The American Bahá’í/Volume 32/Issue 5/Text

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[Page 1]

2 YEAR PLAN 2001-2006

Convention sees history

First indigenous officer of National Assembly welcomed

BY TOM MENNILLO

s elected vice meeting imme:

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly elected at the 2001 National Convention:

Dorothy W. Nelson

William L. H. Roberts Treasurer

Robert C. Henderson Secretary-General

William E. Davis Chair

Erica Toussaint dred sixtyPatricia Locke Vice-Chair one deleDavid Young tes from Juana C. Conrad Deputy Secretary-General ross the Jack McCants nation had

voted for

our national body in an devotion,” with another eight deleg: ballots by mail. Three members of the tal Board of d the election.

Loc

SEE CONVENTION, PAGE 22

Get ready to share our blueprints for the Kingdom in Milwaukee

ae thousand seekers have been invited to the upcoming Baha’{ National Conference, Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child.

These are the people who have already shown their interest in the Baha'i Faith and its solutions for

by her col

ment of the incoming Assembly at the National Convention, held entirely at the House — of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, April 26-29.

One hun

“atmosphere of joyous

unselors for the Americas wit e and her colleagues were introduced to Convention delegates and observers amid an outpouring of love that included the presentation of a

Lesser Peace: page 5

• Response to a video that rep

national media‘campaign:

following

Bahai

casting ontinen

to the Shrine of the B: the dedication ceremony for

As thousands look on, the pathway from the base of Mount Carmel is lighted just after dusk May 22, during

the Terraces in Haifa, Israel. Story and

more photos, pages 7-8. Baha'i World News Service

humanity—by reaching out for more information through 1-800-22-UNITE or www.us.bahai.org.

Of course, those invitations have been concentrated most heavily on eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, where

SEE CONFERENCE, PAGE 9

be O 373. Va) CACC ED LMR og OL. La) Bahé’i National Conference June 28-July 1, 2001 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Register now! www.kingdomconference.org

June 5, 2001

ecoeoeeeeee

NUR/LIGHT RAHMAT/MERCY BAHAY ERA 158

VOLUME 32, NO. 5 “TENS D-E:

UN COMMISSION VOTES AGAIN TO URGE END TO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST BAHA'IS IN IRAN

PAGE 6

PERSIAN PAGES » 39-42 | reno orien mice THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1, 2000, and April 30, 2001

$27,000,000 Goal/all funds

$17,279,826 Received

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 6 for details

• E-X°C-E-R-P-T-S:

“Call out to Zion, O Carmel, and announce the joyful tidings: He that was hidden from mortal eyes is come!” Baha'u'llah

[Page 2]ALMANAC

Special subject: The Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age

Epoch: An event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development. ... An extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or a memorable series of events.

—definitions from Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary

he exciting announcement by the Universal House of

Justice of the dawn of the Fifth Epoch of the Forma tive Age of the Baha’{ Faith reminds us yet again that we are part of a process of history.

At this stage, our understanding of the importance of the process is limited. Yet we can glimpse ways in which Bahs’w'llih’s revelation is to transform the human race spiritually and materially.

The questions naturally arise: What . constitutes an epoch, what constitutes an age, and why do we refer to the progress of Baha’{ history in those terms?

As pointed out in “The Epochs of the Formative Age,” a document by the Research Department of the Universal House of J tice distributed to National Spiritual Assemblies in 1986, Shoghi Effendi has said the Baha'i Faith is destined to pass through three major evolutionary stages:

• The Apostolic or Heroic Age

(1844-1921), associated with the Cen tral Figures of the Faith: the Bab,

Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. ¢ The Formative or Transitional Age

(1921-??), whose hallmark is the rise

and establishment of the Administrative

Order, based on the terms of ‘Abdu’l Baha’s Will and Testament.

• The Golden Age, which will encompass the establishment

of the Most Great Peace and the “birth and efflorescence of

a world civilization.” «

Within the Heroic Age, Shoghi Effendi identified three distinct epochs: the Dispensation of the Bab, the ministry of Baha’u’llth and the ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. The astounding spiritual energy of that age, the Guardian wrote, generated “through the advent of two independent Manifestations and the establishment of a Covenant unique in the spiritual annals of mankind.”

The Formative Age Shoghi iffendi wrote, would see the following tasks accomplished: “{T}he election of the Si will have been completed, the Ki

series of epochs.

Ne

e been ach: ceived by ‘Abdu’l-Baha will have been executed, the eman pation of the Faith from the fetters of religious orthodoxy will have been effected, and independent religious status will have been universally recognized. ...” —Citadel of Faith, p. 6

Here are some charac cs of the first three epochs of the Formative Age, excerpted from the Research Department document: First Epoch: 1921-1944/46

• Birth and primary si in the structure of the Admii

tive Order of the Faith. Formation of local and national ins nent, beginning the cr teaching ng of the Firs American Baha’{ communi teaching campaign, 2 s s of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Divine ‘Plan i in Se Western. Hemisphere. Second Epoch: 1946-1963 Planning and carrying out of an increasing number of culminating in the Ten Year World in which Shoghi Effendi coordinated nal Assembl ‘The rise and “steady consolidation” of the World Center of the Faith, including completion of the Shrine of the Bab and creation of the International Baha Council—the latter disbanded once the Universal House of Justice was elected in 1963.

• Appointment and functioning of the Hands of the Cause;

While the succession of epochs of the Formative Age is largely concerned with the maturation of the institutions of the Faith, the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Baha is proceeding in its own

The First Epoch of the Divine Plan began with the Master’s addressing of the Tablets of the Divine Plan to the Baha’is of North America in 1916 and 1917. The Second and current Epoch of the Divine Plan was proclaimed in 1963 as the Universal

introduction of Auxiliary Boards; and increased effectiveness

in use of the administrative machinery to advance toward

goals of the Faith worldwide. Third Epoch: 1963-1986 ¢ The global Nine Year Plan (1964-1973), Five Year Plan

(1974-1979) and Seven Year Plan (1979-1986), which ush ered the Baha'i community through a period of vast increase

in it and diversity. ¢ Emergence of the Faith from obscurity and initiation of activi ties to foster social and economic development of communities.

• Creation of the Continental Boards of Counselors and the

International Teaching Center, and establishment of tants to the Auxiliary Boards. ET * Construction and occupation of the . __ Seat of the Universal House of Justic the Baha’f World Center.

Fourth Epoch: 1986-2001

© The Six Year Plan (1986-1992), the Three Year Plan (1993-1996), the Four Year Plan (1996-2000) and the ‘Tivelve Month Plan (2000-2001), in which the Universal House of Justice outlined general aims and characteristics of each plan and left specific goal-setting to the National Spiritual Assemblies.

While the 1986 document could not foresee specific events of the Fourth Epoch, here are some developments highlighted by the Universal House of Justice in its letters to the Baha’is of the world:

• Identification of a process of entry by

troops, with advancements in that proc marked by teaching campaigns t increased the number of the world’s by more than 1 million and vitalized teaching by indigenous believers everywhere, creation of training institutes, new systems for youth service, emphasis on child education, blossoming of artistic effort, growth of and economic development projects, invitation to the public to worship with the Baha’f community, and other developments.

Prodigious events in external affairs including distribution of The Promise of World Peace to heads of government, great efforts in defense of the persecuted Baha'is in Iran, and world-level involvement in various development and environmental efforts. tablishment of dozens of new National Spiritual Assemblies, including those of most of the forme: iet republics and satellites a few years after they were opened or reopened to the Faith. Completion of the Mount Carmel Projects at the Bal World Center, including the 19° errace sofithe Shrine ofthe ib and two new admii ranslation of the entire Kit das into several other languages, and full application of s laws including obligatory prayer and Huqdqu lopment of the ions of the Counselors and their Boards in the work of teach nd protecting the so, establishment of Regional Baha'i Councils to help carry out the plans of selected National Spiritual Assemblies. Fifth Epoch: Just beginning

Saab of jah.

3-4) fatiae some developing S anticipat of global plans leading to the 100th year of the For

© Further development of the Center for the Study of the (with emphas lating more of the writings of dh) and other agencies of the Baha’i World Center. sing cultivation of training institutes in efforts to develop individuals, communities and institutions in their se and serve humani

es to serve the

Creation of systematic growth progr collaboration among local communi Counselors, Auxi A program to build Mother ‘Temple of South Ameri:

.

is completed.

“Excellence in All Things” will return in the next issue of The American Baha’.

vil AMERICAN

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ‘THE BAtVis OF THE UNITED STATES

Baha'i National Center 847-869-9039

Editorial Office of The American Bah@t Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-425-7963 Fax: 847-425-7969 E-mail: |} seers

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor ‘Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors

Aidin Brown, jim Check, Claire Cline, George Costant, Ladan Cockshut-Miller, Sam Conrad, Liz Donaldson, Pearl Fleischhacker, F. Gonzales, Helen Katz, Guity Kiani, John Leonard, Alex Mann, Vladimir Shilov, Viva Tomlin, Rubi Vargha, Dean Willey

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one

special issue) for a total of 10 issues per

year by the Nati Spiritual Assembly of

the Bahs'is of the United States, 1233

Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL

and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number; 1062-1113

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If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Baba’i National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail Ls ‘There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

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

• ARTICLES should be clear, concise and

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

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

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

Aug. 20 issue: Deadline July 3

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

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POU EUMeRMO c ec World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

page 2 Te American BanA’i * ALMANAC June 5, 2001 [Page 3]

RIDVAN 2001 TO THE

early loved Friends,

With great joy in our hearts and high expectations, we come to this Ridvan season at a change of time, when a new state of mind is evident among us all. Abroad in our world community there is a heightened awareness of the value of process, the necessity of planning and the virtue of systematic action in fo tering growth and in developing the human resources by which expansion can be sustained and consolidation assured. The coherence of understanding about these prerequisites of progress cannot be overvalued, nor can the importance of perpetuating them through well-ordered training be overestimated. And so the arrival of our community at such a moment of sness is an occasion of significance for us. We are deeply grateful to the Blessed Beauty to be able to recognize and acclaim it at the very beginning of the global enterprise being launched during these festive day:

‘The power of will generated by this consciousness characterized the conference of the Continental Counsellors and the members of their Auxiliary Boards who gathered last January in the Holy Land. The event produced so illuminating an experience as to signalize the Faith’s entry into a new epoch, the fifth of its Formative Age. Such a freshness of vitality as was displayed at this hi toric gathering came to be understood as a manifestation of the rising quality of activity throughout the community. Pursuit during the past year of the essentials for advancing the process of entry by troops confirmed this observation. The path was thus paved for the Five Year Plan, the first venture being entered upon in the Fifth Epoch.

In augmenting major efforts of the previous Four Year Plan that brought into being more than 300 training institutes, the Twelve Month Plan achieved its purpose. It gathered significance through the notable responses of institutions and individuals to the call for a greater focus on the spiritual nurturing of children and the involvement of junior youth in Baha’{ community life. The training of teachers of children’s classes and the inclusion of junior youth in the institute process have become a regular part of Baha’f activity in a number of countries. Despite its brevity, the Twelve Month Plan had an importance beyond the objectives specifically assigned. The Plan was a dynamic link between a highly eventful epoch in Baha’f history and the immensely promising prospects of a new one, for which its achievements have so well prepared the community. It has been etched in our annals, too, for the enduring effects of the Faith’s activities at the end of the twentieth century—a century that deserves to be reflected upon by any Baha’{ who wishes to understand the tumultuous forces that influenced the life of the planet and the processes of the Cause itself at a crucial time in humanity’s social and spiritual evolution. As an aid to so worthy an effort, Century of Light, a review of the twentieth century, was prepared at our request and under our supervision.

On many occasions during this endeavour, the external affairs acti

one-year ies of the

BAHA’IS OF THE WoRLD

Nearly 1,000 Counselors and Auxiliary Board members gathered at the seat of the International Teaching

Center at the Baha'i World Center in January. Photo by F. Gonzales

Faith were especially visible. Consider, for example, the instances of Baha’i representatives’ having participated prominently in the millennial events that took place in May, August and September at the urging of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The implications of so close and conspicuous an involvement of the Baha’{ International Community with the processes of the Less er Peace will require the passage of time to be properly understood. Among other highlights was the continental colloquium organized in India by the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity, a new agency operating under the aegis of the Baha'i International Community. Adopting the theme of “science, religion and development”, the conference featured the participation of leading non-governmental organizations of India, as well as that of institutions of such renown as UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank. In October, the Baha’i World News Service (BWNS) was launched on the Internet with the intention of reaching both Baha’{ and non-Baha’i audiences with news stories about developments throughout the Baha’f world.

The intensive activities at the Baha’i World Centre during the last year were, for the most part, made known to the friends through previous reports that included references to such achievements as the occupation by the International ‘Teaching Centre of its permanent seat on Mount Carmel; the Conference of Continental Counsellors and the members of their Auxiliary Boards held in the Holy Land last January; and the com

pletion of the Mount Carmel projects, which are now receiving finishing touches in preparation for the celebratory events in May. Last October, for the first time, pilgrims and visitors were received at the new Reception Centre in Haifa, which became fully operational. At Bahji the embellishment of the sacred site through the development of its gardens has proceeded continually; the effort has, however, received a boost from the new project initiated last year to construct a Visitors’ Centre towards the northern end of the property beyond the Collins Gate. Scheduled for completion in the next few months, the structure is fully in place, and work is progressing in all areas, including finishing and landscaping. The new facilities will improve the ability of the World Centre to receive increasing numbers of pilgrims, short-term Baha’s visitors, and special guests.

To conclude this summary of the year, we rejoice in informing you that, after the lapse of almost three decades, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Indonesia was restored at the National Convention held in Jakarta last Ridvan. A ban imposed on Baha’i activities in August 1962 severely restricted the actions of the Indonesian Baha'is for all that time, but they remained steadfast and wise in their long-suffering until changed circumstances in that country resulted in the lifting of the ban. May we not venture to hope, then, that a similar happy report concerning our beleaguered co-religionists in Iran, Egypt and other countries will not be too far distant?

SEE RIDVAN LETTER, PAGE 4

June 5, 2001

Tre American BanA’i ¢ FRom THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

page 3 [Page 4]

RIDVAN LETTER,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

The letter to the assembled Counselors in the Holy Land (dated Jan. 9, 2001), to which this letter makes reference, was published in the March 21, 2001, issue of The American Bahdi. Its text is available on the national Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

Dear Friends: ‘Two decades from now the Baha’i world will celebrate the centenary of the inception of the Formative Age. We look back at the dawning of the Age from the vantage nments that could hardly have nagined at the outset. Up ahead are horizons that urgently summon the community to even greater achievements in the short span separating it from that centennial. Those heights can and must be scaled. The Five Year Plan, to which we call the urgent and sust attention of the friends throughout the world, is intended to meet this challenge. It consti tutes the first of a series of campaigns that will be pursued during these twenty years. This Plan marks the next phase in the aim to accomplish a significant advance in the process of entry by troops. It demands an acceleration of this vital process and, furthermore, insists upon continuity in systematic endeavour on the part of its three constituent participants: the individual, the institutions, and the communi

point of

bee:

ined

No need to elaborate on the requirements of the Plan, for these were set out in our message to the assembled Counsellors in the Holy Land and subsequently shared with all National Spiritual Assembli oon after their conference, the Counsellors began consulting with the National Assemblies about the execution of the Plan in their respective jurisdictions. The Plan’s direction is therefore known to the friends everywhere, as regional and local preparations im are under way. There

et wareness by now that efforts will be made to effect a deeper penetration of the Faith into more and more regions within countries.

For example, where circumstances permit, local communities that exist in close proximity to each other will be mobilized to participate in intensive programmes of growth. Other approaches will require methodical opening of new areas for which homefront pioneers must be raised up in the same consecrated spirit that prompted those who scattered abroad at earlier times to open virgin territories across continents and seas. Suffice it to say that the process animating this divinely driven enterprise will eventually expand as related features are gradually introduced and systematically integrated into its operation.

A feature of the Fifth Epoch will be the enrichment of the devotional life of the community through the raising up of national Houses of Worship, as circumstances in national communities permit. The scheduling of these projects will be determined by the Universal House of Justice in relation to the advancement of the process of entry by troops within countries. This development will unfold throughout successive stages of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Divine Plan. Upon the completion of the Mother Temple of the West, the Guardian started a programme of constructing continental temples. The first among these were the Mashriqu’l-Adhkars in Kampala, Sydney and Frankfurt, which were built in response to Ten Year Plan goals. The Universal House of Ju: tice continued along these lines with the building of Temples in Panama City, Apia, and New Delhi. But this continental stage has yet to be completed: one more edifice remains to be built. It is with profound thankfulness and joy

Photo by Ruhi Varha

that we announce at this au the decision to proceed with this last project. During the Five Year Plan, erection of the Mother Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile, will commence and thus fulfil a wish ly expressed by Shoghi Effendi.

moment

nwhile, the time is propitious that further steps be taken at the World Centre to develop the functions of the institutions occupying the new edifices on the Arc. The International ‘Teaching Centre having advanced significantly in its work, attention will be given particularly to organizing the work of the Centre for the Study of the Texts. Enriching the translations into English from the Holy Texts will be a special object of this attention. The purpose of the institution is to assist the Universal House of Justice in consulting the Sacred Writings and to prepare translations and commentaries on the authoritative texts of the Faith. Moreover, in the Holy Land, a continued effort will be devoted towards the devising of measures to make possi

ble a further increase in the number of pilgrims and visitors to the Baha’i World Centre.

In our Ridvin message five years ago, we announced the holding of a major event at the World Centre to mark the completion of the projects on Mount Carmel and the opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab to the public. The moment is upon us, and we exult in the anticipation of welcoming friends from virtually all countries to programmes that will extend over a five-day period, 21-25 May. We are also happy to say that steps are being taken to connect the Baha’ world to the proceedings through live transmissions on the World Wide Web and by satellite, about which information is being provided. As the World Centre focuses on the preparations, excitement is building up among the public in Haifa, where municipal authorities have undertaken to publish a book entitled Bahai Shrine and Gardens on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel: A Visual Journey to coincide with the event. Moreover, the Israel Postal Authority is pursuing its decision to release the same time a commemorative stamp featuring the Terraces. The significance of the occasion lies principally in the pause it will allow for a review of the remarkable distance the Cause h covered in its development during the twentieth century. It will be time, too, for considering the future implications of the phenomenal accomplishments symbolized by the rise of the monumental structures on God’s holy mountain—a rise that opens the spiritual and administrative centres of our Faith to the gaze of the world.

As our community rejoices in these thrilling considerations, let every member bear in mind that there is no time for resting on Humanity’ current plight is too desperate to allow for even a moment’ hesitation in sharing the Bread of Life, which has come down from heaven in our time. Let there be no delay, then, in advancing the process that has every promise of success in ushering to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts the souls of all that hunger after truth.

jaurels.

May He Who keeps watch over the destiny of His divine System guide and direct and confirm every effort you make towards the reali: tion of the urgent tasks set before you.

THE UNIVERSAL House OF JUSTICE

page 4

Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ From tHe UniversaL House or Justice

June 5, 2001 [Page 5]

Dear Friends, We have the privilege of sharing with you a recent letter received from the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice responding. to a question about the timing of the Lesser Peace. The study of this historic document will provide you with the proper perspective on the distinction between the unity of nations and the Lesser Peace.

With loving Bahé’f greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’ts of the United States

Note: Enclosed with the original letter was a 10-page memorandum that contains a compilation of Baha'i writings on “Attainment of the Unity of Nations and the Lesser Peace.” This compilation is available on the national Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org)..

Dearest Friends,

Message of the Universal House of Justice in reply to an individual and distributed to all

National Spiritual Assemblies, dated April 19, 2001

D ear Baha’i Friend,

issue raised in your letter is that of the er Peace, in light of your impression that the Baha’f Writings anticipate its coming before the conclusion of the twentieth century; i.e., the end of December 2000.

Enclosed for your information is a copy of a memorandum prepared by the Research Department, at the requ of the House of Ju on the subject of the attainment of the unity of nations and the Lesser Peace. Assembled in this document are a number of pertinent passages from authoritative texts of the Faith.

‘The principa timing for the occurrence of the Les

In reviewing this material it becomes there is nothing in the authoritative Bah indicate that the Lesser Peace would be establi: the end of the twentieth century. However, there are clear statements affirming that the unity of nations would be, in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, “securely established” during the twentieth century.

‘These statements, and others appearing in the enclosed document, should be viewed from the perspective that the evolution of the World Order of Baha’u’lléh is an organic process proceeding in accordance with the Divine Will and animated by a spiritual ty. In response to a question, ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote: “The kingdom of peace, salvation, uprightness, and reconciliation is founded in the invisible world, and it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the Word of God!” As a result of consecrated human endeavour over decades, and indeed centuries, this. spiritual reality is gradually expressed in physical form.

An orientation to process is apparent throughout the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi concerning the attainment of world peace. For example, the Guardian reported the Master as having acclaimed actions taken at the conclusion of the First World War to have signalized “the dawn of the Most Great Peace”. This stands in contrast to preoccupation with the short term in the wider

society today which focu: than on evolutionary proces

You should also take note of the distinction between the unity of nations and the Lesser Peace. Shoghi Effendi, in response to questions from believers, clarified that “unity in the political realm”, to which ‘Abdu’l-Baha referred in

exclusively on events rather

his enunciation of the seven candles of unity, “is a unity

the enclosed memorandum, the Lesser Peace will initially be a political unity arrived at by decision of the various governments of the world. The unity of nations can be taken as that unity which arises from a recognition among the peoples of the various nations, that they are members of one common human family.

The twentieth century has been distinguished by the emergence of the unity of nations, to which both Shoghi Effendi and the House of Justice have referred in the enclosed document. This movement, the evidence of which accumulates with each passing day, stands in sharp contrast to the nationalistic tenor of the nineteenth century, and is an evidence of the spirit of a new age moving in the hearts of humankind. Viewed from this perspective, there can be-no doubt that the promise of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd has been fulfilled, and the unity of nations securely established in the century now concluded. The further expansion and strengthening of this consciousness of world solidarity in the years to come will have their effect in the political realm, and will influence the evolution towards world government.

It should not be imagined that the processes now moving in the world will be free from challenge or difficulty. ‘There may and conflicts may erupt periodically, as humanity proceeds towards the emergence and consolidation of the Lesser Peace, giving rise in due course to the establishment of the Most Great Peace.

With loving Baba’ greetings, Department of the Secretariat

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, dated April 17, 2001

With grateful hearts and much joy we share with you

a message from the Universal House of Justice noting their delight at the increasing effectiveness of the media campaign. Their inspiring words of encouragement are certain to enable us to proceed unhesitatingly to attain the “great victories that hover on the

horizon” of our community.

With loving Bahd’i greetings, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’fs of the United States

p= Baha’i Friends,

American Baha’i

have been asked to express th

increasing effectiven

The members of the Universal House of Justice took time today to view the video, “A Trumpet Blast of Knowledge: the New Face of the Community,” which you forwarded with your letter of 16 March 2001. We ir delight at the shown by the video, of the media campaign under way in your coun try. They were deeply moved by the spirit of faith that shone through the expressions of the new believers interviewed on film and warmly encourage you to persevere with the media campaign as an integral part of your ongoing efforts to advance the process of entry by troops in the United States.

With loving Baha’i greetings, Department of the Secretariat

” ROppurenantilete to haar about the sacred law of Huqdqu’llah and applying it in your life:

New videotape: A Visit to the West by the Trustee of Huqdaqu’llah and Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ali Muhammad Varga prepared by the Office of Huqdqu’llah in the Holy Land

To order this video within the U.S.: Please use the multipurpose form on page 35.

Under “Special information,” please list the number of copies of the video you wish to order, as well as the total ¢ ch copy costs $9 plus $3 for U.S. postage. Please enclose payment by check or money order, made out to “Huqiiqu’lléh Video Account.” Mail the form and payment to one of the ‘Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’{ Huququ’llih Trust (see box at right for addresses).

Also: Huququ’llah Web site accessible at www.usbnc.org Codification of the Law * Compilation of writings on Huqdqu’llah * Practical guidelines * History of the in: ition * Prayers * Online videos * Directory of

HuqGqu’llah Representatives across the U.S. + Articles for study

Access WW'W.tsSbme.org with your Baha'i ID number, then click on the “Hugiqu'llah” link

HUQUQU’LLAH / THE RIGHT OF GOD

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

+ Amin Banani, " phone + fax 310-394-6167, e-mail + Stephen Birkland, he ike phone ‘fax 651-490-7521, e-mail rustees, Sal Huqdqu’ll4h to + Sally Foo, phone , fax 609-671-0740, e-mail the National + Daryush Haghighi, Convention phone » fax 440-333-6938, e-mail page 28 + Elizabeth Martin, 2.0. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 -_ phone "fax 803-635-9982, e-mail + Office ofthe Secretariat, Bahé'| HuqGqu'lléh Trust, (phone , fax 440-333-6938, e-mail )

June 5, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ From THe Universat House or Justice/Huqtqu’LLAn

page 5 [Page 6]

LE NE LTT

SeengErNEE

“THE*’SECOND*FRO

UN panel again admonishes Iran

Discrimination against Baha'is still present despite some ‘positive steps’

or the 18th consecutive year, the United Nations Human Rights Commission adopted a strong resolution on Iran on April 20, calling for full emancipation of that country’s beleaguered Baha’i community among other human rights concert

The United States and 20 other counvoted for the resolution as the comon met in Geneva, Switzerland. Seventeen countries voted against it and 15 abstained.

While noting “recent positive ste regarding the situation of the Baha’is, including the report that they will be allowed to re-establish their cemetery in Tehran,” the Human Rights Commission pointed in its resolution to “the still existing discrimination against persons belonging to minorities, in particular

tri mi

The resolucont ‘arged the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to eliminate dis t Baha’fs and to carry out ions for the

is

other religious minoritie previous UN recommen “full emancipation” of those minorities, and “to address the matter manner with the full parti minorities themselves.

‘The commission notified Iran that it will “continue its examination of the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, paying particular attention to further developments,

nan open ‘ipation of the

Early Baha’i findings from FACT

It is important to note that 72% of Baha’i communities have 25 or fewer adult members. This community size may relate to some challenges we face.

Some areas with room for development

About half of the Baha’i respondents said they found their community to be “spiritually vital and alive.” About half of the Baha’i respondents report that their community helps them “deepen in their relationship with God.”

• Fewer than half report that their Baha’i

.

community “is a moral beacon in the com munity.”

Some areas of particular success

• Three-quarters of Baha’i respondents said

that “our worship services are spiritually uplifting and inspirational.”

65% report that “members are excited about the future of the community.”

are “working for social justice” than

More Baha’i communities report that they

Comprehensive information on the status of the Baha’is in Iran is available on the Web (www.us.bahai.org/extaffairs/iran).

including the situation of the Baha'is and other minority groups.

‘The resolution welcomed reports that Iranians will no longer be asked to state their religion when registering births, marriages, divorces tively removing some of the barriers to Baha'is’ participation in soci

But it criticized Iran for ng to cooperate with UN human rights experts, who have been denied entry to the country since 1996.

In 1993 the UN special rapporteur for Iran, Maurice Copithorne, made public a government document outlining a strategy for suppression of the i community in Iran.

Baha'is have been subjected to official persecution in Iran from time to time since the early days of the Faith. Since the revolution of 1979, more than 200 Baha'is been executed—the most recent case in July 1998—and hundreds more imprisoned solely on the basis of their religious beliefs.

Also in 1998, officials arrested 36 educators and administrators of the Baha’{ Institute for Higher Learning and raided several sites where the instihis “Open Universi

tute held classes. ty” has been the only source of higher

education available to Baha’{ youth,

who are barred from entering other

universities in Iran. Among other conditions still in effect:

¢ The Iranian Constitution grants full protection under the law only to members of a few including Baha’is. Seven Baha charges arising solely from their faith. ‘Two of them are on death row.

