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[Page 1]

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

AUGUST 20, 2001

ASMÁ’/NAMES ‘IZZAT/MIGHT BAHÁ’Í ERA 158

VOLUME 32, NO. 7

MESSAGES OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

• Applicability of the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas/ page 2
• Attitudes toward those who have withdrawn from the Faith/ page 3

OUR NATIONAL PLAN

pages 4–5

• The vision and overall mission
• Central features of our activity
• Spiritual mission for individual Bahá’ís: children, junior youth, youth, adults
• Spiritual mission for Bahá’í communities
• Spiritual mission for Bahá’í institutions

five YEAR PLAN 2001–2006

I·N·S·I·D·E

• APPLYING THE PLAN PAGES 24–25
• MONUMENT TO KHÁNUM PAGE 39
• TREASURER’S PAGE • 10
• KID’S CORNER • 22
• YOUTH • 23
• IN MEMORIAM • 28
• UNIT CONVENTIONS • 29–31
• CLASSIFIED • 32–33
• PERSIAN PAGES • 35–38

BUILDING THE KINGDOM IT’S OUR TIME

• Goal: $60 million
• Money committed: $24 million
• See page 6
• Participants: Nearly 7,000

THE NATIONAL FUND

Received by the National Treasurer

• $1,098,979 received, May 2001
• $1,349,486 received, June 2001
• 5,378 individual contributors, May 2001
• 5,629 individual contributors, June 2001

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 10 for details

E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S·

“Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth.” —Bahá’u’lláh

What a conference!

Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 28–August 1

BY TOM MENNILLO

Above: Peter Khan, member of the Universal House of Justice, spelled out requirements for success. Photo by Nathan Brown Right: A “community challenge” became a festival of joy. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

If just two images stick with the 9,000 souls who attended the Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child conference in Milwaukee, the Five Year Plan will be off to a flying start.

One was of a thousand beach balls being kept aloft at once.

The other was of National Spiritual Assembly Chair William E. Davis, speaking for all of us when he proclaimed, “Hi, my name is Bill, and I wish I were 6 years old!”

CONFERENCE COVERAGE: FIRST INSTALLMENT pages 11–21 (Did you really expect us to wrap it all up in one issue?)

Left: The Children’s Theatre Company of New York City was an inspirational presence throughout. Photo by Michael Frank

A hands-on effort

Multicolored spheres raining for what seemed a lot longer than three minutes from every corner of the US Cellular Arena seemed to symbolize the Plan itself.

And the more friends’ hands—of every age and hue—can be imprinted on that effort, the more we and humanity will benefit.

The National Assembly’s vision and goals for the Plan were unveiled in an address by Secretary-General Robert C. Henderson.

Copies of the overall Plan were made available starting the previous day, as were booklets focusing on children, junior youth, youth, adults and Local Spiritual Assemblies.

In the plenary, Henderson asked each target group to rise as he addressed its unique role and challenges.

Also on hand to help us get our arms around the Plan were Peter Khan, member of the Universal House of Justice, and three members of the Continental Board of Counselors.

Khan spoke in two plenary sessions on “Emergence of the Kingdom” and “Our Spiritual Mission.”

SEE MILWAUKEE, PAGE 11 [Page 2]

FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated Feb. 8, 2001

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Applicability of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

On 9 May 1993, each National Spiritual Assembly was sent a copy of a letter written to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iceland on 9 June 1974, which listed those laws not at that time binding upon the Western world. The covering letter noted that the law of Huqúqu’lláh had been made universally binding at Ridván 1992. On 28 December 1999, the Universal House of Justice wrote to the Bahá’ís throughout the world informing them of the universal application of the remaining aspects of the laws of prayer and fasting.

Therefore, to bring the information up to date, we have been asked to send you the enclosed list of laws not yet universally applied, to replace the one sent to you in May 1993.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Department of the Secretariat

Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas not yet universally applied

as of December 28, 1999

Following the universal application of the laws on prayer, fasting and the recitation of the Greatest Name, the Universal House of Justice has provided the following list of laws noted in the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas which are not at present universally binding upon the friends. The numbers of the sections are given for ease of reference.

IV.C.1.i The laws governing betrothal.

IV.C.1.j The law concerning the payment of a dowry by the groom to the bride on marriage.

IV.C.1.l & m The laws concerning the travelling of a husband away from his wife.

IV.C.1.n & o The laws relating to the virginity of the wife.

IV.C.2.b That part of the divorce law relating to fines payable to the House of Justice.

IV.C.3 The law of inheritance. This is normally covered by civil laws of intestacy at the present time.

IV.D.1.a The law of pilgrimage.

IV.D.1.d The law of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is gradually being put into effect.

IV.D.1.f The Bahá’í Festivals are being celebrated by the western friends on their anniversaries in the Gregorian calendar until such time as the Universal House of Justice deems it desirable to pass supplementary legislation necessary for the full implementation of the Badí‘ calendar.

IV.D.1.j The age of maturity applies only to Bahá’í religious duties as yet. On other matters it is subject to the civil law of each country. The age of administrative maturity in the Bahá’í community has, for the time being, been fixed at 21.

IV.D.1.k For the burial of the dead the only requirements now binding in the West are to bury the body (not to cremate it), not to carry it more than a distance of one hour’s journey from the place of death, and to say the Prayer for the Dead if the deceased is a believer over the age of 15.

IV.D.1.p The law of tithes.

IV.D.1.r The law concerning the hunting of animals.

IV.D.1.t, u, v & w The laws relating to the finding of lost property, the disposition of treasure trove, the disposal of objects held in trust and compensation for manslaughter are all designed for a future state of society. These matters are usually covered by the civil law of each country.

IV.D.1.y.xiv, xv, xvi & xvii Arson, adultery, murder and theft are all forbidden to Bahá’ís, but the punishments prescribed for them in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are designed for a future state of society. Such matters are usually covered by the civil law of each country.

IV.D.1.y.xxv, xxx, xxxi & xxxii The laws prohibiting the use of the type of pools which used to be found in Persian baths, the plunging of one’s hand in food, the shaving of one’s head and the growth of men’s hair below the lobe of the ear.

All the exhortations listed in section IV.D.3 are applicable universally at the present time insofar as it is possible for the friends to implement them; for example, the exhortation to teach one’s children to chant the Holy Verses in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár can be literally carried out only on a limited scale at the present time, but the friends should, nevertheless, teach their children the Holy Writings as far as possible.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

ZHINUS BAHRAINI, an 18-year-old Bahá’í in Phoenix, Arizona, graduated as valedictorian of the Highland High School class of 2001 with a 4.63 grade point average.

RHETT DIESSNER, psychology professor, and HARLAN VANDENBARK, electronic technology professor, both Bahá’ís in Lewiston, Idaho, were chosen by student vote as outstanding academic and technical instructors of the past school year at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

MICHAEL O’NEAL and his son DARNELL O’NEAL of Savannah, Georgia, were inducted the same day into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public administration—the father as an honorary member for civic activities including spearheading Parent University, and the son for academic achievements at Savannah State University.

SCOTT PHELPS, a Bahá’í in Pasadena, California, received one of only five 2001 Teachers of Excellence awards from the Rotary Club of Pasadena. Known for a hands-on approach to teaching chemistry and physics at Muir High School, he also has been honored for his innovations by the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Enrollments

June 2001	160
July 2001	77
May–July 2001	340

Other honors

Academic

Winona Morrow, 17, Norfolk, Virginia: Among top 10 graduates this year at Maury High School; selected a James Monroe Scholar at College of William and Mary.

Michael Neel, Choteau, OK: Graduated 12th in class at Choteau High School; listed in Who’s Who Among High School Seniors.

Erik Sorenson, 14, Wausau, WI: Received “Make a Difference Everyday” award at Horace Mann Middle School.

Arts

Louis Sullivan, 7, Burlington, Vermont: Poem chosen for inclusion in Young American Poetry Digest.

Children and junior youth in the Bahá’í community of Troy, Michigan, were recently recognized jointly as volunteers of the month by the Troy Community Coalition. They had sponsored two children for the Maplegrove Camp—a camp for children from families afflicted by addiction—raising the money by hosting a Family Night event. Pictured from left are Alan Pezeshki, Carolin Pezeshki, Natasha Roshan-Zamir and Mona Nance. [Page 3]

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO ALL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES

APRIL 4, 2001

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The International Teaching Centre has sought elucidation of issues concerning the attitude of Bahá’ís and Bahá’í institutions towards those who have withdrawn from the Faith. In response, we have provided the following comments, which are being sent to you for your information and guidance. You are free to share this letter with the believers under your jurisdiction as you wish.

One’s beliefs are an internal and personal matter; no person or institution has the right to exert compulsion in matters of belief. Since there is a wide range of meanings in the Sacred Scriptures, there are bound to be different ways in which individuals understand many of the Bahá’í teachings. Nevertheless, it is necessary for the viability of the Bahá’í community that its members share a common understanding of essentials. This implies a commitment by each member to function within the framework established by such an understanding.

This framework includes, for example, cognizance of the existence of a Divine Revelation brought by Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God for this age, and acceptance of the two primary duties prescribed by God, as expressed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of the Bahá’í Revelation. These are: "recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws," and observance of "every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties," the Aqdas firmly states, "are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Whom Bahá’u’lláh appointed as the Interpreter of His writings, reaffirms these fundamentals of Bahá’í belief. In His Will and Testament He writes: "This is the foundation of the belief of the people of Bahá (may my life be offered up for them): His Holiness, the Exalted One (the Báb), is the Manifestation of the Unity and Oneness of God and the Forerunner of the Ancient Beauty. His Holiness the Abhá Beauty (may my life be a sacrifice for His steadfast friends) is the Supreme Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of His Most Divine Essence. All others are servants unto Him and do His bidding."

It is within the context of these statements of basic belief and practice that membership in the Bahá’í Faith is determined. Acknowledging that the matter of ascertaining the qualification of a true believer is a delicate and complex question, Shoghi Effendi, the appointee of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Guardian of the Cause and authorized interpreter of its teachings, set down for Spiritual Assemblies the principal factors that must be taken into consideration before deciding whether a person may be regarded as a true believer or not: "Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the True Exemplar of the Bahá’í Cause, as set forth in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved’s sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Bahá’í administration throughout the world. ..."

Viewed in the light of these texts, a statement that one wishes to withdraw from the Bahá’í community, but not from the Faith, is seen to be self-contradictory. The Bahá’í community must be seen in its proper light. The necessity for its existence as an inseparable element of the Faith itself is explained by the stated purpose of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: to bring about a Divine Civilization. The embodiment of that purpose and of the spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh into the world is the Order He has ordained, to which He refers in the Most Holy Book in asserting: "The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed."

Normally, a Spiritual Assembly is called upon to make a decision in such matters only as the result of an action by an individual, either in declaring his belief in Bahá’u’lláh, or in stating that he wishes to withdraw from the Faith, or, very rarely, in persistently promoting concepts which are clearly inconsistent with the essentials of membership outlined above. Acceptance of the Faith is the voluntary act of an individual and is registered by the appropriate Bahá’í institution unless it has good reason not to do so. Likewise, a Bahá’í is free to leave the Faith voluntarily. When a member of the community informs the Assembly of his wish to withdraw, it would try to help him overcome whatever problems seem to be the cause of his desiring to take such a step. If he persists in his intention, the Assembly would normally accept the withdrawal unless there were grounds for suspecting that he is acting insincerely out of some ulterior motive, such as to violate a Bahá’í law with impunity.

In spite of loving encouragement given by their Assemblies, not all Bahá’ís are active in the work of the community. This does not, of course, necessarily indicate withdrawal. An Assembly should carefully distinguish between those who are not active but still identify themselves with the Faith, and those whose inactivity indicates complete lack of interest and a wish to have nothing more to do with the Cause.

Once a person’s resignation from the Faith has been accepted, his status is that of a non-Bahá’í and—except as noted below—his relationship with Bahá’í institutions and individual believers is the same as that of any other non-Bahá’í. As in all human relationships, the closeness of this connection, and the warmth of friendship, depend upon personal factors.

Sometimes, after a person’s withdrawal from the Cause has been accepted, it becomes evident that his statements were insincere and were made merely in order to evade Bahá’í law. The Assembly need not take any overt action in such a case, but would note the matter in its records. In other words, it would have to be cautious about accepting a subsequent declaration of belief from this individual until satisfied that it is made in good faith. Also, depending upon the circumstances, the Assembly might require him to rectify the action, taken in violation of Bahá’í law, which was the motive for his withdrawing from the Faith.

An analogous situation arises when a person who is engaged in some activity which he suspects would result in his being declared a Covenant-breaker withdraws from the Faith under the impression that this step would prevent such an outcome. The Universal House of Justice may conclude that the withdrawal provides adequate protection of the community from the individual in question. However, if he persists, following his withdrawal, in trying to undermine the Covenant or joins forces with Covenant-breakers, he may be judged to have broken the Covenant, and the friends would be told to have no association with him. Each such case would be considered in the context of its specific circumstances.

There is one other condition which should be mentioned. There are certain former Bahá’ís whose actions do not necessarily constitute Covenant-breaking, but are seriously destructive. Where such people have shown that they are impervious to explanations or exhortations from the Bahá’í institutions, continued association with them can be burdensome and can exert a spiritually corrosive effect on the faith of believers. In such cases the Head of the Faith may simply advise the Bahá’ís to leave them to their own devices.

Thus, there are exceptional cases in which a former believer’s spiritual attitude to the Faith may, to various degrees, create an estrangement between him and the Bahá’ís. In general, however, a person who has withdrawn from the Faith is regarded as being among the generality of humankind with whom the Bahá’ís are enjoined to associate "in joy and fragrance".

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

References

1. Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 1 2. The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 19 3. Bahá’í Administration (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1995), p. 90 4. Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 181

HUQUQU’LLÁH / THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" (please write your Bahá’í identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees listed at right.

• Amin Banani
• Stephen Birkland
• Sally Foo
• Daryush Haghighi
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust

Huqúqu’lláh Web site: Codification of the Law. Compilation of writings on Huqúqu’lláh. Practical guidelines. History of the institution. Prayers. Online videos. Directory of Huqúqu’lláh Representatives across the U.S. Articles for study. Access www.usbnc.org with your Bahá’í ID number, then click on "Huqúqu’lláh" link. [Page 4]

FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Vision

With humble hearts and beads bowed in gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God, we offer this Plan as a testament of our commitment to advance His Sacred Cause of universal love and salvation.

The Bahá’í Teachings proclaim that God has given the United States a spiritual destiny to help reshape the world. The American nation will evolve, we are told, through purifying tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership, a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and a powerful servant of the Cause of everlasting peace.

Mission of the American Bahá’ís

American Bahá’ís have a "parallel mission" to assist the completion of the successive stages of the Divine Plan, which is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grand design for the spiritual conquest of the planet. Our mission calls for us to transform our souls and our ways of life and to spread the Divine Fragrance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings among all people, thus inspiring a closer relationship to God. We are asked to build institutions that will nurture the emergence of a new kind of community life, a life that requires unity, love and service. Our aims are to banish the darkness of ignorant prejudice, to help souls overcome misery and pain and to invite all people to a universal fellowship of service and love. Day by day we must strive to carry out in our lives the noble ideals of our Faith and in so doing to advance the spiritual missions of our nation and our community.

Receptivity to the Faith

Over the past five years, our research has shown that tens of millions of Americans are searching for spiritual truth. Hundreds of thousands are investigating the Bahá’í Faith and many more will follow. They want what we want, a sense of spiritual purpose and encouragement, a happy and joyful community life, support for our families, spiritual education for our children, and freedom from prejudice, inequality and injustice. As Shoghi Effendi explained, "people crave love, not an imitation but the embodiment of a bright and shining ideal."

Purpose of the Plan

The purpose of the Five Year Plan is to build a system to meet these needs and in so doing to expand our capacity as individual believers, communities and institutions to love, serve, teach and embrace all souls who are searching for spiritual truth.

Unity key to success

The Bahá’í Writings promise that if we are "truly united" and promote the "essential purpose" of our Faith with an "all-unifying love" that "so great a light will shine forth from your faces as to reach the highest heavens,... your aims and purposes will exert their influence upon the great and mighty nations... and ye will discover yourselves to be ... marshals of the army of peace, and princes of the forces of light, and stars shining from the horizon of perfection, and brilliant lamps shedding their radiance upon men."

Bahá’u’lláh’s assurances

Some may feel this task is too great. But our Teachings confirm that we are not alone. Bahá’u’lláh has pledged the assistance of divine forces if we but call upon them. Foremost among these are the spiritual powers of unity and love, without which we are paralyzed. To assure our success, every believer must foster "a greater realization of the power of Bahá’u’lláh to reinforce the efforts of those who serve Him, of His promise to do so, and of the impotence of all our deeds without this divine assistance." Any assessment of our prospects is "entirely misleading if it does not take this supreme power into consideration." Constant reliance upon Bahá’u’lláh will enable us to formulate audacious plans and carry them out with confidence no matter how great the obstacles.

Our spiritual mission in the Five Year Plan

The January 9, 2001, letter of the Universal House of Justice gives us the vision and framework of the Five Year Plan. Advancing the process of entry by troops through the systematic efforts of individual believers, Bahá’í communities, and Bahá’í institutions is the Plan’s central aim. Racial unity and gender equality remain essential themes of our work.

In preparing the Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly enjoyed the benefit of a series of meetings with the Continental Counselors, including one with their Auxiliary Boards. We are deeply grateful for their wise advice and loving encouragement. We are also indebted to the Regional Bahá’í Councils whose tireless efforts to carry out the National Plan in the regions were indispensable to our progress and learning. Their analyses of regional conditions and their recommendations for the Five Year Plan offered new and invaluable insights. We salute the National Teaching Committee for their tireless labors, their expert study and strategic advice on the patterns and process of religious growth throughout the United States and within the Bahá’í community and for their innovative thinking about advancing the process of systematic growth.

We are profoundly grateful for the priceless opportunity to meet in plenum with all of these distinguished institutions and agencies, to listen and learn from each other, strengthen our unity and increase our capacity to bring Bahá’u’lláh’s Healing Message to millions who are searching for spiritual truth.

The Five Year Plan calls for us to begin a process of goal setting, action, evaluation and learning. The goals set should be evaluated at least once every six months in consultations of Local Spiritual Assemblies with the believers in their communities. Such practice will help us learn from our efforts and continuously refine them. In areas without Local Assemblies, the friends should follow the same pattern in consultation with one another. In areas where clusters of inter-community partnerships are working on growth programs, arrangements should be made for evaluation no less than once every six months. Auxiliary Board members and their assistants are eager to assist Assemblies and groups in carrying out the requirements of the Plan. We encourage you to call upon them.

Central features of the Five Year Plan

five YEAR PLAN 2001-2006

• Advancing the process of entry by troops
  • a. Collaboration of the institutions in systematic programs of growth
  • b. Carrying out the National Teaching Plan including:
    • i. Maturation of training institutes
    • ii. Formation of clusters by local communities
    • iii. Initiation of area growth programs where conditions are favorable
  • c. Enhancing seeker follow-up
  • d. Doubling the core of active believers

• Integrate and nurture children in the life of the Cause
  • a. Advance education and training for Bahá’í children, junior youth, and youth
  • b. Engage children, junior youth, and youth in consultation with their Assemblies about their cares, hopes, and plans
  • c. Enhance the range and quality of activities for children and youth
  • d. Register Bahá’í children on the National Membership Rolls

• Cultivate individual initiative
  • a. Promote homefront and international pioneering and traveling teaching
  • b. Include the arts in community activities
  • c. Train institutions in nurturing individual initiative
  • d. Encourage universal participation in the Bahá’í Funds
  • e. Complete the goals of the Kingdom Project

• Promote the spiritual transformation of individual believers, Bahá’í communities and Bahá’í institutions
  • a. Hold devotional gatherings
  • b. Enhance the spiritual and social vitality of the Nineteen Day Feast
  • c. Encourage daily prayer and daily study of the Bahá’í Writings and regular service to the Cause
  • d. Strive to achieve compliance with Bahá’í standards of conduct
  • e. Refine the art of consultation

• Influence the course of human affairs
  • a. Expand local community external affairs efforts
  • b. Promote racial unity and gender equality
  • c. Establish projects of social and economic development
  • d. Pursue promotion of social justice

[Page 5]

Spiritual Mission for Individual Bahá’ís

"If ye will follow earnestly the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, ye shall indeed become the light of the world, the soul of the body of the world, the comfort and help for humanity, and the sources of salvation for the whole universe." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A marked increase in the activity and development of the Plan’s three participants—the individual believer, the Bahá’í community, and its institutions—is needed for the Plan to succeed.

