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A new epoch dawns

To the American Baha’i community from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

Sharing visions for humanity

SED conference spotlights Baha'is making a difference

BY TOM MENNILLO

ichael O'Neal is blunt about the state of his city, Savannah, Georgia.

Many parents there can’t say, as he can, that they have raised three AfricanAmerican males and none has been in jail or been shot.

What's more, he says Savannah has been devoid of leadership to change the situation. The schools are in turmoil. And parents lack the tools to help their children prepare for productive lives.

So a year ago, O’Neal stepped forward.

He had no development experience. He was an electrician, not an educator. But he was full of inspiration from past

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of the World, dated January 16, 2001

D“” loved Friends,

As we write you this message, the Conference of the Continental Counsellors approaches a triumphant conclusion.

For eight days the Counsellors from all the continents have consulted on the next phase of the process of entry by troops. While they were meeting during the first five days, 849 members of their Auxiliary

Boards from 172 countries were arriving at the Baha’i World Centre and paying their respects at the Holy Shrines in anticipation of the moment when they would all come together in a series of soul-stirring events: ascent of the newly built Terraces on Mount Carmel; circumambulation of the Shrine of the Bab; procession along the Arc path for a

SEE UNIVERSAL HOUSE, PAGE 4

In a relaxed setting overlooking a pool, conference attendees interested in agriculture consult and share ideas to take back home. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Rabbani Trust conferences on social and economic development. He was confident that his initiative, if based on solid values, would inspire others to act as well.

Thus was born Parent University. In that year it has “graduated” hundreds of Savannah-area adults from skills courses designed to bridge schools and commu

nity, and has attracted dozens of civic and corporate sponsors.

When O’Neal told the story of Parent University in a standing-room-only workshop at the Baha’f Development Conference for the Americas, Dec. 14-17 in Orlando, Florida, he acknowl SEE WORKSHOPS, PAGE 16

Victor de Araujo, longtime Baha’i representative to UN

Victor de Araujo

Ou hearts are heavy with sorrow at the passing of dearly loved,

Araujo. A gentle spirit, a principled approach, a dignified bearing characterized his long years of outstanding service as principal representative of the Baha’{ International Community to the United Nations. He will ever be remembered with gratitude for the significant relations forged by this communi highly respected Victor de

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., dated January 5, 2001

ty with that global organization through the efficacy of his tireless, exemplary exertions. Kindly convey our loving sympathy to the members of his bereaved family, and assure them of our ardent supplications in the Holy Shrines for the joyful progress of his illumined soul throughout the divine worlds.

The Universal House of Justice

See obituary article/page 23

Fepruary 26, 2001

AYYAM-I-HA/INTERCALARY DAYS ‘ALA'/LOFTINESS BAHAT ERA 157

VOLUME 32, NO. 2

“E-N-S-1-D°E

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and December 31, 2000

men a i SeeM aN Fae cancun

• E-X-C°E-R-P-T'S“The teachers of the Cause

must be heavenly, lordly and radiant. They must ... arise in service with the utmost firmness, steadfastness and self-sacrifice.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Ayyam-i-Ha

Days of giving

• Observed from sunset Feb. 25 until sunset March 1
• Work is not suspended

There are five Intercalary Days in a leap year, four in most years. They fall between the Baha’{ months of Mulk and ‘Ald’ and are designated for spiritual preparation for the Fast, hospitality, charity and gift-giving.

The Nineteen-Day Fast

Season of restraint

• Observed from sunset March | until sunset March 20
• Work is not suspended

During the Baha’f month of ‘Ald’, believers in sufficient health between the ages of 15 and 70 are to abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. “The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the Fast; they have been exempted by God as a token of His grace. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Most Generous.”

—Bahd’u'llah, Kitéb-i-Aqdas, para. 16 “Tt is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation. ... Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.” 5 Effendi, quoted in Directives from the Guardian, p. 28

A Baha'i Holy Day

• Observed from sunset March 20 until sunset March 21
• Work is to be

Rooted in an ans adopted by Baha’u’llah a Western world observe Naw-Riiz on March 21, eventually it will universally be observed on the da spring equinox. The Guardian directed that the Naw-Riiz be celebrated separately from the admf Feast for the month of Baha. “As it is a blessed day it should not be neglected, nor deprived of results by making it a day devoted to the pursuit of mere pleasure. During such days institutions should be founded that may be of permanent benefit and value to the people.” —‘Abdu’l-Bah4, quoted in Babad’wllah and the New Era, p. 182

Some significant dates in Baha‘i history March March 19, 1856: Baha’u'llah returned to the colony of ex

STEVEN E. Gorr ies, a Baha’{ in the Yakama Reservation of Washington, was recently honored as Physician of the Year for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, where he has served as : pediatrician for the past eight ys award covers clini Washington and Oregon with thousands of employees.

SEAN SuarIFl, a Baha’{ from Vienna, Virginia, capped a senior year full of honors at Flint Hill Preparatory School with a speech to 300 students about the Baha’i Faith, as part of a special program designed to acquaint students with the world’ religions. Sean also participated in Georgetown University’s Presidential Classroom International Youth Leadership Seminar and performed extensive volunteer service in Georgetown Hospital’s emergency room. An Associated Press scholar, Sean also was invited to participate ti in Model UN activities and has participat- j

Essie YAZDANI, 14, a Baha’f in Irmo, South Carolina, was a member of his school 1 M which placed first in the s

the

| school to collaborate in answering general { academic questions. $ pete on elementary and secondary lev

iled Babis in Baghdad after He had spent nearly two years in. retreat in the mountains of Kurdistan. This reunion began a process of education, invigoration and unification of the Babi community that culminated in Bahd’u’llah’s open declaration of His station in 1863.

March 10, 1866: In a turning point for the fledgling Baha’{ community, Baha’u’llih (now living with a company of exiles in Adrianople, Ottoman Empire) initiated the “Most Great Separation.” He split openly with Mfrz4 Yahyd, His halfbrother, who had advanced his own claim to be a Messenger of God.

March 17, 1879: The King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs—brothers Haji Siyyid Muhammad Hasan and Haji Siyyid Muhammad Husayn—were executed in Isfahan on the order of Shaykh Muhammad-Bagqir, whom Baha’u'lléh later stigmatized as “the Wolf.”

March 1889: Edward G. Browne delivered the first lecture on the Baha’f Faith in the West, to a private audience in Newcastle, England.

March 1, 1897: Shoghi Effendi was born in the house of ‘Abdullah Pasha, the residence of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s family in ‘Akké in the Holy Land. March 16, 1900: The Chicago Baha’f community reorganized and in effect rejected a challenge to the leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

March 1948: The name Baha’{ International Community was first used for the global nongovernmental organization involving, at the time, eight National Spiritual Assemblies. Mildred Mottahedeh appointed to serve as the Baha’ International Observer; she held that post for 20 years.

March 1959: Several Baha’fs, including members of the Local Spiritual Assembly, were a

Nearly two years’ litigation stemming from ip rests tually resulted in a ruling that the Baha’f Faith is an independent religion and not an illegal sect.

March 15, 1973: The mansion at M c Baha'i property. Baha’u’llih had lived here for two years, 1877-1879, before moving to Bahji.

March 1990: The Haifa (Israel) District Town Planning Commission approved plans submitted by the Baha’i World Center for the building projects on Mount Carmel.

Significant upcoming dates

• Festival of Ridvin (anniversary of the Declaration of

Other honors:

Academic J.J. Mclaughlin, Bastrop, ‘TX: Invited to participate in } 2001 National Student } Leadership Conference.

Knowledge ter Open team

te and third in ion in early

2000. The Inte: based compet Career allows students J.J-McLaughlin Judy Orloff, Foxboro, MA:

Distinguished service award from her employer, John £. Fogarty Center, Providence, RJ; for innovative vocational program development for developmentally delayed adults.

chool teams com

Community Justis Keehner, 18, Gahanna, OH: Eagle Scout award.

Competition/Athletic Ayo Ayankoya, 18, Carrboro, NC- Selected to Piedmont Athletic Conference All-Conference football team.

ed in several study programs in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Bi

Ayo Ayankoya

Jeffrey Key, 13, Sarasota, FL: Earned black belt in karate.

Jeffrey Key

THE AMERICAN

BAHAI

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE Baud’is OF THE UNrreD STATES

Baha’i National Center 847-869-9039

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

E-mail:

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors

Peter Adriance, William Barclay, Tom Behrendt, Jon Berry, Kristi Berry, Jim Cheek, Tressa Clifton, Liz Donaldson, Dianne Jester, C. Aaron Kreader, Bonny Kukula, Barbara McCord, Alexander Rehayem, Ken Roedel, Anthony Vodraskal

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 Days (plus one

‘special issue) for a total of 10 issues per’

year by the National Spiritual Assembly of

the Baha'is of the United States, 1233

Cental St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL

and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062. 1113

Canada: Publications Agreement Number 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings; contact the Membership Office, Bahi’s National Center, 1233 Gentral St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ). There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

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

ividuals and institutions of the

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

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

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

• DEADLINES for upcoming issues:

April 28 issue: Deadline March 13 June S$ issue: Deadline April 17

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

AUC Sue Cn ad the Baha'is of the United States

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

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

February 26, 2001

[Page 3]

National Conference:

he prospect: bringing together as many as 12,000 Bah ek

ers and friends of the Faith to help foster a nationwide community of learning, through sharing of ideas and action.

The challenge: to create a sense of intimacy in large spaces with, at times, thousands of people.

Daunting as this may seem, organizers of Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child, the National Baha’i Conference set for June 28-July 1, have been hard at work finding ways to make the most of an array of meeting places in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that will need to be used for such a large-scale conference.

‘Those meeting places are:

• US. Cellular Arena, capacity up to

12,700.

• Milwaukee Auditorium, capacity up to

6,120.

• Midwest Express Center and various

downtown hotels, as needed to pro

BUILDING THE

FOR Every MAN,

June 28 - July 1, 2000 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

>» Y % gp

Wom:

National Baha'i Conference —Milwaukee’s Project

Malakut/page 12 Training/page 13

¢ for workshops, performance , exhibits and displays, ete.

The choice of the meeting places, of course, springs from the central purposes of the conference and from the need to ensure that its programs “connect with the heart and soul in an inspiring and authentic way,” according to a conference planning summary.

vide

An intimate huge event How, then, to preserve a heart-toheart feeling in such a large conference? Here are some steps being taken: Only one whole-conference gathering each day. The daily “plenary” sessions will be short and aimed at creating

N, YOUTH & CHILD

big, a ESS personal

a sense of unity in action. They will highlight special programs around the country, introduce aims and goals of the Five Year Plan, and showcase the arts “in a spirit that reflects the true meaning of building the Kingdom of God,” the planning summary states.

Smaller-group meetings to help us learn from each other. This is how our growing “learning community” will be bolstered: real people making their tools and skills available for anyone who wants to gain capacity to put the teachings of Baha’u’llh into action. Seminars, workshops and larger group presentations will explore various topics related to Baha’ individual, community and family life, social/economic development, etc.

Integration of all ages, complemented by age-specific sessions. Many workshops and other sessions will be designed to interest, and be useful to, people of all

SEE CONFERENCE, PAGE 12

National Assembly joins in support of PBS documentary

he National Spiritual Assembly accepted an invitation in January to

be a national partner organization in support of the PBS documentary Tutu and Franklin: A Journey Towards Peace, and has encouraged Baha’{ communities:

• To view the two-hour documentary featuring a meeting between Nobel Prize

winner Archbishop Desmond ‘Tutu and renowned historian John Hope Franklin.

• To take this opportunity to hold public

D ue to limited seating at this year’s National Convention, visitor seating has been filled and reservations are now closed. We appreciate the overwhelming response of the friends to attend the National Convention. However, the Conventions

discussions around the issues and to advance Baha’ principles and teachings related to the progress and ultimate reality of racial justice in our society. Local airings of Tutu and Franklin: A Journey Towards Peace began in February. However, in many communities the program may air in upcoming weeks; consult your local listings. Suggestions for organizing community dialogues and information on obtaining a copy of the

92nd Baha'i National Convention ¢ April 26-29, 2001

video are available on the Web (see www.wisdomworks.net).

In the program, Tutu and Franklin are joined in discussion by an international, interracial group of teenagers. ‘Together they talk about issues of race, historical and current, and begin a journey toward racial reconciliation.

‘They share their thoughts about racial identity, slavery, interracial dating, affirmative action and reparations.

Office will not be accepting any further seating requests. If you have any questions, please contact the Conventions Office (phone 847-251-1854 ext. 15, e-mail

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Baha'i National Fund May 1-December 31, 2000 (excluding Kingdom Project)

6,004,190

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

$18,018,994

Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments ete.)

Critical projects that could no longer be deferred forced our Baha’i national

Notice

The National Spiritual Assembly has removed the administrative rights of Ms. of Woodinville, Washington. The National Assembly cautions the friends about engaging in financial dealings with Ms. .

February 26, 2001

Tue American BanA’i * THe Seconp Front page 3 [Page 4]

‘KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: ‘LOUHELEN BAHA'I SCHOOL '

Groundwork begins for new hall at Louhelen

INFORMATION FROM LIZ DONALDSON

espite chills and snowdrifts, con struction of Unity Hall at Louhelen Baha’f School is already under way, and is expected to be completed sometime this summer, Louhelen officials say.

The addition is highly welcomed at the permanent Baha’f school in Davison, Michigan, which drew nearly 20,000 people to attend its programs last year—up from 15,400 in 1995.

“We are very excited to see the rapid progress the builders are making,” said Rick Johnson, school co-administrator. “Tn less than two weeks they have dug the areas out for the footings, poured them, and are well on their way to preparing the foundations for the carpentry work.”

The addition to Louhelen is part of “Building the Kingdom: Its Our Time” (the Kingdom Project), a comprehensive development plan supporting a broad range of national Baha’f activities, properties and finances. Recent renovation at Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, was the first project to be completed under the umbrella of the Kingdom Project.

Unity Hall also is another in a series of improvements Louhelen has seen since it was rededicated in 1983. Others include building of two new staff houses, plus expansion of the dining room and of the bookstore/café. Also in that time, the school has received donations of three homes for staff and 10 acres of adjoining land.

Frequent visitors are doubtless aware that Louhelen often divides its largest gatherings for sessions between two neighboring classrooms, seating a maxi

Foundations are emerging for Unity Hall, which will allow Louhelen Baha’i School to hold larger programs and better serve the larger community. Photo by Jim Cheek

mum of about 100 comfortably. Gatherings larger than this are sometimes less comfortable. And it’s often “standing room only” when guests meet for devotions before sending the children off to their own sessions down the hall.

Obviously, Unity Hall will provide space for larger school sessions. “The Guardian hoped that Louhelen Baha’i School would ‘increase its Baha'i activities in every way possible, and spread abroad the benign influence of the love for and dedication to the e of humanity for which it stands,’ ” said Barbara Johnson, co-administrator of Louhelen.

But it will add another dimension as well. “From a practical standpoint, this addition will also allow us to increase our level of service to the community as far as offering a place to rent for non-Baha’i meetings and seminars,” Rick Johnson said. Rental of facilities when they are not being fully used for Baha’i events helps the school rely less on the National Fund to cover its operating costs. @

“Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time,” the Kingdom Project, is a five-year comprehensive development plan designed to build on the spiritual foundation laid by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and to “prepare ourselves,” as instructed by the Universal House of Justice, “for ... the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.”

Successful completion of this effort will ensure restoration and protection of the House of Worship and expansion of its dependencies, redesign of the Haz iratu’l-Quds, creation of appropriate archives, and fundamental development of the Baha’i-owned schools. It will also continue and expand the media initiative and other national teaching efforts, create strategic reserves to give our community the flexibility to respond promptly to opportunities for significant growth, and begin establishment of an endowment to protect Baha’i properties across the United States.

OVERVIEW

AS OF ‘EARLY FEBRUARY 2001: DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Louhelen Baha’i School: Foundation

work is under way for Unity Hall.

• Baha’i House of Worship: Concrete

and plumbing work to restore parts of terrace and gardens will resume when weather allows.

• Green Acre Baha’i School: Architectural design has proceeded for building

of a new meeting hall and classrooms.

• Bosch Baha’j School and Native American Baha’j Institute: Consultations on

development plans are under way.

• Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute:

Planned exterior and interior renova tions have been completed.

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS.

• More than 4,400 people have

pledged funds toward the $60 million goal.

Nearly as many people have participated by contributing directly. More than $23 million in pledges or cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

For information about the Kingdom Project and how you can contribute:

Web site www.usbne. 35-3521

UNIVERSAL HOUSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

visit to the International Teaching Centre Building; a devotional ceremony to mark the occupation by the Teaching Centre of its permanent seat; and subsequent joint consultations cot their indispensable role in the Plan on which the Baha’f world will embark at Ridvin 2001.

The deliberations of the Counsellors themselves have been the heart of these stupendous activities. Their consultations have been marked by a combination of sobriety and effervescence that has refined the character of their disc sions and illumined understanding. I clear from the confident atmosphere in which they have conferred that their institution has reached a new stage in its maturation. Even though they function principally as individuals, the Counsellors across all Boards have become of one mind. By internalizing and integrating the lessons and experiences of systemarization called for in the Four Year Plan, they have indeed been transformed into channels of unified thought. We

appreciate that the new height in the evolution of their institution is a reflection, too, of the measure to which, with their wise and constant advice, the Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions the world community have evol the time for the Conference drew there were signs that the Faith had arrived at a point in its beyond which a new hor before us. Such intimations were communicated in our report last Ridvin of the change in culture of the Baha’{ community as training institutes emerged, as the construction projects on Mount Carmel approached their completion, and as the internal processes of institutional consolidation and the external processes towards world unity became more fully synchronized. They were elaborated in the message we addressed to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors a few days ago. But the extraordinary dynamics at work throughout the Conference crystallized these indications into a recognizable reality. With a spirit of exultation we are moved to announce to you: the Faith of Baha’u’lléh now enters the fifth epoch of its Formative Age.

Recognition of this milestone falls within the patterns established by Shoghi Effendi for marking measures of time in the history of the Cause; he foresaw among these a succession of epochs occurring in the Formative Age. It must fill every devoted follower of Baha’u'llah with joy and wonder that His Administrative Order has reached so important a point at so crucial a time, when so many members of the institution of the Counsellors are gathered in splendid array at the World Centre of His Faith. They will return to the far corners of the earth as torches aflame with the spirit of service. That they will pour fresh energy into their activities, there can be no doubt. Their efforts will surely widen the path leading to the success of the Twelve Month Plan, and through that to the launching at Ridvin of the five year enterprise that will be the first in a series of Plans to be pursued until the centenary of the Formative Age.

The Counsellors will leave here anticipating their early consultations with National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the operation in their countries of the forthcoming Plan. With the involvement of their eager auxiliaries, they will assist, too, in quickly moving the requisite plan

ning process to regional and local areas of the community in every land.