• Spiritual Assemblies have not been

formed since the Iranian government banned Baha'i administrative institutions in 1983.

• Baha'is are barred from employment

in government and universiti many cases have lost their pe

many, Gre Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Ita Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slov. kia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. @

Interfaith survey demonstrates

common ground on needs

Be is and other relig

munities have virtually the needs when it comes to m i their vitality, growth and fina stability,

groups across the United § Report on Religion in United States

report on the relea able input and encow planning of our Baha’

tiviti

said Ther: National Spirivu: of Assembly Development.

“It should also be u encouraging for c that these [identi!

just challenges and opportunities for

s com

e ed in April, can provide vz gement for son national, regional and local levels, Mullen, director of the Assembly's Office

eful and mmunities to see ¢ not

2 al programs; an emphasis on uplifting worshi ive attitudes toward the future; and a focused

sense of purpose e ing, disciplined

ked representat nationwide more t tions in the broad

gregation:

gories of worship and tion and facili sion-oriented program, leadership and organization dynamics, participants and finances. 700 Local Spiri completed sury contributed to the Baha’f data or ‘ACI

indicates

gence from obscurity,” Mulle

agp

Enrollments

April 2001 114

Since May 1, 2000 1,362

THE FUND

May 1, 2000-April 30, 2001 Contributions received by National Treasurer a acieaieg Kingdom Project)

Goal for entire year: $27,000,000

Received since May . 2000: $17,279,826

100% of fiscal year has passed

April 30, 2001 }

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Baha’i National Fund May 1, 2000-March 31, 2001 (latest avail.; excluding Kingdom Project)

$21,375,182

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

$23,723,576

Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments ete.)

Critical projects that could no longer be deferred forced our Baha’ national operations into a cash deficit.

Mail contributions to:

National Baha’i Fund

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

Baha'i Newsreel on the Web!

See it on the Administrative Web Site:

• Uniting around the media campaign in Maine
• Nurturing future generations in New Mexico
• Intercommunity collaboration in North Carolina
• Maturation of an Assembly in Oregon
• Building the Kingdom across the globe, across the

nation, in our hearts

reported by other religious groups. but are encountered by many She added that several n: The National Spiritual Assembly’s

• Baha’is are more likely to report that their { offices, including the Office Administrative Web Site has been

community has “a clear sense of mission esearch and Review, the U.S. redesigned for better readability and purpose” than other religious groups. could have been drawn directly from e of Public and reorganized for easier browsing!

• There was an increase of almost 10% in Universal House of Justice letters or Information-Chicago, have collaboBaha’i communities reporting that their National Spiritual Assembly goals— rated closely for up to four years Check it out:

financial health is excellent or good as include involvement of youth and with groups that were involved in www.usbne.org compared to five years previous. attention to their needs; a wide Log in with your Baha’i ID number range of teaching, service and edu- SEE SURVEY, PAGE 10 page6 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Tue Seconp Front June 5, 2001

[Page 7]OPENING OF THE TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BAB

First-time impressions of the Terraces ...

. paradise on earth. ... The sound of the water is like a divine song. Combined with the smell of the flowers and the harmony of the colI these sensations, they give you ing of plentitude and peace.”

—Salomeea Romanescu, 37, educator from Bucharest, Romania

“It has been my dream to come here, and now my dreams have come true. For me, is the ha place on earth.”

—Jaipal Bali Singh, 42, businessman from Srinagar, India

“I came here directly from the bus and tears just came to my eyes. of the beauty and spirituality s is is a fulfillment of the prophecies of our Faith, that these structures would be built here.”

—Jean-Marie Nau, from Luxembourg

“To meet so many brothers a ters, from different coun a ing different languages, it brings me great happiness. ... I feel like I am next to God, with people of different colors, from different places, and that we are flowers of one garden.”

—Claudio Limachi, from Bolivia

“When you see this place, you see that peace can come in the world. ‘The beauty here, it can bring people together. It is, like the Bible says, the Kingdom of God on earth.”

—Peter Wathum Onega, 48,

farmer from Uganda

From Baha’i World News Service

Above photos: Some 3,000 Baha’is from more than 200 countries, along with hundreds of dignitaries and journalists, packed a specially built amphitheater at the Entrance Plaza of the Terraces for the evening program May 22. Among them was Mount Carmel Projects manager Fariborz Sahba (above right

Right photo: The Congo Baha’i Youth Choir sings at a devotional program at the Entrance Plaza that also featured the Baha’i World Center Choir, on the morning of May 23.

BaHA’f WorLD News SERVICE PHOTOS

Thousands of Baha’is, led by members of the Universal House of Justice, stream up the lower Terraces during a morning ceremony on May 23.

photo, lower left) .

BAHA’T WORLD NEWS SERVICE

ceremony featuring a symphony orchestra, a

70-voice choir, a specially built 4,000-seat amphitheater, and the setting sun, Baha’is from more than 180 countries and their guests celebrated the inauguration of a majestic series of garden terraces on the face of Mount Carmel.

For Baha’is here, and for those around the

world who watched via satellite and webcast, the momentous event marked the completion of a complex of buildings and gardens on what throughout history has been called “the Mounin of the Lord.” The Universal House of Justice, ir read during the ceremony, offered the project, the celebration surroundings it, and the goldendomed Shrine in glories, as a source of hope st the “turmoil and crises of our time.” That our Earth has contracted into a neighborhood, no one can seriously deny,” said the statement, read by Albert Lincoln, secretary-general of the Ba International C

| nan expressive and emotionally powerful

statement

yielding to birth pangs. The p members of the human race mon recognition of their essen

t upon the comial oneness.”

Baha'is, dignitaries, journalists

The temporary amphitheater at the base of Mount Carmel was packed with more than 3,000 more than 650 dignitaries from Israel and international embassies, and at least 100 representatives of the news media from around the world.

The dignitaries present for the ceremony | Israeli government ministers and ity ministers, three Israeli Supreme Court es, and more than 30 ambassadors to Israel from around the world. Members of the Israeli Knesset and local officials, including the mayors of Haifa andAcre, were also present, as were local and regional religious leaders.

‘The ceremony featured two orchestral works composed especially for the occasion: “O Queen of Carmel!,” a three-movement cantata composed by Shahidi of Tajikistan, and “Terraces of Light,” a five-movement oratorio by Lasse Thoresen, one of Norway's best-known composers.

‘Toward the end of the second composition, and just as dusk was falling, the lights on the 19 newly constructed terraces, which extend nearly a kilometer up the north face of Mount Carmel, were gradually turned on, illuminating the mountainside in a dramatic climax.

“Coming of age”

“This in a sense represents the coming of age of the Baha’i world community, which is emerging around the planet with the aim of helping to reshape and revitalize the social and spiritual life of humanity,” said Douglas Samimi-Moore, Director of the Office of Public Information of the Baha’{ International Community.

Much of the evening program celebrated the ultimate triumph of the Bab and His message, in that there are now some 5 million Baha’is around the world, forming a community capable of financing and constructing the $250 million complex of terraces, gardens and two major new buildings that have virtually reshaped the north face of Mount Carmel.

“Today we commemorate a sacred history of unexampled love, supreme sacrifice and divine n,” said Matthew Weinberg, Director of Research for the Baha’ International Community's

SEE TERRACES, PAGE 8

June 5, 2001

Tne American BanA’i ¢ Mount CARMEL PROJECTS

page 7 [Page 8]

Statement of the Universal House of Justice for the opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel, May 22, 2001

ith joyful and thankful hearts, we welcome all who have come from near

and far to join us on this auspicious occasion for the Baha’{s of the world. We acknowledge with deep appreciation the presence of so many distinguished guests.

A century and a half have passed since that unspeakable tragedy in the northwest of Persia when the Bab faced the volley fired at Him from the rifles of 750 soldiers. The soldiers had followed the orders of the highest authorities in the land. The Bab’s mangled body was then thrown on the side of a moat outside the city, abandoned to what His cold-blooded persecutors thought would be a dishonourable fate. They had hoped thus to put an end to the growing influence of His teachings on masses of people throughout the country. These masses had accepted, in the face of intense persecution, the Bab’s claim to prophethood, and their lives were being transformed spiritually and morally as He prepared them for what He said was the dawn of a new age in which a world civilization would be born and flourish. The expectations that stirred countless hearts were heightened even more sublimely by the Bab’s announcement that One greater than He would soon arise, One who would reveal the unparalleled character of the promised world civilization that would signify the coming of age of the entire human race.

We are met not to lament the tragedy of the Bab’s martyrdom and the persecutions that followed; rather have we come to celebrate the culmination and acknowledge the meaning of an unprecedented project that had

its beginning over a century ago. It was

then that Baha’u’llih, Whom the Ottoman authori had banished to Acre to serve out His days in confinement, visited Mount Carmel and selected the spot where the remains of His Herald would be interred. We humbly trust that the wondrous result achieved by the completion of the nineteen terraced gardens, at the heart of which rises the Shrine of the Bab, is a fitting fulfilment of the vision initiated by Baha'u'llah.

The sufferings sustained by the Bab so as to arouse humanity to the responsibilities of its coming age of maturity were themselves indications of the intensity of the struggle necessary for the world’s people to pass through the age of humanity’ collective adolescence. Paradoxical as it may seem, this is a source of hope. The turmoil and crises of our time underlie a momentous transition in human affairs. Simultaneous processes of disintegration and integration have clearly been accelerating throughout the planet since the Bab appeared in Persia. That our Earth has contracted into a neighbourhood, no one can seriously deny. The world is being made new. Death pangs are yielding to birth pangs. The pain shall pass when members of the human race act upon the common recognition of their essential oneness. There is a light at the end of this tunnel of change beckoning humanity to the goal destined for it according to the testimonies recorded in all the Holy Books.

The Shrine of the Bab stands as a symbol of the efficacy of that age-old promise, a sign of its urgency. It is, as well, a monument to the triumph of love over hate. The gardens which surround that structure, in their rich variety of colours and plants, are a reminder that the human race can live

harmoniously in all its diversity. The light that shines from the central edifice is as a beacon of hope to the countless multitudes who yearn for a life that satisfies the soul as well as the body.

This inextinguishable hope stems from words such as these from the Pen of Baha'u'llah: “This is the Day in which Gods most excellent favours have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His ‘most mighty grace has been infused into all created things.” May all who strive, often against great odds, to uphold principles of justice and concord be encouraged by these assurances.

In reflecting on the years of effort invested in this daunting project, we are moved to express to the people of Haifa the warmth of the feeling in our hearts. Their city will for all time be extolled by the Baha’is everywhere as the place in which the mortal remains of the youthful Prophet-Herald of their Faith finally found refuge, and this after half a century of having to be secretly moved for protection from one place to another in His native land. The patience and cordiality shown towards the Baha’fs throughout the most difficult years of the construction work exemplify the spirit of goodwill in which so much of the world stands so greatly in need. Haifa is providentially situated on Mount Carmel, with its immortal associations with saintly visionaries, whose concern throughout the ages was largely focused on the promise of peace. May Haifa achieve wide renown not just as a place of natural beauty but more especially as the city of peace.

Let the word go forth, then, from this sacred spot, from this Mountain of the Lord, that the unity and peace of the world are not only possible but inevitable. Their time has come.

Careful planning ensures water is enjoyed, not wasted

he Terraces of the Shrine of

the Bab have been created to give the impression of vast and rich gardens in bloom throughout the year. Water is a significant element of their design, appearing to flow along the entire length of the Terraces from the top to the bottom of the mountain.

Underlying that appe: great attention has been paid to the conservation of water.

With the help of horticulture specialists from Israel and over

acareful selection of vegetation most compatible with the environment of Mount Carmel has been made, along with the choice of drought- nt and deep-rooted plants. The use of the correct type of grass and ground covers was also a major consideration in conserving water.

The gardens are partly or fully culti

Members of the Universal House of Justice admire the completed fountain in the Entrance Plaza at the base of the Terraces during the Counselors’ Conference in

January. Photo by Ruhi Vargha

vated in different seasons. Watering is mainly done during the early hours of the morning or at night, when evaporation is minimum and the water demand of the city is limited.

Recognizing that Israel is a pioneer in the field of irrigation technology, experts in this country, including profe: and university professors, were consulted, and a of-the-art irri A

requirements of various plan\ The decorative fountain

to represent a great ¢ of water—but in fact, recycled. The total requirement for water in the fountains is limited to a couple of cubic meters a day, mainly lost through evaporation.

With special permission from the Water Commissioner of Israel, a tube well was installed near the entrance plaza, ensuring an adequate supply of water in case of shortage.

I~

TERRACES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Office of Public Information, in a speech to participants before the ceremony.

Both the orchestral works were performed by the Israel Northern Symphony Haifa, under the direction of Stanley Sperber, with support from three Canadian soloists: mezzo-soprano Patri Green, tenor Stuart Howe and baritone Brett Polegato. Also featured were Ausiolinists Bijan Khadem-Missagh, Vahid and daughter Martha, and ansylvania State Philharmonic choir of Cluj, Romania.

The musical climax of “Terraces of Light” was timed to occur just after the sun had set, and as the music reached its crescendo. The 19 terraces lighted one by one in a brilliant flourish.

“Tt was stunning,” said Nancy Oloro, a delegate from Zambia. “I felt myself in a different world. In the Baha’ writings, it is said that music gives wings to the soul. And I felt that.”

The terraces themselves were also designed to glorify the Shrine of the Bab, said architect Fariborz Sahba, who designed them and oversaw their construction.

“Our intention has not been merely to

bea cme gain Beautiful e e. But these gar

principally with Baha’ pilgrims in mind, so that as they walked up the terraces towards the Shrine, believers could detach themselves from the outside world and focus on their own relationship with the Creator.

On June 4, the terr: were opened to the public. Because of the overwhelming interest in the terraces, a computer reservation system was set up to take requests for guided tours, to be offered at no cost. @

An opportunity to serve in the Mount Carmel! Bah’ Projects

• Industrial/Commercial Electrician with

experience in power and lighting distribution systems, general lighting control and maintenance. Experience in hightension and large cable installation is desirable.

+ Industrial/Commercial Plumber with experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage and fittings.

• Horticulturist/Professional Gardener

with experience in maintenance and general aspects of formal and informal

gardens.

Résumés should be mailed or faxed directly to: Mount Carmel Baha’{ Projects Project Manager’s Office P.O. Box 155 31 001 Haifa, Israel Phone: 972(4)8358237 Fax: 972(4)8313330 E-mail:

page 8 Tne AmeRICAN BanA’i ¢ Mount CARMEL PROJECTS:

June 5, 2001 [Page 9]reert

PTT RN TPES rer

KINGDOM-*CONFERENCE

Why Milwaukee's a great place in summer

ts a city that spends more money [= capita on the arts than nearly

any other in the nation. It’s a place where people will smile when you greet them on the grown phenomenally in the past decades.

And in summer, Milwaukee is the city of festivals. Capitalize that; the visitors bureau claims it as a title: City of Fe vals. Weather is generally sunny and people are in a festive spirit. In fact, the Building the Kingdom Conference will be sharing downtown Milwaukee with Summerfest, a music festival that annually attracts many people from several stat

One bit of news lately ha dubious light on Milw:

more reputa

But local Baha'is s ling opportunity for the friends ling the Kingdom Confer

CONFERENCE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

access to the June 28-July 1 e

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will be

But the invitations have been extendAnd sever

ed nationwide as well.

dred seekers and friends of the

he main business of the conference will be to learn how the Baha’f teacha positive difference in our and community I people, who have struggled and studied and carried out the process of making it work, will be the ones sharing their di through workshops, networking s ind other programs. Dramatic and artistic presentations, gatherings designed for all ages and plentiful opportunities to meet and greet people from across the country will help lift spirits and embolden hearts. Advance registration by phone, fax or Internet is still open through June 14. The conference will also welcome those who register on site. Registration fees during June are $65 per adult and $40 per youth 15 and up. There is still no charge for children and junior youth, but they must register to participate—in advance if possible. We'll see you in Milwaukee, June 28-July 1! @

summer!

Bring a friend

Bring a seeker

Deputize a friend

Contribute so others may attend —earmark an extra National Fund contribution to “Building the Kingdom Conference”

• Find out if there’s a bus to the

conference from your Baha’i community —o' if there isn’t, talk with your Spiritual Assembly about chartering one!

Those who would like to perform or teach in the Milwaukee area before or after the conference, contact Project Malakut (phone , e-mail

).

distinguish the Faith in the public view.

The city “may be geographically segregated,” said local media veteran Jim Beasley, “but it’s not a city that’s hosti to diversity.” Not only does the Bahé community have a long and active history in local civic life, but Beasley said the of local interfaith activi nd a remarkable embrace of interracial over the di have shown Milwaukee to be a city with an open heart.

Baha'i communities in greater Milwaukee (in consultation with the Regional Baha’i Council and its travel

OY, pnan Hore

CONFIDENCE

ing teaching coordinators) have been organizing Project Malakiit to help bathe that heart in the Bah; unity before, during and after the c« ference—both face to face and through local news media.

“The Project will span the time from Race Unity Day weekend (June 8-10, with events in Kenosha/Racine and Cedarburg), to the Indian Summer festival (celebrating native cultures) and the Day of Honor observance by the Milwaukee Black Veterans Association, both in September,” reports Charlene Olson, Project Malaktt correspondent/secretary.

Nightly firesides, performances and other public teaching events are being arranged for every county in the metro area for a week leading to the conference and two weeks afterward. Another popular event with regular B i tion is the Fourth of July parade in the suburb of Wauwatosa, only days after the conference.

People attending the Baha’ National Convention in late April grasp the opportunity to find out more about the Kingdom Conference at an information booth that featured registration forms and a computer on which they could browse the conference Web site. Photo by James Humphrey

CALL WILL GO UNANSWERED

— are the purposes of the Bahai National Conference?

To launch the Five Year Plan.

To instill hope, joy and confidence in the

aspects.

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

hearts.

To explore ways of integrating our various roles in life. To help consecrate the friends to the concept of “Building the Kingdom’ in all

what can you expect to find at the Baha'i National Conference? + A learning community in progress, with opportunities for us to find out more from each other about growing as individuals, families, communities, institutions

and servants of humanity.

Dramatic and musical programs setting a theme for each day’s learning experience. Targeted sessions for children, junior youth, youth and adults in their 20s and 30s. The Conference Lobby and Day Star Café,

with copious space for relaxing, social izing, meeting new or old friends, and enjoying Peo anes:

A special appeal for assistance to refugee families

Once again the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office would like to encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies to consider providing scholarships to the Kingdom Conference for mem bers of Bahai refugee families in their communiti

s, in particular the youth.

If Bahd’i refugees need assistance and your community cannot do it alone, perhaps a few communities could provide a co-sponsorship.

Register now!

Advance registration is a great investment in time. If you register by June 14, you will receive materials including a bar-coded sheet that will allow you to get through the conference check-in area quickly. Otherwise you would have to go through a longer process to fegister on site (though organizers will work to make that as hasslefree as possible).

Register via the Web site: www.kingdomconference.org .. of use one of the registration

forms mailed to every Baha’i

household and Spiritual Assembly.

... Of register toll-free by fax (877 608-1816) or by phone

(888-802-8177).

Lodging updates For up-to-date information on lodging, please check the conference Web site or these numbers: Lodging info: 847-733-3596 Transportation info: 847-733-3591

We can use your help When you register, please think about volunteering a shift (usually three hours) to serve your fellow conference-goers in the following areas: hospitality, security, children’s classes, registration, ushering or Day Star Café help.

We are also seeking those with skills and experience in spoken translation (Persian, Spanish, Hmong or other languages), American Sign Language, lip reading, or physically assisting people (wheelchair

assistance, lifting/carrying, etc.)

If you'd like to contribute time, leave a voice mail message at

Training for volunteers who will be greeting the public will be provided at various places around the country! This is based largely on the training provided from early on by the Milwaukee Regional Training Institute.

House of Worship tours Information on signing up for a House of Worship tour will be included in the materials mailed to you after you register for the conference. Tour times:

Wednesday, June 27: 2 p.m-9 p.m. Thursday, June 28: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 1, including special memorial program for tranian martyrs and their families: 3:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday, july 2: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Adult $30, child/jr. youth $15 Information: or

June 5, 2001

Tne American Band‘ ¢ Kincpom ConrereNcE

page 9 [Page 10]

Planning begins with self-assessment

he Five Year Plan has begun, and a number of Local Spiritual Assemdicate they will be using the Self nent ‘Tool to help them gauge past and progress and to set new local goals for the next few years.

Many ies have reported that the Self Assessment Tool was useful in their planning process over the past two . Developed by the Office of Assembly Development, the Self Assessment Tool helps Assemblies look clearly at how they are carrying out their roles, defined by the Universal House of Justice, as “channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities, and loving shepherds of the multitudes.”

Each Assembly

ng this process

SURVEY,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

planning FACT from the start.

One example of that collaboration came when Jeffery Huffines, director of the National Spiritual Assembly's U.S UN Office, arranged for two directors of the FACT study to present their findings at an April 12 meeting of the Committee of Religious Non-Governmental Organizations at the UN.

“There is nothing comparable to our Faith Communities ‘Today research ... anywhere in the world,” Hartford Seminary sociology professor David Roozen told the committee at the Church Cener for the United Nations in New York

A main finding, he said, is that voluntary membership in religious congregations is growing across the country. Though many congregations are seen by their members as resources for preserving their racial or ethnic heritage, many others are conscious of a need to increase their diversity.

Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, noted that the first results of FACT generally “confirm what the NTC has already seen in other scholarly studies and in our own surveys of the Baha’{ community,” he said.

Such studies have consistently shown, Bowers said, that some of the features that attract people most to a religious community include the positivity of its basic spiritual me: offerings for children and youth, the spiritual quality of its worship services and its involvement with the wider community.

Mullen noted that such confirmation of earlier findings can boost the confi Assembly Development resources

despens on the meaning of these terms, how it is doing in each area and gc i for feu functi ning.

ry have ned thei Seale with de National Spiritual Assembly. Some have completed the form in a retreat setting and others have completed it at Assem

bly meetings one section at a time.

Those reporting the results of the tool

have cited many benefits:

• “The Assembly found the process helpful and we think it has laid the groundwork for our planning process for this

upcoming year. ... We found it valuable, helpful and enlightening. It has led us on into new directions and helped the Assembly understand its roles and functions more completely. It has given us a chance to look at all we have done and to look at all we can do.”

“he process allowed frank expr

of feelings and discussion of obstacles

standing in the way of the maturation of the Assembly. Many ideas for improvement were generated and shared. Only recently, the Assembly has reviewed the recommendations.

General results of FACT

Here is a list of issues that the 42 denominations and faith groups participating in the Faith Communities Today (FACT) survey were found to have relatively in common in their concerns with their community vitality, membership

growth and financial stability.

Vitality Need for broad program offerings per capita Ability to attract and activate youth + Having a positive assessment of the future Need for many teaching initiatives Need for worship programs to reflect desires of community, especially youth

Growth

Related attitude and vision issues: Community vitality Maintaining enthusiasm

• Confidence in the future

Openness to change Sense of purpose, organizational focus, vision,

action, especially as provided by leadership Care and discipline from leadership Related activities and programs: Need for wide range of program choices for Vitality and growth + Strong commitment to social justice

• Direct participation in social outreach

Involvement in wider community

dence of the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies when they are making decisions or developing programs and materials to meet the needs of our communities.

“Once we have more detailed results with cross-tabulations on the Baha’i 5 we will be able to report

responses

Related worship and deepening issues: > Uplifting worship

• Need for changes in worship patterns to reflect

desires of community, especially youth

• Aid in spiritual growth

Emphasis on worship attracts new believers Need to provide for spiritual nurture through such programs as Sunday school, Scripture study, prayer and meditation

Other related issues Size:

‘+ Programs for spiritual and community development require a minimum critical mass of participants, funding and building space to sustain

+ Small, struggling congregations also suffer from the perceived absence of sufficient volunteers

• Size and location makes a significant difference

in the range of programs offered

Youth:

Ability to attract and mobilize youth affects con fidence in the future and relates strongly to a

sense of vitality and growth

Youth have different ideas about what makes for

satisfying worship services

information that should be even more useful to local communities,” she said. Those applications could include helping communities target specific are: where improvement is needed, as well identifying their areas of relative strength so that they can be emboldened to share their good ideas.

• Developing Distinctive Bahd’i Communities manual (search and print)
• Assembly Development Module Workshop descriptions

• Downloadable workshop handouts

• Contact information for workshop facilitators

Self Assessment Tool with related quotes

. .

Guidance on how to use Self Assessment results to select workshops Descriptions of other resources and how to access them

on the Web! Access with your Baha'i ID number WWW.USBMe.ORg Click on “NSA Departments,” then on “LSA Development”

and implemented a number of strategies that have improved our functioning and efficiency.”

“There was a unanimous feeling that the experience was tremendously valuable. The quotes at the end ... were excellent selections and gave rise to wonderful consultation. The assessment and consultations led to many good concrete decisions.”

A pair of companion documents help make the tool even more useful. One presents quotations from the Writings that help clarify the meaning of terms used by the Universal House of Ju stice. The second tells where to find ance in “rising to a new level” in carrying out any of an Assembly’ primary roles—for example, Assembly Development Module Workshops or other training materials.

Health conference eyes spiritual basis ah

to le, y approaches and about the spiritual basis for a healthy life at the second annual

‘4’i Health and Healing Conference, Feb. 9-11 at the Desert Ro: i Institute outside Grande,

Coordinated by Hannah Rishel} a a phy in Joseph City, Arizona, the conference gave about 60 participants the opportunity to hear from a variety of mostly Bahé

Among ¢ ) the Baha’i teachings were healthful approaches to food and water, di by Bill Saunders, a retired phys Smyrna, Georgia; application of E principles to our work life, by Katia LeMone-Mooney; spiritual approaches to healing, by Arvind Auluck-Wilson, a in Stillwater, Minnesota; the ations of Baha’u’llih’s Tablet to a ian, in a group discussion led by Barbara Nakai of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and taking an active part in our human evolution, by Kenneth Proe, Arizona.

Participants could also benefit from presentations on “spiritual digestion” by Judy Petersen and Ja augherty of Grants, New Mexico; sessions on a variety of healing approaches by Randall Robinson of Mesa, Arizona, Kate Toussaint of Yuma, Arizona, and Chester hn of Bernalillo County, New Mexico; a program on the process of scientific data-gathering by Robert Waters; and a tai chi workshop led by Suni McHenry of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

John Cook of St. David, Arizona, provided music throughout the event, and briefly talked about the spiritual effect of music.

A Health Fair gave participants a chance to interact one-on-one with practitioners and product representatives.

Following up on a discussion led by Lee Panek, about 15 participants gathered at the end to share ideas for next year’s Health and Healing Conference.

page 10 THe AMERICAN BaAnA‘i ¢ News

June 5, 2001 [Page 11]

Compiled by Tom Mennillo

any and varied are the ways the

friends study the texts requested by our National Spiritual Assembly. Some read them alone and reflect on their meaning. Some read and discuss them with their children before bedtime. Some take online courses offered by the Wilmette Institute. Still others get together with fellow Assembly or community members to pore through the books—dictionaries and related texts in hand. In many cases, they download materials from the National Assembly’s Administrative Web Site to guide and structure their study. Or they enlist the help of a veteran believer who has deepened on the texts before. Perhaps the Persian friends read along in their native language, then join in the discussion. Whatever the method or setting employed for study, Baha’is who. responded to a call from The American Baha’ report that the effort has enhanced their understanding of the Faith and their role as Baha’is in fostering transformation. Here are some of the comments, in the friends’ own words:

Barbara Mcatee, Overland Park, KS

I took the Dispensation of Babd’wllah and Advent of Divine Justice courses offered by Wilmette Institute. I enjoyed the study of both of them.