Children

You are the most precious treasures of our community. We want you to grow strong and be happy. We ask you to:

• Pray every day
• Learn about Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their Teachings
• Be a friend to all people and help them
• Share the Bahá’í Teachings with others
• Contribute to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project

Junior Youth

You are preparing for the age of spiritual maturity (15). We ask you to study and practice the requirements of spiritual maturity in your life, including to:

• Pray daily and read at least one verse of the Bahá’í Writings every day
• Study the Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Covenant
• Learn the importance of the Bahá’í Obligatory Prayers and Fasting
• Commit to memory at least one of the Obligatory Prayers
• Be of service to your families, your communities, your peers and others
• Help children see themselves as noble beings and become strong and confident and happy
• Share the Bahá’í Teachings
• Contribute to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project

Youth

You have reached the age of spiritual maturity and now must strive to become leaders and sources of strength to your families and your communities. Many of those now investigating the Faith are young people whom you must embrace and teach. Bearing these things in mind, we ask you to:

• Develop a plan, in consultation with your family, for your spiritual and social growth based on a careful assessment of your spirit and character and your aims in life and the needs of the Faith, including provisions for:
  • Strengthening the disciplines of daily prayer and study of the Sacred Writings, especially the Life and Station of Bahá’u’lláh and His Covenant
  • Cultivating the habit of service to all people
  • Learning how to share effectively the Bahá’í Teachings with others
  • Planning for your education, career development and a year of service
  • Developing moral and spiritual discipline
• Join in a study circle and consider being trained as a study circle facilitator
• Participate in teaching and service projects
• Mentor children and junior youth and establish relationships with older community members
• Champion racial unity and the equality of women and men
• Take a leading role in improving the spiritual and social quality of Bahá’í community life
• Contribute to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project

Adult Bahá’ís

You are the strength of the Bahá’í community, its most able and experienced members. The development and growth of the community rests largely in your hands. At this turning point in the growth of our Faith, we ask each of you to consider prayerfully Shoghi Effendi’s admonition, "Without the spirit of real love for Bahá’u’lláh, for His Faith and its Institutions, and the believers for each other, the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people. For it is not preaching and rules the world wants, but love and action." —Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

• Develop a spiritual transformation plan for yourself, your marriage, your family
• Foster patterns of loving encouragement to all people and to the Bahá’í Institutions
• Study the Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and His Covenant
• Support the development of training institutes, study circles and extension courses
• Make a personal teaching plan
• Assist in seeker follow-up efforts
• Consider homefront and/or international pioneering and traveling teaching
• Mentor and encourage children and youth
• Increase awareness of issues facing the larger community and champion racial unity, gender equality, and social justice
• Contribute to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project

Spiritual Mission for Bahá’í communities

Learning to act collectively is a distinguishing feature of Bahá’í communities. "Most important of all is that love and unity should prevail in the Bahá’í Community, as this is what people are most longing for in the present dark state of the world. Words without the living example will never be sufficient to breathe hope into the hearts of a disillusioned and often cynical generation." —Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

• Spare no effort to bring love, joy and happiness to your community
• Foster the spirit of loving encouragement and support to Bahá’í families; celebrate the efforts of children, youth, and adult Bahá’ís
• Strive to create an atmosphere of wholehearted acceptance of all members to unify the diversity of the community
• Refine the practice of consultation in all matters
• Strengthen the arts and music
• Embrace seekers and new believers and lovingly encourage disaffected Bahá’ís
• Expand programs of service and partnership with the larger community
• Increase awareness of issues facing the larger community and champion racial unity, gender equality, and social justice

Spiritual Mission for Bahá’í institutions

Spiritual Assemblies

You are the focal centers of Bahá’í activity. More than any other institution you face the challenge of making real the promises of our Faith and regulating the affairs of your local communities. Your mission is to exercise spiritual leadership, functioning as "instruments of the spirit of the Faith" and "loving shepherds of the multitudes." We ask you to:

• Assess the strengths and challenges of your community in consultation with its children, youth, and adult members
• Set goals for community development and growth and evaluate them at least once every six months in consultation with community members
• Seek the advice of Auxiliary Boards and their assistants
• Strengthen and define clusters (inter-community partnerships) in collaboration with the Regional Bahá’í Council and the Auxiliary Board members
• Improve the spiritual and social vitality of the Nineteen Day Feast
• Establish study circles in consultation with Regional Training Institutes
• Promote service and social development efforts in the larger community
• Double the active core of the Bahá’í community
• Promote an intimate sense of responsibility to meet the needs of the Funds and the Kingdom Project
• Contribute regularly to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project
• Increase awareness of issues facing the larger community and champion racial unity, gender equality, and social justice
• Strengthen unity and love among Assembly members
• Enhance the sacredness of Bahá’í elections

Regional Bahá’í Councils

Your indispensable mission is to advance the process of systematic growth by assisting the friends in your region to carry out the National Plan and create strong Local Spiritual Assemblies. Your mode of operation is to work with and through Local Spiritual Assemblies. You are also responsible to oversee the operations of Regional Training Institutes. With the advice of the Continental Counselors and under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly you should:

• Assess the strengths, potentialities, and challenges of the region for programs of systematic growth, particularly through inter-community partnerships
• Facilitate and support clusters (inter-community partnerships) to advance the process of systematic growth
• Devise a regional plan for systematic growth
• Facilitate Spiritual Assembly establishment and development
• Supervise Regional Training Institutes
• Communicate and consult with the friends about the progress of the Faith in the region
• Promote full operation of Regional Training Institutes
• Facilitate the integration of Persian American Bahá’ís
• Promote regional youth activities
• Promote teaching and consolidation of special populations including those of African, American Indian, Asian, Latin American and Persian descent

Regional Training Institutes

Training institutes are the engines of systematic growth. They are central to the development of the human resources needed to accomplish the goals of the Plan. Your mission is to devise systematic sequences of training on the fundamental verities of the Bahá’í Faith and the skills of teaching and administering the Faith with efficiency and love.

• Consult frequently with Spiritual Assemblies to determine their needs and develop training responses
• Employ a wide diversity of sequenced training curricula
• Evaluate and improve the effects of your training
• Improve outreach to increase participation in classes

Dear friends, bearing in mind the dramatic advances of the process of systematic growth in the Bahá’í community over the past five years, we feel that conditions are right for large-scale growth and development of the Bahá’í community. The Universal House of Justice told our community that what is required now is "a thrust of action fit for champions." With the wise advice and loving encouragement of the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries, we are completely confident that the long-awaited breakthrough in the process of entry by troops can be achieved in the Five Year Plan.

Our love and prayers are with you always, Your servants,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States [Page 6]

KINGDOM PROJECT OVERVIEW

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

Nearly 7,000 individuals and Bahá’í institutions and agencies have pledged funds toward the $60 million goal, or have made direct cash contributions, or both.

• About $24 million in pledges or cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM PROJECT?

Known formally as Building the Kingdom: It's Our Time, the Kingdom Project is our National Spiritual Assembly's plan to build the infrastructure and prepare the American Bahá’í community for the dramatic growth that we are told is fast approaching.

Steeped in the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American Bahá’í community and blessed by the Universal House of Justice, the Kingdom Project is designed to take the American Bahá’í community to our next level of advancement, maturation and service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

It will also help us "prepare ourselves," as instructed by the Universal House of Justice, "for... the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten."

The Kingdom Project will ensure:

• Restoration and protection of the House of Worship, called by the Guardian "the most important teacher of the Faith."
• Expansion of dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, including the Visitors' Center and the Bahá’í Home for the Aged.
• Redesign of the Hazíratu’l-Quds, described by Shoghi Effendi as "the visible symbol of the steadily growing National Bahá’í Community."
• Fundamental development of Bahá’í-owned schools and institutes to their next phase as centers of Bahá’í learning.
• Expansion 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 Bahá’í properties across the United States.

KINGDOM PROJECT: Readying for renewal at the House of Worship as of late July 2001

Blue shaded area indicates parts of the grounds involved in this summer's activity. Affected terrace sections (Inner ring) and gardens indicated with red numbers.

Main entrance Visitor parking Linden Avenue Sheridan Road Temple Auditorium

Top: Fragments of a garden retaining wall lie in a pile in a northeastern garden of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Right: Visitors approach the Temple auditorium even as a section of the terrace deck is demolished. The section leading to the main entrance was rebuilt in the early 1990s. Photos by James Humphrey

Six of the nine sections of the terrace deck (surrounding the Temple's monumental stairs), three of the nine gardens and nearby garden walls were in the process of demolition during July.

Casting has begun at the Temple Concrete Studio on new concrete components, including pavers for the deck and replacement steps for the monumental stairs.

Diagram courtesy of Temple Conservation Office

THE KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Unity Hall stands with its exterior completed. Interior and landscaping were getting their finishing touches in advance of an Aug. 12 dedication. Photo by Jim Cheek

For information about the Kingdom Project and how you can contribute: KINGDOM PROJECT Office of the Treasurer 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone 847-733-3521 Web site www.kingdom-project.org

Signs of progress

Commitments and construction advance

BY THE KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

At the Kingdom Conference in Milwaukee, William Davis, chair of our National Spiritual Assembly, highlighted the importance of the Kingdom Project to the growth and development of the American Bahá’í community.

The Kingdom Project is currently celebrating many victories including:

• About $24 million already has been committed in pledges and cash contributions.
• Nearly 7,000 people and institutions have made financial gifts (including contributions and pledges sent directly to the National Center and an estimate of individual contributions through local funds).
• An e-newsletter has been launched to provide interested Bahá’ís with regular updates on the Kingdom Project, including activities for local communities (to find out how to subscribe, see the Web site: www.kingdom-project.org).

At the House of Worship

• Demolition of the terrace walkway and retaining wall is under way.
• The Temple Concrete Studio is casting replacement pavers and steps.
• Gardens and fountains are being restructured.

At Green Acre Bahá’í School

• Work began on a new classroom and meeting hall complex after a groundbreaking ceremony was held June 2.

At Louhelen Bahá’í School

• Finishing touches were made on the new Unity Hall in preparation for the dedication celebration Aug. 12, which will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the school's founding.

At the Bahá’í Home for the Aged

• A backyard walkway has been completed, and work has started on the interior "facelift."

Bahá’í Publishing

• This new venture is on schedule to launch the first three books to the retail trade in spring 2002.

To maintain all this activity and to begin work on other facets of the Kingdom Project, there is a great need for additional progress toward the $60 million goal.

One key to the success of the Kingdom Project is the participation of every member of the entire American Bahá’í community. Bahá’u’lláh has told us that united support of the Fund brings "spiritual confirmations far beyond our capacity to envisage." There are many ways each of us can be involved—including financial commitments, prayers, community activities, and sharing information. The Kingdom Project is a unique opportunity for each of us to help build the Kingdom. ♦ [Page 7]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

An Agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

A love letter to our wonderful volunteers

Dear Friends,

We could not let a moment more pass without sounding the praises of the services rendered by those volunteers who stepped in to assist with the Herculean task of staffing the bookstore at the Building the Kingdom Conference.

The sheer volume of effort that these dedicated souls expended in setting up the store and then, without any significant opportunity for rest, staffing the registers with friendliness and love, restocking material, assisting customers, and helping bag merchandise throughout the 11 hours of daily operation was a truly remarkable achievement.

In that we essentially saw no other part of the conference, your selfless and light-hearted behavior buoyed our spirits and provided us with a taste of the exceptional spirit that surely characterized the entire conference.

Our gratitude and loving admiration go out to each and every one of you.

With Loving Regards, The Staff of the Bahá’í Distribution Service

Bahá’í Shrines and Gardens on Mount Carmel, Haifa

Bahá’í Shrine and Gardens Mount Carmel Municipality of Haifa, Israel $24.95 HC (BSGH)

In both English and Hebrew, this lovely gift book has over 100 full-size, high-quality pictures and descriptive text. This valuable resource for teaching and public relations activities was released to coincide the inauguration event of the Terraces and was available to the participants in Haifa. It is a beautiful addition to any Bahá’í library and makes an excellent coffee-table book.

9" x 13", 128 pp., illustrated

Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb Commemorative Stamp and Leaf

created by the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority $4.00 (TSTAMP)

In recognition of the completion of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority has issued a commemorative stamp and leaf which includes a description of the Shrine of the Báb 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's item.

Pathways to Transformation

The Bahá’í Journey Selections from the Bahá’í Writings, Compiled by John Davidson, Ph.D. $13.95 (PATR)

"Outlines the potential path of personal, spiritual and social transformation that is to be found in Bahá’í teach- ings. As such, it constitutes an invaluable selection of statements on individual spiritual development, Bahá’í history and administration, and Bahá’í approaches to revitalizing the social order."-Dr. Graham Hassall, Associate Dean, Landegg Academy, Switzerland

53/4" x 8" 335 pp, introduction, acknowledgments, contents, biblography, index

Understanding the Revelation to Saint John

Dr. Alan D. Clark $16.95 SC (URSJ)

By comparing the predicted events in the Revelation to Saint John to historical occurrences, it becomes clear that the Christ has returned and His new name is Bahá’u’lláh. Prophecies found in the Revelation to Saint John proclaim the date of His coming (1844), the land of His Birth (Persia), and that He would come to reside in the Holy Land. Those same prophecies declare that when Christ returns He will have a new name-He will be called "the Glory of God."

5/2" x 8", 371 pp.

The Five Year Plan 2001-2006

Messages of the Universal House of Justice $1.00 SC (5YP)

This is a convenient and inexpensive compilation of let- ters that lay the foundation for the Five Year Plan. Included in the booklet are the November 26, 1999, messages, describing the series of plans that are to con- clude the first century of the Formative Age, and the Ridván 2000 message, introducing the Twelve Month Plan. Also included are messages of Ridván 2001 and the three released at the events marking the inauguration of the International Teaching Center Building in the Holy Land in January 2001 at which the Counselors and Auxiliary Board members from all parts of the globe were gathered. 52" x 81/2", 49 pp.

Quickeners of Mankind

Pioneering In a World Community $9.95 SC (QMS)

In the Ridván 2001 message, the Universal House of Justice calls upon Bahá’ís for the "... 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." Quickeners of Mankind brings together a number of quotations on the important subject of pioneering. It is hoped that this compilation will serve to inspire and encourage others to follow in the footsteps of the vanguard of teachers who have left their homeland for the love of God and their fellowman. 51/2" x 8", 160 pp. [Page 8]

The Hidden Words, A Spiritual Journey for Children, Volume I

Judy Jade Amick $9.95 SC (HWC)

This book contains selected Hidden Words quoted from Bahá’u’lláh and short stories to illustrate some of the concepts they introduce. The subtleties of meaning in some words begin to be revealed through their stories so that children may read the Sacred Verse again and again with more penetrating understanding. Plots are interesting and the solutions are not oversimplified. Pictures are black and white but have much expression. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

7/4" x 72", 47 pp.

Family Life Compilation

compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice $3.50 SC (FLS)

This booklet presents a compilation of extracts from Bahá’í writings on the subject of marriage and family relationships.

5/2" x 81/4", 36 pp.

Animals for Peace

Kiser Barnes $4.00 SC (AFP)

In these four short stories, the animals villages are astir with activity, difficulty and hardship until they can overcome certain obstacles to peace in their lives. These obstacles include unwillingness to try new methods, clinging to material values, and preconceived notions about how prophecies are fulfilled. Usually one animal champions change because he has heard of the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and believes that its lessons can apply to the problems at hand to help build peace and security that the villagers say that they want. Playful descriptions of the characters endear them to the readers who want the animals to succeed.

53/8" x 83/8", 40pp

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Arabic)

The Most Holy Book Bahá’u’lláh $30.00 HC (ARKA)

Newly arrived from the World Center, the Arabic edition of Bahá’u’lláh's "Charter of His New World Order," in which He sets forth the Laws of God for the Bahá’í Dispensation and ordains the necessary institutions through which the integrity and unity of His Faith can alone be safeguarded.

7" x 10", 340 pp., contents, preface, introduction, supplementary texts, questions and answers, synopsis and codification, notes, glossary, key to passages, index

Century of Light

Universal House of Justice $10.95 SC (COL)

Produced at the request and under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice, Century of Light quotes extensively from the Bahá’í writings and the related commentaries of the Guardian. The purpose is to provide members of the Faith with a perspective on two defining processes that unfolded during the 20th century: the sequence of events that made the unification of humanity the principal feature of modern history, and the emergence from obscurity of the Cause of God and its Administrative Order. Note: Century of Light is primarily a resource for Bahá’í study and deepening. It is not a public information publication, nor is it intended as a presentation piece for public figures or the media.

63/4" x 9", 157 pp., foreword, notes

Oraciones Bahá’ís/Bahá’í Prayers (Spanish/English)

The Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá $2.50 SC (SOBBP)

Each selection is presented in both Spanish and English. Excellent for teaching, consolidation and ESL.

4" x 6", 47 pp.

Inspirational Music for Solo Voice and Choir

Donna Kime and Rosamond Brenner $6.95 SC (IMB)

Part one includes songs built around the lyrics of the Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. Part two includes songs built around lyrics from Gleanings, the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Glad Tidings, and Bahá’í Prayers.

81/2" x 11", 40 pp., instructions for organ pedals and other instruments included

Why They Became Bahá’ís

Annamarie Honnold $8.00 HC (WBB)

Not only intended for Bahá’ís, this collection of stories of the first generation of faithful in the West is also for those wondering why people embraced a new religion while it was still in its obscurity. It is also useful for Bahá’ís to know what attracts people to the Faith. The pictures of these early champions of the Cause are fascinating and revealing. The book is separated into an autobiographical section and a biographical section with about half of the 107 entries in each. Each person's conviction unfolds in an ebb and flow of excitement, a sense of discovery, and a love for the Bahá’í faith that will inspire the reader to go and spread the news!

6" x 878", 574 pp., list of illustrations, preface, introduction, epilogue, glossary, bibliography

Blue Water

$11.00 (JWPO2)

This striking print from the Journey Well Bahá’í Faith Prints collection includes the quotation from Bahá’u’lláh: "No man shall attain the shores of the ocean of true understanding...."

8" x 10"

Red Forest

$11.00 (JWP07)

Another beautiful print from the Journey Well Bahá’í Faith Prints collection includes the quotation from the Báb: "The One true God may be compared unto the sun...."

8" x 10"

Golden Flower

$11.00 (JWPO8)

Another colorful print from the Journey Well Bahá’í Faith Prints collection includes the quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: "My home is the home of peace...."

8" x 10" [Page 9]

NEW CD’S AND VIDEOS

Beyond Words Rouba Sobhani $14.99 CD (PBWCD) East and West, poetry and original music all blend in this mesmerizing collection dedicated to human rights and especially to the rights of women. Strains reminiscent of the four continents where ‎Rouha Rouba‎ has lived are heard in these 16 melodies featuring new and classical instruments. 70 minutes 23 seconds

China Skies The World Unity Jazz Ensemble $16.95 CD (CSCD) The World Unity Jazz Ensemble features Phil Morrison on bass and Keith Williams at piano, who together have created an amazing fusion of jazz and traditional Chinese music while playing with other professional musicians they encountered throughout their tour of China and Asia. Many pieces are original compositions and are dedicated to Bahá’í themes and figures. 47 minutes 38 seconds

The Hands of the Cause of God Volume I—Heroic Age through 1951 Ramin Khadem and Fred Badiyan $19.95 VHS (EHCGN) In documentary style, this new video recounts with clarity the amazing lives of the Hands of the Cause of God within the historical context of the Bahá’í Faith. Introduces the heroic souls first appointed by Bahá’u’lláh, then posthumously by His son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and finally by Shoghi Effendi. This is the inspiring story of these divinely appointed trustees who provided an essential stewardship during perilous times while they “diffused the divine fragrances” and “promoted learning” throughout the world. 43 minutes

Meditations Selections from World Scriptures Jumelle $16.00 CD (JMCD) Danielle and Crystal Morales, twin sisters known as the instrumental duet Jumelle, apply recitations from the world’s sacred scriptures to a background of original meditation, Celtic, and inspirational music. Suitable for devotional gathering and private meditation and prayer. 55 minutes

Season of Light Sonbol Taefi and Stephen Small $17.00 CD (SLCD) Santour and piano arrangements are accompanied by the strings of New Zealand Philharmonic Orchestra in this collection of old-time melodies and new songs. 54 minutes

Speaking of Gender $14.95 VHS (ESGN) A program about gender equality from a spiritual point of view. Twenty-five people between 18 and 30 years old, from all over the United States, spent an intense weekend at Green Acre Bahá’í School discussing their views on gender equality. Most were Bahá’ís but some were friends of Bahá’ís from other religious backgrounds. Drawn from a videotaping of that weekend, this program is intended to help a young adult audience consider basic questions about equality that aren’t always obvious, and to develop a language for that discussion. Ideal for Bahá’í campus associations. 28 minutes 30 seconds

Amame Palabras Ocultas de Bahá’u’lláh Leonor Dely $14.99 CD (AMCD) Hauntingly performed by the well-known Leonor Dely and exquisitely produced by those who have produced music for the likes of Ricky Martin and Santana, Amame combines the Hidden Words in Spanish with irresistible bolero rhythms. While Dely is a well-known artist in South America, this is her first Bahá’í CD. 50 minutes 51 seconds

On The Wings of an Emperor Rob Sockett $17.00 VHS (EOWEN) This is the story of an Iranian Bahá’í mother, her father and her son, who flee from religious persecution and escape to North America. While waiting for word from Iran of the welfare of her remaining family she must help her son establish his own identity in this new culture while maintaining appreciation for his rich heritage. This is in part poignantly symbolized by his grandfather’s loving insistence that the son nurture an orange tree seedling. 80 minutes

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. • Atlanta, GA 30336 call us • 800-999-9019 • toll-free [Page 10]

THE FUND
May 1—June 30, 2001
Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)
$1,098,979	May
$1,349,486	June
$2,448,465 Total this fiscal year (since May 2001)

Individual contributors

This fiscal year, 6,756 individual Bahá’ís have contributed to the National Fund (455 more than the same period in 2000!)

