The American Bahá’í/Volume 32/Issue 10/Text

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From the National Spiritual Assembly to the American Baha’i Community

earest Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly received the following message of critical importance from the Universal House of Justice addressed “To the Baha’is of the World” about the pressing need for a marked increase in the contributions to the Baha’i International Fund to sustain the work of the Faith.

With loving Bahd’i greetings, Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General

Crucial message on International Fund

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of the World, dated Nov. 12, 2001

ar Baha'i Friends,

D

The Major Plan of God throughout the world, disintegration of the old hew one unfolds. Whil

iousness of a Se of the world’s people, who remain unaware of God's purpose in this Day. There is a growing sense of a fundamental

change of far-reaching dimensions at chills preoccupation with the comforts of material the midst of this turmoil, Will for humankind is

rogress being made by the community of the Greatest Name cause for the deepest satisfaction. Its members, undismayed by the rounding distraction and distress,

SEE UNIVERSAL HOUSE, PAGE 25

REFOCUSING ON INSIGHTS OF

THE GUARDIAN

Glenford Mitchell’s talks put events in perspective

BY TOM MENNILLO

t would come as no surprise if Bahs

bookselle a run on works by Shoghi di in the days following Glenford Mitchell’s mid-October talks in Wilmette and Atlanta.

‘The Guardian's crystal-clear insights into our age formed the nucleus of the two speeches, given during the Uni sal House of Justice member's tion” in the United States and C

While in Canada, Mitchell addressed gatherings at nine loc: with about 4,300 total attending, according to Baha’ Canada ma the Bal House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on Oct. 13, Mitchell was welcomed not only with the respect due a member of the Supreme Body of the th, but also with a warmth extended to one of our own coming home. He had spent severalyears there cretary 1 of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.

More than 400 people braved the

rine.

SEE GLENFORD MITCHELL, PAGE 30

Boy

id Ot,

ACCA SaNRRReRnORmER RoR RRRIRE —TO LON AIAN

Auxiliary Board members for vu. s. appointed / page 2

Universal House of Justice member Glenford Mitchell (left) chats with Evaz Fanaian (right) of the Fulton County Northeast, Georgia, Baha’i community after his talk Oct. 11 in Atlanta. Listening in is Joey Fischer of Sandy Springs. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Forum opens horizons for treasurers

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

he weekend was one of opening hea arts to new horizons in se

roles eal ing the “life-blood of the ¢ Yet at the end it was cl

ase” healthy. those possiaction by the

eral, to reverse a dow the nds of the ating a Spirit of Genel first-ever National ‘Treasurer's Forum

as uted

organized by the po ftics of the Ti brought nearly 270 local treasurers or other delegates of Spiritual Assemblies to Northbrook, Illinois, on Oct. 25-27. About 30 more were on hand to lead work

easurer,

shops or participate in panel discussions. “The experience was educational, enlightening, spiritual, fun, and inspirational,” one local tr wrote to the Office of the Treasurer. “I can’t wait to begin my new journey,

asurer from Georgia

SEE FORUM, PAGE 18

LO REMOTE RTP TIE PE EOI

Sai AK oc tn Se HESS ORSAN,

DecemBer 12, 2001

MASA’ IL/QUESTIONS SHARAF/HONOR BAHAY ERA 158

VOLUME 32, NO. 10

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, dated October 21, 2001 ‘e were deeply

saddened by the news of the passing of highly devoted, self-sacrificing servant of the Cause Patricia Locke. Her many years of dedicated service to the Faith as a member ‘of your National Spiritual Assembly will long. be remembered. The widespread recognition of her outstanding endeavors as an educator and administrator in championing the special educational needs of American Indians has contributed to the rising prestige of the Cause in the United States. Kindly convey our loving sympathy to her family, and assure them of our heartfelt prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her illumined soul throughout the heavenly realms.

The Universal House of Justice

Tribute to Patricia Locke’s life/page 3

Dearest Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly is delight ed to report that the November 17, 2001,

by-election to fill the vacancy created by

the passing of our dearly loved sister

Patricia Locke has resulted in the election

of Ms. Jacqueline Left Hand Bull.

Ms. Left Hand Bull served with distinction

as a member of the Continental Board of

Counselors and as a member of the

National Teaching Committee.

We eagerly anticipate her service on the

National Spiritual Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly proceeds

with confidence, supported by your prayers

and the firm and irrevocable promise of

the Almighty, that the American Baha'i com munity will attain its glorious destiny. “*

With loving Baha'i greetings, —

Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General ~

Goal: $60 million

Pledges +eash: $24.6 million

Participants: more than 7,000 Pages 7-8

Received: $8 million

THE NATIONAL FUND

Received by the National Treasurer

[$1,243,760 wont ne 16am

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 9 for details

[Page 2]

LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

to the American Baha’i community, dated November 20, 2001 |

D ear Friends,

It is with deep regret that the National Spiritual Assembly will close the current building of the Baha'i Home for the Aged after 43 years of dedicated service to the community. Completed in 1958, the Baha'i Home, a sheltered care facility, has provided a caring and comfortable environment to elderly persons of all races and religions. After consulting Baha’is with expert knowledge of elder care, the National Assembly concluded that the Home would have

to be enlarged to enhance resident accommodations and make its operation economically feasible. The financial challenges we currently face render us unable to expand and improve the Home, or to continue operation in the current state. Our plan is to acquire a larger and more modern facility in the future.

We are deeply grateful to the Baha'i Home staff for their devotion to upholding a standard of al and professional excellence. Their qualities of servic ters of appre

are evidenced in the letion received from

residents and their families that confirm the warm welcome given to residents and their guests alike, the sensitivity to their needs, and the loving attention they have received.

Residents of the Home will be isted in locating to other elder care facilities. Staff members displaced by the closing will be assisted to secure other employment. Our prayers go with them all.

Natior THE BAHA

Robert C. § fenders Secretary-General

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States has shared with the friends the following letter from the

Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

Deas Baha’{ Friends,

It is with great joy that we inform you that the following friends have been appointed to serve

Auxiliary Boards for Pro

tection and Propagation of the Faith in the United States of America

Auxiliary Board for Protection Mrs. Yvonne Billingsley, Mr. Navid Haghighi, Mr. Shahin Vafai, Mr. Riaz Khadem, Mr. Charles Cornwell, Dr. Nabil Ali, Mrs. Allison Vaccaro, Dr. Sohrab Kourosh, Mr. David Smith, Mr. Houshmand Sheshbaradaran, Mrs. Lorilyn Wilson, Mr. Gary Bulkin, Mr. Rick Schneider, Mrs. Shiva Khadem Ziai, Mrs. Vida E1 i

for the five-year term beginning on November 26, 2001: Auxiliary Board for Propagation

Mrs. Lynn Wieties, Ms. Pooneh Rassekh, Mrs. Alexandra Rivera-Rule, Dr. Linda Ahdieh Grant, Mrs. Barbara Sheridan, Mr. Michael O'Neal, Mrs. Farah Guchani- nberg, Mrs. Maxcia Lizérraga, Mrs. Catherine Schmitz, Mrs. Lupita Ahangarzadeh, Mr. Raymond Waight, Mr. Steve Kim, Mrs. Chitra GholestaniMaghzi, Mr. Fernando Huerta, Mr. Gerald Sinclair, Mr. Henri

Mr. Enayat Rohani, Mr. Khosrow Rezai, }

Dr. William Wieties

Cross, Mi

odd Kutches, Mr. Ferris Paisano, M

Alice Bathke,

Mr. Kevin Locke, Ms. Karida Griffith, Ms. Nina Dini

We are certain that these dear friends will devotedly and sacrificially lend their support to your community to win the goals

of the Five Year Plan.

M. Floyp, a in Bristol, Connecticut, was selected for induction into the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. An outstanding track runner in high school and college, in later years he coached several undefeated state champion track and cross country teams at Bristol East High School. His work in more recent years as director of admissions at Central Connecticut State University was marked by his ability to discern innate potential ina number of students who later went on to achieve laudable positions in society.

KC Por Baha’i in Calabasas, California, was honored as Producer

of the Year in this year’s Latin Grammy Awards program. He was cited for his role in pro

ducing the recordings of Santana and Ricky Martin, as well as such Latin

‘ars as King Chango, rae Pa pad 98. He ha:

son, Sting, Boyz Il Men and Ednita Nazario.

Car.os M. ‘VELAZQUEZ, a Baha’i in Wake County, North Carolina, was honored as the Environmental Educator of the year by the Envi

ronmental Educators of North Carol The award was in “recognition of outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of Environmental Education.”

Hasire ZARGARPOUR, a Baha’i in San Rafael, California, was one of four 3-D graphic artists honored as “Maya Masters” for expanding the boundaries of computer graphics as well as commitment to teaching and sharing of their

With loving Baba’ greetings, The Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas

s. Zargarpour, as part of the film company Industrial Light and ‘ic, has contributed to such movies as The Perfect Storm, Star Wars: Episode I, Jumanji, The Mask and two Star Trek movies.

Other honors

Academic

Ryan Kholousi, ||, Omaha, NE: President's Award for Academic Excellence. Genevieve Larimer, Morgantown, WV: Golden Key International Honor Society at West Virginia University.

Civic Steven Gottlieb, Yakima, WA: recipient of “One World, One Valley” community service award.

Arts Laura Elaine Stokes, 17, State College, PA: Seccond prize, performing arts competition, Clare Dahlia Snetsinger Art Award (annual competition within Center County); for dance performance.

Unity of Mankind Award

Katie Krotz, 13, Cadette Girl Scout in Orinda, CA. Henryk Sosnowski, Boy Scout in Sparks, NY. Samuel T. Stephenson, 10, Webelo Cub Scout in Netarts, OR. Kai Weixelman, 10,Webelo Cub Scout in Ypsilanti, HI.@

THE AMERICAN

Baha’i National Center 847-869-9039

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S-maii

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ADDRESS/MAILING CHANGES If you have an address change, or wish to

VS There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES, PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHA'I welcomes news, letters or other items of interest

Bp duals and institutions of the

1 to the goals of the worldwide ational plans. We for length and style.

advance articles to. publ nts, but may be

y edit stories not print locally ple to list

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ECCI a Cu ace Mero ince niece

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

page 2 THe American BanA’i * ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE December 12, 2001

[Page 3]

Patricia Locke: A life well lived for the woman whose name means

COMPASSIONATE

reserving the languages, cultures P= spiritual traditions of Ameri can Indians and other indigenous people n abiding passion for Patricia Locke, a lifelong educator who influenced changes in federal laws, helped organize 17 tribally run colleges, and arded a MacArthur Founda

tion

Recognized as one of the most influ| American Indians of the 20th cenhe accepted the Baha’f Faith late in life and achieved several distinctions within our national community, including becoming the first American Indian woman to be elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1993.

Patricia Locke, whose Indian name was. ‘Tawacin Waste Win (meaning: She has good — cons compassionate woman), passed from this world on October 20, 2001, in Phoenix, Arizon: she had been hos lems for more than a month. $ rs. Locke embodied the virtues she said were most prized by the Lakota— generosity, bravery, respect, and wisdom,” said a statement of the National Spiritual mbly printed on her funeral program. “Her own words frame her life: ‘All peoples have the same need to love that we do, the same family ideals, the same need for joy, the me need for understanding.’ ”

‘Though her home was on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, her remains were laid to rest in the Phoenix area in accordance with burial law.

usness,

where

sa

93rd Baha'i National Convention ¢ April 25-28, 2002

Foundation Hall, Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois The National Spiritual Assembly eagerly anti

itors, including f

Born Jan. 21, 1928, in Idaho, Patricia came from Standing Rock Sioux (Hunkpapa Lakota) and White Earth ppewa (Missi sippi Band) families. She earned a degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and had two children during a 23-year marriage.

She worked as an educator for more than 40 years, from the mentary to the university level. During much of that time, Indian languages and culture ‘were suppressed by official policy in schools that served the indigenous.

Patricia was involved in a wave of activism that gradually put more power over Indian education into the hands of indigenous leade:

In the 1970s she lobbying for the Ame: gious Freedom Act of 1978, which into federal law the guarantee that In ans may freely practice their spiritual traditions. Soon afterward, she was appointed co-chair of the U.S. Interior Department’s 7 Force on Indian Education Policy.

Pa a’s service instructor, curriculum designer and co-director of the International Native Languages Institute put her in a unique position among American Indian educators. In addition to helping organize 17 tribal colleges, developed policies, procedures and ed cation codes for Indian communi in several regions of the country. She helped develop a Bureau of Indian Affairs

instrumental in

ites greeting delegates, members of the Continental Board of Counselors, and their Auxiliaries, members of the Regional Baha'i Councils and a small number of visitors as we mark the close of the first year of the Five Year Plan.

The 93rd Baha’i National Convention will open Thursday evening, April 25, and close midday Sunday, April 28.

All elected delegates will have reserved seats in Foundation Hall throughout the Convention.

ily members of delegates, MUST apply for pre-registration with this form by U.S. mail or fax. Due to limited seating space, only registrants using this form—faxed or postmarked between Nov. 26, 2001, and March 1, 2002—will be admitted to the Baha'i House of Worship Visitors Center during the Convention. Seating will be assigned on a first-applied, first-served basis.

Patricia Locke “embodied the virtues she said were most prized by the Lakota,” said a statement of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Education Mission Statement and polici at became written into law.

She wrote a regular column for the Lakota Times titled “Unlocking Education.” She also wrote or contributed to two dozen published

j on issu freedom

icles farand

more in edu ranging anthropological theorie:

Over the years she served as president of the National Indian Educati ciation, chair of the advisory committee for education with the National ‘Tribal Chairmen’s Associ chair of the American Indian Advisory Committee to the Martin Luther King Jr. He Comm

boards for a number of social, human

rights, and environmental issues. Daniel Socolow, director of

MacArthur Fellows Program, sai

SEE COMPASSIONATE, PAGE 15

Baha’i ID number Last Name First Name MI. Mailing Address ( ) City State ZIP Code Home phone Hotel reservations: This form is for confirmation of attendance only. Please check if you will need: All participants including delegates must make their own lodging arrange- ___ Wheelchair accessibility ments. Participants may take advantage of a special rate at the Omni Orrington Hotel sadisioa letbeo be titervictation

(phone 847-866-8700). When making hotel reservations, ask for the Baha’i National Convention contract rate (double occupancy = $109).

Please complete this form and mail to: Conventions Office, 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 or fax to: 847-425-7975 No phone or e-mail registrations will be accepted

(provided only on request by mail postmarked no later than March 1, 2002)

phone fax 440-333-6938 _

Enrollments

October 2001 .........00002 HIT

May-October 2001 ........... 676

Formula for participation

NG a recent gathering for deepening in the law of Huqiqu’lléh, a friend came up with a wonderful insight and a simple formula for observing this law. She said that we have learned that after we distinguish between needs and wants, our non-needful expenditures are to come out of the 81% of our wealth that has been “purified” by payment of Huqtiqu’ But many of us do not have “puri savings to use for non-needful expenditures. Our only asset may be a monthly salary that we spend in its entirety, and it appears that we do not have enough “wealth” to qualify for payment of Huqtiqu’lléh. For those of us in this uation who want the privilege of observing the Right of God, here is a Any expenditure that we feel should have come out of our money (the 81%) and not God’ (the 19%) we divide by 81 and then multiply by .19. For example, we buy a birthday or wedding gift for $50 and we want that to come out of our money (the 81%). Dividing $50 by .81 we get $61.73, and 19% of that is $11.73—the amount owed as Huqtiqu’llah. We can keep the $11.73 in a special safe place and keep adding to it in this manner until we periodically add it up and send a check to one of the Trustees of Huqiiqu’llih. @

Payments to Huqdqu’llah should be made to “The Baha’i Huqdqu’llah Trust” (please write your Baha’i identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees listed below.

+ 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.0. Box 178,

Winnsboro, SC 29180

phone , fax 803-635-9982 e-mail

Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huqiqu’llah Trust,

aS

December 12, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ THe Seconp FRont page 3 [Page 4]

• «NATIONAL*PLAN®

Systematic GROWTH

THROUGH INTERCOMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Overview Partnerships vary in form

BY TOM MENNILLO

Baha'i communities of all are responding to a call from the Universal House of Justice to “formulate plans for systematic growth. In its Jan. 9, 2001, letter to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors, the Supreme Institution noted that the “: which a region divided will fall into various categories of development.”

At the highest level of functioning, wrote the House of Justice, in a few localities “strong communities of deepened believers will be in a position to take on the challeng: of systematic and accelerated expansion and consolidation.”

Even though it predates the Jan. 9 letter, an area growth program under way in the Tr gle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) ré northeastern North Carolina fits that description toa “T.”

Three reports about that effort follow look at its formation and structure, a progress report and an account of a recent periodic evaluation session.

Other area growth programs are in the planning stages, says Ken Bowers, secretary of the National ‘Teaching Committee.

Each Regional Baha’ Council, in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly and the NIC, has been narrowing down the candidates.

Where are tematic ance, s

merican

‘areas into

appear equal in levels of sysction, intangibles will tip the

These include actual growth, number of media campaign responses, demographics and community vitality indicators.

Meanwhile, the four Regional Councils have received clustering proposals several hundred Bah:

The Jan. 9 letter said that “among the factors that determine the boundaries” of an inter-community partnership, or cluster, “are culture, language, patterns of transport, infrastructure, and the social and economic life of the inhabitants.”

The National Spiritual Assembly, in a July 19 letter to Local Spiritual Assembli expressed its confidence “that creating and strengthening inter-community partnerships will bring unity and strength to our efforts to advance the ematic growth and development of the Baha’f community.”

The national body called upon Assemblies to “complete their initial plans for establishing partnerships by Oct. 1, 2001, and submit them, along with a description of partnerships in which the Assembly is already participating, to the Regional Baha’f Council for review and comment.”

An early description of the process by which the Councils will provide review and comment also follows.

William Tucker (left) gives feedback on the progress of the area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina at a periodic evaluation meeting held Oct. 27 at the Intercommunity Baha’i Center in Durham. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Triang

e growth program

Tune-ups smooth operation

hink of North merica’s first growth program

Area of cooperation

cluster hitting on all cylinders.

And one year into r effort in

Participants in the Trianglearea growth program are the Baha’i communities indicated at left, plus the National Teaching Committee, Southern Regional Council and its Triangle Coordinating Team,

the Supreme Talisman RTI and Auxiliary Board members.

tion ses held Oct. 27 at the Intercommunity Baha’i Center in Durham— a building where vehicles once were housed and maintained, quite fitting for up.

pants ranged from individual Baha'is to an advisory group comprising representatives of Local ritual Assemblies, the Triangle Coordinating ‘Team, Supreme ‘Talisman Regional Training Institute, National Teaching Committee, Regional Baha’i Council,

and the Continental Board of Counselors and its $ Input from the session, as with past and future periodic reviews, will lead to refinements so resources and act can be more effectively targeted. The day’s focus was on four goal areas of effort—seeker follow-up and media, devotional gatherings, firesides and

SEE TUNE-UPS, PAGE 5

How the area growth program got started

O ne could say the seeds of an area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina were sown in a July 2000 meeting of the National

‘Teaching Committee and Regional Baha’{ Counc:

But driving the effort has always been the friends’ high level of activity there, says Ken Bowers, secretary of the NTC. The area growth program simply helps to focus and build on that activity.

According to a report compiled on the program, sev

several communities across

the South were considered for the initial systematic effort. When the Council and NTC indicated their top choices, the Triangle

topped the

SEE BACKGROUND, PAGE 5

Clusters Proposals pouring in

im-i-H4 came earl four Regional Bah:

for the i Coun

cils.

Hundreds of clustering proposals arrived at Council offices before and after the Oct. 1 deadline suggested by the National Spirit

A robust 229 came from communities in the Western States alone.

What are the Councils doing

ssembh

still early in represen The’ Central Regional Council is “activ ly processing clustering i from about twoSpiritual Assem

of these look like sound proposals that will serve the desi nated areas quite well,” said James. aid the C 1 looks to work with all Central States Local Spiritual Assemblies to “foster their functioning, growth, and development, to implemental or enlarge ic growth programs designed to adva process of entry by troops.

The Northeastern Regional Council had fielded cluster proposals from seven of the nine s of late October and was

Foun

st

5 Ee Be

the Region: a meeting was cheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Dallas, Texas, to consult i elated to cluster propos

The meeting brought together the Southern Regional Council, uunselor Eugene Andrews, Auxry Board members who serve South, and the teaching office.

Mills noted that the Southern Council is taking the approach of not deciding the cluster makeup.

“It is pretty much being left to

the communities to self-deterne,” she said. We will consult on the situations where there is conflicting recommendations about cluster feedback and how best to handle that.”

‘That's an issue each Council faces. In some areas, different

SEE CLUSTERS, PAGE 6

page 4 Tne American BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN December 12, 2001 [Page 5]

Broad progress being made in the Triangle

rogress—both quantitative and qualitative—is

being made toward achievement of the goals of the area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

“There is a heightened sense of activity and the need to teach going on in the area,” said Corinne Mills, coordinator of the Southern Regional Teaching Office and a member of the growth campaign’s advisory group.

“Perhaps this is best reflected by not only increased attendance at the devotional gatherings but increased attendance at some of the community Feasts and the quality of consultation that results.”

Mills said the most recent local media campaign garnered 82 seeker calls. This three-month effort, which began in May, used two cable channels.

Significantly, while the response was equal that of a year earlier—when Baha’i programs ran on Fox television—costs were significantly lower this year, but with

much greater total exposure.

Callers are sent literature and invited to attend devotional gatherings, said Mills.

Three devotional gatherings are held each week: one at the Intercommunity Baha’{ Center in Durham, one at the Baha’ Unity Center in Raleigh and one in a Chapel Hill home.

When seekers attend a gathering, they are given personal attention and are invited to a fireside or dinner in a friend’s home.

Mills noted that contact between Baha'is and the general public also is being fostered through service.

Much of that service has been spawned by the four ongoing Triangle study circles, with participants ranging in age from 12 to 70-plus.

An example is work in a Durham-area soup kitchen sponsored by a local church.

Other projects sponsored by study circles emphasize

service within the Baha’i community: developing a Feast presentation to inspire further acts of service; visiting community members who cannot regularly attend Baha’i functions; upkeep of grounds and facilities at the two Centers; and a monthly dinner-and-movie night for the friends and seekers.

‘Two of the study circles are working with Ruhi Book One, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” and wo with Book Two, “Arising to Serve.”

Intercommunity collaboration plays a huge role in the growth program’s success, of course.

Mills said such parmerships go back several years and were instrumental in purchasing of the two Baha'i centers about five years ago.