‘The courses require much effort on behalf of the students, provide extra study material to enhance our understanding, as well as feedback from Baha’{ scholars—who served as mentors—and from other students.

‘These two courses helped to prepare me for some of the hardest tests and difficulties of my life. Because of them, I realized that these tests truly are a bounty from Baha’u'lléh, to help prepare me for challenges ahead.

Can you see the difference

THE

Elfen C Davis, Florence, AL

Our small community has been deepening on the materials recommended by National since January 2000.

I can speak only for myself, but I love learning the things I have learned from my studies. I have a greater understanding of the “larger picture” of being a Baha’, what we as a world community are aiming for and how the United States, especially, has a very important part to play.

I have learned more about how the Faith has spread—important knowledge for me, as I have been a Baha’i only fiveplus years now—and some of the obstacles the believers have had to deal with.

Tam so grateful to National for giving us these specific materials to deepen on. I feel I have a much greater understanding of where our community is headed and how we will arrive there and that things truly are progressing “according to plan.”

makes in your spiritual acuity?

T =a

Laura G. Lawrence, Bethlehem, PA Our community is quite active: Ruhi institutes, Core Curriculum. institutes, major teaching projects, etc. Even with all this organized activity we are still only on The World Order of Baba’u'lldb.

We read aloud in a small study circle every two weeks and only manage to get through about four or five pages a session. It’s slow going, but very beneficial. We probably will start The Secret of Divine Civilization next fall and the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf next winter/spring.

So, basically my report is that although it is very slow going, we are trying to internalize as much as we are able from the Writings.

T hope this is of some help as to how a community has been obedient to the guidance from our beloved National Assembly.

Judy Poltz, Hillsboro, OR

I had been reluctant to mark my copy [of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf\ out of respect for its sacredness.

But it just occurred to me that my most beloved books—my prayer book, my copy of Gleanings, my copy of Bahd’t World Faith—are not pretty to look at, because I have read them so many times, have underlined favorite passages, have made personal notes, ete.

They remind me of my son’s favorite stuffed animal: no monetary value, cannot be displayed for others to -admire, but oh so beloved to the owner.

So I decided to “love” my copy of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf—to mark beautiful passages, to insert my own subject headings and personal comments. And oh, how much more inspiring is the task of reading these sacred words, and how much more knowledge am I gaining, which perhaps I will be able to share with others in Baha'i school or in firesides and deepenings.

Tamrat Seyoum, Hemet, CA

The materials we got from the Baha’i Web page (www.usbne.org) helped us focus on the specifics of the topics.

As we were studying these books we were very grateful to our National Assembly for asking us do this. It brought us [together as] a community, first of all, doing the same project together. Secondly, it helped us closely understand the works of Shoghi Effendi: his admonitions, hopes, advice, predictions for our world and the destiny of the Baha’fs in general.

It also gave us strength in the Covenant and increased confidence and excitement in the Faith. It spurred us to more activities. Race Unity Week came out of that inspiration.

Maura Fox, Portland, OR My 12-year-old son and I sit down every evening at his bedside and read a few pages

SEE FOCUSED STUDY, PAGE 12

Guity Kiani, Clayton, CA: Dinner and discussion opens deepening to Baha'is, seekers alike

he books that National Assembly designated for

us to study since last year I personally have read fully several times by myself, at summer schools, and at the community deepening—I have even taught some of them.

Yet I do not know them by heart or even understand them fully, and I was inspired by the National’s request to study these books now.

‘To obey them, to help others to do the same and use the opportunity and involve non-Bahé’fs, I organized special monthly gatherings in my home. I invited Baha’{ friends and close seekers. First I served them a simple dinner of soup and salad, encouraged conversation around the dinning table, and then invited

__ them to my living room to reading and discussion. _ We started with The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah and then The World -of Baha'u'llah. Each person read

and thoughts about

more non-Baha’is, I decided to start the gathering sooner and devote the first part of the gathering to introducing and interviewing one or two who had an teresting work or stories to share. In this way I invited Baha’{ and non-Baha’f painters and poets and authors and travelers.

For a few non-Baha’is who were not yet seekers this was the first exposure to the Baha’is and the Faith. They enjoyed sharing their work and brief stories of their lives.

T felt good about the outcome. It made non-Baha’{s participate actively and be impressed with the Baha'is. One of them said, “You Baha’fs are such incredible people.” I said, “It is because we are incredibly in love with our Faith.” Bahé’fs enjoyed learning something

_ about their fellow believers that usually they do not

know and about the talents of seekers. Unfortunately, because of my house rem:

In this short experiment I found that most of the Baha’{ friends are apprehensive to have non-Baha'is sit in their deepenings. It seems to me there is a strong desire to only show the polished side of us. I personally believe the genuine picture of our strengths and weaknesses is more appealing and produces more intimate friendships with nonBaha'is.

At this time, to resume the gathering the biggest challenge is the lack of enough committed, well-educated Baha’fs who are willing to come regularly to establish a core group.

‘The reason that I am so interested to stick to this format is that for many years I have worked in the non-profit sector. I have made contact with lots of

June 5, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ SpinruaL DistTINCTION

page II [Page 12]

FOCUSED STUDY,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

of Epistle before he goes to sleep.

Sometimes we stay up way too late discussing what we have read, and other times we just read a little. We have finished half of the book so far.

Carol Black, West Lafayette, IN

Just thought I'd send a note about how The Secret of Divine Civilization affected me. In my 29 years as a Baha’i, I had never read this little book. It has come across to me recently just how high the standard for education is in the Faith.

I have been wondering if academic study is worth my time and effort, but this little book encouraged me in that regard. To pursue education is a worthwhile and lofty goal, as long as it is done in the spirit of service to humanity.

Larry Gates, Visalia, CA

We are studying one paragraph in the The Advent of Divine Justice. It has nine sentences, the first containing the phrase “consider every avenue of approach.”

The Universal House of Justice says we lack confidence to teach. I observe that the friends are hungry to acquire skills that will enable them to win small victories and thereby increase their confidence. Increasing one’s knowledge and devotion without the skills to put these into action seems to often‘lead to frustration and loss of confidence.

Nancy Vincent Zinke, Cambria, CA

I loved rereading for the third time the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. As you know, the layers of meaning deepen with each reading.

And I’m loving rereading The Secret of

Divine Civilization for the second time. It makes me feel happy, which I beli is/was ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s purpose.

Don DeWald, Goleta, CA

I think the most important outcome in our studying these texts is that the ¢ cussion and consultation has invariably led to how we can apply the information and directives to current events both local and international. This includes and inspires our teaching efforts.

Valerie Phillips, Pullman, WA

After the National Assembly’s call, I started reading the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf again and renewed my efforts towards refining and expanding a presentation that I have given to both Baha’f and non-Bahé S questions and

Linda Head, Prince George’s County North, MD

Tam studying the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf via the Wilmette Institute’s email course. In addition, I am reading it weekly with another Baha’i friend who is homefront pioneering.

As part of the course, participants are asked to prepare presentations on the book. So I have offered to give, for our local institute, an introductory talk on the subject.

As for The Secret of Divine Civilization, I will be going with the Voices of Baha to Europe this summer, and am wondering if any on the tour will want to study together during bus rides, etc.

Naomi Komoda, Chicago, IL

Dr. Iraj Ayman served as a facilitator for a six-week course on the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. I attended four of these sessions. We had to read about 35 pages per week.

Not only was it very interesting and informative, but it had a definite effect on me in terms of helping develop more reverence toward the early believers— for their long-suffering and martyrdom.

Carol J. Payne, Skipperville, AL

Our small community has been studying together every Saturday afternoon for an hour since January on the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

Our compliments on the wonderful outlines with summary, explanations of events, and definitions mentioned in the Epistle provided under the National Education and Schools Web site.

The study classes have brought our close community even closer together, I believe, and given us a confidence that we did not have before. Certainly they have provided answers to questions that we wish we had had earlier when we felt inadequate in answering many a seeker’s question.

Regina Thompson (left to right), William Hunter and Janet Rothman ponder the

impli

‘tions of a passage in the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf at a recent session of a “fortnightly” study group in Evanston, Ill

ois. The group has been meeting regu larly since late 1999 to study the texts prescribed by the National Spiritual Assem bly. Photo by James Humphrey

Andrea Schmidt, Milwaukie, My mom and I we weekend about how

OR g this that our

ally as part of our daily readings.

I’m also in the middle of God Passes By, and it’s really cool to see how Bah: h’s writings fit in with the history of the Faith.

Judy Maddox, Vista, CA The Advent of Divine Justice was especially good for [our community]. We were able to talk aboout the prejudices in our world and compare to experiences we have all had. We were able to to find nuggets of truth that we had overlooked before. is bringing rtainly dropped veils of misunderstanding.

Jim B. Thomas, La Crescenta, CA

tle to the Son of the Wolf will be pr sented. They are rotated through the communiti enly as possible. Invariably, attendees remark that they have learned something that they had not known before, even though they may have read the material more than once. Many have now become fai tors who have discovered the joy that comes from researching the Writings for the purpose of presenting material.

Shirin Posner, Northport, AL

We have a program called “Spirit Lifters” named after a little book my mother, a longtime pioneer in Venezuela, wrote for the Bahi’is. We discuss whatever

When the directive came to read the sp

ific text ussions to the spec

switched our di: book. The di

Baba’ Dictionary or other books to help

ar up questions. It has helped us all e what a wonderful me have and what an incredible responsibility. Just this past time we looked up nformation on {the son of the Wolf] to see why he merited an epistle.

we

MaryJo Mineau, New Beals) Wi

The Local Spir to ma child-friendly gather young people to deepen their have social time with each othe; “older” Baha'is. This brought together different communities and age groups.

We feel this has really helped us to focus our studies, create a pattern of study and fellowship, and has given us the confidence to respond to seekers when they call from the ads we co-sponsor in the local paper or on 1-800-22UNITE.

We truly feel ‘that “no call shall go unanswered” and this study has helped us respond.

Viva Tomlin, Santa Monica, CA: Study fosters increased service

group that fluctuates between

seven to nine mostly very regular friends and 15 or more on occasions has been meeting weekly to read and discuss most of the suggested books.

As individuals, many of us have made a point of reading exactly as asked and, for example, read passages aloud to our children at bedtime, even if not the whole book. As a group, though, we have not always followed the order of Writings suggested, due to the wish to attract the deepened and also the brand-new Baha’is and nonBaha'is that attend.

The non-Baha’fs have typically been to several firesides and wish to delve more deeply into the Faith. They have sought out the deepening as a way to spend more time with deepened Baha’fs and to learn more than they get from © firesides. One attendee declared ona recent weekend.

Another noticeable effect tas been the deepening of loving friendship between the friends and their increased activities in service of the Faith. Each ‘person has'a — different story to tell of their increased boldness to do what must be done and sense of urgency _ to arise in differing ways to tie up — the loose ends of the ‘Twelve Month Plan.

The host family is going [to live in another country] next week.

Another young man has made himself active in the service of unity by singing with the Gospel Choir, and as a result of deepening over this prolonged period now helps plan Feasts and Sunday worship in Los Angeles. ~

Another young African-American man who became Baha'i during the onset of the deepenings is now regularly supporting the Latin American firesides and other gatherings, and gave his first talk at our Santa Monica fireside to much appreciation and loving. serene

The Persian-speakers follow in the original texts and share anything illuminating that arises from discussion about words and phrases or references. Their English vocabulary has improved ‘tremendously. Greater appreciation of East by West and West by East has also been achieved ‘through dis-—

page 12) THe American BanA’i * Spiruar Distinction

June 5, 2001 [Page 13]DISTINCT

Persian culture conference looks ahead

• ¢ The State of the Youth in Iran and the _A visit to the Baha’f House of WorRole of the Baha’f Youth There. ship, a tour of Baha’f historic sites in
• Other presentations about the state of Chicago, poetry reading, talent shows

Iranian arts and literature to be and other activities are in the planning announced. stages. As usual, a variety of music, drama, Information on registration and lodgand folk dance performances willbe pre- _ ing is on page 35. sented, both by Baha’fs and by friends of | For more information please contact:

he eleventh annual conference of

the Friends of Persian Culture Association, with the theme “At the Threshold of a New Century,” will be held Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at the Wyndham Northwest Chicago Hotel in Itasca, munity, with Dr. Shapur Rassekh. Illinois, near O'Hare International Air- * The State of Scholarship in the Baha'i port. World, with Dr. Vahid Rafati.

ings in their Advancement, with min Sheybani.

and Cultural Developments in Contemporary Iran, also, Iran of ‘Tomorrow in the Future World Com

Sessions will be held concurrently in ¢ Development of Education in Iran and the E Persian-American Affairs Office, Baha’f Persian and English. Topics will include: _ the Role of the Iranian Ba Com- Tailor-made sessions and performance National Center, 1233 Central St.

• Women’s Progress in Iran, their

Future, and the Role of the Baha'i

munity in that Process, with Dr. Iraj Ayman.

opportunit a ble for youth, pre-youth and children ages 3 and up.

nston, IL 60201 (phone 847 7333531, 3476 or 3528). @

Baha’i language educators to meet at ABS conference

international group of Baha’{ lan ne

A educators will hold its first meeting as a special-interest group of the Association for Baha’f Studies-North 4 Aug. 31, the first day of the annual conference in Seattle, Washington. Professional language educato well as those interested in language te 1g, espeecond/foreign language ed to attend.

focus on developing a -inspired English-language teaching alum. Presentations and discussion will focus on use of existing curricula, development of new materials and other professional information. Participants will also explore the

Drawing on the divine attributes

A Baha’i youth group in Wilmington, North Carolina, created an Intercalary Days gift for Baha’is in their area: a 19month Baha’i calendar for B.E. 158, with original art for each Baha’i month inspired by the divine attribute represented in that month’s name. “During a special study evening, they learned about the different attributes of God and then ... drew their interpretation for each of the months and attributes of God,” reported Elizabeth Dettle-Hashemi (left), instructor for the group’s regular Sunday ses

sions. “1 am thrilled to be a part of this small youth group that is willing to do big things for their community.” Youth participants include (clockwise from top) Robert Hamrick, Casey Anderson, Sekou Alexander and Khamit Alexander. This effort came as another locally produced Baha’i calendar was distributed by the Spiritual Assembly of Shaker Heights, Ohio. The friends are reminded that each Spiritual Assembly is responsible for reviewing many such Baha’j-oriented special materials distributed within its locality (except for literature, recorded music, videos or other audiovisual materials,

establishment of a mentoring program to

assist Baha’ pioneers earning their living as

English teachers overseas, as well as begin ning language teachers. ‘Talks will include:

¢ “Assessing Your Gender-Fair Teaching Practices in the Language Classroom” by Dara Shaw.

• “Oneness and the Dialogic Word in Children’s Multicultural Literature” by Deborah Karres.

¢ “The Baha’ Teachings on Learning Second Languages” by Nancy Joy Allchin.

which are subject to national-level review). * “A Sociocultural Model for Baha’i-Inspired

Information on the purpose and process of Classroom Consultation: _ Vygotsky, review is available on www.usbnc.org (click on Bakhtin and Learner Empowerment” by “NSA Departments” then on “Research”). Sandy Fotos.

• Roundtable discussions on “Designing and

Delivering Baha’i-Inspired Language Teaching Material and Activities” and books to participate in the Fundamen- “Mentoring the Baha’{ Language Teacher.” tal Verities courses. During the years Also discussed will be establishment of a of regularly meeting to read, three of | Web site to deliver Bahd’i-inspired material, us have trained as faculty members of _ curriculum designs and professional informathe regional training institute. tion to ESL/EFL teachers. For information ‘These steps have had definite reper- contact Joy Allchin (e-mail ) cussions for the development of our — or Sandy Fotos ( ). community life, significantly soamong Other special interest groups of the associthe youth who teach all the children’s ation that will meet Aug. 31 at the conference classes. iculture, Arts, Business and EconomWhat has this process helped me ics, Consultation and Conflict Resolution, experience of the Revelation of Education, Environment, Marriage and FamBaha'u'llah? The wonder of the privi- _ ily, Racial Unity/Intercultural Issues, Science lege and responsibility of being called and Religion, Study of Religion, and Women to “assist the Lord of Creation” with and Gender Issues. The Special Interest evolution on Earth. And in some mys- Groups welcome all interested persons to terious way, at least in some of our attend their sessions. gatherings and service, cause rejoicing in. the many worlds of God, so Baha'u'llah assures me.

completed science fiction novel based around the notion of beings from advanced worlds anticipating the coming of the Universal Manifestation.

Three other friends have split off, though come from time to tim order to start or support deepenings in goal areas where Baha’fs have asked for such support. These have begun to flourish and they gain much strength from knowing they have the loving support of their friends in our “mother” group.

Lastly, we are considering how to get all on board with changing the study to be a proper study circle, with service outcomes discussed and supported. Because we have so many new believers, we are planning on taking time out from the reading of the recommended

SERVICE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

for the first time in an atmosphere of love and imbibe the habit by observing the adults. As my daughters say, “Being ‘spiritual’ looks fun and there are always such great cake and pies to eat!”

Another new believer now regularly tries out his musical compositions at the deepening and then performs them at firesides or at Feast. He has now felt confident to immerse himself in verses of the Writings and let it inspire him to compose, where before he largely found and shared secular songs.

For my part, each deepening brings new thoughts and inspirations for character and dialogue in my almost

For more information about the Conference and to register, see page 33.

June 5, 2001 Tne American BanA’i ¢ Spiniruat Distinction _ page 13 [Page 14]

• SPIRITUAL*DISTI

ems inside [each of] us, and if. we just keep on digging for them we can become a better person.”

‘These words of innocence and hope came from a 9-year-old child just after he completed a March session in Louhelen Baha’f School’s children’s education program.

“Our theme focused on ‘What is sacred in our lives, communities and relationships,’ ” said Larisa Cortes, who co-led 15 children, ages 7 to 11, at the Naw-Riiz family weekend with her husband, Cesar Cortes.

“We began with a discussion on what sacredness means, followed by activities meant to discover the sacred gems in each other. Children interviewed one another, wrote in a journal titled ‘A ‘Treasury of Gems,’ played relationshipbuilding games, and designed flip-books of virtuous heroes,” Mrs. Cortes said.

Later the class viewed a video of the Holy Places to find out what places are sacred, then worked on a communitybuilding exercise. “My husband

engaged them in several lively songs and spoke to them about building virtues,” she added.

The Corteses were pleased with the group’s spiritual maturity, noting how well the kids treated each other with respect and courtesy.

BAHA’{ EDUCATION

While the couple had taught Baha’f children’s classes during previous family sessions at Louhelen, Kim Douglas of Holland, Michigan, was new to teaching at Louhelen. Douglas found her “firsttime” experience to be exciting and memorable. Her youth class focused on investigating issues that trouble youth in contemporary society and on learning to apply Baha’f principles to these complex issues.

The Universal House of Justice has said that Americans “live in a society caught in the tightening grip of moral decadence on a vast scale.” Douglas’ class investigated a few of the spiritual challenges faced by Baha’i youth maturing in such a materialistic society. The class fostered spiritual reflection, investigation and consultation on such issues as media advertising, dating and chastity in light of Baha’f teachings. “These issues are very relevant in

the lives of our teens,” Douglas said. Douglas’ students applauded her at the end of the class and praised her performance as a teacher during the NawRiz family weekend. “Some even said it was the best Baha’i class experience they had ever had,” she said with a smile. “The benefit of attending Baha’i school is twofold: It is about learning and about the fellowship one can experience. We know the youth need to form friendships during these sessions, for many of them are the only Baha’fs [their age] in their communities. And during these sessions the youth both bonded and explored the topics that they are wrestling with in their own lives.” Louhelen holds nine family sessions each year. And it is the job of Louhelen’s child education program coordinator, Debra Vincze, to connect with potential teachers, such as the Corteses and Douglas, and ask them to serve as educators of

Sarah Taborn (left to right), Yazmeen Vincze and Josh Vincze pay rapt attention to Jane Nash’s reading during Louhelen’s Naw-Raz Family weekend. “I think it’s very important that children learn to love Baha’i class and Baha’i school,” said Nash.

Photo by Jim Cheek

the young during these family sessions.

She is fully aware of how beneficial such sessions can be to families and the individuals within them. “Sessions at Louhelen Baha’i School that include children’s programs are excellent opportunities for families to form new friendships with people from around the globe,” said Vineze.

Volunteers for this service are provided resources and guidelines from the National Education Task Force, whose work is overseen by the Education and Schools Office at the Baha’i National Center. “In the writings we are told that ery believer is a teacher, and this is definitely the case at Louhelen with these wonderful souls that arise to serve our precious gems and assist parents in the polishing process,” added Vincze.

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen sessions in Calendar, back page

Tutors of all ages trained

evelopment of the five regional

training institutes in the Northeast took a stride forward April 5-8 at Green Acre, with the first Ruhi tutor training weekend in which all the trainees were selected by the institutes’ board of directors.

Farah Rosenberg, curriculum coordinator of Florida’s Magdalene Carney Regional Training Institute and an Auxiliary Board member there, facilitated the training, which was organized by

Green Acre, the Regional Baha’i Council of the Northeastern States and the regional training institute advisors.

The diverse group of tutors represented ages from youth to older adult and a wide cultural and racial variety. The joy and energy of the participants, their dedication to study and learning, and their willingness to strive to become servants of the Plan of God inspired us all in our service to the Cause.

In an effort to align its programs with the major themes of the messages of the Universal House of Justice, Green Acre works closely with the Regional Baha’i Council in development of the regional training institutes. Attention to showing “all-embracing love” to children and to providing spiritual education to junior youth and to youth have also been top priorities in the One Year Plan.

Upcoming programs Come participate this summer in the increasing variety of sessions centered on children, youth and teaching.

Aug. 24-29: “Spirit of Children” Conference on Children’s Literature, Art and Music: a variety of workshops on writing, illustration and music to foster the spiritual nature of children. Open to all, sessions aim to support those who create such materials by providing resources, _ networking opportunities, education about publication and distribution, and encouragement for their projects and artistic development.

Featured workshops will include: Art and Image as Storytellers; Finding Your Story; Creating Picture Books for Children; Getting Published; Evaluating and Editing Spiritual Content; Songwriting for Children; Performing and Working with Children; Finding Personal Time and Space for Creating; Self-Promotion and Producing Materials; and more.

Other upcoming programs include:

June 22-27: Junior Youth Academy: “Teaching the Faith to Your Peers” for ages 11-14, with Farah Rosenberg. Join

other youth for intensive study and active participation and service.

June 29-Fuly 4: Consecration, Love of God and Teaching. Adults and youth will learn to immerse themselves in the love of God and its relationship to teaching. Classes available for ages 3-14.

July 21-25: Camp Green Acre for ages 8-12, with Jill Berg and Roger Davis. A summer camp experience infused with the spirit of Baha’i community life, study and service.

July 21-25: Building a Divine Civilization through the Arts for adults and youth, with Anne Gordon Perry. Creative approaches to Feasts, Holy Days and other programs. Anne will also speak about Green Acre history and present a program honoring school founder Sarah Farmer and her birthday on July 22. Classes available for ages 3-7 and 13-14. @

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

page 14 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i © SpinruaL DisTINCTION

June 5, 2001 [Page 15]

“SPIRITUAL *DISTINCTION=

Regional summer schools: a traditional part of Baha’i life

Central States

ILuinois “HEARTLAND,” Juty 31-Aus. 4 Location: Bradley

Program the World Thre

ampus with cafeteria; dorms. Pool and other recreation. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel,

(phone | il ). lowa, Juty 20-22 Location: Best Western Inn, Newton, IA. Program: Bal ove Me That | May Love Thee. With Curtis Russell, member, Regional Babs’

ting/class rooms, red lunch/dinner. Pool, gar School fees (includes most meals): Adult $50, Youth/Pre-Youth $40, Child (6-11) $30, (3-5) $10, Infant free. Hotel $55+tax per night (double room). Day rates available.

Registrar: John Hanke,

¢ area

(phone il ). Pre-register by July 6. Minnesota “Wituiam Sears Great NortH Woops,” Aus. 15-19 p Onomia

en

Onamia, MN. Bases for Human

tablishing Ne mphasis on spiritual leadership).

Jargaret Ruhe.

ng, meals on

private, family or dorm-sty

leyball, outdoor recreation.

Registration/Info: Ali Mahabadi (phone 612545-7304), Abbas ‘Tabibi (phone , or Armaghan Asadi (phone ).

Nesraska “Great Prains,” Jury 19-22 Location: Peru State College, Peru, NE. Program: Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness. With Dawn and Chad Dumas,

Ernie Dumas, Harron Von L di (bring bedding). Pool, court sports.

Fees: Adult, Youth or Pre-Youth $95, Child $75 or $60 in sleeping bag on floor, Infant (w/o bed) $15. Day rates available. Registrar: Cecil Peterson,

le.

Facilities: Campus with dining hall; dorms

(phone e-mail ). Pre~

register by June 15 to avoid late fees.

Onto “KauimAr,” Jury 13-15

Location: Bergamo Conference Center, Day ton, OH.

Program: Establishing New Bases for Human

Hap,

g¢/dining, classrooms; by hotel optional). Pool, indoor sports, nature trai Fees: Including shared on-site room: Adult (21+) $160 (private room extra), Youth or Pre-Youth (11-20) $95, Child (3-10) $65, Infant free. Registrar: Greg Vaughan, (phone

). Registra

mail

tion ends June 25. ‘Wisconsin “MariAN SterFes,” Jury 16-20 Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, WI. Program: Establishing New Bases for Human. Happiness. Facilities: Central meeting, dining; dorm-style lodging. Pool, outdoor/team sports. Registrar: Lisa Riemer,

(phone e-mail

). Pre-register by July 12.

66

stablishing New Bases for Human Happiness”—the nationwide study pro gram for 2001! prescribed by our National Spiritual Assembly—is the general theme of this year’s regional summer schools across the country. A curriculum guide and study aids, from the National Education and Schools Office, are available on the Web (log into www.usbnc.org with your Baha’i ID number, click on “NSA Departments,” then follow the link to the Education and Schools Office).

Western States

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, JUNE 21-24

Location: Pilgrim Pines Conf. Yucaipa, Program: ‘The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf and the Five Year Plan. With Angelica Huerta,

Fred Schechter, Ed Diliberto, others. Facil

Central meeting and smaller class

carpeted cabins with bunks.

Adult, Youth, Pre-Youth (12+) $140, child (4+) $80; Infant (0-3) free; family

count. Day rates available.

Registrar: Amy Schechter Vahid or Frank Vahid,

(phone e-mail . ).

Cotoravo East, Aus. 8-12

Location: Woodland Park, CO.

Facilities: School classrooms and dining hall,

rooms;

dis

mping (hotels/motels nearby). Fees: Adult $55, Youth or Child (11-20) $45, Child G-10) $35. Registrar: Don Brayton (phone

» e-mail S Montana “Joun H.WitcorT,” Jury 29-Aus. 3 Location: Luccock Park Camp, near Livingston, MT.

stablishing New Bases for Human . With William Davis, Katherine Moen Sobhani. Facilities: Main lodge, dining roo housing (bring bedding). $ back riding, hiking.

Fees: Adult $160, Child/Youth (8-17) $130, Child (4-7) $84, (0-3) $10.

Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter,

cabin

, horse

(phone

» e-mail ). New Mexico “Four Corners,” Juty 11-15 Location: Kamp Kiwanis near Gallup, NM. Program: Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness. With Dr. Martha Jalali Rabbani, nt Poi

, Carol

Staples, Jan Saced, others. Indoor and outdoor mee

chapel, dining hall; dorm, tent or RV lodging.

Outdoor, team recreation.

s: Adult $7. ith (15-18) $60, Pre fouth (11-14) $45, Child (7-10) $25, (3-6)

$20; Family discount 15%.