Cash-basis revenues, expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund
May 1—June 30, 2001
$3,926,055	Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)
$4,811,242	Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

KINGDOM PROJECT
Pledges needed by Ridván 2002	$60,000,000
Pledges, contributions so far	$24,000,000

Leva Aryan of Gorham, Maine, offered to read stories to Bahá’í friends willing to contribute to her “Kingdom Project box.” She raised $250!

On people’s minds ...

Q Even with a deficit in the National Fund, did we make our goals for the Arc and the International Fund in the past fiscal year?

A Yes. The National Assembly always fulfils its pledge to the International Fund. There is a hierarchy of priorities—beginning with the International Fund, then the Continental Fund, and then the National Fund.

Q What are the continuing needs of the Arc?

A The needs are at the International Fund level. Since the Arc projects have been completed, there is a great need for additional staff to maintain and protect the buildings located there. Making our contributions to the International Fund gives the Universal House of Justice the freedom it needs to use the monies where they are most needed, including the Arc.

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

“O God, my God! Illumine the brows of Thy true lovers, and support them with angelic hosts of certain triumph.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from Bahá’í Prayers

A matter of stewardship

Manual advances understanding of privilege, obligation of giving to Fund

Material and educational support on the sacred privilege and spiritual obligation of giving to the Bahá’í Funds is at the heart of the manual Stewardship and Development, created by the Office of the Treasurer.

Each chapter of the newly revised manual is devoted to spiritual principles from the Sacred Writings and their application on many topics, including:

• Awareness of the Funds.
• The treasurer’s job description.
• Bahá’í Funds and what they do.
• Fund-raising guidelines.
• Planned giving.
• Earmarking contributions.
• Local Bahá’í centers.

Expanding capacity

In its Ridván 2000 letter, the Universal House of Justice describes a noticeable change in the “expanded capability, methodical pattern of functioning and the consequent depth of confidence of ... the individual, the institutions and the local community.”

The Stewardship and Development concept helps develop the material expression of this expanded capability by explaining the spiritual nature of giving and sacrificing for one’s beliefs. In turn, these principles can help communities structure their thinking on a wide variety of topics related to the local treasury and the Bahá’í funds in general—including bold initiatives such as the Kingdom Project.

We must continue expanding our capacity in order to foster and accommodate the dramatic growth which is fast approaching. “This is the time,” states the Universal House of Justice, “for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.” ♦

Stewardship and Development, the manual from the National Treasurer’s Office, is available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019).

A variety of ways to help ensure Fund’s future health

Writing Your Will and Testament

We are given a spiritual directive to write a will and testament. Being obedient to this law bears much greater significance and has broader social implications than the mere disposition of material possessions and other assets.

We are to bear witness to Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation; we are to “make mention of that which is praiseworthy;” and we are to set in motion “good deeds,” so that all of humanity can benefit. Our testament also stands as a permanent record of our dedication to the Bahá’í Faith.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity is a simple charitable life-payment plan entered into with a charity such as the National Spiritual Assembly. In exchange for the transfer of cash or appreciated securities, the National Spiritual Assembly will agree to pay a lifetime annuity payment to the donor and/or another beneficiary.

The donor receives a charitable deduction for a portion of the gift in the year in which the annuity is established. Gift annuities are regulated by state law and the administration of our charitable gift annuity program is handled at the Bahá’í National Center.

Insurance Policies as Gift and Estate Planning Instruments

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States may be named as either a primary or a contingent beneficiary on one of your insurance policies. Please use the legal name as listed in the first two lines of this paragraph. Please also use the tax identification number (TIN) 36-3981492.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock

A gift of appreciated securities necessitates the transfer of ownership of the securities to our National Spiritual Assembly. Securities acceptable as gifts are publicly traded stock, mutual funds, and Treasury bills and bonds. Immediately following the transfer of ownership to our National Spiritual Assembly, the securities are sold and the proceeds go to the Bahá’í Fund. ♦

8-page brochure from the Office of the Treasurer

Individual copies may be requested free. Nominal charge for ordering in quantity.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Gift and Estate Planning Program has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for themselves, their families and the Bahá’í Faith.

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

• Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail
• Or, fill out the form with the Bahá’í Funds envelope attached to this paper.

Automatic Contribution System: financial stability and simplicity

What provides financial stability for the National Spiritual Assembly and makes it simple and easy to contribute to the National Fund? Answer: the Automatic Contribution System (ACS)! Individual Bahá’ís and institutions alike already use this system.

Using the Automatic Contribution System saves the Fund thousands of dollars each year in postage, as well as in human resources required to process contribution checks. Even more importantly, ACS allows the National Assembly to count on a certain amount of money each month.

ACS forms are available for downloading from the Administrative Web Site (access www.usbnc.org, click on “NSA Departments” and then on “Office of the Treasurer”). Forms also may be requested by mail through the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3460).

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund • 112 Linden Avenue • Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID number on check [Page 11]

Main gatherings at the Bahá’í National Conference, June 28–July 1

BY TOM MENNILLO AND JAMES HUMPHREY

Like guideposts the daily main sessions of the Building the Kingdom conference showed attendees the path from where we are to where we’re going and, just as important, what strengths we can draw on to get there.

These plenaries were brief—mindful of the age spread in the crowd.

And they deftly mixed verbal and artistic expression—touching both the head and the heart and respecting all backgrounds and learning styles.

At one end of the US Cellular Arena sat a massive stage with steps for the choir rising from each side toward a riveting metallic nine-pointed star. Young cedars, plants and flowers completed the effect.

The audience filled chairs covering the arena floor and row after row of permanent seats stretching to the arched ceiling.

Giant video screens projected images in several directions. Sometimes the action on stage was depicted, at other times complementary images.

Day One: A Joyful Celebration

Anticipation built Thursday evening as singers and instrumentalists representing the One Human Family, Tucson and Jeffrey Barnes choirs took the stage before about 9,000 Bahá’ís and their friends.

The lights dimmed, and the music of Native America, North America and Africa joined in a mystical welcoming as video clips from celebrations of the world’s religions graced the screens.

Then the nine members of the host National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States took the stage to warm and appreciative applause.

“This is a family gathering,” said William E. Davis, Assembly chair, in welcoming the assemblage.

Two more particularly beloved members of the Bahá’í world family joined

SEE MAIN SESSIONS, PAGE 12

MILWAUKEE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Counselors Eugene Andrews, Angelica Huerta and Rebequa Murphy offered brief comments assuring that they and the Auxiliary Board members and assistants will be with us every step of this five-year journey and beyond.

An amazing display

Davis’ heartfelt wish came not from the hands but from the head and the heart.

He knew intellectually, as do we all, that our children are a “precious treasure” to be polished and safeguarded.

But he had just witnessed, as did we, an amazing display of exuberance, talent and sincerity by the young members of the Children’s Theatre Company of New York City.

One by one the children, ranging in age from 3 to 15 and nearly all non-Bahá’ís, approached the microphone with flashing smiles.

Each stated his or her name and age, then waited for the wild applause to die down before delivering—with clarity and sweeping gestures—words of wisdom from the Bahá’í writings, other scripture, and famous historical figures.

The children also sang, backed by choirs and instrumentalists under the direction of Eric Dozier.

And at one point they performed a South African miners’ “gumboot dance” that led seamlessly into a step dance by youth.

Both combined-age efforts reminded us of the capacity developed in every stage of life.

A myriad images

Of course, lots of other images will compete with those two in the hearts and minds (and hands?) of those who gathered June 28 to July 1 in Wisconsin’s city on the lake:

• A brief but spirit-filled main session each day featuring artistic expression perhaps unexcelled in range and quality. The session themes took us from “A Joyful Celebration” to “What Is the Kingdom of God on Earth,” “How Do We Build the Kingdom of God on Earth” and “What Is My Spiritual Mission?”
• Two hundred sixty workshop opportunities spread over eight time periods and several venues, principally the Midwest Express Center, and representing the “best practices” of Bahá’í individuals, communities and institutions from throughout the land.
• Special programs for children, junior youth, youth and young adults, along with family activities for adults together with their children.
• Almost-continuous performances in the Day Star Café or in Plankinton Theatre in Milwaukee Auditorium, plus ‎numerius numerous‎ performances at the bookstore and at the nearby Milwaukee Area Technical College.
• Other free-time pursuits, including a massive bookstore staffed by the Bahá’í Distribution Service; an ever-packed vendor area; the expo, where dozens of displays informed attendees of Bahá’í-sponsored and -inspired projects and entities; healing and prayer rooms; expanses of greenery and sidewalk ideal for reunions of friends and relatives or for a little respite; and the restaurants, shops and Summerfest activities of a bustling downtown.
• Programs before, during and after the conference aimed at seekers and the general public. The seekers, specially invited to join with the Bahá’ís in this weekend of learning and fellowship, blended in completely but certainly added to the flavor and spirit.
• Regional youth project participants traveling together to and from Milwaukee and making plans to train and teach for several weeks following the conference.

You could say lots of balls were in the air at the Building the Kingdom conference. And after all that exertion, those of us beyond 6 years old certainly felt our age. But happily so, because we’ve seen proof that 2001–2006 will be the time of our lives. ♦

Contributor acknowledgment

These pages of reports on the Kingdom Conference would have been impossible without the generous help of the following:

Photographer coordination	Patricia Humphrey Bahá’í National Center staff
Volunteer photographers	Nathan Brown Westerville, OH • Nathan Cocco Loveland, OH • Michael Frank Bosque Farms, NM • Liz Gordon Columbus, OH • Alloysia Haynes Rochester, NY • Aimee Porter Calabasas, CA • Vladimir Shilov Mundelein, IL • Nancy Wong Wilmette, IL
Volunteer writers	Barb Hancock Fort Wayne, IN • Neda Najibi Austin, TX • Cassandra Stekly Fort Wayne, IN • Ellen Wheeler New York, NY

Photo by Nathan Cocco

Above: Outside US Cellular Arena, home to the conference’s main programs. Photo by Alloysia Haynes

Left: At peak speed, the registration process sped each pre-registered person on his or her way in a little over 30 seconds. Photo by Michael Frank [Page 12]

MAIN SESSIONS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

them on stage: Peter Khan, member of the Universal House of Justice, and Counselor Eugene Andrews.

But after Davis’ brief speech came more reminders, in music and drama, that this family is world-embracing.

An array of youngsters, ages 3–14, from the Children’s Theatre Company of New York City took turns reciting scriptures, poetry and even the philosophical musings of Ralph Kramden—then captured a rousing ovation with their song “One World.”

Famed Lakota musician Kevin Locke gave a very public hoop dancing lesson to a game dozen volunteers, who managed to catch the energy and even a few of the techniques.

A drumming duet preceded a prayer sung in Persian by Ává; a haunting blend of Chinese and American music led to a blurringly fast ride on an erhu (Chinese viol) by virtuoso Lin Cheng. The tropical rhythms of Colombian group Millero Congo set the stage for the massed choir, led by Eric Dozier and with John Barnes at the piano, to deliver a jubilant gospel message: “It’s time to celebrate, it’s time for rejoicing!”

As during most of the conference, musical stalwarts KC Porter and JB Eckl played supporting roles in much of the music of the main session.

This dazzling welcome for the thousands from across the United States and beyond brought out a joy befitting the business of the upcoming weekend.

The audience chanted along with Davis’ exhortation: “We are building the Kingdom of God!”

Above left: Hoop dancers-in-training, on the main stage Thursday, made up in energy what they lacked in finesse. Photo by Michael Frank Left: Counselor Eugene Andrews gave a brief message of welcome in the opening session. Photo by Nathan Brown Above right: A moving interpretive dance graced the main stage Friday. Photo by Michael Frank

Day Two: What Is the Kingdom of God on Earth?

Friday’s main session answered the question “What Is the Kingdom of God on Earth?” through sung and recited prayers, energetic step and interpretive dancing, and an address by Peter Khan.

Excerpts from the Fire Tablet accompanied by images on-screen led into an exhortation by soloist Christina Quinn and the choir to “unite their hearts, brighten their eyes.”

The Children’s Theatre Company troupe continued this conversation with God in a very direct way.

Dear God, the youngsters asked, why is the world the way it is? How can we bring everyone together through a common recognition of our nobility?

An example of such nobility was provided in the children’s rendition of the Gumboot Dance used by South African miners as a form of communication and solidarity.

This morphed into a step dance by Bahá’í Youth Workshop members before the CTC troupers again took the stage to recite quotations on rights and equality, each child giving his or her name and age to wild applause before delivering words of wisdom.

At this point, William Davis was moved to proclaim, “Hi, my name is Bill, and I wish I were 6 years old.”

He reminded his listeners that we must never underestimate the capacity of our young treasures. This sentiment would echo throughout the conference in myriad forms.

Khan then addressed the topic “Emergence of the Kingdom.”

He called us the descendants of countless generations that have held alive the hope that a day would arrive in which harmony, unity and peace would reign.

Unlike others today, however, Bahá’ís believe the Kingdom will come not through a single event but through a process of strenuous effort over a long period of time, Khan said.

We also believe, he said, in individual transformation in pursuit of societal change and that the ideal state is a dynamic, not static, one.

Through immersion in the Writings we will acquire the needed vision, he said, and through firmness in the Covenant we will succeed where others of high ideals have failed.

An interpretive dance by three youths to the choral assertions of “this is faith” was followed by a rousing rendition of “We Are Building the Kingdom” that pulled nearly everybody to their feet swaying, clapping and singing along.

WORKSHOPS

Everything the Bahá’í community should be doing is happening somewhere in the Bahá’í community

Two hundred sixty workshops and only eight time slots. Ah, the shock of limitation, the bewilderment of being a mote in the ocean of learning, the agony of choice! In fact, it was a lot like life in general except somewhat more structured.

The workshops constituted the central business of the Building the Kingdom Conference: new and veteran Bahá’ís sharing with their fellow world citizens effective ways to apply the Bahá’í teachings for the betterment of the world around us.

The actual number of different workshops was 206, and 54 of those were offered twice. Attendance ranged from about 30 to more than 300; many overflowed the available space and ended up being moved to larger rooms—when they were available.

Could The American Bahá’í have a personal presence at every one of those workshops? Not on your life—even with the help of several volunteer writers and a dozen volunteer photographers.

So here is our offering: glimpses into a score or so of the workshops, along with our apologies that we were unable to attend many important, engaging and vital sessions.

SUBJECT AREA: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?

James Sturdivant, Greenbelt, MD

A clear understanding of who we are as Bahá’ís in God’s creation was a goal of this session. Seven of the 27 participants were non-Bahá’ís.

Sturdivant explained the relationship of God to humanity and our path to God.

He eloquently described Bahá’u’lláh’s mission and how fundamental it is for us to accept our role as Bahá’ís and to understand the principles of the Bahá’í Faith.

As Bahá’ís, Sturdivant said, we are responsible to listen to God, to pray to God, to be obedient to God and to recognize that this knowledge comes from God.

Adhering to these principles allows us to know who Bahá’u’lláh is and to live the Bahá’í life.

However, he also stressed that to attain this knowledge we must read the Bahá’í texts.

Sturdivant shared personal views and stories and expressed that as Bahá’ís we should want to do what God wants us to do.

We are in this world for a fleeting moment and in that moment we must live for the Will of God, he said.

—Neda Najibi

SUBJECT AREA: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

Virtuous Parenting

Jackie Eghrari-Sabet, McLean, VA

Although as a pediatrician she is somewhat of an expert on children, Eghrari-Sabet quickly explained she is not an expert on virtuous parenting.

“Teaching virtues is a process—just as building the Kingdom of God on Earth is a process—that won’t occur overnight,” she told the overflow crowd.

The workshop was based on her experience using the popular manual The Family Virtues Guide with her own children.

Some strategies she discussed included using the vocabulary of the virtues (“I need you to be peaceful” rather than “You’re not being nice”); modeling the virtues in your own life (to the best of your ability!); and being a spiritual companion (asking questions to help children realize they have choices).

“We are all works in progress!” Jackie assured. “Surround yourself with like-minded people and support each other to use virtues in parenting. As we teach virtues to our children, we find our own.”

She added that The Family Virtues Guide is an excellent resource to help us mine the “hidden gems” inside each one of us—adults as well as children.

The Family Virtues Guide was written by Linda Kavelin Popov, a Bahá’í, and is available at most bookstores and through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

—Ellen Wheeler [Page 13]

BUILDING THE KINGDOM

“THE WORKSHOP ON POETRY MADE ME REALIZE ... how the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh affects our internal creative drive.” —Ricardo Huerta, Saline, MI

Day Three: How Do We Build the Kingdom of God on Earth?

Vision, sacrifices and planning are prime requirements for building the Kingdom of God, there’s no doubt.

But it has to be a world where we can toss a few hundred beach balls around once in a while.

Children, again, took the early spotlight in Saturday’s main conference session.

A young girl’s voice led the way for the Conference Choir to remind us that “Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place …”

On film, a dozen children voiced views on these eternal verities and more: “You can’t send your feelings over the Internet.” “Let’s get together and do something about all the garbage!” “In the future I don’t think there will be racism, but people will still get on each other’s nerves.”

A children’s choir gathered in a musical appeal for the “old souls” to share their experience and “help us build a new nation.”

Tears flowed as costumed members of the Children’s Theatre Company gave voice to the sacrifices and far-seeing of such heroes as Louis Gregory, Joan of Arc, Táhirih, Harriet Tubman, women’s suffragist Lucy Stone, and an ultra-cool, shoulder-shaking Dizzy Gillespie.

The spotlight, literally, then shone on the living, driving forces behind Northern Plains Healthy Start in South Dakota, Parent University in Georgia, Táhirih Justice Center and the Chicago Gap Project.

Then came our marching orders as the National Spiritual Assembly, through Secretary-General Robert C. Henderson, presented the Five Year Plan for the Bahá’ís of the United States.

Henderson began with an overview of SEE MAIN SESSIONS, PAGE 14

Kevin Locke sings “Blessed is the Spot.” Photo by Vladimir Shilov

A CTC player portrays Dizzy Gillespie. Photo by Michael Frank

What you missed if you weren’t at the conference:

Video frame image courtesy of U.S. Bahá’í Media Services

“Dearly beloved friends, please TURN OFF THE BEEPERS AND CELL PHONES IN SESSION. Thank you very much!” —Salam Habeebee, puppet-master of ceremonies, making announcements on video before main sessions

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN

Emancipation of Women and the Emergence of International Peace Janet Khan, Haifa, Israel

Khan and her large audience explored links between the emancipation of women and emergence of world peace.

They did that by looking at how women themselves, men and families can help women.

That, she said, will help create the moral and psychological climate necessary for the promotion of peace.

She said activities associated with the emergence of peace include addressing stereotypes, working to change attitudes while acknowledging cultural differences, mentoring young girls, stressing the importance of motherhood and spirituality, and an awareness of sexist attitudes and behaviors.

It was acknowledged that women sometimes block their own progress through unconscious acceptance of surrounding attitudes.

The fuller development of men was considered in light of the advancement of women.

Khan said men can achieve their spiritual destiny by adopting new habits of behavior and respect toward women that will affect the family, workplace, political life and international relations.

Cultures must redefine what it means to be feminine or masculine and how men and women relate to one another, she said.

Bahá’í communities have a chance to model many of these new attitudes and behaviors.

Several times applause broke out among attendees, as they shared experiences that illustrated Khan’s points. —Barb Hancock

A men’s consultative group compares observations on the equality of the sexes. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

The Role of Men in Promoting Gender Equality Kambiz Rafraf, Dallas, TX, and Mahyar Mofidi, Durham, NC

Men: Why do women buy into the ‘John Wayne’ stereotype of how a man should act? Women: Why do men feel like they have to control things and always be the heroes?

Is what we have here a failure to communicate? Maybe not.

Laughter, recognition and a spirit of listening imbued this lively workshop, led by two men who have been involved in a number of efforts to advance the equality of women and men. Women: Express your feelings more regularly—you’ll be less explosive and aggressive. Men: Give us more time to identify and process our emotions—we’re not used to it.

The centerpiece of the workshop was an exercise in which three groups of men and three groups of women identified, then voiced, issues that seem often to get in the way of understanding between women and men. (A few of those concerns are quoted here.)

