussion and reading

text is not going to elicit their attention.

A oe

AT TE COLLE

Alex and Ben, as all children with special needs, are multi-modality learne: They learn best when information presented to them through creative and imaginative approaches, including the use of music, arts, visual aids and verbal cues. They also function best when their routine is consistent and well-structured in a happy and orderly environment.

‘Their potential for learning and doing can best be realized in an atmosphere where they feel unconditional love and acceptance, and receive the appropriate support.

‘Through the years, my husband and I have labored arduously to involve Alex and Ben in activities that enrich their lives, help them develop skills, and provide them with opportunities to be active participants, such as the Special Olympics, Very Special Arts, special education programs, summer camps, and dances for the Special Population. The boy: ‘0 love to go to the movies, bowl, play basketball and soccer, and love to dance and sing. Most importantly, they love Baha’u'llih.

There have been times when I have attempted to advocate for my children to

NT TON s

Stand up and be counted!

daily routine of sports, games, swimming, field trips and_ socialization. However, all activities were adapted in a way to include everyone, regardless of physical and mental challenges.

Serving at the camp exposed the youth to an egalitarian, inclusive community in which everyone felt he or she belonged, was busy, active and had a sense of purpose. In ad on, the youth discovered that young people with disabilities, as all children and youth, need friends and want to feel accepted within their community.

“My attitude about how we should regard children and youth in the community has changed,” said volunteer Sonya Lopez-Lengowski, 14, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “I never before worked with kids with impairments, and

after this experience—I just love them! - I think that it would be great if the Baha'i youth went to the movies with kids with disabilities in their community and did things with them that they can do. Their hearts are just the same as ours—they can still connect with their spirituality and realize Baha’u'llih.” Nushan Zareey, age 15 and visiting from abroad, agreed. “I worked with the older youth at the camp and found them to be very spiritual,” she said. “They were very friendly and very generous. ... It was a learning experience for me because I kind of see what it must feel like to be them in the outside world. I would like to work with them again—with youth who have impairments. I would like very much to see them participate in Baha’i activities.” #

Several of the Baha’i youths who volunteered at Camp Civitan in Durkan North Carolina, pose with (left) Alex Brode and (lower right) Ben Brode, two Baha’i teenagers who are among the “special needs” population served by the camp.

be more fully included in the Baha’ community. However, it has only been recently, certainly inspired by the Ridvan 2000 letter from the Universal House of Justice, that I have sensed a keener receptivity among the believers regarding the need for inclusion of all children and youth in the community.

Bahé’i planning committees for children’s and youth programs can show support by contacting parents and asking for suggestions about how to meet their children’s needs. For example, children with special needs often have food allergies—which is useful to know when planning those “Baha’ pi ties.” Whether the child has a men physical impairment, a mild learning disability or behavior problem—the parents can often provide useful input and guidance.

The Baha’is may also wish to consult special education teachers or therapists for suggestions about how to make programs more inclusive.

All children and youth basically have the same needs: to be loved and dwell in an atmosphere in which they “feel that they belong to the community and share in its purpose.” Certainly, the needs of all young people for inclusion will be better understood if we strive to nurture and integrate “into the life of the cause” those precious young souls whose needs are the most challenging. #

Pamela Brode, a Baha’i in Durham, North Carolina, is a journalist and a former professional advocate for children with developmental disabilities at Duke University Medical Center’s Child Development Unit.

“The more we study the present condition of the world, the more deeply we become convinced that there just cannot be any way out of its problems except the way of God, as given by Him, through Baha’u’llah.

Office of Youth Affairs The early Persian Baha’is gave their lives for the Cause; One Baha’j representative from each university Baha'i National Center —_ the Western believers have been spared this necessity, but their comfort, to Radar wih a nee os Lee Ne 1233 cai henic some extent, they must sacrifice if they are going to discharge find out more on the U.S. Baha’t Administrative phone 847-733-3499 fetorsloblsation cojaitortured humanity Web Site (www.usbnc.org), or by contacting us: e-mail —Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 177 page 18 THe American BanA’i ¢ Yourn November 4, 2000 [Page 19]

lesa

Find out what Liang did last month during his summer

each picture. The circled letters will reveal the answer!

>* SO9° eetee AG ates” Neen

to Brilliant Star (at brillianteusbnc.org) and tell us about your summer stories!

For subscriptions to

ctivity by the Office of the Treasure! mei” BRILLIANT STAR

vacation by writing in the name of

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UGE Mm tal deal

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November 4,2000 = THe AMERICAN BaAnA’i * BRILLIANT STAR Kip’s Corner

page 19 [Page 20]

Kim Wilson, 7, is the title character in “The Last Flower,” a Thurber tale illustrating the toll war takes on humanity and the environment. Photo by Mike Relph

i:

Excerpts from messages in response to CTC’

From a message of the Universal | of Justice Department of the Sec: to the Spiritual Assembly of the of the City of New York, dated June : 2000: :

[The Universal House of Justice] was so delighted with the nature of the Company's program as a service project that employs the dramatic arts that we ave been asked to convey through your embly to the founders, Mehr uri and Roya Movafegh, its deep sure at their success to date and its enthusiastic encouragement of ee continuing endeavor. i

From a letter of the International Teaching Center to Counselor ‘Abdu’lMissagh Ghadirian, dated June 6, 2000:

We share your joy in acknowledging the vital service to children that is rendered by this activity, and praise the recent decision of the Local Spiritual Assembly of New York City to incorporate parenting classes into the reach of the program.

Please convey to the organizers of this effort ... our deep appreciation for their selfless commitment and assurance of our prayers that their devotion and perseverance may attract greater confirmations from on high and win fresh victories for the Cause of God.

4

From a letter of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United — States to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the City of New York, dated May 31, 2000: ie

We congratulate the organizers on the public recognition of this valuable ‘pro gram.

We commend the group’s effective use of the arts to encourage and i children to excel, an effort with: lar relevance during the Th Plan in which the Universal Justice emphasizes the need to

“urgent and sustained effort terests of children and the

Children’s Theatre takes center stage

BY TOM MENNILLO

hildren’s Theatre Company diuri and Roya imply a mat

claimed year-old New y troupe has a wealth to draw on in providing nonprofit “theatre by children for grownups”:

• The children themselves, ages 4-13,

chosen more for their character and work skills than for their talent. r parents, whose power to influence children positively is harnessed through discussion groups and volunteer service. A core of professional artist-instructors dedicated to implementing a curriculum rooted in — social

values.

The New York City Baha'i Center, which donates use of classroom, performance and exhibition spaces.

And it’s working. CTC has been singled out repeatedly for unsolicited attention, Mansuri and Movafegh report humbly—and a little stunned.

Time-Warner Cable cited the project’s founders as New Yorkers of the Week in late May. ‘The popular “Parenting Report” — television program profiled the CTC twice. An Emmy-winning TV producer has recruited the children for nine appearances this fall on Sesame Street and Nickelodeon programs

More importantly, CT'C’s impact has radiated from its participan

‘The combination of top-notch artistic instruction and exposure to universal truths has transformed the children before the very eyes of their parents and teachers.

Likewise, the tirel ice of Baha instructors has inspired fellow artists— Baha'i and non-Baha’i alike, including Broadway stars, film and TV actors, award-winning playwrights, choreogra

Leonard McClean, 9 (at left in above photo), is surrounded by his proud family after an award ceremony. In the right photo, he portrays the king in Dr. Seuss’ “Yertle the Turtle,” a story of greed vs. generosity and power vs. service. Photos by Mike Relph

ag ject of | Page 24, longtime programs in south DeKalb County, Georgia ive Col orado; and Tucson, Arizona.

• Pages 24-25, other innovative projects now making their mark.

phers and costume designers—to lend time and talents to the progr:

People who attend the Baha’f Social mnomic Development Conferfor the Americas in Orlando, will get to see for themselves. CTC will be the subject of a workshop, and about 30 of the project’s young students will exhibit their artwork and

and

perform during the Dec. 14-17 event.

The four seasons

‘The Children’s Theatre Company started by attracting bright children from an inner-city school where Mansuri teaches sixth-grade language arts. Diversity increased with each of the year’s four nine-week seasons.

More than 50 child participants are chosen through auditions that test their focus and ability to work together.

“We're not here to rescue children,” Mansuri explained. “Instead, we build on their strengths.”

Some talented children, though, need

one-on-one attention CTC simply can not provide. For them, the program

sn’t a good fit.

he children who do get in gather on

Saturdays at the Baha’i Center, on I 1th

Sucet in die Greenwich Village section attan.

who

i beuncli gigs” to share their crafts in bit

size pieces. The curriculum is guided by Mansuri, a veteran of Los Angeles and New York stages who also produces and writes.

They striking artwork, such as African masks or “peace quilts,” that are professionally mounted by Movafegh, a photographer — and illustrator, and exhibited for a month at the Center's public space.

And they rehearse for each season’s much-anticipated perfor es, which fill the Center’s 160-seat red-velvet proscenium theater.

Stories the children present on stage range impressively from “Gold in the Fire,” a profile of African-American heroines Sojourner Truth, Harriet 7 man and Mary McLeod Bethune, to Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle, to the poem “Womb World” by Kamal Sinclair, a Baha’ who has toured extensively with the Broadway show Stomp.

Interspersed, and providing 2 to the questions raised in the stories, are

create

nswers

SEE THEATRE, PAGE 29

page 20 Tue American BanA’i ¢ MaTurinc Communities

November 4, 2000 [Page 21]

INFORMATION FROM TERESA LANGNESS

ae students of the summer Children’s Enrichment Program. in Los Angeles been growing “spiritual arms and legs”? Judge for yourself:

One day a boy rushed out to recess waving a wide piece of chalk.

He also carried the long, laminated “conflict bridge” used in his classroom.

“What are you doing?” a cher asked. I'm going to draw a conflict resolution bridge right here on the playground,” he said. “That way, I can resolve a problem I’m having with another boy. If we have a conflict bridge out here, we can do it on our own without using c! time.”

He drew with a vengeance, but that soon dissipated as he walked the bridge with his friend. They worked out their differences peacefully without a teacher's help, and anger gave way to good will.

This boy was the first of the summer to use his chalked-out

conflict bridge to settle a dispute. He wasn’t the last.

And that’s a prime example of “habits of heart” cultivated by the Children’s Enrichment Program (CEP), an independent, nonprofit venture housed at the Los Angeles Bahi’i Center and fueled in part by plenty of Baha’ inspiration.

Parents of the participating students can’t say enough nice things about CEP and its aim to educate the “whole child.” All respondents to the 2000 survey reported improvements in their children’s attitudes about learning, their social awareness, or their capacity to express themselves through critical thinking and through the arts.

This came a year after fully 80 percent

Left: A CEP summer student

splays kites made in the arts and crafts program.

Above left: Derrick Burton sings “If | Could Give You Anything” to express his feelings for the new friends he made at the Braille Center for the Blind.

Above right: Leila Sedeghan (right), CEP program director, poses with one of the parents who volunteers her time. Photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Bahd’i Journal

L.A. program cultivates ‘habits of heart

Summer program for 8-year-old CEP runs 10 hours a day, 5 days a week at parents’ request

of the 1998-99 students showed an ine in their national percentile

ings in standard reading and math

tests. “My son

specially has a better attiabout learning,” one parent wrote. “He’s not so negative now when it

tud

Mark Bamford (top), a Los Angeles Baha’i who is a filmmaker, volunteers regularly for the year-round after-school program conducted by CEP.

comes to trying new things or experiencing different activities that motivate creativity.”

Founded after the 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles, CEP has developed afterhool and summer school programs that are highly valued, especially in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood where the

Center is located. The 2000 summer program v nded to 10 hours a day, five days a week, at the request of parents—who said CEP was their children’s home away from home.

he curriculum is carefully built around the project’s mission: to help children embrace their role as society's helpers and healers. It integrates academic and arts enrichment with character education, conflict resolution and community service.