Registrar: Bill Bright, (phone

e-mail ). Pre-register by July 1. OREGON “CARMEL,” Session I (Famity) June 21-24; Session II (youTH/juNioR YouTH) June 24-27 Location: 20 minutes east of Portland, OR. Program: Happiness.

stablishing New Bases for Human

Facilities: Wooded camp; cabin, tent or RV accommodations (cabins for Session II). Fees: Per person $75, Family $225. Registrar: Suc Koos,

(phone

)

OREGON “SuTTce Lake,” Jury 27-30 Location: Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp, near Sisters, OR. Program: Establishing Ne Happiness.

e-mail

v Bases for Human,

Facilitic Slassroom als

abins/lodge and 1 (special diet requests honored). Outdoor and water sports, crafts.

Fees: Staying in cabin: Adult $105, Youth (13-17) $85, Child (6-12) $75, (2-5) $50, Infant free 5-$20 extra,

dependi Registrar: Carol Pi

on age. Day

(phone

e-mail ). Pre-register by July 1. OREGON “Bapasur,” Aus. 15-19 Locati Program: Happiness. Fees: Adult $115, Youth $95, Child G-11) $75, Family $350. Registrar: Jim Smith,

hour west of Roseburg, OR. ‘stablishing New Bases for Human

(phone 1c mail ).

WASHINGTON “Tiny See0,” Jury 27-Auc.1 Brighton Creek Conference Center,

Vith ‘Todd Kutches. ndoor/outdoor classrooms; cabins

pdated), tent or RV lodging; vegetaricals accommodated; outdoor sports. Fees: Adult $175, Family $600. No day students. Registrar: Barbara Moses c/o P.O. Box 8265, Kenmore, WA 98028 (phone ). Pre-register by June 30.

EASTERN WASHINGTON/NorTH IDAHO “SHELTERING BRANCH,” JUNE 30-JuLy 6

Camp Wooten ELC, southwest of

WA.

’stablishing New Bases for Human

e-mail

Pomero

ins or ten/RV spaces; somewhat rustic. Indoor pool, court games, nature trails/outdoor sports.

Fees: Family $550, Adult $175, (60+) S115, Youth (15-18) $115, Pre-Youth (11-14) $105, Child (6-10) $85, (2-5) $55, (0-1) $32, SponId $132. No day students/drop-ins. Registrar: Shannon McConnell,

sored

(phone

mail ), Pre-register by June 10.

Southern States FLoripa, ass 6-9

ie Call. With Counselor Eugene Andrews.

Facilities: Campus with cafeteria; dorms (optional; hotels nearby). Pool, Information: Donna Evertz (phone

, e-mail ). Kentucky, Aus. 31-Sepr. 3 Location: K Faubush, KY.

establishing New Bases for Human,

lis, Soccer.

ntucky Leadership Center,

ing hall/classrooms; cabin or lodge rooms. Water, court, outdoor sports. Fees: School fee $15. Meals and cabin lodging: Adulv/Youth/Pre-Youth $25.75/day; Child $15.88/day (Lodge room $7-$30 extra per night).

Registrar: Joanne Strano-Barnes, (phone e-mail . Pre-register by Aug. 24. MaryLaNno “DaysPrine,” Aus. 2-5

Location: Frostburg State Unive

Classrooms, workshop spa

dorms, cafeteria. Pool, hiking trail. Registrar: Merlisa Lawrence Corbett c/o School,

Dayspring (phone e-mail + Web. site http://dayspringbahaischool.org). NortH CAROLINA, AUG. 24-26

Location: The Summit, Brown

Summit, Program: Lo ng. Lange and small classroom cafete

f God and 1

1, pool, ving fields, outdoor sports. dra Miles,

(phone , fax

»

Pre-register by Sout Carona, Jury 6-12

Location: Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. anaes New Bases for Human.

jussaint, Sha fod FE

th dining hall; aircondibasketball, sw , Youth (14-15)

2) call Registrar for total;

d day rates available.

Registrar: Doug Phillips, (phone 1 mail ). Pre-register by July 4.

Tennessee BANA’ InstrruTE, AUG. 31-SePT. 3 Location: DuBose Conf. Ctr,, Monteagle, TN. Program: Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness. With Dr. and Mrs. D. Popov, M.K. Radpour, Dr. Jane Failey.

RScilifees DOnMnGHPeAbIS. cat or motel:

Adult/ Youth $51; Child $41. Lodgi ‘on accommodation: Day rates available.

Registrar: Kaihan Strain,

(phone 1c mail ). Register by Aug. 15. Texas, Aus. 31-SePr. 3 Location: Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, TX. Registrar: M. Mazidi (phone ; e-mail ).

VIRGINIA “SHENANDOAH,” Aus. 31-SepT. 2 Location: Massanetta Springs Conference

Center, Harrisonburg, Information: See Web page

(www.shenandoahbahaischool.org).

VIRGINIA “APPALACHIAN” (FORMERLY “Hemtock Haven”), June 15-17

Location: Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA.

Program: Establishing New Bases for Human

Happiness.

Fees: Adult $84, Youth $65, Child (3-12) $50.

Day rates available.

Registrar: Sarah Jane Lec, P.O. Box 2156,

Lebanon, VA 24266 (phone e-mail ). Pre-register by June 4. @

June 5, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ Spimrruat Distinction _ page I5 [Page 16]The Baha'i Distribution Service is honored to distribute this most recent translation of “THE MOST HOLY BOOK.”

The Kitab-i-Aqdas (Arabic) The Most Holy Book Baha’w'llih

$30.00 HC (ARKA) Published by Baha’s World Center

Publications with all sections translated into Arabic, this most recent publication is now available for na onal and i internabound and quite likely that, regardless of one’s native tongue, many of the friends will wish to have the bounty of placing this historic publication within their homes and Baha'i Centers. 7” x 10”, 340 pp., contents, preface, introduction, supplementary texts, questions and answers, synopsis and codification, notes, glossary, key to passages, index

Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab Commemorative Stamp and Leaf

created by the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority

$4.00 (TST: AMP)

In recognition of the completion of the Terraces of the Shrine of the ib, the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority ued a commemorative stamp and leaf which includes a

Shrine of the Bab and Terraces written in English. ‘The souvenir leaves will be printed only once. Place your order now to assure your receipt of this historic collector’ item.

The Institution of the Counsellors A Document Prepared by the

Universal House of Justice

$4.95 SC (IC)

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

61h” x9”, 48 pp.

Kitab-i-Ilqan The Book of Certitude Baha'willab

$3.95 PS (KIP) $15.95 HC (KIH)

Baha’u'llah’s explanation of the basic tenets of the Baha’s Faith and of the continuity of religion as it has been revealed throughout the ages. book affirms the unity of the Prophets, the universality of their Message, the identity of their fundamental teachings, the sanctity ee scriptu \d the twofold character of their stations. The book elucidat $ tament and the Qur’n that have caused fabunieendites mong religious leaders. ‘Termed by Shoghi Effendi

“the most important book written on the spiritual significance of the Cause,” it should be “read and read over again by every soul who desires to serve” Baha'u'llah. Moreover, he say ery Baha’{ should master” this book and be able to explain its contents to others.

4\l4” x 7”, 274 pp., foreword, glossary and notes, index

Car |: a > ee) totl

- BULLETIN! Century of Light is now auailable from Baha’i Distribution Service! $10.95 sc

The Priceless Pearl Amatu'l-Baha Riibiyyih Khanum $18.95 SC (PP)

$29.95 HC (PPHC)

This is a wonderful new printing of the biography of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Work was

initiated some months before Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum’ passing. She was very happy that this book would again be available to the friends—particularly the new generation of believers—to inspire and

stimulate them wi definitive account of the life

of their Guardi: ministry as the head of

1 te oe) ae i

the Cause of God. ion, designed by Amatu’lBaha Ruhiyyih Khénum herself, is illustrated with 75 photographs, comprising those in the first edition and those in the 1988 book The Guardian of the Baba’t Faith.

53/4” x 83/4", 482 pp., contents, preface, introduction, index

Marriage: A Fortress for Well-being $12.95 SC (MFWBS)

a7

“Bahai and non-Baha’i readers will benefit from this yeetas

argument for marriage as a building block of world peace.” ~ Publishers Weekly

An examination of the Baha’f teachings on marriage it for humanity. Presents the Baha'i belief that marriage of both partners to the will of God, Who intended ma well-being and salvation.” Provides guidelines for applying spiritual principles to the realities of daily life and for nurturing a union that is fundamentally spiritual and based on the Baha’i writings.

51h” x 81/2", 86 pp., table of contents, foreword, bibliography, index

the light of God’s purpose based on the submission to be “a fortress for

i asta) edt

page 16 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * BAnA’i DisTRIBUTION SERVICE June 5, 2001 [Page 17]

What’s In It for Me?

An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith

Phyllis G.L. Chew

$8.00 SC (WEM)

‘Today’s global problems include imbalances in trade, instability in foreign exchange rates, bank failures, unceasing wars, racial and religious strife, and ongoing environmental pollution. Author Phyllis G.L. Chew reviews Baha’{ solutions to the global economic problems. She explores why this blueprint tas often been ignored and answers a favorite question asked by many inquirers of the Bahd’f Faith: “What's in it for me?”

814” x 51h", 178 pp., illustrations, bibliography

Ret gilt lad

The Search for a Just Ree aime | John Huddleston

Meee $16.00 SC (SJSS)

eaeiee Huddleston traces the history of the search for a just society from ancient times through 20th century efforts to move toward greater social, political and economic equality. 81h” x 512”, 508 pp., illustrations, tables, maps, appendix, bibliography

The Light of a Good Character New Era Development Institute ve $3.50 SC (LGC)

Originally designed for teaching children ages 4-6 in the villages of India, this book is an excellent

resource for use around the world. Thirty-two les sons designed to facilitate weekly moral education classes are presented along with helpful suggestions

for very low-cost supplemental materials.

8 '/4" x 103/4” 70 pp., lessons, instructions, roll call

pages

Baha’i Education for Children Book 4

A.A, Furdtan

$4.50 SC (BEC4)

‘The fourth book in this series includes presentations for children of reading age through pre-youth. Mr. Furiitan’s teachers’ guide emphasizes classroom management and children’s practicum promotes individual study of the Holy Writings and development of spiritual virtues.

8'h” x 512”, 64 pp.

Baha’i Education for Children

Book 5

A.A, Furtitan

$4.50 SC (BECS)

Designed for children ages 9 and 10, the fifth book in this series focuses on ‘Abdul-Baha’s teaching that “the threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from that which is forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments.”

8'k” x 5'h” 60 pp.

Baha’i Education for Children

Book 6

A.A. Furtitan

$4.50 SC (BEC6)

Book 6 focuses on pre-youth who are over the age of 10 and are beginning to shoulder increased moral responsibility. Mr. Furdtan includes historical references for inspiration and develops tools for meeting life’s challenges through the application of the Laws and Holy Writings. 81h” x 5'h”, 85 pp.

I Beheld A Maiden

Terry Culbane $19.95 SC (IBMS)

A fresh, new look at the Baha'i teachings from the perspective of the spirit! Baha’u’llah tells us a woman spoke the first words of the Revelation to him: “Turning My face, 1 beheld a Maiden—the embodiment of the remembrance of the name of My Lord. ...” In this athor Terry Culhane attempts to disc: ning of the

image of the Maiden in the fi sion of feminine presence in the ind insight, Culhane ex hat connect the reader to the notions of the Covenant, the Baha’i Commonwi

I Beheld a Maiden

es of four

, the foundation alth, human knowl

edge, 8'2 x 5!2, 143 pp., illustrations, bibliography

Islam and the Baha’i Faith Moojan Momen $18.95 SC (IBF)

An introduction to the Bah: Faith has its roots in Islam yet

and draw from an view of the » Prophet Muhamm

the Baha’ s the &

nic prophecie to exp! Momen de: m, the spirivu: S nto Islam, and much more. to read and full s book will also be helpful to Baha’f’s who want to see to Islam.

of useful information, th how their religion relat 8'4” x 5'2”, 293 pp., bibliography, references and notes, index

Substance Abuse:

A Baha’i Perspective A-M. Ghadirian, M.D.

$3.00 SC Booklet (SUAB)

easy-to-understand booklet public and profe: aoa , up-to-date infor

Brat Ties

now ayalaDlg to

Ss abuse. Most importantly, he points the way to help families and commu: become free of substance abuse.

8Ih” x 5!2”, 32 pp., references

Baha’i Essentials Dr. Steven E. Ellis $16.00 SC (BENB)

tudy course on the fundamentals of the

the book ba fendi or the Un ide the fu

lishing the unity of mank nely appointed Admin

ion Program, Core Curriculum, Ruhi,

g from the Personal Tr i guidelines for self-study and information

ind others. Includ

812” x 11", 219 pp. Sree

June 5, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistRuTion SERVICE

page 17 [Page 18]

sprehensive but ine:

A Tablet containing Baha’u' own anthology of His writi chosen to illustrate major the of His revelation. Addressed te n official whom Baha’u’llih named f his responsibility for the d ding Babis, the epistle boldly Baha’wllah is and why He has ¢ God is the source of His reve fs of His station, and outlines His gs and directives. The last n revealed before His passing, i inary model of how to writings to teach the Faith.

“the Writings,

qua Season of Light 1

194 Baarosnsion | Sonbol Taefi and Stephen Small N. eu»

Administrative Web Site f $17.00 CD (SLCD) org) for a free Epistle to the Santour and piano arrangements are accompanied by the strings of New Dean Guide available for do Zealand's Philharmonic Orchestra in this collection of old-time melodies co then to Educatior and new songs. ae Running time: 54 minutes The Secret of ci Ben Civilization Jin | Splendor Baha’i Holy Places 4 Anthony Appolito In Israel

$3.95 PS (SDCP)

NTHONY

Baha’ writings.

Hist ‘

The Baha’is magazine

_ Regularly $2.50, NOW $1.00 (BM)

nsive and highly readable full-color eighty magazine-style booklet conveying the teachings, history and activities

ie ee the worldwide Baha’i community. Written in an informative, objective

style, it is especially suitable for presentation to local officials, journalists _and others who need complete but concise information about the Faith. 81/44" x 103/4”, 80 pp., color photos, charts, maps, further reading

_ The Baha’is CD-ROM _ Regularly $19.95, NOW $5.95 (BCDR)

Baha’fs CD-ROM is a professional multimedia presentation of the Baha’

ith containing all of the material printed in the original magazine, The Baba’s. also contains a suggested reading list of sacred texts and commentary based on which can be viewed on screen or printed out in its entirety. The Kitib-i-Aqdas, The Promise of World Peace, plus 10 additional books and 25 mins of video, Features active links that expand on selected topics, including web Jinks and help screens. Incorporate the latest in information age technology into teaching efforts and reach those seekers whose computer is their source of

$15.95 CD (SCD) Inspired by Baha’ writings, Splendor delivers stirring original guitar recordings combining marvelous classical and folk guitar artistry with just the right touch of light, orchestral accompaniment. wonderful for Feasts, Holy Days and gift giving. Includes a 20-page booklet featuring selected

Total time: 31:36 minutes, 9 tracks

images by Denny Allen $20.00 CD-ROM (BHP)

One-hundred-forty-four stunning images of the Baha’i holy places from ‘Akka to Haifa. Includes historic sites around ‘Akka, the Prison, the House of ‘Abbiid, the Mansion at Mazra’ih, the Ridvin Garden, the mansion at Bahji, the Shrine of Baha’u’lléh, the House of ‘Abdullah Pasha, the Haifa Pilgrim House, the Monument Gardens, sites on Haparsim Street, the Arc buildings, the Terraces and the Shrine of the Bab.

nine soul

This CD is

7

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page 18 Tne American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i DistriBuTION SERVICE June 5, 2001 [Page 19]

KINGDOM PRoject BULLETIN: NEW PERMANENT TRAINING INSTITUTE

The National Spiritual Assembly has added a new component to its comprehensive development plan, it was announced April 26 at the Baha’i National Convention.

A second permanent training institute specifically serving an American Indian population is to be developed, though timing and site have yet to be announced.

Part of the mission of the Kingdom Project, the development plan more formally known as Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time, is to make needed improvements to the existing permanent schools and institutes—including the Native American Baha’ Institute in Houck, Arizona, serving the Navajo and Hopi peoples—and to begin establishing new ones. Previously announced were plans to initiate new permanent Baha’i schools in the Southern and Western regions, to complement the work of

Green Acre, Louhelen and Bosch Baha’i schools.

Our progress in the first year

BUILDING THE

INGDOM

IT’S OURTIME

t’s been a year since the launching of Building the Kingdom: ‘It?s Our Time, the National Spiritual Assembly’s comprehensive development plan, known as the Kingdom Project. With one more year to secure the commitment of a minimum $60 million in pledges and contributions, where do we stand? Here, with information from the Kingdom Project Office, is an update:

House of Worship On May 1, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé laid the cornerstone for the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, and later described its

establishment as marking “the inception of

the Kingdom of God on earth.” Throughout those early years, ‘Abdu’lBaha guided the believers in development of this “Holiest House of Worship,” calling it “the most important matter and the greatest divine institute.” Shoghi ‘ffendi directed the completion of the nple, naming it “the most important f ” and writing offithe surable potentiali with which this Mother Temple of ihe West ... has been endowed.”

ion of some of the monu

began December, work beg: t-iron storm drains in gardens 8, 9, and 1. Over the winter, the ‘Temple Conservation Concrete Studio in I Bluff, Illinois, prepared wood forms for casting concrete beams to support the new terrace deck. They also experimented with various formulas to create the optimum concrete recipe for long-term durability of the new stairs.

new ca

Baha'i Home for the Aged Plans for the modernization and renovation of the Baha’f Home, the only existing dependency of any House of Worship in the world, have been

approved and work will begin in late

room eaiancemens and redesign and landscaping of the front and ba

SEE PROJECT, PAGE 20

GARDEN. RESTORATION

Above photo: Erik Andersen (right) of the House of Worship Conservation Team shows work in progress on the north side of the Temple during the Baha’i National Convention in late April to Brande Watson of Xenia, Ohio, a Convention visitor.

Left photo: A kiosk at the Baha’ House of Worship Visitors’ Center informs visitors of highlights of the ongoing restoration. Below photo: Even with renovation and Convention going on, the Temple welcomed a stream of warm-weather visitors. Photos by James Humphrey

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

‘KINGDOM PROJECT

Office of the Treasurer * 1233 Central St. * Evanston, IL 60201

Web site www.kingdom-project.org * Phone 847-733-3521+ E-mail

KINGDOM PROJECT OVERVIEW

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

• More than 4,600 people have

pledged funds toward the $60 million goal.

• Nearly as many have participated

by making cash contributions.

More than $23.6 million in pledges

or cash contributions has been

committed to the Kingdom Project.

‘DID YOU KNOW ...

• The House of Worship has about

250,000 visitors each year?

• There are 972 monumental steps surrounding the House of Worship?

• Over $1,000,000 is required each year

just to keep the Temple open?

What is the Kingdom Project?

It is our National Spiritual Assembly's plan to build the infrastructure and prepare the “American Baha’f community for the dramatic growth that we are told approaching. eped in the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Baha for the ha’f community and blessed by the Unive: se

merican

can Baha’ community to advancement, matura¢ to the use of also help us “prepare instructed by the Universal House of Just e, “for ... the hour g it is our task to hasten. the Kingdom Project

ensure:

• Restoration and protection of the House

of Worship, called by the Guardian “the most important teacher of the Faith.”

é ion of the dependencies of the dhkar, including the Vis

sign of the

iratu’l-Quds, ffendi as “the y growing

development of Baha’is to their next phase as learning. sion of the media initiative and other national teaching efforts. Founding and developing a new publishing entity to develop, produce and promote books for mass distribution. Creation of strategic reserves to give our community the flexibility needed to respond promptly to opportunities for significant growth.

• Establishment of an endowment to

protect Baha'i properties across the United States.

June 5, 2001

Tne American BanA’i ¢ Kincoom PRovect

page 19 [Page 20]

“This is not the hour of rest! This is not the time of silence!

This is not the day of inactivity! Like unto one mighty spirit, moving through thousands of souls, arise ye from your seats

and cry at the top of your voices: “YA Baha’u'l-Abha!’ ” —Abdu'l-Baha

PROJECT,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

COMPLETED: Louis G. Gregory Bahd’i Institute The refurbishment of the Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, is the first construction project to be completed as part of the Kingdom Project. A modern kitchen and refurbished dorm sp: are among the highlig! “he new rei ovations will help the Institute better fulfill its community outreach and service goals and more properly reflect the station of its namesake, Louis Gregory, referred to by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé as “like unto pure gold,” and designated posthumously by Shoghi Effendi as a Hand of the Cause of God.

on

Green Acre Baha'i School A June 2 groundbreaking ceremony was set for the new meeting hall and classrooms at Green Acre in Eliot, Maine. Construction is expected to proceed over several months.

Louhelen Baha'i School

An Aug. 12 dedication ceremony is set for Unity Hall, a new building that will enable as many as 200 people to gather at this chool. Interior work should be finished soon, making it ready for use before summer is over. Previously the dining hall had to be inappropriately pressed into service for large gatherings.

National Media Campaign

‘The national media campaign is in full swing and has attracted 200,000 people to begin or renew their investigations of our Faith. Funds pledged or contributed toward the Kingdom Project will help to develop additional television programs and purchase additional broadcast time in the coming months.

Bah4ii Publishing

Baha'i Publishing is preparing its first season of literature to enter the retail market in 2002. Baha’{ Publishing books

nt Baha’i principles, i itings to a new extends far beyond our existing community. The books will be available in major chain bookstores such as Borders Books and Music and Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores, and libraries.

Endowment

In 1979 the Universal House of Justice wrote that “National: Spiritual Assemblies should set aside sums annually in their budgets for the maintenance of national properties so that when a repair becomes necessary the funds will be available without creating

Left photo: The woodpaneled walls and rudimentary tables in the memories of many who have learned and served at Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute (such as in this photo from the 1980s) had worn and needed replacement.

Below photo: ready for use as of earlier this year, the new dining hall at LGI presents a more open, airy appearance.

Photos courtesy of Baha'i National Center Properties

Hall (building at center right) stands with its exterior substantially complete earlier this spring.

Photo by Jim Cheek

An architect’s render ing shows the anticipated appearance of a new meeting hall and classroom facil

a sudden crisis for the national fund. ... Well maintained and regularly used properties will not only be a means of fostering Baha’{ community life, but will add to the prestige and dignity of the Faith in the eyes of the non-Baha’i public.”

Through pledges and contributions

toward the Kingdom Project, a significant sum has already been set aside to establish an endowment for the protection of Baha’{ properties across the United States. This represents the first step toward building an adequate endowment capable of sustaining operations and maintenance.

How can our Local Spiritual Assembly and community support the

Kingdom Project?

Consider, as an institution, making a pledge on behalf of the community, in addition to individual pledges. Help the friends understand the spiritual significance of the Kingdom Project by requesting a entation to your Local Spiritual Assembly or community by calling or e-mailing the Kingdom Project Office.

Encourage parents and the community to participate in Kids for the Kingdom (gleaners, ity books, etc.) by calling or e-mailing the Kingdom Project Office.

Help the friends understand the Kingdom Project is in addition to our regular contributions to the National Fund.

Arrange for the community to view one or both of the videos associated with the Project (Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time and Share the Joy).

Keep abreast of the latest information, contribution levels and ideas by visiting the Kingdom Project Web site (www.kingdom-project.org) or by e-mailing

to receive periodic updates about the Kingdom Project.

Request information on components of the Project that you either do not understand or wish to know more about (such as Bahda’i Publishing, media campaign, House of Worship conservation, etc.).

Help your community members understand the difference between a pledge and a contribution and how pledges work.

Share information on the Kingdom Project in community newsletters and at Feast.

• Request a supply of pledge cards by

calling or e-mailing the Kingdom Project Office, and make them available at community events.

.

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

‘KINGDOM PROJECT

Office of the Treasurer 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Web site www.kingdom-project.org Phone 847-733-3521

page 20. THe American BanA’i ¢ Kincpom Provecr

June 5, 2001 [Page 21]

| learned a new prayer to say at the conference, Wayne. Want to hear it?

Oooh! Maybe you can teach it to me, too.

From the Western Region

______ Directions:

hat are you bringing to the Kingdom Conference? Unscramble these words and check off the things you're packing!

CHE. ign wey co@e Q a Q Qa.

aaa ae

see all of my old friends and

SsauINjajay ‘hl ssausoue! ‘sassojbuns %6 Sho)

ssaunj.sapiosd ‘$1 49)).N.9403 JO) AAO) “Li SsoU WSO;

Get Ready for the Kingdom Conference

e Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 28°-July 1 With Jiang and Lis |Rende!

I can’t wait to

’'m bringing my camera so we can get lots of pictures.

meet lots of new ones!

It’s in Wisconsin, so everyone will say cheese!

Jk x

Activity by the

Vm going to Office of the volunteer as a greeter Treasurer and with my mom. Britiiant Star

That sounds fun. There will be lots of cool Classes, too.

From the Southern Region subscribe Now!

‘Send this form to: Bahd’i Distribution Service + 4703 Futton Industrial Bivel. + Atlanta, GA 30336

1 Please enter my subscription for Brilliant Star magazine at 6 issues per year (check one): 1 [ United states International (Surface Mail) (International — Air Mail) 1 J 2 S18 One Year @ $18 One Year Q $28 One Year I I 2 $32 Two Years 3 $32 Two Years 2 $52 Two Years » I 196 vetiver susscrition to 1 T Name Age Phone 1 H strcet 1 I ciy State Zip Country I [ Is this a gift subscription? If so, from who? I ~” :

Phone I

1

State Zip Country I

T payment type 2. Check/Money Order Number Dollar Amount ! (tate 10 Baha Disribaion Serie I

I A Credit Card (circle one) Visa | Mastercard | Amex | Discover I 1 credit card Number Exp. Date I 1

vo

June 5, 2001 Tue American BanA’i ¢ Brivviant Stark Kin’s Corner page 21 [Page 22-23]NATIONAL*CONVENTION?2001

ADALIA ELLIS

CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST-TIME DELEGATE

INTERVIEWS BY JAMES HUMPHREY

• High point of Convention: The

most special time for me was the period when we elected the National Spiritual Assembly. I've grown up Baha'i, I've been going to Unit Conventions all my life and served as teller or just been there youth. But I haven't been very ¢ of what ~appens at the national level.

I felt very prepared to elect the NSA because on Wednesday, the clors gave a deepening on the qualities to look for. ... To me, what made it a very spiritual thing was the quote y Shoghi Effendi about electing the representatives in a spirit of prayer and reflection and meditation. It said, basically, whoever comes to you when ou’re in this mode is who you need to write down on your ballot.

‘That was a very humbling experience for me, because I forced myself. to open more than just my head. My intellect came together with the heart and soul. ... I was in tears as I voted, very overwhelmed by the spirit I felt as I was in this process. ¢ What's happening back home: At Louis Gregory Institute, n and Frank Jordan are working tirelessly to bring in programs to support the local community there. And thousands upon thousands of people listen to WLGI Radio and hear the name of Baha’u'llah every single day. I’ve walked into bu sand have heard Radio Baha’{ on in their offices.

It’s very exciting to see this rejuvenation happening at Louis Gregory. I would highly encourage anyone who would like to be a part of that process to contact Ellen and Frank Jordan and find out ways they can provide service. @

Coun

CONVENTION,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

rose to each incoming Assembly member and hugs from the Counselors present— Eugene Andrews, Stephen Birkland and Angelica Huerta.