That exercise followed a basic grounding in the Bahá’í writings on the equality of the sexes, plus their ramifications for changes in men’s behavior, so that men put less pressure on themselves and foster an atmosphere in which traditionally feminine qualities can influence society more greatly. Women: Don’t try to do everything for us; encourage us to do it ourselves. Men: Please give us time to undo thousands of years of bad thinking. —James Humphrey

SUBJECT AREA: THE ARTS

The Bahá’í Faith and the Arts: Translating Principle into Action Vickie Hu Poirier, Las Cruces, NM

Poirier, a textile artist, shared insights on art as personal expression, communication with the viewer, and a way to reflect the attributes of God.

She discussed how she uses art as part of a socio-economic project with New Mexico women.

She encouraged prayer and deepening oneself in the Writings as an aid for subject matter and inspiration. The Writings are rich with visual images, she said. One audience member created origami illustrations of some of her points as she spoke. Several artists and friends in business with art were in the audience and shared their frustrations and successes as Bahá’ís in art.

Poirier stressed that music and visual images can affect the heart, both for good or bad. She said art is a “reflection of the soul” and a “spiritual action.”

If one is not an artist, one can manage art “with propriety,” she said, noting that part of being a fine craftsman is studying business and emphasizing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s definition of commerce, which incorporates trustworthiness.

She commented on how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá often paired art and science in his discussions, and she pointed to the powerful multimedia presentations conference-goers were enjoying in the main sessions as examples of that partnership.

Art events can usually generate free publicity, Poirier stressed. She also asked the friends to honor copyrights of Bahá’í artists.

Artists make good creative thinkers in planning non-art activities, she added. —Barb Hancock

Jerry Johnson of metro ‎Milwuakee Milwaukee‎, Wisconsin, and a coterie of children show how playing “eentsy weentsy spider” demonstrates the virtue of perseverance, during Johnson’s workshop on using folk arts in the Bahá’í community. Photo by Tom Mennillo [Page 14]

MAIN SESSIONS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

the Plan’s vision and goals. He said the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith is to build the Kingdom with hope, joy and confidence.

And he reminded us that we have a dual mission to broker change in the United States and to transform our own souls, communities and institutions.

He then turned one by one to the constituent groups that will carry out that mission: children, junior youth, youth, adults and Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The latter’s role, Henderson said, is to guide us in building communities that will more fully manifest the Kingdom of God—both among Bahá’ís and in society at large—so the world sees in us the “proof that Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings change hearts.”

In pursuing our mission we must become a learning culture, he said, pointing to the conference’s workshops as an example of the sharing of “best practices” that must be ongoing.

Divine forces, he said, will be with us at every turn, as will the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies, the Continental Counselors, Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and the Regional Bahá’í Councils.

With that, the choir rose and helped us “Sing the Song of the Kingdom.”

Singalongs with Red Grammer, one incorporating a “wave” across the arena, helped raise physical energy to match the spiritual intensity.

So when the session closed with a “community challenge” that involved about 1,000 oversized beach balls—well, there’s little wonder that the 9,000 or so people in the arena made it a joyous free-for-all of flying colors for more than 10 minutes.

Above: JB Eckl (left) and Sandy Simmons (right) flank Red Grammer as they sing of “Raindrops From Heaven”—a song about God’s gifts to us. Right: John Barnes was at the piano for all the main stage choir’s performances. Photos by Michael Frank

Day Four: What Is My Spiritual Mission?

It doesn’t end here.

We have it from Peter Khan: “You are privileged to be part of the American Bahá’í community. This privilege carries with it a responsibility far greater than that which rests upon the shoulders of [the Bahá’ís of] any country of the world.”

He pointed out three aspects of the mission: to purify our vision of spreading the Bahá’í Faith; to realize that sacrifice sometimes means giving up meaningful things for a greater cause; and to be persistent in our efforts, trusting in the Holy Spirit.

Khan said this emphasis on persistence might seem a “downer,” but that over many decades he has observed in himself and others how momentum can flag amid the grind of daily life.

“I [emphasize this] because, unlike Bill Davis, I’m not 6 years old,” he said to appreciative laughter.

His talk followed a series of prayers chanted, sung, danced and interpreted in sign language.

The Tucson Bahá’í Choir, ringing out a South African song about marching in the light of God, preceded a film of highlights from the May 22–25 opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel, which passed along the awe and exultation felt by those at the scene: “You can’t tell me we don’t have a new world order,” said one man amazed at the variety of humanity.

At the end the Children’s Theatre Company again recited noble and intriguing thoughts of great people and sang to a gospel beat, “I’ve got the victory feeling inside of me!”

And before the main speech, the thousands in the crowd, urged on by Dozier, stood and reprised the anthem of the conference, “Sing the Song of the Kingdom.”

As it built to a climax brimful of emotion, perhaps not everybody sang. How many may have been too choked up? ♦

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: RACIAL UNITY

Improving Race Relations Through Community Service, Activism and Networking

Bahram and Sara Jalalizadeh, Carrollton, TX

How a Dallas-area Bahá’í community initiated and developed a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration was the focus of this workshop.

Goals were to serve the greater community, build positive images of the Faith, cultivate relationships with the media, and teach by example.

The community committed to do this project for 12 years, and it was slow at first. Interest in pursuing the goal flagged, even within the Bahá’í community, they said.

But the event finally became so established that the city government wanted to officially sponsor it and the Bahá’ís have moved on to other projects.

Trust built with city government and school officials was underscored by presentations in the town mayor and the school superintendent, both stressing admiration for the Bahá’ís and the intent to continue relationships. This seemed to be something to which audience members were striving, and several expressed their appreciation for the presentation and asked questions.

The Jalalizadehs said it was hard for officials to accept that Bahá’ís wanted to offer such events without any return favors. They also had to accept that Bahá’ís who receive their help will not campaign for them.

“Be patient and focused. ... It can take years to establish trust,” they stressed.

Now the Bahá’ís are sought to help the greater community with other issues, they said.

—Barb Hancock

Richard Thomas (right) shares a little of his unity-building experience in his workshop “Building Bahá’í Community Life Across Racialized Lines.” Photo by Michael Frank

SUBJECT AREA: BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES

God Loves Laughter: Building the Kingdom Through Fun and Games

David Landesman, Clayton, MO

OK, here are a few things you probably didn’t know: Staff, volunteers and guests at Bosch Bahá’í School consumed 59,918 meals last year. The distance from the center of the House of Worship to the circular walk around it is 220 feet. Costs of caring for each resident of the Bahá’í Home for the Aged average more than $2,300 per month.

Those are some of the “fun Kingdom facts” Landesman has used to design games that help Bahá’ís learn details of the Kingdom Project, the development plan aimed at enhancing national Bahá’í properties, programs and planning.

At this workshop, dozens of folks of all ages surrounded tables and played quiz games involving jigsaw puzzles, word searches, matching quotes with authors, learning about heroes of the Faith etc.

Suzanne Turner of the Kingdom Project Office helps out leading the “Building the Kingdom Through Fun and Games” workshop. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

When a Kingdom Project-oriented version of a famous TV game show was announced, the crowd spontaneously hummed the theme song in unison, then called out responses to such clues as “The regions where two new permanent Bahá’í schools will be built” and “The ‘visible symbol of the steadily growing American Bahá’í community’ ” (hey, you can look those up yourself).

A growing number of communities are using the games to enliven Feasts and other gatherings, Landesman said, adding, “If you keep asking for the games, we’ll keep developing them.”

And oddly enough, with all those meals served at Bosch, in the same year the school used only 23,000 dinner napkins. “What does that say about our community?” Landesman jibed.

—James Humphrey

Editor’s note: Bosch co-administrator Robert Ramirez responds, “We are the neatest diners in the world. If we could just make further improvements, we could reduce our paper costs significantly.” [Page 15]

Building the Kingdom

For Every Man, Woman, Youth & Child

“THE DELIVERY OF THE FIVE YEAR PLAN was done in such an inspiring way to help give ownership to all Bahá’ís.” —Donna Shoudy, Gainesville, FL

Family room allows a welcome ‘time out’

BY CASSANDRA STEKLY

Nestled far from the cheery commotion of the sessions was the Family Room, a place for parents and their children to meet and interact with other families.

With bright walls, larger-than-life pastel murals and soft carpet that just begged for bare feet, the Family Room was an ideal place for rest, relaxation and intergenerational fun.

An eclectic mix peopled the Family Room. Grandparents played with small children and teen-agers lounged on overstuffed leather couches. Some parents gathered around tables to read the Writings together, while others read stories to their children or helped them make elaborate pipe-cleaner jewelry.

Just as in the main sessions, there was a great emphasis on the arts in the Family Room. Planned performances included storytelling, dramatic readings and live music.

On Saturday afternoon, children and their parents gathered together for yoga with Liang the Lion, the Treasurer’s Office mascot for children’s activities.

The event began with basics such as touching Liang’s nose and barking like dogs in unison, then progressed to some seriously contorted body positions. About 25 students learned yoga postures like the Sun Salutation, the Downward Dog, and Zen Meditative from instructor Ruben Mahboobipoor. Liang, following along, proved to be a very flexible lion. The afternoon culminated with a group hug from Liang.

When professional artists and musicians were not entertaining the children, the children created their own entertainment. One of the most popular activities in the Family Room was the improvisational puppet show. A corner of the room was set with a small curtain and a pile of colorful hand puppets that included a dentist, a chef, various barnyard animals and three dinosaurs.

The children staged a particularly interesting version of “The Little Red Hen,” with a slightly altered ending. In the story, when the Little Red Hen asks, “Who will help me grind the wheat?” no one volunteers. In the children’s puppet show, however, three dinosaurs volunteered to help out. Our children’s attitude of service to humanity is apparent, even when they play. ◆

A little intergenerational origami, anyone? Photo by Michael Frank

What you missed if you weren’t at the conference:

“Hi, I’m Jessica and I’m 3 years old! ‘So powerful is the light of unity ... it can illuminate the whole earth!’ ” — Jessica Nurse, Children’s Theatre Company member on main stage June 28

“Hi, my name is Bill and I wish I were 6 years old!” —William E. Davis, National Spiritual Assembly chair, on main stage June 29

“We’re so happy [about the conference’s success] that some of our members have just gotten carried away. Poor Bill Davis is going all around the conference ... saying ‘Hi, I’m Bill, I’m 6 years old. So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.’ He got so carried away that we told him later it was naptime.” —Robert C. Henderson, National Spiritual Assembly secretary-general, on main stage June 30

“[Why am I] raising the point of persistence of efforts? I do so because, unlike Bill Davis, I’m not 6 years old. ... I have observed myself, my weaknesses, my failings and my inadequacies over an alarming number of decades. And I realize that the core of building the Kingdom is the process of internal spiritual development.” —Peter Khan, Universal House of Justice member, on main stage July 1

Footnote: William E. Davis, age 6

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES

Building Unity to Strengthen the Bahá’í Community Erica Toussaint, Milwaukie, OR

Toussaint, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, explored with humor how we Bahá’ís can address our disunifying tendencies. Her audience definitely related to her many examples, often laughing with her in recognition of our human faults.

“The only person we can change is ourselves,” she said. “We can become forces for unity.”

Unity is first a Covenant issue, she noted. Conflict and contention are not permitted, according to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and engaging in them deprives us of God’s grace.

She said in dispute, both sides are wrong. The concept of free will is real in the Faith, she said, “but God doesn’t get in our face and argue.”

Toussaint also stressed that we cannot take offense at the words or actions of others. She said the responsibility is on the offense taker—“a lesson that I think is really difficult in this culture.”

Focusing on the faults of others instead of our own is another stumbling block to unity, Toussaint emphasized. If we engage in this, we waste precious time and energy and lose sight of why the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved and suffered for us.

Toussaint shared with the friends what it is like to serve as a member of the National Assembly. Members, she said, don’t repeat themselves or speak to convince others. The body comes to decision by consensus when the time is right.

—Barb Hancock

Forging Bonds of Love and Friendship: The Integration into the U.S. Bahá’í Community of Bahá’ís Arriving from Iran National Persian-American Affairs Task Force

Participants in the “Forging Bonds” workshop offer their perspectives and experience in building unity. Photo by Michael Frank

This timely workshop tackled issues many communities face with the current influx of Iranian refugees.

Task force members took the audience through the history of Persian immigration to the United States and outlined the particular needs of those friends arriving today.

They also distinguished between the material responsibilities of agencies contracted by the U.S. government and the spiritual responsibilities of the Bahá’í community.

The key, said task force members, is love. What the new arrivals need from their fellow Bahá’ís are emotional help, cultural guideposts, language skills and—last but not least—avenues for service.

The goal is for refugees to attain self-sufficiency as soon as possible in their new environment.

Audience members from various cities added their own advice from recent experience.

—Tom Mennillo

Editor’s note: Various agencies at the Bahá’í National Center deal with related issues: U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office for help with sponsoring a refugee family, initial resettlement and working with volunteer organizations; Persian-American Affairs Office for translation and integration issues; and Membership Office for membership and transfers. [Page 16]

BUILDING THE KINGDOM

“THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED to me was that I met new friends.” —Farzon Lotfi, age 10, Alpharetta, GA

‘Realize Your Destiny:’ It’s all about balance

BY NEDA NAJIBI

Finding balance with work, faith and loving relationships was at the center of the “Realize Your Destiny” young adult program.

The series of late-night presentations in a packed auditorium at Milwaukee Area Technical College had three sessions aimed at helping people in their 20s and 30s balance their family and work lives while striving to meet their personal and spiritual goals. Presenters were:

• Billy Roberts, discussing the connections to the Faith in our lives.
• Robert Henderson on “Striking the Balance in Our Spiritual, Social, and Professional Lives.”
• Counselors Angelica Huerta on “The Possibilities for Our Future” and Rebequa Murphy on “Navigating the Traffic at the Intersection of Our Lives.” Their message basically brought home the series with defining our destiny.

“I constantly struggle to prioritize my daily activities in order of true importance,” said Jian Khodadad, who has certainly had the chance to refine his struggle as a co-organizer of the “Realize Your Destiny” program. “I have been inspired by this conference to commit myself to approaching my work in a spirit of service. I guess this is my first step in finding the balance!”

Several young adults didn’t seem to have the answer to the question of balancing and that became the struggle. They looked forward to this program as they wanted to find the answer and delve into understanding who they are and where they are going.

The realizations that God has a plan for each of us and that our faith will take us to our destiny were underlying messages of the program, even as the following points were made:

• Recognize that God gives us the potential and responsibility for loving our work and taking care of our relationships. Our spiritual sense of love can bring the two together to create an even greater spirit.
• Believe that all progress is up to God.
• Believe that when you truly give up your life for Bahá’u’lláh and put all your faith in Him, He will guide you and illuminate you.
• Don’t let your career fog your vision to the sacredness of life and to the underlying reason for your talents, attendees were advised.
• Preparation for the future is essential for achieving goals—but the young people were reminded not to value a degree or promotion or income so much that they forget living the Bahá’í life.

Counselors Rebequa Murphy (left) and Angelica Huerta were featured at a young adults’ session. Photos by Nathan Brown

Junior youth find out who their real heroes are

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

Show of hands, please. How many of you young people have heard of Destiny’s Child? Heard of the Backstreet Boys? N’Sync? Christina Aguilera? Jennifer Lopez? Zaynab? Esfandiyar? Hujjat? Rúhu’lláh?

Chatty and animated at the outset, the room full of more than 300 junior youths got a lot quieter as the roll of names went from 21st-century pop singers to 19th-century Persians. All ‎a few but a few‎ of the hands in the hall went down. Zaynab? Hujjat?

“They sacrificed their lives so you could sit in those chairs there,” pointed out Joy DeGruy Leary. “They are the people whose spiritual descendants you are. And you don’t know who they are.”

At Friday afternoon’s Kingdom Conference junior youth training session at the Midwest Express Center, that was part of how Leary prepared the young people to face the reasons they call themselves Bahá’í—then to set about finding all kinds of new reasons.

Immediately, in fact, they were arranged in groups of 10 around a cluster of study tables, where learning activities were ready and waiting:

• Basic quotations from the Writings on “Being a Bahá’í Around Your Friends.”

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF SPIRITUALITY		SUBJECT AREA: DEVELOPING A STRONG SPIRITUAL LIFE
Practical Planning Skills June Thomas, East Lansing, MI Practical planning—or “persistent effort patiently pursued,” to throw in a few more Ps—was a hallmark of the remarkable ministry of Shoghi Effendi. From her study of the Guardian’s life and works, urban planner June Thomas has identified tools we can use in any situation: Understand your mandate and mission. Consult about what needs to be done. Choose a manageable number of objectives and strategies—clearly conceived and possibly in phases. Consistently act. Be aware of who is supposed to do what. Use love, support and active encouragement. Communicate frequently, adjust and monitor. Periodically evaluate your progress. And workshop participants were given an opportunity to put these tools to use right away. The audience was split into three groups, each to consult on a scenario likely to confront a Bahá’í community. —Tom Mennillo Photo by Michael Frank	Sexuality, Self and the Shape of Society Holly Hanson, South Hadley, MA Participants in the two sessions of this workshop were eager to hear insights on the Bahá’í teachings about sexuality and on how to explain these teachings to non-Bahá’ís. One of the keys, said Hanson, an assistant professor of history, is to shift the focus away from society’s emphasis on same-sex sexual desire—which fuels a polarized debate between “gay-affirming” and “gay-rejecting” groups. Both groups are sincere in their concerns, to the point of resisting change. Yet the fundamental assumptions of both are the same: They define human beings in terms of their sexual desire. In fact, human beings are not simply “bundles of desire,” Hanson asserted, building her case with historical insights about sexuality in America that helped participants see where such views originated. Participants expressed their concerns and comments about the issue of homosexuality and the challenges that individual Bahá’ís and Bahá’í institutions face when confronted with this sensitive issue. Hanson explained that the Bahá’í revelation has brought a new way of viewing reality that rejects the oppressive gender roles of our society. Our challenge, she said, is to create new models of society in our Bahá’í communities. She said more information regarding this topic can be found in the Web site of the Bahá’í Network on AIDS, Sexuality, Addictions and Abuse (Web site http://members.home.net/bnasaa/). —Ellen Wheeler	Body Image: A Physical Look at Equality Nancy Wong and Rebecca Ellison, Chicago area, IL Society tells us that long hair, long legs, thin bodies, big breasts, makeup, name-brand clothes, smelling good, etc., are the ingredients for being accepted. About 100 teenagers enthusiastically responded to this workshop on the issues created by an unhealthy emphasis on physical appearances. Geared toward young women, it also was attended by a handful of young men. Wong and Ellison created an environment that allowed for openness, honesty and participation—drawing from the teens a variety of heartfelt questions and answers. Wong expressed to the young group that society neglects to provide tools for their spiritual development. Ellison explained that the media—magazines, TV, radio, newspapers—de-emphasize spirituality. Mona Shariati, 16, felt the workshop helped her to love herself for who she is and to develop her insides before she focuses on the outside. David Pane, 16, attended the workshop because he felt that society affects his day-to-day decision making. He believes that now he will be less materialistic and less susceptible to the pressure. —Neda Najibi Participants in the “Body Image” workshop. Photo by Liz Gordon

[Page 17]

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YOUTH

“[was an inspiration] ... the unity I feel every moment here is unbelievable.” —Fiana Keleta, San Mateo, CA

Visible reminders of the family of Bahá’u’lláh were arranged on the table during the junior youth session on “The Holy Family.” Photos by Vladimir Shilov

• Marshmallows, toothpicks, beads and other mock “building blocks” to illustrate “Caring for My Body as the ‘Temple of Being.’”
• Photos of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Greatest Holy Leaf and their kin to bring alive a session on “The Holy Family.”
• Samples of games and discussion topics to fuel “Invigorating Feast.”
• Pictures of places on every continent to stimulate a session on “Youth Year of Service” (Where can you go to serve the Faith? “Africa!” “Latvia!” “Houses of Worship!” “My house!”)

And so on. Certainly there were enough subjects and approaches so that over their sessions, the junior youth could visit a number of subjects and not repeat any.

“I learned the story of Mullá Husayn,” said Emilia Esfandi of Dallas, Texas, fresh from a lesson in “The Dawn-Breakers.” “It makes you think about, what if you have to give up your life—like, to be a martyr?”

Leah and Natalie Koerber of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, both drew inspiration from the session ‎on on on‎ “Arts and the Bahá’í Life”: “[the Writings] encouraged expressing yourself in creative ways,” says Leah, and Natalie added: “You can use all types of the arts to teach the Faith.”

Gabriel Turner of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was already interested in “The Principle of Oneness”: “I’m really into racial unity and all that,” he said. He was fascinated to hear findings on human evolution, “how we all started in one place and the only reason we’re different is because of the climate in different regions.”

Travis Compere of Elgin, Illinois, took this lesson from the “Live the Life” session: “You can’t just say you’re Bahá’í; you have to practice the teachings.” His friend Benjamin Blum of Vernon Hills described their activity: “We put some pepper in [a bowl of] water, then got to put our [soapy] finger in the water to clear a whole spot in the water.” Travis clarified the lesson: “Bahá’ís need to purify what’s around them.”