The highly popular Virtues Guide by Linda Kavelin and Dan Popov helps program developers identify a “habit of heart” to emphasize each week.

The process is not always easy. Everyday school environments often fail to reinforce the goals of parents, or to feed a child’s need for nurturing and ethical development. Srudents can bring in a raft of problems asa result.

The CEP model insists that intellectual and psychological development connect so tightly that the fostering of noble human beings motivates and el s all the aspects of their learning.

Thus, the teaching style employs a prime virtue: tience—along with ii preparation and perseve:

“Providing a col structure for these kids from the beginning of the day until the end of the day makes a big difference in their development,” said program director Leila Sedighan.

“We saw major changes in the temperament and outlook of one student who had been with us four years because, finally, he had an outlet for resolving conflicts throughout the day. It was refreshing to teach the kids these skills during the first three week:

d, in

High parent approval

A few highlights of parents’ responses in the 2000 survey on the effectiveness of the CEP:

• 100% reported benefits as a result of

the family’s enrollment.

• 100% reported improvements in the

children’s reading abilities and motivation to learn.

• 85% reported improvements in the

children’s mathematical abilities.

• 100% reported a pronounced difference in the children’s awareness of

_ social issues, scientific issues and geographic regions.

• 100% reported improvements in the

_ children’s approach to goals or to lifelong learning.

• 100% reported improvements in the

children’s critical thinking skills.

• 100% reported increased capacity or

interest in graphic arts, performing arts, or writing and poetry.

• 100% reported several benefits in

terms of character development.

the second three weeks, see them taking initiative to resolve their own conflicts.”

Vocabulary is one launching point. New words are taught for more than just their own sake.

Each week, all year, teachers present a weekly vocabulary word such as unity, compassion, empathy, or generosity. The children are coached in the meaning of the word, then in the skills to turn the word into a behavior and, finally, a habit.

Thus, the classtime writing work: “In class, there’s unity,” a ond-grader writes in his spelling assignment.

“I will practice unity and cooperation by sharing and listening. I will be selfless and practice sportsmanship, patience and working together,” another student writes in her journal. Beneath the printed words, she draws a picture of herself and a friend with hearts floating

SEE ENRICHMENT, PAGE 29

November 4, 2000

Tne American BanA’i ¢ MATURING COMMUNITIES

page 21 [Page 22]ATURING*COM

oops er goa a 1T

MU IES

— e

KINGDOM PROJECT FACTS

COMPREHENSIVE ‘DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMPONENTS

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

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

Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops Media Initiative

Baha’ Publishing Baha’i-Owned Schools

Providing for the Future Strategic Reserves Establishing an

Endowment

PROGRESS REPORT LATE OCTOBER 2000

More than 2,500 individuals have pledged or made cash contributions.

About $19 million in pledges or cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

€

MEETING TODAY’S CHA

he investments outlined in this Jomprehensive Development Plan are too large to fit within our

national operating budget; they represent resource needs that exceed the routine requirements of the Faith’s day-to-day work.

For this reason, it is vital for every Baha’f to understand that support of the Development Plan should not come at the expense of regular contributions to the local, national and international Funds of the Faith.

Our National Spiritual Assembly is fully

PEEING E$

aware that it is calling the Bahd’is to a new level of sacrifice, but it does so with the firm conviction that our community is as capable today of meeting any challenge as it has been at any time in its long and distin guished history.

T EeE TAS KB BsbON:G St FO «BACH ON EeOralhs

Photo by Vladimir Shilov

We are all now being called upon to

It’s our time. @

rging our completion of the House of Worship, Shoghi Effendi set the standard for our involvement with a letter on April L1, 1949:

“Nor can this campaign yield its richest fruit unless and until the community, in its entirety, participates in this nation-wide sacrificial effort. Nor can this collective effort be blessed, to the fullest extent possible, unless

the contributions made by its members involve acts of self-abnegation, not

only on the part of those of modest means, but also by those endowed with substantial resources. Nor, indeed, can these self-denying acts, by both the rich and the poor, be productive of the fullest possible benefit unless this sacrificial effort is neither momentary nor haphazard, but rather systematic and continuous throughout the period of the present emergency.”

rise to this challenge in the pursuit of this

bold effort to reach the high standards set by Baha’u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi and to bring our community into true spiritual alignment with the plan of Baha’u’llah to build the Kingdom of God on earth.

“May the inhabitants of this country become like angels of heaven with faces turned continually toward God. May all of them become servants of the omnipotent One. May they rise from their present material attainments to such a height that heavenly illumination may stream from this center to all the peoples of the world.”

n 1916 and 1917, ‘Abdu’l-Baha sent us His Tablets of the Divine Plan, establishing the

—Abdu’l-Baha

A few more

mission of the American Baha’{ community and directing our first steps in achieving that

mission.

As “chief trustees” of this Divine Plan, we have inescapable obligations to our Supreme Body, to our sister national communities and to each other, all across this specially blessed land. Our effort to meet these goals will, in and of itself, hasten the advancement of the for tunes of our Faith.

Our capacity must expand to foster and accommodate dramatic growth, which is fast approaching. Therefore, with the blessing of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the United States has designed a Comprehensive Development Plan to take the American Baha’i community to our next level of advancement, maturation and service to the Cause of Bahd’u’ll4h, building on the spiritual foundation laid

by ‘Abdu'l-Baha.

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

initiatives listed above.

things you should know

| will be giving a certain

amount to the Kingdom Project every month for the next five years, but I have not filled out a pledge card. Should I send in a pledge card? A.Yes, if your plan is to continue giving until the end of the Kingdom Project. Informing the National Spiritual Assembly by making a pledge for the total amount that you will be giving helps the National Spiritual Assembly know that the money will be available to complete the component proj This development plan’ goals represent investments in our future, and demand sacrifices ects. above and beyond the regular contributions needed to carry on the annual operations of

our national community and our ongoing commitments to the international Funds of the

Faith.

Is the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) a better way to fulfill my pledge or

should | use my credit card?

A. Either way is fine. However, once it is established, ACS is constant and requires very little maintenance, while credit cards are often changed. This requires that new information be submitted to the Office of the Treasurer in order to avoid interruption of pledge contributions.

Do I have to give a certain

amount to make a pledge? ‘A. Absolutely not. As with any contribution to the Funds, the amount you give is your personal decision. Likewise, a pledge can be any amount. Making a pledge can help you plan your giving, and assists the National Spiritual Assembly in its planning for the work of the Kingdom Project. @

page 22

Tre American BanA’i ¢ MATURING COMMUNITIES

November 4, 2000 [Page 23]

MATERIAL MEANS

Calculating your obligation

This article is the third in a series containing excerpts from the Codification of the Law of Huqdqu’llah. It was prepared with reference to the compilation on Hugdqu’llah, which is available from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

Among principles expressed in previous issues: The fundamentals of the Law of Huqaqu’llah are promulgated in the Kitab-i-Aqdas; further explanations are to be found in other writings of Baha’u’llah, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and letters from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice. The Huqaqu’llah (Right of God) is to be offered joyfully and without hesitation; when offered in this spirit it will impart prosperity and protection to the friends, purify their worldly possessions, and enable them and their offspring to benefit from the fruits of their endeavors.

Determining the Huqaqu'lah Everything that a b with the exc

rtain specific

items, is the payment of Huqtiqu’l A. Exempt from assess Huqiqu’llah are:

1. The residence and its needful furnishings (note: it is left to the individual to

nly once to

ment to

Raising our ‘comfort level’

Missaeeae is not the same as having money; it is attachment to the material world.

‘is need to become comfortable with money beBaha'u'llah tells us, “the fulfillment of every undertaking on earth [is] dependent on material means. The Stewardship and Development program, devel

@

oped by the Office of the “ bout the spiritual natu for one’s belie ture their thinking on a wide va

friends

surer, helps educate the ¢ of giving and The program helps communi iety of topics related to

decide which furnishings are “needful.”)

2. The needful business and agricultural equipment which produce income for one’s subsistence.

B. Payment falls due:

1. Huqiiqu’lléh is payable as soon as a person's assessable possessions reach or exceed the value of 19 mithqils of gold. 19 mithqils equals approximately 2.2 troy ounces, or approximately 69.2 grams.

a) The amount to be paid is 19% of

the value of the assessable property.

b) The payment is due on whole units

of 19 mithqils of gold.

s payable on further of gold when subseafter the

units of 19 mithqal quently acquired possession

value of the able property sufficiently. Among the expenses to be deducted are:

a) The general expenses of living. b) Losses and expenses incurred on the sale of possessions.

Sums which a aid to the state,

h as

ves a gift or it is to be added to his or her ons and augments the total value

as does an excess of annual income over expenditure.

4. If a property increases in value, Huqtiqu’llah is not payable on that

crificing struc

passing.

increase until it is realized, e.g. on the sale of the property.

5. If possessions decrease, such as through the expenses of a year exceeding the income received, Huqiqu’lléh falls due again only after the loss has been made good and the total value of one’s assessable possessions is augmented.

6. The payment of debts takes precedence over the payment of Huququ’llih.

7. The payment of Huqiqu’llsh dependent on the person’s financial ability to meet his obligations.

8. On the death of a believer, the completion of his/her payment of Huqdqu’ll is accomplished in the following manner:

a) The first charge on the estate is the ¢ of burial.

‘ondly, the debts of the deceased must be paid.

©) The Huqiqu'lléh still due on the property should then be paid. In establishing the value of the property on

which Huqtiq has not already been paid,

the following are arnong the deductions to be mad f the deces

the assets when realized, and expenses incurred in

realizing the assets.

Next issue: Further notes on determining one’s Huqdqu’llah obligation.

HUQUQU’LLAH THE RIGHT OF GOD

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

sent to one of the Trustees:

• Amin Banani,

phone » fax 310-394-6167 e-mail

• 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 » fax 803-635-9982 e-mail Office of the Secretariat, Baha’i Huqdqu’llah Trust, (phone

, fax 440-333-6938,

e-mail ).

Charitable Gift Annuities

tion of which are non-taxable.

• A charitable income tax deduction for a

annuity is established.

‘an appreciated asset. + Increased support of the Baha'i Fund.

• Guaranteed fixed payments for life, a por

portion of the gift in the year in which the

+ Reduced capital gains taxes if funded with

now offered by our National Spiritual Assembly as a gift-planning option A charitable gift annuity 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

1 you, the donor, for your lifetime.

• The remainder of the annuity fund is transferred to the Baha'i Fund after your

Requirements:

+ Must be at least 60 years of age to enter into an annuity agreement with our National Spiritual Assembly.

‘+ Must establish the annuity with a minimum of $10,000.

• Must irrevocably transfer the funds.

• Will receive a lifetime annuity payment.

the local treasury and the Baha’ funds in general—including bold initiatives like the Kingdom Project. In the Ridvin 2000 letter, the Universal House of

Examples (based on a $10,000 annuity):

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 deduction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin

Justice describes a noticeable change in the “expanded capability, methodical pattern of functioning and the consequent depth of confidence of ... the individual,

This eight-page brochure from the

The National Spiritual Assembly's Gift and

the institutions and the local community.” Estate Planning Program

The Stewardship and Development program facili- Office of the tates the material expression of this expanded Treasurer has beenestab- —* Providing for the Baha’i Faith capability. A group of new Stewardship and Develop- contains some Baha’i lished to help in your will ment ators underwent four ¢ gat the teachings and practi- believers make a —_* Making a gift of securities end of August. Trained facilitators across the country cal advice on: variety of finan- * Making a gift of real estate are ready to offer their services to communities in the * Importance and cialarrange- * Making a gift through life form of half, full-day or two day seminars. Contac advantages of a ments for them- insurance Regina Blum (phone iene will selves, their — Receiving income from your gift:

) to locate a facilitator in your area. * Five steps to cre- | families and the _* Charitable Gift Annuities

We must continue expanding our capacity in order to fos- ating a successful | Baha’i Faith: | * Charitable Remainder Trusts ter and accommodate the dramatic growth which is fast will | approaching. “This is the time,” states the Universal House * Checklist for preparing a will | To order The Writing of a Will or to find out more of Justice, “for which we must now prepare ourselves; this * Burial instructions | about the gift and estate planning program: is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.” * Bequests to the Baha’i Faith |» Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail

The Stewardship and Development program can _ Individual copies may be requested free. There is a * Or, fill out the form with the Baha’i Funds envelope help. @ nominal charge for ordering brochures in quantity. attached to this paper.