A posture of learning It was a scene very much in tune with the Convention as a whole. At the dawn of a new epoch and new

Helping sustain the spirit of the Convention was music provided by (photos clockwise from right) Kevin Locke, “Doc” Holladay, JB Eckl (performing with KC Porter) and Van Gilmer. Photos by Vladimir Shiloy

ather than repeat the text of the Annual Report, the National Spiritual Assem bly, its agenci

nd other institutions opted to lend “heartfelt observations

about the condition of the American Baha’{ community.” Important subtexts running throughout the reports were the Kingdom Project, the

National Assembly’s $60 million compreh

Conference, the gathering of our Baha’f family—and extended family of s for June 28-July 3 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

ive development plan, and the Kingdom kers—set

Highlights of the report of the Secretariat by Robert C. Henderson

• National Assembly members’ hi

swell with pride about our effor transform the nation despite our tests

‘aknesses.

ng we are not tested beyond our

capacity, we can move from strength to

strength and lay a foundation of growth.

Often, the Assembly meets leaders—

among them the secretary of agricul ture—who acknowledge that the Baha’is are champions of community servic social justice, unity and spiritual principle.

We have gone a long way toward devel oping systematic programs of growth

including training, devotional gatherings, and children’s and youth activit

Our challenge is to expand the circle of

love and involvement until every Baha’i

takes an abiding interest in the comm nity and devotes time, love and resources to it.

• The keys will be unity and a culture of

.

.

.

Plan, delegates adopted a humble posture of learning and set their sights on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Help was close at hand, as the Board of Counselors, the National Assembly and its agencies, the Regional Baha’i Councils and the Board of Huqiqu'lléh shared information and insights about the American Baha’{ community today and where it is going.

The setting—Foundation Hall of the Mother Temple of the West—also lent spiritual potency to the proceedings.

learning. None of us has an idea that will build the Kingdom, but our unity will. Likewise, we must harvest ideas and accomplishments, starting at the Kingdom Conference in Milwaukee.

And don’t forget, our failings can be put to good use as seeds for progres: An example of our opportunities extending a hand of love and partnership to tribal nations Baha'is are serving. The National Assembly also will establish a new American Indian institute as part of the Kingdom Project. At the dawn of the new Plan, we must recognize that all religious growth is al and we are on the threshold of wave: Buttressed by the House of Justi confidence that great victories are on the horizon, we can be assured this is the right time for our efforts to yield magnificent growth.

.

.

The white concrete dome shone as a beacon under sunny skies and the surrounding gardens burst forth in invi color.

How could any delegate not feel a of purpose in lovingly giving recommendations and suggestions to the National Assembly and in prayerfully electing the members of that body?

Blessings flow throughout Especially when such blessings flowed throughout the proceedings:

Liang the Lion, mascot of the Treasurer’s Office who normally makes his appearances in children’s materials, draws smiles from delegates and visitors at the Convention. Photo by Vladimir Shiloy

• A spirit-lifting observance of the Ninth

Day of Ridvan upstairs in the Auditorium of the Temple.

• Receipt of Century of Light, a Baha’ perspective on the 20th tury that was

prepared under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice.

• Receipt of letters from the Supreme

Body concerning the progress of the national media campaign, the Peace and unity of nations, and the s ereignty of Indian tribal nations.

• The presence of special guests such as

Lesser

• Opportunities to

Above: A photographer calls for the assembled delegates to stay steady as he takes the official Convention portrait. Photo by Tom Mennillo

The turtle can be si

you do so.

anticipated revenue from bequest

not mate

• Growth in use of the Automatic Contributions System has been a godsend,

Javidukht Khadem, several Knights of Baha’u'llih, Iranian believers Drs. Sholeh and jakiman, and Rwandan refug. Senzoga.

ee the Temple restoration in progress and hear a report on how it will unfold.

Thom:

• Debut of the next Babd’s Newsreel, fea

turing the recent experience of American Baha’i commui such arenas as attaining unive: participati responding to seekers, intercommunity

cooperation, and children’s education.

Members of the new national Spiritual Asset to the Convention: (left to right) seated, Dorothy W. Nelson, Juana C. Conrad, Patricia Locke, Erica Toussaint; standing, Robert C. Henderson, Jack McCants, William L.H. Roberts, David Young, William E. Davis. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

nvas a symbol for

Its risky to stick your neck

out, but you can’t get anywhere unless

We've sacrificially given to the National Baha’{ Fund the past few years, but a cash deficit remains—largely because and the sale of a major piece of property did

.

.

especially during summer months.

expand the base of support by i

tional Funds. About 400 Local Assembli 7,000 individual

million to the Kingdom Project.

‘The participation of young South Carolina delegates Adalia Ellis, who recited a poignant poem she wrote, and Orlanda Young Perez, who lent her

melodious singing voice to the proceedings. Inspiring session-opening perform

ances by singer Evander Gilmer, Indiflutist Kevin Locke, saxophonist Marvin “Doc” Holladay and KC Porter and JB Eckl—not to: mention National Assembly member Erica Toussaint leading everyone’ in song

There’s ample room, though, to dividuals and Local Assemblies for the National, Continental and Interna and have made contributions and pledges totaling about $23.6

Progress has been made, including Temple conservation and improve

mbly pose after they are formally presented

Left: Patricia Locke (in yellow) is embraced by Counselor Angelica Huerta as Dorothy Nelson looks on, after the Counselors presented each Assembly member with white roses. Above: Delegates and visitors in the audience are a study in concentration. Photos by Vladimir Shiloy

Highlights of the report of the Treasury by William L.H. Roberts

ments at the permanent Baha'i schools, with the money received. onal Assembly is thrilled by the achievement. It’s a great start. But there’s a long way to go. @

Highlights of more reports from Nation al Conventio1

• External Affairs: page 24

• National Teaching Committee: page

25

• Regional Baha’i Councils: page 26

and delegate Charlotte Khan offering a Convention-closing blessing in the Diné tongue.

Borne on the wind of prayer

‘The vital nature of the proceedings was brought home in a unique way.

Word was received that the Roman Catholic Dominican Sisters in Springfield, Illinois, had recited prayers—Baha’i prayers at that—since early in the week for the success of the Bahd’f National Convention.

AFSHIN AHOURIYAN PHOENIX, ARIZONA THIRD-YEAR DELEGATE

• High point of Convention: One

moment that comes to my mind right away is hearing that history was made: the first time an indigenous person has been an officer of the National Assembly. That tells me times are changing and the

minds of people are changing. Another was when the Office of E al Affairs [Director] Kit Cosby was making a presentation. Having read the Annual Report, I was wondering wha happened to the Baha'is who were arrested in gypt. Hearing that Dr. [Firuz] Kazemzadeh had an opportunity to meet with them through another organization, just to make sure they know we care about them—when you come from Iran, you feel stror about those aspects of lif ¢ What’s happening back home: I don’t mean to brag, but the Phos area had one of the first local initiatives during the media campaign. Through fund raisers and the intercommunity media committee, we were able to purchase sponsorships on public radio stations. Just to drive around and hear that this part of NPR is brought to you by the Bah community ... and I hear about it from friends at work. It kind of puts an oomph in your day. We are trying to get time slots on local cable TV. classes with devotional meetings have been going on in the Phoenix Bah: enter. Just as ny other community, our seekers want to have a program for their children. The dilemma we're facing «is whether we should continue having children’s classes all year, instead of ending them for the summer months—so that we don’t lose our seekers because there’s nothing

ter

going on for the children. #

In gratitude, delegates responded to the good Sisters:

“We, the delegates to the Baha’i National Convention, were moved upon learning of your prayers for the success of our Convention. We wish to send our loving greetings and attest to the efficacy of your prayers. We have reaffirmed our dedication to the service of humanity and the Cause of Peace. We pray also for the blessings of the Divine Creator to descend upon our dear sisters and lovers in Christ.”

page 22. THe American BanA’i ¢ Nationa, Convention 2001

June 5, 2001

June 5, 2001

Tue American BanA’i * Nationay Convention 2001

page 23

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ARLENE JENNRICH WILMETTE, ILLINOIS VISITOR

¢ High point of Conventio love Convention; I always have. was thrilled when I was i gating the Faith with the proce: of the Administrative Order.

I love having been part of and coming to conventions since 1961—the growth, the development, the excitement, the changes. The maturity of the general understanding of the World Order of Baha’u’lléh, think, is so evident at Convention—you see the changes in the veteran believers and the new believers. Each time I “come to Convention it’s such a jolt of spiritual adrenaline.

Because I’m very involved in coordinating weddings for the Wilmette Assembly, I'm glad I was there [Saturday] when they were consulting on the the need to consider giving prospective married couples more preparation.

It is mind-boggling and soulthrilling when you see the election process and welcome the new Assembly—which may look like the same names but it’s renewed year. I love the

for co

new

Voices of consistent confidence

Counselors echo call for ‘new state of mind’

thread of confidence was woven throughout comments made at the 92nd Baha'i National Convention by Counselors Eugene Andrews, Stephen Birkland and Angelica Huerta. Counselor Rebequa Murphy attended the Alaskan National Convention.

First thoughts

In the opening session, Andrews echoed the call in the Ridvin 158 message for a “new way of thinking” and a “new state of mind.”

We need to reflect on our accomplis ments and take the giant steps forward required at this time, he sai

The good news, he said, is that we have the capacity to meet thes lenges House of Justice’s Jan. 9 letter to the Counselors, the road map is clearly marked.

Huerta recalled the connection to the worldwide faith community she felt while in Haifa in January for deliberations among members of the Institutions of the Learned, and she urged us to duplicate and even enhance that feeling in our national community.

The key, she said, is to connect with our institutions and embrace the Plan in total submission to our beloved House of Justice.

‘That is our protection spire to carry forward the Plan our National Spiritual Assembly will give us after consulting with the Counselors, she said.

Birkland said he could feel the confidence the Supreme Body and the National Assembly have in us as he read the Ridvan message and our nationa body’s Annual Report.

He said the One Year Plan has been a learning experience: We found out how little we know.

But it’s a relief in a way, he said, to know we can accomplish much even

we

Perrone

Left photo: Counselors Angelica Huerta (left) and Eugene Andrews confer with a delegate. Right photo: Counselor Stephen Birkland addresses Convention. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

without having all the answers. We can try things—even make mistakes—and learn from them.

The Ridvan message In comments following a recital of the An message, Andrews echoed Birl land’s sentiment by focusing on how far we have come since the beginning of the Four Year Plan.

At that time regional committees were just starting to walk, he noted. Now the Regional Baha’i Councils have taken on such responsibilities that our National mbly has been freed to operate strategically within this country and, as assigned by the House of Justice, worldwide.

At that time we knew little about the American Bahd’{ community or about our seekers, he continued. Through painstaking research, we have gained that knowledge and found new appr ation for the value of process, planning, and systematic action.

This Caus not an exerc journey, he concluded.

Huerta likened the collective vision she saw in Haifa to that coalescing here, in which each Baha’f individual, institution or community brings different perspectives, needs, abilities, resources to the table yet can align with our National Assembly to move the process of entry by troops forward.

but a

Closing comments

One last opportunity for comment awaited the Counselors at Convention’ end.

Huerta shared her pleasure that because our National Assembly so has openly expressed its hopes, cares and plans, we as believers have everything we need to make history.

We can proceed, she said, in a planned, not frenetic, manner with unity as our goal and openness to learn as our hallmark.

Birkland also talked about learning and encouragement.

He noted that the Jan. 9 letter empha zed a need for an intense process of prayer, consultation, action, evaluation, refinement and further action.

Only in that manner can we su fully initiate programs of systematic growth, he said.

And we'll be able to boost ourselves that direction as we join with thousands of fellow believers in Milwaukee to gain from what others have learned, he said.

It’ all about change, Andrews agreed.

But for change to take hold, he said, we must embrace a number of spiritual principles: encouragement, detachment, knowledge, patience, and perseverance.

Above all, he said, we must be what ‘Abdu’l-Baha wished us to be: apostles of Baha’u'llah.

The overarching purpose of systematic action, then, is to help us bring Baha’u’llah to humanity, he concluded.

Highlights of the External Affairs report by Kit Cosby

ffecting the external affairs

work of the Faith.

We are collaborating with those forces working toward the establishment of order * the world.

work affecting all of us, C Freedom, w:

ion on International Religious able to meet with four of the

Egyptian Bahd’is and raise their spirits in signaling that he i It deliver Baha’{ communit

a Baha'i. y and privilege to help s from the dan

part of our dest

The most important t continued sup- _gers posed by religious orthodoxy and to port of Baha’is in Muslim countri promote recognition of their independent the Mideast situation deteriorates. status and religious ch: Another resolution condemning human A February meeting of national public rights violations in Iran and calling anew information officers was held to work for the emancipation of Baha’is there was _ toward the broadest, deepest, best possible passed by the UN Human Rights Commi media coverage of the opening of the ‘Tersion despit € campaign to derail it. races on Mount Carmel.

And three Baha’i women in Egypt have jus Every day in our communities, withii ie And three Bah n in Egypt have just Every day in our communiti ithin th been released from detention. parti atmosphere that e: Baha’is But Baha’is remain imprisoned in Egypt, must show forth true unity and find oppe where they are being held without charge, tunities to embrace the wider society. and in Iran, where some are on death row. In a world starved for such examples, we

• Firuz Kazemzadeh, as a member of the U.S. can be a beacon. @

even as

‘acter.

. .

Cosby (center), director of the External Affairs Office, poses with Sholeh (left) and Sina Hakiman, special guests from Iran. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

page 24 Tne American BanA’i ¢ Nationat Convention 2001 June 5, 2001 [Page 25]

Delegates get to heart of our nation’s needs

s Convention delegates listened to reports and comments by the institutions of the Faith, a primary message came through: Now that we've gained our s individuals, communities and i tions, we are ready to embark on that grand voyage known as the ne The time is right, the guidance is there, and our skills and understanding of the fundamental verities have developed to the point we can move forward with confidence. nd if consultation during the we

community beyond. But specific issues took a back seat to the big picture that learning and doing can go hand in id. As a result, consultation was short on “you shoulds” and long on “we musts.

sked insightful quesnd drew on their individual and

Then they ¢ sed how our faith community and the society at large can build the Kingdom for every man, woman, youth and child.

A sampling of items brought up for consultation: raining children and youth to take the lead in presenting the Faith. Adopting extension teaching goals among mass-taught people.

Retention of believers and systematic consolidation of new believers.

The urgent needs of young AfricanAmerican mei

.

• Sunday services designed for seek

Helping Persian believers become agents of change for race unity Learning from our most suc teachers.

Identifying m:

urable go:

Highlights of the National Teaching Committee report by Ken Bowers

About 200,000 people have begun investigating the Baha’{ Faith over the past few years. These folks of all grounds are overwhelmingly positive about the Faith. Their most common request is for information on Baha’is near them.

Our challenge is to nurture their interes The fewness of declarations thus far is nota c: for concern. It took years to learn how to get people to respond to our message. It will take time to learn how to speak to their hearts in a meaningful way. A fully functioning faith community must provide seekers with a safe haven for children, opportunities to do good works for

• Aiding Pe: and other refugees and

immigrants

• Our obligation to become Baha’{

scholars.

• Assisting people who struggle with

sexual issues.

Learning from Christians even as we teach them.

The need for involvement in community service.

ding youth service options. mportance of travel ing teaching. panding a to materials for local Baha’i choirs.

Removing barriers to involvement in Ba Involving non-Bah;

°

children’s

children in

• Helping communities to become more

others, close friendships and a connec tion with their Lord.

• Factors involved in teaching success

include individual teaching efforts, youth and children’s involvement, a s of community, diversity, strong local leadership, and confidence.

• Communities are putting into place the

elements needed. Now they must refine and s

.

increasing unity of planning and action. #

ching is not one kind of activity but a rich _ interplay of devotional gatherings,

The story of the new Plan will be an ion combined with

Photo above: Convention delegates took every opportunity to form new bonds or cement longstanding ones during breaks between formal sessions—in this case, just after the formal photo of delegates was taken Saturday afternoon.

Left photo: Orlanda YoungPerez was one of two firsttime delegates from the area of South Carolina near Louis Gregory Institute. Photos by Viadimir Shilo

aware of the issue of sexual abuse.

ing the low turnout at Unit

ntions.

ig on the example of ‘Abdu Baha in our li

• Having our unity drive our plans

everything els

© Mentoring children

• Helping young Bah

nd

we do. nd youth.

prepare for

iding universal participation in training institute courses. ¢ Making better use of teachers trained through institute cou Delegates even consulted on how to enhance National Convention consultation in the future. @

FERRIS PAISANO

LAPWAI, IDAHO VETERAN DELEGATE

ion: A the

• High point of Conven

special moment for me i delegates who are at the Convention for the cond time, and seeing to the Universal nd their undersanting of the Baha'i processes. ¢ What's happening back hom One thing that’s been effective in

our community of Lapwai—which is about 900 people—is a [youth workshop-style]_ dance group

ted by two homefront pios, the Hansens. Two Baha'i youths are in the group, and the other 18 are youths from the vil ge, mainly American Indian. hey’ve performed at the Martin Luther King service in Lewiston, at schools in Lewiston and Kendrick, were invited to the multicultural week at the Unisity of Idaho in Moscow.

If we were we couldn't conceiv happened. The parents of the youth who are not Baha’{ are really supportive of the program, and the youth seem happier. They are learning about these issues. When they do a dance on racism—and we're steeped in it in this country— they have to write in their note log: Have you ever been discrim against, or have you ever d nated? io ou’re being honest by riminated” atever your answer is. It’s wonderful for them to be able to express themselves and to begin to

North Carolina delegate Richard Pellegrino (left) and Chicagoan Walter Mays greet Thomas Senzoga (right), a special guest of the Convention.

June 5, 2001

Tne American BanA’t ¢ Nationa, Convention 2001

page 25

[Page 26]

DAVID & SUBALA

GILLETTE (WITH ASHIYA) EMPORIA, KANSAS; VISITORS

• High point of Convention:

David: The neatest thing has been hearing all the delegates from the different areas, the things they're doing that have been successful. I've found that inspiring. I’m really impressed by all that’s going on in the count

Subala: It’s so good to be at the Temple. I could not attend the whole Convention because of Ashiya, but I did hear the Ridvan message bring read. I met many friends from across the United States and I could share with them many things because I was a Baha’. When I saw the gift of roses to the National Spiritual Assembly members it Was really nic ¢ What’s happening back home: David: In Emporia we just finished our first Ruhi course a little while ago, and for community service we're doing a highway cleanup project. We're getting ready for a big Race Unity Day celebration in June.

We have devotional meetings every week; those have been successful. A friend opens up her house every Sunday evening, and invites people over and ma soup.

Subala: We call it “Soup and Talk.”

David: It opens with prayers, then we have dinner and everyone talks about what's going on in their lives. @

After completing their voting for the National Spiritual Assembly members, delegates relax and take lunch on the steps outside the House of Worship entrance. Photo by James Humphrey

MESSAGES OF JOY

Letter from the U.S. Baha’i National Convention to the Universal House of Justice, dated April 28, 2001

steemed Members of the Universal

House of Justic The delegates at the 92nd United States Baha’i National Convention, gathered under the dome of the Mother ‘Temple of the West, honored by the presence of our beloved Counselors Eugene Andrews, Stephen Birkland and Angelica Huerta, the Board of Trustees of the Huqiqu’lléh for the United States, and our National Spiritual Assembly, send you our most loving greetings. May we humbly request that you convey to the Hands of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furtitan and ‘Ali Muhammad Varga our warm affection.

Your Ridvan message to the Baha'is of the World was received and read with a sense of deep gratitude. We acknowledge also with much appreciation your

precious gift to the world of the Century of Light providing us. with an accurate perspective of the 20th centu

It is evident from our delibe: that a new state of mind does, These deliberations evi ightened awareness of the value of process, the necessity of planning, and the virtue of systematic action.”

We are grateful for the inspiration of the Counselors, the constant and loving guidance of our National Spiritual Assembly, the close collaboration between these senior institutions and their auxiliaries, the evolving strength and maturity of the Regional Baha’ Councils and the training institutes, and the progress of the Kingdom Project.

‘The confidence in the American Baha’i community, as expressed by our senior

nstitutions, has, in turn, given the delegates a new sense of confidence, a willingness to learn, and a collective vision that we stand ready to burst into a new phase of advancing the process of entry by troops.

Our hearts are joined with Baha'is all er the world in praise of the Blessed Beauty and His People of Bahé for the completion of the Are Projects on Mt. Carmel as we anticipate the auspicious occasion of the opening of the terraces of the Shrine of the Bab to the public.

We humbly beseech your prayers in the Holy Shrines that the American Baha'i community will respond unhesitatingly to your call and vigorously arise to fulfill the tasks of the Five Year Plan.

Delegates to the 92nd Babd’t National Convention

Letter from the Baha’i National Convention of Alaska to the U.S. Baha’i National Convention, dated April 27, 2001

eG from the delegates of the 45th National Con

vention of the Baha’fs of Alaska.

embark on the Fi

As we begin this Fifth Epoch, we are mindful of your invaluable guidance and service. The synergy between the United

States and Alaskan Baha'is has helped t and succeed from its infancy.

community to grow

We look forward to our continued collaboration as we e Year Plan.

Loving Baha'i greetings,

From the Delegates assembled for the 45th National Convention

of the Babi of Alaska

Highlights of reports by the four Regional Baha'i Councils

Northeastern States The Coun m is to inspire every believer to play his or her own unique role and move as one to win the goals of the Plan. Small cluster gatherings began in early 2000. They culminated at Green Acre in June with lines of action under a regional plar As we move into the new Plan, regional training institutes will play a key role. Five are fully functional and rene a sequence of courses. re helping the RTIs share best. practices, make plans and foster better administrative functioning. Six task forces on minority teaching were formed through cluster meetings and consultation. Also in operation are efforts aimed at of the arts, equality of women and men, youth and junior youth, Local Assembly development and traveling teaching.

.

.

Southern Regional Council ‘Training sessions in seeker follow-up are being accomplished through the RTIs and a network of local and state media contact people.

Another thrust is creating strong Local Assemblies with the help of Auxiliary Board members and the Office of Assembly Development. Circle of Badasht meetings are giving Persian believers impetus to travelteach, hold firesides, and pioneer on the homefront.

The 12 RTIs are creating a new culture through text-based sequences and study circles. Increased efforts will be focused on children, youth and Assemblies.

See Tt san

Joel Nizin (left) and Nina Dini present the report of the Regional Baha’i Council of the Northeastern States. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

enty-two youth teaching and service initiatives will be launched from the Milwaukee conference building on previous efforts.

Further evolution of social and economic development is under way in a region in which 120 such Baha’{-sponsored or -inspired projects already exist.

Central Regional Council The ranks of RTIs have expanded from five to nine. Local Assembly strategic planning being enhanced. Latino teaching has become a focus, especially in Chicago, as the great wave of immigration continues. ‘The maturation of regional task forces a challenge. The subregional youth committees, in, particular, are doing amazing things. Several lines of action have begun in the area of American Indian teaching. Communication among teachers and funding of the teaching

effort are improving.

The Council has expended much effort to attain an atmosphere of love and unity.

Western Regional Council

• Cities with the most seekers are those

that are working in conjunction with the national media campaign.

Youth forums and junior youth development programs are serving hundreds of young Baha’is The 10 RTIs and three locally based subregional institutes are moving toward full functioning with diverse curricula and study circles. Minority teaching desks have been blished as part of the decentraliza

ling teaching and homeig network exists, parMontana and Wyoming. Communication with Local Assemblies, groups and individuals has been aided by launching an e-mail newsletter and a regional Web site.

Local Assembly desks have helped the region achieve the highest participation in development modul A regional teaching plan, Victory West, will aim for a systematic proc of expansion matched by human resource development. Characteristics will be communities that can sustain a long-range effort and provide a vibrant welcome for new believers. Youth will be on the front lines, and RTIs will train teachers and new believers and make study circles available.

SEE REPORTS, PAGE 28

page 26 Tne American BanA’i * Nationa, Convention 2001

June 5, 2001 [Page 27]

Community Honor Roll 157 B.E.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered Bahai groups with excellent patterns of giving to the National Baha'i Fund

he National Spiritual Assembly is grateful to the communities who have met the

Honor Roll for contributions to the und during the past year.

he Honor Roll criteria for 157 B.E. community must contribute to the National Baha’i Fund during at least 12 of 19 Bah:

Bal

as follows:

ational

were

times or more months or par=

ticipate in the Automatic Contribution

Alabama Birmingham Florence Homewood Huntsville Madison Mobile

Montgomery Tuscaloosa

Arizona ‘Avondale Chandler Chino Valley Cochise Co SW Coconino Co $ Coconino Co E Flagstaff Ganado Chapter Gilbert Glendale Goodyear Holbrook Mesa Oro Valley Paradise Valley Peoria Phoenix Pima Co N Pima Co E Pinal Co Prescott Scottsdale Sun Gity Tempe Tsaile-Wheatfields Tucson

Arkansas Fayetteville Hot Springs Little Rock Rogers Russellville

California Agoura Hills ‘liso Viejo Altadena Anaheim Arcadia Areata Arroyo Grande Bakersfield Belmont Berkeley Beverly Hills Brea Burlingame Calabasas

Camarillo Campbell Carlsbad Cerritos

Chico

Chula Vista Citrus Heights Claremont Clovis

Concord Corona

Covina

Culver City Cupertino Danville

Davis

Desert Jud Dist Diamond Bar Dublin

El Cajon

EL Cajon Jud Dist El Dorado Co NW El Dorado Co SE Encinitas Escondido Eureka

fair Oaks-Orangevale hirfield Fallbrook San Diego Fillmore Folsom Freedom Fremont Fullerton Gilroy

Glendale Glendora Goleta

Grass Valley Hanford Hawthorne Hayward Healdsburg Hemet Highland Hollister Inglewood Irvine

La Canada Flintridge La Crescenta La Habra

La Mesa Lafayette Laguna Beach Laguna Hills Lakeside Lakewood Lancaster Lemon Grove Long Beach Los Alamitos Los Altos

Los Angeles

Los Gatos

Madera Sierra Jud Dist

Manteca

Marin Co

Martinez

Marysville

Merced

Hission Viejo

Modesto

Monrovia

Monterey

Moorpark

Mountain View

Mount San Jacinto Jud Dist

Murrieta

Napa

Newark

Newhall Jud Dist

Newport Beach

North Fork

Novato

Oak Park

Oakland

Ontario

Orange

Orinda

Oxnard

Palm Desert

Palo Alto

Paradise

Pasadena

Petaluma

Poway

Prunedale

Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Santa Margarita

Redwood City

Richmond

Ridgecrest

Riverside

Riverside Jud Dist

Rocklin

Rohnert Park

Roseville

Sacramento

Sacramento Co SE

Sacramento Co NW

San Anselmo

San Bernardino

San Clemente

San Diego

San Diego Co N Jud Dist

San Francisco

San Juan Capistrano

San Leandro

San Leandro Hayward Jud Dist

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo Co NW

System (ACS) for at least 10 of 12 Gregorian

| | months between March 2000 and February | ‘s whose combined contributions by mail and through the ACS fulfill | mo

ae

i i i 1 |

2001. C

either criterion

We recogni those 1003 commu strated matte

San Luis Obispo CoS Denver

San Harcos Douglas Co San Mateo El Paso Co E San Hateo Co S Jud Fort Collins Dist Golden San Rafael Greeley San Ramon Jefferson Co Santa Barbara la Plata Co Santa Clara Larimer Co Santa Clarita Louisville Santa Cruz Loveland Santa Cruz Co N Mesa Co Santa Maria Montezuma Co Santa Maria Jud Dist Northglenn Santa Monica ‘Westminster Santa Paula Santa Rosa Santee Connecticut Saratoga Farmington Town Scotts Valley Hartford Seal Beach New Haven Sierra Madre Oxford Town Simi Yalley Plainville

Sonoma Co Supy Dist 4 Stamford Sonoma Co Supy Dist 5

South Pasadena South Sacramento Delaware Spring Valley Dover Stanford New Castle Co N Suisun City New Castle Co W Sunnyvale Newark Temecula Sussex Co Temple City Wilmington Thousand Oaks Three Lakes Jud Dist Tiburon District of Toro And Laguna Seca Columbia Torrance Washington Tuolumne Cent Jud