So the learning went. Perhaps many junior youth went home remembering the brighter side of Leary’s opening reminders—the promises of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “I am with you to the end. ... As ye have faith, so shall your powers and blessings be.” ◆

Observations on youth at the Kingdom Conference

BY NEDA NAJIBI

In an increasingly Hollywood-influenced society, our youth are faced with meeting new challenges and making decisions while living the Bahá’í life.

The Youth Arts Showcase featured theatrical skits, poetry, jokes, and lots of dancing and music—all intended to show that those arts can uplift us and help us build the ‎Kindgom Kingdom‎, in contrast to the petty, unimportant distractions they often represent for youth.

During the showcase at the Day Star Café, echoes of ‘One Heart Ruby Red’ billowed through the hearts as the youth performed and expressed the importance of oneness and fellowship.

Darius and Artemis spiced the evening with their humor as they hosted the showcase. Hundreds of youth, young adults, children and adults enjoyed the messages of unity, love, oneness and togetherness.

•

Parisa Ramsi from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, was excited to be at the conference, and even more excited to return home because she would be 15 soon and was wholehearted in her plans to “declare.”

Parisa’s faith in Bahá’u’lláh makes her proud to be a Bahá’í. She takes her role seriously because, as she said, “It’s fun

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: TEACHING

Area Growth Programs

Alex Melendez, Fort Collins, CO

Melendez, a member of the National Teaching Committee, laid a foundation of where Bahá’í communities stood at the start of the Four Year Plan and how far they’ve progressed.

Along the way he outlined the goals of the national media initiative, the local activities that support and sustain it, and the characteristics of recent growth patterns.

Then from the Jan. 9, 2001, letter written by the Universal House of Justice to the convocation of Continental Counselors, he extracted a development scheme for unopened territories, isolated localities, established communities and, at the highest level, clusters of communities capable of engaging in systematic growth programs.

Melendez took from the same letter the conditions for establishing a systematic growth program.

Few areas are yet at that stage, he said, but all can get there eventually through community efforts and intercommunity partnerships—if we start simple and build.

The one U.S. systematic growth program under way, he said, is in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina.

He listed the program’s initial phase goals and results and outlined plans for the next phase.

—Tom Mennillo

Building Effective Firesides

James Nelson, Pasadena, CA

Nelson, a member of the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States, shared what he and wife Dorothy, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, have learned in some 40 years of hosting a weekly fireside in their home.

Teaching is an obligation, he said, that we ignore at our spiritual peril.

What better way is there than to bring people who have been attracted by the national media initiative into our embrace through hospitality and informal discussion?

How, indeed, Nelson asked, can we remain fearful of teaching once we realize we know more about God’s religion than any theologian? Besides, he said, the Holy Spirit does the work; we simply open hearts to it.

Nelson described what has worked in Pasadena: a set weekly time and place, e-mail reminders, frequent use of new believers as speakers, ongoing prayer for receptive souls, physical and spiritual preparation, and a willingness to let people speak of their bonds with God and even confront us about the Faith.

Of course, circumstances differ in each community, he said, and should be heeded in deciding on such aspects of a fireside as venue, frequency, and scope of participation (invitation-only or “y’all come”).

An example of that was brought up by an audience member, who said the sensitivities involved in teaching a particular ethnic group dictated a limit on the number of Bahá’ís attending firesides.

—Tom Mennillo

Reaching Out to the Larger Community

Nosrat Scott, Hollywood, FL

If I can do it anyone can, said Scott, offering as proof her own experience of arriving from Iran and immediately getting involved in civic affairs.

One service let to another, and before long Scott was elected president of the Interfaith Commission in Hollywood, Florida, a body theretofore headed by ministers and rabbis.

That role given Scott’s background—Iranian immigrant, woman, and Bahá’í—was considered so remarkable that she was interviewed for CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather’s latest book, The American Dream, which devotes nine pages to her.

Service can change people’s hearts, said Scott, and they’re eagerly awaiting it. Through our involvement in civic affairs, people also learn little by little about the Faith.

Best of all, she said, Bahá’ís are equipped to be more successful in these endeavors because we are not chained to the old world order.

Our approach, which brings together a diversity of backgrounds and ages, inevitably leads to further opportunities for service, Scott said. And if anyone can testify to that, she can.

—Tom Mennillo [Page 18]

BUILDING THE KINGDOM

FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, YOUTH & CHILD

“I’VE USUALLY BEEN THE ONLY BAHÁ’Í YOUTH in my community. I see all these people around here I can relate to, and I don’t see that very often.” —Nehemiah Harmsen, Big Rapids, MI

Above left: A young Bahá’í has her moment in front of a Bahá’í Newsreel camera. Photo by Tom Mennillo Above right: A gathering of friends. Photo by Liz Gordon Youth at the conference were able to take advantage of sessions on mentoring, race unity, gender equality, marriage, Bahá’í identity, and a variety of performances by and for youth.

YOUTH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

going out with friends and sharing with them my belief and how important it is to me,” Parisa said. “Sure, there are peer pressures but when you are strong and in love with the Faith you know your role.”

Youth today are happy when they’re treated and respected as adults are, Parisa said. “It’s exciting being a youth because people start noticing you, respecting you a little bit more. I feel that my youth status and my knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith allow me to be heard, and that’s a great feeling.”

Our spiritual values have the power to unite people and to transform communities. The youth are moving the world because they see commonalities, rather than differences. This vision allows youth to form their expressive nature and ‎incorporating incorporate‎ the Bahá’í Faith in their actions and behavior.

Youth want answers, and the workshops at the conference and this showcase allowed them to listen—and most importantly, to have a sounding board where they could be heard. Over and over again, youth touched upon the lack of spiritual development and how conferences help them get re-ignited.

Our youth are tremendous, inspiring, beautiful and intelligent! The youth are committed to serve people of all religions and races and their display of talents and faculties is very reassuring. ♦

Above: Interactive children’s workshops, held Friday and Saturday afternoons, included lots of activities that used music, drama and science aimed at helping children feel fully involved in the work of the Bahá’í community. Photo by Aimee Porter

Left: A “fairy godmother” storyteller was one of several performers at sessions especially for children and their families at the Plankton Theatre. Photo by James Humphrey

WORKSHOPS

SUBJECT AREA: INSTITUTION BUILDING	SUBJECT AREA: HEALTH AND HEALING	SUBJECT AREA: BUSINESS/SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Marriage Task Force: A Model Judith Washington and Janice Mauras, New York, NY Washington and Mauras took attendees through the process the Spiritual Assembly of New York City employed in delegating to a task force the responsibilities of meeting with couples wanting to marry and couples whose marriage is in trouble. The Assembly, they said, carefully selected task force members for their personal qualities, gave the body a clear mandate, and allowed it six months to deepen and prepare before meeting with any couples. A clean line of communication is maintained through an Assembly liaison and periodic meetings, said Washington and Mauras. Of course, the Assembly reserves final decision-making to itself in any marital situation, said Washington and Mauras. Attendees were handed materials that laid out all these steps. They also were treated to a mock session in which two audience members played a husband and wife requesting a year of waiting. The “couple” played the situation for all it was worth—even wrestling for the microphone at one point. Fortunately, said Washington, such acrimony has been absent from sessions with real couples. —Tom Mennillo	Helping Bahá’ís and Seekers Struggling with Addictions Julie Anne LaLanne, Kingston, WA “‘Noble have I created thee’ has sort of become my mantra,” said LaLanne, who professionally counsels prison inmates on alcoholism and other addictions—getting her best results by appealing to the goodness within the prisoners. With a workshop group of about 30, she shared some processes and practices she has learned in her efforts. For friends and Assemblies, she said, it’s a difficult balance between demonstrating unconditional love for an addict and refusing to act in ways that support continued destructive behavior. A further complication is that while friends can offer help, the afflicted person has to accept the offer before any assistance can be effective. The “12-step” healing process made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous was central to the discussion. Most of the steps—such as recognizing one’s problem and surrendering it to God—are taken within the individual. But once an addict allows a friend or Assembly to lend support, the three elements of practical love—attention, affection and appreciation—are essential, LaLanne said. Often that means reaching out socially to recovering addicts; respectfully sharing healthy ways of coping with stress, anger and boredom; or encouraging them to engage in service to others. Most at the workshop kept their own counsel. Others sensitively told tales of lives “distracted by the gods of money, sex, drink, drugs and lying,” as one person put it, and how they gradually steered themselves through pain and rejection toward a nobler existence. —James Humphrey	What the Heck ... I’ll Be a Carrot Farmer: Finding a Career Path in a Sea of Choices Mitra Milani Engan, Minneapolis, MN An overflow audience at this session, largely young adults and youth, seemed commonly tuned to a burning question: What am I going to do with my life? “People say ‘listen to your heart,’ but I’m not really hearing anything,” a participant said. A wag at the fringe riposted under her breath, “Bloop-bloop ... bloop-bloop ...” Of course Engan—a sales and marketing executive for Utne Reader—was not going to give each person a definitive answer. Instead, her observations centered on trust in God, service and scholarship. Concerning trust in God, she advised lightening up and not letting tactics dominate one’s choices: “Bahá’u’lláh doesn’t say ‘nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones unless I choose the wrong major,’ or ‘unless I don’t position myself in the right geographical area for my career path.’ ” Self-reflection and examination are important ways of finding one’s best way to serve humanity through our life’s work, she said. Methods can be as mystical as prayer, meditation, “visioning” your ideal and analyzing your dreams—or as specific as writing down lists of your skills and ideas, prioritizing your needs and goals, and keeping a journal (a very concrete method of bringing oneself to account each day). There’s also research on the Web, in the want ads, in the library—even boldly setting up interviews with people who have jobs you think are interesting. —James Humphrey

[Page 19]

BUILDING THE KINGDOM

FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, YOUTH & CHILD

“I FELT THE PRESENCE OF THE MARTYRS ... when I saw the film [of the opening of the Terraces in Haifa] and one of the ex-members of the NSA of Iran said she saw one of her martyred colleagues at the foot of the mountain.” —Mehran Lotfi, Alpharetta, GA

INDELIBLE CONFERENCE MOMENTS

Above: Leonor Dely of Colombia sings at the Day Star Café. Right: On another occasion, members of her group, Millero Congo, join KC Porter (left) and JB Eckl (second from right) onstage. Photos by Nathan Brown

To each his own method of keeping a beach ball aloft. Photo by Michael Frank

A FEW DIVERSIONS AT THE DAY STAR CAFÉ AND THE PLANKINTON THEATRE

Right: National Assembly members show appreciation for the program. Photo by Nathan Brown

Clockwise from left: Stand-up comic Elham Jazab. Photo by Michael Frank Part of the musical group New Creation. Photo by Nathan Brown Singer Allen Tyrone Johnson. Photo by Michael Frank

SUBJECT AREA: BUSINESS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Bahá’ís in Business: Professionalism in the Workplace Morris Taylor, Evanston, IL

Bahá’ís must strive to reframe society’s attitude about what it means to work, said Taylor.

He stressed the importance of expertise, competence and care on the job. He also highlighted Shoghi Effendi’s quotation about the necessity of earning a living and about life as a struggle and the means of progress.

Taylor was surprised he had full attendance at the 8 a.m. workshop. He and the audience shared laughs about work experiences and the desire for a higher standard.

Any work we do can help us develop spiritually, Taylor said.

Reliability, self-discipline and respect for others are essential in work, and success is more a function of attitude and how we handle ourselves and others than of skill.

Taylor discussed the importance of the first impression, organization, timeliness and dress. He warned that tone in e-mail can be easily misinterpreted and said workers need more rest than they usually allow themselves.

He also noted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s encouragement to have goals and high aspirations.

—Barb Hancock

Unity in Motion: A Martial Arts Socio-Economic Project Allen and Judi Ruppel, Milwaukee, WI

Unity in Motion students from Milwaukee demonstrate a “kata,” or series of karate movements. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Just as the spiritual principles of karate are compatible with the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, so the basic ingredients of the Unity in Motion project can be combined with any type of skill to create projects that improve people’s lives and confidence.

The Ruppels’ “recipe card” contained universal needs for a development project—under the categories of program direction, formulation, implementation and post-implementation.

But they were happy to have their students demonstrate some karate moves. From children to teenagers, many branded “at risk,” these students attend weekly training at the Milwaukee Bahá’í Center or at an inner-city community center.

“We’re not teaching fighting, we’re teaching health, spirituality, unity and discipline,” said Allen Ruppel, a black belt. Principles include honesty, courtesy, perfection of character and avoidance of “impetuous courage.”

Unity and discipline, in fact, were evident as groups of students moved in unison through a variety of self-defense routines. Workshop-goers joined in, and got useful coaching.

Ruppel added that he felt he gains at least as much as he gives in this service: “I’m more in contact with God when I’m giving rather than when I’m staying in my own little space of the world.”

The departing salutation: Shu shu (Go in peace).

—James Humphrey

Integrating Social and Economic Development into Bahá’í Community Life Mark Ochu and Nurianne Tomas, St. Cloud, MN

The rhythm of the Bahá’í calendar provides natural openings for bringing Bahá’ís and others together to learn oneness and meet the spiritual and social needs of the wider community, Ochu and Tomas said.

Special days established by the United Nations and other like-minded groups create similar opportunities.

Through fixed-duration events of this nature, said Ochu and Tomas, we can build institutional capacity at the same time we serve people.

In that light, these gatherings complement the processes of expansion and consolidation, the facilitators said.

But to be successful, events take preparation and resources, said Ochu and Tomas, who offered a set of event planning and budget worksheets that workshop attendees put to use immediately in a small-group exercise.

These events also require a spirit of loving hospitality, stressed Tomas and Ochu.

Workshop participants got a taste of that the moment they walked into the room. A table was set up with artful arrangements of ‎baclava baklava‎, other pastries, dried fruits and fruit drinks, and everyone was invited to partake.

It was just the thing to get an early-morning workshop off to a great start—and make a point in the process.

—Tom Mennillo [Page 20]

Building the Kingdom

FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, YOUTH & CHILD

Purposes of the Bahá’í National Conference:

To launch the Five Year Plan in an atmosphere of joy, hope and confidence

Conference firesides help friends share the light any time of day

BY BARB HANCOCK

Friendly hosts and hostesses attended visitors with care and kindness as a variety of speakers shared the glad tidings of Bahá’u’lláh and their particular topics during an almost continuous series of firesides Friday and Saturday in Howard Johnson’s Crystal Ballroom—in seven meetings each day.

Subjects were as broad as a “complete overview” of the Bahá’í Faith by David and Maureen Brown of Minnesota or “The Power of Love” by Alberta Deas of Arizona. Others were as specific as parenting (Carole and Larry Miller of Georgia), gender equality (Tod and Alison Ewing of South Carolina) or Bahá’u’lláh’s gift to indigenous peoples (Jacqueline Left Hand Bull of South Dakota).

Unity principles in action

One example of the fireside’s emphasis on putting the teachings into action came from Friday evening’s speakers, Franklin Whitson and John Gometz of upstate New York. They relayed their experiences in purposefully fostering interracial friendship and in developing the “Z Club,” which uses a zebra logo. Anyone can join and several people have. The club holds social activities and models Bahá’í principles.

John uses music to attract people so they can have teaching opportunities, even in unlikely places. He played bagpipes to attract people to a fireside in an urban neighborhood with a rough reputation. He often uses the symbolic theme of music as being a harmony of disparate elements in combination, and says the pairing of unlikely music styles, such as Afro-Brazilian and Scottish, can create a new, delightfully unexpected result.

Not being “stingy”

The club’s slogan is “The Colors Run Together.” They stressed that there is a need to demonstrate such relations and not be “greedy” or “stingy” with the Faith. They said they share the Faith through love and laughter and people are attracted to their “attitude with action.”

The pair referred to a quote by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice, which says that informed association with one another will break down barriers. Whether the club is cross-country skiing, miniature golfing, on a motorcycle run, bowling or enjoying its Woodchuck Day celebration, they are demonstrating the interracial harmony called for in the new era.

The conference choir, combined from the One Human Family, Jeffrey Barnes (Los Angeles) and Tucson choirs. Photo by Nathan Brown

Just in case we had a little spare time, what would we do with it?

BY TOM MENNILLO

All work and no play would make the average conference-goer a dull boy or girl.

But there was little danger of that, given the wealth of free-time choices available.

The hub of this need to commune with fellow Bahá’ís and guests was the Day Star Café. Covering the entire floor of Milwaukee Auditorium next door to the US Cellular Arena, the café served up a steady morning-to-night diet of food, beverages, fellowship and entertainment.

Individuals, families or packs of friends could grab a snack and sit around one of the dozens of white cloth-covered round tables. Or maybe ascend the old arena’s permanent seats to escape the hubbub.

Above the din perhaps they could hear the strains of a song or poetry reading or view a dance on the distant stage.

Those more attuned to the entertainment could congregate on that end of the floor and move to the beat, unhindered by the constant flow of people elsewhere in the room.

Upstairs in the Plankinton Theatre conference-goers could enjoy performances of musical numbers and one-act plays in more intimate surroundings.

Books and business

Across the street and past throngs of people resting, reading, or doing tai chi was the Midwest Express Center, home of several free-time pursuits.

There was a Bahá’í Distribution Service bookstore sprawled out over two ballrooms and selling everything from books to commemorative T-shirts, sweatshirts, totes and caps.

Authors had a space of their own inside the bookstore to talk about and sign their works, and on the far end of the room a brisk business was conducted in snacks and desserts.

Outside the bookstore children, junior youth, youth, adults and Assembly members could scoop up copies of the Five Year Plan and the specific goals targeting them personally.

Around a corner were the vendor area, expo, and healing room conference-goers passed by several times a day en route to and from workshops.

Standing sentinel over this constant procession was an incredibly lifelike “guard” with whom youths especially could not resist posing for photos.

The ever-packed vendor area boasted sellers of jewelry, teaching materials and yet more commemoratives.

The expo featured booths telling of Bahá’í-sponsored and -inspired entities and projects. At any hour, folks could be seen chatting with booth personnel and perhaps signing up to get involved.

Down a short corridor was the healing room. Along two walls of this peaceful enclave was artwork representing the spiritual journey taken by Deana Choczinski of Buffalo, New York. Another corner was devoted to prayer and contemplation—or simply taking a breather.

Above: The Day Star Café was an ideal gathering place. Photo by Michael Frank

Right: A lifelike “security guard” mannequin was a crowd pleaser. Photo by Tom Mennillo [Page 21]

To help foster a learning community

through sharing of ideas and action

To help consecrate the friends

to the concept of “Building the Kingdom” in all aspects

Exploring a city

Downtown Milwaukee itself served as a free-time canvas.

Hungry? How about brats and non-alcoholic brew? Italian food? Chinese? Persian?

Yes, a buffet-style restaurant serving the cuisine of Iran was quickly located and packed by conference-goers.

Then there was Summerfest, a festival on the waterfront with live entertainment and still more food and libations.

And brand-new Miller Park, where the baseball Brewers hosted the Houston Astros in a weekend series.

Getting folks around were lots of buses and trolleys—not to mention the shuttles that took attendees back and forth to outlying hotels from top-of-the-morning until the wee hours.

Maybe the most fervent pastime of the weekend, though, was the constant pursuit of Children’s Theatre Company directors Mehr Mansuri and Roya Movafegh.

The two young New Yorkers were mobbed throughout by Bahá’ís and guests wanting to know how to start a similar arts-and-virtues troupe where they live. ♦

Photo credits this page: Top tier—race unity workshop, Michael Frank; junior youth session and bookstore browsing, Vladimir Shilov. Middle tier—hallway play, Michael Frank; children’s class, Aimee Porter; Lin Cheng playing erhu, Michael Frank. Bottom tier—volunteer help, Michael Frank; world-embracing, Aimee Porter; reunion of friends, Vladimir Shilov.

NEXT ISSUE:

Behind the scenes

Tales of getting there by bus

House of Worship tours

Milwaukee-area activities

Youth teaching kickoff

Youth committees of two Regional Bahá’í Councils planned the Milwaukee conference as the official kickoff for their summer teaching campaigns—and doubtless the conference inspired youth from all over. Early teaching reports are due in the next issue!

Photo credits from top: Michael Frank; Tom Mennillo; taken by tour participant; local photo; Tom Mennillo [Page 22]

Brilliant Star Kid’s Corner!

Activity and Photos by Amy Renshaw • Art by C. Aaron Kreader

Liang’s Fun Photo Album

Liang had a lot of fun with his friends at the Kingdom Conference! Color the frames around his favorite photos. Then draw a picture of yourself and Liang in the last frame. Write your own caption in the space below it.

Liang enjoyed the Chinese “lion” dancing!

Liang and some children of the Kingdom!

A Lion’s ‎thumb’s thumbs‎ up to the kids for the Kingdom!

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BSTAR AD 8.2001 [Page 23]

Message to youth: Your role in the Five Year Plan, 2001-2006

Dear Bahá’í Youth,

You are the future and the hope of the Bahá’í Faith. From its very birth, youth have been leaders of the Faith, models of its spiritual ideals, and brilliant champions of the teaching work.

It is on the shoulders of youth that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá placed the great responsibility of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings with all people.