In the waning moments of these eventful days, our hearts are turned in humble gratitude to the Ancient Beauty for the abundance of the blessings He has bestowed. The very earth of Carmel is astir with the wonders of His grace as she responds to the redemptive call He raised in the Tablet bearing her name. His feryent wish expressed therein resounds in the souls of His lovers throughout the planet: “Ob, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation. ...” The friends now gathered amid the splendour at Carmel’s heart have heard it with new ears and have reaffirmed their pledge to respond to this divine longing. May their exploits in the Name of Baha scatter more widely the fragrance of His Revelation, strengthen more firmly the foundation of His institutions, and embolden more resolutely the activities of His worldwide community, impelling forward the process by which troop after troop will enter into the stronghold of the Ark of Salvation.

The Universal House of Justice

page4 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i * Continuep/News — February 26, 2001 [Page 5]

GOAL: INTENSIFY DEVELOP__ MENT OF SPIRITUALLY carmen rata

One ae,

ea a ee

Insure children and junior pet aS eee udice

• Foster devotional life of individuals and community

Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness

Our study program for 2001

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf: January through June

The Secret of Divine Civilization: July through December

www.usbne.org Go to the Administrative Web Site for materials to facilitate your study (link to NSA Departments/Education and Schools Office)

It all begins with the attitudes

Second Men’s Seminar sparks ideas for wider work toward equality TY THE OFFICE OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS

66

‘hen men own the equality of women, there will be no need for them to struggle for their rights.” These cherished words of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4 echo in the hearts of 16 men who participated in the second Men’s Seminar on the Equality of Women and Men, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Women’s Affairs, and held Nov. 10-12 at Bosch Baha’f School.

As with its brother seminar in October at Green Acre Baha'i School, the purpose of this gathering was to bring together Baha’i men to discuss gender equality from their own cultural perspectives, then to make recommen: tions to the Office of Women’s about advancing the practice of equality between women and men in the Amer: can Baha’f community:

Dedicated to learning what it m for to “own the equality participants in the Bosch seminar pledged to seek out and address atti tudes of male superiority in their own live

me women,

“One thing was very evident,” stated facilitator Kambiz Rafraf, “this group committed to the principle of equality between women and men.” Among the

If you would like more information about the Men’s Seminar or the Office of Women’s Affairs, or would be interested in contributing a short essay for potential publication in the next edition of Common Journeys (which will be devoted to essays by men), please contact the Office of Women’s Affairs,

(phone

, e-mail is

d, participants talked about their desire to avoid relegating women to “traditionally female work”—for instance, performing only child care or food preparation during Baha’f functions.

Further, participants expressed a commitment to developing better communication skills and to reminding themselves that the process of communi tion is more important than the impuls to provide quick answer:

They also identified actions for promoting equality when returning to their home communities, such as:

• Hosting gatherings for young men

and fathers.

• Participating in the Core Curriculum

on the Equality of Women and Men.

¢ Reading about and studying the lives of heroines in the Faith for the purpose of sharing stories with children. Participants from both the Bosch and Green Acre gatherings have already begun acting on the personal commitments they made at these seminars and are offering similar men’s gatherings in their own communitie: ce October’s Green Acre seminar, for example, participant Tom Wilson has been working hard to organize large groups of Baha’f and non-Baha’i men and women from around Michigan who will gather later this spring to talk about advancing ¢ ality in that state. Michael Chunowitz, who participated in the Bosch gathering, has also initiated ies of men’s gatherings in the

ys on gender equality written by men “who attended the Men’s Seminars at Green Acre and Bosch will be published in a second volume of Common Journeys, to be released this spring.

A potent understanding that each man took from the gathering, and which is affirmed by many of their essays, is that none of us have “the answers” about how to live out the principle of equality between women and men. All of us are searching. @

Iranian friends tell of Baha’is in homeland triumphing through troubles

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

he Baha'is of Iran not only have survived a continuing series of troubles, they are reaching new levels of maturity as a community, according to a Baha’i husband and wife who have been physicians and educators in Iran. Deprivation and persecution, said Sina Hakiman, have forced many believers to re-examine their relationships with God and the revelation of Bah: “Where we live is second: s “Do we go according to His Will or not? That is what I will say is the r es He added: “I have not been able to thank God enough for how great it was being in Iran for the past 20 years.” With his wife, Sholeh Hakiman, he related some of the crises and triumphs they have witnessed to a gathering of friends Dec. 19 at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinoi he two i sed their talks in Persian with summaries of their points in English. Sina Hakiman has spent a total of

seven years in prison since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, prosecuted in Iranian courts for his activities related to The American Baba’ reported in its May 17, 1999, issue that he was among four educators sentenced to prison terms in the wake of the fall 1998

Sholeh (second from left) and Sina Hakiman (right) reunite with people they had known in Iran during a reception at the Baha’i House of Worship. Photo by James Humphrey

crackdown on the Baha'i Institute for

Higher Education (Open University). Over the years, he said, the conduct of

s shown the futility of a series

s by clergy and government to

suppress the Faith in Iran. He identified

several phases, among which were:

• Attempted extermination through disappearance, execution, imprisonment,

property confiscation and similar actions against many Bal including members of the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies.

• Psychological pressure, _ inflicted

through arrests, torture, verbal trickery and open or implicit thre:

• Endeavors to slowly strangle the community through abridgment of their

rights to education, employment, free movement and even legali Those and other efforts

man said, because of the Baha’is’ love for

their country as well as their love of

God.

“Our countrymen gradually understood we were not spies,” he said. “The

Bahi’t community is obedient to rules and regulations ... the purpose is to bring prosperity for humankind. Otherwise, why are we here?”

The Open University, he noted, arose response to the choice that otherforced on Baha’i youth—either to ‘go without higher education or to recant their faith.

A growing spirit of service has reached even the children, he said, to an extent that wasn’t seen before.

And the global development of the Faith in the past two decades has been a source of energy in its own right, he said. “We are assisted so much by the love and unity and activity of the Baha’fs all over the world,” he said.

Sholeh Hakiman noted that in 1986, the Iranian friends were thrilled at the news that the Baha’i House of Worship in India had been completed. “If this is the result of our steadfastness,” she recalled as the Baha’fs’ general attitude, “let us be in prison for years!”

Before their talk, a reception for the couple at the House of Worship Visitors’ Center was imbued with an atmosphere of love and reunion. In addition to being warmly greeted by the Baha’is in general, the Hakimans renewed acquaintances with several longtime friends and even a former student.

February 26, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ SpinrruaL DistiNcTION page 5 [Page 6]

DeKalb South, Georgia, fast facts

• Population, southern third of

DeKalb County (near Atlanta): about 200,000

Baha’i community: 96 adults, 9

youths, 28 children (pulling atten dance from a larger area)

Baha’i school: est. 1995, two co-di rectors, 10 teachers, 5 substitute

teachers, 6-10 youths, 15-30 chil dren. Class sizes range from 2-3

up to 12-14 per age group; total

attendance usually 20-30.

School facility: classes held at the

Baha’i Unity Center of South

DeKalb, where Holy Day events,

conferences, devotional gatherings,

SED projects, etc., are also held.

• School schedule: Every Sunday students meet at II a.m. to sing

together, then break into four classes until noon. Afterward, students from each class briefly present what they learned to parents and adults. The first week of every month the children sing with the adults for the first 15 minutes of devotions.

• School structure: five classes with

two or three age groups each. The school operates in quarters, and runs year-round. Teachers’ meetings held about twice per quarter.

• School curriculum: Core Curriculum

used as the foundation, with materials from other sources such as The Family Virtues Guide.

• School finances: No tuition is

charged; school is funded entirely by the local funds. Annual budget for the past two years has been around $500.

• Community involvement: actively

‘supported by sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of DeKalb County South, Continuous support provided through facilities, staff and many

“Local Baha’i Centers,” then to the link for the Baha’i Unity Center).

TWAT VT CaM SULA “Tae wactt

This large poster, hanging in the Fellowship Hall of the South DeKalb Unity Center, was painted by Sarah McAdoo in 1998, It is an expression of the child development-centered focus of the community.

Victoria Guillory, Elliot Phillips, Corey Streiff, Aaron Norfleet and Elijah Varner at Daystar Baha’i School recently. Photo by William Barday

Our recent research indicates that the most active Baha’i communities are those with children. The following story, the third in an ongoing series on local spiritual education efforts, is a wonderful illustration of how an entire community is enriched by striving to promote the spiritual growth of its children. Children, » by their very existence, bring vibrancy to that community. How much more vibrant the community that fully

engages children in its fabric and function!

—Nancy Davis, National Education and Schools Coordinator

Community determination is key

Daystar Baha’i School in Atlanta metro area keeps pushing ahead

Third of a four-part series on local Baba’t school initiatives

BY BARBARA McCORD, EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

hether it takes many voices to make a chorus, cooks to make a stew or rafters to

build a home, metaphors of collaboration are good choices when describing Daystar Baha’{ School in South DeKalb County, Georgia.

Begun in 1995 with a handful of dedicated servants and support of the entire community, the school is a testament to determination and unity of vision.

Building on a strong foundation In spring 1995, the opening of the Zenter brought to realizans of many, moving the es from a Baha’i’s home into the forefront of the community.

It all started with a burst of energy infused by an initial Core Curriculum training in October that year, from which five participants arose to serve the needs of the children.

Since that time, the children’s classes have become a magnet drawing people from all walks of life to service—from

gardeners to computer programmers, from parents to teachers, from musicians to storytellers. People even are pulled in from other communities.

The fabric of this school is held together administratively by the support of the Spiritual Assembly of DeKalb County South and, on a practical level, by many dedicated souls. Anna and William Barclay serve as co-directors.

“We've been blessed now with the energy and skills of the Barclays, and they have helped greatly. They provide loving service and help in calling upon the wide range of community support that is available,” said Rowena Rampersad, a teacher,

Anna Barclay notes that a heavy reliance on the Writings is critical. She says the teachers often call upon the book of education-related compilations, Foundations for a Spiritual Education.

rhe children’s s began attracting energy and community involvement as early as November 1995, when, in honor of Bahé’u’lléh’s birthday, the school transformed the center into a “virtual tour” of His life.

The program included passports for the children, youth tour guides, music, storytelling, dramatic re-enactments and a final prayer and group sing.

Since then, the community school has grown and changed in many ways. As new tasks are picked up, old ones are redirected.

For example, the children were very involved in the design and creation of a Children’s Peace Garden on the grounds of the center. Now the Local Assembly has assumed responsibility for maintaining it.

The organization and staffing also have undergone cycles of change.

Some directors, teachers and youth helpers have moved on, some have stayed, and some have taken a break and returned. Parents’ participation also has evolved as their children grow.

Strong lovers of Baha’u’lléh continually arise. Two believers, including a youth now giving a year of service in Venezuela, virtually carried the program for the year before the Barclays arrived.

Regular training = fresh troops.

The freedom for teachers and others to take a break when they need to and to re-enter when they feel able to has reduced the “burnout” effect. This would be impossible without an increasing pool of teachers—energized by regular Core Curriculum training sessions.

“When we had worked through the

page 6 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ SpiniTuAL DistiNcTION

February 26, 2001 [Page 7]

Core Curriculum books a couple of times, the group was uncertain as to what the next steps would be to keep the classes interesting for those children who had been attending from the beginning,” said teacher Karla Cherry.

“So, the first thing we did that helped was to break the yearlong schedule of classes into quarters and begin planning during one quarter for the next.

“Then we put in the Sundays and planned around them, allowing us to be able to break the levels of service into manageable parts.”

Planning the curriculum well ahead allowed those who had committed to teach to look ahead to those inevitable weeks that the teachers knew they wouldn't be able to be there.

Cherry believes that helped keep up enough energy for classes to continue through the summer for the first time in 2000.

“T've gone through Core Curriculum twice,” said teacher Chuck Muhammad. “I went the first time because I was asked to attend by one of the teachers; however, I didn’t really plan to teach.

“But the training made everything easier. It helped me to focus, to plan what the kids would do each week and to make it interesting for the children. ‘Then, after I began teaching, my wife decided to attend the Core Curriculum training, I went once again with her. I’ve been teaching ever since,” he said.

Couldn't make it without these

Having good substitute teachers is always a critical part of the plan.

Muhammad, a substitute teacher for the 10- to 12-year-olds, “is the most reliable friend you could call on in the service of the children and he responded to last-minute pleas for as tance more times than I can remember,” said William Barclay. “The children just love it when Chuck is going to teach!”

Among the other substitute teachers who help keep things running smoothly are a parent and youth team, both Core Curriculum-trained.

“We try to have two people present at each of the class sessions, so requesting a substitute to serve as the second adult is much easier. It’s not as daunting a task for many of the adults in our community who don’t teach professionally to agree to fill in and just help,” Cherry said. “?'m by myself, I need some help” is a much easier task to say yes to, she added.

The next stage

It was a long process coming up with a name for the school. There were many suggestions, and it was put to a vote of the children, teachers and community members.

Now, with an official name—Daystar Baha'i School—and growing attendance, the school is moving into the next stage of growth.

Currently, Daystar offers a multifaceted program for children ages 3 to 12, utilizing the Core Curriculum, music, memorization of the Writings and virtues training. In addition, the school offers a program geared to junior youth.

Music and group singing provides the

National statistics: survey response from Baha'i communities nationwide

key findings from the first national survey on edu- * About 60% of children under 15. in communities that sponsor cl

• Avariety of curriculum formats are used for the instruc- * Average annual educational

tion children and youth. Core Curriculum is the most prevalent format in use among localities. Communities with children tend to have higher participation rates among members in its community life. More ee than two-thirds of communities with kids under 18 independently.

leibae! cation for Baha’ children and youth:

education

(6996) ne adel poricipndfon ratte greater chon SOK,

backdrop so necessary to the life of the entire program.

One parent, who has been sharing his musical talent from the early days, continues to bring joyous sounds into the large classroom where the children meet each week for a short musical interlude before classes begin.

On the first Sunday each month the children bring their music to share with the adult devotional program.

“Tt is a wonderful experience when the children share with the community in front of the auditorium about what they learned that day. It helps to reinforce what they learned, teaches them how to

Focusing on junior youth

It is sometimes a little harder to find and keep teachers for students entering the teenage years.

William Barclay says he is pleased that Fred Ming, who entered the program last fall, is helping with the class for ages 13-17. Ming has worked to achieve commitment and interaction with parents as well as students.

“I made a personal commitment to serve in the Baha'i education of children following my reading of the Ridvan message 2000,” Ming said.

“T began shortly after to volunteer as a substitute teacher in the Baha'f school.

For several years now the Prayer Room has been used during children’s classes as a way to teach individuals and groups about reverence.

“It is a wonderful experience when the children share with the community in front of the auditorium. ... It’s

so very powerful.” —Cliff Owens-Leach

present and shows the community what they are doing,” said Cliff OwensLeach, the Spiritual Assembly liaison. “It’s so very powerful. It’s pretty amazing that people coming to the Unity Center for the first time are able to see that,” he said, adding that several people he knows were first inspired to become involved and then enrolled in the Baha’i Faith as a direct result of what they experienced during those presentations.

Later in the summer, that commitment was reinforced by further study of the message and consultation with peers at the Baha’{ Black Men’s Gathering (at Green Acre).”

He joined two others and has been involved ever since. The team has adopted The Seeker Interaction Model by Morris Taylor as a manual to assist in its development of communication skills as the members learn the nuts and bolts of how to teach the Cause.

They then added such books as the Kitab-i-| [gan and A Call to Remembrance to the provisional syllabus, using them as reference sources for the words of Bahd’u’lléh and history of the Faith.

The teachers of the youth group periodically consult with their students to determine areas of interest as one way to keep them involved in the learning process.

“One of the exercises we did was an illustration of one’s ‘belief box,’ a concept from our text,” Ming said. “I

expenditure per under 18 by Assemblies that sponsor classes is $35.

• Most communities band

for children. Only 15% of all communities (and 26% of

to provide instruction

brought in a large cardboard box and each of the kids was to go, one ata time, and ‘see’ what was in the box by placing his hand through a small hole and handling the items.”

“OF course this demonstrated how each person came up with different descriptions and identifications of what he thought was in the box. It worked extremely well,” he added.

A regular Friday night activity at the Unity Center gives Bahai and other youth a chance to interact in a Baha’i environment.

Ming said the three teachers are thinking about ways they could collaborate in some way with that effort.

“We have also made plans to visit local places of worship for people of other faiths,” he said.

Perseverance is essential

All who have been involved with the various aspects of the Daystar Baha'i School agree on the importance of the community’ commitment to “keep it going.”

“We were given the charge by the Local Spiritual Assembly to ‘Please, just keep doing what you are doing,’ ” said Anna Barclay.

“The brightest spot for this local Baha’i school is that the Local Spiritual Assembly has been determined to keep it going, even if we’ve had a few gaps here and there,” a teacher said.

“I have a weird, but interesting story to share about why I’m continuing to teach these children,” Muhammad said. “About three years ago our school was putting on its end-of-the-year program for the community.

“I had written a little play—not a big thing, but we were preparing for the performance. The kids just. weren’t doing what I wanted them to do and I was feeling a lot of frustration and discouragement. Frankly, I was seriously thinking about quitting. The effort just didn't seem worth it at the time.

“Well, as I was looking up writings for the performance of the play, the book Foundations for a Spiritual Education, prepared by the National Baha’{ Education Task Force, simply opened to this page: “You must continue to teach the kids,’ it said [in effect]. This was a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahé.

“I simply sat there and started crying. I later told my wife about what happened and she also confirmed the message: no matter what, keep teaching the children. So that’s what I am doing. That's the way it’ll always be for me,” Muhammad said. @

February 26, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Spmiruat Distinction page 7 [Page 8]

WWIII eHoRE

Teaching, transformation BY LIZ DONALDSON

inter School guests at Louhelen

Baha'i School, Dec. 27-Jan. 1,

got a spiritual jump start through thought-provoking sessions facilitated by Donald Rogers and Holly Hanson, focusing on prayer, teaching and global transformation. Hanson, a

Mount — Holyoke

lassachusetts) College professor in African. history, stimulated participants “to think about the tools they have for solving the problems we see around us in the world”—a vast array of tools provided within the Writings.

She felt the need to spur this type of thinking after observing the violent riots disrupting the meeting of the World ‘Trade Organization in Seattle.

“Bahda’u'llah’s new World Order isn’t

Youth reaching out

BY BOSCH BAHA'I SCHOOL STAFF

ES the Youth Service Corps volunteers at Bosch Baha’f School, service goes beyond the many tasks that go into taking care of the beautiful 67-acre campus on the California coast. At least one day every week is devoted to serving the outside community in some way.

In the past, youth volunteers have helped the Santa Cruz community with a teaching effort on the UC Santa Cruz campus. They have also had public firesides at an area park.

This year, volunteers have been tutoring fourth-graders each Tuesday afternoon for the Homework Club at San Lorenzo Elementary School in Felton— a teaching goal area for the Santa Cruz County North Baha'i community.

It is evident the youth are bringing the light and love of Baha’u’llah to these children, even though they are not allowed to say the word “Baha’?” while at the school.