Dist Tustin Florida Union City Altamonte Springs Upland Atlantic Beach Vacaville Belle Glade Yallejo Brevard Co Ventura Gitrus Co Victorville Clay Co Vista Clearwater Westlake Village Collier Co Whittier Cooper City Windsor Coral Springs Woodland Dade Co Cent Yosemite-E! Portal Dade Co N Yucaipa Dade Co S

Davie Deerfield Beach

Colorado Fort Lauderdale Arapahoe Co Gainesville Arvada Greater Gainesville ‘Aurora © Gulfport Boulder Hillsborough Co E Colorado Springs Hillsborough Co NW Cortez Hollywood

ncere appreciation e demon contri tributions by n

Indian River Co Jacksonville Lakeland Largo

Leon Co Manatee Co Marion Co Miami Beach Nassau Co Okaloosa Co Orange Co E

Orange Co W Orlando

Osceola Co

Palm Bay

Palm Beach Co N Palm Beach Co $ Palm Beach Gardens Pembroke Pines Pinellas Co

Polk Co

Pompano Beach Sarasota Co N St, Petersburg Wilton Manors

Georgia Athens-Clarke Co Atlanta ‘Augusta Cobb Co SW Cobb Co NE Cobb Co $ Cobb Co W Columbia Co, E Dalton Dekalb Co $ Fulton Co NE Gwinnett Co N Gwinnett Co $ Hall Co Marietta Peach Co Roswell Savannah Valdosta

Idaho Blackfoot Boise Coeur D'Alene Idaho Falls Latah Co Lewiston Power Co

Iflinois Arlington Heights ‘Aurora Bloomington

March

Bolingbrook Burr Ridge Champaign Chicago Decatur Deerfield

Des Plaines Downers Grove East Peoria Elgin

Evanston

Glen Ellyn Glencoe Glenview

Grays Lake Highland Park Hoffman Estates Joliet

La Grange Lisle

Lockport Mahomet Haine Township Northbrook Oak Park

Park Forest Park Ridge Peoria Rockford Roscoe Township Schaumburg Skokie Springfield

St. Charles Urbana Waukegan Wheaton Wilmette ‘Woodstock

Indiana Angola Bloomington Bloomington Township Fort Wayne Gary Indianapolis Kokomo Mishawaka Mount Yernon Muncie South Bend Vincennes ‘West Lafayette

Iowa Ames Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Council Bluffs Davenport

Des Moines

lowa City

Mount Vernon Sioux City Warren Co Waterloo

West Des Moines

Kansas Butler Co Derby Dodge City Hays Hutchinson Kansas City Lawrence Olathe Overland Park Topeka

Kentucky Boyle Co Jefferson Co Lexington Louisville

Louisiana ‘Avondale Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge Parish New Orleans Shreveport

Maine ‘Auburn Augusta Dexter Town Eliot Town Gorham Town Kingfield Lewiston Portland South Berwick South Portland

Maryland Annapolis Anne Arundel Co E Baltimore Baltimore Co Cent Baltimore Co W Carroll Co Frederick Frederick Co Gaithersburg Greenbelt Howard Co

Please note the change in the Honor Roll criteria for the upcoming year (158 B. contribute to the National Baha’ e during at least 15 of 19 Baha'i months or parate in the Automatic Contribution for at least 10 of 12 Gregorian months 2001 and Febru: Roll will include communi

community must Fund 15 times or

between

2002. Again, the Honor whose combined conand the ACS fulfill either criterion.

Laurel

Montgomery Co Cent Montgomery Co N Montgomery Co NW Montgomery Co SE Montgomery Co $ Montgomery Co SW Prince Georges Co N Prince Georges Co S Takoma Park

Massachusetts ‘Amherst Town, Barnstable Town Boston

Bourne Town Brookline Town Cambridge Chelmsford Town Dartmouth Town Easthampton Town Foxboro Town Greenfield Town Harwich Town Ipswich

Lexington Town Longmeadow Town Malden

Medford

Milford Town Monson Town Montague Town Nantucket Northampton Northfield Town Somerville

South Hadley Town Wareham Town Watertown Town Westford Town Wilbraham Town Worcester

Michigan Allen Park. ‘Ann Arbor Benton Township Big Rapids Canton Township Giinton Township Detroit East Lansing Flint Grand Rapids Hart Township Holland Huntington Woods Kalamazoo

SEE HONOR ROLL, PAGE 28

June 5, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i * MATERIAL MEANS page 27 [Page 28]

TRUE SSSE SASSO EEE SES ESE SE EES 7 EWS SSE RES FE TE PDB EBT RES BREE TREE EE SES CE SESE SSO

REPORTS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

• Children’s classes and devotional gath

erings will be expanded.

• Other clusters will be facilitated to

accelerate growth—until the West is

won.

Board of Huqiiqu’Il4h The five trustees of Huqiqu’llah for the United States—Stephen Birkland, Amin Banani, Daryush Haghighi, Sally Foo, and Elizabeth Martin—were pres ent to deliver the following report: * Si

• The law of the Right of God is integral to all our activities and to our own, be

spiritual lives.

• The board works through a network

of representatives that the trustees hope to extend to every state.

© These servants of the community and of Local Assemblies do not soli

payment.

the board was established in the

obedience to the law.

mid-1980s, tremendous progress has een in education, follow-up and

• Local Assemblies have a key role in

instructing the friends on the divine commandments.

• Classes for children and youth and

deepenings also must be part of making the law integral to our spiritual life from the start. Fortunately, materials aiding this effort are continually being developed. @

HONOR Saint Charles Trenton Gry Oregon Greenville Grand Prairie Manassas University Place Saint Charles Co Ventnor City Chapel Hill Albany Greenville Co Grapevine Mclean Vancouver ROLL, Saint Joseph Wychott Charlotte Ashland Greenwood Co Harlingen Mount Vernon Walla Walla Saint Louis Chatham Co Astoria Horry Co Harris Co NW Newport News West Richland CONTINUED Saint Louis Co N Durham Beaverton Kingstree Hams Co SE Norfolk Whatcom Co Council FROM PAGE 27 saint Louis (o 5 New Mexico Durham Co Benton Co Ladys Island Haris Co SW Prince Wiliam Co Dist 3 Saint Peters ‘Alamogordo Greensboro Clackamas Co NW Lexington Co N Hurst Reston ‘Woodinville Lansing Springfield ‘Nbuquerque Guilford Co Clackamas Co § Mount Pleasant Irving Richmond Yakima Marquette University City Antec Hamlet Deschutes Co North Augusta Kerr Co Roanoke Yakima Co Comm Dist | Midland Wildwood Belen Henderson Co Douglas Co Pendleton League City Roanoke Co Yakima Co Comm Dist 3 Niles Township Bernalillo Co E High Point Eugene Pickens Co Lewisville Scottsville Yakima Indian Res. Saginaw Bloomfield Kernersville Forest Grove Richland Co N Lubbock Spotsytvania Co Saginaw Township Montana Dona Ana Co $ New Hanover Co Greater Grants Pass Rock Hill Hellen Staunton Saint Clair Shores Bozeman Farmington Orange Co» Gresham Spartanburg McKinney Vienna West Virginia Scottville Butte-Silver Bow Gallup Richmond Co Hillsboro Spartanburg Co Midland Virginia Beach Charleston. S00 Township Flathead Co Grants Wake Co Jackson Co North Richland Hills Jefferson Co Southfield Great Falls Hobbs Wilmington Klamath Falls Pasadena Morgantown St. Joseph Helena Las Cruces Winston-Salem la Grande South Dakota Plano Washington Sterling Heights Los Lunas Lane Co Cent Pass Creek Dist Richardson Anacortes Troy Rio Rancho McHinnville Pierre Round Rock Bellevue Wisconsin Washington Township Nebraska —_San Juan (o North Dakota Medford Rapid City San Antonio Belingham Ngoma White River Township Aurora Sandoval Co N Fargo Milwaukie Sugar Land Bothell Antigo Ypsilanti Township Bellevue Santa Fe Grand Forks Multnomah Co The Colony Clark Co Comm Dist | Appleton Gering Santa fe Co Jamestown Philomath Tennessee The Woodlands Edmonds Beloit Grand Island Minot Portland Brentwood Travis Co Everett Brookfield Minnesota Lincoln Roseburg Chattanooga Tyler Greater Walla Walla Cedar Grove Aitkin Co Nebraska City New York Sherwood Frankdin Victoria Issaquah Cedarburg Arden Hills North Platte Nbany Ohio Springfield Hamilton Co Waco Juanita Chippewa Falls Beltrami Co Papillion Amherst Town Bainbridge Township Talent Hendersonville West University Place Kenmore De Pere Bemidji Scottsbluff Co Beacon Bexley Tigard Knox Co Williamson Co Kent Delafield Chanhassen Brighton Town Bowling Green Tillamook Co Memphis King Co E Cent Eau Claire Duluth Brookhaven Town Bucyrus Tualatin Murfreesboro King Co NE Farmington Town Eagan Nevada Clarence Town Centerville Wallowa Co Nashville Utah King Co S Cent Fond du Lac Eden Prarie Carson City Geneva leveland Washington CoN Rutherford Co Logan King Co SE Fe. Atkinson Falcon Heights Churchill Co Greece Town Gleveland Heights Shelby Co Ogden Kirkland Glendale Foley (ark Co W Hamburg Town Columbus Williamson Co Salt Lake City Kitsap Co Cent Green Bay Golden Valley Las Vegas Hempstead Town Dayton Pennsylvania Wilson Co Salt Lake Co Kitsap Co S Green Lake Grand Rapids North Las Vegas Hoosick Falls Fairborn Ntoona Longview Greenfield Greenwood Paradise Town Huntington Town Harrison Township Bethlehem Lynnwood Janesville Little Canada Reno Islip Town Hilliard Buckingham Township Texas Vermont Makah Reservation Kenosha Maple Grove Sparks Ithaca Kent Elizabethtown Borough Addison Bennington Town Mercer Island La Crosse May Township Spring Creek Mount Vernon Kettering Harrisburg Allen Brattleboro Mill Creek Hadison Minneapolis Sunrise Manor New Paltz Macedonia Lanaaster Arlington Colchester Moses Lake Menomonee Falls Hower Co New York City Mansfield Lower Merion Township Austin hirfax Town Mount Vernon Middleton Plymouth Newark Mentor Nether Providence Bedford Norwich Mukilteo Milwaukee Rochester New North Hempstead Town — Miami Township Township Bellaire Rochester Town Newcastle Muskego Roseville Hampshire Olean Poland Philadelphia Benbrook Shoreham Town Olympia New Berlin Sartell Concord Perinton Town Shaker Heights Pittsburgh Brazoria Co Pasco Oshkosh St. Paul Exeter Town Pittsford Town Stow State College Brazos Co Pierce Co Peninsula Portage Co Stillwater Lebanon Rochester Sylvania Swarthmore Carrollton Virginia Port Angeles Racine West St. Paul Lee Town Saratoga Springs Upper Arlington Tredyfrin Township Cedar Park Nbemarle Co Pullman Stevens Point Woodbury Manchester Schenectady Urbana College Station Alexandria Redmond Sturgeon Bay Nashua Smithtown Town Warrensville Heights Colleyile Bedford Co Renton Sun Prairie Peterborough Sodus Point Weller Township, Rhode Island Coppell Botetourt Co Seattle Waukesha Mississippi Portsmouth Tonawanda Town Yellow Springs Hopkinton Town Corpus Christi Bristol Shelton Waukesha Township Gulfport Utia Warwick Dallas Charlottesville Shoreline Wausau Jadson Victor Town Del Rio Chesterfield Co Snohomish Co Council Wauwatosa Vicksburg. New Jersey —_ Webster Town Oklahoma Denison Fairfax City Dist 3 West Allis Bloomfield White Plains Edmond South Denton Fairfax Co Cent $ Snohomish Co SE Wilson Township Gifton Midwest City Carolina Duncanville fairfax Co E Snohomish Co N Winchester Township Missouri Glassboro, Moore ‘Anderson Co Eagle Pass Fairfax Co NW Spokane Co Comm Dist | Winneconne Columbia Hamilton Township North Norman Clemson Edinburg hirfax Co W Spokane Co Comm Dist 2 Jefferson City Hopewell Township Carolina —_Oklahoma City Columbia El Paso Falls Church Tacoma Joplin Lawrence Township Asheville Ponca City Conway Flower Mound Great Falls Thurston Co Cent Wyoming Kansas City Matawan Black Mountain Shawnee Cross, Fort Worth Hanover Co Thurston Co E Cheyenne Lees Summit Montclair Township Buncombe Co Tulsa Co Florence Frisco Henrico Co Toppenish Laramie Phelps Co Piscataway Township Cartboro Yukon Greater Orangeburg Garland Loudoun Co Tumwater Newcastle page 28 Tue American BanA’i ¢ Conrinuep June 5, 2001

[Page 29]

Story of a youth finding the Faith: Two views

H ere is a teaching tale from Pittsford, New York, just outside Rochester. The American Baha'i often retells such stories from the teacher’s viewpoint, but here we have the privilege of also presenting the story of the teen-age seeker who accepted the Faith. Both sides of the story are presented in the youths’ own words.

The teacher: Aidin Brown The first few years of middle school, I didn’t have many friends, but there was one ly kind to me. sider hima friend at the time, but as the years grew, Alex and I became closer and closer friends. Although we were in si i of the school, we continued our friendship through extracurricular clubs. We ended up seeing each other almost every nd when summer came, we talked mostly over the Internet. ded to invite him to a youth fireside in our area that we call a coffeehouse. During these even talk about whatever comes up, not necssarily related to religion. Alex came to ‘one where we began with religion, but nded with exchange of various urban legends. He found the event quite fun. As weeks ed, I searched for another event, and a “Youth Day” came up, the idea of two local girls. I invited Alex to this, which turned out to be the beginning of a 19-day teaching project. We had disand played games about racis! nally wasn’t planning on inv Alex to any other 19-day teaching project activities, but he called me the next ‘ing me if he could get a ride to ester Baha'i Ce

amazed me, and he said he

Alex Mann holds a cake bearing the words

ah-u-Abha Alex” at his first Feast last

summer, with Aidin Brown standing next to him. Aidin’s mother at far left and other family members and friends stand by (Alex’s mother present but not pictured).

nted to come to ALL of the events the next few weeks. And he did.

I thought that some events, such as door-to-door teaching, would be awk‘d for him, but he turned out to be the best teacher of all the youth! In fact, when asked whether he w

each other in kindergarten through second

de. I found this to be a huge and the three of us became a “friendship triangle.” Alex learned

ind more about the Faith, and on the closing barbecue for the traveling youth, on July 30, he declared his faith.

more

The seeker:

Alex Mann While I was attending Pittsford Middle School three years ago, I met many people but one in particular, Aidin Brown, was especially friendly. We got along quite well, most likely because of our same taste in hobbies, music, and especially computers and electronics. After the 2000 school r was finished, I to go to Suther

yea

Sometimes we improvise to keep contact with seekers

sually the 1-800-22-UNITE phone

response system for seekers works as it should, yet sometimes there are umstances beyond our control. However, the following two messages (edited for length) from Baha’i contact people demonstrate that the most important part of the communication chain is swiftly contacting people who reach out to us for information on our Faith.

Altamonte Springs, Florida

from seekers in my area. I usually chec every 24 hours, but this week I didn’t my condo was flooded. fortunate to receive a recorded message regarding someone nearby who wants to learn about the Baha'i Faith. I e-mailed the seeker and told her about our Sunday morning Baha’{_ programs and told her, if she wanted to attend, to call me and I would give her directions to the Orlando Baha’i Center.

She called that evening and I asked her if she knew anything about the Faith. id that she had read about it on the . She mentioned that she is an cand is looking for a religion. She

sounded young, so I d if she would be coming with anyone, and she said she would be coming with her mother.

When she arrived at the Orlando ¢ had brought her mother ead a friend. I welcomed them I spoke, her mother said, “Oh, you're Wendy's mother!” She explained that she works as a speech therapist in the same school system as my daughter, and my voice sounds like hers.

The program was on “Transformation,” including the transformation of the world and of individuals when a new Manifestation appears. We opened with prayers and I told the audience Ud if anyone wanted a prayer book, to their hands. All three of the seekers raised their hands.

Later the three guests expressed posifeelings about what they heard, and ed about how a person becomes a prayer aloud the next time she attended an event at the Baha’i center. They took home a copy of The Babd’fs magazine.

When I got home I called my daughter and told her what had happened. She told mé she had talked at a county meeting for speech therapists with one of the

C

ti one as!

s rs, who had said her daughter was looking for a religion. In a hurry, my daughter had given her a Web site address (www.bahai.org), and that was given to the speech therapist's daughter, who later left the message I originally picked up.

My daughter and I had a good laugh about being told we sound alike. We agreed that of course we sound alike— we speak the language of Baha’u’lléh! —Pearl Fleischhacker

Augusta, Maine I wish to share with you the good news that the 1-800-22-UNITE pledge of

having “no call go unanswered” is working for Maine. A caller in Maine had his request go to Oregon and to Maryland!

Both times the contact person in the

called me—the contact person for the seeker'’s locale in M me his name and addre information also I box.

s working! I hope this note spurs a/l to make sure the callers get connected to a contact person in their communities.

—Claire Cline

land High School, and Aidin was to attend Mendon High School.

Sometime toward the middle of spring, he invited me to a Baha’ coffeeThis was followed in early sum “Youth Day,” which I was later told was the start of a 19day ‘Baha’ youth teaching trip. I was very interes ed in learning more, as this was the first I'd ever heard of the Baha’f Faith.

On the way home from that event, I found out that there would be many more similar events over the next 19 days. I asked if non-Baha’is could participate, and no one had any objections, so ted in the proj

We did such things as door-to-door nd many com teaching, hosting revivals, munity on public gardens, became very impres rprised that ‘with so many is I'd never heard of it before. me to learn more about the Faith, I realized that I already shared most of its ideals, and so on the last day of the teaching trip I signed a de tion card. After I declared, two famili have been fundamental in teaching me the dos and don’ts of the Baha’i Faith, the Browns (of which Aidin is one) and the Hendrixes.

I have been a Baha’f since July and I have not regretted this decision at all. #

PtSi ems ec aii PRC

June 5, 2001

Tue American BanA’l * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

page 29 [Page 30]i NATIONAL*TEACHINGe PLAN

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

Thoughts on homefront pioneering

BY HELEN KATZ, URBANA, IL

vs been a couple of years since I

offered to write a piece about home:

front pioneering for The American Baha’. At the time it seemed an easy task, but somehow I could never begin. My feelings about my pioneering expe ence were constantly changing, and anything I wrote at any given moment would be at least partially untrue a day or a week later.

sburg, Illinois, I have moved away m no longer a homefront pion xperi finished, and maybe I can write about it. I can’t begin to judge and what wasn’t, because I don’ t know where and how the planted seeds will grow. In m seems our progress in teaching munity development the many other seeds planted over the last couple decades—by a former pioneer, by extension teaching efforts, and ly by the steadfast work of Jim Rich.

Culture shock: metro to town

Moving to a small town (under 35,000) after 18 years in the Chicago area, I often felt I could never fit in, and therefore could never be effgctive as Baha’i teacher here. I didn’t like everyone I met and some people didn’t like me. It’s hard for a non-professional to an adequate living in Galesburg, and unfortunately I brought my strug a

. too, it seemed it would take mite blast to get Galesburgites to ep out of their comfort zone for even a momentary look at the Faith.

In the past couple of years, those feelings gave way to frustration with myself. A loner by nature, I began to feel li square peg in a kind of pioneer this town needs is much more people-oriented, whose idea of a good time is conversation with other

I can’t begin to judge what was a “success” and what wasn’t, because | don’t know where and how the planted seeds will grow.

humans rather than holing up at home with a good boo!

My strong po and public rel

nts are organizational

side, and instigating the formation of a teaching task force involving isol: ted believers who live near Gal last effort was especially ble: generous and continuo)

(om and Diane Smith in Dahinda.

What I didn’t do well, and still don’t, is teach one-on-one. One time before the area task force was formed, a man from a fundamentalist istian background enrolled in the Faith after meeting Baha'i youth during a summer teaching project. I found myself taking personal responsibility for deepening him, a job I most likely would have avoided in a larger Baha’i community. When he decided he had made a mistake and returned to church membership, I felt personally responsible for that, too. ching Christians is one of the biggest challenges for me—a Jew who grew up in Christian neighborhoods and was often the target of sincere but unrelenting conversion attempts. Somehow in gathering my adyance information about Galesburg, I failed to learn how church-centered it is. That was probably God's way of leading me here to face my negative attitudes.

‘To make up for it, however, He pro

INFORMATION ON YOUR

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

ARS 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, holi day, 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 on page 35 to respond by mail.

Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

• Names and ID numbers of all Baha'is on each trip

© Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of

visit(s)

vided Phil Turner in nearby Kewanee, ngly knowledgeable (and loving and patient) Bible scholar who spoke at many firesides in Galesburg.

an am;

Hearing the word “Baha'i”

With the help of the annual summer school and then the task force, we made enough noise to get Galesburg residents used to hearing the word “Baha’f,” and to attract a few seekers to the firesides. The Faith became _ better-known through my participation in Churchwomen United. The area task force helped set up teaching projects. Jim Rich helped coordinate a Healing Racism workshop series that served many segments of the local communit

Enrollments in those six years were fe One youth who enrolled then is still very active. Baha’{ students at Knox College have been involved in various ways, often bringing friends to firesides and devotions.

We met our goal of becoming an Assembly in 1999 after suddenly, for varseveral Baha’is moved

ious reasons, here. However, we couldn’t sustain the Assembly. It looks as if Galesburg: returning to group status, but with more active members, and more members total, than it previously had as a group. he campus is plan to hold firesides to replace mine, Jim will be continuing the weekly public devotions he has been hosting for a couple of years, and the area task force is still operating.

My commitment to pioneering here forced me to deal with problems in new ways. For example, in my struggle to earn an adequate income I worked at jobs I never would have taken before, such as being a personal assistant, and developed new abilities and skills. One of my most meaningful teaching experiences resulted from that work—reading God Loves Laughter (twice!) to an elderly friend in a nursing home.

concerns ing Galesid I should forced me to consider lea burg, many Baha’s friends n't feel guilty about leaving a pioneering post because after six years I had “put in my time.” I responded that nowhere in the Writings had I ever'seen a reference to “putting in your time.”

However, I finally saw that the community would not rise or fall according to my presence or absence. Indeed, sometimes when a seemingly “indispensable” person is dispensed with, other people’s talents and resources are released and create new opportunities.

Of course, I kept feeling a bit guilty about the move. Then a non-Baha’i friend pointed out to me how wellknown the Faith is’in Galesburg now. That felt good!

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

The Office of Pioneering is cager to assist the

friends pre for international service. For

nformation re

jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office

i National Center, 1233

Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 8478, e-mail Answers to frequent questions about serving

y are posted on the Web

(www.usbne.org, NSA Departments). See below lefi to report an international trip.

HOMEFRONT SERVICE

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

Northeastern States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioct the Northea secretary, Joel mail ). To inquire about traveling teaching, contact

neer, Cone

st Regional Baha’

Counci zin (phone

re

the traveling teaching coordinator, Di

Rouse Kaufman (phone »

Central States

To inquire about locating as a bomefront pio ) To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate state uaveling teaching coor dinator (list is available on www.usbne.org in

the Regional Councils section) or contact

» e-mail

Marilyn Ray (phone

Western States To inquire about locating as a homey neer or about traveling teaching, contact the

appropriate traveling teaching-h hs able on www.usbne.org in the R

front pio

nee! ator for ate (list avail

1g coord

‘ional

Councils section), or one of the regional coor dinators:

teaching: Jan Saced,

(phone il . Homefront pioneering:

lor Toloui,

e-mail . For information on American Indian

(phone

reservations, contact the American Indian

regional traveling teaching-homefront pio neering coordinator, Helen Kiely,

Dr., Gallup,

(phone ).

Southern States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pio

neer, please contact regional coordinating (phone

m member Susan Crossl

° Mii . j I rT ,e-ma Eee CnC : b It feels good, also, to realize how many To inquire about traveling teaching, please er ata lem Jirice or MERI friends I made,!‘somerimes despite contac regional oordinaang tear member ire hrseasi ste Sa tock aoe opportunities ee Hispanic believers to tea in Latin America? page 37 y African-Americans to teach in Africa? SEE HOMEFRONT, PAGE 31 il © page 30) THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN —_ June 5, 2001 [Page 31]

NATIONAL? TEA CHING

oP LAN

TRAINING

An old friend rejoins Wilmette

amsey Zeine, coordinator for the R 1996 summe! ion of the Wilmette Institute’s Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program, will return to coordinate the 2001 summer session. in that very first summer session, 1c helped shape the content and tone ram. His workshops on teaching the Faith were memorable, and the spiritual atmosphere he helped set became the standard for summer ses ¢ then. More students from the on returned than from any r, and students remember him

fondl,

Zeine brings a remarkable background to the program. He has served as chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Lebanon and has devoted considerable time and thought to the question of how one can teach syst ically the subject of teaching the He has earned his living a and as director of an E school in Lebanon.

In addition to informal classes on var

‘0 teach two 90-minute cl: the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’lBaha. If you haven’t yet signed up for this summer's session, contact the Wilmette Institute about participating!

Distance Learning: “Divine Civilization” and more The Secret of Divine Civilization, July 1-Sept. 30 This course examines a major work on the development of society composed by

HOMEFRONT,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

myself. When I sat down to make a

“goodbye” list it was much longer than I

ever would have guessed. And as I ran

my last errands around the town, I was

surprised to realize that in many ways, I

would really miss this place.

If I again choose to homefront pioneer, here are the lessons I hope to remember: ¢ My first duty as a teacher is to make

friends. It’s necessary for me to get to

know people and earn their respect and trust before I can expect to get much response to teaching efforts.

• Responses often come from the most

unexpected quarters.

• [need to be financially stable and able

to provide material resources and time without endangering that stability.

© Where results are concerned, I can “let go and let God” because Bahd’u’lléh will find ways to get teaching goals met, usually ways I could never dream up on my own.

Homefront pioneering is just that— pioneering, in every sense of the word. #

Ramsey Zeine, who coordinated the first session of Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization in 1996, returns for this summer's session.

Ls) Wilme Shenae

‘Abdu’l-Bahé in 1875, when He was Baha’u'lléh’s_ personal secretary. The | Spiritual Assembly has asked in Bahd’is to study The Secret of Divine Civilization in the last half of 2001.

Christianity for Deepening and Dialogue, June 15-8 15

christianity’s origins, the life of its Founder, the composition of its scripthe systematization of its teachts subsequent split into many submovements, and the Baha’s perspective on the religion that has more followers than any other in the world.

‘The Baha’ Faith: A Comprehensive

Introduction, June I—Aug. 30 Registration may still be open for this

college-level survey of the basic history

INSTITUTES

and teachings of the Baha’s religion, suitable for new Baha’is or those wishing to study the Faith in depth. As long as space is available, the Institute allows students to register as late as one month into a distance-learning course.

Upcoming courses

Watch for information on these fall courses: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Sept. 1-Dec. 31; and ‘Abdu’l-Bahé: The Exemplar, Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

Others planned for late: 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

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

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE

536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091

Phone/fax: 877- WILMETTE (toll-free)

E-mail:

Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition.

Institute training boosts service

hese two vignettes illustrate how the Wilmette Institute is aiding the Baha’ service of its participants:

Concord, Massachusetts

‘To Rich Yamartino, the Baha’ theology course he took “was like reading a really good book that you couldn’t wait to get back to.”

“My enthusiasm increased with each section,” he said. “I could feel it growing inside of me. I think it was the increasing love for Baha'u'llah.”

With enthusiasm came a desire to share.

“In one instance I sent a section on perfection to a minister in town who writes a weekly column in the local paper about spiritual matters,” said Yamartino.