We urge you to reflect prayerfully on the youth goals of the Five Year Plan, to consult about them with friends and loved ones, and to make a personal plan to fulfill them.

We ask you to bear in mind that young people are responding in great numbers to the media broadcasts. They will want to talk to you about the Bahá’í Faith, and they will search to see in you evidence that the Bahá’í Teachings have helped you to improve your life, refine your character and spirit, and become loving helpers to all people.

The Bahá’í Writings promise, "If ye will follow earnestly the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, ye shall indeed become the light of the world, the soul of the body of the world, the comfort and help for humanity, and the sources of salvation for the whole universe." These great powers are in your hearts. It is time to bring them out.

Our love and prayers are with you always,

Your servants National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Consider your spirit, character, aims in life, needs of the Faith

Grow, Develop, and APPEAR IN THE UTMOST BEAUTY

Make a plan for your spiritual and social growth—considering your spirit, character, aims in life, and the needs of the Faith.

• Strengthening the discipline of daily prayer and study of the Sacred Writings, especially the lives and stations of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• Cultivating the habit of service to all people.
• Learning how to share effectively the Bahá’í teachings with others.
• Planning for your education, career development and a year of service.
• Developing moral and spiritual discipline.

More hints

• Join a study circle and consider being trained as a study circle tutor ‎of or‎ facilitator.
• Participate in teaching and service projects.
• Help children and junior youth and establish relations with older community members.
• Champion racial unity and the equality of women and men.
• Take a leading role in improving the spiritual and social quality of Bahá’í community life.
• Give to the Funds and Kingdom Project.

REMEMBER: prayer, reflection, consultation

What we can learn from the confusing Sixties

BY DAVID BIKMAN, 24, PORTLAND, OR

What is Bahá’í identity? What does it mean to live a "Bahá’í life," especially in the midst of cultural, moral and social turmoil?

On Feb. 17, 2001, in a talk sponsored by the Regional Youth Committee of Illinois and Indiana, Dr. Richard Thomas spoke in Wilmette to youth gathered at the Bahá’í House of Worship about what it was like to be an American Bahá’í youth during the 1960s when race riots, assassinations, war, student protests, generational and racial conflict and a drug culture were the order of the day.

The 1960s, marked by intense conflict and polarization, may well have been the most confusing, destructive decade of the century. For all of the emphasis of the times on individualism and creating your own life path, the picture Thomas painted was one of intense social pressure. Particularly at universities, it was difficult for Bahá’ís to withstand the culture of drugs and radical movements. "Bahá’í youth were under siege," he said.

The youth of the time were the first youth under the administration of the Universal House of Justice and were still dealing with trauma of the death of Shoghi Effendi. The entire Bahá’í community was trying to make sense of what their history meant and their own role in it. Bahá’ís read Rúhíyyih Khánum’s Prescription for Living for moral guidance.

In the midst of this climate, the Universal House of Justice wrote a letter to the Bahá’í youth of the world on June 10, 1966, recounting the roles that youth have played in the history of the Faith; counseling youth to consider, at a time when youth are faced with "their greatest opportunities, their greatest challenges, and their greatest tests," how their choices would enable them to best serve the Cause; and describing in detail the special challenges facing the Bahá’í community of the time, including how youth, through the three tasks of study, teaching, and career preparation, could help fulfill those tasks.

Several beliefs were shared by many Bahá’í youth of the 1960s. One was that a student's field of university study should correlate directly to service to the Faith. Thomas said that the field he chose, race relations, was not necessarily his first choice, but he chose it because he felt he could best serve the Faith in this way.

Another shared belief was the necessity of being very deepened in the Bahá’í teachings, because youth were surrounded by activists and radicals who challenged their every move. Everyone was against the "establishment," and Bahá’ís were perceived as part of the establishment. In this environment, with so many youth fighting for social change, one had to be able to defend one’s beliefs and actions effectively.

Great enthusiasm surrounded the teaching work, with youth looking specifically for people to teach. Some even went into bars to spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh. Youth also tried to teach by finding ways to discuss the Faith or relate topics to the Faith in their term papers and discussions in class.

Because the youth were so eager to serve and had so much energy, the National Spiritual Assembly decided to start youth summer teaching projects. In South Carolina many youths tutored African-American kids and helped them in making the transition to white schools. This was the first time, Thomas said, that he saw with his own eyes black and white Bahá’ís working together to fight racism and work towards creating better race relations.

Thomas noted that today he occasionally sees Bahá’í youths who are too timid in their teaching efforts. "Bahá’u’lláh suffered too much for us to be timid," he said, adding that the more we teach the more courage we feel. The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His love (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156).

The talk ended with questions, including several regarding diversity within the Bahá’í community. As a nation, we are more residentially segregated than ever before, with many Bahá’ís themselves living in racially separated communities. What are we doing about it? Shoghi Effendi said we should be at the forefront of every movement. We can't talk about racial unity unless our lives reflect racial unity.

We have to be cognizant of the fact that youth of color and of low socio-economic backgrounds are not adequately represented in the U.S. Bahá’í community, Thomas said, and he recommended looking at the Multi-Racial Living Experience at Michigan State University, which was established by two college professors who wanted to do something concrete to promote racial harmony. ♦

Reprinted from Fertile Field File photo from Bahá’í Youth Conference, 1970

true wealth

PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WRITINGS

"As the activities of the American Bahá’í Community expand, and its world-wide prestige correspondingly increases, the Institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other Institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of believers, both in their individual capacities and through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as Local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of these nascent institutions you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end." —Shoghi Effendi: Directives of the Guardian, p. 31

Office of Youth Affairs Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-733-3499 Fax: 847-733-3502 E-mail:

www.bahaiyouth.com [Page 24]

Class thrives as part of process

BY MARCIA VEACH

applying the five PLAN:

• Collaboration of the institutions
• Enhancing seeker follow-up

A 19-week course on comparative religion from the Bahá’í perspective drew more than 110 people to the Eugene, Oregon, Bahá’í Center this past spring. Three of its students were inspired to embrace the Bahá’í Faith.

“There was no drop-off [in attendance over the term], and there was a constant stream of new people attending,” said Ron Hershel of Benton County, who taught the course after having presented similar classes at four community colleges in the area since 1999.

One key to success that Hershel pointed out: “This is the first time we’ve seen anything that resembles a process that connects the people to the Bahá’í Faith—to classes or other activities,” Hershel said. “Just coming to the classes is helpful, but the real key is to form friendships.”

That aspect of the effort came alive in a three-step process:

• Auxiliary Board member Vida Ellins and Hershel, one of her assistants, collaborated with the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene on a “transition” process for students of the course who wanted to find out more about the Bahá’í Faith.
• Local believers who regularly attended the course were coached on playing their part in that transition, including making friends with other students and inviting them to keep attending.
• Study circles were organized to carry the learning forward.

The whole effort began when Hershel developed the course, “The Evolution of Human Spirituality,” at Ellins’ request. The intention was to present the course at a local university.

“They turned me down, because I didn’t have the right credentials,” said Hershel, whose doctoral degree is in optical sciences. Another stumbling block was that the university required comparative religion courses to present the religions as separate but equal—while Hershel’s goal was to present the concept of progressive revelation.

Undaunted, Hershel searched for another forum and was led to community education courses at a local community college. He began teaching two classes per term in fall 1999 and taught the course at four community colleges from Salem to Eugene for the next two years. Each course drew eight to more than 20 students, usually including some Bahá’ís.

However, none of those classes prepared him for the response received when the Eugene Assembly asked him to present his course at the Bahá’í Center.

“A true element of the success lies in this step. This is a real collaboration between the Local Spiritual Assembly and the Auxiliary Board, and there’s a power that’s released,” Hershel said.

The course is organized so that interested students can attend one or all of the classes. Each session is presented as a lesson on a specific religion, while still building on the information presented in previous classes. Thus when the Spiritual Assembly put ads in two local newspapers, each week’s class had a fresh topic, often drawing as many as five new people.

Many began to tell their friends and relatives, and attendance at the course never fell below 30. Bahá’ís rarely made up even half of these numbers.

Hershel planned to teach his course in Alaska following the summer school in Haines at the end of July. That course will run for seven straight days, and Hershel will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of that format as part of a systematic proclamation.

He also planned to submit a paper to the Association of Bahá’í Studies for its conference over Labor Day weekend in Seattle. And he’ll do a return engagement in the fall in Eugene, where attendees have asked him to present the course again, so they can invite yet more of their friends.

“Fundamentally, what we have learned is that most people taking this class are not looking for religion—they’re looking for spirituality. One of the jobs of this class is to link spirituality with religion, then religion to its commonality and oneness, and then link that to the religion for the day in which we live,” Hershel said. “In a sense, we’re just following the pattern of the Kitáb-i-Íqán.” ◆

Ron Hershel teaches a session of the course “The Evolution of Human Spirituality,” which drew more than 100 people to the Eugene, Oregon, Bahá’í Center over several weeks this past spring. Photo by Lisle ‘Wei’ Veach

Look at what’s on the Web!

www.usbnc.org

Click on “Media Campaign” at top

• New audio ads for Web pages! Download an mp3-format radio-style ad to be placed on your local Bahá’í Web site. Banner ads are also available for local Web use. Step-by-step instructions are provided.
• National broadcast schedule Find out when major cable channels including MSNBC, BET, the Weather Channel and TV Guide Channel are airing our 30- and 60-second commercials through September.
• Responding to seekers How to enroll in the 1-800-22-UNITE voice mail system; materials to help you respond productively to seekers who leave the messages; development materials for effective firesides; and more!

Plus, as always ...

• Tips and materials to help your community arrange local broadcasts and firesides using the video programs and ads.
• A Web form for sharing your teaching stories.
• The Light of Unity, ‎a downloadable, printable seeker newsletters a downloadable, printable seeker newsletter‎ (four editions available).

Remember the seeker response systems: 1-800-22-UNITE www.us.bahai.org

Church visits provide a framework for ‘Springtime’ Bahá’í events

INFORMATION FROM PAT WORKMAN

applying the five PLAN:

• Traveling teaching
• Devotional gatherings

A unique “Spiritual Springtime of the Soul” teaching effort made friends for the Faith at church communities even as it spread the Bahá’í message in four North Idaho counties and helped solidify community connections among area believers.

Eight days’ worth of public talks, youth dance performances and personal visits May 10–17 centered on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and towns inside it or on its edge, and reached into the nearby county seats of Orofino and Grangeville.

The church visits provided a framework for events that had teachers traveling as far as 400 miles in a day. They included:

• Devotional gatherings and a “talking circle” at the Lapwai Bahá’í Center.
• Personal visits or phone contact with nearly all Bahá’ís living on the reservation.
• A youth and children’s performance presentation at Nez Perce National Historical Park, with the Youth Against Social Injustice dance group the main attraction. The group, organized and coached by Greg and Bahiyyih Hansen of Lapwai, has helped its members—some considered “at risk”—gain confidence and a sense of cooperation.
• Public talks at a Unity church in Kamiah (attended by several people from a sister church in Lewiston) and a Methodist church in Orofino, presented by Robert Carpenter of Tacoma, Washington, and Jim Workman of Lapwai.
• A “Circle of Unity” discussion at a Catholic monastery, convened by Bahá’ís Lynda Carpenter and Pat Workman, and drawing people of several religious backgrounds to share their stories of spiritual search.
• An advertised fireside in Grangeville that drew five people from Kamiah unable to attend the talk at the church.
• A Unity Feast in Sweetwater attended by Bahá’ís from around the area as well as a minister from Lewiston.

A number of stirring events were interspersed through the week. Among them: the receptivity and inquiries of many church members, which opened the door to follow-up contacts; a public interview of the Carpenters about their Bahá’í service in Australia by a Lapwai youth; the tale of a Catholic sister whose mother had admonished her to “do a deed of love for every star you see”; and one Bahá’í’s sharing at the Unity Feast that despite his stormy life, the friends’ love steered him to the right path.

The hospitality of Bahá’ís across the area was a consistent feature. ◆ [Page 25]

Religious organizations focus on meeting needs of children

Statement will be presented to UN Special Session delegates

BY VERONICA SHOFFSTALL

Religion can be a major force worldwide for the protection of family and children, in the view of a newly formed caucus that seeks to draw on the strengths of diverse religious traditions in meeting the needs of children in the new millennium.

Aiming to highlight the religious, moral and ethical values that contribute to a world fit for children, the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations and the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief co-sponsored the formation of a Religions Caucus to meet during the third substantive session of the Preparatory Committee for the Special Session of the General Assembly, held June 11–15 in New York.

“Spirituality and moral development are key components in safeguarding the rights of children,” said Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Bahá’í representative and president of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. Huffines serves as one of three co-chairs of the new caucus’s steering committee.

“The current climate at the UN is favorable for input from religious groups so we are taking advantage of a window of opportunity and trying to find some common ground in the concern all religions have for the future of children,” he said.

The purpose of the caucus was to prepare a statement to present to government delegates going to the UN Special Session on Children, Sept. 19–21.

Some 50 participants packed the 10th-floor conference room of the Church Center across the street from UN headquarters for the first meeting of the caucus. There was the cross-section of nationalities common at UN meetings as well as a broad spectrum of religious beliefs including Shinto, Muslim, Jewish, Bahá’í, Hindu and a number of Christian denominations.

Jeffery Huffines (center), the U.S. Bahá’í representative to the UN, participates in a panel with other co-chairs of the Religions Caucus at the June meeting.

Mehr Mansuri and Roya Movafegh, founders of the Children’s Theatre Company in New York City, were invited by the US Bahá’í representative to participate in a panel discussion on “Religions For Children: Challenges and Best Practices.” Members of the Children’s Theatre performed at that meeting as well as at a breakfast meeting for an NGO committee hosted by the Bahá’í International Community.

At the “Challenges and Best Practices” discussions, representatives of various faith-based NGOs discussed how their work promoted the six themes of the draft outcome document: promotion of healthy lives; quality education; protection from abuse, exploitation and violence; combating of HIV/AIDS; and mobilization of resources.

Some participants expressed that people don’t want to expose their children to unfamiliar religions. They rear their children in a particular religion to protect them from “worldly influences” and don’t want them confused by what may be conflicting approaches of other religious viewpoints.

“Whenever groups separate to teach their own religion, there is some element of ‘we’re right and they’re wrong,’” said participant Razia Ismail, international convenor of the Women’s Coalition for Peace and Development with Dignity. Although not a member of the Bahá’í Faith, she presented a perspective familiar to Bahá’ís: “We’ve got to teach true respect for other cultures. A sense of identity should not lead to a sense of being better while everyone else is less.”

What was agreed on was the general strengths religious communities provide, such as social mobilization, advocacy, pastoral care, access to established networks and infrastructure, and the teachings and doctrines of their faith.

The Religions Caucus hopes to continue its work at NGO events parallel to the Special Session on Children in September. ♦

Award-winning ‘Gardens’ gives communicators glimpse of Faith

INFORMATION FROM NANCY HARRIS

An awards ceremony at the Religious Communicators Council national convention in April gave the 130 attendees considerable exposure to the Bahá’í teachings—and not just through the three Bahá’ís in attendance.

Among the 17 projects presented with a Wilbur Award at the Minneapolis, Minnesota, event was an episode of the Sound and Spirit public radio show titled “Gardens.” The hourlong program included an eight-minute segment on Bahá’í gardens worldwide.

A sound clip from the show was played, with host Ellen Kushner speaking on the significance of gardens and seed-planting in various religious traditions. The voices of the choir from the dedication of the Temple in New Delhi were heard as Kushner explained the significance of the Bahá’í gardens, including quotes from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

As the sound clip played, a video screen displayed pictures of the gardens at the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh and of the Báb.

Though unable to attend the awards program, Kushner spoke through a phone connection of her meeting with Bahá’ís in northwest Florida, who led her to explore this topic.

A reception after the ceremony provided further opportunities for Bahá’ís to speak with various award recipients.

The Religious Communicators Council presents the Wilbur awards each year to secular media for stories that convey spiritual or religious principles in print, film and electronic media.

Local Bahá’í public information representatives have been encouraged by the national Office of Public Information to become involved in this organization wherever possible. It currently has seven Bahá’í members. ♦

Justice Society’s conference puts justice in racial context

INFORMATION FROM TED AMSDEN

Bahá’í-inspired innovations in dealing with differences and justice in a racial context were significant themes of the 15th annual conference of the Bahá’í Justice Society (BJS), May 18–20 at the Bahá’í National Center.

Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke about the potential support BJS can give to the reshaping process that will lead to the unity of humanity through mediation, dispute resolution and helping people respond nobly to victimization.

He also described environmental racism that has resulted in 74 percent of toxic waste sites being placed in African-American and American Indian population centers.

Thomas Mitchell, law professor at the University of Wisconsin, described his work on behalf of people of color who are unfairly displaced from their land.

He described his student projects and professional writing on the subject.

John Kolstoe, author of Consultation, talked on the prerequisites and principles of effective consultation.

He reported on a study that shows that consultation leads to more creative and generally wiser results than individual efforts.

Robert Ahdieh, law professor at Emory University, spoke on how the Bahá’í writings deal with capital punishment.

He compared this to the views of other faiths and contrasted it with the tendency to view the subject in current socio-political terms.

Conference attendees brainstormed and prioritized the possible roles and activities of BJS, including an e-mail listserver and student internships focused on particular justice roles.

BJS provides workshop presenters on various justice-related subjects at numerous Bahá’í conferences, refers Bahá’ís and Bahá’í institutions with legal issues to lawyers, and holds training sessions on conflict resolution skills. ♦

The Bahá’í Justice Society is a membership-based agency of the National Spiritual Assembly, open to anyone interested in justice regardless of occupation or religious affiliation. For information, see the Web site (www.bahaijustice.org). [Page 26]

Weekend visits let Assemblies learn of initiatives, resources

For the fifth year the National Spiritual Assembly is inviting Local Spiritual Assemblies to participate in a weekend visit at the Bahá’í National Center, to learn firsthand about the latest national initiatives and the resources available to local communities.

Reservations are being accepted for these weekends: Sept. 21–22, Dec. 14–15, Jan. 25–26 and March 22–23. Each visit can accommodate three or four Assemblies.

More than 100 Local Spiritual Assemblies have participated in these visits, and their responses are overwhelmingly positive.

Coinciding with National Spiritual Assembly meetings, the visits begin with Friday morning devotions and a meeting with National Assembly members and Bahá’í National Center staff. Visiting Assemblies will hear the latest news and have a chance to share their own news, concerns or questions.

Later comes an extensive tour and informative meetings with National Center department heads.

“The main convictions with which we came away are these,” wrote one participant in a previous visit:

“1) The National Spiritual Assembly really listens to the believers. National Spiritual Assembly members with whom we met displayed more interest in learning about our views and experiences than they did in telling us theirs. 2) Vision is alive and well at every level of the National Center, from the National Spiritual Assembly down to the least senior staff member.”

Saturday activities concentrate on the House of Worship: prayers, a tour of the Cornerstone Room and Visitors’ Center, a presentation on Temple restoration efforts and a chance to visit the Archives and see relics of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

“My heartfelt thanks for making my first pilgrimage to the Bahá’í House of Worship such a special trip,” another participant wrote. “My perception of the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly has been clarified.”

Participating Assemblies will have time to share issues, concerns and ideas among themselves with facilitation by the Office of Community Administration and Development. Limited child care will be available for those otherwise unable to attend.

There are no particular criteria for Assemblies to be invited to the visit other than their ability to bring at least a quorum of their membership.

Assemblies and/or their members must cover transportation and hotel costs, while meals and transport between the National Center events and the hotel are covered by the National Spiritual Assembly. ♦

Assemblies interested in participating in a two-day visit to the Bahá’í National Center should notify the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail assemblydevelopment@usbnc.org). Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis and any Assemblies who respond after capacity has been reached will be offered another date or a place on the waiting list for next year’s visits.

Information on Your International Teaching Trip

To 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. Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail pioneering@usbnc.org).

Use the Multipurpose Form on page 34 to respond by mail. Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

• Names and ID numbers of all Bahá’ís on each trip
• Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s)
• Main purpose of your travel
• Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for:
  • Native Americans to teach in the circum-polar areas?
  • Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America?
  • African-Americans to teach in Africa?

International Teaching Projects

• Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Baltic States: Diversity Dance Theatre Europe, September 2001–August 2002, systematically connecting proclamation of the Faith, personal teaching, dance and music, social service and training institute process. In co-operation with the Continental Board of Counselors, European Bahá’í Youth Council and many National Spiritual Assemblies, the project consists mainly of touring and “short-term pioneering” aiming at supporting and establishing “social dance projects.”

Conferences, Schools and Events

• Hawaii: “Fire in the Pacific” Centenary Conference in Honolulu, Dec. 20–23. Commemorating 100 years of the spread and progress of the Faith in the Pacific. Two heroines of the Heroic and Formative Ages will be showcased: the Hands of the Cause of God Agnes Baldwin Alexander and Martha Louise Root—both of whose gravesites are located in Hawaii.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for detailed information about these and other international opportunities. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail pioneering@usbnc.org).