The school’s principal reported: “In

new because it’s global; it’s new because it’s global and just,” Hanson said. She urged the friends to continually see the tools within the Cause for creating justice in their communities.

Rogers served many years as a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center and earlier on the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas. His emphasis during Winter School was training institutes, their relationship with the Regional Baha’f Councils and their impact on the teaching work.

Noting that the Four Year Plan’s requirements carry into the upcoming plan, he emphasized two of their salient points: raising up teachers of children, and inclusion of non-Baha’i children in spiritual education classe:

Upcoming programs

April at Louhelen will feature another session designed to illuminate the role of the institutions within our Faith. Led by David Freeman, this session will explore the Will and Testament of ‘Abdul-Baha.

“In this sweeping and magnificent document, the Master expanded upon His Father’s Administrative Order, giving us the tools we need to build the Kingdom,” Freeman said. “If we are to be prepared to-meet the challenges of this process, it’s essential that we explore

addition to improving learning, the elementary students have had the experience of working with gene, caring role models. “These role models have demonstrated patience, joy of learning and a genuine interest in the students that will stay with these children for the rest of their lives,” the principal said. Enthusiasm resonates back and forth between the elementary students and the tutors. Brian Scovel, who has been serving at Bosch for four months, said: “Even if you sometimes don’t think you are doing much, in this project you are touching one child’s heart and you are making an impact on his life,” he said. Another volunteer, Tressa Clifton, reported that her student's parents greatly appreciate the service. One challenge, she noted, is getting children to understand the reason for all their homework. “To make the reason something as simple as getting it done so they can play with their horse, hang out with their mom, or ride their bike is a bounty to be

David Freeman (left) is to present an upcoming Louhelen session. Holly Hanson (right) was a Winter School co-presenter.

this incredible document and the issues it addresses.”

This participatory session will explore institutions of the Faith, their relationships, and some critical issues surrounding the Guardianship, Freeman said.

Other programs ahead include:

March 23-25: Naw-Riuz Family Weekend, a fresh exploration of obligatory prayer and fasting, a spiritual education program for children and a special Naw-Riiz celebration.

April 6-8: “Teaching Christians through the Holy Books,” a highly effective Fundamental Verities course that fosters effective presentation of the Baha’ Faith to Christians. @

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen sessions on Calendar, back page

Rachel Hastings, a youth volunteer at Bosch Baha’i School, helps tutor two local elementary school students. Photo by Celia Enders

a part of, making their life something beautiful and not so heavy,” she added.

Sima Cockshut, youth — service recruiter for Bosch, explained that the school has incorporated the instructions of the Guardian by integrating the three necessary components to living a Baha’{ life: prayers, fasting and service.

‘The youth volunteers are giving and receiving an education of the heart, Cockshut said. “They are gaining the knowledge of how beautiful it is to share an interest and love for another person and want to encourage and help them to be happy,” she said.

And the fourth-graders themselves sometimes learn other important lessons. Hearing the Baha’is were doing a “year of service,” one child asked a tutor, “Did you do something bad?” The child then gained a new realization: that service can be done for love, not just for punishment.

Complete list of upcoming Bosch sessions on Calendar, back page

‘Extended family reunion’

BY DIANNE JESTER

x one reflects on the last winter school of the century at Green Acre, the bounties and blessings of families, friends, spiritual transformation, and winter snowstorms are certainly astounding.

Many said it was the best winter school ever—“like an extended family reunion,” commented one guest. The school was filled to the rafters with people and activity. Children and youth, in fact, made up about half of the 145 participants and volunteers.

The National Teaching Plan goal to intensify the development of spiritually distinctive families and communities was intensely focused on during the Dec. 26-31 session. Kambeze Etemad of Landegg Academy presented an inspiring, music-filled week titled “Institute on Relationships, Marriage and Family Life.”

Youth were particularly attracted to his session of love and guidance. In addition, special morning programs for each child’s age level were crafted by a dedicated team of teachers and assistants.

Many instances of bending oneself “into conformity with Thy pleasure,” of setting aside one’s individual preferences for the good of the group, helped instill a spirit of cooperation and unity, inclusion and love. Multigenerational activities helped foster a spirit of fun, playing and creating together.

Afternoon activities included paper crafts, the recording of songs, dancing, outdoor games, a harmonica workshop, youth traveling teaching experiences, biographical videos, dance workshop videos and board games.

Each age group of children and youth took a turn planning and presenting devotions. The youth planned and presented an inspiring and devotional Unity Feast in a setting adorned by red roses and homemade candles.

In addition, a remarkable “variety of talent show” capped the last evening. The inclusion of so many people of all ages, including staff and volunteers, was organized and hosted by the youth. And certainly, creativity was the hallmark of the video that ended the evening’ festivities.

Several former pioneers and traveling teachers to Brazil, Costa Rica, Japan and Romania, along with volunteers from Brazil and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Romania, added to the international flavor of the week. #

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

page8 Tne American BanA’i ¢ Spinrruat Distincrion February 26, 2001 [Page 9]

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

Logos and Civilization

Spirit, History, and Order in the Writings

of Baha’u’llah

Nader Saiedi

SC $23.95 (LO)

In this groundbreaking study, Nader Saiedi addresses key controversies in the current academic literature about Baha’u’lléh’s writings. The author approaches the

al and theolo; body of previously untranslated original Pe: ic texts. “I know of no other work offering ight into some of Bahd’u’llih’s writings

s attiyyih (Book of the River), and the Kitab-iBadi*, the latter ewo being almost totally unknown in the West.” —Heshmat Moayyad, professor of Persian language and literature, University of Chicago.

6" x 94", 408 pp., introduction, index, references

The Half-Inch Prophecy

William Sears

SC $6.00 (HIP)

“The prophecy that shook the world!” This is how William Sears describes the subject of this amazing story of the fulfillment of a single half-inch-long Bible “In that day also he shall come even to thee and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from the sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.” (Verse 12, Chapter 7, The Book of Micah). Very different in its approach to The Bible from Mr. Sears’ widely read Thief in the an exciting read in his easy style.

, 156 pp., prologue, references, bibliography

Haif-Inch Prophecy

The Institution of the Counsellors

A Document Prepared by

the Universal House of Justice

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‘This digest will increase the friends’ understanding of the responsibilities of the Counselors and their auxiliaries and the workings of the Administrative Order. It includes an overview of the components of the institution and their duties, plus statements addressing aspects of its functioning.

64" x 9", 48 pp.

The Three Great Spiritual Crusades of Shoghi Effendi

Ruth Katharine Meyer

SC $7.95 (3GSC) Limited Quantity Available

TT CAA ews 9. CaSO bog esd :

Seopa Cia” St Aes

A Story of Peace For the Children of God

story by Kiser Barnes | illustrated by Fahimeh Meidani-Sliney SC $9.95 (ASP) This book for youth and pre-youth offers a powerful story about the journey from childhood into adulthood. Join fifteen-year-old Kwame as he journeys from his home on the island nation of Gardenia to distant Jands to mark his transition into adulthood by spreading the joyful news of The Promise of World Peace. 6" x 9", 132 pp.

Shirin Fozdar:

| Asia’s Foremost Feminist

Rose Ong

HC $25.95 (SHFO)

Shirin Fozdar was instrumental in the establishment of the Local Spiritual assembly of Singapore in 1952. A pioneer, with her husband Dr. Khodadad Fozdar in Singapore beginning in 1950, Mrs. Fozdar formed the Singapore Council of Women and served as its Secretary General until the Women’s Charter of 1961 became law. Mrs. Fozdar also founded the Santitham Vidhayakhom School in the Yasothon town in northa school became the largest co-educational institution in the province. Presenting vignettes of her life, this book will serve to further inspire future generations of Baha’is and others gapore and around the world.

TH x 10%", 94 pp.

Oraciones Baha’is (Spanish) Seleccién de Oraciones Reveladas

| por El Bab, Baha’u’llah y ‘Abdu’l-Baha

_ Editorial Baha’i de Espana

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Handsome Spanish collection of prayers revealed by The Bab, Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha. Contains obligatory prayers, general prayers, and occasional prayers. 47" x 6'/", 324 pp., thematically arranged index

ORACIONES [BEN StWicy

Khadijih Bagum (Persian)

Hasan M. Balyuzi

translated by Dr. Minu Sabet

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This concise booklet published in Persian by Images International tells the compelling story of Khadijih Bagum, the wife of the Bab.

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| This historical treatise brings the drama, joy, and pathos accompanying the introduction of the teachings of Baha’u’llah to the peoples of South America. aoe i Te is an account of Shoghi Edendis spiritulerusades © 2/4’ Holy Day Cards : for the South America and the early struggles and Harriette Robinson ‘aiecuuee successes during the author’ time on the continent. $10.00/8 pk. (BHDC) 6" x 8A", 202 pp., introduction, references Greeting cards made using papier collé and monotype processes to ——) produce striking designs based on . Japanese crest symbols. Inserts with quotations "Baa the Baha’f writings are enclosed, maki ing the cards appropriate for Ayyim-i-Hi, |@ Naw-Riz, Ridvan and other Holy D: 4%" x 514", 8 cards, 8 envelopes, ; 12 inserts bt ies call BDS toll free 800-999-=90 Ld]

February 26, 2001

Tue American BAnA’i * BAnA’i DistRisuTION SERVICE page 9 [Page 10]Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness

Idly He has come. affirms that God i et cea ay His station, and outlines His general teachings and directives. The last major work Baha’u’tléh revealed before His passing, it provides an extraordinary model of how to use Baha’u’llsh’s writings to teach the Faith. 4A" x T", 194 pp., introduction, index Check the Administrative Web Site (aw usbnc.org) for a free Epistle I of

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This intimate tribute to the beloved wife of Shoghi Effendi and Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhfyyih Khénum provides the world with a unique and historical perspective from Khanum’s own close friend and longtime travel companion, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani. In her prologue she writes of our beloved Khanum, “We are still too close to her to be able to understand the true value of her services to the Baha’f world community and still too limited in our grasp of our own history to be able to evaluate the different perspectives afforded by her personality.” Divided into three parts and covering her life from Mary Maxwell’s birth to Réhfyyih Khanum’s final years, this tribute chronicles her earlier life in North America, her years of marriage to Shoghi Effendi, and her final years of service and travels. —_5'4" x 8/4", 182 pp.

Baha’i Prayers HC $7.95 (BPH) Leather $12.95 (BPLE)

A collection of 178 prayers revealed by Baha’u’lléh, the Bab, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Contains the obligatory prayers, general prayers and occasional prayers. An alphabetical index of first lines makes it easy to find specific prayers. 4" x 6", 277 pp., contents, index

The Seeker Interaction Model | A Skill-Based Process for Sharing

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| Morris Taylor

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| Baha’i Prayers and Holy Writings

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Dawn of the Century of Light

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Multifaith Calendar 2001

Water: The Spiritual Fountain

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With 20 color photographs dedicated to the theme of water including a dewdrop on a leaf, a mountain spring, a cchild’s tear, water gushing from the earth, fountains and children at play. Each page also lists the relevant holidays from all the major religions, including the Baha’ Faith, with a brief description of each holiday. 12" x 18", 17 pp.

Baha’i Wall Calendar

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This one-page calendar features a breathtaking view of the Center for the Study of the Texts on Mount Carmel. Perfect for home or office. Denotes all Holy Days and Nineteen Day Feasts.

UF SGiT

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| 158 B.E.

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This convenient pocket-size calendar, which many of us have come to rely on, helps one keep track of Baha’ events by overlaying a Baha’ calendar on a Gregorian one. Includes the number and name of each Baha’i day and month. Various nine-pointed star symbols indicate Holy Days,

| Festivals and Feasts.

| 3%" x 6%", 15 pp.

The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting

Selections of extracts and prayers from the Baha’i Sacred Writings compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

| $4.50 (OPF)

This present selection of newly authorized translations has been. drawn from the vast ocean of the original Writings of

~ Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It is intended to further enhance the believers’ insight into the far-reaching significance of these two great laws. These new passages open to our hearts and minds new avenues of awareness and appreciation of the significance and bounty surrounding Baha’{ obligatory prayer and fasting.

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page 10 THe American BanA’i ¢ BAnA’i DistRIBUTION SERVICE February 26, 2001 [Page 11]

Ch Idren? s Ts

kx iE)

Children’s Stories from the Divn-BealScs | story by Zoe Meyer

illustrated by Winifred Barnum-Newman

$19.95 SC (CSFDB)

This Tichly illustrated edition of 30 exciting, ageless stories tells of the amazing events surrounding the birth of the Baha’{ Faith from 1844-1850. Children of all ages will enjoy these tales of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives for what they believed in. Adapted from Nabil’s The Dawn-Breakers ($29.95 HC (DB)], the stories are perfect for reading aloud and convey a sense of the rich and dramatic spiritual heritage of all who call themselves Baha’{s today. Includes a glossary of symbols found in the illustrations.

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| Like Pure Gold: | The Story of Louis G. Gregory

In this children’s book, the life of Louis Gregory is chronicled in a manner any child can readily identify with. His hardships and triumphs and, most importantly, his example are painted as vividly as the full-color illustrations in the book. Sharing this story with your child will leave an impression they won't soon forget. 9" x 7", 45 pp., illustrations

| Willie and the Number Three Door

| and Other Adventures

| by Adrienne Ellis Reeves

| illustrated by Leona Hosack

Through ordinary, everyday incidents, this collection of four character-development stories explores a number of spiritual qualities and offers lessons on how to rely on God and use the Baha'i writings to find solutions and make decisions. The stories also offer a picture of multigenerational

_ This is the commemorative video oF the ‘indi -at the Baha’{ World Center in Haifa for Amatu’l-Bahé —

~ Réhfyyih Khanum Rabbini—daughter of May and Sutherland Maxwell, who became the wife of Shoghi Effendi

family life, and examine, from a Baha'i perspective, the processes of knowing, in SOROTT and was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God in 1952. Produced learning and exploring both inside and outside the classroom. by Baha’i Media Services. 5'A" x 8A", 120 pp., contents, illustrations Total time: 17 minutes

From My Heart

Farzad Khozein

$15.00 (FMHCD)

| The selections on this CD are an exquisite mixture of Inspired by Baha’{ writings, Splendor delivers nine soul-stirring = Eastern, Western and Classical music styles. Entirely instru- original guitar recordings combining marvelous classical and

mental, it is appropriate for background music for Feast and Holy Day obser- folk guitar artistry with just the right touch of light, orchestral accompaniment.

vances. This relaxing, uplifting collection includes original compositions and This CD is wonderful for Feasts, Holy Days and gift-giving. Includes a 20-page

modified Persian folkloric interpretations. Total time: 46:30 minutes, 10 tracks booklet featuring selected Baha’{ writings. Total time: 31:36 minutes, 9 tracks

Splendor Anthony Appolito $15.95 (SCD)

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February 26, 2001 Tne American BanA’i * BanA’i DistRIBUTION SERVICE page II [Page 12]oF} * Encourage leadership and

SS initiative among youth

• Make training institutes fully

operational

Look at what’s —

on the Web! www.usbne.org

View the latest Newsreel — in streaming video!

• National Teaching Plan: Using

resources on the Web and welcoming a new Arkansas believer

• Baha’i visions of peace presented

at the United Nations

• Nationwide visits by National Spiritual Assembly representatives bn
• Progress reports: Arc and Terraces

and the Kingdom Project Access www.usbnc.org with your Baha’ 1D number and dick on “Baha'i Newsreel for the Feast of Mulk” on the “What's New” page

Resources for focal teaching: Bs Cott Coa AUT Catal

SBC tem eri First broadcasts are expected beginning in March. As with all videos for —

the media campaign, it will be made available to Baha’is nationwide.

Available local-use videos: You can order any of these videos from the Baha’i Distribution (phone 800-999-9019) for $9. or $48 for aset of allsix. = To order any of these in a format to be broadcast on your local station, — please contact U.S. Baha’i Media Services (phone 847-853-2352, e-mail

We Are One

1Am a Bahd’i

The Power of Race Unity

The Power of Prayer

• La Fe Bahd’i—Latinos in the _

Bahd’i Faith :

• Family: Seeds of World Peace

CRROCRO

‘

Milwaukeeans arise for National Conference

he new millennium was officially under way in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee-area Baha’fs were abuzz with ideas on showing visitors a New World spirit at this summer’s Building the Kingdom Conference.

‘The challenge, proclaimed by our National Spiritual Assembly: “No Call Will Go Unanswered.”

The response of the local friends: Project Malakét, a systematic plan of welcome that would befit the hosts of the first national Baha’{ conference of its kind in the United States.

This town meeting Jan. 6 at the Wauwatosa Public Library drew a capacity crowd of about 200 friends to the Firefly meeting room. Somehow, though, plenty of refreshments were left over.

There were prayers, of course, and music, and a welcome on behalf of the Southeastern Wisconsin Media Task Force.

A talk by Robert Henderson, secretarygeneral of the National Spiritual Assembly, brimmed with the Assembly's hope that the conference will spark in the Baha'is a process of imparting “hope, joy and confidence” in all sectors of the American population.

Members of the conference Planning ‘Team presented an outline of plans and hopes for the June 28-July 1 event.

Power of consultation

Then came the truly electric part: the exchange of ideas.

“This feels like the locker room before the big game,” one local Baha’f told his fellows, and playing the part of a hyperkinetic coach: “Go out and leave it all on the field!”

In fact, it was a pep rally of sorts, except it wasn’t empty cheering: it was brain work and soul sharing.

‘The friends did their part to make sure the conference’s warmth will be felt well before people enter the door. They spoke of prayer campaigns, ways of welcoming people with varied levels of interest, methods to accommodate diversity—including people of varied economic levels and families that don’t fit the “two parents, two kids” mold— and opportunities for willing workers of all ages to pitch in.

OF course, the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee had a game plan to keep it all coordinated. The hosting and teaching efforts, for before, during and after the

conference, were divided into several cat egories:

• Media, including broadcast, public relations, print and bus ads.

• Community outreach, including civic

contacts and service projects.

• Proclamation, for special and public events.

© Teaching, to organize firesides, devotional meetings, traveling teaching, new believer followup, study circles, etc.

• Visual arts, both for big displays and

exhibition space for smaller works.

• Special projects, for other local initia~

tives.

Participants in the Milwaukee-area town meeting, where consultation focused on local preparations for this summer's Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child conference, sit before a stack of “bricks” placed to illustrate a task-by-task approach.

Photo by Tom Behrendt

• “Answering the call”: seeker response

and phone/Web site management.

• Hospitality and housing.

• Volunteer services, to coordinate visiting as well as local workers.

• Local Baha’f communications, to make

sure everyone stays aware of developments.

So watch out. If you talk with the Baha'is of Milwaukee anytime soon, you too may find yourself filling out a pink volunteer sheet. But don’t worry—the Regional Training Institute can train you. ... @

NO CALL WILL GO UNANSWERED

+ To launch the Five Year Plan.

all aspects.

Special programs will be offered for children, youth, junior youth and young professionals. Seekers welcome!

CONFERENC

Watch for registration info

Watch for your conference invitation in the mail for further information on registering by phone, by mail, by fax or on the conference Web site (www.kingdomconference.org).