“His theme for the week was perfection, so I though it fitting to e-mail him the reading we did from Some Answered Questions on the proof and evidences of the existence of God.

“I spoke with him later and he asked to attend a Feast. He’s been invited and we'll see where it leads.”

Yamartino also shared many of the

Writings with a workmate whose mother had just passed away.

He said the course also gave him the confidence to chair an interfaith group.

“I was so intimidated at the start of the course with all of the clergy, but now I feel more comfortable in their midst,” he said. “They can still talk circles around me, but at least I know where to find the answers.”

Everett, Washington

Dean Martineau hosted a series of Internet radio programs on the Kitib-iIgan as a Wilmette Institute study project.

“Nobody sponsored it, and I have no idea whether anybody will ever listen, though it will be announced and it will run live for 12 broadcasts as well as remaining on my web site,” he said before the launch.

Each program began and ended with music based on a poem of Téhirih sung by Tadia.

“In between, I discuss the background of the Iqin, try to offer some incentive for people to read it, list some of the major themes and read a few paragraphs discussing a few of the themes,” he said.

REGIONAL TRAINING

INSTITUTE CONTACTS

Southern States Regional contact: Susan Nossa * e-mail Training institutes: Aguila del Cielo Ceotral Teas + Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khanum Nabama, Georga +

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

Jubilee Tenoesse, Atkansas + Magdalene Carney Florida, Lousiana, Misisipgt *

Mathew Kaszab South Teas * North Texas *

Oklahoma +

Sam McClellan Kentucky *

South Carolina +

Supreme Talisman North Carolina * Tree of Life Houston, eas +

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 * California Northeast + California South + Columbine Colorado * Native American Baha'i Institute * Nevada South + Oregon + Rio Grande New Mexico * Robert Turner (aliforia Northwest * ‘Seven Valleys Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming *

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

New York Tri State Metro NYC, Northern NJ, Long bland +

Sadie Oglesby Eastern New England * Thornton Chase Connnecticut River Valley *

William Sears Eastern Peonstvania *

More on regional training institutes at www.usbnc.org

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

June 5, 2001 Tue American Bandi

© NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN page 31 [Page 32]

lassified notices in The American

Bahd’t are published free of charge to the Baha’i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relat

ing to the ‘h; 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

fyou 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 Need: Resources Department.

please contact our Human

AT BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER EVANsTON/Witmerre, IL International Consultant for Specialized Area, Office of Pioneering. Will facilitate B: administrative support, assist prospective pio

ncers and guide them through personal contact

and correspondence

work and study opportunities, cultural guidance, personal concems and suitability for the special conditions; will maintain statistics and provide regular and

special reports. excellent verba/writ

experience as pioneer

Jing teacher in areas of special sensiti

familiarity with computer databases, Microsoft Word and Outlook (Excel and Publisher are a plus); training/group facilitation

sare a plus (including training institute experiénce).

International Consultant, Office of Pioneering. Counsels, trains and provides adn i

port for prospective pioneers, Baha'i Youth Ser

vice Corps volunteers and traveling teac! in the field and those returning to the U.S; helps develop and carry out Pioneer ent organiion and group facilitation skills, experience with the training institute

assists volunteet

‘Training Programs. Must have excel zational, communi

process, solid grounding in spiritual and adminis tative principles of the Faith, familiarity with word processing and e-mail software; experience as pioneer or traveling teacher is a plus.

Director, Office of Youth Affairs. Oversees all work of this key National Spiritual Assembly agency, including: advising the National Assembly and Regional Baha’i Councils on patterns, issues and potential opportunities regardin; teaching and consolidation of youth; executing relevant decisions of the National Assembly; ‘communicating youth news to the Baha'i com

munity; prov rative

support to Bah:

1g resources and admi -ampus clubs; promoting the Baha'i Youth Service Corps program; publishing Fertile Field about six times per year; maintaining the Web site (www.bahaiyouth.com); preparing the youth page of The American Bahd’é, communicating with individuals and institutions as well as agencies of the National Assembly. Should have strong writing, analytical and organizational skills, ability to supervise and work collaboratively with others, firm understanding of Bahé’i administration and basic familiarity with U.S. Baha’s youth activities.

Creative Director, Office of Youth Affairs. Designs Fertile Field, the national newsletter for Baha'i campus activities (about six issues per year), helps edit and prepare material for Fertile Field, The American Babé’t and the youth Web site (www.bahaiyouth.com), provides design assistance for miscellaneous proj

URGENT NEEDS

Treasurer's Office, Evanston, IL: Certified Public Accountant, Will work in fast-paced, complex environment with diverse accounting, financial and administrative responsibilities. Should have a strong background in auditing and either for profit ‘or not-for-profit activities. Minimum 10 years’ experience.

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. Information Services, Evanston: SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to MS SQUL7 using MS Access, VB or other tools. Louis Gregory Baba’é Institute, Hemingway, SC: Administrative Assistant. Performs general office management and bookkeeping, produces monthly newsletter/event calendar and brochures/fliers, serves as registrar, handles correspondence and maintains contact lists, manages book sales/library, supervises volunteess, guides tours. Must be “people person” grounded in Bahd’ principles, proficient in general secretarial/administrative skills, familiar with software including MS Word, Excel, Publisher and QuickBooks. 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 problemsolving/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’ license.

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

ects; handles some correspondence and helps to Bahs’i

provide analysis on youth institutions. Should have a degree in graphic

design or equivalent experience in Adobe programs and Microsoft Publisher, strong writing

, ability to delegate tasks and work collab

with others, ability handle some non-design tasks as needed. Media Campaign Assistant, National Teaching Committee. Must have outgoing personality, strong verbal and written

nunication

, strong Windows computer and Internet skills. Media experience is preferred. Database Analyst, National Teaching Committee, Needs strong database analysis experience; should have Windows computer experience and pleasant phone personality. Will

"i communities and

communicate with Bahé institutions concerning seeker responses to the national media campaign.

Administrative Assistant, Persian-American Affairs Office. 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'i Faith and have excellent consultative abilities. Concrete Journeyman, Conservation Office. Utilize your skills in state-of-the-art concrete repair for the historic Baha’f House of Worship. Opportunity to manage and train concrete artisans in a unique studio environment. Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs 5 years’ experience in all areas of

building maintenance (HVAG, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3-5 years as maintenance manager; valid driver's license; supervisory command of English.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES Senior Applications Developer (2 positions). Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: VB/VBA (preferred), 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 Engineer, Responsible for configuration, maintenance, security of computer network infrastructure (LAN and WAN) inc ing servers, cabling, routers, switches, NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers. Should know NT4/Win2K.

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

Help desk. Coordinates support activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAI. Handles or delegates requests for

led

support. Develops training-related materials, assists promotion and education.

At BAHA'I DistRIBUTION SERVICE Futton County. GA

Business Office Manager. Will manage all aspects of Business Office activities; coordinate/communicate with B) nager and buying office, Office of the Treasurer, other Baha’ offices, authors, publishers, vendors and others nationally and internationally; supervise business office assistants. Minimum five years’ experience in many aspects of accounting with a year’s management experience, extremely strong accounting skills through G/L; varied retail background a plus;

URGENT NEED

DirecToR, NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION New York, NY For a complete job description _ with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbne.org and click on the “View current job opportunities” 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.

strong computer ski

ncluding QuickBooks and Excel; must be highly motivated, a problem

solver, able to work indepe:

Buyer: Helps ensure

municates with publishers and vendo: ates sales agreements. ‘Tivo years’ experi ding work with purchasing contracts years’ experience retail ordering and

nce with basic office administrative support including Microsoft Word.

At Bosch BAHA'l SCHOOL Santa Cruz, CA

Assistant Cook (full time). Helps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations, must have 2 years’ experience as cook. Children’s Program Coordinator/Teacher (part-time). Looking for a dynai able, energetic person with a bachelor’s degree

in education or related field; must be trained in Core Curriculun

must have knowledge of

ng for children of all ages on

curriculum bui a wide range of subjects; able to contact and super volunteer teachers. Will plan and organize children’s program as well as help

sal and leader

with adult progra ship s

Organi are a must; musical talents are a plus.

AT GREEN Acre BAHA'! SCHOOL Euor, ME Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior

repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds. Assistant Cook (part- to full-time). Helps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

AT NATIVE AMERICAN BAHA’! INSTITUTE

Carries out administrative, taining and social tasks to coordinate day-to-day operation of youth programs, including Youth Service Corps volunteer program; collaborates with administrators to. design and nun an effective service, training and community involvement program for youth vol‘unteers; communicates with youth from around the region and the country; develops youth newsletters, periodic conferences, organized retreats and deepenings, facilitating an abundance of good times for all; completes special projects and other duties. Needs driver's license. Maintenance Supervisor. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engincering staff

to provide timely services at minimal costs;

page 32. Tne American BanA’‘i ¢ CLassiried

June 5, 2001 [Page 33]

URGENT NEED AT THE BAHA’i WorLD CENTER, HAIFA, ISRAEL

Maintenance/Janitorial Supervisors

‘The Works Office at the World Center is responsible for physical maintenance of buildings, involving renovations, repairs, carpentry, plumbing, electrical works, etc.

‘The Cleaning Maintenance Department is responsible for keeping the buildings clean; this involves janitorial work, protecting 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 of museums to that of ordinary offices. For more information see: WWW-USDNC.Org

Please send your résumé to: Baha’i National Center Office of Human Resources,

No. 1 (1933); Visi news bulletin, West Englewood, NJ (1954); World religion: the goal of the Baha’i Faith, quarterly public relations bulletin, U.S. (ca. 1950s); California regional newsletter (June 1975). We would be grateful to receive any original copies of the mentioned publications, but before sending them please contact the Baba’i World Center Library, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel

(e-mail ).

‘The National Baha'i Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Luhia C. Fleming, Roy C. Flickinger, Mrs. Stevie Flinn, Virginia Flood, Hannah A. Focke, Stephen Follett, Claire Fontanne, Amalia Ford, Leon $. Ford, Mary Hanford Ford and Jacob Forman. Anyone

is asked to send them to the National Baha’

Archives, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Original recorded music needed for a new youth-oriented series of proclamation TV programs to be produced for national broadcast by SIDCORP, a Baha’i-oriented enterprise that has worked on production of The Power of Race Unity and several other national media campaign videos. We need a variety of recordings from Baha’ all over the world for use as background and theme material. All recordings received by SIDCORP will become a part of the reference collection used for making selec

1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430, e-mail

might have these Guardian's letters

plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests

and projects;

are that all equipment and

buildings are efficiently and effectively main

tained. Needs 5 years’ experience in all areas,

of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical,

plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3

valid driver's license; supervisory command of

rs as a maintenance manager;

English.

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

ACROSS THE NATION Office Manager/Executive Assistant, New York City Baba’ Center. Year-round, salaried 35-hour-per-week position managing and staffing the Baha’ the Assembly: managing corr’

nter office and

swering phones and

pondence and reports; coordinating volunteer servi

maintaining an orderly, efficient offic :

munity me!

be a deepene oreanree ee”

direction and communi

cate positively, willing to learn, tactful, calm, 1, self-motivated, comfortable in an

electronic of

Strong writing skills a plus.

ion and benefits. Send résumé and cover:

letter to Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the City of New York, 53 E. 11th Street, NY NY 10003 (e-mail ).

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

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering ii the friends preparing for

ice. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’s National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL. 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail

).

Central 847-869-9039.)

ARCHIVES

‘The National Baha'i Archives is seeking copies of the following issues of Baha'i Nachrichten

(German Baha'i News): February 1981; F nd November 1982; March 1983; 984; February through November.

The Baha'i World Center Library is interested in acquiring copies of the following newsletters for our permanent collection:

South Idaho bulletin, Idaho Falls, ID (1989); Montana bulletin, Stevensville, MT (1989);

tt Washington and Northern Idaho bulletin, Moses Lake, WA (1989); Northwest Washington bulletin, Lynnwood, WA (1989); Southwest Washington bulletin, Olympia, WA (1989); Bulletin on news writing (1935); National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of

the United States and Canada, Committee on

ing and teaching children, Bulletin

knowing family members or relatives who tio

contact the National Baha’f Archives, 1233 wvanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone

1991. Anyone having copies they could donate

s and will not be returned to the artists.

ked to

Music of all styles, both religi elcome: bands, soloists, instrumentals,

now there are a lot of

drum loops, etc. We

Please send your sub

We do not credit any of our contributors

including musicians. However, we will contact

selected.

you for permission if your mu

54th Annual UN Nongovernmental Organization Conference: NGOs Today: Diversity of the Volunteer Experience

Sept. 10-12 ¢ Registration deadline is July 20 To register, contact Baha’ US/UN Office in NYC (e-mail )

Join us in exploring the process of the spiritual transformation of human civilization symbolized by the Mount Carmel Projects.

SPEAKERS will include

vx Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecturers, Hossein Amanat and Fariborz Sahba

vx Counselor Rebequa Murphy

sx Counselor Eugene Andrews

v Holly Hanson, Mt. Holyoke College

sx Anne Furlong, University of Prince Edward Island

vx Lasse Thoresen, renowned composer and author

vx Special Guest Speaker

ALSO PLANNED:

vx Workshops and Panels on Apologetics/Defense of the Faith; Spiritual Dimensions of Medicine and Bioethics; Governance and Admi i Order; Baha’{ Book Collections/Archives/Conservation

ve Roundtable Discussion on Persian and Arabic Translation

ve Association for Baha’{ Studies in Persian

SPECIAL INTEREST Groups (ALL Day Fripay): Agriculture, Arts, Business and Economics, Consultation and Conflict Resolution, Education, Environment, Marriage and Family, Racial and Ethnic Unity/Intercultural Issues, Science and Religion, Study of Religion, Women and Gender Issues, Baha'i Language Educators

ARTS PROGRAM: Master classes in music, drama, and other artistic fields; the premiere of Téhirih, a musical play composed by Mimi McClellan; gala concert; art exhibition

CHILDREN’S CONFERENCE AND PRE-YOUTH PROGRAM: Providing a full program of educational activities for children and pre-youth ages 5 to 15 (Note: children must be preregistered by Aug. 1)

YOUTH PROGRAM including session on Campus Clubs and Baha’ Studies

Towards a Spiritual Civilization

251TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA'I STUDIES-NORTH AMERICA AuGust 31-SEPTEMBER 3% =SHERATON HOTEL AND TOWERS, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Don't miss the boat! Bring the whole family to Seattle for the ABS Annual Con i pales The conference venue is only a 7-minute stroll from the shops and restaurants of Seattle's Pike Place Market on the wate ep mt. (Photo: Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau)

ReGisTRATION: Register by July 31 to get the discounted rate. Download the registration form from the ABS Web site (www.bahai-studies.ca) or contact Parvin Rowhani, Association for Baha’{ Studies (phone 613-233-1903,

fax 613-233-3644, e-mail ).

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Must be made directly with the hotel. Special conference rates: single/double occupancy: $99; triple/quad occupancy: $109. Specify “Association for Baha’ Studies group” to receive the special rate. Toll-free reservations: 1-800-325-3535;

local: 206-621-9000 (Note: The conference rate is guaranteed until July 30. After that date, reservations will be accepted on a space availability basis at the negotiated rate.)

June 5, 2001

Tne American BanA’i * Cassirieo _ page 33

[Page 34]

45 years’ pioneer work included stays in EI Salvador, Paraguay

INFORMATION FROM JOHN LEONARD

argaret Mills Leonard, an educator and for 45 years a Baha’i_ pioneer, served

humanity with a spiritual vision that guided her beyond tremendous difficulties. She passed away at her p ley, Falkland Islands, on De 1999.

Born April 21, 1919, to Evan and Marion Mills of Chicago, Margaret had cataracts in both eyes at birth. Though her parents obtained the best surgical and she . Attending college in New York, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1942 and qualified the following year to become an infant teacher.

The harmonious home created by her father, a Roman Catholic, and her mother, a Baha’i, set an example that lasted all Margaret’s life. As Margaret matured me ever more attracted to the ith, and made her declaration

in 1942.

After several years’ rewarding work as an infant her, Margaret started working toward a master’s degree when, in 1953, Shoghi Effendi unveiled the ‘en Year Crusade to the believers. Margaret’s desire to serve the Cause abroad

Margaret Leonard made her mark as an educator despite difficulties and even opposition at times.

File Photo

led her to take a job in early 1954 at the American School in El Salvador.

It was the start of a 45-year pioneering ever again would she make her

In El Salvador she srorked with a dynamic pioneer, Artemus Lamb, and helped teach the Faith among Indian peoples, knowing that local church authori looked on Baha'i activitie: with suspicion.

Opening a school

After a few years in El Salvador, Margaret decided to open the town of Sonsonate to the Faith and to establish a badly needed infant school there. Conversations with some mothers were pc » she bought a building and had it ted.

Soon afterward, the church opened its own kindergarten there. Rumors were started that Margaret was a “devil” who would induce the children to become E frightening for someone with restricted sight to walk down the road while seemingly faceless people on

both sides called her a devil.

ation time, hardly any children came. For Margaret, who had put so much money into the project, it seemed a disaster. Her mother and another Baha’{ friend offered to sustain her for a year.

Margaret then invited the most influential of the mothers to bring her child to the school and see what was done. ‘The lady accepted, and came day after day with her child. At the end of term, she recommended Margaret's school to her friends. The next year she had a

years in El Salvador, Mared to go to Paraguay, where Baha'i institutions needed strengthening. Soon she was elected to the ional Assembly, and finally became its chairman.

In 1963, she traveled to Haifa to assist in electing the first Universal House of

England. As she packed to return to Paraguay,

ved a telegram from a former U.S. acquaintance. John Leonard, a Knight of Baha'u'llah, was inviting her his pioneering post in the Falkoff the southern tip of

ca. She accepted, and arrived in the Falk lands by boat on a sunny December day. Within a few days John and Margaret realzed they did not want to separate. They were married Feb. 22, 1964, and the Baha’i population in the Falklands doubled.

It wasn’t easy. The lifestyle was unlike anything she had ever known. Just learning to cook with peat, Falklandsstyle, was a major challenge. But she persevered with the help of warm friends.

And there were a few miracles—such as the time the superintendent of education invited Margaret to restore Spanish language to the curriculum. There was one small problem: he had no textbooks, no workbooks, no tapes—nothing.

Margaret accepted the challenge. Within months, a visitor from Uruguay, hearing of Margaret’s dilemma, airmailed a complete set of materials for her Spanish course.

Classes for all children

Children’s classes became her responsibility—and she loved them. Sometimes children from non-Baha’{ families far outnumbered the others.

The Leonards conducted a regular, high-spirited fireside. When a Local Spiritual Assembly was first formed in 1972, it was a great moment for all the Bahi’is who had worked toward it.

Margaret's greatest pain in the Falklands came from her inability to recognize people. For a pioneer not to be able to return wave for wave, or smile for is a torture which only those who can understand. trength Her fina

ed during her ‘SS Was mer

than a day, freeing her to soar to the Abha Kingdom. #

Anastasia Farahnak

Delwin L.

IN MEMORIAM Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Baha'i National Center. To report the passing of a Baha'i in the United States, please contact the Membership Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ).

Minnie R. Addison Janice M. Croy Amiel A. Grams _ Janet R. Johnson Margaret M. Jimmy E. Page Billie S. Terry

Altadena, CA Littleton, CO St. Cloud, MN Rocklin, CA Marriner Muskegon, MI Polk County, FL November 11, 2000 October 28, 2000 June 11, 2000 October 26, 2000 Mooresville, IN May 5, 2000 March 18, 2001

October 30, 2000

Doris Agnon Michael Dagostino Robert L. Gray Robert K. Johnson Roosevelt Tahirih Udunawala

Auburn, CA Ocala, FL Peoria, IL. El Paso County, CO Harry McCarty Jr. Pickett Coppell, TX September 10, 2000 March 30, 2001 March 8, 2001 January 17, 1999 Neah Bay, WA Conway SC March 3, 2001

December 17, 1999

Carol H. Barnes Martha M. Drew Robert Hagood Jean Laws Lizzie Vincent ‘Tucson, AZ, Gresham, OR Blackville, SC Deming, NM Molly Mendoza Marie J. Pursley Waco, TX March 31, 2001 March 15, 2001 1997 1999 Deming, NM Edmonds, WA January 2001 1999 March 20, 2001 John Baxter Melvin A. Edwards — Stanley Hagood Ida R. Lawton Bibi S. VossoughBlackville, SC Denmark, SC Blackville, SC Denmark, SC Vera Moorhead Hilton S. Riley ‘Tafti 1997 1997 1998 1997 Sarasota, FL. China Passaic, NJ August 16, 2000 February 2001 February 27, 2001 Janet O. Jennette N. Elmblade — Robert Hart Sr. Emma H. Lenk Bosserman Eugene, OR Riverside, CA Pine River, MN _ Sedigheh K. Naderi_ Conrad Rothman Jake Wallings Chicago, IL April 2, 2001 November 9, 2000 March 6, 2001 Fremont, CA Skokie, TL, Orangeburg, SC September 7, 2000 December 5, 1999 March 12, 2001 August 2, 2000

Melvin it

Fall 2000

Blake Browning — Washington County, Helmhout Gene Neavitt Thelma T. Stern Earl E. Wilkinson Carmichael, CA OR Coeur d’Alene, ID San Rafael, A Phoenix, AZ Grants, NM Forest Acres, SC November 22, 2000 October 2000 April 7, 2000 February 23, 2001 March 9, 2001 December 4, 2000 December 25, 2000 Aline Cowan Virta V. Fuller Evelyn J. Hoffman Alice Nicken Leona Stork Carolyn Williams Warren, IN ‘Temple, TX Fremont, CA Blackville, SC Spokane County, WA Conway, SC March 10, 2001 February 23, 2001, June 25, 2000 2000 April 16, 1999 Fall 1999 page 34. THe American BanA’i ¢ IN Memoriam June 5, 2001 [Page 35]

BAHA'I SUBSCRIBER SERVICE ¢ 800-999-9019

World Order

Now available! Winter 2000-01

¢ Julio Savi: “The Declaration Dominius Iesus: A Brake on Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue” ¢ Gary L. Morrison: “Loulan Beauty: Encountering the Xinjiang Mummies” ¢ Peter Murphy: “Pausing for Poet Review of Americans’ Favorite Poems: The Favorite Poems Project”

Making sense of the world by exploring the spiritual implications of 2 1st-century life

Coming soon: Special issues on topics related to family life, gender, and peace

Still available: Fall 2000

Subscriptions: Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis on African-Ameri US—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years

cal women wee ° Dereeny erage! susie U5 Sartacs asd ‘ sree ional management and change $19 / year $36 / 2 years zayle Morrison on convictry in / nts USair mai

and slavery in the United States * Michael L. Penn on Oedipus today

$24 / year, $46 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

Brilliant Star Bimonthly children’s magazine

One Country

Quarterly about development by the

Baha’i International Community by the National Spiritual Assembly Subscriptions: US—$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside US. surface mail—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years For subscription information:

Outside US. air maiL—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

See “Kid’s Corner,” page 21

niemenennan (feel

Quarterly by National Assemblies of 10 times a year; Australia and New Zealand available by subscription to Baha’is Subscriptions: US.—$28 / year, $50 / 2 years outside the continental U.S. Outside U.S: Contact Herald of the South, Outside U.S. surface mail—$24 / year, $45 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years e-mail

Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling

11TH ANNUAL

Conference of the Friends of

Persian Culture

AT THE THRESHOLD OF A ‘NEW CENTURY ‘WYNDHAM NORTHWEST CHICAGO HOTEL * AUG. 30-SEPT. 2

Presentations in both ‘PRESENTERS TO INCLUDE:

Persian and English D® Simin Sheybani, Dr. Shapur Rassekh, Dr. Vahid ES Rafati, Dr. Iraj Ayman ye

TOPICS TO INCLUDE: Women’s Progress in Iran, their Future, and the Role of the Bahd’s Teachings in their Advancement; Social and Cultural Developments in Contemporary Iran; Iran of ‘Tomorrow in the Future World Community; The State

Youth and pre-youth sessions on the conference theme; children’s classes for

ages 3-11 of Scholarship in the Baha’ World; Development of Ns Education in Iran and the Role of the Iranian Baha’ we Community in that Process, The State of the Youth in

Iran and the Role of the Baha’{ Youth there Visits to House of

Worship and Chicago Baha’{ historic sites

ARTISTIC PRESENTATIONS: Music, drama, poetry reading, folk dance performances

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

‘REGISTRATION: Youths: Call Fees: Adult or youth (12+): $40 by July 31 or $45 at the door; ahead if ... _ Child G-11); $50. 0 fee (all ages): $20 sae Neil a To pre-register by July 3 share your thoughts or below and mailto Per Rea tc pee lent Nationa Center, 1233 C a toa Please use a separate copy for each person registering, and indi- 44h ,oobipoor (phone cate age of each youth or child. ani, ‘HOTEL RESERVATION: evening). Special rate: $82 per room (1-4 people) per night; please directly Children: Call contact Wyndham Northwest Chicago Hotel, 400 Park Blvd., ahead if ... Itasca, IL 60143 (phone 630-773-4000). Please state you are een peor participating in the “Persian Arts Conference” and inform them (poetry recitation, how many people will be staying in the room Miecidance, exc). PHONE FOR INFORMATION: Rance: Office of Persian-American Affairs, 847-733-3531, 3476,or 3528 AMMEN oe (oumber at left).

MULTIPURPOSE FORM CLIP or Cory As NEEDED

i ication? Which publication? For which event or activity? Send to: Name Address City State, ZIP os Country Daytime phone or e-mail City State, ZIP Sold to (if different from recipient): Phone E-mail

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City State, ZIP Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N Home phone Fax

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Cheek/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from U-S. bank, payable to Balis'i Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for back: isoues or Other single tocins. Gcorgia resideats inclade app

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Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 ‘TAB 6/5/01

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

pemeeewen nnn enn ewww ween ewe wee seeeeeeeseeeeerrsnny

June 5, 2001 Tne American BanA’i ¢ SeeKinG Your Response page 35 [Page 36]

Looking history in the eye, steadily

BY LADAN COCKSHU'

LLER

S ometimes when history is looking you directly in the eye, you don’t see it—you may sense that it’s there, but you cannot really see it. How often is that the case for Baha’is living in this time.

When I was young I had an opportunity of the historical kind and I did not take full advantage of it. I regret it to this day. This regret revolves around Marzieh Gail.

Some years ago, when I was just a kid in the grand scheme of things, I had the blessing of spending some time with Marzieh Gail. A noted writer and translator, not only did she have the distinei ence of ‘Abdu’lBaha as a very small child, but her lineage tied her to both the East and West.

What she gave to the Baha’f commui not only many years of work e, but she also gave us the gift story. She helped translate many of cred texts into English, she wrote historical works as well as the introduction to Ma tha Root’s timeless work on ‘hirih, she prepared the Bahay Glossary, she traveled in parts of the world

Appreciation for articles on families in ‘all shapes’

Dear Editor and Staff,

I've been reading The American Baba’t since 1988. I so moved I had to write regarding an article in the March 21 issue titled “Baha’f families come in all shapes, experiences, needs. article like I have never seen before, and I pray that you will include such articles again in the future. Finally an article that measures the pulse of actual Ba the Baha’f community.

I was overjoyed to read about the personal experiences of other Baha'is and to know that I am not alone with my inner struggles in dealing with other Bal (cited by Shoghi Effendi as one of the biggest tests of being a Baha’). Also it spiring to read about what bein; Bahs’i means to other people and how it helps individuals in coping with life.

Please, please, please continue to survey the American Bah: more and publish the: piring storie: of everyday Baha’is and their struggles.