November 4, 2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ MATURING ComMUNITIES page 23 [Page 24]

i

BY TOM MENNILLO

ahd’i centers have long provided B refuge from the storms of society to believers and seekers alike. Increasingly, these often-modest structures are helping the f and wider communities in another way, as home to community service and systematic social and economic development projects.

dered the “granddaddy” of this trend is the Los

‘The Spiritual Assembly of South DeKalb County teamed up six years ago with Motta_hedeh Development Services, a social and economic development arm of the National

Spiritual Assembly, to offer tutoring and charof acter development to inner-city students; after-school sessions and family development education to Asian and Hispanic immigrants; a computer literacy program; and public speaking training in the form of Toastmasters for adults and Gavel Club for youths. Grants are being sought to expand and sustain the project.

also had approved a request by a neighborhood committee to hold its meetings at the new facility.

‘This flurry of community-minded activity was no accident. As pointed out at the grand opening by Caswell Ellis of the Regional Baha’{ Council for the Central States, the friends sited their Center here partly because the families, singles and college students in its culturally diverse neighborhood were so receptive.

It didn’t hurt

Angeles Baha’ Center [see related story on page 21).

Other pacesetters about which The Babi’t has reported extensively in recent years include the Baha’i Unity Center out American

side Atlanta, Georgia; the DenColorado,

Center; and

Center [see cap

that the rented building, formerly a delicatessen, came at a good price and met the community’s space needs. Paralleling the Lake Mendota _ shore

front windows and a green awning proclaiming “Baha'i Center” in white letters.

The opening celebration on Race Unity Day

sules above]. But in

other communities large

and are unleashing material and human resources for their amelioration.

A few examples follow:

INFORMATION FROM ELLIE JACOBI

Even before Madison Baha’is formally invited the public to their long-dreamed-of Center on June 11, a volunteer project was under way to tutor children who attend a nearby public school.

The Spi

ial Assembly of Madison

Paramedic Jim DeDecker demonstrates CPR to some of the 30 people who came to the Detroit, Michigan, Baha’i Center for a health fair that the community hopes to make an annual event.

drew Baha'is from several communiti neluding a busload from Milwaukee 125 miles away. More than 200 people at

tended.

A reporter in attendance later wrote, “I am grateful to have been part of a happy event, where genuine love for one human race is not just expressed in word but in deed.”

The day’s theme was “One Human Family,” and rice, the universal food of humanity, was served in the many recipes of the world’s cultures.

The Madison area’s Ba Youth Workshop performed dances depicting how prejudice has divided our world and how people can heal those divisions. The One Human Family Workshop

re Colorado,

Bah’ Center ;

The Dorothy Baker project was founded in _ 1991 to provide area poor with a “bank” of food, clothing and household goods, as well as counseling, resource referral, and financial assistance with medical and dental needs, The Corinne True Justice Center has been training mediators and providing conflict resolution services since 1996 and more recently has expanded its efforts to aid in the maturation of Bah4’{ communities. It is co-owned by the Spiritual Assembly of Denver and the Baha'i Justice Society, a membership-based agency of the National Assembly. A Corinne True Justice Center also has been launched in Los Angeles.

For six years, the Baha’ Food Distribution _

Program has helped needy families and the eld erly in the neighborhood by collecting outdated food from grocery stores and giving it away. ‘The Bahé’{ program also is connected with social service agencies that supply high-quality used clothing for distribution to their clients under a voucher program.

during the formal opening of the Madison, Wisconsin, Baha’i Center.

Choir, led by Martha Banda, made the new Center ring with soulful gospel selections.

This watershed event of putting down roots in the community had immediate effect. Most obvious was the media cov

erage, mainly by two television stations, a daily newspaper and a weekly newspaper that serves minority communities. ry has caused other rever‘or example, a Madison gned to deal with diverstarted consulting with the Assembly on ways she can become involved in our community and learn about the Faith.

Fresno, California

INFORMATION FROM

‘HARD ROWLAND

After 15 years’ contact between the Hmong community and one or two Baha’i families, members of the Yang clan asked the Spiritual Assembly of Fresno for permission to base literacy and Hmong-language classes at the Baha’i Center.

The clan explained that its goal was to keep its children and youth as safe as

possible from the more negative and

materialistic aspects of American culture and provide them with a deeper knowledge of their heritage.

The Assembly agreed. That was seven years ago, and the weekly s contins a Baha’i community project. Center has been a silent teacher throughout. Photographs and quotations adorning its walls have moved many Hmong to inquire about the Faith. A number have joined the Baha’i family.

This conn number of Fi al Southe Roundtable Conferen School.

This year the clan leader and several other elders visited Bosch.

Support from Fresno Bah played a major role in the project’s suc Likewise, their welcoming of new ‘s aided the process of con

tion brings an increasing sno residents to the annuAsian Community Builders at Bosch Baha'i

has

One American Baha’s family became so close to the Yangs that they were wel SEE CENTERS, PAGE 25

page 24

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Maturing Communes

November 4, 2000 [Page 25]

CENTERS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

comed into the clan as members in a traditional Hmong ceremony at the Center. The Hmong see them as a bridge between their two peoples and cultures.

Detroit, Michigan INFORMATION FROM MORRIS RICHARDSON II

In Metro Detroit, Baha’is have been recognized leaders in race

Center has been a

unity for many years, and the Detroit Bah: pivot for that activity.

Another element of public service was added July 15 when the Baha’fs of Southfield and Detroit held a health fair at the Center. Its purpose was to provide health care for the Baha’ and surrounding communities.

‘The fair included blood screenings, eye checks and prescription checks. There were demonstrations on CPR and helping someone who has had a seizure, a presentation on high blood pressure and an information booth supplied by a local cancer institute.

Practitioners volunteering their time include Dr. Ruth Rydstedt, Dr. Fariba Hickinson, Dr. Ari Richardson and paramedic Jim De Decker.

About 30 people attended. Organizers are looking forward to repeating the health fair next year.

Springfield, Ilinois

t year, three Baha'is and sisters from the Dominican and Ursuline orders of the Roman Catholic Church joined forces to launch the Unity Institute of Illinois. Its first objective is to promote the development of the first generation of children and youth free of racial, ethnic, and cultural prejudi

A second objective is to educate parents and other adults in the elimination of prejudice so they can support and supplement the work of the institute.

The Baha'i Center-based project has held a very successful Calling All Colors conference and is planning another. Other activities also are on the table.

Future visions include a system of children’s training and support programs to develop a prejudice-free society and provide peer training.

‘The independent

some point to move to its own offices.

Casa Grande, Arizona INFORMATION FROM RUTH TOBEY HAMPSON

A different kind of Baha’f center, the conference and retreat center, is cropping up in various parts of the United States.

‘The Desert Rose Baha’i Institute is such a creature. Located where Interstates 8 and 10 meet, it serves the Baha’fs of Phoenix, Tucson, and—through the annual Desert Rose Baha’{ Conference—beyond.

Plans to construct a senior living center are moving forward, with expectations that the units will be ready for occupany in fall 2001.

Residents’ volunteer service in all areas of institute operations will be welcomed. But a central purpose will be to encourage retirees to be active in programs of Baha’i learning for all age:

‘That's why the board of directors, after consulting on the Universal House of Justice’s Ridvin 157 letter, accelerated plans for the senior center and adopted the training of youth and preyouth as a major institute goal.

The board sees facilities for encouraging youthful moral leadership as an urgent need. Working closely with Auxiliary Board members and others involved with the Tucson 2000 Youth Project, it is considering construction of a 40-bed dormitory and a swimming pool.

‘These facilities might also be used in support of a social and economic development project envisioned for a neighboring city.

Wi ”, Sahat INFORMATION OF FIC

Above: Members of the Clifton, New Jersey, Baha’i community gather on the front steps of their new Baha’i Information Office.

Left: A large sign invites passers-by to visit the newly opened Baha’i Faith Information Center in Cedar Rapids, lowa.

Center planning process strengthens communities

Other Bahé’i centers being brought on line might not immediately be put to use in community service.

But often the thought and care put into their planning help strengthen the internal development of local Baha’f communities.

Cedar Rapids, lowa INFORMATION FROM STEVE BONNETT

Cedar Rapids is not a large Baha’{ community, but thanks to vision, timing and cooperation among several localities, it now owns a Baha’{ Information Center—debt-free.

Now one year old and located on the city’s main thoroughfare, the center helps attract seekers to call 1-800-22-UNITE, as well as serving as a hub of activity for the Baha’i community.

A report from the Spiritual Assembly credits Rohollah Hosseini, a real estate investor who immigrated from Iran in 1984, with much of the know-how and rallying energy that brought the property into the Baha’is’ hands.

After several years’ vigilance, the Assembly made a bid for the property—and doubtless with the help of the many prayers said locally, the price of the two-story house was half what the Assembly was prepared to pay.

Much of the price came from a bequest from the estate of a longtime Baha’{, and the rest was pledged by Baha’is in Cedar Rapids and neighboring communities.

All was paid off by the end of 1999.

A low price for a nearly 90-year-old house, of course, means plenty of renovation work is ahead.

With Hosseini as project manager, the friends volunteered hundreds of hours of loving labor to complete the center in time for a public opening Dee. 31, 1999.

Qualified people worked on plumbing, carpentry, masonry, drywall, and others contributed just plain elbow grease.

Improvement efforts continue today, with all the work helping the friends become continually better-prepared for servi

Clifton, New Jersey INFORMATION FROM HABIB HOSSEINY

A lot of prayers, persistent planning and cooperative work with local authorities led to the opening of the Baha’i Information Office on June 3 in this New York City suburb.

Though without a Spiritual Assembly, the Clifton community had made financial prepa: tions to buy a center over several years.

‘They even picked out a downtown s to be denied a permit.

On its second attempt with another site, the Baha’i community hired an attorney, prepared their case for the local Board of Adjustment, and passed review with flying colors.

The hearing itself was a proclamation because it was televised to the Clifton community.

With a reading room/library set up visually to invite curious people inside from the street, the Information Office provides information regarding firesides and other community activities.

An intensive, sustained media campaign is being planned to help ensure it has plenty of business.

e—only

November 4, 2000 Tue American BanA’i ¢ Maturing Communities page 25 [Page 26]

• CLASSIFIED.

lassified notices in The American

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

f you know of anyone who has skills in the following areas who may know othe

or know of people with these skills, especially for positions listed as “Urgent

Needs,” please contact our Human Resources Department.

Assistant Researcher, Research Office. Responsibility and

ary depend on ability to

match the following skills:

writing ba

ic corre

c; organizing files/tracking many organizing small scholarly gath and conferences; ng, itiquing manuscripts and corresponding with authors about their

ings

ating, maintai expanding data

work; interacting with, encouraging and

answering questions from academics (Baha’s

and non-Baha’) about the

‘ith; carrying out basic literature and/or statistical research

about the Faith and its community in answer to research ques

‘ns; analyzing and respondicles critical of the Faith in a friendly, persuasive, thorough fashion. Bachelor’ degree required; highly desired. Concrete Journeyman, Conservation Office. Utilize your skills in state-of-the-art concrete repair for the historic Baha’i House of Worship. Opportunity to manage and train

ing toa

loctorate or masten’s degree

concrete artisans in a unique studio environment.

Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs at least five

years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVA

electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five

driver's license; supervisory command of English. Staff Producer, Media Services. Full range of video/audio production tasks, especially writing/development of Baba’ Newsreel. Keeps

years as a maintenance manager; ¥

day-to-day production process in order;

res -dits finished

cches, gathers news, writ

Newsreel stories, at times on own

helps deve op network of correspondents; arranges duplication/distribu

ion. Needs broad knowledge and experience in broadcast journalism; flexibility, organizational skills, familiarity with Baha'i administration.

Switchboard Operator/Receptionist, Office of Human Resources (part-time). Receives and

routes telephone calls; greets visitors to the

Baha'i 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 interna~ tional contacts. Must be flexible, effective in service as a team member in a fast-paced environment, able to promote unity in the workplace.

One

Office of the Treasurer, E:

URGENT NEEDS

Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Fund Development Coordinator: Helps formu late strategies to increase participation, regularity and levels of contributions to the Baha’f Funds; helps educate communities, treasurers and Assemblies on the principles underlying contributions to the Funds and helps them apply these principles; reaches the community mainly through letters, phone calls and presentations; frequent travel. Needs strong communication skills and warm, mature personality; computer proficiency, ability to coordinate many tasks. Must be grounded in fundamental verities of the Faith. Related work experience a plus. Babi’i Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Customer Service 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.

of Baha’ literature is a plus. the Secretary, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Interacts with all eae 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.

vanston: Executive

Coordinates administra tive 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.

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

For BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

Associate Editor. Helps coordinate and execute all phases of content acquisition/development, proofing, and digital print production for all six issues of Brilliant Star magazine in a creative, deadline-driven atmosphere; assists with other print projects within Baha’i Media Services. Must have two years’ experience with editorial and production work in educational publishing for children (ages 6-12); familiarity with children’s activities and educational materials to suit various reading levels and learning styles in the context of Baha’ teachings. Must have strong creative writing and editing skills. Should be detail-oriented; able to work in a

consultative manner as a member of a team, as well as independently with little supervision. 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

developm

t including research, writing, edit

ing and on-site proofreading for all six issues each year. Must be able to stay abreas

and needs in Baha’ children’s activities, partici of trends

pate 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’s 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.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Systems Support Manager (technical manag er). Must know Windows NT.

Senior Applications Developer (2 positions). Provides high-level analysis, d tation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: Visual Basic, SQL7, Microsoft Access, Web tools, Delphi, C++.

Applications Developer. Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with variety of technologies: Visual tools, database and Web tools. Network Administrator/Engineer. Responsible for configuration, maintenance and security of all computer networking infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including servers, cabling, routers, switches and NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers setup and structure. SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to SQL using MS Access, VB or other tools as determined. Telephone Systems Specialist.

Report Writer. S} Reports; Visual BaSic helpful.

Help desk, Coordinates support activities for

illed it

Access, Crystal

LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAI. Handles or delegates requests for support. Develops training-related materials,

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

At BoscH BaHA’l SCHOOL

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA Facilities Manager. Responsible for the maintenance of all buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles. Directs work of maintenance employces and volunteers; creates and maintains operat ing procedures and system documentation; supervises renovation, repair, restoration and new construction projects. Must have knowledge and skills in basic building maintenance/repair,

including carpentry, roofing, painting, masonry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC; general contractor's license (certification in electrical, plumbing and HVAC system repair desirable); five years’ facility management experience (¢.g- hotel, motel,

URGENT NEED

3 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.

school, condominium or light industrial plant)

with three years supervising three or more per

sonnel. Should be familiar with CAD software. Vehi

le maintenance skill

ind construction proj

re desirable.

agement experien

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

At GREEN ACRE BAHA'I SCHOOL EuloT, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, ma repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds. Receptionist/Office Assistant. Receives phone, e-mail and fax communications; greets visitors

tenance, exterior and interior

in a courteous, efficient manner; provides administrative support for co-administrators, registrar, program coordinator; helps bookstore manager with sales and inventory.

If interested, please contact Jim Sacco, coadministrator, Green Acre Bahs’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-4397200, e-mail ).

AT Native AMERICAN BAHA’i INSTITUTE Houck, ARIZONA Administrative Assistant. Maintains relationships with institutions, volunteers, staff, and

the public through phone, mail and electronic

correspondence; prepares newsletters, fliers, bulk mailings and reports; maintains financial

Institute pu s. Must be able to maintain confi sings

dentiality of sensitive records and materials.

If interested, 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 teach

and professionals willing to travel for service in

this rapidly developing country. For information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 5 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 opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’s National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ):

page 26 Tne American BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED

November 4, 2000 [Page 27]

HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER NATIONAL SPIRITUAL AssEMBLY’s OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON, DC The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce an exciting job its Washington, DC office, the Office of External Affairs.

opportunity

The staff of the Office of External Af represents the Nation

rs

Spiritual Assembly ‘elations with the federal and state

governments, and in its activities wit national and i

‘ernational non-governmental organizations, leaders of thought and the he office also coordinates

national m the interactions of and provides policy guidance to the U.S. Baha'i community regarding its contact with government officials, leaders of thought and national and international non-governmental organizations.

‘The director is the head of staff and coordinator for the National Assembly's four external affairs offices that include the Washington office, the U.S. United Nations Office and the Office of Public Information in New York, and the Baha’i Refugee Office in Evanston, Illinois.

Principal Responsibilities ‘The human rights officer will work on var

ious activities at the National Assembly's

8:

• Collaboration with the director of the

ington offices inclu

office in the defense of the Iranian Baha’is and Baha’ ‘The work includes diplomatic relations.

in other Muslim countries.

with U.S. government executive and congressional officials and contact with the national media on defense matters.

• Collaboration with nongovernmental

s of the U.S. govnt on human rights, religious freedom, race issues, the U.N. World

organizations and agenci

ern

Conference Against Racism, the formation of the International Criminal Court, ratifi Please send your cover letter and résumés to: Office of Human Resources, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (fax

847-733-3430, e-mail

We regret that no inquiries (by phone, fax or e-mail) or visits to the

Washington office can be accepted.

cation and implementation of U.N. human

rights treaties, and other relevant

• Researching and drafting mat

support human rights and other related projects of the National S} the promotion of human rights,

ance to the

S. Baha'i community about the decisions and policies of the National Assembly in external affairs.

• Collaboration with the Baha’

International Community and other National Spiritual Assemblies on external affai

• Collaboration with the three other exter

issues.

nal af offices as well as other offices,

agencies, and committees of the National

Assembly.

Qualifications ‘The individual who applies for the position should have demonstrated interest and experience in the application of Bah: principles to the current problems of sociedegre

is required. An

such as law, political science, international relations or related field is highly desirable. At least five years’ related work experience is preferred. The individual must write and speak excellent

glish. Because much of the work

involves attending meetings with governint officials and other national organizations, researching and drafting of letters,

and telephone conversations, the individual must have highly developed communication and consultation skills.

).

BAHA'I SUBSCRIBER SERVICE © 800-999-9019

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening and external affairs

Available in November: Summer 2000 issue: 150th anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab

• Editorial: The Bab (1817-50) ¢ Muhammad Afnan on “The Bayan”

• Stephen Lambden offers a provisional translation of one of the writings of the B
• Howard Garey translates a passage from Gobi

aut about the beginnings of the Babi Fait

• Karamat Momtazi showcases photographs of places associated with the ministry of the Bab.

Also available: Spring 2000 issue—Reflections on the Century of Light

+ How do we reconcile the fact that the 20th century was arguably the bloodiest ever recorded with the fact that Baha'is see it as the century of light?

Fi

Voykovic on the transmission and consumpti ture and ideas

¢ authors weigh in with points of light in what is commonly perceived to be a dark century: Stephen Friberg on science and religion, Geoffrey Marks on Chaim Potok, Gary Morrison on the ages of transition, Jim Stokes on humanity's family album, Milan n of cul

US—$I9 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. air mailH— $24 / year, $46 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the U.S. National Assembly Subscriptions: US.—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. air mai—$28 / year, $52 / 2 years Single copy: $350 + shippng/handing See Kid’s Corner, page 19

The American Baha’i

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

One Country Quarterly about development by the Baha’i International Community Subscriptions: US—$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside US. air mait—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

Heraid of the South

Quarterly by National Assemblies of ‘Australia and New Zealand Subscriptions: US—$28 / year, $50 / 2 years Outside U.S: Contact Herald of the South,

e-mail Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication?

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

ARCHIVES

A change in homefront pioneering appeals

The four Regional Baha’ Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering. Because of this, The American Baha’ 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 9 in this issue.

“Classified ads” seeking homefront pioneers have appeared in The American Bahd’t almost from its inception in 1970. However, at this time it is preferable for local communities to turn first to the Regional _ Councils for this purpose. ‘

‘The National Baha’ Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian flary J. Elmore, Della and Tillie Endelman, Gladys ngelhorn, Ruth Engler,

to the following: Ralph E

Endress, $

Joanne Engman and Albert and Alice

Entaminger. or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Bahi’i

Archives, 1233 Central Si 60201-1611 (phone 847-853

‘The National Bah: series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian Babi’is for the use of

rchives has prepared a

local communities in Black History Month,

partial chronoloties. Any communi ‘idual wishing a set of these sketches

is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central Street, Evanston IL 60201-1611

(phone 847-869-9039).

Send to:

Address City Country

Sold to (if different from recipient):

State, ZIP

Daytime phone or e-mail

Address

City State, ZIP Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N Home phone Fax

Work phone E-mail

Check/money order

Baha’i Distribution Service. Do

yment must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable t0

aber ataero

ack parietal gla tee! Connie readers

Credit card # (if applicable)

Cardholder signature

Exp. date

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017

‘TAB 11/4/00

November 4, 2000

Tue American BanA’i ¢ CLAssiFieD

page 27 [Page 28]ee

“MATURING? COMMUNITIES

CONTA OT Re rere

Sundays are different after Baha'i classes are rethought

he answered. That's why our Local Assembly is trying a new approach to our Baha’i Sunday school cl:

That the answer of one member of an Illinois Local Spiritual Assembly when asked why they were experimenting with a new format for classes in his community. Apathy and low attendance compelled the local Education Committee to rethink methods and goals in hopes of revitalizing this important activity for the community’s young believers.

Under the new structure, each young student gets to choose a project to carry out with the aid of an adult “mentor” and with as many partners as they wish. Students are encouraged to create proj Kitab-i-Aqdas placed in Library of Congress

he Library of Congress now pos13 editions of the Kitib-iand will be receiving more as the Most Holy Book is translated into other tongues.

William Collins, a Baha'i employed by the Library, and $.M. Waris Hamadani, a translator, made the presentation Aug. 17 to several key Library officials at the Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, DC.

Hamadani had originally offered his.

Urdu translation to the Library. The institution’s recommending officer for religion replied that the Library should have all translations of this central work of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation in its collections. So Collins—with the generous help of the Baha’i World Center and working in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs— collected most of the available translations for the presentation.

They include Arabic with Arabic notes, Arabic with Persian notes, English first edition published by the Baha’ World Center, Danish, Dutch, Hindi,

Justice Society

goal of developing and presenting training modules was the focus of strategic planning at the 14th annual conference of the Baha’f Justice Society (BJS), June 9-11 at Bosch Bal chool. The modules BJS is developing and will encourage members to present include “Planned Giving, s National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer; “Law and LSA: Local Assemblies; and “School Violence,” to assist American schools. Other topics were suggested, such as alternative dispute resolution, consultation, college students and expanded legal referral services.

EXPERIMENTS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING

ects that combine service, artistic expression, a “presentation” component to cultivate speaking skills, and a field trip or outreach element.