Tf you would like to volunteer to help out at the conference, you may indicate this desire in your registration form.

What are the purposes of the National Baha’i Conference?

+ To help foster a learning community through sharing of ideas and action.

+ To instill hope, joy and confidence in the hearts.

+ To explore ways of integrating our various roles in life.

+ To help consecrate the friends to the concept of “building the Kingdom” in

For more information, please visit the conference Web site: www.ki rence.org Phone: 847-733-3590

E UPDATES

What would you like to see in the program?

What are the top five workshop topics that interest you? Who are the top five dynamic presenters you have seen in the last couple of years? Please let us know (phone 847-733-3590, e-mail

). Also, check the conference Web site for an upcoming online survey:

www.

CONFERENCE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

ages. However, children’s classes will be conducted each day, and a few gatherings will be targeted to the unique needs of

pre-youth, youth and young professionals.

Informal gathering spaces. Conference-goers will have plenty of choices for relaxing, socializing and taking in visual and performing arts. A coffee shop, a bookstore and exhibition spaces will all be centers of learning and fel

lowship in their own right.

Everything will be designed to help equip and energize Baha’is, seekers and friends of the Faith to harmonize all aspects of our lives in faith and service— in short, to do our part in building the Kingdom of God on earth.

page 12

Tne American BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

February 26, 2001 [Page 13]

TRAINING INSTITUTES

Preparing for a grand welcome

he central purpose of training insti tutes is well-established by now: to instruct and empower the believers so they can arise to serve the Cause by using their unique talents, interests and abilities in accordance with the needs of their communities.

A few months ago the Baha’ community of Milwaukee was informed that its city would be the site of Building the Kingdom for Every Man Woman, Youth and Child: the National Baha’i Conference.

Naturally, that news brought excitement. The Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee, along with numerous cooperating Assemblies, groups and enthusiastic Baha’is in greater Milwaukee, have embraced the task of making as many as 12,000 people welcome at the conference June 28-July 1.

That honor also brought a clear need for willing workers who are skilled in extending and embodying that loving

welcome. The Metro Milwaukee Regional Training Institute has risen to the task, establishing a participatory workshop called “On the Front Lines—How to Meet, Greet and Teach the Public.”

In the short term, the workshop is aimed at preparing believers to serve the conference as official hosts and hospitality workers, as well as supporting pre-and post-conference teaching efforts. By now the institute has completed the first session of that training, and has scheduled more.

According to the institute, the workshop “features spiritual preparation, pure intention, memorizing the Writings, stressing similarities, answering difficult questions, understanding a clear sense of mission, creating your personal story and learning how to develop conversations with strangers. The workshop will help any believer become a more assured teacher and will feature stories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha using these exact skills in a

subtle and effective manner.”

One longer-term goal of the training is to help local believers in about 35 Baha’{ communities in the Milwaukee area organize themselves into “a cohesive, collaborating and united effort aimed at maximizing the teaching opportunities generated by the conference.”

The Milwaukee institute adds that it always aims to present participatory training courses that are “refreshing and exciting. ... The friends come to classes prepared to roll up their sleeves and get to work honing their God-given skills. Participants gain self-confidence, reliance on God, profound love of humanity, a burning desire to teach and new insights into the Sacred Writings.”

For more information, please contact the Metro Milwaukee Regional Training Institute, please contact the Institute secretary, Carolyn Paik (phone 262-6463769, e-mail °

rd

Wilmettelnstitute

Prepare for the full-year session!

Applications are being accepted for the 2001 Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program. Home study will be conducted May 1-Sept. 30; the two-week residential session in Wilmette, Illinois, is set for late July and early August.

Principal themes of this year’s classes in Wilmette will be the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual development of the individual and marriage and family life.

‘These two topics will be supplemented by study of the mission of Baha'u'llah, of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and His role as exemplar, of Baha’i writings on spirituality (especially the Kitab-i-Aqdas), and workshops on creative writing, researching, and teaching the Faith to others.

Distance learning: “The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah” and Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitaéb-i-Aqdas

“The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah,” April 1-June 30

The Wilmette Institute is again offering a very popular course. In this crucial summary of the Faith’s fundamental verities, Shoghi Effendi defines the stations of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the Administrative Order, interprets significant prophecies, explicates some Baha’i doctrines, and offers illuminating comparisons with other religions. A

thorough understanding of “The Dispensation of Baha’u’lléh” is essential to any Baha’f’s deepening. The course is expanded this year to add study of several short works by the Universal House of

Justice that clarify and update the contents of “The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah.”

Tablets of Baba’u’llab Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas, May 15—Aug. 15 This course reviews major works by Baha’u’llah that elaborate on His laws, explore the nature of the mystical life, describe basic theological teachings, and expound on the principles necessary for transforming human society.

Rediscovering the Dawn-Breakers: ‘The Bab and the Babi Religion, March 1-May 31

It is not too late to register for this

All courses include e-mail listservers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your local community.

All courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (collegelevel) or advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available.

At last year’s Wilmette institute summer residential session: instructors Farhad Sabetan (left) and Dann May (right) with students Patricia Haynie (left center) and Sarah Bansemer.

course. As long as space is available, students will be added for the first month.

Other upcoming courses ‘The Baha’i Faith: A Comprehensive Introduction, June 1-Aug. 31 Christianity for Deepening and Dialogue, June 15-Sept. 15 The Secret of Divine Civilization,

-i-Aqdas, Sept. 1—Dec. 31 ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Exemplar,

Oct. 1-Dee. 31

The Writings of Baha’u’llah: A Comprehensive Introduction, Nov. 1, 2001—Feb. 28, 2002

The Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Development of the Individual, Nov. 15, 2001—Feb. 15, 2002

The Bible, Dec. 1, 2001-Feb. 28, 2002 @

THe WILMETTE INSTITUTE 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091

Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail: Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition.

REGIONAL TRAINING

INSTITUTE CONTACTS

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

Crimson Ark DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia *

Jubilee Tennessee and Arkansas * Magdalene Carney Florida, Lousiana, Mississippi ©

Mathew Kaszab South Texas + North Texas +

Oklahoma +

Sam McClellan Kentucky +

South Carolina +

Supreme Talisman North Carolina + Tree of Life Houston, Teas +

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

Western States Regional contact:

Council secretary * e-mail

Training institutes: Arizona * Columbine Colorado * , California Northeast * California Northwest + California South *

IMWW Idaho, Hontana, Washington, Wyoming *

Native American Baha’t Institute + Nevada South +

Oregon +

Rio Grande New Mexico +

Northeastern States Regional contact: 1 Chet Makoski * e-mail Training institutes: Doris McKay Western New York state *

New York Tri State Metro NYC, Northern NJ, Long Island * Sadie Oglesby Eastern New England * Thornton Chase Connnecticut River Valley *

William Sears Eastern Pennsylvania *

More on regional training institutes at www.usbnc.org

Access the Administrative Web Site with your Baha’ ID number, click on “Regional Councils,” then link to the Web site for the Council in your region of the country!

February 26, 2001

Tue American BanA‘i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 13 [Page 14]

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

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

Southern States ‘The Regional Council has placed top priority for homefront pioneering on localities whre Local Spiritual Assemblies are in numerical or functional jeopardy (in italics), or cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly.

• Alabama: Dothun, Hoover, Mobile

‘Arkansas: fort Smith, North Little Rock, Pine Bift, Pulaski County Florida: Coconut Creek, Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, Volusia County, West Palm Beach

Georgia: Abany, Baldwin County, Decatur, Fort Valley, Hall County,

Kennesaw, Macon, Milledgeville Kentucky: Murray, Owensboro Louisiana: Bossier City, Keane, Lake Charles, Monroe

Maryland: Annapolis, Takoma Park North Carolina: Concord, Gastonia, Kernersville, Thomasville Oklahoma: Broken Arrow, Delaware County, lawton, Mayes County, Midwest City, Moore, Shawnee,

Vinita

South Carolina: Adams Run, Chester, Georgetown County, Kingstree, Lydia, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Oconee County, Orangeburg, Pendleton

Tennessee: (larksille, Jackson

Texas: Addison, Baytown, Bedford,

Benbrook, Beaumont, Brazoria County, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Edinburg, Galveston, Highland Village, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, McAllen, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler

Virginia: Danville, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk

+ West Virginia: Huntington

Hall County, Georgia, in the beautiful foothills 50 miles north east of Atlanta, has low unemployment, two colleges and 20% Hispanic population. Poultry industry and manufacturing are sources of employment. A struggling Spiritual Assembly may be in jeopardy this year.

Monroe, Louisiana: Southern hos

pitality, a warm climate and a branch of the University of Louisiana. Employment opportu

nities include paper mills, factories, schools and retail sales. Six adult Baha'is reside there, with a pressing need for help in reachin; large African-American pop

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

Western States ‘The Regional Council has three a for Assembly goals: saving jeopardized or lapsed Assemblies; forming Assemblies

main cri

in communities of seven or more

belie

ers; and saving/m:

Assemblies on Indian reservations (marked * below). Priority is on sites in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. clude the fol

Goal loc lowing (complete list on www.usbne.org).

For communities on Indian

reservations (marked with *),

contact the American Indian regional traveling teachinghomefront pioneering coordinator listed at right.

+ Arizona: Ayache Junction, Bapchule Cochise (0. SW, Cottonwood, Eloy, Goodyear, Kibito Chapter*, Kingman, Surprise, Tolleson, Whiteriver; Assembly community seeking support: Houck (hapter*.

+ Idaho: Caldwell, Fort Hall Indian Aeservaton*, Kootenai Co, Meridian, Twin falls Assembly community seeking support: Ada County.

+ Montana: Bldkeet Reseration, (row Agency’, Fathead Reservaton*, Great Falls, Havre, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co, Northern Cheyenne Reservation’, St. Ignatius, Yellowstone (o; Assembly communities seeking support: Biling, Boreman, ButeSilver Bow, Helena, Missoula Co, Raval Co.

+ Nevada: Boulder City, Churcil C., Lyon (o,, Pahrump, Winchester Township

+ New Mexico: Artesia, Deming, Grants,

Jicarila Apache Reservation®, Los Lunas, Lovington, Luna Co., Hountainar, Rio Arriba o, Shiprock Chapter’, Socorro; Assembly community seeking support: Dofa Ana Co, Central

• Utah: Bountifl, Cenerile, Farmington, La

Verki, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, UintahOuray’; Assembly community seeking support: West Yally City Wyoming: Casper, ody, Laramie (o, Newcastle, Rock Springs, Weston Co, Wind River Reservation"; Assembly communities seeking support: (heyeane, Laramie California: 17 goal communities, incuding 15 Assembly communities seeking support. Colorado: 16 goal communities, inding 4 Assembly communities seeking support. Oregon: 23 goal communities induding 1 Assembly communities seeking support. Washington: 44 goal communities, including 16 Assembly communities seeking support. Imperial Beach, California, the most southwesterly city in the continental U.S Baha'is challenged by the Regional Baha'i Council to form a Spiritual Assembly by Ridvin. A short distance from the U.S Mexico border, this dive munity has a large Spanish-speaking population; knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not essen

has six adult and

com tial. Please contact Darrell Rodgers (phone e-mail o

TEACHING NEWS BRIEFS

Salt Lake City, UT The words of Baha’u’lléh rang out from the Mormon Tabernacle here as a local Baha’{ offered remarks and a prayer during an interfaith Thanksgiving serv ice on Nov. 19. The service is held every year by the Utah National Conference for Community and Justice (NCC)). ‘This year the meeting was hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

Shahab Saeed, a member of the Salt Lake City Bahé’i community and its representative on the NCCJ board of

tears and cheers.

momentous journey.

“O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of Ya Bahd’u'l-Abhd’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it!

Please God, ye may achieve it.” —Abdu'l-Bahd

nk you

W: would like to thank all those individuals, groups, families, Assemblies and organizations that have helped Spirit Run. It was as if the whole world came together and helped us run those miles. We could not name everyone here, but be assured that you have not been forgotten. We felt your prayers, hospitality, support, laughter,

Thank you to everyone who took part in this

SPIRIT RUN. The Spirit Run Task Force

directors, offered remarks and a prayer of thanksgiving from the Baha’ writings. Saeed’s remarks were preceded by those of Salt Lake City’s mayor, the president of the host church, and the bishop

of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah.

MepIA USAGE

San Mateo, California

The Spiritual Assembly here reports it received several phone responses from interested people within days of buying space in a two-page spread titled “Houses of Prayer—Holiday 2000,” published during December in the San Mateo Daily Journal. The ad concisely mentio’ some Baha’é teachings, history, writin; and even an anecdote illustrating the principle of racial unity.

Bastrop, Texas

The Baha’fs of Bastrop have weekly been buying ads containing excerpts from the writings of Bahd’u’lléh for more than a year in the Bastrop Advertiser. A social columnist for the small city’s newspaper also has occasionally mentioned teaching trips and other service to the Baha’i Faith by members of the McLaughlin family. @

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the

friends preparing for international service. For 1,

z teaching opportuni information regarding jobs and study aby

ind other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central ston, IL 60201 (phone

Answers to frequent questions about serving tionally are posted on the Web

intert (www.usbne.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 (Wwww.usbnc.org), in the Regional Baha’i Councils section.

Northeastern States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer, contact the Northeast Regional Bal Council secretary, Joel Nizin (phone

e-mail To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana

Rouse Kaufman (phone e-mail

Central States ‘To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Central Regional Bahé’s Council secretary, Lynn Wieties (phone

e-mail

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate state traveling teaching coordinator (list is available on www.usbne.org in the Regional Councils section) or contact Marilyn Ray (phone

e-mail

Western States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling t homefront pioneering coordinator for cach state (list avail

able on www.usbne.org in the Regional

Councils section), or one of the regional coordinators: ‘Traveling teaching: Jan Saced, (phone e-mail Homefront pioneering: Flor ‘Toloui, (phone e-mail For information on American Indian reservations, contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator, Helen Kiely, (phone

e-mail

Southern States ‘To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioner, please contact regional coordinating team member Susan Crossley (phone

e-mail

‘To inquire about traveling teaching, please contact regional coordinating team member Kitty Schmitz (phone e-mail °

page 14

Tne American BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

February 26, 2001 [Page 15]

4 Do you have something

to SHARE with BRILLIANT STAR, like PHOTOgraphs, stories, poems, or DRAWings?

We invite everyone to send in for the following our upcoming themes:

Shoghi Effendi

Passport for Spiritual Travel

Mysteries

Send mail to:

Brilliant Star Baha’i Media Services |

1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL 60201

Contact us at telephone: 847.853.2354 fax: 847.256.1372

Or e-mail us at

For subscriptions to

RR Vere

call Baha’ Distribution Service Pm ek ben

or see page 26 to subscribe.

Brilliant Star is hiring an assistant editor. See page 24

"Contributing to the Fund is a service that every believer can render, be he poor

or wealthy . . ."

—The Universal House of Justice

KON

• ___ ani IPECTIONS) 2 ee

Liang tied strings around his coin bags but they have gotten tangled. He wants to bring one of the bags to Feast so he can give to the Baha’i Fund. Follow the strings and help Liang find the correct bag!

Activity by Kristi and Jon Berry for the Office of the Treasurer « Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader

S

February 26, 2001 Tue AMERICAN Ban’ * BRILLIANT Star Kip’s CoRNER

page I5 [Page 16]

ABCs of SED

What is Baha’i development?

Here is a distillation of thoughts from speakers at the recent Baha’i Development Conference for the Americas and practitioner semis tn eres

Counscioe Efoy Anello, Bolivia

• Baha'i development is the application of

Bahd’u’lléh’s revelation to the problems of humanity.

• The processes of development and teaching are separate but complementary.

Successful development efforts create awareness of the Faith and opportunities for teaching. ‘Through contact with the Creative Word, we are transformed as individuals and can catalyze societal transformation.

Glen Eyford, Canada

• Yes, we are involved in politics: enfranchisement, good governance. We're

developing a global civilization with order and values the world needs.

Development must be a regular pursuit of the Baha'i community. Volition is needed—internalizing, owning, then acting.

°

Haleh Arbab, Colombia _ We must help people develop the capacity to make decisions about their own progress

and implement them in ever-more com=—

plex ways. Development must be carried outin a spirit of service. Delivery: oF services is not the main goal; rather,

_ transformation,

William E. Davis, Naomal Spiritual Assembly of the United Culture expands how we see reality. It provides values and structure. A new culture challenges the old, creating a tension we must recognize and address. So-called developing and developed cultures alike are prisons—the former because of low expectations and capacity-limiting unwritten rules governing society, the lat_ ter because of a godless understanding of life and the glorification of individualism. Prisons can block our vision of the priorities for building Baha’{ culture and for development. The identity we seek should focus on Baha’, rather than the culture into which we were born.

°

Holly Hanson, United States

• Like a sick body, the problems of the world

are structural. We must fix the whole system. — Baha’s development primarily happens at the local level because we must apply a remedy suited to each place. ¢ Material civilization alone will not satisfy the needs of the age. It is like a beautiful but lifeless body: devoid of spirit. We must intentionally enhance the connections between people. If we create _ opportunities to express love, society will

Prosper.

Conference for the Americas:

Concepts, arts, networking, case studies point the way

Stories by Tom Mennillo

WORKSHOPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

edged the road wasn’t

nt University session was one of dozens

ops during the ce that examined il .practices and research in helping advance the prosperity of humanity through Baha'i

I related how he had to gain the coop tion of people included—who had lost hope. And because he is visible in the community as host of a Bah sored public ac

show, he had to convince folks that the initiative had no hidden agenda. (He has consulted with the Local Spiritual Assembly every step of the way, but the Assembly has refrained from signing on a onsor in order to allay any communit

But with a clear vision and a plan forged through cooperation, Parent University went forward.

Class topics have included stress management; computer training; developing a child’s character; tips on breast health; ta homework; and knowing the responsibility level of a child.

Many of the courses have been conducted in conjunction with community institutions. Sponsors have provided needed money, materials, publicity and volunteer time.

Future goals include continuing education for program “graduates,” improved tracking of outcome obtaining of grants; and expansion to other communities.

Variety of issues

No less remarkable were the several other development projects presented during conference workshops.

In each session, participants were given a firm grasp of the process that led to a project’s progress and, just as important, the opportunity to provide input that may well aid its sustainability and exp:

U.S.-based_ proje year included:

• Gap Community Project in Chica

featured this

ing the terror out of

Danielle Locke of Northern Plains Healthy Start and Richard Czerniejewski of Health for Humanity confer after her talk. The two groups have scheduled a meeting to look into possible collaborative efforts. Photos by Tom Mennillo

Joyce Olinga of Illinois holds the daughter of a Jeffrey Barnes Baha’i Choir member as the choir provides

inspirational learning through the arts to start the Parent University workshop.

go, which helps young people achieve their human potential.

• Nine Points, a framework to prepare youth for agricultural service.

¢ Little Pond Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, which nurtures arts

and artists.