Other areas of cluster-like activity include children’s classes, the devotional gatherings, Holy Day celebrations, media outreach, seeker follow-up, and an intercommunity newsletter. @

TUNE-UPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

training institute courses—that are at the program’s heart.

‘Grand experiment’

Present to put the process into perspective for the gathered friends were representatives of their institutions.

Counselor Eugene Andrews said this “grand experiment is at once a spiritual revolution” and noted the four goal areas boil down into one—growth.

“What you do to enrich one area affects all of them,” he said.

We must develop ourselves as Bah said Andrews. Fortunately, we have the sequence of courses laid out by training institutes to help us increase our skills and productivity.

And the study circle is proving to be a most efficient delivery system for those courses. Circles promote a sense of community, are fun, let us take responsibility for our own learning, are great for inviting non-Baha’is into our midst, and are action-oriented because they lead us naturally into teaching and service.

Counselor, Eugene Andrews (left) studies amap sh

ers with assistance from Steve Kozlow.

Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai said Triangle Baha’{s should be proud of their trailblazing efforts.

He urged them to continue to plan, act, learn, make changes, and act some more.

‘Follow the recipe’

Echoing Andrews, he said, they must explore how to integrate the four goals areas of a “simple but audacious plan” and, thereby, further the process of attracting fellow residents to the message of Baha’u'llah.

ig the location ofa area ak

Participants in an Oct. 27 evaluation session raise points with Ken Bowers (at lectern), secretary of the National Teaching Committee, as Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai (seated at left) listens. Photos by Tom Mennillo

Ken Bowers, secretary of the National ‘Teaching Committee, assured the friends that good things come to those who are confident and “follow the recipe.”

He said the Universal House of Justice is asking us to cluster, pursue a range of activities, persist, and refine as we go.

Communities around the country are realizing that all their activities—“especially those that rejuvenate us”—work together in furthering this process, he said.

Among those he cited were his tiny home community, Vernon Hills, Illinois, and much larger ones such as San Anto

nio, Texas; Springfield, Massachusett: El Paso, Texas; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“Our success depends on cracking the code” of universal participation, s: Bowers.

He related how a facilitated community-wide consultation in Jacksonville, Florida, has transformed the relationship between believers and the Spiritual Assembly and the level of community life.

Charting the progress Time was taken to hear progress reports on the local media campaign and seeker follow-up. Eric Johnson traced the evolution of media efforts from broadcast “spots” to cable programming.

SEE TUNE-UPS, PAGE 6

BACKGROUND,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

In August of that year, an advisory group was formed.

Initial members were a Continental Counselor, two representatives of the Regional Council, two Auxiliary Board members, two NTC members and a member of the Regional Council’s coordinating team for the Triangle.

Joining them in December was a member of the Supreme Talisman Regional Training Institute.

The advisory group met in September 2000 with Triangle Assemblies and Groups to offer a partnership in a program lasting five and a half years.

And in November, a meeting with the friends ‘Triangle-wide shared the program’s vision and goals and encouraged all friends to play an active role.

Four goal areas were identified: seeker follow-up, devotional gatherings, firesides, and training institute courses.

As noted in the report, “it was believed that a vigorous focus on these four goal elements would help bring communities to a higher level of functioning, thereby providing a strong foundation for a growth-producing milieu.”

Specific—in some cases numeric— goals were set by the Assemblies and Groups through consultation.

Coordination of the seeker follow-up process was undertaken by the Wake County Assembly for communities in the eastern half of the Triangle and the Coordinating Team for the western communities.

A media campaign also was devised and implemented, through the Triangle Public Information Team.

Progress on each of the goals has been measured through Assembly reports and periodic review sessi Communicati

ry Board member for Propagation Shahin Vafai have met with their respective communities to foster participation in the program. @

December 12, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN page 5 [Page 6]

TUNE-UPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

When the two were compared, he said, it was found that they yield a similar number of responses per dollar spent.

And because cable advertising is so much less expensive, the Faith seemingly can be on the air all the time.

Johnson also reminded the friends that many more people hear the m than respond, so the effectiveness of the campaign cannot be measured solely by the number of calls.

Speaking of calls, Corinne Mills said area communities are learning the value of striking while the iron is hot—following up inquiries immediately with materials and invitations to activities.

They also are seeing a need to develop their skills in connecting with people. Mills said the Triangle Coordinating ‘Team has invited noted teacher Howard Menking to come in December and train the friends in reaching out heart to heart.

Feedback front and center the area growth

goal areas they particularly wanted to explore.

Observations and suggestions flew as fast as a volunteer scribe could «mark them on a rapidly filling easel pad.

Varied as the comments were, they could be distilled to concerns that the talents and energies of all believers be put to use and that Baha’u'llah’s message be more widely and effectively delivered to a waiting public.

They included needing to:

• Discover friends’ talents and fit them

into the program.

• Proclaim B: tl

revelation—“the greatest story every told.”

• Relate the teachings to ills of society.

© Promote Americans’ understanding of

Islam.

• Give people God's

future.

• Make d

cle:

ion for the

votional gatherings, study circhildren’s classes and other activtruly open to the entire commu

CLUSTERS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

semblies and Groups are proposing clusters made up of different communities. Linda Leeb Duper, administrative stant in the Western Regional Council’s Office of the Secretary, said that “where there are ‘competing’ or different recommendations in the the question will be referred affected communities to resolve, with the assistance of their Auxiliary Board members.”

She said all communities that have submitted prope are being encour

region of North Carolina. Photo by Tom Mennillo

“Perfection is the enemy of good. Don’t wait for

perfection, because i will stifle universal participation.”

—Counselor Eugene Andrews

• Focus efforts more and more on the

neighborhood level rather than concentrating them at the Center.

© Employ consultation to “harne: we are.”

• More systematically trans

into action.

• Make fireside and public meeting topics truly dynamic.

• Quickly move new believers and new

into the activity stream.

late ide

Exploring issues further

As the day went on, participants and the institutional representatives interacted to expand on these concerns. is, they took heart from Andrews’ Perfection is the enemy of good. Don’t wait for perfection, because it will stifle universal participation.”

Bowers of the National 7 Committee said, for example, we need to take a long view of the benefits from media expenditures.

In response to comments of partici pant William Tucker, he said such

ching

aged to “proceed with activities until the Coun able to review and comment in greater detail about submitted plans

In some cases, she noted, “we have written back to request additional information. For example, sometimes

the cluster boundaries or area (e.g. Western Green County,” or “from Highway 19 to the coast”), but not the actual names of communiti Duper said at least two follow-up communications will be sent to the Assemblies, the first with the Council’s initial comments and a second requesti nonth status report. itution of the Learned and the Council are working closely on this

The Intercommunity Baha’i Center in Durham is a hub of activity in the Triangle

“controversial” topic: ’ulih ve are being tackled head on in videos now being developed.

But care must be taken to communicate our me: in a way that is clear and connects with people, he said, with focus-group testing a key element in crafting our message.

Some discussion followed a question by participant Kathy Lee on how we can achieve “sustained encouragement” of one another.

Young adult Jamal Lally said he has long felt a need to “feel accepted” and find “refuge” in the Faith.

One of several s ‘ions in response was that the friends develop a “language of encouragement” that would allow us peak frankly without sounding neg

rev

ative. Bowers agreed, noting that while we

have high and uncompromising ide:

the Bahai community will not ful

reflect them in the near future.

‘an we lighten up on each other

in the meantime Idola J. Dotson Scimeca pointed to

young people such as Lally, an accom ished rapper.

“Talents are there but are not being

ebrate Jama tain people other Baha

Before the day ended, fittir sharing of individual teaching expeScimeca summed up the confihown throughout by the friends: “God is at the helm. It will work out.”

endeavor, said Duper.

“Undoubtedly, the high response rate from the Assemblies can be attributed to the eager involvement of the Auxiliary Board at the grass roots with the Assemblies and groups,” she said.

In addition, Counselor Angelica Huerta and the Council agreed to develop and share a common “cluster map” for the region.

Further clarification is being awaited from the National Assembly, said Duper, regarding “geographic _ boundaries determined for county, judicial, and commissioner districts, some of which are further subdivided.

Additional considerations in r

viewing

No CALL WILL Go UNANSWERED

New ‘one-stop’ system for seeker responses!

FROM: « National media campaign

+ Local, area media campaigns + National Public Web Site

+ 1-800-22-UNITE

VIA:

‘What? The National Teaching Committee’s seeker response component of the national media campaign has entered a new phase.

A Web-based seeker tracking system g put in place, so that local comwill have a “one-stop source” for seeker inquiries prompted by local and area media campaigns, as well as the national campaign.

The new system completely replaces the voice-mail seeker response system.

This is a new degree of systematization in support of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Five Year Plan goal of enhancing seeker follow-up, in keeping with the theme “No Call Will Go Unanswered.”

Why? The aim is to provide communities with seeker inquiries in the most expeditious way possible. The new system also provides a significant saving to the National Fund by using the Internet instead of a phone-based system.

How do I find out more? www.usbne.org Click on “Media Campaign.”

The media campaign is an important link in the process of entry by troops, but ultimately it is the community and the individual believer who will consecrate an interested soul.

The most essential aspect of the campaign is that it provides a means for a seeker to make a personal, heart-to-heart contact with a Baha’i.

Through this systematic development of the community in preparation and in response to the national media campaign, communities have seen a maturation of love, unity, and collaboration: the hallmark of Baha’i community life. ©

cluster proposal: include:

• When one Assembly is writing in for

veral communit the Counce response will go to that AssembI; copies to all clustered communities to ensure agreement.

• When an Assembly area is split in qwo

or more clusters, this will need to be confirmed with the affected Assembly. When the Council has received information on the geographic area of clus ter communities but not on activitie or goals, the Council will encourage agreement on at least one munity effort that focuses on a atic program of growth. @

according to Duper,

.

tercom

page 6 THe American BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN December 12, 2001 [Page 7]

Baha’ or many, mention of the Kingdom Project—the National

Spiritual Assembly's comprehensive five-year development plan designed to build the infrastructure of the American Baha’i community—sparks awareness of the vitally important restoration work under way at the Mashriqu’lAdhkar. Others connect with the renovation projects recently completed at Louis Gregory Institute and the permanent Baha’ schools.

Yet another, soon to be more part of the Kingdom Project has been quietly developing inside the Bah Publishing Trust over the p: years: creation of of books about the Bahi ith written for seekto be sold through large chain bookstores such as Borders Books, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and other

t several

new si

¢ very excited about these new and what they represent,” s nerly, general manager of the If sufficient contriured, the new series tream of new titles ch a wide section

ys

provide a +h year that

an re

BUILDING THE

INGDOM

IT’S OUR TIME

BAHA { PUBLISHING

of the American public interested in religion and spirituality. We know there is a persistent hunger for fresh spiritual ce in our society. We know the age of Baha’u'lléh can resonate h people se in their

The first three books will be published in spring 2002. Three more titles will appear in the fall, with new books. following each spring and fall thereafter.

“These books are written for members of the public who are not famili with the Baha’f Faith or ish teacl Minnerly adds ten for Baha

dis sssion. groups) and at tivities whe rs are pres

House of Worship update: Dawn of

Photo above: The first sections of the new garden retai wall have been cast in concrete on the southeast side of the Temple. The new walls will be sturdier than the old garden walls, which in places had deteriorated severely (see photo at top center). Future phases of the concrete work will transform the trench visible here into a storage space underneath a rebuilt circular deck at the base of the Tem ple’s monumental stairs.

Photo at right: Workers repair and re-waterproof part | of the edge of the Foundation Hall roof, which lies beneath the monumental stairs surrounding the Temple auditorium. Over the years, seeping water has damaged the concrete to the point that leaks are common in the Visitors’ Center and offices surrounding Foundation Hall every time a significant rain falls.

eer aed de

Information about how these three books can be obtained, how the friends can assist in their marketing and sales, and new titles in development will appear in future editions of The American Baha’j and through other communications sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly.

reconstruction

The first titles include Seeking Faith: Is Religion Really What You Think It Is? by Nathan Rutstein, A Wayfarer’s Guide to Bringing the Sacred Home by Joseph Sheppherd and Refresh and Gladden My Spi Prayers and Meditations from Baba’ Scripture, a compilation of Baha’i

life? How do we know if we're heading down the right path? How can we cultivate our own spirituality? The author presents a personal, thoughtful exploration of the reasons we search for spiritual meaning in our

Sheppherd addre:

s different but

prayers and meditations with an intro- equally important questions: What is duction by Pamela Brode. the spiritual connection between self, Rutstein’s Seeking Faith answers such _ family, and community? What do these

important questions How do we

develop a greater sens

of purpose in SEE BOOKS, PAGE 8

As a mild autumn progressed toward winter, the House of Worship restoration crew in Wilmette was working hard to complete the following sub-projects in the overall restoration of the Temple and its gardens. Photos by James Humphrey

An old garden wall shows decades of water damage.

Crumbling section of stairs is closed to the public.

Compare this sample arrangement of white concrete paving stones with the brick-andpoured-concrete surface it is intended to replace. Scott Conrad, on-site manager for Temple restoration (standing on the new surface), says the technique of placing small concrete slabs on low pedestals has proved safe and secure for many outdoor plazas and decks. Having a few inches’ space beneath the walking surface improves drainage, reducing the chance of water damage. Future repairs beneath the surface can be done with the lifting of a few tiles, keeping disturbance to a minimum. ©

December 12,2001 THe AMERICAN BANA‘i * KINGDOM PROJECT — page 7 [Page 8]

KINGDOM-BUILDING IN A TIME OF CALAMITY

BY THE KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

‘¢ see around us the stirrings of calamity and violence, and the responding outpouring d cooperation from thousands sionate souls. The Lesser ‘eloping.

World events are highlighting the urgency of our respor sin helping fulfill America’s destiny, charted for it by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and in achieving the plans mapped for us by our House of Justice and National Spiritual Assembly.

_In previous times. of crisis, Shoghi

z wept into the swelling tide of the world tribulations, presaging the assumption of a preponde the establishment of th

ticipated Less's are marshalled, nd crown © effort, however humble, however belated, exerted to speed the unfinished . Again I renew plea for closer communion with the Spirit of Bahé passion: flow of 1

ih, for more ¢ resolve, for more abund aterial resources, and for wider dispersion, intenser concentration, by a ter number of pioneers, settlers

Plan a termi surate With and wondrous as the explo rking the opening decade of first Bahs’i C —from a cablegram of April 26, 1942,

1S OURTIME

BOOKS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

relationships have to do with our spiritual development?

A Wayfarer’s Guide describes the vital role of personal transformation in spiritual growth, the importance of spiritual training in raising children, the divi purpose of marriage and family and the process for building strong communitie:

Refresh and Gladden My Spirit contains more than 120 prayers and extracts from the Baha’f writings on themes such as assistance from God, comfort, contentment, difficult times, death, faith, healing, mart and family life, protection

‘KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION:

GREEN ACRE BAHA SCHOOL

,

Work has progressed steadily

on construction of new meeting and classroom facilities at Green Acre Baha’i School since the groundbreaking ceremony jin June. Photo by Hossein Amanat

For information about the Kingdom Project and how you can get

involved:

Update on timing of the Kingdom Project

Our National Spiritual Assembly announces that the gathering of funds for the Kingdom Project will run concurrently with the Five Year Plan. Specifically:

Pledges sought through April 2003 The period in which pledges and contributions are sought has been extended by one year, to end Ridvan 160 (April 2003). The hope is that the entire $60 million required to fund the Kingdom Project initiatives will be committed by

that time. This will allow work on the ini

ives of the Kingdom Project to

move forward with full assurance that the money to support them is secured.

Fulfillment through April 2006 The pledge payment period has been extended to end at the conclusion of the Five Year Plan (April 2006). This pledge period gives individuals and institutions the opportunity to pay their gift over a number of years, rather than in one lump amount. This can be quite convenient for contributors, enabling them to contribute more over time than they would have been able to all at once.

If you have any questions about the new timing or about how to make a pledge, please contact the Kingdom Project Office (phone 847-733-3521,

e-mail ).

quoted in Messages to America, p. SS

“As the international situation worss the fortunes of mankind sink toa lower ebb, the momentum of the Plan must be further. ac erated, and the concerted exertions of the community responsible for its n rise to still higher levels of con tion and heroism. ... [T]he prosecutors of the Pian must evine cohesi ion

en

XECU

standard of concerted fort, of saat

introduction explains basic on the subject of prayer

tions including: What Why do we pray? Does 5 the world?

These three books will be distributed in the United States by Hushion Hor Publishing Ltd., a Toronto-based dis: tributor.

Local Spiritual Assemblies interested in sponsoring a presentation by National Center staff about the new publishing program are encouraged to contact the Kingdom Project Office (e-mail .¢

KINGDOM PROJECT www.kingdom-project.org

assistance, and of harmonious development in their collective enterprise

“Then, and only then, will the reaction to the stupendous forces, released

through the operation of a divinely conceived, divinely impelled Plan, be made apparent, and the fairest fruit of the weightiest spiritual enterprise launched in recorded history under the aegi the Center of the Covenant of Bah: lah be garnered.” rom a letter to the

ed in Citadel of Faith, p. 43°

“(Our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the System of Baha’u'llih—Divine in origin—thi at the world can be gotten on its

E nt, fear, hunger, war, etc., be Non-B: cannot contribute to our work or do it for u: really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work, as this will lead to the healing of the nations. tives From the Guardian, p. 15

As we know, the Kingdom Proj major goal of our National Spirit Year Plan. Shoghi

Kingdom Project is a unique chtors co Build thelial to ers into our ranks.

tructure nec

come thousands of It is also an opportunity for each one of us to reorient our m: s, which we have just been reminded are all too fleeting and fragile, to be more aligned with our spir new

not the hour of rest! This is not the time of silence! This is not the day of inactivity! Like unto one mighty spirit, moving through thousands of souls, art from your seats and cry at the top of your voices: Yad Babd’u'l-Abha? ” —AbdwlBaha

Please join us in Building the Kingdom—it truly is Our Time.

Office of the Treasurer + 1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL 60201 Phone 847-733-3521

E-mail

‘ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

“Pledges can be useful as a means of encouraging contributions and of bringing the financial needs of the Cause to the attention of the friends. This method can be particularly helpful in a situation where a Spiritual Assembly has a major task to perform

and needs to have some idea in advance of whether the funds for the project will

be available.” —Universal House of Justice, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 261)

Our goals are $60 million in pledges to

be committed by Ridvan 2003 and ful filled by Ridvan 2006 (the end of the Five

Year Plan). The National Spiritual Assem bly is grateful for your sacrifices that

have generated these results so far:

• More than 7,000 individuals, institutions and agencies participating.

• $24.6 million in pledges and/or cash

contributions; $8 million collected.

Building the Infrastructure of the Kingdom

Kingdom Project initiatives under way

include:

• Conservation of the House of Worship

in Wilmette.

+ Anew meeting and classroom building at Green Acre Baha'i School.

+ Introduction of Baha'i books to the retail book trade.

Louhelen’s Unity Hall is the second proj ect to be completed through the King dom Project; the first was renovation of

the Louis Gregory Institute.

Your pledge is essential to the completion of efforts to build the infrastructure necessary to welcome thousands of new believers into our ranks. Fulfillment of your pledge will ensure continued progress toward realizing our “unspeakiably glorious” mission proclaimed by ‘Abdu'l-Baha and mapped for us by our National Spiritual Assembly. ®

page 8 Tne American BanA‘i * Kincoom Provect December 12, 2001

[Page 9]Se

“(Our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and _ The National Spiritual Assembly's misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Bahda’u'lldh—Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminate: —Shoghi Effendi, published in Bahd't News, August 1948

Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project) RI PLE EL $1,243,760

$7,637,817

Total this fiscal year (since May 2001)

September

October

Baha’i National Fund activity through October 31, 2001

Individual contributors Cash-basis revenues, expenditures Ths Svcd yea, 9418 May 1-September 30, 2001 (latest available) ee ae Revenues (<ontndenoes, gsgasg “err EERIE ss he es ec) aaauses Expenditures $11,920,563 (cperatves, capital 20d MJJASONDJFMA debt paymeets ec) $24,600,000 Pledges and/or contributions ($8 million cash received)

Pledges needed (must be fulfilled by Ridvin 2006) Details, page 8

>

Visitor inst perspective on giving

t was probably honor enough that a I tional treasurer sat, learned and

shared side by side with local tr urers at the National Treasurer's Forum in October.

But Kevin Araki brought more than willingness to giv e during workshops. He brought loving greetings from the } 1 Spiritual ably of Al: well as a special gift: a five$25,000 pledge to the Kingdom Project for the restoration of the Baha'i House of Worship. to scrape up such a gift, Jaska has a widely spread nd limited financial

resources,” he of the Fund is spent on paying bills ated with the operation of the I Quds (water, electricity etc.), and travel ly operate and meet the needs of the friends.”

But even with a

Al:

ard row to hoe, embly decided ation” to make its

hout any hes

On people’s minds ...

Our Baha’i community is planning a yard sale to raise money for several youth who are planning for a Baha’i teaching trip overseas. Can we sell our personal items to non-Baha’is for this purpose? “As to the sale of personal items for the benefit of Baha'i Funds, w in with the principle that any believy sell personal services or goods to 1d do with the proceeds as he , including giving any or all of them to Baha’f purposes. In doing so, , he should not represent to fs that such a sale is for the fund is also a principle that it is improper to solicit funds from non-Baha’fs in the name of

le of food and adn inment.” (From behalf of the Uni to the National Spiritual Panama, April 1, 1968) @

nN tO enter= letter written on

What's on your mind? Send your questions on the Fund and its workings to the Office of the Treasurer (e-mail ).

pledge. That Assembly is “ happy to have this opportunity ticipate in a great work,” he sa

Aft

, very 0 par

“There’s a definite sense of cooperation, a wonderful sibling relationship A. between all the National Spi er all, the Assemblies” in the north of the Americis of north America

E erm from the Arctic all shared primary responsibility for the building of the Holiest House of Wor5s ship, and ‘ Kevin Araki Canada, Greenland and the Cc States are full partners in the ished by ‘Abdu’l-E

itself is a strong point of unity, and Araki s2 will help |

to the

Sto

¢ of Worship is four short ye: has seen a lot. He v ple selected from

s one of the 19 peo‘ka to attend May's

ranging to make that visit, he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The thing that impressed him most about the Faith, he said, is that “Giving to the fund can come only from a Bah: - Lam amazed by the Baha sacrifice which gives them th y build and maintain so much beautiful architecture.

“This is an illustration of Baha’ love for the world.”