TRAINING INSTITUTES

Wilmette Institute EST. 1995

Distance learning: Kitáb-i-Aqdas; Center of the Covenant The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Related Texts, Sept. 1–Dec. 31

Shoghi Effendi described the Most Holy Book as “the principal repository of that Law which the Prophet Isaiah had anticipated, and which the writer of the Apocalypse had described as the ‘new heaven’ and the ‘new earth,’ as ‘the Tabernacle of God,’ as the ‘Holy City,’ as the ‘Bride,’ the ‘New Jerusalem coming down from God,’ this ‘Most Holy Book,’ whose provisions must remain inviolate for no less than a thousand years.”

The Wilmette Institute has produced extensive study aids on the Most Holy Book and created an extensive compilation of descriptions of the work from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, Hasan Balyuzi, Adib Taherzadeh and other Bahá’í scholars. Tuition: $200; financial aid available.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Exemplar, Oct. 1–Dec. 31 This course will examine ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life, survey some of His writings and utterances, and consider His role as Exemplar and Center of the Covenant. Providing an overview of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s role in the Bahá’í Faith, this course will be useful for new and veteran believers alike.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation: A Systematic Survey, Nov. 1, 2001–Feb. 28, 2002 This course will attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of Bahá’u’lláh’s major works and the history of His revelation.

Other upcoming courses

• The Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Development of the Individual, Nov. 15, 2001–Feb. 15, 2002
• The Bible, Dec. 1, 2001–Feb. 28, 2002
• Study of a book requested by the National Spiritual Assembly, Jan. 1–March 31, 2002
• Hinduism for Deepening and Dialogue, Feb. 1–April 30, 2002
• Rediscovering the Heroic Age: The Bahá’í Faith, 1863–1921, March 1–May 31, 2002
• Marriage and Family Life, April 1–June 30, 2002
• The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, May 15–July 15, 2002

All courses include e-mail list-servers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your local community. All courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (college-level) or advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail: wi@usbnc.org Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition.

REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE CONTACTS

Central States

• Chicago
• Dorothy Baker Ohio
• Gateway Missouri
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Milwaukee Metro
• Minnesota

Southern States

• Aguila del Cielo Central Texas

Web http://www.bci.org/aguila/

• Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum Alabama, Georgia
• Crimson Ark DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia
• Jubilee Tennessee, Arkansas

Web www.jubileerti.com

• Magdalene Carney Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi
• Mathew Kaszab South Texas
• North Texas

Web http://bci.org/ntxrti/

• Oklahoma
• Sam McClellan Kentucky
• South Carolina
• Supreme Talisman North Carolina
• Tree of Life Houston, Texas

Western States

• Arizona
• California Northeast
• California South
• Columbine Colorado
• Native American Bahá’í Institute
• Nevada South
• Oregon
• Rio Grande New Mexico

Web http://bci.org/riogrande/

• Robert Turner California Northwest
• Seven Valleys Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming

Northeastern States

• Doris McKay Western New York State
• New York Tri State Metro NYC, Northern NJ, Long Island
• Sadie Oglesby Eastern New England
• Thornton Chase Connecticut River Valley
• William Sears Eastern Pennsylvania

More on regional training institutes at www.usbnc.org [Page 27]

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Questions vs. racism

BY PHYLLIS EDGERLY RING

“Meditation is a mirror. It shows us things we haven’t seen before. Reflecting on this topic shows me things about myself that I haven’t seen before,” said a participant in “Race Unity and Justice: A Mutual Effort,” a June 8–10 session at Green Acre Bahá’í School.

“Without encountering and examining these things, how can I help things change?”

All weekend, presenter LeNise Jackson Gaertner invited 30 participants to reflect on attitudes and value systems they have encountered about ethnicity, race relations, religion and gender.

Reflection requires questions, Gaertner said. “Why do we discuss the negatives of inferiority, but not the personal downside of superiority, focusing on the circumstances of victims, but not of oppressors?

“If we genuinely believe in equality, we need to look at the whole story. Neither acting superior nor acting inferior are rationally sound choices,” she said, “and neither is in harmony with the knowledge Bahá’u’lláh has given us.”

When we fail to address superiority, its roots and what has perpetuated denial about it, that failure “ultimately takes its toll on everybody,” she said.

She also asked, “Why don’t we study more closely—and encourage our children to study—the lives and work of those who committed themselves to unity and justice?” Through an array of video clips, she presented examples such as former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and college-age civil rights Freedom Riders.

“As a white person,” a participant noted, “I had never even thought about questions like ‘What incentives do white people have to work for race unity?’ and ‘How do other white people react to you when you pursue this work?’ It makes me eager to raise these questions in other settings.”

“There were lots of great and practical stories that helped me understand how much we still have to explore, as well as how much good work has been accomplished that we don’t always know about,” said an attendee who is a member of the local NAACP branch. “It was good to learn more about the scientific work of those who have proven the oneness of humanity.”

“Every Bahá’í child needs to understand who the Leakeys are, and what their discovery means for us as a human family,” Gaertner said, referring to the anthropologists whose quest for humanity’s roots proved that the human species originated on the African continent. “What has forced people together in the past was conflict, suffering, and war. Bahá’u’lláh is offering us unity and happiness without conflict—through agreement and knowledge.”

Gaertner’s efforts on behalf of this process began nine years ago when a 65-year-old African-American man from Los Angeles County was brutally beaten during a traffic stop. Police mistook him for a 25-year-old crime suspect, she said. “When they stopped physically assaulting him, his badge fell out and they found out he was a police officer,” she recalled. The man, a Bahá’í, was also her father.

His attackers “had been miseducated about who black people were,” Gaertner said. In the months that followed, she realized she had the power to turn her anger and sadness into positive action. “These things don’t happen by accident. You don’t necessarily know how God brings you to do something.”

The result was Mothers for Race Unity and Equality, a privately funded organization that the 47-year-old Colton, California, Bahá’í founded to bring programs to educational, spiritual and community groups all over the country. Her latest book, Fifty Ways to Spot and Stop Racism, will be published soon.

Bigotry and prejudice have their seeds in how people are raised, she said. “We’re taught to see each other through a certain lens,” she told a reporter who covered the Race Unity Day event. “What I try to do is change that lens.”

Continuing its history as home to some of America’s earliest race amity conferences, Green Acre plans to host an annual conference with this theme to coincide with Race Unity Day. ◆

LeNise Jackson Gaertner (left), featured presenter, and Nancy Duggan, a participant, confer during a Green Acre session on race unity and justice. Photo by Dianne Jester

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

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Kids cross barriers

BY LIZ DONALDSON

“It’s an incredibly powerful experience for the children; they build strong bonds of unity that cross artificial barriers set up by society and build lifelong friendships,” said Joannie Yuille regarding the June 17–21 and 23–27 Louhelen Bahá’í School children’s camps.

Ruhiyyih Yuille would agree. Her service during camp sessions focuses on coordinating the efforts of the youth counselors who stay with, closely supervise, and guide the 8- to 12-year-olds during camp. Yuille said, “It is always poignant to see a growing fifth-grader rush to help a small first-grader lug a log from the woods during the service portion of the camp experience.

“Those moments are special, when older help younger; when kids who are as diverse as Bahá’u’lláh said his followers would be find ways to make enduring friendships through service to the Cause of God,” she added.

The children don’t just serve during camp, however. They are provided an excellent balance between service, classroom activities and outdoor fun. The Camp I theme was “The Covenant”; Camp II focused on “The Oneness of Humanity.”

Ben Johnson taught the third- and fourth-grade groups on the topic of the greater and lesser Covenants.

“They were able to grasp the text really well,” Johnson said. He employed a consultative model to help the students help each other probe the text more deeply. “They consulted well,” he added.

He smiled while recalling the final class, in which the kids sang a song called “The Covenant is a Binding Agreement” one last time, and spontaneously held hands and swayed back and forth.

Youth often serve as counselors year after year, because of the positive experiences and the changes they see in the children they work with. They often remark that it’s wonderful to see many of the children also return, more mature with each passing year.

Rona Schechter, one of the camp faculty, said the children frequently get asked about the Bahá’í Faith when they venture down the street in van loads to swim at a nearby health club. The lifeguards frequently comment on the high level of self-discipline within the Bahá’í group—and that good conduct invariably arouses curiosity and questions about the Faith.

Camp ended with a presentation at which parents could hear the children singing, check out their art and craft projects, and hear about their week of learning and fun.

Upcoming sessions

For youngsters who can’t wait a whole year for a return visit to Louhelen, perhaps Homecoming 2001 on Aug. 31–Sept. 3—exploring the Five Year Plan—would be an ideal family session to attend.

Don Rogers, former Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, will facilitate a program on the role of the arts in the Bahá’í Faith. Kathy Grammer will share insights on teaching the Faith through loving family and community life. Fred Schechter, also a former Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, will share stories of the Hands of the Cause of God.

Composer Ernestine Atkins will combine the talents of interested participants into the Homecoming Choir.

For those interested in becoming more active in their local or regional training institutes, the fall Core Curriculum programs provide numerous avenues for service.

Facilitator training occurs in two parts at Louhelen Bahá’í School. Then, teams of facilitators are ready to offer Core Curriculum programs to their communities to:

• Train teachers to empower Bahá’í children and their friends as knowledgeable, consecrated teachers of the Cause and servants of humanity.
• Train Bahá’í and other parents as the first teachers of their children.
• Train youth as teachers of the Cause and as living examples of joyful, spiritual and productive life.
• Train entire communities to foster race unity and gender equality in the Bahá’í community, in the larger community, and in support of the national plan.
• Train married couples and single youth to form stable marriages as the bedrock of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
• Raise up teachers and servants of the Cause by offering Fundamental Verities courses in their local centers of learning. ◆

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen programs on Calendar, back page [Page 28]

Mapp-Robinson was a secretary to the Hand of the Cause Olinga

INFORMATION FROM SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF WASHINGTON, DC

Dr. Zylpha Mapp-Robinson, long-time stalwart Bahá’í in Washington, DC, passed away in New York on May 12, 2001. She was 87.

In her professional life she contributed to the education and betterment of people in three continents. Her Bahá’í service was distinguished by tireless endeavors in the arenas of race unity, social justice and empowerment of women, youth and children.

Whether the task be organizing children’s summer camp, serving as chairperson of the Washington Spiritual Assembly, comforting a troubled community member or reaching out to souls thirsting for the light of God, Zylpha Mapp-Robinson brought to it dedication, steadfastness, capability and love for Bahá’u’lláh.

Born Aug. 25, 1914, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Zylpha Johnson Mapp—one of the first African-American women to embrace the Faith in New England—and Alexander Mapp.

After graduating from Bridgewater State Teachers College, she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts, then a doctorate in education and curriculum planning from Kensington University. In addition she held a certificate in nutrition from the University of Maryland in College Park.

Throughout the 1970s she was a pioneer to Uganda, and in 1976 was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly. She served as secretary to the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, and was a member of numerous national and regional committees; edited the national Bahá’í newsletter of Uganda for four years; and worked with Elizabeth Olinga in developing women’s groups and in editing the national Bahá’í women’s newsletter.

Her passion to emblazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh took her to various parts of the world. After Uganda, she pioneered in Burkina Faso, India and Botswana, and traveled to teach extensively in Barbados, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, England, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ivory Coast and Senegal. She attended the first Sino-American Conference on Women’s Issues in Beijing, China, in 1990 and attended the UN World Conference on Women in 1995.

She was the author of a training manual for rural development health workers, as well as books on procedures and program development for school guidance counselors in Botswana.

She was a senior social worker at Claybury Hospital in England and worked for many years as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Springfield, Massachusetts, school system. In Africa she taught at Makerere University in Uganda and other institutions. She was a member of Friends of Rankin Chapel at Howard University in Washington.

Last year, at age 86, she moved to Uganda to organize an Institute for the Advancement of Women in Kampala. She was also a member of a task force to coordinate the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bahá’í Faith in Uganda to be held in July this year. She returned for medical treatment to New York, where she passed away.

Zylpha is survived by her daughter, Juanita Lee Torrence-Thompson, and her grandson, Derek Rush, of New York and sisters Josephine Edmonds of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Janice Mapp Canada of New York. ♦

Zylpha Mapp-Robinson returned to Uganda last year to organize an Institute for the Advancement of Women in Kampala.

Hilpert aided homeless vets

Rose Hilpert was a “born social worker” who dedicated her past few years to reaching out to homeless veterans and making sure they got the assistance they needed.

She passed away February 3, 2001, of an apparent heart attack in her Martinsburg, West Virginia, home. She was 64.

Her activities in her work for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg brought her such esteem that a lengthy article in tribute to her was published on the front page of the local Journal newspaper.

The article described how Hilpert regularly traveled to the Washington and Baltimore areas to find homeless veterans, and brought as many as 125 of them per year to the Martinsburg hospital for treatment.

Co-workers and her sons, Kurt and Horst, credit her with getting many veterans off the street, on their feet and away from drugs and alcohol. “She took the time to make the personal touch,” Kurt Hilpert was quoted as saying.

Involved for many years in programs to help the homeless—early on in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—Rose Hilpert earned a degree in social work at West Virginia University. A widow, she reared her two sons as a single mother.

She accepted the Bahá’í Faith in recent years, and fellow West Virginia Bahá’í Julie Gregg said the area’s friends will miss her greatly.

“She was tireless in her devotion to ‘her guys’ [the veterans she served],” Gregg wrote in a report on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Jefferson County. “She saw that God had created them noble—and helped them to reflect their nobility once again.” ♦

Kalantar pioneered to Puerto Rico

Leonora López Kalantar was a “veteran and outstanding teacher ... [who] had a heart that mirrored the Master’s love and a winning sweetness and friendliness,” according to a message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States to her family on her passing.

Nora passed from this world April 16, 2001, in ‎Aguadillo Aguadilla‎, Puerto Rico. She was 65.

She and her husband, Kenneth, had met in her home country of Colombia and spent decades as pioneers in Puerto Rico. They also lived for several years in the United States, most recently in Palm Coast, Florida, in the late 1990s. The couple’s move to ‎Aguadillo Aguadilla‎ allowed the locality to elect a Local Spiritual Assembly for the first time in 25 years.

Born Nov. 7, 1935, in Manizales, Colombia, Nora underwent a young lady’s education in “refinement” in

SEE KALANTAR, PAGE 33

IN MEMORIAM

Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Bahá’í National Center. To report the passing of a Bahá’í in the United States, please contact the Membership Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ).

John R. Anderholm Redwood City, CA May 26, 2001	Betty H. Conow Ontario, CA April 10, 2001	Elizabeth M. Filteau Zephyrhills, FL April 24, 2001	Soroor Khazeh Brookhaven Town, NY June 12, 2001	James R. Pratt Yonkers, NY May 1, 1999
Jeanne Y. Andre San Bernardino, CA June 22, 2001	John B. Cornell Reedley, CA June 24, 2001	Robyn A. Fouche Houston, TX April 11, 2001	Richard Link Woodland, CA February 2001	Paul Raymond New York, NY May 26, 2001
Aminullah Anvary Fargo, ND May 21, 2001	Annette Cox Clarksville, TN February 24, 2000	Sydney H. Gallwey Rochester, NY March 1999	Lawrence W. Marsh Linn County, OR June 4, 2001	Larry Roberts Saint Louis, MO November 22, 2000
Julie A. Badiee Westminster, MD May 20, 2001	J. Lewis Creitz Belen, NM May 11, 2001	Maryam Ghaemmaghami May 23, 2001 Arlington County, VA	Kenneth W. Martig Shelton, WA May 17, 2001	Talat Safapour Kalamazoo, MI January 13, 2000
Arleen M. Barton Boise, ID June 5, 2001	Lucy Dick Omaha Indian Reservation, NE March 1998	Dorothy Jackson Yonkers, NY Winter 1998	Susane G. McCausland Hadlyme, CT Spring 2001	John E. Sneed Glendale, AZ May 28, 2001
Arthur W. Block Raleigh, NC May 26, 2001	Francisca V. Dulnuan National City, CA November 2000	Howard L. Jacobs Pomona, CA June 14, 2001	Akhtar Mouzoon Santa Ana, CA June 9, 2001	Nosratollah Vafa’i Moghaddam Greensboro, NC April 3, 2001
Doreene Brown Omaha, NE December 23, 2000	Harriet Feldman Plainfield, NJ April 17, 2000	Eleanora L. Kalantar Aguadilla, Puerto Rico April 15, 2001	John A. Morford Hillsborough County, FL March 2001	H. Donald Wong-Ken Waterville, ME June 30, 2001

[Page 29]

2001 Electoral Unit Conventions

Here is the latest information on Electoral Unit conventions, which will be held across the country in early October to elect delegates to the Bahá’í National Convention of April 2002.

• Electoral Units are listed by region. Each Regional Bahá’í Council is responsible for organizing Unit Conventions within its jurisdiction.
• If you don’t know your Electoral Unit (EU) number, it will be printed on the envelope in which you receive your ballot. It also may be printed with your address on this issue of The American Bahá’í.
• Information here is up to date as of printing; however, further updates and corrections for some units may be found on the Administrative Web Site (access www.usbnc.org and click on “NSA Departments,” then on the “Unit Conventions” link under Conventions Office).

For children’s programs at Unit Convention: Enhance your curriculum with the Teacher’s Toolbox, produced by the Education and Schools Office. Download or other information is online at www.usbnc.org

Northeastern States

EU001 Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME; Sunday, Oct. 7; registration TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Eliot c/o Kim Kelsey, P.O. Box 103, Eliot, ME 03903-0103 (phone ).

EU002 Webster Town Hall, 945 Battle St., Webster, NH; Sunday, Oct. 7; 9 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Concord c/o Dorothy Steenbeke, P.O. Box 785, Concord, NH 03302-0785 (phone ).

EU003 Boston Bahá’í Ctr., 595 Albany St., Boston, MA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am–4:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Boston c/o Bruce Grover, P.O. Box 1207, Boston, MA 02104 (phone ).

EU004 Joseph P. Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter St., Framingham, MA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am–4 pm (register 8:30am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Framingham c/o Robert Pascoe, P.O. Box 2403, Framingham, MA 01703-2403 (phone ).

EU005 Smith Vocational High School, 80 Locust St., Northampton, MA; Sunday, Oct. 7; 9 am–3 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Amherst c/o Mabel Garis, (phone ).

EU006 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7; time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Barnstable c/o Grace Tavares, P.O. Box 1275, Hyannis, MA 02601-1275 (phone 508-775-6820).

EU007 Jewish Community Ctr., 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA New Haven c/o Michelle Schrag, (phone ).

EU008 Community Room at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., Norwalk, CT; Sunday, Oct. 7; time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Norwalk c/o Carol Yoder, P.O. Box 2236, Norwalk, CT 06852-2236 (phone ).

EU009 Waldorf School, Cambridge Ave., Garden City, NY; Sunday, Oct. 7; 9:45 am–3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Brookhaven c/o Marie McNair, (phone ).

EU010 Manhattan Bahá’í Ctr., 53 E. 11th St., New York, NY; Sunday, Oct. 7, 1–5 pm (register 12:30 pm). Mail absentee ballots to LSA New York City c/o Janice Smith Mauras, 53 E 11th St., New York, NY 10003--4601 (phone ).

EU011 Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse-Hamilton Sq. Rd., Hamilton, NJ; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–3 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Lawrence Twp c/o Sally Foo, (phone ).

EU012 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Teaneck c/o Lydia Moore, (phone ).

EU013 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7, Time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Schenectady c/o Joyce Whitson, (phone ).

EU014 Pittsford Middle School, 75 Barker Rd., Pittsford, NY; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am–4:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Greece c/o Holly Ziegler, (phone ).

EU015 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Harrisburg c/o Carol Zandieh, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105 (phone ).

EU016 Philadelphia Bahá’í Ctr., 2462 Bryn Mawr Ave., Philadelphia, PA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4:30 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Philadelphia c/o Franklin D. Kinder, (phone ).

EU048 SUNY College at Fredonia; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–5 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Amherst c/o Edward Peace, P.O. Box 1555, Williamsville, NY 14231-1555 (phone ).

Southern States

EU017 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA New Castle County North c/o Dr. Roger Blaine, (phone ).

EU018 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Baltimore Co. West c/o David Willard III, (phone ).

EU019 Site, date, time, Host Assembly TBA

EU020 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Prince Georges Co. North c/o Linda R. Head, P.O. Box 7365, Hyattsville, MD 20787-7365 (phone ).

EU021 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Greater Vienna c/o Theodore Breton, P.O. Box 156, Dunn Loring, VA 22027-0156 (phone ).

EU022 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Alexandria c/o Stephen Buczinski, P.O. Box 22236, Alexandria, VA 22304 (phone ).

EU023 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Loudoun Co. c/o Dana Haghighi, P.O. Box 009, Sterling, VA 20167 (phone ).

EU024 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Norfolk c/o Dr. Carole Allen, P.O. Box 6100, Norfolk, VA 23508-0100 (phone ).