• Project 99, a teaching

and consolidation plan ing the arts to aid in the transformation of Southeast n and other teens in Califoria’s Central Valle; ¢ Northern Healthy Start influenced ir the heartland to reduce the nation’s _ highest infant mortality rate among American Indians.

° Children’s» Theatre Company of New York City, an acclaimed program that provides artistic training and values education to inner-city children. ¢ The Voicemail Project in the San F 0 Bay Area, which gives homeless and other people in a 4,000square-mile area a vital link to potential landlords, employers, family and other support people.

Workshops also tackled topics that would help any conference participant better understand the development process.

‘They included “Living the Life of SED”; “Getting to the Nitty-Gritty: Identifying Community Realities and Needs as a First Step in Development Planning”; “Courage to Grow through Life Stress and Suffering”; “Transforming the Discipline of Ed cation”; “Finding New Dimensio for the Consultative Process”; of Cultural Loss and

“The Covenant and

“Agriculture and Environ

SE) D”; ment: Bound by the Covenant”; “Use of Music as a Metaphor for Racial Harmony”; “Integrating SED and the

Arts”; “The Guiding Touch: Women and the Well-Being of the Earth”;

“Conflict Resolution Techniques in B: “Organ: tional Capacity Assessment: Build Better Organizati Administration and §

Engaging the young Sessions targeted to youth and young adults included “Youth Year of Service” and “Young Investigators’ sion.” The latter was designed to enable

SEE WORKSHOPS, PAGE 20

page 16

Tne American BanA’i ¢ Development CONFERENCE

February 26, 2001 [Page 17]

The powerful musical drama “The Gathering” was performed during the final evening of the conference. Professional choreographer Laura Lee staged the work, about native prophecy that one day the earth’s races would unite. Photo by

Ken Roedell

t just keeps getting better and better.

Arts took their rightful place at the 1999 Baha’{ Development Conference for the Americas as an equal partner with the spoken word in expressing faith in action and aiding the transformation of souls.

This year, every element of artistic expression was lifted to a new level under the leadership of Leslie Asplund, in conjunction with the Rabbani Charitable Trust.

Cumulatively it was a dramatic demonstration, for any who had not yet grasped the vision, of how arts can be used eff tively within and outside the Baha’ community to open hearts and further the advancement of civilization.

Performing arts such as song, rhythm, dance and drama were dominant. But appreciation of video production as a development tool was furthered—just as fellow visual arts painting, sculpture, photography and architecture have been showcased in previous conferences. he elements Asplund wove into this year’s program included:

Innovative forms of devotion. Imagine the long healing prayer alternately sung

Artistic expression takes another leap forward

and recited as cello and keyboards play and an interpreter signs. Imagine voices spaced throughout the hall intoning the Fire ‘Tablet with instrumental accompaniment. These were two of the creative ways devotions were carried out to set the tone for conference sessions.

Inspirational learning through the arts. This component, begun last year, allowed each plenary or workshop to begin with high-quality artistic expression tied to the topic of the session. A wonderful example was the electrifying rendition of ody in Blue” by pianist Mark Ochu preceding a talk by William E. Davis, chairman of the National itual Assembly, on “The Prison of Culture.” Ochu d his performance with comments aid in

pre illustrating how George Gershwin { homage to African and other cultures the famous composition. Performances both in plenary sessions and special evening programs. pecial nights—Persian on Friday and dramatic presentation on Saturday—drew

SEE EXPRESSION, PAGE 20

Projects conceived, advanced by networking

he Rabbani Trust always gives development con ference and seminar participants ample opportunity to collaborate within and among disciplines, and this year was no different.

Some cross-fertilization was built into the program. ‘Two entire evenings—one during the seminar and one during the conference—were devoted to networking.

Common-interest meetings were held on such topics as equality between women and men; Indian peoples; education; health; business and economic development; arts and media; agriculture; environment; open space chnology; law, justice and human rights; and multicultural unity.

Successes and challenges were shared. Ideas were

floated for feedback from similarly engaged Baha’is. Collaborations were sought and cemented.

In many cases, the interest sessions were preceded by months of correspondence.

Throughout the six-day seminar/conference, they were supplemented by mealtime and late-night klatches.

Particularly organized are the agriculture folks, who meet each year during the Association for Baha'i Studies conference as well as during the development conference

Their missions include: to educate themselves and other Bahd’is on what the Writings say about agriculture; to bring young people into the field; and to

experiment with various forms of sustainable agriculture.

Networking went on outside the program, too.

An example: Family, friends, colleagues and students of the late Dr. Daniel C. Jordan gathered for two days after the conference.

Their goal, according to Gregory D. Watson, one of the organizers, was to “remember and honor Dan‘ legacy to education—both in and outside of the Baha’ community—and to review and explore educational principles and practices that can improve our actions in the world of service.”

The plan was to document the “reunion” sessions and later disseminate the information to aid in further collaboration.

Seminar a rolled-up-sleeves affair

The remainder of about 200 attenveteran

I pour simultaneous streams of learning lay at the heart of a dees.

Succeeding ses

and neophyte site participants

ons—involving onand a number of

by-invitation seminar preceding the eighth annual Bahd’i Development Conference for the Americas.

One taught the moral leadership program pioneered at Nur University in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, by Counselor Eloy Anello and colleagues.

Longtime seminar and conference n tantalized year after year by stories of Nuir’s program.

But now a lucky few would take the training in eight sessions stretched over three days. Counselor Anello led the program, assisted by Duncan Hanks and Juanita de Hernandez.

development practitioners alike—faced an agonizing choice of following one of the other three tracks—environment, institutional capacity building, and the role of the arts in development—or going a la carte.

‘The six environmental sessions constituted the fourth annual conference of the International Environment Forum. Its theme was “Applying the Baha’ Teachings to the Environmental Challenges Facing the World.”

A keynote address on that topic by Arthur Dahl of Switzerland kicked off the track.

people connected via the Internet tackled such issues as biological and cultural diversity; the link between religious beliefs and environmental attitudes; gender and environment; changing environmental _ behavior through social mobilization; and creating sustainable, environmentally conscious Baha’f communities. Participants also were treated to a performance/workshop on “Research Data as Music: The Climate Symphony and Sonification of Radar, Seismic

SEE SEMINAR, PAGE 20

Ben Levy, recently retired from the Rabbani Trust, poses at a reception in his honor with granddaughter Natalie Nelson, daughter Martine Nelson, and wife Francine Levy. Photo by Tom Mennillo

February 26, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Development CONFERENCE page.17

[Page 18]

eiacsons cout emer

eo mY ol ee om

• ‘Strengthen social and economic development

Conferences

recommended

for S.E. Asian youth

Als light of several recent episodes of fatal domestic disputes involving members of the general Hmong community as reported in December 2000 by the Associated Press and the Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office would like to ask local Baha’i communities with Southeast Asian members to consider helping these youth and their families attend two upcoming conferences that will promote family unity and the prevention of vio- ~ lence. yo

Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child: National Baha’{ Conference, June 28-July 1 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (see more news on pages 3, 12-13). This national conference gives special emphasis to children and youth as integral members of a united and supportive spiritual and social community. Southeast Asian youth and their families have unique and invaluable experiences, insights and perspectives to contribute to the discussion and this conference will undoubtedly have much to offer them.

If your community is interested in sponsoring a local youth or family to attend the National Baha’f Conference, please contact them directly. If your community would like to sponsor a youth or family from another community, please contact your Regional Baha’f Council or the U.S. Baha’s Refugee Office (e-mail or phone 847-733-3547).

National Youth Crime Prevention Conference, April 7-10 in Dallas, Texas. While the Baha’{ Faith does not sponsor this conference, the USBRO feels it would be beneficial for Baha’{ youth to take advantage of this learning opportunity. For more information, contact the National Crime Prevention Council (phone 202-2614165) or visit the Web site (www.nepe.org/youthcon).

. Dentists team up to help out in Haiti

N.C. Baha’i helps organize Rotary project

housands of impoverished Haitian children are being given a better chance for healthy teeth

and happier smiles, thanks toa Durham, North Carolina, Baha’{ and other dental practitioners in the Research ‘Triangle.

Mahyar Mofidi, a 30-year-old dentist and secretary of the Regional Bah Council of the Southern States, leader in the effort.

The native of Iran, raised and educated in Louisville, Kentucky, also is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Mofidi became aware of the dire need for better dental care in Haiti when contacted by fellow dentist Mark Hunt, a member of the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club.

“The Rotary group needed a dentist with a public health background to join a fact-finding trip to Haiti to see what kind of project the club could support down there,” said Mofidi.

a than having their bad teeth fixed, Haitians often have them pulled, Mofidi explained to a reporter for the Chapel Hill Herald, which published a front-page article on Sept. 24, 2000.

He told the newspaper that many children and adults probably live with continuous toothaches.

“That’s a definite possibility because of untreated decay,” Mofidi was quoted as saying. “It leads to children being in discomfort and in pain. For some it may be viewed as, “This is part of life.’ ”

Government officials are mindful of the dental problems faced by Haiti’s poor, and cooperate willingly with the Rotary project.

One of those officials is John Marius

Haitian schoolteachers compare notes and ideas during a workshop on dental care education, sponsored by a Rotary Club in North Carolina and with vigorous participation by a Baha’i dentist. Photo courtesy of Mahyar Mofidi

Lafond, dean of Haiti’s only dental school. According to Mofidi, Lafond quickly opened several important doors in the island nation and proved to be very influential.

“Dr. Lafond introduced us to the directors of the Baptist Haiti Mission, the largest Christian mission in Haiti,” Mofidi. “After speaking with the mission officials, we came back to the States and drafted a plan to directly help provide dental care for school-age children served by the m

The plan has three goals: To substantially improve the equipment and capabilities of the existing dental clinic at the Baptist Haiti Mission; to create a comprehensive dental care education program in the mi: ’s large school n; and to develop a mobile unit to tal ic dental care to smaller, outlying villages.

“I think our plan is a sound one,” said Mofidi. “We knew going down to Haiti that we should not go with the mindset

that a bunch of Americans was just going to show up and fix everything. We sensed that we needed to form a partnership and do things together. We've found that parmer in the Haiti Baptist Mission.”

Since then, a great deal of needed equipment and supplies has been donated through the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, Mofidi said. A new dental clinic is under construction and existing facilities are being renovated and upgraded.

“Because of funding issues, we got a little delayed,” he said. “We expect the clinic will be finished by February and dentists from North Carolina to go deliver services and train their dentists.”

A mobile dental unit also is in transit,

‘aid. Once there, it will be used to deervices to rural parts.

“This is a great project, very rewarding. It is impacting lives, especiall children’s. People know I am a Bah; and teaching has become a product of this humanitarian service.”

World Order sees expanding roles in its 35th year

here can one read an article by

former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau alongside the poetry of Robert Hayden? An article on Christian detachment in Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction and then, in the following issue, an article on Réhfyyih Khénum’s literary life?

Mixing art and philosophy, poetry and theology, media criticism and sociological study, history and fiction, World Order magazine has been a source of intellectual, spiritual and emotional renewal for thous: country and abroad for nearly 35 years.

Publishing that focus on issues cern from a Baha’ perspective was always a part of World Order's mandate. It became explicit in 1987 when the National Spiritual Assembly directed the zine’s Editorial Board to do just that.

articles,

mag:

‘The results are astonishing: Over the years the magazine has published more

than 28 articles and editorials on the equality of women and men; more than 20 articles and editorials on race unity; and more than 50 art nd editorials on current events as varied as editorials ‘The Restlessness of the Balkans,” sis of Misplaced Values (on consumer y),” disarmament, student pro’ religion’s role in eliminating child abuse, and Baha'i solutions to poverty.

In upcoming issues, Ba

scholars, poets and ai tackle a number of issues of broad social concern in the 21st century:

• Gender and sexuality.

• Race.

• Urban life.

ew digital and media technologies. he public sphere.

The magazine has also begun soliciting works of fiction and photo essays to provide a different perspective on issues usually the domain of more scholarly artic

Such an approach exemplifies one thing World Order has never shied away -publishing challenging and creative scholarship accessible to all. “World Order is edited for a general, but intellectually curious audience, much like Si gazine or the Atlantic Monthly,” notes Betty J. Fisher, the magazine's managing editor. ®

page 18

Tne AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ MATURING CommuNITIES

February 26, 2001

[Page 19]eM TOR hao OM mo irr TES.

Special Visits provide close-up understanding of Baha’i House of Worship

Two sessions planned for the friends this summer

pee 1972, 18 adults and an 8-yearold child attended the first of the now-annual Special Visit programs at the Baha’f House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

It was an in-depth experience with the Mashriqul-Adhkér and the Baha'{ National Center, a very spiritual journey giving the believers an opportunity to connect with their material and spiritual center on this continent.

In the 29 years since that first event, this “Spiritual Oasis” Special Visit program has remained a much-anticipated event on the calendar of the House of Worship in Wilmette. pects of the Special Visit prode: cussions with representatives of

the Pioneering and National Teaching

Committee offices.

• Learning about the meaning of the

emple and the work of the Baha'i

National Center, collecting firsthand

ledge of current concerns and initiatives of those institutions.

¢ Sharing with new friends.

• Devotional time, both personal and

structured.

All th ctivities and more are included to enrich the visitors as they

revitalize their commitment to the Cause of God in a challenging, exciting time to be a believer. The weekend retreat becomes a deepening by experience

MATERIAL MEANS

New information on the Huququ'llah Web site

accessible at www.usbnc.org

Tools to enhance your understanding of this great Law of God:

HUQUQU’LLAH

THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqiqu’llah should be made to “The Baha’i Huqdqu’ll4h Trust” (please write your Baha’i identification number on your check) and

in one’s own relationship to the Faith. . voce Pree eter about Hugdauliehy Sar eon ot oe “The Special Visit Program has always ___ YieWable online moet + Amin Banani, been a very ‘special’ activity at the * More of the history of the institution House of Worship and very close to my _ of Huqdquillah, wit photos, 7 phone fax 310-394-6167 heart ever since that first one in 1972, ° A ‘lickable map showing areas o e-mail

which was an experiment, now institutionalized,” said Caswell Ellis, director

service for Representatives to the institution of Huqdqu’llah, and how to

• Stephen Birkland,

of the House of Worship. “One need contact them 4 i ee ae aES only feel the love and experience that ° Formatted articles available todown- Sally Foo, spiritual connection that takes place be- foad and print eeu and sparing tween the visitor and our staff and to 4 hear expressions of the hearts that in- Codification of the ay Compilation of baer) ET aia deed confirm the efficacy of the writings on eae ah + Practical + Daryush Haghighi, program.” guidelines * Prayers

Visitor comments at the completion of if phone » fax 440-333-6938 such a program reflect this. Recent par- Access Wwww.usbne.org with email ticipants have celebrated the warmth, your Bahé 1B number, then dick $ Elizabeth Martin, F.0. Box178, learning and encouragement they expe- on the “Huqdqu’llah” link Winnsboro, SC 29180 z eile rienced as meaningful enrichment for a Lee their growth and capacity to serve. Sonate

This original, good idea from 1972, \ intact and functional, is available to all Videotapes on Huqaqu’llah in English ‘OMice of the Secretariat, Bale the friends in 2001 who register with the _ and Persian are available for a reduced Hugqiqu’llah Trust, Activities Office of the Baha'i House of _ price of $12. Please contact Badiyan ta 3 (phone Worship. The form and time limits for Productions, i Sifax Aes: ; 6736 registration appear on page 25 under the (phone roar heading “A Spiritual Oasis.” # » e-mail ). {

HUMAN RIGHTs DAY

Eugene, Oregon

Accolades as a “Home ‘Town Hero” at a UN Human Rights Day banquet capped an autumn in which Don Addison, a Baha’i educator from Eugen highly visible in conveying the social s of the Faith from distinguished platforms.

Ata city-sponsored banquet Dec. 10—with a standing-room-only crowd including the mayor and other officials—Addison was honored for his involvement i ion and in increasing awareness of diversity.

Weeks earlier, Addison—an active member of the local Native American community who teaches Native American studies at Lane Community College—addressed the sixth annual conference of the Oregon Diversity Institute, Nov. 4 in Salem.

Citing Baha’{ teachings on education and diversity, he outlined strategies colleges can employ to improve multicultural understanding in Oregon.

Arroyo Grande, California About 60 people gathered Dec. 10 to celebrate Human Rights Day at Nine Oaks Baha’i Institute on the California central coast.

When we’re burdened with news of the growth of hate groups or exploitation and abuse of women, “It’s the little things that really do matter,” said keynote speaker Charles Howard, a Ventura Baha’i noted for his for racial harmony and human rights activities. “Here is where we each have a tremendous ability to make change, day after day.” #

Celebration at the UN/ page 30

Charitable Gift Annuities

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

A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you, as the donor, and our National Spiritual Assembly—providing advantages for both.

Under a charitable gift annuity: Benefits: Requirements: + A donor irrevocably transfers funds to our * Guaranteed fixed payments for life, a portion of which * Must be at least 60 years of age to National Spiritual Assembly, which are invest- are non-taxable. enter into an annuity agreement

ed with other annuity funds.

+ Regular quarterly payments are made to you, the donor, for your lifetime.

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

• A charitable ‘income tax deduction for a portion of the with our National Spiritual Assembly.

gift in the year in which the annuity is established. * Must establish the annuity with a

• Reduced capital gains taxes if funded with an appred- minimum of $10,000.

ated asset. ‘+ Must irrevocably transfer the funds. + Increased support of the Bahi'i Fund. + Will receive lifetime annuity: payment.

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

Age 60: Charitable deduction $3,782.30; annual lifetime annuity $660 Age 70: Charitable deduction $4,261.20; annual lifetime annuity $750 Age 80: Charitable deduction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

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

The National Spiritual Assembly's Gift and Estate

8-page brochure Planning Program

from the Office of the Treasurer has beenestab- ¢ Providing for the Baha’i Faith in your

lished to help will Individual copies believers make a * Making a gift of securities may be requested variety of financial * Making a gift of real estate free. Nominal arrangements for * Making a gift through life insurance charge for ordering themselves, their Receiving income from your gift: in quantity. families andthe —* Charitable Gift Annuities Baha’i Faith:

• Charitable Remainder Trusts

To order The Writing of a Will or to * Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail [ find out more about the gift and estate + Or, fill out the form with the Baha’i Funds envelope attached to this paper. planning program: Saber

February 26, 2001 The AMERICAN BanA‘i * MATURING COMMUNITIES

page 19 [Page 20]

WORKSHOPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

these “tween-age” Baha'is to identify particular learning goals, then meet again a day later to see the extent to which those goals were being achieved.

For children and junior youth, the program again this year mirrored the adult sessions.

Under the direction of Yvonne Ferguson and staff, younger Baha'is learned about many of the same development projects and studied the same concepts.

Speakers and performers interacted with them, and the latter—particularly Mehr Mansuri of the Children’s Theatre Company of New York and famed composer Russ Garcia of New Zealand— helped bring about a conference highlight: a heart-seizing children’s performance that powerfully mixed the Creati Word and song.

EXPRESSION,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the most attention, but other performances such as gospel __ singing, instrumen' and dramatic readings were interspersed throughout.