A letter from a ‘Kid for the Kingdom’ D ear Liang the Lion,

Tam Kalim Anders, I am 6 years old. I met you when I didn’t know that you would come to the family room at the Building the Kingdom Conference. I had a very good ga heart for you and so you might remember who I m because I hope you still have that heart. I tried to make it as best as I could.

I found out why we h

hoping to or; for local tre: practical tips Part of hi

box and we get’mon Project to send to the Fund. We have gotten a lot of money and I have been trying up the Kingdom Project books.

have a pizza celebration but: we decided haus we will

y for the Kingdom

ime 1

ir our own pi and we will buy one the next Frida then make one and so on and so on. Then when we make a pizza w money that we would usually spend to y the pizza and give it to the Kingdom Project. By the end of the Five Year Plan we hope to continue as ve should make project. We expect th I world better

money to the Kingdom Project, because there are a lot of cracks and broken ings on the Temple and on the sideand I think that we just have to give

world and the spirit d this world should have more peace I hope we will be able to repair that Temple. When I looked at it I felt that we will need to give to the Fund for a very long time because it is very big and many things need to be repaired on it. Bye

My mom and Nisa (who is my sister) Kalim Anders (my mom helped me by and me (Kalim) built a Kingdom Project typing what I said) #

ind all of the Baha’s kids are

are the lion your cubs I hope you like this letter,

Gift and Estate Planning Program

has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for themselves, their families and the Baha’i Faith.

• Providing for the Baha’i Faith in

your will

• Making a gift of securities

• Making a gift of real estate

+ Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

• Charitable Gift Annuities *

• Charitable Remainder Trusts

• Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California,

Washington

8-page brochure

Single copies may

To order The Writing of a Will or to find out more about the gift and estate planning program:

+ Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail

• Or, fill out the form with the Baha’i

Funds envelope attached to this paper.

Automatic

contribution system ... helps give the Fund stability and simplifies your contributions

Giving in memory or

in honor ... of a loved one, a special event, a wedding, birth or graduation

Worksheets for local

treasurers ... help keep your community on track and up to date

Find out more or get forms on www.usbnc.org or contact the Office of the Treasurer 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60202 e-mail

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

Please write Baha'i ID# on check

December 12, 2001

Tne AMERICAN BaAuiA’l ¢ TREASURER’S PAGE - page 9 [Page 10]

1.95 SECAM 6-Tape Set @TSETS) ‘

ole lection from the BU Cone arated ueaees

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This convenient pocket-sized calendar, which many of us have come to rely on, allows one to keep track of Baha’i events by overlaying a Baha’ calendar upon a Gregorian one. Includes the number and name of each

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Dity Ome * Mend.

i Taw. < Taso, ” Orricial OPENING OF THE TERRACES OF THE

SH

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Berna Peace ot tn TO@Aces © Ugo 18

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Prayers of Ecstasy compilation

$14.95 HC (PRAYE) Just 2 collection of prayers and tablets by the Bab, Baha’u'llih and ‘Abdu’l-Bahé will allow the hearts of those who ponder

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Explanation of the emblem of the Greatest Name deepens understanding about the Greatest Name including some

the symbol and letters, Phoenician alphabet and numerical values associated with letters, daily repetitions and other recitations, the meanings and forms of the Greatest Name and excerpts from letters by and on behalf of the Guardian answering questions about the appropriate display in photos, jewelry, flags, posters and other items, as well as places where it should not be printed or used.

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Falling Into Grace Justice St. Rain

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This is an inspiring and informative book about becoming a Baha’ and staying Baha’y. A thoughtful exploration into the spiritual and psychosocial challeng: Baha’{ can encounter on the path to personal transformation. Covers many topics including family life and holi ation, and the struggle of conforming one’ life to laws we find personally Well-supported with many wonderful gems from the Baha’ sacred writings. A wonderful read for new and veteran Baha'is.

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Baha’i Wall Calendar 159 B.E. (2002-2003)

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‘Taylor, author of Helping Joe Strong and The , Interaction Mode succeeded again in providing us with an effective tool for improving the community life and the functioning of Spiritual Assemblies. With $10,000 in Baha’i scholarships up for grabs, the Crestview community launches a contest inviting members to submit their best ideas for improving the Baha'i community. The result: a multitude of ideas for increasing love and unity, enlivening Feasts, organizing Firesides and much more!

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page 10 Tne American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistripuTion SERVICE December 12, 2001 [Page 11]

Thy Name Is My Healing compilation

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This pocket-sized prayer book includes full-color illustrated background for prayer text on each page. Captioned photos of the House of Worship in India, an illuminated tablet in the handwriting of Bahd’u'lléh, the Shrine of the Bab and the open gateway to the resting place of Baha’u'llah make this a wonderful keepsake or gift. Available in hard cover and soft cover.

35s" x 451s”, 96 pp, illustrated, photo:

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S ian edition of Thy Name Is My Healing is a pocket-sized prayer book that includes full-color illustrated background for prayer text on each aptioned photos of the House of Worship in India, an illuminated tablet in the handwriting of Baha'u'llah, the Shrine of the Bab and the open

wonderful keepsake or gift. Available in hard cover and soft cover.

35/s" x 4510”, 96 pp, illustrated, photos

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This compilation of letters by and on behalf of the Universal House of Justice covers topics such as noninvolvement in politics, fostering cultural diversity, guiding social transformation, ating tribal prejudices, dance, music, initiation rites, female genital mutilation, supernatural forces, “evil spirits,” witchcraft, traditional healing and healers, tribal chiefs and traditional leaders, and the status of women.

5/0” x 81/e”, 50 pp. booklet

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Author Eileen Mabry offers insight and ideas for healing human relations with compassion, understanding and honest communication. The book is filled with heartfelt interviews and photos of well-known figures in the fields of education, entertainment and social sciences. By getting at the core of honest communication, we begin to heal past wounds and promote human

7” x 8",77 pp.

The Lab, the Temple, and the Market

Reflections at the Intersection of Science, Religion,

edited by Sharon per, International Development

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Lights of ‘Irfan, Book Il Papers Presented at the 2000 ‘Irfan Colloquia and Seminars

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A Holy Day

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g That gS Promising s99| Continent QR compilation =e $2.50 SC (TPC) So These are selections

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Full of amazing facts and a wealth of detail, this book covers celebrations ancient and modern, religious and secular. Featuring a comprehensive list of major religious festivals and attractively illustrated with charts and tables, it explains the cultural and religious development of each calendar and investigates systems as diverse as Aztec, Greek and Navajo. This remarkable

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ind’s diverse perceptions of time at the turn of the millennium, and the celebrations that accompany them. justrations, tables, appendix, bibliography, index

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December 12, 2001

Tne American BanA‘i ¢ Bana‘ DistRiBuTION SERVICE

page II [Page 12]

A Page from the History of Eternity produced by Gregory Ives

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Sunshine through the Rain

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Mellow voices and mellow guitar gently guide the listener through this folk song journey to visit Baha’ historical figures and uplift your spirit!

running time: 31:35

Twelve Days Richard Primont

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We Want to Grow Up Nancy Ward $10.95 Cassette (WWGU)

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running time: 24:35

This Is Where I Live

Character & Ethics Music Kit for Classroom & Youth Choir Jennifer Russell $25.00 CD and Booklet (TIWILCD)

‘This CD features the C&E Kids, a community youth choir of the Character & Ethics Project for the city of Glendale, California. The music kit has been adopted by the school district for classroom use. Kit materials include a 10-song CD (all songs are repeated with mus songbook with discussion questions, activity ideas, choir notes and lyric sheets to copy for classroom use. booklet 24 pp, running time: 62:50

MUSIC & DEOS

Songs for the Martyrs

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brate the lives of hirih, Mulla ihran, ude rhe Purest af,” “Jinab-iSong,” “In the ‘ather I Won’t Tihran” and

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Tahereh, Naghmeha-Haye Ashena, Part I (Persian)

A Collection of Baha’i Persian Songs, Part 1 Tabereh Najmi

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Feature: Persian son sung and arranged by Ta with music by Rahmauullah Badie and Shahram Includes Gonaham Bebakhsh, Vatan (Iran), Payameh Soroosh, Soghinameh, Ghiameh Aasheghaneh and Hazrateh Aalaa.

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Beloved

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A Visit To The West

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to reci, which

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Reflections at the Nexus

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is video is an introduction to the concept that economic development necessitates an understanding of the religious and social values held by those who would benefit from development. Scientists and social service agents interviewed share perceptions and success stories about integrating belief systems of developing communities into improving dialogue and planning strategies for economic growth.

ion &

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Science, Religion & Development Opening a Dialogue

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‘This video features conversations with people from a wide variety of scientific and religious backgrounds on the topic of development and the need for a frank evaluation of its effectiveness. At the heart of the discussion is awareness that religion is “the primary, defining cultural experience of most of the world’s peoples.” Participants provide their own view on the relationship between religion and science and their impact on development.

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page 12 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i * BanA‘i DistRiBUTION SERVICE

December 12, 2001 [Page 13]DEERE

ge eR sos restora

HA’T* DISTRIBUTION’ SE

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story by Larry Kenneth Gates illustrations by Abby Rubinstein

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parents and teachers with tools to help children learn more about the principles of obedience. Watercolor illustrations depict the adventures of Johnny/Juancho, the seagull.

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O God, Guide Me!

A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Baha’u’llah, the Bab and ‘Abdu’l-Baha

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To the Peoples of the World by the Universal House of Justice $3.95 SC (PWPP)

A message on the subject of pe from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world. Addresses humanity's coming of age, the spiritual roots of peace, the path to world order, the construction of a peaceful global civilization, and the of human happiness. Includes a summary of the addendum giving a brief overview of

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Las Dos Alas de un Pajaro (Two Wings of a Bird), Spanish

La Igualdad Entre La Mujer y El Hombre (The Equality of Women and Men)

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

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National Spiritual Assembly's statement on gender equality and the advancement of women.

5th” x 81h”, 10 pp.

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Tne American BanA’i * BANA’! DistRBUTION SERVICE page 13 [Page 14]

Toward countering domestic violence

National Spiritual Assembly takes 2-pronged approach to studying, overcoming the challenge

ach year in the United States, as many as 4 million women experi: ence serious assault by an intimate partner and as many as 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence.

In search of ways to address this alarming situation, our National Spiritual Assembly has been acting for nearly two years in the spirit of President Bush’s proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the proclamation issued Oct. 2, the president called on all Americans “to learn more about this terrible problem and to take positive action in protecting communities and families from its de tating effect

The National Assembly's focused on two m: irs initiatives that support wide-scale action to study and reduce violence within the home, and consultation on overcoming domes ce within the Baha’f community.

rly efforts

viole

In America at large

Since spring 2000, the National Spiritual Assembly has been represented on the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women by its nongovernmental organization (NGO) liaison for women’s

A main objective of the task force— which lists more than 100 national and local organizations as_m the reauthorization of the Witenes Against Women Act of 2000 (VAWA). This act provides funding for dom violence hotlines, transitional housing for women and children fleeing abusive environments, and training of police officers and judges to pay closer atten

sues.

surrounding

Within the task force, the NGO liaiissues participated in strategy meetings, lobbying efforts and congressional br fings to address the importance of the act’s reauthorization.

The National Assembly itself urged Congress to reauthorize VAWA. In October 2000, at the invitation of the National Ta Force to End Sey ual and Domestic Violence, the One NVorld Baha'i Youth Workshop, a 40-member performing arts group based in the metropolitan Washington area, performed on Capitol Hill for a program titled “Youth Speak Out Against Domestic _ Violence.” On that day the Senate passed VAWA by a 95-0 vote.

In April 2001, the National Spiritual Assembly's liaison for women’s issues helped plan a historic event on Capitol Hill. Aylene Fallah, a Baha’ artist, was invited by the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence ea wall of buts that reflected personal accounts of sexual assaults experienced by women throughout America.

son for women’s

Early efforts have focused on two main areas: external affairs initiatives that support wide-scale actionto N study and reduce violence within the home, and consultation on overcoming domestic violence within the Baha’i community.

• Promoting social justice and gender equality
• Promoting Baha’i standards of conduct

The Baha’fs’ involvement in this event led to public recognition of the National Spiritual Assembly as one of a handful of organizations committed to comb: ing sexual and domestic violence in Ame n. Joseph Biden, the lead drafter of VAWA, wrote a personal letter of appreciation for the Bah ship on this critical issue.

” leader

Within Bahai community In October 2000,

Juana Conrad, deputy — secretary general of the

ational Spiritual Assembly, worked closely with the director of the

Office of External Affairs, the NGO liaison for women’ issues and the director of the Office of Women’s Affairs to

organize a meeting to discuss ways of addressing domestic violence within the Baha'i community. A number of Baha’f professionals who work on the issue participated in the meeting.

The rich discussion and consultation that ensued led the group to pres set of formal recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly asking that it engage in a long-term, integrative, twofold process of learning and action to overcome domestic violence in the American Baha’i community.

Cincinnati dialogue focuses on faith, environment

eflecting the increasing inclusion of in interfaith dialogues and consultations, a Baha’{ view on the environment was presented at the Symposium on Religion and Ecology, an interreligious conference held Sept. 5-6 at

Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The first major program of the newly established Brueggeman Center for

Interreligious Dialogue, the event also included Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Native American persp ives on the environment.

The i. presentation made jointly by Roxanne Lalonde, faculty lecturer in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, and Peter Adriance, liaison with nongovernmental org: s for the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs in Was

Lalonde spok ples underlying the Baha'i approach to the environment, while Adriance spoke about Baha’f efforts internationally to

am

ve PLAN:

development

advance those principles—at the 1992 Earth Summit, in the consultations leading to the UN Earth Charter and development of the terraces and gardens on Mount Carmel.

Reflection of the Divine

Lalonde noted that the Baha’i writings speak of nature as a reflection of the Divine and see all life as interconnected and interdependent. The Baha’{ teachings uphold principles of moderation, humility and respect for ecological balance.

“The Baha'i vision of a civilization that extends thousands of years into the future implies that human beings have a profound responsibility for stewardship of God’s creation,” she said, adding that a global vision is essential to carry out such stewardship.

Such a global vi

ion was articulated by

applying the » Social and economic

Baha'u'llah when he proclaimed, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

Lalonde noted that the Baha’f teachings clearly make humanity's acceptance of the principle of the oneness of the human family a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.

Citing Baha’u'llih’s injunction, she said, “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable, unless and until its unity is firmly established.”

In Adriance’s presentation, it was noted that the Bahai International Community (BIC) ed numerous official statements advancing spiritual principle: its preparation for the Ez

i rth Summit—the UN Conference on Environment and Development held

during 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

dership qualitis civilization, published a book of children’s ys on the future, and

Asa result, in July the National Spiritual Assembly created a working group to assess the extent of any domestic violence problem within the Baha'i community, and to develop programs and action plans to address such problems.

‘That working group includes members representing the Office of Community Administration and Development, the Education and Schools Office, the Per i airs Office, the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office, the National aching Committee, the Office of Gov: ernance and the Office of External Affairs.

In recent developments ffers from the offices of Community Admini: ration and Development and Persian-American Affairs have attended a series of seminars and syms on how to address domestic violence within a community.

The staff of the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office has attended the International Conference on Refugee Women Fleeing Gender-Based Persecution.

‘The Refugee Office has begun including material on domestic violence in the welcome packet sent to refugees newly arriving in this country. Although the Baha’ community has to travel the difficult. journey of achieving

equality between men and women, the Writings reaffirm the need for that journey: “The friends of God must be adorned with the ornament of justice, equity, kindness, and love. As they do not allow themselves to be the object of cruelty and transgression, in like manner they should not allow such tyranny to visit the handmaidens of God. He, verily, speaketh the truth and commandeth that which benefitteth His servants and handmaidens. He is the Protector of all in this world and the next.” —Baha'wllih @

NGO liaison Peter Adriance outlined Baha’i contributions to a unified vision of sustainable development.

created a Peace Monument.

It also held a series of unifying cultural events at the 1992 Global Forum, the gathering of nongovernmental organi: tions held during the summit.

A unifying process

Adriance said the Baha’i representatives also contributed to the “decadelong consultative process” that led to the Earth Charter—a statement of ethics for living sustainably on Earth, and a product of the 1992 Summit.

“During that process, the principles of consultation often helped foster a sense of unity among the diverse participants,” Adriance said. “When the final Earth

SEE DIALOGUE, PAGE 15

page 14 Tne American BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN

December 12, 2001 [Page 15]

Message of the National Spiritual Assembly to the Baha’is of the United States, dated October 20, 2001

he National Spiritual Assembly was stricken with grief and a sense of profound loss in the passing of our noblehearted dearly loved sister, Patricia Locke. Pat's life was a testament to the power of faith and transcendence, rising above all obstacles to found colleges for the Indian peoples, to develop national education policy

and to promote human rights and environmental departments for American Indian Nations throughout North Americ:

for her vision of huma

After declaring her beli soul and nation. She an officer wh

she elected Vice-Chair.

che made. constant aes with expre:

Our lives have been enriched Ga aeeBly by our a a a We offer prayers for the comfort and solace of the fam

COMPASSIONATE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 statement: “Pat Locke personified the spirit of the MacArthur Fellows program by carrying out her work in education with creativity, skill and dignity. As an outstanding leader and advocate, she performed the

invaluable service of deepening our understanding and appreciation of American Indian culture.” Along the way she passed her love of education and sense of issi children. i, was a nd administrator before embarking on his global career as a traditional mu dancer and lecturer. Winona Fly ing Earth has served as director of the school system of the Standing Rock Reservation—a system Patricia Locke helped create.

all i slong pau ecee fo her eetling pha

Patricia Locke and her son, Kevin, are pictured at the Wakpala Pow-Wow in South Dakota in 1990. Photo © Paul Slaughter

ter, for mera wit

sociation with dear Patricia. and friends grieving the loss of such a precious soul.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Ass

the institute reads. “

Kevi

issues on every continent of the world, and to develop tribal education codes, language policy, and education A recipient of the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship, she was recognized throughout the world service and social development leading to her citation as one of the most influential Indian people of the 20th Century.

in the Faith of Baha'u'llah, Pat traveled the globe sharing the Bah: elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha

principles of unity and equality and championing the upliftment of every is of the United States and was the first American Indian to be elected by that body to

and aay for he Cee cone an ee and (on hea commianeng to lifelong

BLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STA

Locke, son honored week before her passing

nly a week before her passing, Patricia Locke was honored along with

her son Kevin Locke by the Indigenous Language Institute, which recognized the two for their outstanding efforts to help revitalize some of the original languages of this continent.

“Of the original 300 or more indigenous languages in North America, only 175 remain today, of which 120 are endangered. Loss of language diminishes the beautiful cultural and linguistic diversity of humanity, losing precious and insightful worldviews that are expressed in these languages,” a statement from Sontinuous, dedicated efforts of heroes and heroines such as Patricia and Kevin Locke make the daunting task of preserving, protecting and perpetuating the endangered Native languages a possibility.”

During the Oct. 13 ceremony in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii presented a congratulatory message via videotape.

Locke attended and performed traditional Indian music at the Santa Fe ceremony. Patricia Locke’s illness prevented her from attending. Her daughter Winona Flying Earth accepted the award on her behalf.

The non-profit Indigenous Language Institute serves Native American communities across the continent as a national clearinghouse of information and referrals and an education and research think tank. The organization helps grassroots community Inguage programs through seminars, research projects, publications and public outreach activities.

On the international stage, Patricia was U.S. representative for education at the 1982 World Assembly of First Nations in Canada. In 1995 she was chair of the Indigenous Women’s Caucus at the United Nations Women’s Conference in Beijing, China. She was among speakers at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Cape Town, South Africa, in December 1999.

For years before she became a Baha’,

e was acquainted with the i’u’lldh and with a num. Her son has been a Baha’f for more than 20 years, and he served on the National Spiritual Assembly in the late 1980s and early 1990s before accepting a post as an Auxiliary Board member for propagation of the Faith. Patricia herself was the first American Indian to be elected to an office of the National Assembly (vice chair, in 2001).

She was one of two members of our National Assembly attending the funeral service for Amatu’l-Baha Rdhiyyih Khénum in January 2000.

Other prestigious honors included her receipt in 1995 of the Sweet Sadie “I never let Prejudice stop me from what I wanted to do in this life Child” award commemorating the passage of the 19th amendment.

‘Till the end, Patricia Locke was in great demand as a speaker and lecturer. She

conducted courses and seminars at the University of California, Los Angeles, San Francisco State University, Alaska Methodist University, Denver University, the University of Colorado and the University of Southern Maine, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times.

In addition to her children, Kevin Locke and Winona Flying Earth, she is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Councilfire draws 400 to Makah Reservation it the salmon bake, the talks, the fellow \ V ip or the great weather?

Those attractions and more brought 400 people to the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, Aug. 17-19 for this year’s United Spiritual Gathering Councilfire.

Campers filled the Hobuck Beach campground to. The traditional dinner filled plates both with fish and a spirit of love and cooperation.

Counselor Rebequa Murphy addressed the audience on “Governance with Efficiency and Love” and, later, on the Five Year Plan. Derek Cockshut, member of the Western Regional Baha’{ Council, also spoke, and Reggie Newkirk of Canada’s National Spiritual Assembly addressed the youth on “Living the Life.”

Auxiliary Board members Todd Kutches and Celia Johnson were on hand as well.

Contributions and other efforts at the ai

netted more than $1,000 for the Funds. @

DIALOGUE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Charter was released in important to the Baha'is were reflected in the document.”

Adriance also clarified the Baha’i position on the Charter. “While not officially endorsing the Earth Charter, the Baha’i International Community considers the effort toward drafting it and activities in support of i en! objectives to be highly commendable, and it will continue to participate in related activities, such as conferforums and the like,” he noted.

Regarding the newly completed Baha’i gardens and terraces in Haifa, Israel, Adriance pointed out practical actions such as water con: rvation, organic planting methods, reduction of pesticide and herbicide use and related educ components. However, he also emphasized the spiritual purpose of the gardens in preparing pilgrims and visitors to approach one of the holiest sites to Baha'is.

His presentation included a series of images of the widely praised results of the project. The audience expressed great enthusiasm with the way the gardens reflected a dynamic balance between the practical and the spiritual.

g

ly 2000, many principles

On behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, Adriance presented a book of photographs of the new garden terpublished by the Haifa ist Board, to the Rev. Joseph Bracken, director of the Brueggeman Center.

Local involvement paves the way

Baha'i participation in the symposium was facilitated by the efforts of Faramarz Samadany, a Baha'i in Cincinnati and a Brueggeman Center trustee.