Independent, guided study of the teachings and the Faith’s history are the first step in project design, while the only limit is the creativity of the friends. Parents are encouraged to get actively involved, either in service to their own children or as mentors for others.

The committee and the Assembly brainstormed together on project ideas and offered them to the young believers as examples, while leaving the actual

choices open to consultation between students and mentors. Some of the new ideas included:

• Learning about and visiting the House

of Worship, and volunteering to serve there.

Creating methods and materials to introduce the Faith to a comparative religion class or a fireside, including dramatic dialogues or artistic displays. Making a “TV spot” on the Faith using a computer and video equipment lent to the Assembly by a community member.

• Creating a Web site.

William Collins (left) and S.M. Waris Hamadani (second from right) display the illuminated first pages of the Arabic and Urdu editions of the Kitab-i-Aqdas during a presentation ceremony with officials of the Library of Congress.

Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Urdu.

Collins gave the assemblage background information on Baha’u'lléh and the Faith. He also reviewed the circumstances of the revelation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the subjects it addresses, its importance to the Baha’i community, and its value to human civilization.

As an example of the reverence in which Baha’is hold the book, Collins related the practice of believers in Papua New Guinea who receive the Kitab-iAqdas into a village with great

ceremony, carry it to the local Baha’i center, and place it respectfully in a prominent spot.

Hamadani also spoke briefly, describing the 18-month process of his Urdu translation leading to its public 1997.

Several of the Library of Congress officials present noted they have had fruitful contacts with Baha’fs in Asia and the Middle East.

‘Two representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Washington were among guests at the presentation. #

ation in

aims to develop variety of training

BJS also plans to sponsor a workshop, “Conflict Resolution ‘Techniques in Baha'i Administration,” at the upcoming Rabbani Trust social and economic development conference in Orlando, Florida.

‘The workshop will put to use BJS? experience with mediation centers around the United States in addressing such issues as consultation and mediation, use of the Writings to facilitate creative thinking, and values-based decision-making.

Subjects of presentations at the conference included mediation and conflict resolution, the implications of justice for the individual in the context of unity, a Baha’i lawyers association in Southern

California, and the new institution of Regional Baha’i Councils.

BJS, founded in 1986, operates under the auspices of the National Assembly. It is open to all people “desiring to work for the ideals of justice,” Baha’is and nonBaha'is alike. Members include musician: students, educators, lawyers and othe

For more information about BJS activ, becoming a member or otherwise supporting the society, contact the Baha'i Justice Society, P.O. Box 79684, Houston, TX 77279 (Web site www.ba ijustice.org). For referrals to an y, contact Stephen Connor (phone 713-625-2882). @

ainting the local B: center,

‘The new approach began with a teambuilding exercise in which adults and youth participated, followed b: session to start the first projects and link students with their partners and mentors. Early reports are promising, and with the community united behind the initiative, the friends expect encouraging results. Let’s stay tuned! #

If you have an innovative approach to building community where you live, share it with the National Spiritual

Mental health professionals group gains momentum

tion dedicated to support A n organi ¢ Baha'is in mental health fields and

helping them apply the principles of our Faith to their work is to hold its second nual conference, only months after

being designated a membership-based agency of the National Spiritual Assembly. is year’s conference of the Association of Bahai Mental Health Professionals (ABMHP) will be held Nov. 16-19 at Louhelen Baha'i School, on the theme “Caring for the Light of the Spirit.”

With an array of lectures, workshops, case presentations and artistic presentations, the conference will focus on application of research and treatment techniques regarding a variety of trauma-related conditions. Confirmed presenters and their subjects include: ¢ Dr. V.L. Nair, an international authority on psychopharmacology and meditation, on the uses of the meditative faculty in therapeutic settings. Dr. John Woodall, a Harvard psychiatrist, on the treatment of war-related trauma following his pioneering work with children in Bosnia-~Herzegovina. Dr. Patricia Romano, an expert in treatment of dissociative disorders, speaking on treatment of trauma-related pathologies.

Nominees for service on the ABMHP board will be considered during the annual business meeting at the conference.

Conceived at a Louhelen gathering in 1998, the nonprofit ABMHP is designed to assist mental health practitioners, educators, researchers and theoreticians who wish to apply insights from the Baha’ writings to their professions—always in the light of the highest scientific and professional knowledge. hose interested in attending the conference should register through Louhelen Baha’f School (phone 810-753-5033). To join the ABMHP or learn more about it, visit the Web site (www.abmhp.org) or contact Adrienne Stengel (phone

, e-mail

page 28

THe American BanA’i * MATURING ComMUNITIES November 4, 2000 [Page 29]

THEATRE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

quotations the children have memorized. Some are from World Peace, The Vision of Race Unity, Promulgation of Universal Peace or the Bible. Others are from voi s di guished as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein, and Anne Frank—or as offbeat as Miss Piggy of Muppets fame.

in

More than impressive

So proud are the children of their newfound knowledg they recite quotations every chance they get—to the astonishment of teachers and others.

Movafegh and Mansuri are not in the least surprised by that. They recall a “little Persian girls” memorizing quo’ tions from the Writin: That shakeable foundation has anchored everything they since have learned.

Through the stories and quotations are illuminated such principles as racial harmony, unity in diversity, oneness of God, interfaith understanding, the value of education and conflict resolution.

Providing fuel are themes based on United Nations days or celebrated by the world’ religions. The youngest children learn virtues. (All students, in fact, ign a virtues “contract” governing their commitment and behavior.) The middle children focus on the themes themselves, using materials provided by the Baha'i International Community staff. ‘The eldest tackle heavy social issues related to the themes.

“It’s a wonderful way to introduce the Baha’f Faith without being intrusive,” Mansuri said.

“It’s very indirect teaching,” Movafegh agreed, noting that just by being at the Center, parents and children learn about ith. “But they directly memori Writings,” Mansuri__ noted. Movafegh added: “Those are the quotans they take to school.”

‘ot only to school, but to churches

and sy

ynagogues, where the children also have performed by invitation.

CEP students get alittle

outdoor recreation during a break in their summer program. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Bahi Journal

The Promise of

Children’s Theatre Company staffers have included (top row, left to right) Leda Duif, Roya Movafegh, Mehr Mansuri, Kamal Sinclair, (bottom row, left to right) Tommy Diaz, Karida Griffith, Dora Carlyn, Lakresha Gray, Anna Ruhe, Jeanine Gallina, and Nancy Ewing. Not pictured: Niki Abrishamian, Keith Godbout, Lory Lazarus, Ramin

Talaie and Clyde Herring. Photo by Mike Relph

Offstage roles for parents Children are charged a fee for partici pating in CTC, but parents who can’t afford it can serve in a variety of ways: perhaps providing refreshments and transportation or helping with cleanup.

All parents are invited to engage in discussions while their children rehearse.

Centering on social issues, the discussions are facilitated by a Baha’f employing the rules of consultation. ‘The project’s modest income allows the teachers to be paid. The compens: tion might not amount to much more than cab fare, but Movafegh and Mansuri say it’s a matter of principle. The same professionalism extends to everything the company attempts: Costumes, sets, props, scripts, choreography, exhibits ete. are executed ata level of which any troupe would be proud. CTC might be cash-poor, but i in human resources and ingenuity That begs the question: Can the Chil

g

h

around their heads. Math, science, literatur studie:

folded. With these

had written.

out teasing or conde:

ENRICHMENT, continuep From ace 21

rt, music, poetry are similarly intertwined with lessons in conscience and positive action.

Another level of understanding is introduced through dialogue, object lessons and rol latter is guided on occasion by

In one special summer project the children expanded their idea of “diversity” by learning the facts of blindness, not just through books and films, but with a variety of activities including a field trips to a park with a Braille trail and an entire class period spent blind steps taken in pre| attended a party with children at the Bi for the Blind—bringing textured artwork they had made as gifts, and performing songs and poetry they

The result: The children struck up friendships, withion. ‘Then there are the learning-by-doing projects: bak

dren’s Theatre Company concept be replicated elsewhere?

‘The project directors are convin can be, though maybe not on the scale. Few cities (or Baha’i communities) have such a pool of talent to tap.

For that matter, can CTC itself be sused over the long term?

Again, Mansuri and Movafegh say yes—and without soliciting funds from believers, which they will not do. The answer, they say, lies in grants, which the project’s public acclaim should help them obtain.

But don’t expect the company’s dynamic duo to rest on their laurels.

“We are keeping our egos in check,” Mansuri said. “Just as we sit back and enjoy the lovely encouragement, some id loses his socks and we find ourselve: invariably looking for them under some table.

“Then we realize that our ‘15 minutes’

fra;

is really a le moment or two, and we had better be enjoying the The results speak for themselve:

ing goodie

and delivering them to a homel helping with a beach cleanup; going to a store to learn

Feedback from parents about CTC

“In our current community, my children don’t get the chance to rub elbows with such a diverse group of career-oriented children and parents. The staff at the Children’s Theatre Company has brought this hands-on approach of life enhancement, self-awareness, and the opportunity to practice honest fundamentals that are needed to raise our siblings to become fun-loving, respons ble adults.”

. “(T]he entire staff was truly kind, carring, considerate and most of all patient. The outpouring of love and sincere thanks was well received.” .

“Dear God, thank you for extending our family to include Children’s Theatre and the Baha'i family. As I said before, you answered our prayers. ‘Thank you, Father.”

.

“On May 8, 2000, Samara came to her teacher to tell her that she knew a quote that she would like to share with her. She recited: “No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded to all its citizens” [The Promise of World Peace). After the first sentence her teacher's mouth opened. ... Samara continued and finished her quote. The teacher asked if mara could print, decorate and submit it for her to put up.”

.

“My favorite memory is when I see people from all background and faith unite to do good for all people.”

.

“T believe my daughter grew tremendously in all areas in terms of her acting and socializing.”

.

The Children’s Theatre Company is absolutely a wonderful experience for my children. ... I would like to thank all the people involved in this program. I thank them for caring enough about inner-city children and their positive development.”

would also 1}

s shelter;

money mangement.

and other

The field trip to the shelt of other people and their needs,

made them very a ‘one parent wrote

ware in

the annual evaluation. “They wanted to make sure they

playing. The

critic

cting profe:

Par

sl

ation, the children — servi

He Institute

field trips.@

nts, in process this year than befor has not only consulted on advice to giv

this year include the € fic Bell and the © provided grant money Los Angeles also contributed free transportation for

contributed to the food baskets.” “T have noticed very much improv thinking skills,” another wrote, while

ment in my child’s third

stated: “My children now seem to take time to make suggestions for resolving conflict.”

ct, are playing a greater role in the A parents’ advisory board

the program

, it also helps raise funds and facilitates volunteer

In addition to the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly and several anonymous donors, the CEP’s benefactors

Wellness Founda slimi Foundation, which have 5 ¢ Tours and the city of

November 4, 2000

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i * ContinueD

page 29 [Page 30]

Bahiyyih Ford Winckler

Aug. 3, 1907-Sept. 9, 2000

The following message from the Universal House of Justice was transmitted to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of South Africa on Sept. 11,2000:

D Baha’i Friends,

We grieve at the passing of Bahiyyih Ford Winckler, a radiant supporter of the Cause of Baha’u’llah, so dearly cherished and profoundly appreciated for her devoted services in her native United States and for her subsequent pioneer work of more than four decades in southern Africa. Her childhood associations with the beloved Master and her pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the age of twelve left an indelible influence on her warm personality that shone throughout her life and distinguished her activities as a Continental Counsel A detailed obituary article will appear in a future issue of The American Bahd’i. @

IN William Abel Port Townsend, WA April 11, 2000 ‘Nancy Bowens lor for Africa and, earlier, as a member Durham, NC of the National Spiritual Assembly of 1997 South and West Africa. We extend our loving sympathy to the Carol E. Chappell members of her family and all others Paso Robles, CA who mourn her loss, and assure them of March 19, 2000. our heartfelt prayers at the Holy Threshold for the progress of her noble Rachel N. Curry soul in the Abha Kingdom. ‘Temple, NH In honour of so outstanding a life, we August 10, 1999 advise your National Assembly to hold aig ti memorial gatherings throughout South Parvin Ghazanfari_ Africa. The National Assembly of Uganda Irvine, CA is also being advised to hold a memorial July 5, 2000 service in the Mother Temple of Africa. ‘ The Universal House of Justice Blanche G. Graf Milton-Freewater, OR __ July 16, 2000

MEMORIAM Delcia Lopez Julia Reyna Lincoln, NE Uvalde, TX August 7, 2000 June 27, 2000 Donald Kaiser Betty J. Rivas Monticello, IA King County, WA July 24, 1999 August 30, 2000 Forough Maghzi Davoud Sanice Los Angeles, CA Fairfax County, VA August 9, 2000 August 20, 2000 Sara S. McClellan Annie R. Thompson Cochise County, AZ Cochise County, AZ July 16, 2000 December 1999 Hazel Parkhurst Helen Wheeler Glendale, CA Greenfield, MA July 2000 June 19, 2000 Austin H. Quist Luther Willis Olympia, WA Beaufort, SC _ August 14, 2000 August 11, 2000

Edna Caverly spent 30 years at pioneering post in Trinidad and Tobago

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Trinidad and Tobago:

The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn from your email of 21 January 2000 of the passing of long-time pioneer Mrs. Edna Ruth Caverly. The example she set in the teaching field will, no doubt, be an inspiration to those who follow her footsteps in service to the Cause in Trinidad and Tobago. You may rest assured of the prayers of the House of Justice at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her soul throughout the worlds of God, and for the comfort and support of her hus band, Joel, and her many friends.