The Persian concert featured violinist Farzad Khozein, cellist Gwendolyn Watson, singers Narges Fani and Mansoor Sobhani and others before a standing-room-only audience. The night of dramatic presentation featured the stunning dramatic musical The Gathering by Laura Lee, based on native prophecy of when the races would come together; songs from The Unquenchable Flame, Russ and Gina Garcia’s story of ‘Tahirih; and an excerpt from The Seven Valleys, as danced and recited by Marty, Wendy and Caitlyn Quinn.

Workshops and panel discussions on aspects of the role of arts in development. Composers, dramatists, gospel singers, video producers and the like shared the process of how they create artistic expressions of the Baha’{ revelation in praise of the Blessed Beauty. Projects such as the Little Pond Retreat Center in Pennsylvania and the Children’s Theatre Company in New York City inspired conference participants. A panel on “A New Vision for the Arts in Building Baha’u'llih’s New Order” put forth examples of transformational uses of the arts that any Baha’i community could emulate in its Feasts and Holy Days and in its devotional gatherings and other forms of outreach.

Networking opportunities and ayenues of sharing among participating artists. Artistry often is a solitary pursuit, but collaboration among Baha’i artists and with those who would like to bring those artists into their communities can lead to unprecedented opportunities for reaching expectant souls. And this six days of formal and informal networking sessions produced just that, as exemplified by an e-mail listserver on Baha’{ arts that was up and running soon after the conference.

ake When a chapter in your Bah life closes, others open.

One such chapter was his 17 years of service on the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

‘That ended in 1985, but there was no slowdown for the Los Angeles native who has pioneered for 50 years, briefly in Asia and since then in Latin America.

Then again, he was one.

“My life is full,” he said during a lull in the Baha’f Development Conference for the Americas, where he itated a workshop on “Living the Life of SED.”

“I don’t have any time to worry about transition,” he said. “We're getting along in years, but just keep working.”

Soon after his term as Counselor ended, Witzel was appointed by the Universal Hous: s Latin America Radio Committe served as its secretary and as secretary radio operations branch for eight

’t_ expecting

a member of the National ual Assembly of Venezuela and chair of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Barquisimeto.

He chairs the national commission for Baha’{ literature.

He chairs the executive committee of the Association for Baha’f Studi

He is liaison from the National Assembly to the Regional Baha’{ Council of the Guajira region.

He teaches seven-week courses at the national training institute for youths in service.

He helps raise up and place homefront pioneers.

He participates in an entry by troops project.

Witzel: A half-century of service

Donald Witzel joyously spies a friend between sessions of the development conference. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Good thing Witzel is retired. He was a high school principal, then head of the modern languages deparunent of a university in Maracaibo, Venezuela, until the Supreme Institution asked him in 1987 to devote full time to his other posts.

Obedience to the House of Just the Guardian before that, the Hands of the Cause, and other institutions of the Faith has led Witzel, his wife, Mignon, and two children all over the globe since he was called up to serve as an American officer in the Korean War.

He performed pioneer service in Korea and Japan before returning to the United States for additional officer training at the General War College in Leavenworth, Kansas.

After leaving the military, Witzel did postgraduate studies and looked to return to Asia as a pioneer.

But the National Spiritual Assembly

had other plans, and without a firm job offer Witzel went off to Nicaragua, using the 19-day sea passage from San Francisco to brush up on his Spanish.

(Three and a half years of faiér language study with a tutor brought him fully up to speed, and he has written more than 80 books in Spanish since then.)

It was during a port call that he rea a telegram offering him a ition at the American school in Nicarigria!

Six years later the Witzels had their eye on Honduras. But again the institutions guided him elsewhere. Witzel gave away all their furnishings and they headed for Panama, where he soon was elected secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

While working with the Indians in David, Panama, Witzel was appointed liary Board member. He was to serve 11 years in that capacity.

In 1964, the Hands sent him to Colombia. He worked ata coed school for Indian children and saved up so his family could join him there.

Not that the Witzels would be settled there for long. At a conference two years later, Witzel learned that help was needed consolidating new believers and fostering the matur: of Assemblies in neighboring Venezuela.

Off they went again—with a welltimed offer of a position in Maracaibo.

And so it has gone. Witzel was appointed a Counselor in 1968 and he certainly hasn’t lacked for challenges since.

“We're serving Baha’u'llah and His Faith, and that’s the important thing,” said Witzel with a shrug.

Now that a persistent back problem has been corrected, he may be serving for a long time to come. @

SEMINAR,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

and Solar Wind” by Marty Quinn. This unique presentation turned natural sounds, including those of an earthquake and solar wind interactions with the earth, into rhythms and pitches.

wo related s ns focused on the dynamics of cultural loss and resurgence and on leadership, development and the environment.

The program on capacity building got down to the nitty-gritty of conceiving, executing and evaluating a development project.

It consisted of four sessions: development, the Baha’f Administrative Order and the community; administration of Baha’i development activi using sample experiences from Baha’i-administered and Baha’{-inspired initiatives; project design, operations, monitoring

and evaluation; and human resource management.

Andy ‘Tamas of Canada facilitated.

A rollicking series of workshops on the arts brought together an incredible array of Baha’fs who share a common desire to fulfill Baha’u’llah’s vision of art as worshi

Composers led off. Kathy Tahiri, director of the Baha’f House of Worship Choir, facilitated a sharing of the process tunesmiths use to create music designed to uplift and enlighten souls.

Presenters included Russ and Gina Garcia of New Zealand, Fritz Kersting of Puerto Rico, and John Barnes, Farzad Khozein, Angela-Louise Manso, Christina Quinn and Jill Simon of the United States.

Next it was those who use music, drama and dance to present the spirit and teachings of the Faith on stage. Among them were Anna Hostman of Canada and Americans Leslie and Kurt Asplund, Bill and Bridget George, Rosanne Groger, Laura Lee, Susan

Lewis-Wright, the Quinn family and ‘Tierney Sutton.

Video producers shared their projects in a third session. Craig Rothman and ‘Tim Tyson spoke on the national media campaign, Joyce Olinga on documentaries, Joy Wieczorek on Baha'i talk shows and Tim Perry on computer animation.

A final session gave a glimpse into the One Human Family Workshops experience. Eric Dozier and Katharine Day of OHF were joined by Kristin Barnes, John Barnes and the Jeffrey Barnes Baha’{ Choir from Los Angeles. @

Are you involved in an ongoing or nascent development project? Would you like to be invited to

Trust (email »

LSS

page 20) THe American BanA’i ¢ MaturinG Communrnies February 26, 2001 [Page 21]

LOR ht LNA

Interns help shape the REAL real world

BY THE OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON, DC

nternational relations. The environment. Prevention of

domestic violence. Global trade.

Our Faith’s teachings deal directly with these social issues and more, and many Baha’i college students acutely see the need to put those teachings into practice. But how can you complement your education with effective, “real world” experience?

Last summer the Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC, launched an internship program to help meet the growing needs of the National Spiritual Assembly, while offering college-age students a chance to experience external affairs operations firsthand. ‘Two students have completed internships; two others now work in the office. What work have they done, and how do they feel about it? Find out:

Navid Ahdieh Spent summer 2000 at the Washington office, then entered the University of North Carolina to study international relations

Navid Ahdieh learned about Baha’i perspectives on environment and development issues by doing research on the Earth Charter—a declaration of ethics for living sustainably on earth—in order to help with the educational campaign now under way. He also learned about human rights by researching the international effects of implementation of CEDAW—the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women—in connection with the National Assembly's efforts to urge U.S. ratification of the treaty. In addition, he helped with filing and reorganizing resources.

“Tl never forget my experiences from this summer. They’ve really come in handy in college!” Ahdieh wrote recently to the Washington office. He added he has been able to use his knowledge to discuss the Faith with his professors.

Jessica Hamman Some of | Began Washington internship after Ahdieh’s a year at Landegg Academy;now research studying sociology and socal policy formed the at the University of Washington foundation

for the work of Jessica Hamman, who has helped develop study materials on the Earth

true wealth PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WRITINGS

Anton Ware (left) greets Sum Mehrnama on the latter's first day as an External Affairs intern. Photo by Peter Adriance

Charter and supported efforts to get Congress to pass the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA). She also helped with a project to compile a resource compendium of external affairs policy developed over the past 15 years. “Being in the office gave me a much more detailed look into the Baha’{ administration,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the National Assembly works and what it’s planning and how it’s really involved in the issues I’m learning about academically. I had wanted to be able to see how Baha'i principles are being applied in areas such as human rights and women’s issues. This internship really helped me to do that,” she noted. Hamman also found that by working with the National Assembly’s NGO liaison for women’s issues, Leila Milani, who has a law

\g degree, she gained invaluable insights into her own

career aspirations. “I got a glimpse of the varied activities lawyers could do, and it helped me see how I can use law as a tool for understanding social issues,” she said. Hamman added that the experience “really offered me a chance to learn more about myself.”

Anton Ware Began his internship as Hamman was finishing hers; he is a master’s degree candidate in international affairs at Johns Hopkins University

Because of his interest and expertise in international economics, Anton Ware is focusing exclusively on helping the National Assembly contribute to the efforts of an Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Finance. This working group, also including representatives from several Christian denominations and a Jewish organization, studies the impact of international trade policy and the process of globalization on society, and is developing an interfaith statement on trade and finance. Ware has helped substantially to contribute Baha’i perspectives to the consultations of the small drafting team.

Sum Mehrnama “I have alIntern since January; ways had a

a student in government desire to work

and international relations in the realm at George Mason University of — interna tional affairs while serving the Faith at the same time,”

SEE YOUTH INTERNS, PAGE 22

office of youth affairs WHAT'S NEW?

“The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years. It is the obligation of a Baha’i to educate his children; likewise it is the duty of the children to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support their families. This, for a Baha’ youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering. The Baha’i community will need men and women of many skills and qualifications; for, as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the life of society will increase and diversify. Let Baha’i youth,

Youth mentoring: Bahéi professionals needed! ‘The Office of Youth Affairs is recruiting Baha’{ professionals to take part in a new initiative aimed at helping young Baha’is with career planning and development.

Primary goals are to provide an online resource for Baha’i students and pre-professionals, and to start a career-oriented network within the American Baha’f community.

Baha’i professionals are invited to submit any information (advice, personal stories, job profiles etc.) that Baha’i youth interested in your field can use. Contact the Office of Youth Affairs (contact information below).

therefore, consider the best ways in Maa tan iati F Service Needs in the U.S. which they can use and develop Office of Youth Affairs — Baha’i National Center their native abilities for the Baha’ National Center e-mail service of mankind and the 1233 Central St. Baha’i schools and institutes: Bosch, Cause of God, whether this be as Evanston, IL 60201 Green Acre, Louhelen, Louis Gregory, farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, Phone: 847-733-3499 Native American Baha’i Institute musicians, or any one of the multitude Fax: 847-733-3502 e-mail of livelihoods that are open to them.” E-mail: Summer Conservation Team at the

—Universal House of Justice, letter Baha’i House of Worship

dated June 10, 1966 www.bahaiyouth.com e-mail

in your region

UPDATES

They're coming: Youth ... Building the Kingdom!

ern The Regional Baha'i

Council of the

Western States is delighted to

announce five Youth Forums to be held in

March and April. These forums will be the

beginning of exciting developments for all

Bahé’f youth and junior youth, who have a

vital role as teachers and servants of the Cause of God.

Come and be a part of the launching of these Youth Forums. More details will be announced later.

Utah March 16-18, U. of Utah, Salt Lake City Arizona March 30—April |, Arizona State U., Tempe S. California April 13-15, Pilgrim Pines, Yucaipa N. California Apr 13-15, Camp James Gulch, La Honda Washington May 4-6, Bellevue

Contact the Western Regional Baha'i Council’s Youth Office (phone 650-3231552, e-mail ).

A new e-mail distribution list has

been established for all junior youth, youth and young adults in the Central States. To subscribe, write to . To post mes tral

sages, write to

° “Agents. of Change,” a network of youth representatives appointed by the Regional Youth Committee serving Michigan and Ohio, gathered Jan. 19-21 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to discuss mobilization of youth in those two states. The involvement of youth in the upcoming Building the Kingdom Conference (June 28-July | in Milwaukee, Wisconsin); plans for a major summer teaching project in Columbus, Ohio; and strategies for connecting youth with the training institute process were chief topics of consultation.

theast Twenty-eight

of the nation’s

186 campuses with registered

Baha'is are located in the Northeastern

States. This compared to 83 in the

South, 34 in the Central States and 41 in

the West. At latest count, a total of 1,608

registered or enrolled Baha’is between ages 11-25 lived in the Northeast.

thern About 1,500 young people gathered near Washington, DC, for the annual Thanksgiving DC Youth Congress (held in late December this year). One innovation: “youth promoters” served before, during and after the congress, striving to be catalysts for challenging youth to become “invincible champions of justice.” After more than a day’s training, the “promoters” served in specific ways, such as helping to elevate the atmosphere of the congress with a sense of discipline and purpose, helping to ensure that all participants felt embraced by the spirit and purpose of the congress, and helping young Baha’is meet their commitments of service. @

February 26, 2001

Tue American BanA’i * Youtn page 21 [Page 22]

during a public program on the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah in Rockville, Maryland, offered by the Montgomery College Baha’i Club along with the Spiritual Assemblies of Rockville and Montgomery County Northwest. Featuring a variety of international music, the celebration attracted more than 150 people, two of whom enrolled in the Faith. —

opportunities on the horizon, having more wonderful young Baha’fs such as those who have and are working with us, s serve the National Assembly various issues of the larger society, jout further stretching the

esources of the National Assembly,” said Kit Cosby, director of the office.

YOUTH INTERNS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Sum Mehrnama said. “Working with the Office of External Affairs is the perfect fit for this desire.”

He added, “I know that my knowledge of the Faith will grow immensely

through the research and work I will be Any college-age youth interested asked to do. Most of all, I hope that I can in applying for an internship for use my experiences to work more in this this summer or beyond should

send a cover letter and résumé to the Office of External Affairs, 1320

area in the near future so that I can be of better service to the Faith.”

The external affairs staff has found 19th Street NW, Suite 701, Washthat the internship program has helped ington, DC 20036 (e-mail substantially to support the work of the

office. “With an ever-increasing host of

“Tt brought us all closer in the joy

of service. We had time away from

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

GUL AV OME, +a werkbbepsparcipan?

Spiritual Assemblies are working to build a new state of mind.

Join them by taking one of 15 Assembly Development Module Workshops. Contact the Office of Assembly Development at 847-733-3490, or go to wwurusbne.org

e-mail

Persian Culture conference

to examine ‘New Century’

NS the Threshold of a New Century” is the theme of the 11th annual conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association, to be held Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at the Wyndham Northwest Chicago Hotel in Itasca, Illinois.

Persian- and English-langua; sions will deal with such topics as: ¢ Women’ Progress in Iran, their Fu ture, and the Role of the Baha’s

s in their Advanceme

ge ses

°M

Abu’l-Fadl, the Outstanding

a Scholar of the Century (by Dr. Heshmat Moayyad).

• Development of Education in Iran

and the Role of the Iranian Baha’i Community in that Process (by Dr. Iraj Ayman).

• The State of Youth in Iran and the

Role of the Baha’f Youth There.

• Many more presentations on the state

of Iranian music, cinema, architecture, painting, calligraphy and literature at the turn of the 21st century.

Baha'is and friends of the Faith will perform a variety of music, drama and folk dance. Other activities are expected to in

Children who are interested in performing (poetry recitation, dance, etc.) should contact the PersianAmerican Affairs Office; address and

phone below.

Youth and pre-youth who are interested in sharing their thoughts and artistic talents, or who have any questions regarding their sessions, may contact Sheedeh Mahboobipoor (phone ).

clude a visit to the Baha’{ House of Worship, a tour of Baha’f historic sites in Chicago, poetry reading, talent shoy

Pre-youth and youth sessions will be held on the conference’s main theme, as well as special classes for children ages 3-11.

More details, including information on registration and hotel reservations, will be shared in upcoming issues of The American Baba’s. %

For more information pl contact the Persian-American Aff Office, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central

Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 84731 or 3476). @

ABS invites presentation proposals for conference on ‘Spiritual Civilization’

he Association for Baha'i Studies North America invites proposals for presentations for its 25th Annual Conference, themed “Towards a Spiritual Civilization,” set for Aug. 31—-Sept. 3 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers, Seattle, Washington.

Proposals for presentations and workshops are invited on the topics described below (though not limited to them); deadline is May 1, 2001. You should include a 250- to 500-word description of your proposed presentation or workshop, biographical information about the presenter and current contact information including postal address, phone and e-mail address.

Send proposals to: Association for Baha’{ Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 7K4 (fax 613233-3644, e-mail ). More details will be available on the ABS Web site (www.bahai-studies.ca).

‘The completion of the Mount Carmel Projects in the Holy Land—the ‘Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab and the Arc buildings—has been identified by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha’ Faith, as marking the “culmination of the development” of the Baha’f Administrative Order. This process, he indicated, would synchronize with “the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Baha’i national and local institutions.”

The edifices of the Arc on Mount Carmel are characterized by the Univer

sal House of Justice as “the visible seat of mighty institutions whose purpose is no other than the spiritualization of humanity and the preservation of justice and unity throughout the world,” writing further that the beauty of the gardens and

‘Terraces is “symbolic of the nature of the

transformation which is destined to occur

both within the hearts of the world’s peoples and in the physical environment of the planet.”

This year’s ABS-North Ameri ference will explore aspects and implications of these proce: and our role within them, including: © The textual basis of these processes in

the Baha’f writings.

• The Lesser Peace as a prelude to the

Most Great Peace.

• The World Order of Bahd’u'lléh as the

matrix of spiritual civilization.

• The evolution of Baha’ administrative

institutions.

• The nature and character of a spiritual

civilization.

• The role and contribution of Native

peoples in relation to the concept of “spiritual civilization.”

• The role of women and the processes

leading to equality of women and men.

• The role of scholarship and Baha’{

studies.

Presenters from every field, discipline and profession are invited to analyze these topics in relationship to their own area of specialization.

Tne American BanA’i ¢ News/Continued

page 22 February 26, 2001 [Page 23]

AND MICHAEL DUTTON aujo, a diplomat, educa \ Victor de é tor and scholar in English litera ture, served the Baha’{ International Community as its principal United Nations representative from 1967 through 1990.

De Araujo, of Vista, New York, died January 4, 2001, in a Norwalk, Connecticut, hospital. He was 78 years old.

Born near London, England, de Araujo spent his childhood and youth in Brazil. He came to the United States in 1946 as a vice consul at the Brazilian Consulate in Chicago, and accepted the Baha’{ Faith about that time. He worked six years in the Brazilian diplomatic and consular corps, later finding private employment in the Chicago area. He became a U.S. citizen in 1954.

After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, he began teaching at Yakima (Washington) Community College and then the University of Washington at Seattle, where he earned a doctorate in English literature. He then took an assistant professorship at the University of MichiganFlint College. All the while he was an active Baha’i teacher and lecturer.