One of the Center’ inaugural events was a 1999 millennium peace gathering that drew an audience of more than 8,000. Samadany’s loving but persistent suggestions that Baha'is be included in that event opened the door fora Baha’i youth workshop performance on the unity of religions, an event that impressed Brueggeman staff and trustees.

That helped open the door for Baha’i participation in the September symposium and other events. The Brueggeman center is named after a Xavier faculty member known for promoting understanding among Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews.

“By bringing together diverse faith groups, the center is able to benefit from a range of views in seeking solutions to the human and environmental challenges facing humanity,” Bracken said. #

December 12, 2001

‘THe American BanA’i ¢ ContinueD/News page I5 [Page 16]

TH

|

rn Pe

has the honor and responsibility for preparing the Youth Page of

The American Baha’i. Why? For starters, we want to increase the readership and contribu S TARTING this issue, Fertile Field

...brings you...

tors of Fertile Field and truly propel this publication to a new level of distinction and professionalism—that is, to become a national treasure!

Sounds idealistic? Hey, that’s why we’re youth!

Fertile Field is a national magazine that has been edited, designed, produced and circulated primarily by and for the nation’s college-age

os

Baha’i youth, under the guidance of the Office of

Youth Affairs, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly. We really hope to expand our readership and support this year, but we need your help!

Express Yourself!

+ Fertile Field wants your talent, energy, insight, stories, articles, experiences, poetry, photography, artwork, suggestions, comments, recommendations, illustrations, rantings, ravings, and loving support sent to fertilefield@yahoogroups.com.

Support Your Local Baha’i News

Network!

• Local Baha’i community and

campus club newsletters are encouraged to borrow articles from Fertile Field for publication in local and campus newsletters or other publications.

Why Subscribe to Fertile Field?

+ First of all, you know we’re going to be very cool.

• Secondly, it is youth like you who

will be contributing to it.

+ Thirdly, what better way can you think of to share ideas, articles, artwork, stories, talent, insights, etc. with your peers around the country and around the world!? (We will, of course, be on the Internet for those tech-savvy folks.)

Photo by Elizabeth Gordon

aT ttAR

Ve

Great, I’m Hooked! So How Do | Subscribe?

Download current and back issues from www.usbnc.org! Once inside click NSA Departments > Youth Affairs > Campus Activism > Fertile Field.

Due to the financial challenges facing the National Baha'i Fund, the Fertile Field production team is excited to announce that it will be shifting gears to an all-new online format! What we aim to do:

Send our e-subscribers short Fertile Field highlights by e-mail (similar to the October highlights; see right-hand column of this page) with links to the full text of these stories on our upcoming Web site, www.fertilefield.org.

To subscribe to the Fertile Field e-newsletter:

• Go to http://lists.usbnc.org/lyris/lyris.pl?

enter=fertilefield (all one line!)

• Click “Join fertilefield” and enter your name

and e-mail address.

+ Wait for your updates to arrive!

Our apologies to the college students - we can no longer provide you with complimentary print copies (but you’ll dig the online version!)

.. Says Nancy Wong, former member of the National Youth Committee, currently on staff in the Office of the Treasurer.

The National Baha’i Fund needs the help of all Baha’i youth, especially now since the National Fund is in critical condition. We, as youth, are the best folks to step up, even higher than we thought possible, in our giving to the “life-blood” of the Cause. As we each step up, regularly and in a spirit of sacrifice, to support all the Funds of the Faith, our acts

will loudly proclaim to the world that

the youth of this mighty Faith are not about words but about deeds. “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.” —Baha’u’llah, Hidden Word No. 5 from the

Persian

National Baha’i Fund + Baha’i National Center + 112 Linden Ave. * Wilmette, IL 60091

institutes; engaging grassroots transforma HIGHLIGHTS FROM October ’01 Fertile Field

he Editorial Team welcomes you to Fertile Field’s first issue of the academic year and its fifth year in print. Most of this issue is devoted to exploring the interface between youth and the training institute process. The team would like to thank Eric Horton and Mojan Sami for their service as directors of the Office of Youth Affairs, and introduce the new direc tors, Jesse Fish and Lacey Graves.

Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to Youth A personalized message to Baha’i youth of the United States, urging them to reflect prayerfully on the youth goals of the Five Year Plan, to consult about them with friends and loved ones, and to make a personal plan to fulfill them.

RTlIs and the Changing Face of the Baha’i Community Feature article: On defining training

tion through study circles; defining study circles; exploring practical initiatives; and on contacting regional training institutes and learning how to get trained as a tutor. By Guest Editor. Naisohn Arfai, 25, San Antonio, Texas

Championing the Kingdom Project

“By now, most of us have heard about the Kingdom Project, either through The American Bahd’i, mass mailings, the Kingdom Conference in Milwaukee, or other source. So what’s the big deal and how will it affect us as youth? Or alternatively, ‘how will we youth affect the Kingdom Project?’ ” By Jesse Fish, 23, Seattle, Washington

Each Rain Drop Carries an Angel Poem by Amelia Villagomez, 18, Fort Worth, Texas

Finding the Kingdom “Life is a circle that has no end. Although we may complete the circle many times, it still remains everlasting. And so | began, and will continue my journey, with renewal, maintenance, knowledge, and wisdom. ...” By Pablo Nossa, 22, Issaquah, Washington

The Gift of Inspiration “When | began college, my plan was to graduate in three years, enter medical school early, and finish early. It was as though | was

fighting with time, trying to hold it back while | got ahead. Nothing could shake my focus. own plans. ...”

. As always, however, it seemed that Baha’u’llah had His sy Mahta Ostadia, 23, College Station, Texas

Operationalizing Reflection in the Cause

“As we develop plans for our spiritual and social development, | invite you to pause and ponder the implications of these words of the Blessed Beauty. He writes, ‘one hour’s reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship.’ ... Based on my own observations it seems that we could have pow erful breakthroughs in our teaching efforts and community life if we cultivated the practice of reflection on a regular and ongoing basis. ...” By Sherlock I. Graham-Haynes, Durham, North Carolina

College club registration For online registration, please visit the www.usbnc.org Web site. Once inside, click "NSA Departments” > “Youth Affairs” > “Campus Activism.” There you will find the Baha’i campus association registration form. Thank you! —Office of Youth Affairs

College Club Weekends Campus club weekends at Louhelen, Green Acre, Bosch and Raleigh/Durham, NC —Regional Youth Committees

OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS « Baha’i National Center 1233 Central Street « Evanston, IL 60201-1611 Phone 847-733-3499 « Fax 847-733-3502

E-mail « Web site www.bahaiyouth.com

page 16 THe American BanA’i * Youttt December 12, 2001 [Page 17]

“

• ¥

aye Treasure Hung

Finding Happiness

Children are the most precious treasure in the Baha’i community. During the Five Year Plan, there are five things you can do to grow strong and be happy. You’ll need a special virtue to go with each of the five tasks. Can you figure out what the virtues are?

Cx, J

Did you see that four of the letters in the virtues are circled? Unscramble them to find another virtue that we all need. With this virtue, all of the other tasks are easier!

Can you match your five tasks to the pictures above?

• Pray every day

«Learn about Bahda’u'Ilah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Their Teachings « Be a friend to all people and help them

• Share the Bahda’i Teachings with others

« Contribute to the Baha'i Funds and the Kingdom Project > “¥.

Send this form to: Baha’ Distribution Service - 4703 Fulton industrial Bivd. - Atlanta, GA 30336

—— ee ee

r I Please enter my subscription for Bi issues per year (check one):

J United states International (Surface Mail) (International — Air Mail) I $18 One Year 4 $18 One Year 4 $28 One Year I p 2 $92 Two Years A $32 Two Years a $52 Two Years x I 19 petiver susscription To 1 T Name Age Phone 1 [ street I L city State Zip Country I I Is this a gift subscription? If so, from whom? 1 196 suing inrormarion > 1 pn Phone I J Street I

: - City State Zip Country

Write the sixth virtue here: 1% e ip ountry 1 ha T payment type Check/Money Order Number Dollar Amount I I ibeion Seite} I x ne I 4 Credit Card (circle one) Visa | Mastercard | Amex | Discover I B credit card Number Exp. Date I i Recah ‘ Cardholder's Signature 001 °9 Ayso1uey *g a8pajmouy *p I ae QUaIaAdY ‘E ssoupury "Z aSeinoD "| ssJamMsuy SS Se ee ee oll )

December 12,2001 Tre AmeRICAN BAnA’i ¢ BRILLIANT STAR Kip’s CoRNER — page !7 [Page 18]

NATIONAL+*TREASURER’ S*FORUM-:

Main address Rebequa Murphy

Connection with early heroes

In the centerpiece speech of the forum, Counselor Rebequa Murphy traced a connection between the work of treasurers and the sacrifices of the Dawn-Breakers of the Babi and early Baha’{ communities.

The work of the faithful since then has amounted, spiritually and materially, to “rearing edifices that centuries and cycles cannot undermine,” she said.

And just as Rebequa Murphy — Baha'u'llah told us, material

means have always been needed to that work forward. “Everythat we have done, from the moment Mullé Husayn accepted the mehow been affected by stitution [of the Fund],” Mur

strate the “quintessential relationship” of individual believers to the institution of the Fund, she pointed to the example of Vahid, an carly hero of the Faith.

Shortly before he was martyred, ‘ahid expressed that he longed to sacrifice his palatial mansion with its stately furnishings so that “friends and foe alike [will] realize that he who owned this house was endowed with so great and priceless a heritage that an earthly mansion -.. had no worth in his e

The job of a treasurer she said, is to “cultivate that seed in the heart of the believers. If ever there is a relationship that needs to be redefined, it’s the relationship between vealth and poverty and faith.”

She urged the treasurers to study and contemplate the many writings of our Faith that touch on dedicating erial resources toward spi

In particular, she said, the Universal House of Justice has given us a number of messages in the past year that urge us to carry out specific tasks that require monetary or other material support—for the benefit of humanity in general, not just of the Bal

Our Funds draw considerable spiritual power from being supported by rich and poor alike worldwide. And a unique feature is that any Baha’f may directly support the work of the ¢ on the global level as well as nationally or locally, reinforcing the idea expressed by the Universal House of Justice that “the time has come when each human being on arth must learn to accept responsibility for the welfare of the entire human family.”

fs.

A WEEKEND OF LEARNING TO CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY

FORUM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

hopefully as a source in my inspiration, information, and lovin, ance.”

The bulk of the weekend was gi looking at ways local treasurers can inspire and educate their cor about the Fund—an institution tha es the Bah:

trust through clear and reliable records.

Morning talks by Counselor Rebequa ional Spiritual Ass am LH. Roberts, trea

bly members Wil urer, and Robert

ize the friends for their in workshops and panel discussions. The weasurers also welcomed Nesreen Akhtarkhavari, new coordinator of the Kingdom Project, and showered Rebecca Wilson with love in her tearful farewell from that post. Along the way came in-depth updates on progress of the ‘Temple restoration and other components of the project. spiring highlight came when Kevin visiting treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Al hand-deliv ered a chert for the first installment of a fiv $25,000 pledge to be used tor call be Kingdom Project effort to store the House of Worship. Another was the availability of Sacred Trust, a book containing 200 pages of relent writings compiled by the Office of the Treasurer and produced by the Baha'i Pubhing Trust especially for the forum. By turday evening, most attendees could be seen carrying copies of the first edition with its bright-colored cover.

WORKSHOPS

Exploring Our Roles as Treasurer litator: Alloysia Haynes, Rochester, NY

in the hear

jve therefore to create lo quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bah

of God is established, everything else will be realized. Haynes added her own observation from experi ence: “Guilt doesn’t work.”

With the help of attendees, she listed a number of ¢ of the Fund, spi nd advi: nd so forth. But aid, is the role of an inspirer.

‘or, chief finane Spiritual As: paramount, she urer can express love to the friend: she said: not only through tall

American Baba’, or from such boo! Served or Stories About the Fund. “You hi to be pnate

Other presenters of this workshop: Farshad Monfared, Oregon; Kevin Morrison, Office of the Treasurer; Roger Nesbit, Oregon; Carol Payne, Alabama

ying. “When the love

ig joyously and about the Covenant -but also by getting to know commund encouraging theii

‘ories from The s He Loved and

bout the F treasurer and not pa about the Fund, how can you educate the friends?”

Photo above: Suzanne Turner of New York listens to partici pants’ contributions during

brainstorming at a workshop on spiritual principles of giving.

Photo at right: Rebecca Wilson (left) passes the mantle of coordination of the Kingdom Project

to Nesreen Akhtarkhavari. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

Principles from the Steward:

Development program of the Offi

add id the even

were wo question- nee answer forums with ng of the heartfelt concerns

Roberts. A samp!

Alloysia

er of the

nd,” siona ae

broached at one of those ses

© The balance between resolvi giving to the Fund. nature of the “active core”

¢ formed the framework of the forum, inspiring the topics of the workshops Gee

ons included:

In a workshop led by Alloysia Haynes (above), treasurers used a selection of photos to symbolize the state of their Baha’i communities—and how those communities ideally should appear.

Photos by James. Humphrey

debt and

of the

retion

over the money entrusted to them

• How to express the need for individual

Baha’fs to support the international and

national funds directly.

On that latter point, Roberts asserted that a central part of being a Bahd’i is assuming a more direct responsibility for the worldwide and national needs of the

It was an enthusiastic “hands up” in the interactive “Fun(d) Education” workshop. Photo by James Humphrey

tous” to help Baha’

Left photo: As with all Baha’

end. Photos by Viadimir Shilov

Direct contribution to the senior to mana that God has given “Iams void the trap of car- ence,” a treasurer from Or ing only for local concerns, and which late rapults us into oud con:

‘'a new proc

me.

Fun(d) Education for Our

Most Precious Resource cilitator: Nancy Wong, Office of the Treasurer What is money and w for? What do the Bah say about mone!

is it teachnd how

that r-old?

“Pm b: ing you to do my work incy Wong, a fund development s pecialist for children and youth for the eufice of the Treasure groups on the ta: money and the to it in terms that make children ages 4-7, aged 8 junior youth.

A number of straightforward principles emerged from that round of discussions: that money is a symbol for work and goods that are valuable to people, that wealth is praiseworthy if gained honestly and used for the benefit of people, and that giving in a spirit of sacrifice results in a

9, and

I do feel loved, cherished, and the role of the treasurer is so much clearer to Simultaneously, I have ne conference with such a s ° evicting a focal center, with stories of _ bility.

Top center photo: Forum attendees toured the Baha’i National Center, getting a firsthand look at service operations.

Photo by James Humphrey

Immediate left photo: What is a national treasurer's gathering without Liang the Lion?

Photo by Vladimir Shilov

successes and_ pitfalls on the w:

• Basic skills and tools

for new tre © Planned the wi

nity (plush ion, spontaneou ly formed, on challenge of treasurers in small communities).

garherings, it * Community games was a time to make and renew friendships. Above photo: Chris Hampton’s one-man * Appropriate complay “The Noble Thief” capped the week- merc

n educational tool.

1 soft for, respectiv ‘gerand maller_ communitie ¢ their finances.

ill deeply affected by this conferon wrote d:

rlefta of responsi

°

reward for the giver. Inspired by the ¢ assertion that the Funds life-blood of our Cause, exercise looked at the functions

ardian’s

of blood in giving nourishment gen to all cells of the a process familiar to many grade-schoolers. And how does blood get reple

hed regularly? ught the ide When we give regular‘¢ the bone marrow.”

brainstorming

session

ing a youth or child e the treasurer, collecting a bowl of

s, having children work s to Fund questions during Fe and having them report at the end, etc. The workshop ended with a lively game modeled after a well-known TV

penni out

Other presenters of this workshop: Regina Blum, Office of the Treasurer; frank Hetman, Minnesota; Lea Iverson, Minnesota

William Roberts (left) accepts the first installment of a Kingdom Project pledge from Kevin Araki, treasurer of Alaska’s National Assembly. Photo by Viadimir Shilov

Main address: William L.H. Roberts

Sobering statistics

Near the gathering’s end, William L.H. Roberts, the national treasurer, used stunning statistics to demonstrate the importance of these time:

Fewer than 7,000 individual Bahs re contributing to the National Baha’ Fund each Gregorian month. Contributions to the National Fund for September totaled about 8 percent less than the same month in 2000. Contributions for May through September had decreased by 11 percent from 2000.

Only 130 out of about 1,200 Spiritumblies have committed sums of ey to the Kingdom Project. Assembly would need ion to deal with the resulting

tions, Roberts ‘Then he dropped the bombshell.

‘On the international level ... we can tell you that contributions to the International Fund are down by 63 percent from the year 2000. This is not acceptable.”

Members of the Univ House of Justice often sac

lished they did not members of National and Local / blies are pressed into positions of servh tremendous responsibili How can we p asked, “and not give them the resources to do what they need to get done?” Roberts made clear in his call to action what

for, he said—just as

loving and pr: roles as educator, inspirer a r, So that believers in every Bah: y have a closer conni the work of the Cause and its needs.

He also asked the help of thos ent to spread the message and spirit of the forum to the more than 700 Local tual Assemblies that could not send

s there.

eae victories one frevanothiea® he said. “We as a comre capable of changing the tide of what is happening.” #

page 18 Tne AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ NATIONAL TREASURER’S FoRUM December 12, 200!

December 12,2001

Tue American BanA‘i * NATIONAL TREASURER’S FoRUM page 19 [Page 19]

NATIONAL+*TREASURER’ S*FORUM-:

Main address Rebequa Murphy

Connection with early heroes

In the centerpiece speech of the forum, Counselor Rebequa Murphy traced a connection between the work of treasurers and the sacrifices of the Dawn-Breakers of the Babi and early Baha’{ communities.

The work of the faithful since then has amounted, spiritually and materially, to “rearing edifices that centuries and cycles cannot undermine,” she said.

And just as Rebequa Murphy — Baha'u'llah told us, material

means have always been needed to that work forward. “Everythat we have done, from the moment Mullé Husayn accepted the mehow been affected by stitution [of the Fund],” Mur

strate the “quintessential relationship” of individual believers to the institution of the Fund, she pointed to the example of Vahid, an carly hero of the Faith.

Shortly before he was martyred, ‘ahid expressed that he longed to sacrifice his palatial mansion with its stately furnishings so that “friends and foe alike [will] realize that he who owned this house was endowed with so great and priceless a heritage that an earthly mansion -.. had no worth in his e

The job of a treasurer she said, is to “cultivate that seed in the heart of the believers. If ever there is a relationship that needs to be redefined, it’s the relationship between vealth and poverty and faith.”

She urged the treasurers to study and contemplate the many writings of our Faith that touch on dedicating erial resources toward spi

In particular, she said, the Universal House of Justice has given us a number of messages in the past year that urge us to carry out specific tasks that require monetary or other material support—for the benefit of humanity in general, not just of the Bal

Our Funds draw considerable spiritual power from being supported by rich and poor alike worldwide. And a unique feature is that any Baha’f may directly support the work of the ¢ on the global level as well as nationally or locally, reinforcing the idea expressed by the Universal House of Justice that “the time has come when each human being on arth must learn to accept responsibility for the welfare of the entire human family.”

fs.

A WEEKEND OF LEARNING TO CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY

FORUM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

hopefully as a source in my inspiration, information, and lovin, ance.”

The bulk of the weekend was gi looking at ways local treasurers can inspire and educate their cor about the Fund—an institution tha es the Bah:

trust through clear and reliable records.

Morning talks by Counselor Rebequa ional Spiritual Ass am LH. Roberts, trea

bly members Wil urer, and Robert

ize the friends for their in workshops and panel discussions. The weasurers also welcomed Nesreen Akhtarkhavari, new coordinator of the Kingdom Project, and showered Rebecca Wilson with love in her tearful farewell from that post. Along the way came in-depth updates on progress of the ‘Temple restoration and other components of the project. spiring highlight came when Kevin visiting treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Al hand-deliv ered a chert for the first installment of a fiv $25,000 pledge to be used tor call be Kingdom Project effort to store the House of Worship. Another was the availability of Sacred Trust, a book containing 200 pages of relent writings compiled by the Office of the Treasurer and produced by the Baha'i Pubhing Trust especially for the forum. By turday evening, most attendees could be seen carrying copies of the first edition with its bright-colored cover.

WORKSHOPS

Exploring Our Roles as Treasurer litator: Alloysia Haynes, Rochester, NY

in the hear

jve therefore to create lo quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bah

of God is established, everything else will be realized. Haynes added her own observation from experi ence: “Guilt doesn’t work.”

With the help of attendees, she listed a number of ¢ of the Fund, spi nd advi: nd so forth. But aid, is the role of an inspirer.

‘or, chief finane Spiritual As: paramount, she urer can express love to the friend: she said: not only through tall

American Baba’, or from such boo! Served or Stories About the Fund. “You hi to be pnate

Other presenters of this workshop: Farshad Monfared, Oregon; Kevin Morrison, Office of the Treasurer; Roger Nesbit, Oregon; Carol Payne, Alabama

ying. “When the love

ig joyously and about the Covenant -but also by getting to know commund encouraging theii

‘ories from The s He Loved and

bout the F treasurer and not pa about the Fund, how can you educate the friends?”

Photo above: Suzanne Turner of New York listens to partici pants’ contributions during

brainstorming at a workshop on spiritual principles of giving.

Photo at right: Rebecca Wilson (left) passes the mantle of coordination of the Kingdom Project

to Nesreen Akhtarkhavari. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

Principles from the Steward:

Development program of the Offi

add id the even

were wo question- nee answer forums with ng of the heartfelt concerns

Roberts. A samp!

Alloysia

er of the

nd,” siona ae

broached at one of those ses

© The balance between resolvi giving to the Fund. nature of the “active core”

¢ formed the framework of the forum, inspiring the topics of the workshops Gee

ons included:

In a workshop led by Alloysia Haynes (above), treasurers used a selection of photos to symbolize the state of their Baha’i communities—and how those communities ideally should appear.

Photos by James. Humphrey

debt and

of the

retion

over the money entrusted to them

• How to express the need for individual

Baha’fs to support the international and

national funds directly.

On that latter point, Roberts asserted that a central part of being a Bahd’i is assuming a more direct responsibility for the worldwide and national needs of the

It was an enthusiastic “hands up” in the interactive “Fun(d) Education” workshop. Photo by James Humphrey

tous” to help Baha’

Left photo: As with all Baha’

end. Photos by Viadimir Shilov

Direct contribution to the senior to mana that God has given “Iams void the trap of car- ence,” a treasurer from Or ing only for local concerns, and which late rapults us into oud con:

‘'a new proc

me.