Department of the Secretariat

DAWNING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

the power of effective consultation. We could consult. For hours. ken completely aback by the prayer before a ion—an hour of prayer and songs, often withingle prayer book—followed by honesty, an attempt at understanding other points of view, and constant recollection that unity was our ultimate goal, both in the

pS

eae Ruth Caverly, ‘Trinidad and Tobago, Wes to the Abl three decad

She w gan of husband, Joel, wer wedding ceremony

at her Biones) Ng pos rolled y Ric!

the Port of Spain area into their 30th yea From Trinidad Edna made two pi the Holy Land, traveled to teach the F

One beautiful soul from Ohio, who had actually spent the first day with the group working on dances, traveled with us for two weeks and then returned with her brother the last three days. One man wanted to be with the youth so badly that he left all his affairs in Little Rock, Arkansas, to continue with us the re

Our performances found us in all kinds of situations. We once threw a performance together in five minutes after a parade, at a stage where the featured band was taking a break. That day group of 12 teen-agers, per

group and in the world. Our song of unity soared as formed across the street from ‘Then there was the teaching. shops flying the Confederate We performed for unity march-. WE brought our message to ai from a newsstand disp!

es, parades, conferences. Our song Schools, churches, parks, boys an article that spoke of re of unity soared as we brought our and girls clubs, boot camps, lishing slavery.

messages to schools, churches, parks, boys and girls clubs, boot camps multicultural fests, even a

in the trip we befriended a howed up at

e, and after

young restaurant server who, to our delight a performance. We prayed with her backst we performed she shared that she had been moved to the depths of her soul—she had been struggling personally, we showed her the power to want to heal. The local the project and I will never lose contact with her.

We held firesides in several communities: one with two Mormon elders, another with a man in Lexington, Kentucky, who was passing by, and one in Mississippi for a man who saw us performing at the mall and had been to Baha’{ firesides before. He was moved to declare his belief in Baha'u'llah.

multicultural fests, even a juvenile detention center.

Another qui formance rant. vho we were, th wanted to s moved some tables out of the w

At one point the Regional Council for the Southern States arranged for an extra chaperon when it appeared arrangements might fall apart. We all accepted and befriended Gi

‘Time and again, we heard one thing from adults who saw this group: They wanted to tell others to get out of the way of the youth and let them move the world, to support them rather than try to direct them, for they all felt we were doing the unimaginable.

Who says the youth of this age are not properly motivated?

arranged perame in a_ buffet When we told the | they

¢ us in action. We and got busy.

pioneer to Indies, passed A Kingdom on Jan, 19, 2000, after

‘d Mornnah, Georgia! Edna and her i the first Baha’i and ‘Tobago in August 1970, and were together at their post in

th in le:

the and was very teaching activitie:

She also v

Caribbean and in Kenya, ve in local

foundation member of the Non-Governmental Organization for the Advancement of Women in Trinidad, always the main thrust of Edna’s NGO work.

Attending the Baha’i World Congress during 10-1992 in New York was Edna’s last occasion to ve the island. #

TUCSON, continuen From PAGE 7

Every morning thereafter, the youth were steeped in methods of getting their peers “involved in correcting the degeneration of society” by upholding high moral st ‘ds that include service to the community, according to a report from co-organizers in Tucson.

Immediately after each morning’s training, youths were organized into teams to carry out:

• Teaching through performance, facilitated by Baha

youth workshops. 's, under the banner of “Baha’{ Youth

• Service proje

Corp: ‘The youth worksho sed on spreading the mes sage of through the _—_ art

mini-performances and artistic firesides at the university campus, malls, parks, libraries and a children’s

s foc

shelter.

Selected performers spent their non-study time creating a powerful dramatic program for the large proclamation at the Civic Center.

Service projects were carried out at such Tucson locales as Boys and Girls Clubs, a juvenile detention center, the local AIDS Foundation and old age homes. Activities included neighborhood cleanups, house reance in soup kitchens.

fTurnitg their service to local Bah the youth prepared devotions for F calities as well as speaking at numero‘

“A spirit of pride was generated,” the reported, “immense pride in the whole project, as group after group in the city of Tucson was the beneficiary of their care and devotion to service.” #

communities,

in several lofiresides. son friends

page 30 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Ix Memortam/Continuep

November 4, 2000 [Page 31]

EDUCATION,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

classes for children and youth. More than two-thirds of these communities collaborate with other localities to provide this instruction.

In all, at least three-fourths of Baha'i children and youth live in communities that sponsor Baha’ classes for children.

The nationwide survey was conducted earlier this year by the National Teaching Committee in collaboration with the Office of Education and Schools.

The goal was to gather information about the state of children and education in the U.S. Baha’i community, fy areas where additional program. development and coordination could be best focused.

The next step will be a survey of parents. Following will be a survey of teachers and, eventually, of students themselves.

Children boost overall activity

Results from the Assembly survey suggest that communities with children tend to have a larger proportion of active adults. ‘This was borne out in randomly sought comments from several friends who have served in the education of Baha’ children.

Cindy Pacileo of Vilas, North Carolina, it seems to her that families with children form the core of active Baha’is.

“T tend to think that it is generally the families with children who are most active and work to fill the needs of all members— young and old. They often come to meetings and make sure that there is less interference, less to keep them from participating,” Pacileo said. “Of course, there’s always exceptions.

Juli Redson Smith of Westminster, Colorado, said she thinks people are looking to provide moral education for their children.

ood for the children, it’s good for

she said. Material that keeps e added, often remains le to adults as well. nani of Santa Monica, “Years ago in our own community we were the only family with young children and we helped set up a school here. Our community just kept growing then.”

She added, “if you have a community i older people, there ndency imum—with exceptions, of es with children tend to

beara ing ‘boi aS ‘a sith, she ied are “so critical for the young adults who are in of establishing and confirming their Baha’f identity.”

Family connection

A related survey sampling showed that children raised in Baha’ families remain in the Faith at a higher rate than young people who chose the Faith on their own.

For example, more than four out of five children registered by parents since 1986 are currently active members. This may suggest that retention in the Faith is more likely when parents take a high interest in

Key points of the survey

This online survey was administered to 1,180 Local Spiritual Assemblies; 457

completed surveys were received.

Important findings Baha’i education for children and youth is a collaborative activity. Most communities band together to provide instruction for children. Only 15 percent of all communities (and 26 percent of those that sponsor education dasses) say they provide education independently. At least three-fourths of Baha’i children and youth live in communities that sponsor Baha’i classes for children. fifty-eight percent of Assemblies sponsor children’s education. ‘About 25 percent of Baha'i children live in communities that do not sponsor Baha'i education for children (A2 percent of Assemblies do not sponsor Baha'i education). Communities with children tend to have higher participation rates by the members in its community life. More than two-thirds of communities with members under 18 (69 percent) have adult participation rates greater than 50 percent. Only about half of adults (over 15 years of age) live in communities with more than 50 percent participation. Smaller communities report higher rates of adult participation than larger communities. Three-fourths of communities with fewer than 50 members report participation rates greater than SO percent. Only one-third of those with more than 50 members report such participation rates. The majority of Baha’i children (60 percent) live in communities with fewer than 50 members. Approximately half of adults live in communities with fewer than SO members. About 60 percent of children under 15 attend classes regularly in communities that sponsor classes. Average attendance in communities with fewer than 50 members is 68 percent; in communities with greater than 50 members, it is 52 percent. Average annual per capita educational expenditure for children under 18 by Assemblies that sponsor classes is $35. The average per capita expenditure by communities with fewer than 50 members is $43; the average by communities with greater than 50 members is $27. About 57 percent of Assemblies sponsor Baha’i education classes for children

and youth.

A variety of curriculum formats are used for the instruction children and youth. The Core Curriculum is the most prevalent format in use among localities.

For a copy of the full report, please send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to the Education and Schools Office, US. Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201.

their children becoming well-grounded in the Faith and establishing an identity as a Baha'i.

Such results make dedication to the education of Baha'i children even more important.

“Pve only worked with a couple of kids who came into the Faith without their families,” Redson Smith said. “I have found that if the family then becomes involved, they all become active. If the family doesn’t, it’s hard for the jcluldren to

curriculum format tion of children and youth. Three-quarte: of communit sponsor edi they use Core Curriculum materials. About a fifth of the schools have appointed an education coordinator. Classes are most commonly held Sunda ays chool year, with about ding summer classes. sses are open most Baha’f children (60 percent) live in communities with fewer than 50 members; about 60 percent of children under 15 attend classes regularly in communities that sponsor classes; and Assemblies sponsoring classes spend an average of $35 per year for each student under the age of 18. “T think that a child of Baha’i parents who is not brought to a Baha’f school is notas likely to be involved in other aspects of the Faith as well,” Banani said. “They don’t go to Feast, and just don’t see themselves as Bal She described an integral part of Santa Monica’s active community development process: “We register the children, take them to classes, and they are automatically sent their Baha’f ID card when they are 15.

fourth

They attend years of classes, attend high school Baha’ clubs, and help form college clubs, and so on,” she said.

“Baha'i school is simply the first step,” she continued. “Most of these young people I’ve known have grown up and become teachers themselves in Baha’i school, and, as they grow up and move away ... have begun to even serve on Assemblies.”

Lasting effects

“Just a few of the kids I’ve worked with are now becoming adults,” Redson Smith said. Most of those she knows are now part of the local youth workshop.

“TI found that if the kids don’t connect in the form of 3 by the time they are 13 and 14, they'll just drift away,” she said. “The youth will find some other place to make friends. And what this age need: the opportuni to develop friendships with other is

“These re ps become the glue that helps keep the kids in the communi ‘They then become connected as ‘one of the few.’ If they don’t, they dri ay fora while. I don’t know if they will come back later,” Redson Smith said.

What seems apparent from the survey and the responses of educators is that a strong, solid effort has been sustained for years in the education of the young children, and that activities through groups such as Baha’f youth workshops are helping to keep pre-youth and youth connected to the lifeline of the Faith.