He then followed in the footsteps of the pioneering Mildred Mottahedeh, who had become the Baha’{ Faith’s first UN observer at the time the Baha’{ International Community (BIC) was organized in 1948. In 1967, de Araujo became the BIC’s full-time UN representative, and Mottahedeh worked part time alongside him for several more years.

Dianne DeMuth honored for service

| ase DeMuth was so loved and appreciated by students and fellow teachers at Saunders Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, they raised $5,000 for cancer research in her honor, and nominated her as teacher of the year for 2000-2001—even though her illness only allowed her to teach for a month this school year.

DeMuth passed away October 23, 2000, after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 58.

Her school principal was quoted in the Newport News Daily Press as calling DeMuth “a dedicated staff member who was concerned for children.” In addition to being a veteran of several decades as a teacher, she vounteered as a child’s advocate in a program associated with a local juvenile and domestic relations court.

She was born and educated in Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 35

ars, Stephen H. DeMuth; both have members of the Baha’i community of Newport News. Other survivors include a son, Stephen DeMuth Jr.; a daughter, Christine Pilger; a brother and a grandson.

Among his first responsibilities was to present on behalf of the Universal House of Justice a special edition of The Proclamation of Babd’u’llib to the heads of missions of nearly 50 UN member states, whose heads of state could not be reached in their own countries.

During the next 23 years, he was actively involved in issues of human rights, the environment, peace and disarmament, the family, the equality of men and women, and children and youth. He attended meetings and conferences both at UN headquarters and around the world. He also worked closely with a large number of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) associated with the UN, and chaired several associated committees including the Executive Committee of NGOs with the UN Department of Public Information, the NGO Committee on UNICEF and the NGO Committee on the Family.

De Araujo also authored and coauthored numerous statements that pre Victor de Araujo (right) makes a statement at the 1972 Annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, seated next to then-UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim (center front).

File photo originally provided by United Nations Office of Public Information

sented the Bahd’i view on a wide range of social and humanitarian issues. He represented the BIC at many international UN conferences over the years.

His reports on BIC activities appeared in several volumes of The Babd’i World starting with Vol. XV (1968-73).

In his tenure the staff of the BIC grew to more than 30 full-time employees in New York and Geneva, Switzerland.

After his retirement in 1990, de Araujo continued to remain active in local activities of the Baha’{ Faith. He enjoyed literature and the arts, and participated in poetry workshops and readings. He and his wife, Betty, Vista residents since 1980, were active in a borhood book discussion group as well at’ the Reader’s Choice Book Group at the New Canaan library.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Mark and Georgia de Araujo of Danville, Kentucky; a daughter and son-in-law: Susan and Michael Dutton of Newtown, CT; two brothers and four grandchildren.

Ben Ogron traveled far in service to the Faith

en L. Ogron, a longtime

Baha’ and homefront pioneer to 22 localities, made teaching and service to the Faith his life’s work. He passed away September 18, 2000, in Culver City, California. He was 91.

Ogron served as chairman on numerous Spiritual Assemblies, as he moved about in various states from Ohio to California. i

He had first heard of the Bahd’f Faith in the 1940s. After his wife enrolled in the Faith, Ogron deeply studied the teachings and was much influenced by Lydia and Sarah Pereira.

Soon after becoming a Bahd’f himself, Ogron was a muchadmired speaker, known for his warmth, wisdom and humor. He spoke regularly at firesides, at interfaith panels, and on numerous radio broadcasts in Nevada alongside Ruth Moffett.

The family counts about 300 seekers guided to embrace the Faith with the help of his gentle delivery.

Ben is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bernice Ogron; a daughter, Karen Ogron; a son and daughterin-law, Larry and Kristina Ogron; and a grandson. @

IN MEMORIAM

Hilda Arthur Marcia Elberson Jesse Kennedy William Parente George E. Stewart Wallingford, CT Tucson, AZ El Centro,CA New York City, NY Memphis, TN December 18, 2000 January 24, 1999 December 6, 2000 December 4, 2000 July 7, 2000 Douglas Calley Martha Erickson Clarence King Jr. Shams El-Moluk _ David P. Terentieff Nevada City, CA Minneapolis, MN Mayes County, OK Parvini Kennewick, WA October 2000 December 4, 2000 October 21, 2000 Mission Viejo, CA November 13, 2000 November 16, 2000 Billy D. Coronado Edna Fechtner Fredrick Menifee Rick J. Vining Arvada, CO Lindenhurst, IL Volusia County, FL Nina Petrulis Oneonta, NY December 19, 2000 January 1, 2001 November 28, 2000. Marshall, MI November 18, 2000 September 22, 2000 Sheila Y. Cowan O. Ray Fechtner William K. Jessica Z. Waterford Cape Coral, FL. Lindenhurst, IL McCandless Beth E. Pritchard _ Hillsborough Cty., FL September 26, 2000 December 4, 2000. Walla Walla, WA. Erwinna, PA November 21, 2000 December 10, 2000 1998 Harriet Cruyer Manwa Jerome E. Weiss Waukesha, WI Hanumansingh Ben L. Ogron Becky L. Smith West Allis, WI December 16, 2000 New York City, NY Culver City, CA Azle, TX April 25, 2000 November 27,2000 September 18, 2000 Noyember 7, 2000 Victor de Araujo Hilda F. Wilson Vista, NY. Vedad B. Jurney Adelaide H. Owen. Shahpur Sohaili Wilmette, IL January 4, 2001 High Point, NC Bradenton, FL Santa Monica, CA May 6, 1999 November 7, 2000 December 4, 2000 December 22, 2000 Alexander Doull Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Baha’ National _ Seng Yang _ Tucson, AZ Center. To report the passing of a Baha'i in the United States, please contact the Mem- Modesto, CA. September 28, 1999 bership Office, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail S-membership@usbne.org). October 25, 2000

—

February 26, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ In Memoriam page 23

[Page 24]

lassified notices in The American

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

f you know of anyone who has skills in

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

Meeting/Hospitality Assistant, Meetings and Travel Office. Will promote loving, attentive, pleasing atmosphere for meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Baha'i National Center. Involve

in menu planning, meeting setup and close-down, supply purchasing, stockroom maintenance, collaboration with the Office of the Secretary and Properties Office. Will also assist with travel-related and billing tasks, Very flexible work schedule available to accommodate intermittent weekend meetings. Should have aptitude for creating an aesthetic decor, arranging flowers; must be able to work well under pressure and time constraints. Concrete Journeyman, Conservation Office. Uli in state-of-the-art concrete repair for the historic Baha'i House of Worship. Opportunity to manage and train concrete arti

e your

sans in a unique studio environment. Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Wilt manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all

equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained, Needs at least five

years’ experience in all are tenance (HVAC, el try, painting, cleaning et

of building main

tri

1, plumbing, carpen) with three to five

years as a maintenance ; valid driver's license; s y Staff Producer, Media Services. video/audio production tasks, especially writing/development of Babd’s Newsreel. Keeps day-to-day production process in order; researches, gathers news, writes, edits fi

ished Newsreel stories, at times on own; helps develop network of correspondents; arranges duplication/distribution. Needs broad knowledge

and experience in broadcast journalism; flexi bility, organizational skills, familiarity with

Baha’{ administration.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Systems Support Manager (technical manager). Must know Windows NT4/2000, have WAN experience.

Senior Applications Developer (2 positions).

Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: VB/VBA (pre ferred), SQL7, Microsoft Access, Web ‘Tools, Delphi, C++.

Applications Developer. Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with variety of technologies: VB/VBA (preferred), database, Web Tools. Network Administrator/Engineer.

URGENT NEEDS

Kingdom Project/Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Administrative Assistant. Will maintain database on pledges and cash contributions related to the Kingdom, Project; produce regular large-scale mailings, make meeting/travel arrangements; provide telephone coverage. Must have exceptional ability to work with others; familiarity with computer software (Word, Excel, Access etc.) and some hardware; typing at least 50 wpm; experience as administrative or executive assistant, Persian-American Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Office skills should include Microsoft Windows 98 and/or 2000, possibly Excel; typing 55 wpm, calculator by touch. Excellent verbal and written skills in both Persian and English a MUST. Should be well- versed in both cultures, able to interact with all types of people; must possess in-depth knowledge of the Baha’{ Faith and have excellent consultative abilities. Office of the Secretary, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Interacts with all departments, composes responses to all correspondence, handles high volume of detailed information with frequent interruptions. Needs sound problem-solving/organizational judgment, ability to work with confidential information and to work as part of a team (with and without supervision), written and interpersonal communication skills, proficiency in word processing, driver's license. Green Acre Baha’t School, Eliot, Maine: Food Service also Assistant Cook (part time). Head Cook plans all meals, cooks or supervises cooking, manages dining room and kitchen, makes food purchases; supervises Assistant Cook and up to 6 volunteers. Must have at least 3

” experience as cook and 2 years’ experience as head cook. Assistant Cook helps Head Cook and occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have at least 2 years’ experience as a cook. Bosch Baba’i School, Santa Cruz, California: Assistant Cook (full time). Helps | Head Cook and occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have at least 2 years’ experience as a cook.

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

Cook;

Responsible for configuration, maintenance, security of computer network infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including servers, cabling, routers, switches, NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers. Should know NT4/Win2K.

SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates database development. Responsible for

erprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization, Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to MS SQL7 using MS Access, VB or other tools.

Telephone Systems Specialist.

Report Writer. Skilled in Access, Crystal Reports; Visual Basic helpful.

Help desk. Coordinates support activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support

for LSAL Handles or delegates requests for support. Develops training-related materials, assists promotion and education.

For BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE WiMeTTE, ILUNOIS Associate Editor. Helps coordinate and execute all phases of content acquisition/d proofing, and digital print production for all

opment,

ix issues per year of Brilliant Star in a creative, deadline-driven atmosphere; assists with other print projects within Baha’ Media Services.

Must have two years’ experience with ed and production work in educational publ

for children (ages 6-12);

miliarity with children’s activities and educational materials to

suit various reading levels and learning styles in the context of Bah: ings. Must have strong creative writing and editing skills

teacl

Should be detail-oriented; able to work in a consultative manner as a member of a team, as

well as independently with lite supervision.

At Bosch BAHA'I SCHOOL Santa Cruz, CA Children’s Program Coordinator/Teacher. Looking for a dynamic, personable, energetic person with a bachelor’s degree in education or related field; must be trained in Core

Curriculum; must have knowledge of curricuJum building for children of all ages on a wide range of subjects; able to contact and supervise teachers. Will plan and organize program as well as help with adult Organizational and leadership skills

st; musical talents are a plus.

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

ACROSS THE NATION ‘The Office of Women’s At of the National Spiritual Assembly is looking for

interested people willing to serve as copy and formatting editors for upcoming publications. For more information, please contact Sasha

Williams (e-mail phone 517-484-8371).

Freelance editorial help urgently needed! Deepened Baha'is with editorial experience to help the Baha’ Publishing ‘Trust with substantive editing, copyediting, fact checking, coding

of manuscripts for desktop publishing, or

proofreading of book projects. Excellent command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling is essential, Must have access to e-mail and Microsoft Word 97 (or later). Must be sensitive to deadlines. Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style is helpful. If interested, please contact ‘Terry Cassiday (e-mail ).

URGENT NEED

Director, NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION New York, NY ot a Poy job description 3 Visit www.usbne.org and click on the “Current Opportunities for Service” link in the What's New list.

We regret that no inquiries (by phone, fax or mail) or visits to the Office of Public Information or to

the Office of External Affairs can be

accepted,

South DeKalb County, Georgia: Caretaker/Facilities Manager, Babi’i Unity Center: Average: 20 hours a week. This 20,000-square-foot center includes a social hall with kitchen, newly remodeled gym, 300-seat auditorium, library, offices, boardroom, bookstore and prayer room a growing Sunday School. Facilities are used for regular South DeKalb Baha'i community events, SED/outreach programs, and special events involving metro Adanta’s approximately 45 Assemblies and 2,500 believers. Facilities are also rented to some non-Baha’f users. Caretaker/facility manager will ensure the efficient operation of the Unity Center and take measures for the safety and comfort of members, visitors and guests.

Duties include: janitorial/maintenance service and contracting for such service (for special projects etc.), scheduling/rental, inspecting building condition, answering voice mail, managing supplies and petty cash, coordinating volunteers, consultation/ reporting.

Caretaker is provided a residence near the Unity Center. To be considered, applicants must commit to at least one year of service. The position becomes available April 1. For information, please contact Cliff Owens-Leech (phone ). To apply, send a letter of interest, a résumé and a list of references with contact information to the Baha'i Unity Center,

houses

Attn: Caretaker Search Committee (e-mail

).

INTERNATIONAL China: Numerous openings for English teach

nals

ers and pro ling to travel for serv

ice in this rapidly developing country. For information contact Susan Senchuk (phone » fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i

National Center, 1233 Cen IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail

).

page 24 THe AMerICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED

February 26, 2001 [Page 25]

URGENT NEED AT THE BAHA'I Wor tp CENTER, HAIFA, ISRAEL

Maintenance/Janitorial Supervisors

The Works Office at the World Center is responsible for physical maintenance of buildings,

carpentry, plumbing, electrical works, etc.

volving renovations, repairs,

‘The Cleaning Maintenance Department is responsible for keeping the buildings

clean; this involves janitorial work, pro

tecting and cleaning floors, walls, furniture, art objects etc. The person heading this department not only must be knowledgeable and experienced in technical details—for instance, knowing what chemicals apply to what object—but also must be able to supervise a number of helpers. The buildings to be looked after

cover a wide range, from the character

seums to that of ordinary offices.

of

For more information see: www.usbne.org

Please send your résumé to: Baha’i National Center Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733 3430, e-mail )

Wanted: A variety of stories on how people throughout the world have become Babiiis, | want it to represent everyday people from many ‘alled to the Path:

A similar book,

walks of life; tentative title i Stories about Becoming Babd'

Once to Every Man and Nation, focused on North

book will include stories from all over the

merican Baha’, but the upcoming

globe. If you have an interesting story you would like to be included in the anthology, please contact Jonathan King, c/o Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, TL 60201 (e-mail ).

‘The National Baha’s Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian to the following: Augustine Fazlollah, Adolph J. Fe ira, Betty S. Feldman, Lor Nellie LG. Fender, Mary L. Fenn, Nellie C, Fenton and D.W. Ferguson. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian's letters is asked to contact the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Amelia F

The National Baha'i Archives is seeking photographs of the following: Ali Nakhjavani, Peter Khan, Adib Taherzadeh, Ian Semple, Hooper Dunbar, Farzam Arbab, Douglas Martin, Hushmand Fatheazam and Kiser Barnes. Please identify the photographs if possible with name(s), locality and date. Anyone with photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

YOUTH

At THE BAHA'i House OF WorsHIP. WILMETTE, ILINOIS

Summer Employment Opportunity: Temple Conservation Team! Secking youth 18 and older for summer 2001. Summer technicians take part in cleaning the dome, replacing sidewalks, building and landscape maintenance, detailed inspections, photo documentation and

other tasks, Must have considerable sel pline and maturity, but no specific preservation experience is required. For additional informa

tion and to receive an application packet, contact the Conservation ‘Team (phone 847-8532331, e-mail ). Applications due by March 15, 2001.

Green Acre Bah’ School is seeking volunteers,” especially older youth (age 18 and up ot high school graduates) for terms of service in a variChildren/pre-youth teachers and

ts (experience and/or Core training highly desirable), food service (assistant cook, dishwashers, and general help), mainte

ety of areas:

riculum

nance (gardening, groundskeeping, general aning and repairs), bousekeeping (care for sleeping and meeting facilities); recreation,

Library, office, bookstore/cafe. People with all levels of experience may apply. Some service

month commit

assignments involve 6- to 1 but we also need volunteers for shorter

periods (8-12 weeks) of fi

Il-time service during summer, beginning June 18. Volunteers receive room and board at no cost, but they must be

able to cover their own transportation costs and

personal expenses, and have emergency medical insurance. During orientation we examine the spiritual significance of service, begin training in necessary skills, and start to experience what the Hand of the Cause Siegfried Schopflocher called “the mysticism of Green Acre”—the opportunity to feel the “spirit of lov

action.”

If you feel moved to conse few months

or a year to the service of th ssembly at one of its national

itual

schools, please let us know as soon as possible. Contact: Office of Youth Affairs, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3499, fax 847-733-3502, € Or: Jeannine Sacco, Green Acre Bahi’t School, 188 ) t., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200 fax 207-438-9940, ); Web site: www.gre

e-mail

acre.org

Highlights ?

• Tours of Baha'i House of

Worship, Baha’f Home, Media

OASIS

Please select the weekend for your visit (6 p.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Sunday, in either case): July 5-8; register by June 1 * Aug. 2-5 ; register by July 1 Please note that low advance enrollment could cause either of these visits to be canceled.

Baha’i House of Worship

SPIRITUAL

SPECIAL VISIT REGISTRATION

‘ou are invited to participate in the 2001

Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’lAdhkar. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from the Mother ‘Temple a spiritual oasis memorable experience with this sacred place. Baha’is may bri not enrolled Baha'is, with the understanding

in which to relish a

friends and family who are

that some activities may require supplementary explanation for these visitors.

Registration (please clip or copy this form)

Family name of your travel group:

How many people?

Address Services, Publishing Trust, Archives, National Center City State ZIP Code

• Presentations on properties and a

“Tesnpls coageeRBa If not from U.S., which country?

• Audiovisual and film programs “‘Telephone—Home Work

• Baha’ Bookstore shopping

• Enrichment sessions from the

Office of Pioneering, the National ‘Teaching Committee and the House of Worship

• Garden teaching and guiding —

Fax

List name(s) and Baha’s ID number(s) Indicate ages of children/youths (ages 5 and up may register).

E-mail

if applicable, of all registrants; use additional sheet as needed.

‘opportunities id

• Option to read in daily devotional

programs in the Auditorium

• Classes and activities provided for

children ages $-11 '

(infanv/toddler care not provided)

• Some youth-specific activities (if a

sufficient number register)

• Group photo; lakeshore park with

beach; free-time opportunities

Registration fees: Adult $25, Youth (12-20) $20, Child (5-11) $10 Please send fees with this form; make checks payable to the Baha’i Services Fund. International visitors, please send fees by cashier's check in U.S. dollars.

Accommodations

Howard Johnson’s Skokie can provide a group room rate (per night: one queen bed $89; double beds $99). Hot buffet breakfast included. If you check option “A” below, we will register you with the hotel, but you must handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. Please plan to lodge with members of your own family or with friends of the same gender. This office cannot match roommates.

A. _____ Would you like to stay at the Howard Johnson? Number of rooms needed___ Number of people in each room____

If staying at the Howard Johnson, do you plan to use its shuttle service? ___ Special needs? B. ____ Would you like us to send you a list of other hotels? C. ___ Will you stay with friends in the area? Phone #.