I am a person who benefits greatly from “case example”-type writing. Some Baha'is in the article felt a lack of empathy or sometimes pushiness or hosy from other Baha'is. I believe an article like this will help to enlighten many to be more concerned with demonstrating the love and patience we are so enjoined to live by, but which sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of demands to teach, teach, teach, bring about entry by troops, and make the most of Local Assembly time despite the occasional weaknesses or struggles of its individual members. How do I know this? I’ve been one of those impatient people myself.

Sarah Zmick’s comments about being able to “love without reservation” and

is is an

doing things that we can only now read about in our history books. She was history.

I sat in her Il apartment in San Francisco in the early 1990s. I was a very young yet enthusiastic Baha’i youth at the time. I knew that Marzieh Gail was extremely interesting and I knew that she was important to the Baha’t Faith. I had read several of her books, devoured them, with the vigor that distinguished my love of books.

I had no idea, though, in whose presence I sat. *

If had the chance to go back in time, I would tell that younger me to not forget

the tape recorder those few times, not to choose to sleep late rather than spending as much time with her as possible. The fact that she even allowed me to inter

view her those few times must have indicated her own realization of her plac history.

Her apartment classic hodgepodge of material: a rug from Persia, overflowing shelves of books that had a wonderful

musty smell, artifacts from her

many travels, a gift from the Holy Family, other objects of great value

that clearly pointed to

her roots as

a daughter

of great

wealth and stature. Like many of mixed cultural heritage, she retained the mysterious beauty of both the Persian and American cultures in her face, even at her advanced

was also the product of the ve ital union of a Pei a American Baha’y. All of the dousands of

LETTERS FROM READERS

WwW: welcome letters from readers on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the Five Year Plan, the principles of the Writings, and response to content in The American Baha’.

• The purpose of Letters from Readers is to encourage an exchange of ideas and

ns, never to denigrate another’s views or attack anyone—openly or subtly.

• Opinions expressed are those of the writers, not necessarily of the editors.

• A 250-word maximum length is suggested. Letters will be edited for style and

possibly for length.

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

“become more tolerant, not of rudeness, but of immaturity” and how it’s easier to think about how I would like people to behave instead of loving them as they are, these are some of the most inspiring word T’ve read in years outside of the Writings. I’m ashamed to admit that while thes steadfast Baha’is have been marching forward with the love of Baha’u’lléh, in Hi service, shouldering the burdens that people face in life, since 1994 I’ve been withdrawn from Baha’i community life. The inspiring stories I’ve read help me to know that I was not, and am not, alon feeling that being a part of the Ba community can be difficult, but also that together as Baha’is when we rededicate our aim to understand and love, it mak the Baha’i community, our larger Bal family, worth the struggles involved. Sincerely,

Bess Swalwell, Hallandale, Florida

Dear Editor,

Your article on “Families” was wellwritten and comforting for me.

I married my high school sweetheart in 1973 as a Christian and a Quaker. My husband is a Lutheran. We married young and my father-in-law made us promise to remain churchgoers and to

ise our children as Christians. It was an easy promise to make.

I met my spiritual mother, Patti Gill, in 1975. We worked with another young lady, a strong Christian. Our disc on religion were, respectful and illuminating. It took me a while—I became a Baha’ in January 1981. I was full of joy to embrace this religion, which wa: everything I yearned for in religious philosophy and reality (and is still).

This religion, this Baha’i life, was transforming; however, it did come with profound sacrifice. I no longer went to church with my husband. He was, and is, so very tolerant of our Faith, even though I changed the plan. After all, he had thought we would share Christian life all of our days together.

I miss this sharing of religious life, even 20 years later. Our children, as many children of bi-religious families become, are fairly neutral regarding organized reli k was weird for them, as there were no other children in my beautiful local

It is wonderful to address this other side of Baha’i life, as I have felt alone in this for many years.

With love, Kelly Van Gorder, Temple City, CA

“half and half” Baha’fs around the world have Marzieh (and her sister and brother) to look to as the first to experience the wonderful and irreplaceable confusion of allegiance to two such disparate worlds. One can only imagine how it must have been to grow up at the early part of this century with such a cultural mix.

In one of those precious days when I met with Marzieh Gail in her living room in that tiny apartment in San Francisco, I remember the look in her I asked her about the time she 1 for a photograph with ‘Abdu’lat the age of 2. An indescribable light flashed in her eyes and she looked beyond me, through me.

“I remember looking out the window of where we were and memorizing the way that the trees appeared,” she said. “I told myself that I had to remember this day. I understood what it was that was appening so I tried with all my might to remember it.”

And all of those years later, she remembered it. History had looked her in the eye and she had known to look back.

Photo from the files of The American Baha'i

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

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

. with your gift to the National

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

You may get these Treasurer’s Office forms:

• On the Web: Printable forms for these special

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

+ Through the mail: Pred foms are ail able from the Ofice ofthe Treasurer, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail )

• Local budget worksheets

• Audit and other report forms
• Fund-raiser notes

• Automatic Contribution System
• Stewardship and Development

page 36 Tie American BanA’i ¢ Commentary/Letrers

June 5, 2001 [Page 37]

International opportunities

‘The following needs for international traveling teachers

and opportunities to attend gatherings overseas are sum

rized from letters recently received from Baha’

institutions overseas. A lis

of other opportunities for trav

World Center is available 1s

cling teachers from the Bahi through the Office of Pioneei

Teaching Projects Belize: “Hearts Ablaze” ‘ June

immer Teaching Project, 23-Aug. 4. The institute process and empowerment of the community will be the focus and goal of a performing arts workshop and a consolidation team youth and community of Belize

working to “infuse the

with power and energy

d, June

pals: to estab

lish systematic tudy circles with trained tutors, to

est

lish children and youth classes and to establish

local devotional

ctings.

.

Poland: Kali ‘ampaign, Participants needed

Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, tics 21st

Century Summer Teachin;

for five strong, devoted youth perform

ants groups. near Minsk, Belarus, July 19-29. ‘Teaching July 30-Aug. 24, ending with nces-firesides in Belarus and the Baltics.

Preparation phase at Baha'i Summer Residen

two confer

.

english conversati¢

al camp in near Lake mp July 21-31. others, with

her training July 15-21,

Will acquaint Hungarian youth, Baha

social and spiritual issues us fun! Includes sports, games, music, singin, South Africa: “1 Youth Empowerment Project, July 19, 2001-May 19,

nd Words” Perfor

2002 (part-time membership is possible). Dance, acting,

speech and interaction as a catalyst in advancing the

process of entry by troops by reaching hearts. Conferences, Schools and Events Estonia: Interactive Summer School program July 25-30 in Vil Growth.” T aft

indi, focused on “The Culture of

ching projects all over Estonia before and

al need for musicians, and all who would like

Spe to share their talent, for both. Registration deadline June 30.

Uganda: Golden Jubile This international Ba

.

ebrate 50 years of the I

at the Mother House of Worship f for Africa, followed by

teaching confe g. 3-5 in Bw suwero and

ee

coe forgectal ofthe impress role he Beh United States have played in lighting its torch of the

Faith.

he blessings of the Blessed Be: toric links and bonds of love that He c1

are

mong those important things we wish to cherish

and celeb

this coming year of our Golden Jubile

United Kingdom: International Society for Agriculture

and Rural Development annual m 91D at

Sidcot Summer School in Somerset,

• Tanzania: 50th Anniversary of the

mid-August, with pre- and post-celebration procl tivities. All Bah:

who served as pioneers and traveling teachers in

tion and teaching s, especia

re warmly invited to atten

Fire in the Pacific” C 20-23. Cor

the spread and progress of the

Hawaii:

Honolulu, Dec.

ith in the Pacifi

celebration will we: ‘ads will

a rich tapestry whose th be drawn from Baha'f history, music and the visual

arts.” Two heroines of the Here

ind Formative Ages

will be show he Hands of the Cause of God

s Bald

Ag Alexander and Martha Louise Root.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for detailed inforind other internation , 1233 Centra 33-3508, fax 84

).¢

mation about th Office of Pion 60201 (phone 84!

1 opportunities. ston, IL, 3. 3-3509, e-mail

NEWS BRIEFS

itat7 UX

ind

Topeka, Kansas

When a Baha’ was elected president of Interfaith of Topeka Inc. in January, the outgoing president, a Catholic priest, declared the deve opment “very appropriate since [the] Baha’f Faith is the interfaith faith.”

Duane L. Herrmann of the Shawnee County Baha’i community has been involved with Interfaith of Topeka since its founding in 1979, often as a director.

He presides over an agenda for the year that includes hosting a national interfaith conference to explore the interfaith process and the impact of ‘new federal initiatives for religious-based community service.

Interfaith of Topeka, the successor to the Topeka Council of Churches, got over an early stage of awkwardness in which its first board two decades ago consisted entirely of Christians, Je id one Baha’i, Herrmann indicated.

The group now a

> embraces

annual

year’s included all of the above plus a lone

meeting

“neo-pagan.” It was held at the Islamic Center of Topeka.

CHING

Turlock, California

A pancake breakfast for World Religion Day arranged by a member of the Turlock group drew 11 guests out of 25 total participants, after preparations were aided by Bahi’is from Stockton, Merced County and Ceres as well as Turlock.

Children at the Jan. 19 event had Baha’i-inspired coloring books to work on and “I Am a Noble Being” crowns to wear.

‘The Stockton Baha’i Stepdancers and a Persian youth performed dances.

Some of the guests had first heard of the Baha’ community through the fliers publi breakfast. One had pre responded with a local Bal the Internet. Several have ed firesides, family dinne: other events with Baha’is since then. “We found that people are really looking for friendship and belonging, and appreciated the Baha'is’ efforts to teach them,” reported group secretary Mary Allen. @

HELP WANTED:

PIONEERS

Combining to such a degree

the essential qualities

• of audacity

¢ of consecration

° of tenacity

° of self-renunci:

¢ and unstinted devotion

that will prompt them to abandon their homes, and forsake their all, and scatter over the surface of the globe, and hoist in its uttermost corners the triumphant banner of Baha’u’llah (qualifications from The Advent of Divine Justice)

Office of Pioneering + 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60202 » 847-733-3508 . Fax 847-733-3509 e-mail

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:

• A donor irrevocably transfers funds to our

National Spiritual Assembly, which are invested with other annuity funds.

• Regular quarterly payments are made to

you, the donor, for your lifetime.

• The remainder of the annuity fund is trans

ferred to the Baha'i Fund after your passing.

Benefits:

• Guaranteed fixed payments for life, a portion of which

are non-taxable,

+ A charitable, income tax deduction for a portion of the gift in the year in which the annuity is established.

• Reduced capital gains taxes if funded with an appreci

ated asset.

• Increased support of the Baha'i Fund.

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

Age 60: Charitable deduction $3,782.30; annual lit

Requirements:

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

• Must establish the annuity with a

minimum of $10,000.

‘+ Must irrevocably transfer the funds.

• Will receive lifetime annuity payment.

Age 70: Charitable deduction $4,261.20; annual lifetime annuity $7!

Age 80: Charitable deduction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

8-page brochure from the Office of the Treasurer has been estabIndividual copies lished to help may be requested believers make a free. Nominal variety of financial charge for ordering arrangements for in quantity. themselves, their families and the Baha’i Faith:

To order The Writing of a Will or to * Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail find out more about the gift and estate

planning program:

annuity $660

Bo Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California,

Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin

The National Spiritual Assembly's Gift and Estate Planning Program

• Providing for the Baha’j Faith in your

will

• Making a gift of securities

• Making a gift of real estate

• Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

• Charitable Gift Annuities

• Charitable Remainder Trusts

+ Or, fill out the form with the Baha’ Fuids evelope attached to this paper.

June 5, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i * News

page 37 [Page 38]These youths were among more

than 20 Baha’i college students

Regional Youth

Michigan and Ohio, it is campus association w

in the area every year.

will be held at Louhelen Baha’i School in the fall. Be there! Photos by George Costant

Where will YOU be this summer?

outh from throughout the country are gathe at the national conference in

Milwaukee and then dispe:

ing to

mail connection

“Are you connected to your regional Baha'i youth e-mail list? To subscribe, write an email to one

areas across the United States to of the following addresses: participate in dynamic teaching Central States and service projects organized on Northeastern States the regional and local levels. Southern States Western States Building the Kingdom Conference Be sure to include the following info:

June 28-July 1 Milwaukee, Wisconsin E-mail Web www.kingdomconference.org ae

This could be the largest gathering of Baha’i youth in the United States ever!

‘Try hard to attend this national Bal conference, dedicated to creating an environment of love, joy and learning where young, old, individuals, families and institutions can share what they are learning about the systematic process of growth and development of the Bahé’i community.

‘tral * Youth teaching Projects, June 26-July 30 Phone 573-364-9618 E-mail or

The four Regional Youth Committees serving the 12 Central States are hard at work planning a variety of teaching projects throughout the region, which will immediately follow the Building the Kingdom Conference in Milwaukee.

The project will begin with a week-long intensive training session in Milwaukee. Youth will then travel to one of the five regional target for direct teaching activities: Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, Columbus and Kansas City.

true wealth

PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WRITINGS

Full name * E-mail address * Baha’i ID number

yar

Near the end of July, youth will reconvene in Milwaukee to celebrate and evaluate their experience.

theast °*Badasht Academy, July 6-12 Phone 207-429-7200

and Northeast Regional Youth Teaching Trip, July 13-23 throughout the region E-mail

This second annual teaching trip, sponsored by the Regional Ba Council of the Northeastern States and its Regional Youth Committee, strives to connect energetic and inspired youth with communities throughout the Northe: Major components of the trip are teaching, s training and deepening activit

Youth must be at least 14 years old to participate, are encouraged to attend the Badasht Academy at Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine, and are required to attend a training session July 13-15 at the beginning of the teaching project. There is a $50 materials fee that

includes transportation to the teaching _ posts; youth will be responsible for transportation home.

Other food, lodging

and transportation cost:

be covered by the Local

I Assemblies and groups

sponsoring the projects. Scholarilable upon request.

ships are

ern Youth teaching projects, various times and places

Phone 415-759-1996

perience of five youth held th ring in Utah, Arizona, California and Washington, youth are fired up for a summer of service! Youth from Los Angeles are traveling to Bulgaria, teams of youth are serving at Bosch Baha’f School and the Native American Bal Institute, and a host of others are involved in individual and local efforts in the United States and abroad.

thern *July Teaching Initiative, June 26-July 30

E-mail

Sponsored by the Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team.

‘This second annual teaching project be; as youth gather and travel together to the national conference in Milwaukee. After the conference, participants will remain a few days for additional training, then divide into groups and disperse throughout the Southern States to spread the message of

www. bahaiyouth.com

ih! The Il then ne for a debriefing (uly 28-29) to disthe trip and € stories before heading

cu sha

home. Registration fee is $500, which includes food, materials and trans

portation (except for getting to the central gathering site and returning home). If one cannot come to Milwaukee and would like to join at one of the teaching contact the Youth Team to m: special arrangements. Applications are available at www.youth-south.org. International + Numerous teaching opportunities abroad (see page 37 for a partial list) Phone: 847-733-3499 or 3508 Email:

Contact the Office of Pioneering for information on summer and -long service and teaching projects in other countries!

Service opportunities Beginning July/August/September Perfect for recent college graduates!

Office of Youth Affairs Staff: Director Creative Director See page 32 for a complete description of these and other paid service opportunities at the Baha’i National Center.

Bah4’i Youth Service Corps Youth ages 17 and up needed to serve three months to a year at U.S. sites:

Bosch Baha'i School

Green Acre Bahai School Louhelen Baha'i Schoo!

Native American Bahai Institute Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute College campuses throughout the Southern Region

For service information, contact: Office of Youth Affairs Contact information at left

page 38

Tne American BanA‘i ¢ Yourn

June 5, 2001 [Page 39]

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Tel.: O11-4171-898-050S Fax: O11-4171-898-0500

Email: sean le ply dro RF OF He 4g KE sory Ub) DL Spl pede oS A

4 4 Baha'i Services Fund 4>y 52 1) YL SIA!

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Baha'i National Center, Persian-American Affairs Office,

1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201

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June 5, 2001 [Page 43]

Excerpts from BIC statement on eliminating prejudice and promoting unity in diversity

• Geneva, Switzerland: In observance

of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed March 21 each year, the Baha’i International Community released a statement that was presented to Mary Robinson, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Following are excerpts.

‘The coming together of the peoples of the world in a harmonious and creative relationship is the crucial need of the present hour. In the wake of advances in human knowledge which have deepened bonds of interdependence and contracted the planet, the central task now before all its inhabitant laying the foundations of a global society that can reflect the oneness of human nature. Creating such a universal culture of collaboration and conciliation will require a return to spiritual awareness and responsibility.

More than a century ago, Baha’u’llih declared that humankind was entering a new era in its history when accelerating processes of un on would soon compel recognition that humanity is a single people with a common destiny. ... There is, He said, no. po: ity of achieving world peace until the fundamental principle of unity accepted and given practical effect in the organization of society.

The unity that must underpin a peaceful and just social order is a unity which embraces and honors diversity. Oneness and diversity are complementary and inseparable. ... Indeed, it is prec inhering diversity that distinguishes unity from homogeneity or uniformity.

been

Acceptance of the concept of unity in diversity, therefore, implies the development of a global consciousness, a sense of world enship, and a love for all of humanity. It induces every individual to realize that each member of the human race is born into the world as a trust of the whole. It further sugg that ... the complex and varied cultural expressions of humanity must be allowed to develop and flourish

From this basic principle of the unity of the earth’s peoples is derived virtually all concepts concerning human liberty and well-being. ... (A]ll individuals must be given the opportunity to realize their heen potential and thereby contribute to “an ever-advancing civilization.”

For too much of history, the evil of racism has violated human dignity. Its influence has retarded the development of its victims, corrupted its perpetrators and blighted hum Overcoming its deva will thus require conscious, deliberate and sustained effort. Indeed, nothing short of ine love, extreme pati nce,

true

succeed in effacing its pernicious stain

from human a

Clearly, the SroMouon of tolerance and mutual understanding among the diverse segments of the human race cannot be a passive or rhetorical exer

Wilma Ellis-Kazemzadeh (second from right) and Firuz Kazemzadeh (cane present a Mottahedeh plate to President Mary McAleese of Ireland (second from left) as Corinne Alexander (left), chair of the Association for Baha’i Women, and Val McGinley, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Ireland, look on. The meet ing took place amid a traveling teaching trip during which Dr. Ellis

Kazemzadeh

delivered the keynote talk on “The Challenge of Race Unity” at an Association for

Baha’i Women conference.

appropriate legal measures

adoption of educa

should be among the first pra ken by all nations.

‘The moral leadership provided by religious communities must undoubtedly be a key component of any such effort.

The challenge facing all religious ders is to contemplate, with hearts

- and the

lea

All form of filled with the provin all spirit of comp insularities and For the complete text of the above sion and a desire prejudices must be statements, see the Baha’i World for truth, the directly confront- News Service Web site: plight of humanied. The imple- www.bahaiworldnews.org ty, and to mentation of themselves

whether they cannot, in humility before their Almighty Cr ubmerge their theological differen greats mutual forbearance that will enable them to work together for the advancemeat of social ju: and peace. ...

‘The path of unity and reconciliation is the only path available to the human family. “Ilumine and hallow your hearts; let them not be profaned by the thorns of hate or the thistles of malic Baha'u'llah warns. “Ye dwell in one world, and have been created through the operation of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love.” @

Excerpts from the statement ‘Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension’

+ United Nations: The Baha’i Internanal Community issued a statement, “Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension,” on April 19 for the first sesn of the UN Preparatory Committee of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Held April 30-May 2 at UN headquarters in New York, the meeting was aimed at providing direction for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held next year in Johannesburg, South Africa. The summit will focus on reviewing environmental progress made worldwide since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Some nine years ago, over the course of the Earth Summit process, the governments of the world, with significant contributions from global civil societ crafted Agenda 21, a remarkably forward-looking strategy for ... sustainable development worldwide. ome nine years later, the ... World Summit on Sustainable Development ... has been called to “identify major constraints hindering the implementation of

Agenda 21” and to “address new challenges and opportunities that emerged since the United Nations Conference on Environment and DevelopIt is in identifying these major constraints, challenges and opportunities that the Summit's Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) must necessarily come face to face with spiritual issue:

Icis ... only by bringing a focus on the spiritual dimension of human reality that development policies and programs can truly reflect the experiences, conditions and aspirations of the planet's inhabitants and elicit their heartfelt support and active participation.

On the one | the world hav nowledge a

have

ment.”

and, the governments of collectively, begun to

piritual dimension to development. This can be seen in the global action plans that emerged from the great world conferences held in the 1990s by the United Nations. ... On the other hand, ... these global agreements offer little unde anding of what the a piritual vision,” al development” mean in principle or in practice. ... [I]t is time to

.. explore, in depth, the spiritual princ ples at the heart of development and to consider fully their ramifications for all stages of the development proces: Any strategies for overcoming such constraints and challenges as war, poverty, social disintegration, extreme nationalism, greed, corruption and apathy that do not take into account spiritual principles will prove ephemeral, at best. In sidering new opportunities, ... the PrepCom should look to the remarkable development of interfaith relations and ansion of interfaith initiativ e It might do so by making the topic ble Development: the Spiritual Dimension” one of the “main themes for the Summit.” It could then initiate a major review of international agre lamations and _ statements

ments, proc

which focu

s Se ng conducted, the PrepCom could ate a series of ci tations involving both rey tives and leaders of variou spiritual traditions. ...

s religious The results ...

should be issued as a UN document for use by the PrepCom in its deliberations.

Although these proposed efforts are modest, the world’s governments would, by supporting them, be sending a clear message that they are serious about their previous commitments to incorporate spiritual considerations into the development process. More important, ... the [review and consultations] would undoubtedly produce innovative ideas and approaches and ion

might possibly generate a powerful vi based on spiritual principles—principles h, because they resonate with the human soul, have the power to motivate the sacrifices and changes that will be need

humanity is to overcome the seer oa pronen it faces.

and just pelobal epilisatod require a significant reorien individual and collective goals and a profound transformation in attitudes and behaviors. Such far-reaching changes will come about only by addressing the non-material dimension of reality and drawing on humanity's vast. spiritual resources. ®

June 5, 2001

Tne AMERICAN BAnA’i * INTERNATIONAL News:

page 43 [Page 44]

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’i National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’i School, phone $31-423 . Green Acre Baha’f School,

ha’i School, phone 810-653-503.

fax 843-558-9136; e-mail phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521 ite 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail

Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 843-558-5093;

- Louhelen 3; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail’

. Native American Baha’f onic 1063; e-mail

Dialogues” at Green Acre. 8-10: Southeast Asian Roundtable Cue at Bosch. 14-16: Four Winds Unity Gathering, Menoken 4-H. Campground, Bismarck, ND. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Minot, ND. For directions, camping/motel availability etc., contact Vern or Mary Longie (phone

, e-mail 15-17: ‘Appalachian Baha’ School, Hungry. Mother State Park, VA. See page 15. 16-21: Persian session: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf at Bosch. 17-21: Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute I at Louhelen. 21-24: Southern California Baha’{ School, Yucaipa, CA. See page 15. 21-24: Carmel Baha’{ School (family session), east of Portland, OR. See page 15. 22-27: Junior Youth Academy, ages 11-14, at Green Acre. 23-27: Family Session 2 (Persian/American) at Bosch. 23-27: Children’s Institute II at Louhelen. 24-27: Carmel Baha’{ School (sr. and jr. youth session), east of Portland, OR. See page 15. 27-30: Suttle Lake Baha’f School, near Sisters, OR. See page 15. 28-July 1: Baha’ National Conference, “Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Child and Youth,” Milwaukee, WI. See pages 1, 9. 29-July 1: Ocean of Light Conference at Bosch. 29-July 4: Persian American Baha’ Studies at Louhelen. 29-July 4: “Consecration, Love of God and Teaching” at Green Acre. 30-July 3: Sheltering Branch Baha’f School, southwest of Pomeroy, WA. See page 15.

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

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R youth teaching | ¢ Southern States; sponsored by the respective Regional Bahar Councils. See page 38. 6-9: Florida Baha’i School, Melbourne, FL. See page 15. 6-11: Friends and Families I at Louhelen. 6-12: “Badasht Academy” for youth grades 9-12 at Green Acre. Leads to Northeastern regional youth teaching project July 13-23. 11-15: Four Corners Baha’{ School, near Gallup, NM. See page 15. 13-15: Kalimat Baha’ School, Dayton, OH. See page 15. 13-18: Friends and Families II at Louhelen. 16-20: Marian Steffes Baha’i School, Brownsville, WI. See page 15. 19-22: Great Plains Baha’ School, Peru, NE. See page 15. 20-22: Iowa Baha’{ School, Newton, IA. See page 15. 20-25: “Choral Music and Community Growth” at Louhelen. 21-25: Two programs at Green Acre: Camp Green Acre for ages 8-12; “Building a Divine zation Through the Arts.” 23-29: “Art and the Mystic Path,” workshop on the creative process with Bill George, Sally Cordova, Lloyd Lawrence. Little Pond Retreat Center, 92 S. Penn Dixie Road, Nazareth, PA 18064 (phone 610-837-2741, Web site www.littlepond.org). Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, PA. 27-30: Eastern Oregon Baha'i School, near Sisters, OR. See page 15. 27-Aug. 1: Family Session at Green Acre: “Searching for Meaning —Finding it in the Hidden Words”: “The Rhythm of Baha’i Life.” 27-Aug. 1: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen. 27-Aug. 1: Tiny Seed Baha’i School, McKenna, WA. See page 15. 29-Aug. 3: John H. Wilcott Baha’ School, near Livingston, MT. See page 15. 31-Aug. 4: Heartland Baha’i School, Peoria, IL. See page 15.

MD. See page 15. 3-8: Spiritual ei iehla nasal for Junior Youth at Louhelen. 8-12: Colorado East Baha’ School, Woodland Park, CO. See page 15. 10-15: Friends and Families III at Louhelen. 15-19: William Sears Great North Woods Baha'i School, Onamia, MN. See page 15. 15-19: Badasht Baha’{ School, west of Roseburg, OR. See page 15. 17-19: United Spiritual Gathering Councilfire at Neah Bay, WA. With Counselor Rebequa Murphy, Derek Cockshut, Reggie Newkirk. Information: Roxanna Jensen, Spiritual Assembly of Makah Reservation (phone

, e-mail Web hup://home.centurytel.net/Nine. . Star/). 17-22: Friends and Families [V at Louhelen. 24-26: North Carolina Baha’i School, Browns Summit, NC. Sce page 15. 24-26: Green Lake Baha'i Conference, Green Lake, WI. See Web site (www.greenlakebahaiconference.org). 30-Sept. 2: Friends of Persian Culture Association annual conference, Itasca, IL. See page 35. 31-Sept. 2: Bellemont Baha'i Summer School, near Flagstaff, AZ: “The Secret of Divine Civilization.” Registration/information: Bellemont Baha’{ School, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, Arizona 86003 (phone 520-526-3797). 31-Sept. 3: Association of Baha’{ Studies conference, Seattle WA. See page 33. 31-Sept. 3: Homecoming 2001 at Louhelen.

No trip to the ” ew address and Bata T House of vanston, IL, 60201-1611. If Worship is likely to address (B) must be filled in EPlales dilbw difee weston process: be complete with- ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.) out a visit to the ‘A. NAME(S) 1 ste DA iat ae IDe 2 fi SR et eee ce 1D 3 ji ta 2 Gottlieb of Yakima, 1De Washington, well 4 ee = De knows. Photo by Vladimir Shiloy B. NEW RESIDEN C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Street Address Street Address ‘Apartment # (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable) JUNE 5-JULY 12, 2001 City pe RUBE MPAN SBE ICE, Soea goin ag Tpeoke) Sas Tip cole D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER Name of new Baha'i Community Moving Date Area Code Phone Number Name F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number Name Area Code Phone Number Name

G. WE We do not have the same last name. We do not want extra

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RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: “The last names and addresses

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Tne American BanA’i