One very large need—apparently oftenunmet—is consistent weekly classes for young people ages 1 1-14. Those who have been successful in this effort are asked to share their information with the Education and Schools Office (phone 847733-3492, e-mail schools@usbne.org). #

Childdevelopmentcentered communities:

How does that concept help the whole of the Cause?

ion of children in Baha’f famidemanding and challenging. communities that focus sustained energy toward that need often reap benefits in other areas of community life, the education and youth survey found.

Many communities appear to have adopted the goal of becoming a childdevelopment-centered — community. Several educators were asked what this means to them.

Juli Redson Smith of Westminster, Colorado, said, “I found that the reality is that the concept of a child development-centered community is much bigger than just for children, but it instead applies to the child in all of us.

“And it’s been my experience that people, even adults, really like it. ‘If it’s good for the children, it’s good for all of us.’ That’s a good meter for the community.

“I think that a child-developmentcentered community is something

where the community is focused on the

virtues, based in scripture, for everyone. It’s been that whole moral and spiritual focus for all of us—all the adults, not just the parents,” Redson Smith said.

Sheila Banani of Santa Monica, California, noted, “A child-developmentcentered community works beautifully. It is a wonderful emphasis, a concept given to us in years past.

“Our children and youth [in Monica] participate in the Feast in eral ways: reading, hosting, presenting. The children are part of our community. We haven’t had room to put them e, so they simply have had to attend Feast with us.

“We provide educational, psychological and financial support to our children and youth. We have a 19-day newsletter, and we celebrate the successes of our in the We pay a lot of attention to our dren. We bring them to Feast. We give scholarships to support their trips.

“Yes, we thoroughly understand that children are not adults and can’t be expected to think and act like adults. But they can act with consideration and are certainly able to follow up on things they devise. They need to be part of the intergenerational life of the community,” Banani said.

“I believe a child-development tered community is one where children are participants in all aspects of the life of the communi in deepenings, prayers, Feasts, decisions, service pro ects, etc.,” said Cindy Pacileo of Vilas, North Carolina, who currently serves as coordinator of the Baha’{ youth workshop in her community.

nta

November 4, 2000

Tue AmeRIcAN BanA’i * Continuep _ page 31 [Page 32]2000 BAHA’f CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS December 14-17, 2000 ¢ Rosen Plaza Hotel * Orlando, Florida

‘TOPICS

The organic nature of social and econ

development. What is SED all abou?

A new vision for the arts in bu

ding Baha’u'llih’s new order. SED and Indian Peoples in the Americas,

Agriculture and Environment: Bound by the Covenant

Children’s Theatre Co.

Eloy Anello Elizabeth Bowen Eric Dozier

Narges

his year’s conference theme is “Advancing the Process of Transforming the World,” ir the individual and

g. Living the life of SED. Conflict in Baha'i

which was inspired by the draft compilation prepared by the Office of Social and

community p

Economic Development: “Seminar on ial and Economic Development—July 1999.”

resolutio

ion. Moral

techniqu

ch, much more. Virtually all the topics of the keynote addresses have been drawn from this valued

MUSIC AND DRAMA Inspirational learning through the arts, Leslie Asplund,

Leadership program ... and n

and profoundly enriching do

ument. Key elements of the program plan include a mixture of full plenary and smaller concurrent sessions featuring presentations on SED

principles, concepts and core processes and in-depth case studies, with a number of

repeat sessions (0 assist the Featured speakers: Peter Adriance (U.S.), Douglas Allen (U.S.), Dwight Allen (U.S.), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), William Davis (U.S.), Danielle Locke (U.S.), Patricia Locke (U.S.), ig Taman (U.S.), Wu (US)

nds in being able to attend sessions of interest.

Gordon Naylor (Canada), Susanne and Andras Tamas (Canada), L Mark Wedge (Canada), Donald Witzel (Venezuela), Johanna Me

Anne Tomas, Susan Lewis Wright, Phil Lucas, Mark

Ochu, Joyce Olinga, and more

& Fees

Register online at our Web site: www.rabbanitrust.org For general information, 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 ‘TO REGISTER BY MAIL: Use the Multipurpose Form on this page * SEPARATE COPY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL REGISTERING Mail check (in U.S. dollars) to Rabbani Charitable Trust + 2693 W. Fairbanks Ave. Suite A * Winter Park, Florida 32789 OR: To pay by credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, DC, CB), under “Special Information” te card number, exp: date, amount paid, cardholder's signature HOTEL/AIRLINE/RENTAL CAR INFORMATION * Hotel rooms at the Rosen (formerly Clarion) Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $50 per night (up to 4 people per room) -d availability—call promptly 800-627-8258; mention Baha’ ies Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants 800-393-5050 File #1640744. Avis Car Rental discounts 800-331-1600 * Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

bP a ae

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL

TEACHING TRIP

ape record achievement of trayeling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on

all international trips taken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-7333509, e-mail »

Use the Multipurpose Form

below to respond by mail.

Include the following special

information (use a separate sheet

as needed):

© Names and ID numbers of all Baha'is on each trip

• Names of each country visited, plus

the one or two main localitic date(s) of visit(s)

• Main purpose of your travel

© Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for: Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas?

© Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?

3 Mut! ULTIPURPOSE FO )RM

CLIP oR Copy As NEE

Southern Regional For which event or activity? Conference Name November 23-26 Renaissance Nashville Hotel Address Make your plans now to City mark the midpoint of the Pitas

E-mail

Twelve Month Plan in Nashville this Thanksgiving.

More than 2,000 Baha’is are

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

expected to attend this historic gathering that will aid us in advancing the process of entry by troops in the South!

Pre-registration deadline is Nov. 10. If you have not yet registered,

please choose one of the following options: Web: www.conferencemanagement.net/bahai_regional.htm

E-mail: Request an electronic copy of the registration form by sending an e-mail message to and include your e-mail ad

dress in the Subject line. Fax: Send the completed form to 831-646-3373 (form available on the Web site)

Mail: CMS, PO Box 2506, Monterey, CA 93943 Please DO NOT send registration forms to the conference office.

For registration questions, please call 831-646-3375.

Forms available: + On the Web (www.usbne.org)

• By mail from the Office of the Treasurer,

1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

Honor those you love on their special days or remember them after they've passed on with a gift to the National Baha’i Fund.

Peewee we wwe wee we eee ween ewww eens Hee e nese eee eeeseeeeeeeen4y

TAB 11/4/00

page 32. THe AMERICAN BanA’i * SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE November 4, 2000 [Page 33]

Students cycle across country to help children with HIV

When Washington, the city provided a full police escort, and the feat was celebrated with a reception organized by the university and Georgetown Hospital.

Dignitaries at the event included

tephen Sobhani, a Baha'i student at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, was helping out at a holiday party for children infected with HIV late in 1998. He was aghast when he found. that half of all people infected with the AIDS virus worldwide are younger than 15. “We all walked away thinking there’s a lot more we can do for those kids,” he was quoted a ing in a university news release. So he and several other students did

Persian Culture event examines 20th century

he opportunity to look back at the 20th century through the filter of Baha’s teachings drew more than 1,200 people to the 10th annual conference of the Friends of Persian Culture tion.

Associa The number of attendees was by far the highest ever. They came from all around the United States as well as from Canada, Europe and Australia. A number of non-Baha’i Iranian friends of the Faith also attended as guests of the As

‘The Aug. 31—Sept. 3 conference at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott Hotel had as its theme “Twentieth Century: The Century of Light.”

Both the Persian- and the English-language sessions focused on characteristics of the century and the beginnings of society’s evolution toward a_ global civilization. Major trends in Iran during the past 100 years also were examined.

something about it: they established It’s For the Kids, a nonprofit foundation to raise awareness, attention and funds for the medical needs of children born with HIV in the Washington, DC, area.

Volunteer services include companionship for HIV-positive children, a pen-pal program and public education activities, according to the organization's Web site (www.itsforthekids.org).

‘The group drew media attention with its summer fund-raising drive: a 3,298

mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Washington, accomplished May 25—July 6 by 10 students. The ride took the organization more than halfway toward its fund-raising goal of $100,000.

Sobhani, chair of the fund-raising committee , contacted many corporations and individuals throughout the country. “The response from the contributors was most positive and praiseworthy,” wrote his parents, Morris and Gloria Sobhani of Santa Barbara, California.

Music and the arts, as always, were an integral part of this year’s conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association.

On Friday morning, Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, greeted the audience on behalf of the National Assembly.

He reminded attendees of the important role the Iranian members of the U.S. Baha’ community have in the development of local communities in the United States and in the completion of

the Kingdom Project.

Sessions were accented with high-caliber artistic expression lent by performers from North America and Europe.

Held concurrently were programs for children ages 3-6 and 7-11, a youth session, an arts exhibit and a bookshop.

Daily shuttles took many participants to the Baha’f House of Worship and on tours of Baha’i historical sites in Chicago.

MEDIA,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

had the effect of empowering Baha'is.

The media exposure has also led thousands of people to approach Baha’is who have been living the life by excellent example before their friends and acquaintances.

Many, many more who have had their first exposure to the Bahd’f Faith through media efforts have completely bypassed calling 1-800-22-UNITE, a local phone number, or the Web site. Instead, they have gone straight to local Baha'i centers or called local Baha’i telephone numbers. ‘This phenomenon has been reported more in California and in the Central States.

Over and over the signs are clear. In localities where the friends are united in their purpose, a vibrant Baha’{ community exists, and the urgency to act is translated into loving, nurturing and systematic action, seekers are showing up on our doorstep and wanting to become part of the transformation of humanity. It is also clear that while many Baha’is are ready, the seekers themselves are engaged in advancing the process of entry by troops.

Striking a chord in Albuquerque

In late summer, the National Teaching Committee asked the Albuquerque, New Mexico, community to market-test the new video, La Fe Bahd’t—Latinos in the Baba’i Faith, which includes three Spanish-language commercials. A Baha’i who works at the local Spanish-language television station approached the station about airing the program. The station’s management was so enthusiastic about the message, it is airing the commercials free.

Then a local media consultant, a friend of the Faith, took on the task of placing the video programs on the other television stations in the market: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and PAX.

In September, New Mexico Baha’fs had received 19 inquiries through the media campaign seeker response system, but in just the first 12 days of October, 90 seekers asked for local contact information in Albuquerque and other communities in the television coverage area. The program was only slated to run for three weeks, and the friends were eagerly finding ways to sustain the momentum generated by the Message.

CONWAY,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Baha’i Faith,” the acquaintance said. “I saw a commercial over the weekend and it was so compelling I decided I owe it to myself to investigate this for myself.” The seeker was sent literature and referred to the public Web site (www.us.bahai.org). He attended a Holy Day event and then brought his family to the devotional gatherings.

A Conway city councilman, who also is a lay Methodist minister, was developing a cultural diversity center for his church. An admirer of the Baha’{ racial unity record, the lay minister borrowed a number of Baha’f materials—both secular (Study Circles Resource Center) and more outwardly linked with the Baha’ message (“Toward Oneness,” The Vision of Race Unity and The Babd’is magazine). ‘The contact reported that “he’d not been able to sleep the night before, and had read and reread some passages from “Toward Oneness.’ ” He asked to keep the material and said he hadn’t understood the depth of the Faith before. @

the riders arrived in

Virginia Hayes Williams, mother of the mayor; the Rev. Leo O’Donovan, unisity president; and several other top university officials, as well as many of the children who benefited, their parents and grandparents.

Refugee Office issues reminder on ‘green cards’

he U:S,

have an expiring or expired permanent residency card (“green card”) that although they do not lose their legal status as permanent residents in the United States if they do not renew their green card, they may nevertheless want to renew it to maintain evidence of their permanent residency status and avoid possible difficulties in obtaining employment, benefits, and re-entry into the United States after traveling abroad.

The renewal fee is $110. Effective June 20, the procedure to renew permanent residency cards is as follows:

1. Ask to receive Form I-90 in the mail by calling the INS Forms Line (800-870-3676) or the National Customer Service Center (800-375-5283); or download Form I-90 from the INS Web site (www.ins.usdoj.gov).