Fun(d) Education for Our

Most Precious Resource cilitator: Nancy Wong, Office of the Treasurer What is money and w for? What do the Bah say about mone!

is it teachnd how

that r-old?

“Pm b: ing you to do my work incy Wong, a fund development s pecialist for children and youth for the eufice of the Treasure groups on the ta: money and the to it in terms that make children ages 4-7, aged 8 junior youth.

A number of straightforward principles emerged from that round of discussions: that money is a symbol for work and goods that are valuable to people, that wealth is praiseworthy if gained honestly and used for the benefit of people, and that giving in a spirit of sacrifice results in a

9, and

I do feel loved, cherished, and the role of the treasurer is so much clearer to Simultaneously, I have ne conference with such a s ° evicting a focal center, with stories of _ bility.

Top center photo: Forum attendees toured the Baha’i National Center, getting a firsthand look at service operations.

Photo by James Humphrey

Immediate left photo: What is a national treasurer's gathering without Liang the Lion?

Photo by Vladimir Shilov

successes and_ pitfalls on the w:

• Basic skills and tools

for new tre © Planned the wi

nity (plush ion, spontaneou ly formed, on challenge of treasurers in small communities).

garherings, it * Community games was a time to make and renew friendships. Above photo: Chris Hampton’s one-man * Appropriate complay “The Noble Thief” capped the week- merc

n educational tool.

1 soft for, respectiv ‘gerand maller_ communitie ¢ their finances.

ill deeply affected by this conferon wrote d:

rlefta of responsi

°

reward for the giver. Inspired by the ¢ assertion that the Funds life-blood of our Cause, exercise looked at the functions

ardian’s

of blood in giving nourishment gen to all cells of the a process familiar to many grade-schoolers. And how does blood get reple

hed regularly? ught the ide When we give regular‘¢ the bone marrow.”

brainstorming

session

ing a youth or child e the treasurer, collecting a bowl of

s, having children work s to Fund questions during Fe and having them report at the end, etc. The workshop ended with a lively game modeled after a well-known TV

penni out

Other presenters of this workshop: Regina Blum, Office of the Treasurer; frank Hetman, Minnesota; Lea Iverson, Minnesota

William Roberts (left) accepts the first installment of a Kingdom Project pledge from Kevin Araki, treasurer of Alaska’s National Assembly. Photo by Viadimir Shilov

Main address: William L.H. Roberts

Sobering statistics

Near the gathering’s end, William L.H. Roberts, the national treasurer, used stunning statistics to demonstrate the importance of these time:

Fewer than 7,000 individual Bahs re contributing to the National Baha’ Fund each Gregorian month. Contributions to the National Fund for September totaled about 8 percent less than the same month in 2000. Contributions for May through September had decreased by 11 percent from 2000.

Only 130 out of about 1,200 Spiritumblies have committed sums of ey to the Kingdom Project. Assembly would need ion to deal with the resulting

tions, Roberts ‘Then he dropped the bombshell.

‘On the international level ... we can tell you that contributions to the International Fund are down by 63 percent from the year 2000. This is not acceptable.”

Members of the Univ House of Justice often sac

lished they did not members of National and Local / blies are pressed into positions of servh tremendous responsibili How can we p asked, “and not give them the resources to do what they need to get done?” Roberts made clear in his call to action what

for, he said—just as

loving and pr: roles as educator, inspirer a r, So that believers in every Bah: y have a closer conni the work of the Cause and its needs.

He also asked the help of thos ent to spread the message and spirit of the forum to the more than 700 Local tual Assemblies that could not send

s there.

eae victories one frevanothiea® he said. “We as a comre capable of changing the tide of what is happening.” #

page 18 Tne AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ NATIONAL TREASURER’S FoRUM December 12, 200!

December 12,2001

Tue American BanA‘i * NATIONAL TREASURER’S FoRUM page 19 [Page 20]NATIONAL*TREASURER’S*FORKRUM

WORKSHOPS

Spiritual Principles of Giving ator: Eric Kreitzer, New York, NY

pation by Baha’fs in the Fund is highly influenced by the link between sacrifice and love, Eric Kreitzer pointed out in this workshop, in which partic experience for re: s might not partic and methods to encourage get ting past those barriers.

“T don’t know how to do it,” Kr aid in encouraging the flow of I’m here to learn from you.”

s by the friends largely cention, especial ving to the Fun

eitzer

more conn ed to the community and therefore te needs; and mechanisms to make giving tronic fund tran and personal budgeting strategies. Kreitzer offered a further dim cultivating a change in the way we view sacrifice. In our culture the word tends to evoke thoughts of pain, deprivation and loss. But the original Latin roots of the word basically mean “to make holy.

io}

Baha’és have plenty of examples of sac rifice from within our ow ith—for example, Baha’u’llih forfeiting Hi: wealth and position to bring us the m sage of God, or the Iranian martyrs of the 19th century or since the 1980s.

But in our time and place we have a different sacrifice to 1 Decades ago Shoghi Effendi had advised the believers of the Western world that “their comfort, to some extent, they must sacrifice

Eric Kreitzer’s workshop ponder materials handed out on the Treasurer’s spiritual roles and on the meaning of sacrifice. Photo by James

Humphrey

if they are going to discharge their moral obligation to a tortured humanity”—and in the same passage he prom“Once the friends start out to wi the goals ... they will find the Divine confirmation sustaining them and hastening its consummation.” @

Other presenters of this workshop: Susan Berkman, California; Morris Taylor, Mlinois; Suzanne Turner, Office of the Treasurer

Budgets, Goals and Audits Facilitator: Rick Schickele, Alameda, CA

Decide what your Baha’{ community should accomplish in the upcoming ys and what its fair share is in support of the international and national funds. nce of your local budget, le. As the life-blood of the Fund “lets us do the s us do the communitybuilding,” he said.

And when community members are involved in making each year’s local plan, they tend to feel connected with the Fund that makes much of the activity possible, he said. That sense of connection is undoubtedly an issue for communities represented by treasurers at the session, who reported local participation rates as high as 88 percent and as low as 25 percent.

Rick Schickele listens to a participant’s budgeting concerns. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Participants agreed that a community’s budget is often a reflection of its nature; some communities plan fairly

Accounting and Record Keeping Facilitator: Barbara Bellamy, Englewood, CO.

Each contribution to the Bahi like a prayer, said Barbara Bellamy. So it makes sense to handle that money h the utmost respect.

She took the p: some basic bookkeeping functions of treasurers: deposit contributions regularly, pay bills and National Fund obligations promptly, reconcile your books with bank statements monthly, issue pts for all contributions (even ‘ash ones), report Fund activity regularly to the Assembly and to the friends, and keep duplicates of records as much as feasible—this last made easier when books are kept on computer. Remember, also, that the money and the records belong to the

, and the Assembly as a body has the right to access that information.

Bellamy also listed some essenti: communities just establishing their local Funds, especially new Assembli acquiring a federal EIN number, doing paperwork to comply with state and local tax law, opening a bank account and purchasing or collecting basic supplies.

Both from her financial poouleige and the participants’ experience, i were also shared on finer points such as how to make rv donated for of acquiring a who are handling the finances of a very large community. #

Other presenters of this workshop: Frank Amanat, New York; Fred Delgado, Oregon; Arun Natarajan, District of Columbia

specifically, while others may leave room in the budget for more spontaneous, midstream planning.

They als red ideas for formulating local contribution goals to make sure the budget is fulfilled. Goal-setting, Schicl ele said, is a valid tool for helping the community stretch beyond its h— provided the goals are not so high that they discourage people.

He also said that annual auditing is an ential protection for every Assembly. Catching bookkeeping errors before

they complicate things too much is essential

but even when a treasurer's impeccable, independent confirmation can be a precaution that preserves unity. ®

Other presenters of this workshop: Cesar Cortes, Office of the Treasurer; Bruce Curry, Texas; Jeremy Phelan, Office of the Treasurer

Regina Blum (top) and Jonathan King were two of the “heavy lifters” in the forum’s behind-thescenes organization. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

Main address

Robert C. Henderson

Anchor of trustworthiness

‘he Saturday morning talk by

Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, was centered on trustworthiness and vision, two of the m: attributes required of the keepers of the Fund.

He recalled Baha’w'llah’s depiction of the station of trustworthiness from the Fourth Tarz (Tablets of Babia’u'llib), as “one of the Beauties of the Most

Sublime Paraatse, standing on a pillar of

_ Sight. ...” and as “the greatest portal

Jeading unto the tranquillity and securiiY ee people.” ‘That degree of trustworthiness is a “sanctuary for every wayward soul, a point of confidence, a source of inspiration,” Henderson said. “That is the kind of trustworthiness that Baha’u’llah is calling us to

_ in the spiritual management of the

Funds. ... It’s that kind of trust that inspires us to respond.”

Such trustworthiness has set a solid foundation for our community's vision as crises and victories have intermeshed with each other throughout the history of this Cause, he said.

Tn recent years, the Baha'is in Iran set sterling examples—some of Pp yysical sacrifice, others of steadfastness. Since the late 1970s nearly 300 Bahd’is have been martyred, “yet God used their sacrifice to galvanize the world Baha’i community”

toward expansion of the Faith in

new areas of the world and and a new level of credibility on the world stage.

Despite occasional economic hard times, the friends also have arisen sacrificially to contribute enongh funds to complete the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Baha'i Houses of Worship in Samoa and India, and the Are and Terraces on Mount Carmel.

During this time, studies of the U.S. Baha'i community have shown that we have in general become more consecrated to daily prayer, study and teaching of the Cause and its application in our own lives. Those processes have coupled with a 40 percent growth in the raw numbers of Baha'is in this country.

The writings of Shoghi Effendi assure us, he said, that with dedi tion and struggle, our Faith will arise triumphant through periods of obscurity and active repression.

“Lest we forget ... we are in the midst of a struggle for redemption of all souls and nations,” Henderson said. When people see us applying the principles in our lives and communities, he added, “they will see in your eyes that God specializes in things that seem impossible.”

page 20 Tne American Band’i * Nationat TREASURER’S Forum December 12, 2001 [Page 21]

aha’ individuals and communities nationwide continue to bring people together in the wake of the attacks on Sept. II that buffeted our nation. Under the guidance of the National mbly and its Office of , they are helping Americans look forward to the fruits of recognizing the oneness of humanity. Here are some more examples of ongoing effor

Interfaith services Bennington, Vermont: The Bahda’i community here is witnessing a rise in esteem and interest after a prayer service in which hundreds of people recited the words of Baha’u’llih.

The Greater Bennington Interfaith Council, with a Baha’f representative, was about to begin its scheduled mee! ing Sept. 11 when news of the attacks arrived. After prayers, plans were immediately launched for an interfaith service, with leaders of each faith community taking care to ensure every possible participant could feel included.

When the service was held Sept. 16, Baha’is were startled to find the familiar short unity prayer by Baha’u'llih printed on the cover of the program, along with a drawing of people holding hands and encircling the planet.

‘The Catholic church where the service was held had prepared the program, but even the pastor didn’t know who had typed it up “and had no idea of how the prayer had come to be there,” wrote Betsey Belvin. “The Bal umed Baha’u'lléh had wanted it there, and so it was.”

During the service—which included scripture readings and music contributed by Christians, Jews and Baha’is—the Baha’i reader felt moved to invite the assemblage to recite the unity prayer printed on the program. “[T]he hearts of the Baha’fs soared as more than 300 voices uttered the words of the Blessed Beauty,” Belvin reported. everal people afterward told B: how much they appreciated the words, a the reading drew special mention in the local newspaper report. At least one seeker renewed his investigation into the Faith. East Pima County, Arizona: An Interfaith Council of Tucson, with a Baha representative, has been formed a result of a celebration of religious diversity sponsored by the Baha’is here.

More than 500 people attended a follow-up prayer gathering Oct. 11, planned by the newly formed Counc Bah@’is read a unity prayer as part of the program. Local newspapers gave the gathering front-page space, and television stations covered the event.

All this came less than a month after the Baha'is held a Sept. 15 celebration of religious diversity to commemorate the nation’s tragedy—in place of the annual Unity Fiesta, which the Baha’is usually organize that time of year to celebrate ‘Tucson’s cultural diversity.

The September event brought together representatives from the Buddhist, Jewish,

An open-air prayer service in Charleston, South Carolina, serves as a “seed” for continuing interfaith dialogue, according to organizer Tom Jerige.

istian, Islamic and Baha’i communities to share prayers and: spiritual messages with an audience of more than 150.

U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe spoke, as did Tucson’s deputy mayor and a member of the County Board of Supervisors. A TV station covered the gathering and mentioned the prominent role played by the in bringing the religious comtogether.

When the official program was over, jience members, mostly children, came forward to share spontaneously their thoughts and sentiments. The Tucson Baha’f Choir sang and the Prayer for America was read.

Washington, DC: The Recognized Campus Ministries of Howard University issued a joint statement on the Sept. 11 attacks that was published by the university newspaper and posted on the bulletin board at the metropolitan Washington Baha’s Center.

Shirley Ganao, Bahé’{ chaplain at Howard, participated in the joint statement and a unity prayer program at the university that was broadcast on radio and television. ‘Two Baha’s prayers—one for the departed and one for unity— were recited at the event.

A follow-up memorial servi held on campus. Barnesville, Georgia: When a memorial service was held at Gordon College for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, Ba Mark Salata was given the “task to close the event with an ‘all-inclusive’ and ‘positive’ note,” he report:

With input from area friends, Salata chose to speak briefly on the “effect that this event had on my family in Iran and here,” read quotations from ‘Abdu’lBaha and from the National Spiritual Assembly’s Sept. 11 letter, and close with the Prayer for America.

Each attendee was given a copy of the prayer, and the local newspaper printed it in an account of the gathering. Charleston, South Carolina: Nearly 100 people prayed together at an openair interfaith service organized by two Baha’is and involving representatives of several Christian denominations, two Jewish: traditions, the local Islamic community, Buddhism and Hinduism.

sO was

as a seed” for a interfaith dialogue, said Tom Jerige, local Baha’{ quoted in an article in the Post and Courier reporting on the Sept. 23 event. “I think the words getting out into the atmosphere have an effect.” Greensboro, North Carol na: ‘Teen-agers Jessamyn Stanley and Haley Hoffman were the voices of the Baha’ Faith at a Community United rally Sept. 20, attended by more than 200.

Held to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy, the rally featured brief presentations by city officials, clergy members and others.

Stanley, 14, and Hoffman, 15, “spoke eloquently and shared writings of Shoghi Effendi and ‘Abdu’l-Bahé related to America’s great destiny,” according to ‘Thomas Hayes, a Baha’{ in Greensboro. Edwardsville, Illinois: Martha Williams, a Baha'i in nearby Troy, moderated “An Evening of Religious Understanding” in which representatives of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Baha’ traditions presented their core beliefs and values.

Roger Lutley of the Edwardsville Spiritual Assembly represented the Baha’i Faith on the panel. More than 50 people attended the event, held in the Religious Center at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

A lengthy article was published the next day in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.

Other avenues of sharing

Gig Harbor, Washington: The Pierce County Peninsula Spiritual Assembly consulted on the guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly before join ing with local media and educational institutions in reflecting on the tragic events of Sept. 11."

‘The first effort was an opinion article that appeared in the Religion section of the Peninsula Gateway newspaper in conjunction with an Oct. 12 public meeting sponsored by the Bal

The second was a talk by Gig Harbor Baha'i Christopher Gilbert presented in two colloquia at the University of Washington-Tacoma “Day of Reflection” on Oct. 11.

All classes at UW-T were canceled for the day so students, faculty and staff could look ind forward on the onemonth anniversary of the attacks. Gilbert is an adjunct professor of business at the university.

Gilbert was joined in his presentations by Patabbi Raman, a native of India who had participated in the opening of the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. They spoke on “Free Will, Unity and the End of Global Terrorism.”

Seattle, Washington: Lynwood Baha’i Wesley A. Dyring was listening to Seattle radio station KUOW on Oct. I when the topic “Is There a Silver Lining to the

Attacks? s broached on as The Conversation.

representative of the Faith.

But his call did not get through to guest host Luke Burbank and guest Seth R. Reise, author of “The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters.”

So he took the recommended alternate route of sending an e-mail message to the moderators. In it, he outlined his belief that people are starting to see the benefits of uniting in a spiritual way. The national unity is important, but this vision of the reality of the oneness of humanity is far more so,” he wrote. “When all peoples are able to see and act on the fact that we are all part of a single human race, then will the difficult problems in the world be able to be resolved and we will have world peace.”

Dyring wished he could have said more, but recognized it wasn’t the time.

“Had it been wise to do so I could have also said that this was but one of a series of tests which God will send to America in order to convert its material preem nence into spiritual distinction. Horrendous tests such as this attack can only serve to burn away the veils of attachment and bring all of the diverse peoples who are Americans closer to true unity.”

Personal witnesses West Orange, New Jersey: Herald Ostovar, a Baha’f and medical student from West Orange, has written a striking and somber account of traveling to Ground Zero.

Less than 48 hours after the attacks, he pitched in with search and rescue efforts and treating the injuries of rescue workers—all amid conditions of devastation that posed many hazard:

“It was cold and I still got soaked [from heavy overnight is] even though I was wearing a helmet and raincoat,” he wrote. “[BJut I assure you, ev: though we didn’t find anyone [alive] this time, it still felt good, like we were doing something worthwhile.”

‘To read Ostovar’s complete account on the Web, access www.sgu.edu and click on “An eyewitness account ...” Malibu, California: A Baha'i from Malibu had a personal experience of another nature on Sept. 11.

‘The airliner aboard which Diane Samandi and her sister were returning from France was diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there the passengers were bused to a shelter two hours away.

‘The experience prompted Samandi to write a letter in gratitude to the Canadian people for their compassion and generosity.

“The Canadians inspired us with their love and joy in serving us,” she wrote. “They just couldn’t do enough to try to take care of our every need. How could any of us complain when we had such loving and gracious hosts.

“Tt was a glimpse i intoa hopeful future, where love, service and sacrifice for each other was the standard and means for real happiness.” #

December 12, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Resronse TO TRAGEDY page 21 [Page 22]

TRAINING

INSTITUTES

Plan now for summer session

ow is the time to begin planning for

the 2002 session of the Wilmette Institute’s four-year study program, Spiritual Foundations for a Global lization. The 2002 theme is “Development and Governance of Baha’i Communities,” and the residential session at which students will gather for two weeks in the Wilmette area is set for July 27-Aug. 10. The university-level program also entails sessions of home study May |-July 25 and Aug. 15-Sept. 30. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2002. Here are some student impressions of the two-week residential session held last summer:

he candles were lighted, the

samovar bubbling, and Pe:

desserts were gracious! around the room from

Pictures of the Grea y Bahiyyih Khinum, hung around the room.

And students listened with rapt a tion to a moving account of her | service to her beloved Father's Cause. his special moment, along with any others, brought joy to the summer cy of the Wilmette Institute proSpiritual Foundations for a Global tion, held July 28-Aug. I1. his year’s program was described by students, faculty members and board members as being the most successful dency since the first one in 1996. Students dedicated their efforts to the Greatest Holy Leaf, described by the beloved Guardian as the “orb of the heaven of eternal glory” and the “sweet scent of His garment, shed acros: ated things.”

The 12 students ranged in age from 19

cre EST, rest

Wilmettelnstitute

Distance learning:

A timely introduction to Islam Islam for Deepening and Dialogue, Jan. April 15, 2002 ago, Shoghi Effendi urged is of the Western world to become better-acquainted with Islam, its sacred scriptures and teachings, to

S| nd teachings of ‘aith fully. The need for deeper appreciation of Islam has been underscored by the tragedy of Sept. 11 and the world-shaking events since then.

Because of its timeliness, the Wilmette Institute is offering this distance learning course in early 2002. It will briefly survey pre-Islamic Arabia; examine the life of Muhammad, the process

“Imagine being ina

-filled environment for two weeks.

We have it.” —Diann Stevens, Sacramento, California, 2001 Wilmette Institute summer student

spi

to 78, and hailed from Arkansas, California, F' gon and ‘Tennessee as well as 4 pioneer from Texas serving in Korea.

The students greatly enjoyed the theme of this year’s study, “Individual

Developmen ¢ and Family Life,” along with combined study of the lives of Baha’u’llih and ‘Abdu’l4 and their writings (including the Aqdas, the Seven Valleys, the alleys and the Hidden Words), ‘’i history from 1892-1921, teachaith, consultation, psychology i ills and writ

Four Ba

also took an educational field trip to a Jain temple in the Chicago area to learn about Jainism. They received a guided tour and were greeted with warmth and hospitality.

Institute students benefited from the cellent instructors from all parts of the country—plus one visiting from India— who created a loving. atmosphere of learning by offering their unique gifts and perspective

As the two-week described by the students a themselves, here are some of their sentind reflections:

e

ments

of revelation and subsequent compila tion of the Qur'an; cover the teachings and practices of Islam; explore its rich civilization; and consider its current sition in the world.

ion: $150; financial aid available

The Bible, Dec. 1, 2001—Feb. 28, 2002

Regi: ion is open through the end of December for this distance learning course. The Bible will be studied as historical literature, scripture, and as clarified by the E be useful in unde: fa Tr

work interprete: s. It will nding and acquiring niliarity with the contents of the Bible. jon: $150; financial aid available.

More courses set for early 2002 Hinduism for Deepening and Dialogue, Feb. 7-May 7 Rediscovering the Heroic Age: The Baha’i Faith, 1863-1921, March I-May 31 Marriage and Family Life, April I-June 30 Shoghi Effendi’s The World Order of

“The instructors were knowledgeable yet very humble. They imparted their wisdom and their knowledge in such a manner that students were challenged to think for themselves. ... The history sessions have been the greatest benefit to me personally. Until the Spiritual Foundations program, I merely read the Holy Writings but thought I was studying

valuable gift.” —Sherry Krannichfeld, Benton Coun: s

“The instruction is so valuabl sparks my interest to study more a more. I know how to get around in the Writings better. ... ¢ being in a spirit-filled environment for two weeks. We have it.” —Diann Stevens, S: mento, California

“We committed and devoted ourselves toa guided study of the Holy Scriptur shared meals and some of our experiticipated in a service project ent ediof Wor

and rededicated our he

minds, thoughts and actions, to res

ing ourselves and consequently transforming the look and the spirit of our home communities.” —Pamela Solon, Illinois

is is my second experience as a faculty member in the Wilmette Institute. This second experience has confirmed what I felt when I p; pated for the first time several ye: go: the Wilmette Institute is one of the most important educational processes underin the Baha’{ world. What makes it especially useful is the attempt to connect Baha'i scholarship and metaphysics to other secular and religious systems of thought.” —Dr. Michael Penn, Lan er, Pennsylvania, faculty member @

Baba’wlab, Baha’u’llah’s Early Mys June 10-Sept. 10 @

All courses include e-mail listservers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your local community. All courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (college-level) or advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available for students unable to pay full tuition. Registration is open throughout the first month of each course.