Transportation/meals

Shuttle will be provided between the Temple and the Howard Johnson. ‘Two lunches and some snacks are included. Other meals and transportation will be on your own. All registrants will receive Chicago transportation information. ‘TAB 2/26/01

Please direct inquiries to the Activities Office (phone 847-853-2327, e-mail d

February 26, 2001

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED page 25 [Page 26]

BAHA’i SUBSCRIBER SERVICE ¢ 800-999-9019

Available soon: Fall 2000 issue

• Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis on

African-American women writers

management and change

and slavery in the United States

World Order

Now available: Summer 2000 issue

Honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab

• Editorial: The Bab (1817-50): Remembering the Co-Founder

of the Baha'i Faith ¢ Muhammad Afnan on the Bayan, the Bab’s most significant work ¢ Howard Garey translates Gobineau's firsthand account of the birth of a new religion © Kevin A. Morrison reviews The Cure’s latest album, Bloodflowers

• Dorothy Marcic on organizational
• Gayle Morrison on convictry in Australia

• Michael L. Penn on Oedipus today

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

Subscriptions:

US—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside US. air mailH— $24 / year, $46 12 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly Subscriptions: US.—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail—$18 / year, $32 / 2 years Outside US. air maik—$28 / year, $52 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling See “Kid’s Corner,” page 15

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 US. air mail—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years

Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling

One Country Quarterly about development by the Baha’i International Community Subscriptions: US—$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside US. air mail—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

Herald of the South

Quarterly by National Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand Subscriptions: U.S—$28 / year, $50 / 2 years Outside US: Contact Herald of the South,

e-mail Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling

Which publication?

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Send to:

Address.

City

Country

State, ZIP

Daytime phone or e-mail

Sold to (if different from recipient):

Address

Home phone

State, ZIP

Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N

Fax

Work phone

E-mail

Check/mon:

order payment must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable to Servic combine

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017

Baha’i Distribution ice. Do not with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents indude sales tax. Credit cai (if edit cards Exp. date Cardholder signature Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service, ‘TAB 2/26/01

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

Honor those you love on their You may get these Treasurer’s special days or remember them Office forms: after they’ve passed on * On the Web: Printable forms for these special contributions are avaiable on the Administrative ... with your gift to the National Baba’t Fund. Web Site (www.usbne.org).

Each gift sent with an “In Honor” or “In

Memory” form will be beautifully acknowledged by the National Spiritual Assembly.

from the Offce ofthe Treasurer, 1233 Central St, Eranston, IL 60201 (e-mail i

• Through the mail: Printed forms are available

Other forms and information for individuals and treasurers on www.usbnc.org

Local budget worksheets * Audit and other report forms * Fund-raiser notes Automatic Contribution System * Stewardship and Development.

INFORMATION ON YOUR

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

oF 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 wip
• 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 Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP oR Copy As NEEDED

For which event or activity?

Name

Address

City State, ZIP Phone E-mail

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

TAB 2/26/01

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February 26, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BANA’ ¢ PeRSIAN page 29 [Page 30]

Human Rights Day event stresses need to promote acceptance of diversity

BAHA’I WORLD NEWS SERVICE

¢ United Nations: Featuring a ninecity video conference that gave it global reach, a Dec. 7 commemoration of Human Rights Day focused on preparations for next year’s World Conference Against Racism, with speakers stressing the worldwide nature of racism and intolerance and the need to find new approaches that will promote the acceptance of human diversity.

“For too long diversity has been regarded as a threat rather than a gift,” said Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who spoke

from Santiago, Chile, where she was taking part in a regional preparatory meeting for the upcoming World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held Aug. 31-Sept. 7 in Durban, South Africa.

“Tt is time that we refocus our understanding and allow diversity to be a potential for mutual enrichment and benefit,” said Robinson, who is also secretary-general of the Racism Conference.

Another of the speakers, Techeste Ahderom, chairman of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on Human Rights and a Bahé’i

Celebration in Peru

International Community representative to the UN, asserted that NGOs have been extensively involved in preparatory meetings for the Conference. “There is an effort to try to pass from the mere articulation of the problems to true implementation of a solution,” he said.

As did Robinson, Ahderom called for a far-reaching educational campaign as the answer to racial intolerance, and said that NGOs and civil society should be in the forefront of such an effort, building on the “beautiful consensus” they have already achieved in many respects.

‘The videoconference and an Internet discussion group linked participants in

Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Colombia, Geneva, Mexico City, Rome, Santiago and Vienna.

In response to a questioner from Geneva, Robinson said one tangible way to combat racism would be to involve primary school. “Racism is a value system that is learned,” she said. Schools could sponsor essay contests and other such competitions to engender greater tolerance and appreciation of cultural and ethnic differences.

“Racial hatreds are the fruits of ignorance,” added Ahderom. “In the absence of spiritual values, people have a need to elevate one group over another.”

Interfaith study group presents report to king of Norway

Baha’is in the Puno region of Peru celebrate the election of their first Regional Baha’i Council on Noy. 26. The occasion also marked the 19th anniversary of Baha’i Radio of Peru, which broadcasts in the Lake Titicaca region in the Quechua and Aymara languages. Baha'i World News Service

• Oslo, Norway: Participants in a national interfaith

dialogue project met privately with King Harald V of Norway on Dec. 11 to present the results of the yearlong project and discuss their commitment to extending and broadening the dialogue into the future.

Last year, the king was the guest of honor at the launching of the interfaith dialogue project, held at University Aula with professor Hans Kung and the Bishop of Oslo, Gunnar Stalsett, as the keynote speakers. Six dialogue groups—on the of religious freedom; family life; cohabitation, y and equality; environmental issues; violence and nonviolence; and religious and values education—were formed at the event and have continued to meet all year.

“The personal interest shown by His Majesty in interfaith dialogue was deeply appreciated by all the participants and has lent weight to the project,” said Britt Strandlie Thoresen, who repr ai

sented the Baha’ Faith at the meeting. “In the year since we launched this effort, we have formed bonds of fellowship and understanding among Norway’ various faith communities, which we hope will contribute to an atmosphere that welcomes

diversity in our increasingly multicultural country.”

The interfaith dialogue project was sponsored by Norway’s Commission on Human Values and the Cooperation Council on Religious and Life-stance Communities, one of Norway's principal interfaith organizations. According to a government press release, the Commission on Human Values was appointed in 1998 with a three-year mandate to “contribute to a broad mobilization for human values and socio-ethics,” to “enhance positive joint values, and strengthen the responsibility for the environment and community” and “to work against indifference, and promote personal responsibility, participation and democracy.”

During the half-hour meeting with the king at the Royal Castle, an overview of the six dialogue groups’ work was presented by Dag Hareide, member of the Values Commission and main initiator of the project.

“This led to a broad c« importance of interfaith dialogue, its possibil importance as a step toward the removal of prejudices, toward mutual respect and deep tolerance, leading in the end toa peace-building process,” Thoresen reported. @

Youth: International service can be part of your education, not an interruption

tion on serving the Faith abroad,

contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL

_ 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail »

(74 his Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem peoples of all ages, has a special message for the youth of your generation. It is their charter for the future, their hope, their guarantee of better days to come. Therefore the Guardian is especially happy that the young Bahd’is are active in the pioneer work.” —Shoghi Effendi, letter dated June 16, 1942, to an individual believer) It is often said or implied to youth that we must first be formally educated through a respected institution of higher learning before then making significant contributions to the world or undertaking bold adventures in learning. On the other hand, when full engagement in service to the Cause, interaction

with the diverse peoples and cultures of the world, and “classroom learning” occur simultaneously, then a much deeper educational process takes place, one in which soul and mind develop together.

Learning about oneself and about the needs of humanity, and developing one’s sense of calling, then also happen in harmony with each other. When this principle is understood and the creative thinking of youth applied, a variety of expressions begin to emerge:

• Serving more imaginatively right

where one is.

• Dedicating school breaks to periods of

service, on the homefront or overseas.

• Arranging a semester or year of study

abroad, often culminating in a lifetime of pioneering service to humanity.

In this light, pioneering is an integral part of the spiritual and material education of Baha’i youth—not “time off” from it.

In its June 10, 1966, message to the Bahai youth in every land, the Universal House of Justice outlined “Three great fields of service” which “lie open before young Baha'is, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work they can undertake later in their lives.” They are:

“First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their lives, and the forming oftheir characters in accordance with the standards of Bahd’u’llsh.”

“The second, ... which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the faith, particularly to their fellow youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world.” Youth are often able to arise to teach wherever need and opportunities abound because of their “native urge to move from place to place,” their generally greater freedom to choose where they will study, work and live, and perhaps most importantly, their “abounding zeal.”

“The third, ... is the preparation by youth for their later years” which includes their duty “to acquire knowledge of the arts and ind to learn a trade or a profession whereby they ... can earn their living and support their families.” “This, for a Baha’ youth,” the House of Justice said, “is in itself a service to God, a s , Moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering.”

The call to service was sounded more exxplicitly in later letters.

In its Jan. 3, 1984, letter to the Baha’f youth of the world, the House of Justice wrote: “May you all persevere in your individual efforts to teach the Faith, but with added zest, to study the Writings, but with greater earnestness. May you pursue your education and training for future service to mankind, offering as much of your free time as possible to activities on behalf of the Cause.”

Similarly, in the Ridvin 1996 message to the Baha’f world, the House of Justice praised the achievements of the youth in the previous three years, noting such accomplishments as “hundreds of new enrollments and the formation of many local Spiritual Assemblies; involvement ... in music and the arts as a means of proclaiming and teaching the Cause ... participation in external affairs ... [more widely demonstrated] commitment to a year of service; and the increase in the number of youth acquiring formal training and achieving academic, professional and vocational excellence,” all of which they saw as “altogether an indication that the youth are doing more in direct service to the Faith while at the same time contributing to the general development of society.” In future issues: Practical tips.

page 30) Tue American BanA’‘i * INTERNATIONAL News:

February 26, 200! [Page 31]

Information about other needs for travel : ing eee in as many as 150 countries, si

Baha’{ Summer Residence | Belarus, July 19-29.” 30-Aug. 24, ending with ences-firesides in Belarus for the new friends and

• South Africa: “Beyond

Performing Arts and Youth Empowerment Project, Ji 2001-May 19, 2002 t ship is possible). Dance, and interaction as a catalyst in adv:

the process of entry by troops ing hearts. ti se

Conferences, Schools an

• Bolivia: Third annual Lati

Seminar, Feb. 16-18, in Sant ‘Theme: Systematic Learning of the Moral and Spiritual Educa children and junior youth. . ‘ire in the Pacific”

and progress of the Faith in the “the celebration will weave a rich tay

Baha'i ‘sist music and they ‘Two heroines of the Ca

the Cause of God Agn Alexander and Martha Louise

Please contact the Office of | Pioneering for

detailed information about opportunities:

for international traveling teachers.

Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St,

Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508,

fax 847-733-3509, e-mail j »

For more international news on the Baha’i Faith, see the Baha’i World News Service Web site: www.bahaiworldnews.org

BAHA’T WORLD NEWS SERVICE

¢ Jerusalem, Israel: Fifty-four scholars of religion—Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Baha’i—gathered Dec. 17-21 at the Hebrew University to discuss the impact of modernism on their traditions.

The conference, co-sponsored by the Chair in Baha'i Studies at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Humanities and Landegg Academy, has advanced Baha’f studies as an independent field of academic study and enriched the dialogue on the core values common to the monotheistic faiths.

The First International Conference on Modern Religions and Religious Movements in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the Babi and Baha’f Faiths, focused on common approaches within Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha’{ Faith toward the philosophical, social and psychological’ challenges of moderni

very significant that these despite the delicate political

Yair Zakovitch, dean of the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Huma: “People are generally suspicious, and the walls of s on collapsed.”

‘The president of Hebrew University, Menachem Magidor, described to the conference partici ants his vision of making the university into a pr nent center for the study of religion, with research centers devoted to each of the monotheistic faiths. “The Chair in

Hossain Danesh (left) of Landegg Academy and Moshe Sharon of Hebrew University were co-convenors of a groundbreaking international conference on modern religious studies. Bahi'i World News Service

Baha’{ Studies is the first link in this chain,” he said.

Moshe Sharon, holder of the Chair in Baha'i Studies and co-convenor of the conference, said, “Through this conference the Hebrew University has declared its interest in Baha'i studies and its recognition of the importance of this field alongside Jewish, Christian and

enor of the conferangsty rector of

common elements of the monoth religions that have made them cornerstones of civilizations, as well as some of the hings and principles of the Baha’f Faith that address challenges

unique to the modern age.

Participants came mainly from the United States (including five Wilmette Institute faculty members) and Israel, but

Filling. | in the final contributions

Completing a project begun for the Earth Summit in 1992, representatives of 26 nations deposit soil from their countries into the Peace Monument in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Sept. 19 ceremony fulfilled the goal of the Baha’i International Community and the Baha’is of Brazil to place the soils of more than 150 countries inside the 16-foot-tall monument.

Baha'i World News Service

Baha'is help spearhead book of essays on international relations

BAHA’T WORLD NEWS SERVICE

¢ Florianépolis, Brazil: In partmership with the Baha’f community of Brazil, the Joint Parliamentary Committee of Mercosur, the South American common market, has produced a book of essays by wellknown political and cultural figures that explore values and ethical principles that must underpin its international social and economic integration.

The book, A Country Called Mercosur, was previewed at the 19th annual meeting of Mercosur’s Common Market Council, Dec. 14-15. The meeting brought together seven heads of state, including Brazilian President Fernando Enrique Cardoso.

In his introduction to the book, the president of the Joint Parliamentary Commi tee, Julio Redecker, stated that the Baha’f teachings, “synthesized in the phrase ‘The Earth is but one country and mankind its citi

zens, have inspired this project and, particularly, the tide of this book.”

The introductory essay of the book was inspired by the 1995 statement “The Prosperity of Humankind” by the Baha'i International Community.

In tam, a number of thinkers and leaders in various fields wrote their thoughts on this text. They include the Brazilian president as well as Jose Sarney, Raul Alfonsin, Julio Maria Sanguinetti and others. @

land and the United Kingdom. Degui Cai, a professor at China’s Shandong University, gave a presentation on the fundamental principles of the Baha’{ Faith and their relevance to Chinese society.

The final panel discussion included a presentation by Amnon Netzer, a professor at Hebrew University, on “The Jews and the Baha’f Faith.” A Jew of Iranian background, Netzer spoke about the conditions that led as many as 10 percent of Iran’s Jews to convert to the Baha’f Faith.

“The courteous talk, in which Dr. Netzer showed great respect for those who converted, created an atmosphere of interfaith reconciliation for the audience, which included several Israeli Jews with Baha’{ relatives,” said Robert Stockman, coordinator of the U.S. Institute for Baha’{ Studies and director of the Wilmette Institute.

Music heightened the spirit of the conference. The renowned King David String Ensemble performed “Dastam Begir ‘Abdu'l-Bahi,” which the composer had arranged for the occasion.

Kiu Haghighi, a U.S. Baha'i and m: ter of the santour, closed the conference with a virtuoso performance of a piece he composed for the event.

‘The conference was wrapped up with a special trip to the Baha’f World Center and holy sites in Haifa and ‘Akké. ~ A compilation of articles based on the proceedings of the conference will be published during the coming year, and many of the papers will be made available through the Landegg Academy Web site (www.landegg.org).

Israeli stamp to picture Shrine

Haifa, Israel: The Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority will issue a commemorative stamp to mark the expected completion of the Te races of the Shrine of the Bab. The 34inch-long stamp is scheduled to be released in April.

A souvenir leaf containing the stamp and a description of the Shrine of the Bab and the Terraces will be released on the day of the official opening in May. As collectors’ items, the souvenir leaves will be printed only once.

For information on availability of the souvenir leaf, contact the Baha’f Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019). #

February 26, 2001

Tne American BanA’i ¢ INTERNATIONAL News

page 31 [Page 32]

3 , Juni Youth tsi: “Young Wouen and Men as Dynamic Agents of Change”; Ruhi Book 1

training, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit.” 23-25: Three programs

at Bosch: “The Healer

of All Thine Ills”; Ruhi Book 1 training, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”; Assembly Development Modules.

23-25: Naw-Riiz Family Weekend at Louhelen.

30-April 1: “Olya’s Story” at Bosch. 30-April L: “Understanding the Significance of the Station of Louis Gregory” at Green

Acre.

• New York Office: Public

Information Director

_ URGENT NEEDS at the Baha’i World Center: ° erence en oriel oor

at the B Baha’ National Offices:

‘programs, Contact Stephen Friberg, (phone

) 7-9 Youth Study Weekend at Bosch. i 13-15: Four programs at Bosch: “The Dawn-Breakers, Part 2”; Seekers and New Believers Weekend; Ruhi Book 2 training (Book 1 training is a prerequisite); Core Curriculum Parenting Workshop (continues April 27-29). 13-15: Two programs at Louhelen: Youth Eagle Institute; “Blueprint for the Kingdom.” 13-15: “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” at Green Acre. 13-15: Texas A&M Youth and Adult Conference, College Station, TX; theme: “Greater Understanding of Unity” with Erica Toussaint. Contact registrar (phone , e-mail

) or visit Web site (www.aggiebahais.org). 20-22: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at Louhelen. 20-22: Two programs at Bosch: Mothers’ Retreat; “Managing with the Wisdom of Love.” 26-29: Baha’i National Convention, Baha’f House of Worship, Wilmette, IL. Seating is closed; see page 3. 27-29: Three programs at Bosch: Mysticism Conference; Ruhi ‘Tutors Course (Ruhi Book I training is a prerequisite). Core Curriculum Parenting training. 27-29: Two programs at Green Acre: “A True Pattern in Action”; “Created Rich: Achieving True Prosperity.”

27-29: Two programs at Louhelen: “Islam and the Baha’ Faith”;

“A Time to Serve.”

Anna Dechtiar,

lopmer 11-13: Parent Child Weekend: “Raising Biracial Children” and “Persian Language Training” at Louhelen.

18-20: Baha’{ Justice Society 15th annual conference, Baha’f National Center, Evanston, IL. Need not be a BJS member or a Baha’{ to par ticipate; see Web site for details (www.bahaijustice.org).

18-20: “Reaching Christian Hearts with Baha’u’llah’s Good News” at Green Acre. 18-20: ‘Irfan Colloquium and Seminar at Bosch; sessions in English and in Persian.

25-27: “Managing with the Wisdom of Love”

at Louhelen. 25-27: Two programs at Bosch: “Baha’i

Marriage and Family Life”; “Young at Heart.”

25-27: Latin American Weekend at Green Acre.

25-27: Conference of Nir, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA; theme: “Consecration, Love of God and Teaching.”

Session in Persian; youth and children’s programs.

Registrar: Mark Dunmire (phone e-mail must pre-register by May 1. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, PA.

). All participants

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

Marian Dechtiar, Denize Paizao and Lisa Sacco teach a

“To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The mailing label co: Membership Office, Baha'i National acquiring a Post Office bo ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

American Babd’t, send all family members’ na

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Baha’i children's song from Brazil to participants in the recent Winter School at Green Acre Baha’i School. See story on page 8.

Photo by Alexander Rehayem

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