2. Go to the nearest INS Application Support Center (ASC). For the location and hours of the nearest ASC, call the National Customer Service Center (phone number above). You must bring all of the following:

• Completed form 1-90.

• $110 money order.

© Your expiring/expired green card.

• Photocopies of both sides of the green

card (we recommend making another copy for your records).

• Two identical color photos.

• Personal identification (e.g., drivers

license, state ID, passport).

If your name has changed, you must also bring documentation of the change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order). If you were under age 14 when you received your first green card and are 14 or older at time of renewal, you must be fingerprinted and bring a $25 money order to pay for fingerprinting.

3. If everything is in order, INS will issue a black sticker extending the validity of the green card. The new card will arrive in the mail later.

For more information, please contact the INS National Customer Service Center toll-free (phone 800-3755283). @

November 4, 2000

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November 4, 2000 [Page 39]

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Brushing up on hygiene

A dental professional uses a plaster model of teeth to demonstrate the prop er way to brush teeth, in an oral hygiene education project in Kandal

province, Cambodia, during July. Baha'i

International News Service photos

YOUTH

• El Salvador: More than 360 young

believers from all over the Western Hemisphere, as well as Australia and Europe, flocked to the first International Baha'i Youth Conference held in

Central America in ageneration.

Beside beautiful Coatepeque, the conference deletgates meeting July 12-16 composed wrote a statement declaring their willingness “to embark upon non-stop action—to commit our

time, our energy and our resources to contribute to curing the wounds that have afflicted our people. We will do

this through acts of service that will be source of attraction and inspiration for our fellow youth, and will help Latin America reach its sublime destiny.”

which confounds and paralyzes the possibility and the desire for transformation of humanity. ...We invite those who have sufficient courage ... to begin a spiritual revival that will transform the world.”

° Hawaii: the Babi Faith, w one of five“Profiles in Courage” at the State Student Leadership Workshop, Aug. 26-29. Others chosen for the honor were Nelson Mandela, — Frankl leanor Roosevelt and Rosa P: After hearing a series of talks portraying the historic figures—including a portrayal of Tahirih by Carla Gorisch, a Baha'i from Kaunakakai—the 250 members of the audience voted that she had helped the world most and was the most

chosen

Delano Roosevelt, rks

‘ihirih, the foremost heroine of

Baha’i professor talks at House of Lords

n international gathering at

Britain’s House of Lords in Lon don provided an opportunity for Suheil Bushrui, the professor holding the Baha’i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, to urge leaders to develop a “new politics founded on principles rather than interests, a politics that is soul-centered rather than self-centered.”

The underpinnings of a just and unified world society, Bushrui said, must include a common respect for the condition of the whole person—spiritual as well as material—and training from childhood toward the view that “if we rise we all rise together, and if we fall we all fall togethe:

The brief eption June 15 was warmly received by the gathering, which included ambassadors and diplomats, members of both houses of Parliament, representatives of several cultural organi:

ations, scholar:

poets, university professors and a large group of Arab dignitari

and media personalities.

The reception was organized by the Earl of Caithness in tribute to the Baha’i Chair and its initiatives related to the United Nations Year of the Culture of Pi i

Afterward, Bushrui said he was gratified at the response from his fellow Arabs

at the gathering, including Zahar Hadid Amin, the wife of Iraq's ambs London; Jihad al-Khazen editor-in-chief

ssador in

Sharq t, the leading intenational Arabic daily paper; and Antione Raad, chairman of the internationally influential Arab Cultural Club.

and disunity, of construction and decon struction, which confront our civilization.” “Leaders in a global society should be

models of unity. To date, politics have served class, group and national interes' now we must strive for a new politics that serves humanity at large,” the professor told the gathering. “In the 21st century, the new politics must involve recognition ‘ure of man’s reality.” ablishing a global mindset of unity, Bushrui said, is a new approach to education to give all the world’s children “an education of the heart” as well as of the mind, so they have the spiritual grounding, skills and discipline to aim for great “Passion and reason must be reconciled into a style of thought and action in the

” he

chievement

service of justice, unity and peace,

“the relent marketpla “in danger of | we race ahead at breakneck speed in the pursuit of material achievements and selfaggrandizement.”

He concluded:

Within the dominion an ethical

of an ‘ethical democracy’ democracy whose lineaments are now perceptible—the kinder tendencies of humanity will flourish. For in the heart of humanity rests the seed of the Divine.” In introductory remarks, the Earl of

Caithness outlined Bushrui’s academic

career, which has included posts at Oxford University in England and the American University of Beirut in

The declaration expressed confidence that this generatio nof youth can “emerge victorious from [the] labyrinth

TEACHING

© Congo Republic: The first-ever visit by a pioneer to the remote region around Ouesso resulted in the enrollment of 73 souls inthe the Faith of Baha’w'lah, with

study circles established right away to confirm the new believers.

“It was so much fun—but not ea Newport, a pioneer who lives in Brazzaville. “The people are wonderful. They really love the Faith. Many good and educated people” accepted the Cause, she wrote.

Newport undertook the trip after teaching the Faith to an Ouesso resident, a retired schoolteacher whom she knows as “Papa Francois.” The two traveled to Ouesso and they carried out the teaching there and in two nearby villages. © Slovakia: Considerable media attention surrounded a visit by Russ Garcia, a longtime Hollywood movie composer, and his wife, Gina, late in summer. Of a number of interviews that publicized their planned talks about the Faith, the most widely seen was on an hourlong program on the national television station LUNA. The couple explained basic principles of the Faith and discussed a recently written opera by Garcia, The Unquenchable Flame, based on the life of Tahirih. “All of the journalists were extremely friendly and positive towards the Faith,” a report stated.

” reported Behin

courageous of the five nominee: asked afterward for more inforfmation about Téhirih and the Baha’s Faith.

Many The talk urged a “re

tics” to effectively r

aissance in poli‘oncile the conflicts between “the contending force:

Interfaith history :

Paulus Church in Oslo, Norway, was the scene for a historic interfaith service as part of Jubilee 2000 in June. It was the first time members of varied faiths were invited to read from their scriptures in a consecrated hall in Norway. The choir sang a Baha’i prayer in French, “Mon Dieu, mon Adoré,” set to music by Baha’i composer Lasse Thoreson.

Lebanon; his scholarship in English, Irish and Arabic literature; and his cultural recion activities in Lebanon. @

of unity — oncilia

DEVELOPMENT

• Canada: Representatives of nine native nations, traveling from as far as Bryan, ‘Texas, attended the

Aboriginal Gathering 2000 in July at Wyevale, Ontario. A Baha’ drum group, Sonhela Wiji, was a central presence at the event. The group, whose name means “Nine “Together” in Cherokee-Abenaki, is dedicated to sharing the healing Message by placing Baha’w'llsh at the center of all that is sacred in traditional native culture.

Later, one participant said such gathering: ed for the friends “to develop a sense of themselves as teachers of the Faith. ... We must be ever mindful of our responsibility to bring the healing Teachings of the Blessed Beauty to the world. © India: It was a summer for women’s voices to be raised, as Baha’s agencies es held major gatheriings focused on the power of women to effect change. In Andhra Pradesh, the state Baha’ Women’s Committee organiz ttended by about 150 on “Global Peace and the Role! of Women,” with all presenters stressing the need for education of women before universal peace is possible. In Madhya Pradesh, a workshop by the Baha’{ Vocational Institute for Rural Women brought 50 women together to study how to prevent the proliferation of water-borne diseases caused by pollution and deforestation.

re need

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November 4, 2000

Tue AMERICAN BaAnA’l * INTERNATIONAL News

page 39 [Page 40]

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REACHES OUT

‘To encourage the American Baha’ glorious” mission, the National Spiritual Assembly—along with Counselors and Auxiliary Board members—is undertaking an un i community in our “unspeakably

precedented series of meetings with the friends across the country, begun in October and continuing in 18 localities December 2-3. Please see page 3 to find out about the meeting nearest you.

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahd’f 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 831-423 . Green Acre Baha’f School,

phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail Baha’ School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail

. Louis G. Gregory Baha’ Institute, phone 843-558-5093; . Native American Baha’{ Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; se-mail .¢

fax 843-558-9136; e-mail

. Louhelen

Baha’u'llah’s Good News”; “Get Real and Stay ‘Dry in the Sea’” for ages 12-15. 10-12: Family session at Bosch: The

World Order of Baha'u'llah, letters 1 and 2. 10-12: “Prayer: Food of the Spirit” at Louhelen. 10-12: Louisiana Baha’{ School, Covington, LA; with Counselor Tod Ewing, Jeanette Hedayati, Farah Guchani-Rosenberg. Registrar: Marilyn Jennison, (phone

, e-mail ). 12: Milwaukee, WI, community centennial dinner. Contact Patricia Hanson (phone ) or Gloria Oatis (e-mail ). 16-19: “Caring for the Light of the Spirit” at Louhelen. Details, nage 28. 17-19 Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at Louhelen. 17-19: Two sessions at Bosch: The World Order of Babd’u'lldb, letters 3 and 4; “Parenting in the Baha'i Faith.” 17-19 “Baha’i-Centered Management” at Green Acre.

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

3 Spo! Regional Baha’{ Council for the Southern States. Details, page 32. 23-26: Desert Rose Baha’f School, Casa Grande, AZ. Information available (phone 520-466-7361 or 520-4667767, e-mail ). 23-26: Florida Baha’f School, Orlando,

FL; with Jack McCants, Kerry McCord,

Leota Lookman, Jeff Huffines, Rachel Huffines. Registrar: Denise Godsey,

, e-mail

); pre-register by

(phone

Nov. 9.

24-26: “Functional Families and Caring Communities” at Green Acre. 24-26¢ Sixth annual Divine Art of Living Conference, San Diego, CA; theme: “Living the Life.” With Counselor Wilma Ellis, Suheil Bushrui, Steven Gonzales. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of San Diego; for information call 619-697-2636 or 619-469-7907. For lodging at “Baha’{ Conference” rate, contact the Hilton (phone 619-276-4010).

Photo by Viadimir Shilo

NOVEMBER 4—DECEMBER 11, 2000 QUDRAT/QAWL » B.E. 157

Establishing

Institutes: “Teaching the Cause.” 7-10: Family session at Bosch: The World Order of Baha'u'llah. 8-10: Seekers Weekend at Bosch. 8-10: “Expressing Creativity Through the Writer's Art” at Louhelen. 12-14: “Applying Baha’{ Teachings to the Environmental Challenges Facing the World,” Conference of the Intl. Environment Forum, Orlando, FL. All welcome. Web site www.bcca.org/ief (or e-mail ¥ 15-17: “Challenges of Single Parenthood” at Bosch. 22-24: Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference and Youth Conference: “Prescription for Living,” Phoenix, AZ. General sessions in English and Persian; children’s program for age 4 and up. Contact: Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068 (e-mail

). For lodging at conference rate, contact Hyatt Regency (phone 800-233-1234 or 602-252-1234).

a Post Office be also updates the

). 26-31: Winter School at Green Acre: Relationships, Marriage and Family Life. 26-31: Winter School at Bosch: “Comparative Religions” plus “Mediation and Conflict Resolution.” 26-31: Pioneer Training Program in New York City. Contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508). 27-Jan. 1: Winter School at Louhelen: “Prayer, Teaching and Global Transformation.” 27-Jan. 1: Mid-Winter Baha’f Youth Conference, Cleveland, OH, for ages 12 and up. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Westchester, OH. Registrar: Jim Hagan,

(phone , e-mail

). 29-Jan. 1; Texas Winter School at Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, TX. Contact Registrar (phone 5 e-mail ).

nes, new address and 60201-1611. If

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Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable) City De Be ech nin es 2 ee State Zip code State Zip code

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Name of new Bahai 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:

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Tne American BanA‘i