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 course fees.

REGIONAL TRAINING

INSTITUTE CONTACTS

Southern States Regional contacts: Susan Nossa * Charlotte Joyner + Training institutes: Aguila del Cielo RTI Central Texas + Web htp:/bc.org/aguilal Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khanum RTI Niabama, Georfas Crimson Ark RTI DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Viriia Jubilee RTI Tennessee, Arkansas * Web wor ubileertcom Magdalene Carney RTI florida, Lousiana, Mississippi *

Mathew Kaszab RTI South Texas * North Texas RTI * Web hup//bociorg/ntertil Oklahoma RTI Sam McClellan RTI Keatucky * South Carolina RTI Supreme Talisman RTI North (arolina * Tree of Life RTI Houston, Texas *

Western States Regional contact: Council secretary * e-mail Training institutes: Arizona RTI + California Northeast RTI + California South RTI Columbine RTI Colorado * Native American Baha'i Institute + Nevada South RTI Oregon RTI * Rio Grande RTI New Mexico * Web hitp://bcorg/riogrande/ Robert Turner RTI (alifornia Northwest +

Seven Valleys RTI Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming * Southern Nevada RTI +

Central States Regional contact: secretary * e-mail Training institutes: Chicago RTI + Dorothy Baker RTI Ohio * Gateway RTI Hissouri * lowa RTI + Kansas RTI + Milwaukee Metro RTI * Minnesota RTI °

Council

Northeastern States Regional contacts: Caren Rosenthal, Patricia Harmsen, Valerie Kreitzer * Training institutes: Doris McKay RTI Western New York state *

New York Tri State RTI Metro NIC, Northern Nj, Long Island * Sadie Oglesby RTI Eastern New England +

Thornton Chase RTI Western New England, Upstate New York * William Sears RTI Pennsytania Southern New Jersey *

More information at www.usbne.org

Click on “Regional Councils”

page 22 Tue American BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN December 12, 2001 [Page 23]

WW Tae ore

Loving service to others

BY JIM CHEEK

he concept of offering loving serv¢ to others is a central te: Ba lh. This concept has fire and leads many Bab offer a year of servi In addition to offe tance, youths often s to grow develop spiritually themselves. Opportunity for spiritual growth is one of the acknowledged and treasured benefits for members of the youth service corps at Louhelen Baha’i School.

reflection, with support and stimulation from spiritual mentoring programs. The powerful environment of a permanent school such as Louhelen provides youth with a model that can serve them for a lifetime of spiritual involve Maryland local school begins its 17th year

ocal Baha’i schools across the coun try opened their doors again this fall. In this issue the Education and Schools Office puts the spotlight on Varga Baha’i School of Greenbelt, Maryland, which operates under the mandate of “Raising Spiritual Children.”

BY NAT

iA

[HALMERS:

n Oct. 7, 2001, for the 17th year, Bahai School began operats weekly Sunday School where children study human virtues, memorize the Word of God, learn to pray and sing, and last but not least, have a good time. Its participants, representing a wide range of the human family, create an atmosphere of love and appreciation for their differences, as well as a creative atmosphere for the development of their children.

The group’s mission is presented in four parts: 1) To teach children, their parents, and other interested adults the history, principles, scriptures and essential truths of the Baha’i Faith; 2) To foster fellowship and love which may be diffused throughout the community; 3) ‘To develop leadership and parenting skills; and 4) To develop the understanding and skills, and provide the tools, to iate personal transformation.

The growing school is in its second year at a rental location, and adjusting well to this year’s move from homes of

SEE MARYLAND, PAGE 24

BAHA’{ EDUCATION

ment and service.

Youth who are serving at this school were asked to share about their experiences:

Lindsey Eggers from Leavenworth, Washington, found herself “more spiritually aware—the levels I’ve achieved at Louhelen will help me to strive for those same feelings throughout my life.”

Best friend and roommate Shelly Paik of Delafield, Wisconsin, enjoys daily visits to the Refuge for prayers and meditation with Eggers. Paik also found she has gained confidence in her ability to deal with life choices. “We have Barbara,” she adds, referring to co-administrator Barbara Johnson, “and she always seems to know how we feel.”

Weekly deepenings at the Johnea favorite for the youth and is just one of many opportunities for spiritual nourishment.

Shahin Ip from Hong Kong especially enjoys the meadows and wooded trails during her daily walks and prayers. “The grounds are beautiful, I like to walk and enjoy the outdoors; it’s such a luxury coming from Hong Kong as there are no trees where I live in the

SEE LOUHELEN, PAGE 24

Top photo: Lindsey Eggers (left) and Shelly Paik share morning prayers at the Refuge at Louhelen.

Left photo: Jesse Mason during prayers at the weekly staff meeting and deepening at Louhelen.

Photos by jim Cheek

RECSHSTCOTES

Assembly development

“You are the focal centers of Baha’ activity. More than any other institution you face the challenge of making real the promises of our Faith and regulating the affairs of your local communities. Your mission is to exercise spiritual leadership, functioning as ‘instruments of the spirit of the Faith’ and ‘loving shepherds of the multitudes.’ ” —Five Year Plan of the Baha’is of the United States

CCT, felt as if we were being told that

Local Spiritual Assemblies would never again have to feel alone or overwhelmed in their work,” said Sharona Shuster of the Spiritual Assembly of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Her words were an expression of gratitude for being one of the 117 people attending the Assembly Development Weekend at Green Acre on Oct. 19-21, which drew 95 members of 31 Spiritual Assemblies from across the Northeast

bly Development Weekend provided a unique opportunity for all

those 95 to enhance the functioning of their Assemblies.

It also provided many _ learning moments that helped further the maturation of the individuals and the Assemblies through training, idea-sharing and warm, loving fellowship.

Over several months leading to this huge event, Assemblies had consulted on enabling and encouraging their members to attend. The Regional Baha’i Council of the Northeastern States also had communicated loving encouragement.

And the members who came were glad they had exerted ‘the effort and, for some, made sacrifices to attend.

With the cooperation of the Office of Assembly Development and the Regional Council, nine workshops were offered over the weekend.

A flow of questions drew expert responses. Participants were later heard commenting on the many great ideas they would be able to take home to their Assemblies and communities.

Participants acknowledged gaining tremendous knowledge and encouragement simply from being in the presence of others carrying the same load of responsibility.

Among comments from other parti pants:

° “It was great to meet people from other LSAs.”

“I gained so much from interaction with other LSA members and finding out what works in their community and what doesn’t.”

“T gained a better sense of what other Assemblies are struggling with and

reassurance that we are not alone.” “Attending the Green Acre LSA Development weekend was an incredibly emotional, inspiring and transformational experience,” continued Shuster, the participant from Massachusetts. “It gave me an opportunity to understand that our beloved National Spiritual Assembly has created networks for the constant love, protection, and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies. “There is so much loving whether it is through development modules, Regional Offices of Assembly Development, compilations created for the improved functioning of Spiritual Assemblies, or the simple power of being offered an opportunity to come together ona regular basis. A culture of support is truly becoming enacted,” she continued. Other strong impressions she recalled are the diversity of Assembly members from across the region, a sense of mision to manifest a keener and humbler sense of service, a perspective on the need for understanding as Assemblies evolve, and a “more sacred appreciation for the application of Baha'i law.” “Truly, these Spiritual Assemblies are such magnificent institutions, the local foundation of the World Order of Baha’u'llah, and they are immersed in the ocean of God’s love and in the love and support that the National Assembly has portioned for them,” Shuster said. “Ultimately, the restructuring of society depends on their holy work.” #

Complete list of upcoming Green Acre programs on Calendar, back page

December 12,2001 Tre AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN page 23 [Page 24]

SRST RTT

SOE STARTER

Communities offer innovative strategies to welcome refugees

BY TOM MENNILLO

etro Baha Ss COn= tinue to grow into their responsibility to welcome a recent influx of Iranian newcomers. One example is an Atlanta-a community effort, the Georgi for Baha’ Refugee As Known as GOBRA, this agency has worked over the past year with newly arrived Iranian friends. It is a project of the Family Unity Institute, economic development agency created by the Spiritual Assembly of South DeKalb Count GOBRA receives advice from iliary Board member and the assis Some newcomers to greater Atl have not called on the committee because they receive help from relatives

communi

a interOffice

But for those who need help, GOBRA. s the refu; i

benefits

GOBRA volun gj 2 reate pockets of need, but also opportunities for helping.” GOBRA provides emotional support for refugees by trying to remove much uncertainty as possible from the proc

s

Working to relieve stresses

A GOBRA volunteer whose has lived and worked in Chi comers’ culture shock puts stress on their relationships. “I’m seeing that here—fracturing of families and even of the refugee community,” he said. “We're working to heal that.”

He said the committee’s twofold. It has recruited friends to proide refugees with such portation, Persian-English translation, glish-language training, cultural familiarization and employment assi tance. And it has estab! a buddy tem to facilitate the newcomers’ integration into the metro Baha’ community.

GOBRA also has accepted don: of a variety of household goods—clean and in good working order—for equi table distribution to the newcome:

The response of metro Baha’is has been much greater than expected. The Atlanta-Area Regional ‘Training Ins\ tute has stepped in to facilitate deepening but progress has been slow because in many cases the refugees are working long hours and have difficulty making class. If need be, the RTI will go to the refugees’ homes. They need attention like new believers receive.

role has been

Help from a new player GOBRA was gearing up to accelerate

Houston RTI helps

he Tree of Life Regional

‘Training Institute in Houston, Texas, has developed a model for individuals and communities to come together to serve the need of the newly arrived Persian friends.

The Adopt-a-Family Project pairs newly arrived friends with a sponsor—individual, family, Local Spiritual Assembly, study circle or other group. The term of the commitment is six months per family.

One strong feature of this project is that it clearly defines the responsibilities of both the refugees and the sponsors. For example, the Persian friends are asked to complete the Reflections on the Life of the Spirit course, which is conducted in Persian through a study circle or by residential format. Scholarships are awarded for all refugees. ‘The sponsor volunteers are also asked to complete the same course

For more information about this project, contact the Tree of Life Regional Training Institute (phone 281-480-2786, e-mail

to newcomers, when another pl: me on the offered to take over some functions. The two groups are working out a complemen relationship. The new group, initiated by the Spiritual Assembly of Central DeKalb County, is known by the acronym MOHABAT (Marka: Hemaayat Be Taazeh-vaaredan, or Ci ter for Assistance to the Newly Arrived). In partnership with Emory Unive ty, this group of Persian-speaking Baha’is and others focus tion of all Iranian newcomers. “Refugees don’t always know what services are out there,” said a Baha’i active in MOHABAT. “We tell them and get them there. We also deal with spe needs.” A recent Emory graduate, he id affiliation with the university “seemed the most logical route to attaining nonprofit status. It’s a very multicultural university with lots of resources Those resources, besides money and expertise, include the energy of Emory students. Help also is available from newcomers who have gotten a firm hold in the community, said one of the members. “After a while here, refugees can help those who arrive after them,” he said. “That's already started.” @

MARYLAND, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Baha’is to a local public elementary school. It is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Greenbelt and managed by an administrative committe

Learners are at the: levels: nursery (0-2), preschool (3-5), early elementary (6-9), upper elementary (9-12), high school (13-16) and adult (a 17-99).

This year’s curriculum includes the Five Year Plan and the Baha’ Education for Children books by the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furtitan. Adults are studying Ruhi Institute Book 2, Arising to Serve in English or Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, in Persian.

Many of the children are enrolled in a gathering they call the Brilliant Star Club. They and their parents study

LOUHELEN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

city.” She acknowledges that her level of spirituality has definitely increased. “It’s such a calm place where we have time to meditate and think, with regular deepenings,” she said.

Christoph Volk from Thun, Switzerland,»is in his ninth month of service. He recently took part in the Core Curriculum Teacher Trainer training. He called it “a great tool—a tool I look forward to using at home.” He added that this training exposed him to “people that gave me new insights, a different kind of people, from different commu! s, with different experiences.”

Omaha, Nebraska, native Jesse Mason is in his third month of service. He enjoys his newfound activities: “I've started writing my own stories and studying the Writings.” Asked how this will affect his life after Louhelen, Mason said, “It all gives me a mucl push to do better things.”

-needed

Youth empowerment

A training opportunity at Louhelen of particular interest to youth is the Youth Empowerment Facilitators session, beginning Jan. 4-7, 2002, with Part ‘Two offered May 24-26, 2002. Youth facilitators trained at the National ‘Teacher Training Center, located at

Children from the Varga Baha'i School in Greenbelt, Maryland, show their poster on the Five Year Plan after completing their Plan Workbooks during the area’s Unit Convention. Photo by Natalia 1. Chalmers

virtues every week, keep records of their performance and receive points and a Brilliant (gold) Star when 20 virtues are manifest. The Brilliant Star Club has a motto prayer, motto song and a motto pledge.

The Varga School also helped guide the children’s program for thi Unit Convention (EU020). Us rials and ideas form the National Education and Schools Office, the teachers helped create a Unit Convention experi ence that parents acknowledge was truly unforgettable for their children. @

Organizers of this local school are always looking for new ideas and would love to share their ideas with others. Feel free to contact Varga Baha'i School c/o Baha’i Faith, P.O. Box 245, Greenbelt, MD 20770 (e-mail

Interested in youth service?

Youths interested in exploring service possibilities at a permanent Baha’i school or institut the U.S. should contact the Baha’ Youth Service Corps of the Education and Schools Office

(phone 847-733-3514, e-mail

Louhelen, may themselves offer training at the local and regional levels.

This workshop session, part of the Core Curriculum series of programs, is designed, as described in its brochure, “to help empower youth to arise to teach and serve this great C , live lives of such heroic virtue that they attract the attention of their peers, and spearhead victory after victory as the Cause marches on to embrace all humanity and create that Kingdom for which every heart longs.” @

If interested in Youth Empowerment Facilitators training, contact the National Teacher Training Center (phone 810653-5033, e-mail or see Web site www.louhelen.org).

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen programs on Calendar, back page

page 24 Tne American BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN December 12, 2001 [Page 25]

thi

involves ja ‘The person h

must b

URGENT NEEDS

Baha'i World Center, Haifa, Israe!

Office Positions ‘The World Center urgently needs people with secretarial and writing skills at alf levels. If you have one or more of the following skills, or feel you could learn them, and are fluent in English, you are encouraged to consider applying for service at the World Center.

• Ability to draft and respond to correspondence ® Ability to write, analyze and summarize

reports * Ability to deal with routine correspondence, reception, scheduling and clerical work * Word processing skills * Editing and proofreading skills * Organizational, analytical and supervisory skills * Some experience in Baha’s administration may be helpful.

Maintenance/Janitorial Supervisors

The Works Office at the World Center is responsible for physical maintenance of buildings, involving renovations, repairs, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work:

The Cleaning Maintenance Department is respoi torial work, protecting and cleaning floors, walls, furniture, art objects etc. ding this department not only must be knowledgeable and expe technical details—for instance, knowing what chemicals apply to what object—but also le to supervise a number of helpers. The buildings xo be looked after cover a ide range, from the character of museums to that of ordinary offic

Also: Electrical Engineer, Electrician

If interested, contact the Baha’{ World Center, Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (Phone 972 (4) 835 8387/835 8339, fax 972 (4) 835 8325, e-mail

ble for keeping the buil

ienced in

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AT NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, New York, NY

Director, Office of Public Information.

ption with responsibilities

complete job de: Visit wwwausbneorg and

and. qualific click on the “View current job opportunities’ link in the W New list. We regret that 210 inquiries (by phone, fax or mail) or visits to the Office of Public Information or to the Of‘fice of External Affairs can be accepted.

AT BAHA’l NATIONAL CENTER EvaNsToN/WitmerTe, IL Accountant, Treasurer's office (CPA skill level). Will work in fast-paced, complex envi ronment with diverse

administrative responsibilities. Should have a

nd either for

strong background in auditing : tivities. Minimum 10.

profit or not-for-prc years’ experience.

Assistant Coordinator for Refugee Program, U.S. Babai’i Refugee Office. Assists coor

ation/asylum cases and credentials, communicates with refug go

ference

pment and other agen

ning and in preparation of quarterly Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin and ar

cles for The American Baha'i. Must demonill i respondence, phone and other contacts,

strate

n preparing English-language cor

reports, articles, research papers; records/sta¢ starter with

ics maintenance. Reliable sel attitude of service, teamwork, confidentiality and flexibilit

under pressure; typing 40+ wpm, skill in MS Word.

Meetings/Travel Assistant, Office of Meetings and Travel. Will help make travel

trai

Will also help with clerical/telephone work

and some bill reconciliation. Must be

to work well under pressure and time constraints. Will sometimes be called on to help with hos pitality.

At Bosch BAHA'| SCHOOL SANTA Cruz, CA Facilities Manager. Will manage facil

ing maintenance and engineering vide timely services at minimal costs;

mat

chedule maintenance requests and projensure that all equipment and buildings

are efficiently and effectively main Needs all areas of building m

years’ experience tenance (HVAC, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) years as maintenance manager; valid driver’s inand of

electrical, plumbing, ith 3-5

licen:

upervisory cor

AT GREEN Acre BaHA’l SCHOOL Euror, ME

Office Assistant. Performs general office management and bookkeeping, assists with the bookstore, reception, registration. Mu grounded in Baha'i principles, proficient in general secretaria/admi iar with software including MS Word, E: Publisher and QuickBooks. Assistant Cook (part- to full-time). Uclps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen and dining

be

trative Is, famil

cel,

roomy must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

If interested in any of the above Babi’t National Offices posts, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Cental St. Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

INTERNATIONAL China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For information contact John Cornyn (phone fax 847-733-3509, e-mail See article, page 30.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

labour to provide reassurance and insight to those with whom they come in contact, making sure that the confident ion that informs their actions is not clouded by the limited perspective of the ass of humanity. Current world events offer Baha’is an opportunity to demonstrate the application of the remedy brought by the Divine Phy:

At this critical moment, we find ourselves compelled to turn to you, our coworkers, to inform you of the pressing need for a marked increase in the contributions to the Baha’f International Fund. A great portion of the resources in s expended outside the Holy Land for the advancement of the Cause of God. These expenditures are of special importance at this time when the Five Year Plan gives every indication of yielding a significant advance in the process of entry by troops in the years ahead. This same Fund must finance the operation of the Baha’i World Centre, the maintenance of the sacred properties in the Holy Land, the conduct of the pilgrimage programme, and the defence and proclamation of the Faith.

We now appeal for a response to this need from all the followers of Baha’u’llh. Our appeal is addressed to all without exception: those of modest means as well as those who possess substantial resources. Your immediate and sustained action is imperative, for the discharge of your spiritual obligation to contribute towards the advancement of the Cause can suffer no delay. The blessings that flow from your sacrificial deeds are assured.

The present crisis in the Baha’s International Fund is due, in considerable measure, to the sharp reduction in resources available, consequent to the economic downturn afflicting much of the world. It arises also, in part, from the necessity to provide assistance from the Baha’i International Fund to sustain the work of the Faith in the growing number of countries devastated by warfare, internal division, and endemic poverty.

‘The National Baha'i Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Maud H. , Jeanne Gasse, Rene dys E. C

res, Nancy Gates, Walter Gates

ates, Jean L. Gates, Lau

Laurence Gaudreaux. Anyone knowi

d to contact the Nation1233 Central IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-853-2359).

‘The National Baha'i Archives has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Latino and Asian Babi’is for the use of local communities in Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special events observances. ‘There is chronology of U.S.

also a parti ies. Any local community or individ

race unity I

hing a set of these sketches is asked to send

a request with a mailing address to the Nation However, a major cause of our present

tain, at a befitting standard, the buildings and gardens at the World Centre. An indication of the increase of costs is that the area of gardens has now more than doubled.

The Baha’i International Fund must not fail to meet these needs. To assist it, we have decided to set up the World Centre Endowment Fund, for the preservation, upkeep, and security of the edifices and precincts of the Spiritual and Administrative Centres of the ‘aith—activities that currently form so large a part of the responsibilities of the Bah: follows the example of Shoghi Effendi, who during his ministry dedicated the nds in the environs of the y for the upkeep of the Holy

This Endowment Fund, to which you are urged to contribute, beyond your general support of the Baha’i International Fund, will initially be used to defray the related s, estimated at en million dolr balance remains unexpended at the end of each year will be retained as an earmarked fund and, as it grows in the years ahead, will provide continuing source of investment income dedicated to maintaining the magnificent setting of these Holy Places. These precincts were created gradually, during the past century, through the sacrificial outpouring of resources by the believers who responded to the vision of Baha’u’llih and supported the strenuous endeavours of the Master and the Guardian. It is essential that this splendour, befitting so sacred a place, be preserved undiminished in the decades and centuries ahead.

Our ardent supplication in the Holy Shrines is for the reinforcement of the consecrated endeavours of the lovers of the Blessed Beauty in every land, as they respond to the needs of the ever-advancing Cause of God.

The Universal House of Justice

al Baha’i Archives, 1233 Central St, Evanston IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. Opportunities to work for Baba’i institutions in other countries: Kampala, Uganda: urgent vacancy for headmistress at Bah: i

Kindergarten. Lusaka, Zambia: urgent vacancies at Banani econdary and Primary Schools for Principal of Secondary School;

ther, grades 8-12; 1 Primary School ‘Teacher, ages SII. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching

International S

Science/Computer Studies Te

Assis

opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, email

December 12,200! Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED/ConTINUED page 25 [Page 26]SEEKING* YOUR’ RESPONSE”

Making sense of the world by exploring the spiritual implications of 21st-century life

World Order

Summer 2001: Perspectives on the Promise of Peace June Manning Thomas on removing racism from urban planning ¢ Richard W. Thomas on positive interracial and multicultural movements that model peace

• Leila Milani on the decision-making role of women in bringing about peace
• Jeffrey S. Gruber on indigenization, universalization and world language

+ M. Eric Horton on Gregory Nava’s El Norte * Firuz Kazemzadeh reviews Century of Light

Still available: Spring 2001 Martha L. Schweitz on family governance * Michael L. Penn on eradicating gender-based violence

• Caren Rosenthal and Leili Towfigh on truth telling and healing families through an analysis of

Thomas Vinterberg’s The Celebration Coming Soon: Special issues on:

• Constructing Gender
• Does Race Exist?
• Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside:

Connecting the Spirit to the Environment

Subscriptions: US—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. air mait— $24 I year, $46 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

The American Baha’i

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

Star

One Country

Quarterly about development by the Baha’i International Community Subscriptions: US—$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside US. surface mait—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside US. air mail—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

Brilliant

• . tx

Me CREA PUNE G)

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly For subscription information: See “Kid’s Corner,” page 17

x * Sis)

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription Which publication? Send to:

Address,

City State, ZIP Country Daytime phone or e-mail Sold to (if different from recipient):

Address

City State, ZIP.

Country ift subscription? (Circle one) Y N

Home phone

Work phone

Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank, payable to Baha’ Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents include applicable sales tax.

Credit card #

(if applicable) Exp. date

Cardholder signature

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 TAB 12/12/01

Assembly development resources on the Web

Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities manual (search and print) Assembly Development Module Workshop descriptions Downloadable workshop handouts Contact information for workshop facilitators Self Assessment Tool with related quotes Guidance on how to use Self Assessment results to select workshops Descriptions of other resources and how to access them ‘Access with your Baha’i 1D number www.usbne.org Glick on “NSA Departments,” then on “Office of Assembly Development”

er ed

INFORMATION ON YOUR

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

aes record achievement of traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on all international trips taken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail »

Use the Multipurpose Form 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 localities, and

date(s) of visit(s)

• Main purpose of your travel
• Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for:

Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in African-Americans to teach in Africa?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLP oR Copy As NEEDED

For which event or activity?

N

me

1 1 1 Address 1 City State, ZIP

Phone E-mail

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

"AB 12/12/01

page 26 The AMERICAN BAnA’i * SEEKING YOUR Response December 12, 2001 [Page 27]INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

wo decades ago, the Grandma Sny der Project on the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia resulted in the enrollment of more than 1,500 new believers. Unfortunately, the deepening of all those new believers was beyond the island’s resources. Determined to re-establish contact with many of those enrollees and to reinvigorate the process of expansion and consolidation, that country’s National Spiritual Assembly initiated the Grandma Snyder Project Revisited. The project in July and August was dedicated to a member of the first teaching team, Husnieh Baha’i of Canada, who passed away this year. Among goals were to establish systematic study circles with trained tutors, children’s and youth classes and local devotional meetings. Here are excerpts of a report by Vahid Ellig, one of the traveling teachers.

he first goal of this year’s project

was to go through records of the previous project and relocate the believers. All this new information is to be entered into a database.

Patricia Edwards was the first receptive soul I found. The La Clery postmaster and some local boys helped us find her home. People have no addresses in the islands. You ask one person, follow a cow

A few members of the Grandma Snyder Project Revisited team (left to right starting at the top: Elisa

She brought her preschool-age boy along; he was quite frightened of all the new faces. We told them about the Faith, answered any questions she had, and served a snack. She asked me to sing a song, which I felt inadequate in doing but was thankful for her interest. She eagerly accepted some prayer books and reading materials.

The thing that amazed me most was, just before she left, she asked us to stand, hold hands in a circle, and pray. She must have been spiritually guided to ask that of total strangers.

Tidswell, Verdia Louis, Carmen Mebane, Ada Leonce,

Vahid Ellig, Nadia Flood and Alice Leonce.

path or two, then ask someone else.

No one was home at what we hoped was her house. Feeling disappointed, we went home and tried the telephone book as a last resort. Out of all the people on our list from that town, hers was the only house with a phone. We gave her a call, told her about the Faith, and she wanted to meet us immediately. We scheduled a fireside for the next day.

A visit to church

When I went to Marewe had a long list of former s—more than 80. A longtime Bahé resident of the area accompanied me. It happened to be a Sunday morning so what better place to find people than at the church? I was resistant to t lea because Timagined people would not be pleased to be asked about a different religion while in

SEE ST. LUCI

"AGE 35.

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

Northeastern States needed to help only Spiritual Assembly in a big

ve the

lapsed Assemblies blies in communities of se more believers; and saving/main- +

forming Assem

or lowstone Co.

reser Reservation’, Ravalli Co., St. Ignatius, Yee *

Nevada: Boulder (iy, Churchill (o, lyon *

Arkansas: fort Smith, North Lite Rock, Pine Bf, Pulaski County Florida: Coconut (reek, Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Saraso

area of western Pennsylvania between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg! State College, Pennsylvania,

is losing six Bal

Our active, div

State University (a “fertile field” for teaching

regarded Pennsylvani

with more than 40,000 students; for example, half the Spi

Assembly’ members are people who became Babi’ in the past

ate College small-town feel with many big city

advantages such as sports, theater,

arts and excellent schools. State

College was ranked as the lowest

stress U.S. city by Pychology Today, as the seventh-safest city by Places Rated Almanac, and as fifth-best place to live among small North e

tern cities by Money magazine

(more info: www.statecollege.com/

demographics). The Bah: love to talk to you—please contact us (phone 814-238-22

is of State College would

Western States The Regional Council has three hn

riteria for hometront pio neering goals: saving jeopardized or

taining Assemblies on India vations (marked * below). Priority is on sites in the seven “breath of life” states designated

by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the

blets of the Divine Plan: Arizona, Idaho,

Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,

Utah and Wyoming. Goal locali

nclude the following (com

plete list on www.usbne.org). Assembly communities that can benefit from homefront pioneers are indicated in italics.

For communities on Indian reservations (marked *), contact the

regional traveling teaching coordi nator or homefront pionee

coordinator (both listed at right). + Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule Distia’, Bisbee, Buckeye, (asa Grande, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cochise Co. SW, Gold Canyon, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Houck Chapter’, Naito Chapter’, Kingman, Sedona, South Tucson, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Whiteriver

Idaho: Ada County, Caldwell, Coeur Alene, Fort Hall Reservation’, Kootenai Co., Meridian, Twin Falls

Montana: Billings, Blackleet Reservation’, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, (row Agency*, Flathead Reservation, Great alls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark (0, Missoula Co. Northern Cheyenne

(Co, Nye County/Pahrump, Winchester Township New Mexico: Artesia, Aztec, Belen, Bernalillo Co. E., Deming, Dofia Ana Co. Cent. Grants, Jicarilla Apache Reservation*, Los Luna, Lovington, Luna Co., Hountainair, Rio Ariba Co, Shiprock Chapter, Socorro, Taos Co., Tohatchi Chapter* Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Verkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, Syracuse, Uintah-Ouray Reservation*, West Valley City Wyoming: Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Laramie, Evanston, Gillette, Jackson Hole, Lander, Laramie Co,, Newcastle, Rock Springs, Weston Co., Wind River Reservation” California: 14 goal communities

Colorado: 16 goal communities, induding

2 on Indian reservations

Oregon: 21 goal communities, induding 2 ‘on Indian reservations

Washington: 39 goal communities,

including 8 on Indian reservations

Southern States The Regional Council has placed

top priority for homefront pio

g on localities where Local

Spiritual Assemblies can benefit from homefront pioneers (in itolics), cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local

Spiritual Assembly, or localities

near Assembly st

ngth.

• Alabama: Dothan, Hoover, Mobile

ta, Volusia Co, West Palm Beach Georgia: Albany, Baldwin County, Decatur, Fort Valley, Hall County, Ken

nesaw, Hacon, Milledgeville Kentucky: Murray, Owensboro

Louisiana: Bosir City, Kenner, Lake

Charles, Monroe Maryland: Annopolis, Takoma Park

North Carolina: Concord, Gastonia, Kernersville, Thomasville

Oklahoma: Broken Arrow, y, Lawton, Hayes County, Midwest City,

loore, Ponca City, Shawnee, Vinita

South Carolin: Chester, Geo Mt. Pleasant, North

angebur,

own ¢

Jackson

», Baytown, Beaumont,

do, Longview, MicAllen, Mesquite, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler

+ Virginia: Damille,Lynchbu Portsmouth, Suffolk West Virginia: Huntington

Please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and

Homefront Pione ina

ing Coors tors listed at right. ®

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. For information regarding jobs and study abroad,

or international trav

Jing teaching opportuni tact the Office

of Pioneering, Bal National Center, 1233

Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847 733-3508, e-mail

Answers to frequent questions about serving internationally are posted on the Web

ties and other events, please co

(wwwausbne.org > NSA Departments). See page 26 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 pioneer, contact the Northeast Regional Baha’

Council secretary, Joel Nizin (phone

nail

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact Mare Hensen (e-mail

Central States To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Ce

ntral Regional Bahai Council secretary, Curtis Russell (e-mail

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate

te traveling teaching coordinator (list is available on wwweusbne.org in

the Regional Councils section) or contact e-mail or Mike Paik (phone

e-mail

Marilyn Ray (phone

Western States To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling teaching-homefront pio ilable

neering coordinator for each state (list

n www.usbne.org in the Regional Councils

section), or one of the regional coordinators:

Homefront pioneering: Flor ‘Toloui (phone

mail

‘Traveling teaching: Jan Saced (phone e-mail

Adopting a goal comm Cockshut

(phone eo

For information on American Indian reservations, contact the regional Ameri Helen Kiely

Indi

(phone e-mail

Southern States

inquire about locatin;

g as.a homefiont pioneer

or about traveling teaching, contact the appro priate traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator for each state (list available on

www.usbne. Is sec

rg in the Regional Co

tion), or a reg Ho:

(phone e

ional coordinating team member:

\efront pion

ering: Susan Crossley

-mail travel ‘Traveling teaching: Kitty Schmitz. (phone

e-mail °

December 12,2001 THe AMERICAN BAHA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN page 27 [Page 28]

Margaret Gallagher served as Auxiliary Board member

INFORMATION FROM NEDA GALLAGHER

argaret Ariel Gallagher, a unfaltering teacher of the Faith and an Auxiliary Board member for several Western states from 1969 into the early ’80s, passed away July 24, 2001, in Placerville, California.

Born July 10, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Julius James Ellerman and Rhona May Marshall, Marge grew up in ‘, Colorado, the oldest of seven children. While her mother and stepfa‘dat work all day, Margaret raised her siblings and managed the household.

After a difficult childhood, she left home at 17 and headed for California. She married young and gave birth to her son James, her pride and joy throughout her life.

ther were

She divorced when James was ‘To support her small family, ! was not afi worked as a

baby. ‘garet id to try any job. She short order cook and as an ambulance driver, among other things. In the 1940s, Margaret met and married John Joseph Gallagher, a handsome Navy officer. The family traveled around the U.S. for some time before settling in Hayward, California, in 1950. Marge and Joe were a dashing’ couple, and Joe loved Jimmy as his own child.

Energetic service to Faith

In 1954, Margie was introduced to the he soon became a Baha'i, and dedicated her life to sharing her new religion with othe!

Her energetic service to the Faith combined with her extensive knowledge of its teachings led to her appointment, in 1969, as an Auxiliary Board member for propagation of the Faith.

Her responsibilities included deepening the knowledge of her fellow Bahs’is

in the tenets of the Faith and encouraging the growth and maturation of their communities. Her geographic territory included California, Ore; Washing Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada.

When Margie was on the road in her lime green ‘Tornadc ght ¢ at summer schools and conferences, with Baha'i nt was | coming. She was lavished with lov affection wherever she went.

At home Margie hosted numerous meetings and provided hospi several Hands of the Cause of God, members of the Universal House of Jus tice and other distinguished members of the world Baha’{ community.

She undertook two pilgrimages to the Holy Land, attended both Baha’i World Congresses, and was present at the dedication of the Baha'i Houses of Worship in Panama and India. She traveled to many foreign countries, including Mexico, Canada and England, to spread Baha’u'llih’s message of love and world unity.

ton,

», she

and

met countle

groups. homeand

Everywhere she wi

Skill in speaking

Her skill public speaker was astonishing for someone with justa high school education, at a time when a woman’s domain was thought to be the home. Margie worked hard to develop her talents in public address. She could speak to 10 people, or 100, or 1,000 and make them howl with laughter, move them to tears, and bring them closer to their own spiritual nature.

In their 55 years of marriage Marge and Joe provided a loving home for their cherished son Jimmy. They took in and raised Margie’s grandniece Margaret Ann as their own for the first years of her life.

Joseph Savage pioneered

seph C. Savage, a devoted servant of Baha’u'llah in California, Nevada, ed away pioneering post in

xico and Guaten May 11, 2001, at hi

1928, Joe found the at age 35 while living in Southern C; fornia.

He deepened his knowledge through firesides and study of Baha’i literature, and soon developed the desire to serve as a pioneer.

In the 1960s, Joe operations of Geyserville Bah: (now relocated and renamed Bosch).

For six years he worked with the ir tutions of the Faith toward his goal of pioneering, serving extensively as a traveling teacher in northern California and Nevada—and later along the border

with Mexico—while employment abroad.

He adopted a tried-and-true method of old West circuit preachers, creating a circle of contact sites and repeating t cycle until goals were met.

‘The years of preparation bore fruit in 1970 when Joe and his wife, Bobbie, set out on cursion through Latin America, heading in the direction of Brazil until a pioneer post was “cho: by the Concourse,” according to their daughter Dianne Savage.

Soon the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico asked the couple to serve as co-directors of the Amelia Collins Inst tute near Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. This “temporary” assignment lasted until 1976.

During this time the Savages refined their method of circuit teaching, organizing “road shows” to travel to a variety of towns and villages, with mus‘

searching for

Nn e@

Margaret Gallagher was present at the dedication of two Baha’i Houses of Worship.

They became surrogate parents to many of Jimmy's teen-age friends. Many Baha'is around the world count them their spiritual parents

Any night of the \ drop in, unannounced,

eek folks would

and be treated to

great food (always enough to feed the troops!),

scrumptious deserts, challenging game of ble, and enough laughter to choke a

not forget the colorful

good b

Margie will be remembered for ma any outstanding quali Her humor, courage and confidence were powerful. Her warmth, culinary talents and hos pitable nature were a blessing.

Her sense of adventure and daring pades were legendary. Her commitment to and love for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or culture was

jes.

her guiding principle.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly, its message of consolation to her Baha'i community and relatives, described her as “a dedicated, hardworking, longstanding servant of the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Her service: an energetic and reliable Auxiliary Board member for more than fifteen years are gratefully remembered.”

She is survived by her two grandchildren, Sean Gallagher of Mountain View, California, and Neda Gallagher of Placerville; a brother, Don Kendrick of Colorado; and a half-sister, Betty Doyle of Ohio.

Her beloved husband, Joe Gallagher, preceded her to the Abha Kingdom five months earlier, in February. #

in Mexico and

the showing of films along with the direct teaching, sometimes involving visiting groups of U.S. Baha’f youth.

In 1972, Joe—known in Spanish as Seftor José nged to drive a bus to the April dedication of the Baha’i Hou of Worship in Panama, picking up a number of Baha'is en route.

's after returning to the Units, Joe offered again to pioneer. In 1992 he left to settle in Guatemala.

During his years in La Esperanza, Joe devoted his time and money to building a school for the Faith, which is still under construction.

Dianne recalls that her father would remind them of the spiritual importance of every Baha’ function they were about to start.

For example, before F “the call from him was, ‘You are going to have Holy Communion with the Concours prepare yourselves!’ or “This

is. your

Chery! Stull created solo performance

INFORMATION FROM SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF PORT ANGELES, WA

heryl Lyn Stull was a stalwart for 22 rs in the Baha'i community of s, Washington, helping provide Baha’i presentations in high school comparative religion programs and creating a one-woman performance based on the life of Martha Root.

She passed away April 24, 2001, in Port Angeles at age 59.

Born Oct. 8, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she grew up mainly in Eugen Oregon. She was 15 years old when she first heard of the Baha’i Faith.

In summer 1977, Cheryl embraced the Baha’i Faith with a passion. She was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene the following year. Only months later, she married Peter Stull.

In 1979, the couple and a friend, Carol Sprague, moved to homefront pioneer in Port Angeles, a town on the Olympic Peninsula. Together they helped the community maintain a Spiritual Assembly.

Over the years Cheryl served on the Port Angeles Spiritual Assembly and the Washington State District Teaching Committee.

When Port Angeles High School requested help with its Contemporary Issues program, a requirement for seniors, she helped contribute to its section ‘on comparative religion.

Through her efforts, the Baha’i Faith continues to be presented to the seniors with assistance from students of Maxwell Baha'i School in British Columbia, Ginatla

Cheryl often was

yea

Port Angel

a guest speaker a

SEE STULL, PAGE 29

Guatemala

opportunity to recharged,’ ” she wrote.

“The attitude was to slough off the outside old world (when changing cloth ind to be prepared to receive the Holy Spirit (while dressing with your best clothes).”

During a teaching project the call wa “Mount your steeds, O heroes of God, or “Allaéh-u-Abha, used as a wake-up call for the Baha’is to invoke the Concourse that they were about to embark on a wondrous journey.”

Joe was always surprised that people greatly respected him, his daughter added.

When asked who he was his answer would be “a physicist by trade and a farmer by vocation; most of all a servant of mankind as he understood Baha’u’llah’s mission,” Dianne wrote. “To live the life with all his being always rang true with my dad.” #

become _ spiritually

page 28 Tne American BanA’i ¢ IN Memoriam December 12, 2001 [Page 29]

Ali Badkubehi Missouri City, TX June 17, 1999

Ziayeh Bayani-Dayyani Redmond, WA December 24, 2000

Doris L. Bazille Boston, MA October 2001

Norma H. Beaulieu San Juan County, NM November 11, 2000

Muriel I. Binford Moses Lake, WA September 1, 2001

Jon M. Dukes Redford, MI February 24, 1999

IN MEMORIAM

Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Baha'i National Center. To report the passing of a Baha'i in the United States, please contact the Membership Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ).

Elinor Kolehouse Oconomowoc, WI July 7, 2001

Patricia Locke Mobridge, SD October 20, 2001

Ronald A. MacInnes San Francisco, CA September 23, 2001

Mary E. Maxwell Phoenix September 9, 2001

James M. McGinnis King County, WA October 14, 2001

Barbara D. McQueen Scotts Valley, CA September 15, 2001

Marilyn I. Hammond Tayebeh Mesbah Rohanich Vatanparasti St. Louis Park, MN Plano, TX Jeffersonville Twp., IN January 23, 2001 September 18, 2001 1997 Morris Hartkopf A. Joyce Nelson Mohammad Reza Kent, WA Klamath Falls, OR Vatanparasti January 8, 2000 June 10, 2001 Jeffersonville Twp., IN 1998 Madelyn S. Herzfeld Abdulhossein Nourani Lake Havasu City, AZ Encinitas, CA Yahya Vedaei July 26, 2001 July 23, 2001 Beaverton, OR May 15, 2001 Gordon R. Jacky Harriet A. Philip Baltimore County, MD New York City, NY Patricia J. West January 4, 2001 September 9, 2001 Kent, WA February 27, 2001 Manuel Keepler Helen E. Rawhouser Orangeburg, SC Ruidoso, NM SSX June 1999 September 8, 2001 G40

Gertrude Ridgell ‘Tampa, FL May 22, 2001

Virginia L. Schroader Petaluma, CA July 28, 2001

Donnie Shaw n Marcos, TX September 2000

Harold G. South Wiltz, Luxembourg October 7, 2001

AZ,

Sharon Speliades New Havgn, CT June 23, 2001

John H. Thiele Jr. Porter County, IN October 1, 2001

Zara Dunne answered call of Ten Year Crusade

iiss Undine Benson Dunne, long: time pioneer in A the ibbean and Mexico, ascended to the Abhi Kingdom on December 25, 1999. “All throughout is wonderful areer’ of pioneering, we've learned the greatest solutions—there are two—to all pioneering problems,” she and her husband, Major, wrote in a letter to Pioneer Post. , of course, is prayer. Second, simply know that Baha'u'llah will never place upon one’s shoulders a greater burden than one can carry! Including that old malari:

born Oct. 26, 1906, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became a Ba in 1939, and Major E Dunne were married in 1947 and the year went homefront pioneering to Astoria, Oregon, where they helped form the first Assembly.

3

In re: the Ten Ye arrived in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1953. When their v: ed, they

transferred to Liberia in 1954, sta there for the next eight years and returning there between shorter services in the Madeira Islands (1962) and the Canary Islands (1967-1968).

fter a few years in the United States taking. care of he: Ith concerns, the

ing

time, they were aut elderly, but determined to “[Wyhen the going gets tough—spiritual or otherwise—a good laugh really helps. We know! We've ‘been ther the Dunnes said in another letter. After 12 years in the islands, Zara and Major pioneered to Mexico. In 1991, Major Dunne became seriously ill, necessitating their return to the United

ates. The couple received loving care from the Baha’f community of Spokane, Washington, and remained in that community for continued health care and support. He preceded Zara in death in 1997.

Harold South was longtime pioneer to Luxembourg

Es G. South served with his wife over more than four decades as a pioneer, mainly in Luxembourg, where they helped to establish most of the current Local Spiritual according to that country ssemb!

Harold p: 2001, at his

Assemblies, National

away on October 7, pioneer post in Wiltz,

1916, Harold worked

Bou May 2, most of his life in the printing t

ades, as

a pressroom foreman, pressman, sale: man, production manager — and

Cleveland, Ohio, when she first inquired about possible pioneering eat the beginning of the “ 1953—before Harold ha the Faith.

servi

fear Crusade in

1 even accepted

By 1960 the couple was pioneering in the Netherlands.

About a year after the 1962 establishment of the National Spiritual Assemblies of both the Netherlands and I embourg, they moved to Luxembourg for a while.

After a

y in Ireland and a brief move

back to the United States, both Harold and Jeanne settled permanently in Luxembourg in the mid-1960s.

The National Assembly of Luxembourg wrote in 1979 that these wo valiant pioneers “i ny hardships, were during rs on the forefront of not only the teaching work but also the

bourg from southern Europe.

hey also have a unique record of moves inside of f Luxembourg 2

as many local Soeial Assem

blies.”

That letter was written upon the couples move to N but they were back in Luxembourg before lon

At Harold’s funeral, the mayor of Wiltz said that the presence of Jeanne and Harold has been an enrichment to the city, and that the city of Wiltz profoundly deplores Harold's loss.

In addition to his wife, Harold is sur

vived by two sons.

Veronica Augustine translated prayers into Tohono O’odham

eronica Chiago Augustine of Sells, Arizona, one of the first members of the Tohono O’odham (formerly called Papago Indian Tribe) to accept the Baha'i Faith, ed away on July 15, 2001, from injuries she ined in an automobile accident. She was in her 60s. She and her mother, Susie Flores,

became Baha'is during the mass teaching in the early 1970s. Veronica was elected to the Spiritual

Arizona, the rve on a Baha'i

Assembly of Pima Count first of her tribe to s institution

Often Veronica would provide wisdom and had the spiritual solution to a problem, waiting for everyone at the Assembly meeting to speak before she set it forth, according to Star Staffa, who served alongside her on the Assembly. She also helped in preparing Assembly

At the time of her passing, she was the

STULL,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

the Unity Church on the B: She was the first Baha with the Port /

She hosted Holy Day celebre ations and

community Fe In the 1990s she created, produced and presented a one-woman show based

contact person for her Bah Sells.

Quiet, good-natured and friendly, she is remembered by her fellow E for her wonderful laugh and the stories of her childhood. She introduced ma non-American Indian Baha'is to her culand took them on visits to the of O'odham Baha'is at Ridvan for

‘i group in

the election of the Spiritual Assembly of Sells District. Veronica prepared translations of

into her nativ g them on tape, bec the Tohono O’odh:

help teach the was instrumental in teaching

Veroni other fami her tribe, orga and family get-togethers on the rese1 tion. ©

ig large gatherings a

on events in the life of Martha Root. She w: istant to Celia John Auxiliary Board member for Protection, until her illness prevented her from

serving Knowing that her transition to the Abhé Kingdom was near, Cheryl

pha nned much of her funeral and memoknowing that it would be her ts More othe an 7) peo

December 12,2001 Tie AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ IN Memoriam § page 29 [Page 30]

GLENFORD MITCHELL, CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

most drenching rains of the autumn to gather for his talk in Foundation Hall.

Three special guests from Cai attended: Counselor ‘Abdu’l-M: Ghadirian and National Spiritual Assembly members Susan Lynes and

Enayat Rouhani.

In Adianta, the slight, graying native of Jamaica appeared at the Bahai Unity Center in South DeKalb County on Oct. 11 asa gift from family members he was visiting.

An appreciative host Assembly bestowed on the Mitchells framed prints of photos of the family that had been taken the night before.

Friends packing the Center auditorium and fellowship hall responded with cries of “Preach it, brother” and “Bring it home” to Mitchell’s passionate recitation of passages that are as applicable today as when written.

Understanding the attacks

Though there were some differences between his talks in Wilmette and in Adanta, basic themes were the same. ‘The House of Justice member focused on the World Order of Bahd’w'llah letters, Citadel of Faith and, most extensively, The Advent of Divine Justice.

He said those messages from Shoghi Effendi—the latest penned on the eve of World War I—hold the key to our understanding of the Sept. 11 attacks.

As alarming and devastating as the attacks were, “we should not be surprised or puzzled. ... We know that the old order being rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead,” he said in Wilmette.

‘The “choice quotations” therein from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l, Mitchell said, are a surefire antidote to the feelings of helplessness voiced in the nation today.

“If we're ever feeling blue, we can read that compilation” and derive from it “the spiritual injection we need,” he said in Atlanta.

Once fortified in our own souls, our ndamental duty at this ch, Mitchell continued.

We talk forever about methods of teaching, he lamented, asking, “Do we need a course to tell a friend at work about the Cause? No one can tell us how to take the opportunities before us. ... Can’t you figure out a few thi

Institutions can make goal: our efforts and encourage us, Mitchell, but it all comes down to us.

If we don’t do our duty, he said, “we can paralyze our institutions and hold back blessings on the planet.”

Shoghi Effendi assured us in Citadel of Faith that the American republic will continue, “undivided and undefeatable,” until its destined contributions to the new order are fully made. “So what are you worried about?” Mitchell asked the Wilmette audience. “You know what all means. It’s time to roll up our es” and fulfill the role of the Baha great evolution toward peace

Mitchell traced simultaneous pro es under way in the American Baha’{

time

s to tea

community and the American nation.

The first, dating back to the Tablets of the Divine Plan, promotes development of the Administrative Order and leads indirectly to World Order.

The second, harkening to the close of World War I and the enunciation of son’s Fourteen Points, defines America’s relationship to the world and must lead through victories and reverses to the Lesser Peace.

Inherent in those - processes are “ ous responsibilities,” said Mitchell.

For Americans: “We're not going to line up any ducks or do any business until we're united.”

For Baha'is: “We can’t afford to miss a beat. ... We must do our part to alleviate the severity of tribulations” humanity is experiencing. “Its a serious responsibility. We're teachers, carrying the germ of unity.”

Fortunately, he said, ‘is

Divine Plan “set before us by ‘Abdu’l-E and parceled out to us in measurable bits mong other points: Shoghi Effendi alerted us to the perils and prospects of the simultaneous processes of integration and disintegration, order and chaos, that characterize the Plan of God. We are witnessing an acceleration of proce: that are sometimes slow and imperceptible, sometimes sudden. The Hidden Words addresses this 7 radox thus: “My calamity is My providence ... The € n prepared us well for current and future developments within 1d outside the Baha’ community. They are clearly di letter and we need to refer to them constantly. Two conditions affecting life in these times are the decline of religion and the lack of unity

• Society must either be reborn or perish,

Shoghi Effendi wrote in World Order. He showed religion to be the mot tor for ice, order, and contentment. When religion is weakened, the result is anarchy.

.

suardi:

ssed in hi

True religion is not w being preached in Afgh n or reflected in the corruption of religious institutions here and abroad.

Baha'is have a different understanding of religion. It’s not the Sunday morning experience but divine influence that produces a civilization. It’s a total life affair that permeates all we do. Unity is our central position, the fixed and immovable foundation. — Its

strength can never be impaired. Unity impli rablishment of a world commonwealth.

Glenford Mitchell, member of the Universal House of Justice, urges the friends of the United States to teach the Cause boldly, during his talk Oct. 13 at the Baha’i House of Worship. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

• Getting from here to there is the great

challenge facing the human race and spurring the actions of Baha'is. Baha’u’llh, in declaring His mission to the kings, offered on a platter the Most Great Peace. When they declined the offer, He responded: “Hold ye fast unto ... the Lesser Peace.” ‘The Lesser Peace implies a political unity—leaders getting together to lift burdens of humanity such as overtaxation, war and oppression. This process will not depend on direct action by Baha'is, though we can promote progress toward its achievement. ‘The Most Great Peace, by contrast, will require a monumental change in hearts and souls. Love and justice—not on an intellectual level but reflected in how we deal with others—will mark i ‘That can be assured only through reli gious faith, through Baha'is promoting the oneness of humankind. In pursuit of this, we must be atic must refine and change as needed. We also must strive to unde what is happening in society, how it relates to us, and how we should respond. Shoghi Effendi detailed in The Advent of Divine Justice how the United State: being “insensibly drawn” in the vort of processes it can’t understand or control. “{HJer only hope of extricating elf from the perils gathering around her is to become entangled in that very web of international mn. which ae Hand of an inscrutable Providence ” the Guardian wrote. As the turbulent process of the evolving world order plays out in Americ the Baha’i community has entered the Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age. Events leading up to it have included the collapse of the Soviet Union and formation of new National Assembli there; a series of international conferences; the flourishing of nongovernmental orga ions, of which the { International Communi ader; the centenary of the passing of aha’u'llah; the release of the Kitab-iAqdas in English and the implement: tion of more of i in the West; and the introduction of training institutes. We have indeed achieved a new state of mind and slipped into a new paradigm. Still, Baha’is should not hope to remain unaffected by calamities in the world. Sufferings awaken us to duty and increase our energy in setting before humanity the road to salvation.

he

experiencing Epi social ul ic development. With doors

le of China welcome ides nsultation in many fields of

ice for individuals and groups fessional expertise in needed

ities of this kind can be car t by traveling to China to

and consult with Chinese pro s an participating in such

es with Chinese colleagues inited States.

can travel to China,

lly interested are: Ith and Western medi and energy sourc ntal protection.

x

ritectural Fens.

The demand for teachers of Eng‘lish continues to be very high as well, en other fields of endeavor are interest to the Chinese in the

_ development of their society. _ Upon returning from a service project in China sponsored by Health for ‘Humanity, an organization enabling “Healthcare professionals to offer services and resources throughout the _ world, one person wrote, “In a nutshell, we fell in love with China. | There were many reasons for this. At the heart of our attraction was the ‘nobility of the Chinese people which | was evident in their daily lives, in their relationships with one another, and in _ how they treated us ... their simple, fpaje: digas lifestyle, genuine love, “kindness and friendship. ... The impression we left on the Chinese seemed to be equally deep. They, too,

Pree tions by our spirit. ... The;

page 30 THe AMERICAN BanA‘i * ContinueD/News December 12, 2001 [Page 31]

Tabernacle of Unity

Focusing Our Energies

During the administrative year 2000-2001, we have been called upon by the Universal House of Justice and our National Spiritual Assembly to develop our forces—spiritual, intellectual, administrative, technical, and material—in preparation for the next stage of promotion of the Cause of God.

We just spent, according to the Supreme Institution, the most important four years of our lives in helping to erect the buildings on the Arc on Mount Carmel, in advancing the process of entry by troops, and in ing with the maturation of the Administrative Institutions of the Faith of God.

The National Spiritual Assembly invited the Baha’f Community to study two major works of our beloved

Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, namely The World Order of

Baha'willab, a collection of seven letters written from 1929 to 1936, and The Advent of Divine Justice, written on December 25, 1938.

letters, expounding the origins and fundamenof the New World Order proclaimed by well as defining the destiny of the North American Baha’{ community, were written by the Guardian of the Baha’s Faith at the time when Ey urope ously considering the possibility of a second woud war, which in fact started only a few months after The Advent of Divine Justice was published.

s es were sent to the Baha'is of North America during the years between the wo World Wars, before the expiration of the first century of the Baha’s Era (1844-1944), and during the first epoch of the Formative Age of the I tion of Baha'u'llah (1921-1946).

Almost seven decades ago, the few thousand Baha'is in North America seemed a sufficient number for the beloved Guardian to mobi for undertaking a worldwide teaching campaign to establish and consolidate the Cause of God in the five continents of the globe. What he saw in the North American Baha'is can be reflected in what he had penned down in 1934:

“The fire of an unquenchable enthusiasm that glows with undiminished fervor in the hearts of its itinerant teachers; the heights of self-sacrifice which its champion builders are now attaining; the breadth of vision, the confident hope, the creative joy, the inward peace, the uncompromising integrity, the exemplary discipline, the unyielding unity and solidarity which its stalwart defenders manifest ... —these are evidences of a power which a disillusioned and sadly shaken society can ill afford to ignore.” —The World Order of Babd’w'lldb, p. 15S

The Guardian's vision, coupled with the characteristics he saw in the nascent Baha’i communities in the late 1930s, brought to fruition successive teaching campaigns throughout the world, culminating in the ‘Ten Year Crusade of 1953-1963

The Baha'i world, loyal to the vision of the Guardian of the Faith, proved worthy of carrying out his plan and, on his behalf, “planted the Banner of Baha'u'llah in farthest reaches of every continent and in the midmost heart of every sea.” —Universal House of Justice, The Baha'i World, 1954-1963, dedication page

‘The crowning victory of that spiritual Crusade was the establishment of the Universal House of Jus 1963.

Now, at this time of transition from one century to another, we stand in a very similar situation in terms of the next gigantic step we are about to take towards a major achievement in the course of the unfoldment of the beloved Master’s Divine Plan.

Let us count our blessings, purify our souls and prepare ourselves with the attributes that are the necessary ingredients for the success of our future enterprise. @

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Rosenberg, Mrs. Schmitz, Mrs. Lupita Ahangarzadch, Mr. Raymond Waight, Mr. Steve Kim, Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Henri Cr

Maxcia Lizarraga, Mrs. Catherine

• ernando Huerta, Mr. Gerald

Mr. Todd Kutches, Mr. Ferris ¢ Bathke, Mr. Kevin Locke, Ms. Kanda ina Dini.

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page 34 Tne American BanA’i * Persian December 12, 2001 [Page 35]

Landegg earns official recognition as university

"| WORLD NEWS SERVICE

• Wienacht, Switzerland: Although an

African herself, Njeri Mwagiru was turned off by brochures from top universities in the United States and Canada that touted special clubs for Africans, Indians and other ethnic and racial groups.

“There just seemed to be a lot of separa tion on those campuses,” said the 20-yearold Kenya native, discussing her decision to come instead to Landegg International University, a Baha’/-inspired institution of higher learning in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. “It seemed to me that things were designed so that people of different cultures could stay apart. .

“But here at Landegg, the emphasis is on having people of different cultures get together—and that is what I was looking for.”

Entering her third year in Landegg’s Bachelor of Arts program, Mwagiru is happy with her choice—a choice made somewhat venturesome by the fact that Landegg’s degree programs are only 5 years old.

Distinctive approach

In addition to a sense of unity amidst diversity, Mwagiru believes she is receiving a top-flight education with a d tive approach. “It aims to combine v; ous disciplines of study so that they make more sense and the education is more applicable to life,” said Mwagiru.

“We have lots of contact with the professors and many in-depth discussions. The school has a general belief in the uniqueness of the individual—and at the same time the unity of all

Mwagiru’s description of her exper ence at Landegg quite accurately match

es the university's stated goals to develop and practice an “integrative” approach to education that combines modern scientific thinking with spiritual and ethical values in a way that meets the needs of an interdependent and global civilization. “Our curriculum seeks to make sure that the students not only receive the latest academic and scientific information about what they are studying, but that they will also be exposed to the various ethical conderations — that pertain to it—and that they will then learn how to apply it in the real world,” said Hossain Danesh, president of Landegg. On Sept. 20, 2001 Landegg received an important new level of recognition for its approach, when it was formally registered by the cantonal and federal authorities as a private university in Switzerland. ‘To achieve that, the univer ty had to meet rigorous government criteria at both the canton and federal lev “One of the most significant implica: tions of Landegg’s new status is that the Swiss government has recognized the legitimacy of an approach to education lobal in reach and that has as its the idea of applied spirituality within a framework of integrated studies,” said Michael Penn, who served as vice rector at Landegg from 1998-2000 and is currently an affiliate professor. Landegg is also winning recognition in other important ways. A high percentage of its graduate students have

[T]he Swiss govern ment has recognized the

legitimacy of an approach to education that is

global in reach ...” —Michael Penn, affiliate professor and former vice rector at Landegg

gone on to prestigious doctoral programs at universities such as Stanford and Cambridge. And it has launched a major peace education project in Bosnia and Herzegovina that is winning high praise from government officials.

Gradual evolution Landegg’s evolution into a full-fledged university has been a gradual process. Located on 31 acres on a hillside overlooking Lake Constance in the rustic Swiss village of

Wienacht, Landegg International Univers was

previously known as Landegg Academy, and was used primarily as a conference center.

In that role, Landegg was the venue of a number of significant meetings on such subjects as global society and conflict resolution, as well as a number of international programs focusing on peace and world order studies for young people.

Currently comprising nine buildin, the campus was originally built as a holiday retreat in the 19th century. The campus was acquired by a Baha'i family in 1982 and the properties were donated to a newly established Landegg International Baha'i Foundation, under the aegis of the Bah: ty of Switzerland.

In the mid-1990s, the Foundation decided that Landegg’s role as a center of learning should become formalized, and Landegg’s functions were transferred to an independent board.

In 1997, Landegg inaugurated a graduate studies program, offering a Master of Arts degree ht areas, including conflict resolution, psychology, education and religion. In 1998, Landegg began to offer undergraduate degrees as well, and by 2000 the school began seeking formal recognition as a university.

Landegg offers undergraduate degrees in economics and international development; political science and international relations; psychology, human development and education; and the integrative study of religion. Students may also design their own area of concentration.

The cornerstone of the university's integrative approach, Danesh explained, is to first study all relevant theories and models in a given field. Professors and students are then encouraged to create a new model, based on the new insights into human nature and on universal ethical and spiritual principles in the spiritual and philosophical heritage of humanity, and to see if such a model can have a practical application.

“For example, if we are studying con flict resolution, we first study all of the different theories and models of conflict resolution,” Danesh said. “And we keep them. But we have also developed our own model, which we call ‘conflict-free conflict resolution [(CFCR].’” d on the CFCR model, Lande; has developed a subsidiary program, called Education for Peace, which seeks to help war-torn communities incorporate peace education into the standard public school curriculum. Currently, Education for Peace (EFP) operates a pilot project in six schools in three c ti - Herzegovina, reaching some 6,000 students.

m=

In the gardens at Bahji

Visitors pause to face the Mansion of Bahj outside this place, revered as the Shrine of Baha'u'llah and so holy to Baha’is around the world. Baha'i World News Service photo

ST. LUCIA,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

church. To my surprise, everyone seemed happy to see us. We walked up to the church window, waved to people and they came outside to talk to us.

Also in Marchand we looked for a few families that had been firm Bahia’is years ago. The first lady we talked to remembered the Baha'i Faith. She was pleased to see us and had four children that could start auending cl ‘To my amazement she said that earlier that morning she had spontaneously started to sing Baha'i songs.

A little farther down the path we found another family that also was Baha’i. She had seven children and was ready for

ay.

Training to teach children

People in the area, including myself, attended a nine-day Ruhi institute training course. Going into this course I of this proTalso doubted my ability to teach children. Now after completing the course I have a totally different attitude. The course

allows a person’s mind to open to new interpretations of the writings.

‘Three of us practiced our newfound talents by starting a class in Augier. The children enjoy these classes. We studied quotes, did coloring, and had songs, games and snac

‘The first game we played was to tie the children’s legs together and try to walk using unity. I thought it sounded simplistic and they would get bored, but to my surprise, they loved the game so much that we played it every day for a week!

Overall, the teaching and deepening projects in St. Lucia seemed quite successful but are by no means completed. I believe the Lucian Baha’is have a good handle on community development. My experiences helped to deepen. my knowledge and understanding, but most importantly, helped spread the message of Baha’wllih. @

For more information on opportu Ss and requirements for traveling teaching outside the United States, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

).

December 12,2001 Tne AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ INTERNATIONAL News page 35 [Page 36]

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT, EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail, or its agencies at the Bahé’f National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’i School, phone 831-423 f Green Acre Baha'i School,

fax 843-558-9136; e-mail

Baha’f School, phone | 810-653-5033; fax $10-653- 181; e-mail . Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ Institute, phone 843-558-5093,

phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521- 1063; e-mail

. Louhelen

. Native American. tba) i pnsaey

21-24: Grand Canyon Baha’ Regency Downtown, Phoenix, AZ; theme: “Falling in Love With Baha'u'llah.” With Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Nosratollah Mohammad-Hosseini; Dr. Robert Stockman, director, Wilmette Institute; Dr. William. Maxwell; others. U.S. premiere of the dramatic work “Reflections on the tury of Light.” E-mail » Web www.azbahai.com.

Special rates at conference hotel (phone 800-2331234 or 602-252-1234). 21-25: South Carolina Winter School and Youth Retreat, Springmaid Beach, SC. With Jack McCants, Chaden Djalali, Adrienne Reeves, Anthony Greene, Carey Murphy, Angela and Karim Boyd. Information/registration: Doug Phillips,

(phone

» e-mail

)26-30: Winter School at Bosch: “Comparative Religion”/“Mediation and Conflict Resolution.” 26-30: SITA training at Bosch; for information, contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, email ). 26-31: Winter School at Green Acre: “Copper to Gold: Personal Transformation and Powerful Teaching as an Apostle of Baha’u’llah.” 27-Jan. 1: Winter School, on the transformative power of prayer, at Louhelen. 27~-Jan. 1: Midwinter Baha’i Youth Conference, YMCA Camp near Cincinnati, OH; for ages 12-up. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of West Chester ‘Township, OH. Registrar: Karen Gianniny (phone +e ).

28-30: Heartland Winter School, “Removing the Barriers to Unity”; Hilton Hotel, Springfield, IL.

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

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DECEMBER 12, 2001-JANUARY 18, 2002 MASA’IUSHARAF * B.E. 158

Conference, Hyatt HP ncosaslepistrar: Carl Clingenpeel,

(phone , e-mail

cess.com). Pre-register by December 12. 28-31: Texas Winter School, Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, TX; with Michael Sours. Contact Regis>» e-mail

).

trar (phone

4-6: Ruhi Institute Testing: 1, at Bosch.

5-6: “How to Get from Here to There with Simple Dignity: A Seminar on Leaving This Life” at Florida Adantic University, Boca Raton, FL; sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. With Pamela Solon, Maureen and Richard Hall and others; sessions on wills/estate planning; burial; death as a messenger of joy; other relevant Baha'i teachings. Concurrent children’s program. For information contact ) or Joan

k 2 and Book 7, Part

Denise Godsey (phone Tavalero (phone

9-13: Pioneer Training at Bosch. Contact Office of Pioneering at Baha’i National Center (phone 847733-3508,

mail ). ers and New Believers Weekend at

ams at Bosch: “Racial Unity: Interand Raising Biracial Children”; “Dawn

ding the Ki 25-27: “I ne Ourselves and Othe Acre.

Shahin Ip takes a quiet moment for prayers during her daily walk through

ye FEBRUARY

1-3: ‘Two programs at‘ n Acre: “A ‘True Pattern in Action”; “The Choicest Time” Youth Institute. 1-3: Two programs at Bosch: “The Life of Early Martyrs: Mullé Husayn, Quddis and Sulaymén Khan”; Ruhi Institute Training Book 7, Parts 2-3. “The Art of Facilitation,” Fundamental Verities facilitator training at Louhelen. 1-3: Bluebonnet Conference in Austin, TX. With Erica Toussaint. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Round Rock (phone or ebrating Marriage” at Louhelen. Couples Retreat at Green Acre. he Baha’s Faith and Islam” at Bosch.

Zia Bagdadi Teaching Conference, Radisson

Riverfront Hotel, Augusta, GA. With Bushrui, Uni y of Maryland, Baha’ Peace. Information: Spiritual Assembly of Augusta, P.O. Box 14246, Augusta, GA 30919 (e-mail or

14-18: “Mediation, Consultation and Conflict Réso40-hour training sponsored by Baha'i Justice

en. Special fee $500; limited scholarships available. Register through Louhelen; course information contact Baha’i Ju mail ; Web www.bahaij 15-17: “Handmaidens” retreat for wom programs at Bosch: “Rumi, ‘Attir and the ”; Singles Weekend.

.

, of Hugiqu’llah—The Right of God” at Green Acre.

ww address and

ral 1. 60201-1611. If ce address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for process~ Center's database.)

the woods at Louhelen Baha’i School. She is one of several members of the Youth Service Corps serving at permanent Baha’i schools; article, page 23.

Photo by Jim Cheek

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