EU025 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Columbus County c/o Glennette Henderson, (phone ).

EU026 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Wake Co. c/o Susan Grove, P.O. Box 25817, Raleigh, NC 27611-5817 (phone ).

EU027 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Conway c/o Margene Nelson-Willis, P.O. Box 348, Conway, SC 29528-0348 (phone ).

EU029 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Charleston c/o Deborah Anderson, P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413-1887 (phone ).

EU030 Lady’s Island Family Learning Ctr., 30 Cougar Dr., Lady’s Island, SC; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am–2 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Lady’s Island c/o Lynn Bryant, (phone ).

EU032 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Orangeburg c/o Pamela Laursen, P.O. Box 2463, Orangeburg, SC 29116-2463 (phone ).

EU033 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am–1 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Columbia c/o Barbara Sheridan, P.O. Box 5973, Columbia, SC 29250-5973 (phone ).

EU035 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Donnelly c/o Debbie Jackson, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554-0915 (phone ).

EU037 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Florence c/o Forouzandeh Thomas, (phone ).

EU043 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Rock Hill c/o Willie Phillips, (phone ).

EU044 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Clemson c/o Carolyn Fulmer, P.O. Box 1161, Clemson, SC 29633-1161 (phone ).

EU045 Site TBA; Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 am–5 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Charlotte c/o Karin Sawhill, P.O. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28212-1155 (phone ).

EU046 Mebane Arts & Community Ctr., 622 ‎Corrigidor Corregidor‎ Rd., Mebane, NC; Sunday, Oct. 7, 1–4 pm (register 11:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Carrboro c/o Laureen Pierre, P.O. Box 325, Carrboro, NC 27510-0325 (phone ).

EU047 Roanoke College, Colket Ctr., 221 College Ln., Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Roanoke c/o Claudia Whitworth, (phone ).

EU052 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Lexington, P.O. Box 22102, Lexington, KY 40522-2102 (phone ).

EU053 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Watauga Co. c/o Betty Donoghue, P.O. Box 1406, Boone, NC 28607-1406 (phone ).

EU054 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Gwinnett Co. South c/o Kathleen Jones, (phone ).

EU055 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA DeKalb Co. South c/o Esther Onaro, (phone ).

EU056 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Atlanta c/o Jamila Canaday, (phone ).

EU057 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Marietta c/o Gary James Sulski, P.O. Box 1531, Marietta, GA 30061-1531 (phone ).

EU058 Univ. Hospital Medical Ctr., 4106 Columbia Rd., Augusta, GA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 10:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Augusta c/o Yvonne Harrop, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919-0031 (phone ).

EU059 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Savannah c/o Michael O’Neal, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402-1093 (phone ).

EU060 Duncan residence, 6029 Flatrock Rd #437, Columbus, GA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–1 pm (register 10 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Columbus c/o Scott Duncan, (phone ).

EU061 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Greater Gainesville c/o Lua Mellman, (phone ).

EU062 Univ. of Central Florida, Business Administration Bldg., 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Orlando c/o Minoo Nasseri, (phone ).

EU063 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Palm Beach Co. North c/o Dorothy Cornwell, P.O. Box 581, Loxahatchee, FL 33470-0581 (phone ).

EU064 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Palm Beach Co. Central c/o Elizabeth Rohani, P.O. Box 5354, Lake Worth, FL 33466-5354 (phone ).

EU065 Broward Comm. College, [Page 30]

SOUTHERN STATES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

North Campus Library, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–3:30 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Weston c/o Roya G. Fallah, P.O. Box 266293, Weston, FL 33326-6293 (phone ).

EU066 Homewood Suites, 5500 Blue Lagoon Dr., Miami, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:15 am–4:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Dade County Central, P.O. Box 165231, Miami, FL 33116-5231 (phone ).

EU067 Univ. of South Florida, Lakeland Campus Room 1143, U.S. Hwy. 98, Lakeland, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Polk Co. c/o John Wing, (phone ).

EU068 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Clearwater c/o Sandra Schwagler, (phone ).

EU069 Rezvan Bahá’í Ctr., 1310 Creek, Suite D, Tallahassee, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–3:30 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Leon Co. c/o Mehran Abbey, (phone ).

EU070 Mary Esther Elementary School, 320 E Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther, FL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–3 pm (register 10 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Okaloosa c/o Linda Long, (phone ).

EU071 Von Braun Civic Center North Hall, 700 ‎Mor.roe Monroe‎ St., Huntsville, AL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Huntsville c/o Gary Wolfe, P.O. Box 4811, Huntsville, AL 35815-4811 (phone ).

EU072 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Brentwood c/o Shahla Azdari, P.O. Box 2366, Brentwood, TN 37024-2366 (phone ).

EU091 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Little Rock c/o Angelic Caruthers, (phone ).

EU092 The Lodge, Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd., West Monroe, LA; Sunday, Oct. 14, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Ouachita Parish c/o Margaret Valentine, (phone ).

EU093 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Baton Rouge c/o Kenny Qualls, (phone ).

EU094 San Antonio Bahá’í Ctr., 735 W Magnolia, San Antonio, TX; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10:30 am–5 pm (register 9:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA San Antonio c/o Margaret Leeds, (phone ).

EU095 Houston Bahá’í Ctr., 2121 Oakdale, Houston, TX; Sunday, Oct. 14, 10 am–1 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Bellaire c/o Claude Sellars Jr., P.O. Box 1184, Bellaire, TX 77401-1184 (phone ).

EU096 Houston Bahá’í Ctr., 2121 Oakdale, Houston, TX; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–1 pm (register 10 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Houston, P.O. Box 301190, Houston, TX 77230-1190 (phone 713-723-9090).

EU097 Austin Bahá’í Ctr., 2215 E.M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Austin c/o Koros Derakshani, (phone ).

EU098 Public Library, 215 E. Main, Round Rock, TX; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Round Rock c/o Rayanneh Oskoui, P.O. Box 433, Round Rock, TX 78680-0433 (phone ).

EU099 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Grand Prairie c/o Ramin Akhtar-Khavari, P.O. Box 531324, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1324 (phone ).

EU100 Dallas Bahá’í Ctr., 4235 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX; Sunday, Oct. 7, 2 pm–6 pm (register 1 pm). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Irving c/o Ruhiyyih Rohani, P.O. Box 154636, Irving, TX 75015-4636 (phone 972-506-0598).

EU101 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Carrollton c/o Sara Jalalizadeh, (phone ).

EU102 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Plano c/o Payam Maveddat, P.O. Box 260031, Plano, TX 75026-0031 (phone ).

EU103 Site TBA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Midland c/o Joe Dunham, (phone ).

EU104 Heritage Inn, 6030 E Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Tulsa c/o Susan Henson, P.O. Box 251, Tulsa, OK 74101-0251 (phone ).

EU105 Oklahoma City Bahá’í Ctr., 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK; Sunday, Oct. 14, 9 am–3:30 pm (register 8am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Oklahoma City c/o Jackie Kaneholani, Bahá’í Ctr., (phone ).

EU201 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Arlington c/o Nadia Moayyad, (phone ).

Central States

EU049 Kiva Student Ctr., Summit & Campus Drive Circle, Kent State Univ., Kent, OH; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Cleveland Heights c/o Melody Yates, P.O. Box 18092, Cleveland, OH 44118 (phone ).

EU050 Scottish Corner Elementary School, 5950 Sells Mill Dr., Dublin, OH; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Westerville c/o Cathy Jo Stimpert, P.O. Box 611, Westerville, OH 43086-0611 (phone ).

EU051 Kettering Recreation Ctr., 2900 Glengarry Dr., Kettering, OH; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Kettering c/o Jacqueline Hagan, (phone ).

EU073 Executive Inn, One Executive Blvd., Vincennes, IN; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Decatur c/o Marilyn Tashakkor, (phone ).

EU074 ‎Bukhardt Burkhardt‎, Building, 601 N. McKinley Ave., Ball State Univ., Muncie, IN; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Muncie c/o Steve Reisetter, P.O. Box 586, Muncie, IN 47308 (phone ).

EU075 Ivy Tech State Coll., 220 Dean Johnson Blvd., South Bend, IN; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–3 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA South Bend c/o Deborah Dwyer, (phone ).

EU076 Detroit Bahá’í Ctr., 19711 Greenfield, Detroit, MI; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Sterling Heights c/o Deborah Barrlett, (phone ).

EU077 Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI; Sunday, Sept. 30, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Davison Twp c/o Daniel Lorsignol, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033).

EU078 Concept Industries, 4950 Kraft S.E., Grand Rapids, MI; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Grand Rapids c/o Elizabeth Reynolds, (phone ).

EU079 Wisconsin Lions Camp, Pinewood Lodge, 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI; Saturday, Oct. 6, 1–5 pm (register 11 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Green Bay c/o Gwendolyn Hazen, (phone ).

EU080 ‎Winhover Windhover‎ Ctr. for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, WI; Sunday, Oct. 7, 1–4 pm (register noon). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Fond du Lac c/o Peggy Newmann, (phone ).

EU081 Madison Bahá’í Ctr., 324 West Lakeside St., Madison, WI; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Madison c/o Elvora Jacobi, (phone ).

EU082 Best Western-Midway Hotel, 1005 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, WI; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–1 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Waukesha c/o Mary C. Potter, P.O. Box 1229, Waukesha, WI 53187-1229 (phone ).

EU083 Palatine Twp Senior Ctr., 505 Quentin Rd., Palatine, IL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 8 am–1 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Arlington Heights c/o Richard Doering, P.O. Box 4402, Arlington Heights, IL 60006-4402 (phone ).

EU084 Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, IL; Saturday, Oct. 6, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Evanston c/o Lorelei McClure, P.O. Box 338, Evanston, IL 60204 (phone 847-864-6988).

EU085 Illinois Institute of Technology, Hermann Student Union Bldg., 3241 S. Federal St., Chicago, IL; Saturday, Oct. 6, 4–6:30 pm (register 3:30 pm). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Chicago c/o Addison Bibb, Chicago Bahá’í Ctr., 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616-3933 (phone 773-784-2304).

EU086 Fox Ctr., 640 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:15 am–3 pm (register 8:45 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Oak Park c/o Sandra Clark, (phone ).

EU087 Northfield Inn Suites, 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield, IL; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:45 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Springfield c/o Nancy Flood, P.O. Box 1841, Springfield, IL 62705 (phone ).

EU088 Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 1st Ave. N.E., Cedar Rapids, IA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30 am–4 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Cedar Rapids c/o Janet King, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2298 (phone ).

EU089 Warren Community Ctr., 202 E. Washington, Richland, MO; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am–5 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Springfield c/o Debbie Weatherly, P.O. Box 8973, Springfield, MO 65801-8973 (phone ).

EU090 Florissant Civic Ctr., 1 Civic Center Dr., Florissant, MO; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA St. Louis Co. N. c/o Sara Salbege, (phone ).

EU106 Hutchinson Comm. College Student Union, 1300 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4:30 pm (register 9 am); Mail absentee ballots to LSA Hutchinson c/o Philip H. Wood, P.O. Box 1332, Hutchinson, KS (phone ).

EU107 Days Inn-Southeast, 6101 East 87th St., Kansas City, MO; Saturday, Oct. 6, date and time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Kansas City c/o Louis D. Anderson, (phone ).

EU108 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Aurora c/o Mardell Ann Jasnowski, P.O. Box 74, Aurora, NE 68818-1529 (phone ).

EU109 Bahá’í Ctr. of Minneapolis, 3644 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–4 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Minneapolis c/o Franz Davis, P.O. Box 580415, Minneapolis, MN 55458-0415 (phone ).

EU110 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Arden Hills c/o Maggie Jennings, (phone ).

EU111 Dakota Inn, South Hwy. 281 & I-94, Jamestown, ND; Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am–3:30 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Fargo c/o Pamela Ludwig, (phone ).

EU112 Treehaven, Box 407 (12 miles N. of Hwy. 18 and road to Allen, SD), Kyle, SD; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10:30 am–3 pm (register 10 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Rapid City c/o Alberta Schulte, (phone ). [Page 31]

Western States

EU113 Colorado State Univ., Lory Student Ctr.—Ball Room, Laurel St. and Hwy. 287, Fort Collins, CO; Saturday, Oct. 13, 8:30 am–12:30 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Aurora c/o Marietta Dixon, P.O. Box 460566, Aurora, CO 80046-0566 (phone ).

EU114 Metro Denver Bahá’í Ctr., 225 E. Bayaud, Denver, CO; date and time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Denver c/o Michaella McKenzie, (phone ).

EU115 Adams State College, Student Union Bldg., Alamosa, CO; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9:30am–‎4:pm 4 pm‎. Mail absentee ballots to LSA La Plata Co. c/o Mark Reddy, P.O. Box 1265, Durango, CO 81320-1265 (phone ).

EU116 Site, date and time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Santa Fe c/o Stephen Adler, P.O. Box 1767, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1767 (phone ).

EU117 Site, date, time, host TBA.

EU118 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Las Cruces c/o Pauline Hoff, (phone ).

EU119 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Tucson c/o Martha Wolverton, P.O. Box 41961, Tucson, AZ 85302-1961 (phone ).

EU120 Site, date, time TBA.

EU121 Phoenix Bahá’í Ctr., 944 E. Mountain View, Phoenix, AZ; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Phoenix c/o Marjan Halstead, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-0961 (phone ).

EU122 Peoria Community Ctr., 8335 W. Jefferson St., Peoria, AZ; Date, time, host TBA.

EU123 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Scottsdale c/o Kevin Parsi, P.O. Box 5441, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5441 (phone ).

EU124 Unity Church of Prescott, 145 S. Arizona Ave., Prescott, AZ; Saturday, Oct. 6, 9:30 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Prescott c/o Monaver Von Der Heydt, P.O. Box 2203, Prescott, AZ 86302-2203 (phone ).

EU125 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Tsaile-Wheatfields c/o Kathleen Park, P.O. Box 84b, Tsaile, AZ 86556-0084 (phone ).

EU126 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Salt Lake City c/o Amanda Gottsegen, P.O. Box 58305, Salt Lake City, UT 84158 (phone ).

EU127 Ramada Copper King Inn, 4655 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT; Sunday, Oct. 14, 9 am–3 pm (register 8:15 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Butte-Silver Bow c/o Bettey Bennett, P.O. Box 3922, Butte, MT 59702-3922 (phone ).

EU128 West Valley High School, 8301 Buckeye Ave., Spokane, WA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–3:30 pm (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Spokane c/o Deborah Bisenius, P.O. Box 9018, Spokane, WA 99209-9018 (phone ).

EU129 Columbia Basin College, 2600 N 20th Ave., Pasco, WA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10:30 am–2:30 pm (register 9:45 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Richland c/o Mary Thompson, P.O. Box 392, Richland, WA 99352-0392 (phone ).

EU130 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Sparks c/o Trip Barthel, P.O. Box 505, Sparks, NV 89432-0505 (phone ).

EU131 Las Vegas Bahá’í Ctr., 7035 W Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Las Vegas c/o Richard Daugherty, (phone ).

EU132 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA La Mesa c/o Alfred Kerendian, P.O. Box 1113, La Mesa, CA 91944-1113 (phone ).

EU133 San Diego Bahá’í Ctr., 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–3:30 pm (register 12:30 pm). Mail absentee ballots to LSA San Diego c/o Susan Collins, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr, San Diego, CA 92111(phone ).

EU134 Site, date, time, Host TBA.

EU135 Grand Terrace Comm. Ctr., 22130 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Riverside c/o Judith Hart, (phone ).

EU136 South Orange Co. Bahá’í Ctr., 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Mission Viejo c/o Vanessa Piper, P.O. Box 2696, Mission Viejo, CA 92690-0696 (phone ).

EU137 Michael E. Rogers’ Seniors’ Ctr., 1706 Orange Ave., Huntington Beach, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 1–6 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Santa Ana c/o Nancy Brown, P.O. Box 28354, Santa Ana, CA 92799-8354 (phone ).

EU138 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Upland c/o Soheila Azizi, (phone ).

EU139 Cerritos Park East, 13234 166th St., Cerritos, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 8 am–2 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Cerritos c/o Pejmun Motaghedi, P.O. Box 4821, Cerritos, CA 90703-4821 (phone ).

EU140 Culver City Veterans Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Santa Monica c/o Sheila Banani, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406-1066 (phone ).

EU141 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Monrovia c/o Joannie Yuille, P.O. Box 346, Monrovia, CA 91017-0346 (phone ).

EU142 Los Angeles Bahá’í Ctr., 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Los Angeles c/o Randolph Dobbs, (phone ).

EU143 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Glendale c/o Barbara Cramer, P.O. Box 9069, Glendale, CA 91226-0069 (phone ).

EU144 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Oxnard c/o Sarah Ranjbar, P.O. Box 7344, Oxnard, CA 93031-7344 (phone ).

EU145 Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute, 1201 Old Oak Park Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA San Luis Obispo c/o Janet Santacqua, P.O. Box 3333, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-3333 (phone ).

EU146 San Andreas Continuation High School Auditorium, 191 Alvarado St., Hollister, CA; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Hollister c/o Michael Centner, (phone ).

EU147 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Clovis c/o Patricia Lacefield, P.O. Box 462, Clovis, CA 93613-0462, PH 559-297-7136).

EU148 Bahá’í Regional Ctr., 945 Willow St., San Jose, CA 95125; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am (register 9:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Milpitas c/o Kath Rae Koch, (phone ).

EU149 Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, CA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 1 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Mountain View c/o Mei-ling Leong, P.O. Box 1223, Mountain View, CA 94042-1223 (phone ).

EU150 San Francisco Bahá’í Ctr., 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA San Francisco c/o Kathleen Kelley, (phone ).

EU151 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Fremont c/o Mohammad Afnan, P.O. Box 3531, Fremont, CA 94539-0353 (phone ).

EU152 Orinda Community Ctr., 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA; Date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Lafayette c/o Jeanne Hill, P.O. Box 505, Lafayette, CA 94549-0505 (phone ).

EU153 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Modesto c/o Hank Mudge, P.O. Box 1893, Modesto, CA 95353 (phone ).

EU154 Foothill Community Ctr., 5510 Diablo Dr., Sacramento, CA; Saturday, Oct. 6, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Sacramento County N.W. c/o Barbara Stahl, P.O. Box 2256, North Highlands, CA 95660-8256 (phone ).

EU155 California State Univ., Sacramento, Student Union/Hinde Auditorium; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9:30am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Sacramento c/o Deborah Reeves, P.O. Box 160966, Sacramento, CA 94912-2266 (phone ).

EU156 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA San Rafael c/o Joan Van Kesteren, P.O. Box 2266, San Rafael, CA (phone ).

EU157 Martin Luther King Ctr., 1815 Sheridan St., Redding, CA; two days: Saturday, Oct. 13, noon–4 pm; Sunday, Oct. 14, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Redding c/o Denise Nyby, P.O. Box 991126, Redding CA 96099-1126 (phone ).

EU158 Irving Grange, 1011 Irvington Dr., Eugene, OR; Sunday, Oct. 14, 9 am–5 pm (register 8 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Eugene c/o Jeanine Taylor, P.O. Box 10743, Eugene OR 97440-2743 (phone ).

EU159 ‎Chemekata Chemeketa‎ Comm. College, 4000 Lancaster Dr. N.E. Building 3, Salem, OR; Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am–‎3:pm 3 pm‎ (register 8:30 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Salem c/o Lynn Mitchum, P.O. Box 403, Salem, OR 97308-0403 (phone ).

EU160 Water Resources Education Ctr, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA; Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Vancouver c/o Stefani Galaday, P.O. Box 5074, Vancouver, WA 98668-5074 (phone ).

EU161 Portland Bahá’í Ctr., 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland, OR; Sunday, Oct. 7, 12:30–5 pm (register noon). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Portland c/o Prudence McGuire Foster, P.O. Box 83291-0297 (phone ).

EU162 Pacific Univ., 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR; Sunday, Oct. 7, noon–4 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Clatsop Co. c/o Carrie Bartoldus, (phone ).

EU163 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Lakewood c/o Sandra Brizuela, P.O. Box 98496, Tacoma, WA (phone ).

EU164 Odle Middle School, 14401 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue, WA; Sunday, Oct. 14, 10 am–2 pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Bellevue c/o William Griffin Jr., P.O. Box 4061, Bellevue, WA 98009-4061 (phone ).

EU165 Site, date, TBA; 1–4pm. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Auburn c/o Karen Ingalls Smith, P.O. Box 383, Auburn, WA 93221-0383 (phone ).

EU166 Fidalgo Ctr. (Anacortes Senior Ctr.), 1701 22nd St., Anacortes, WA; Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm (register 9 am). Mail absentee ballots to LSA Anacortes c/o Mrs. Stanley Brown, P.O. Box 1588, Anacortes, WA 98221-6588 (phone ).

EU167 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Thurston Co. Central c/o Alice Armstrong, P.O. Box 993, Olympia, WA 98507-0993 (phone ).

EU202 Site, date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Everett c/o Gretchen Hewitt, P.O. Box 2001, Everett, WA 98203-0001 (phone ).

EU203 Seattle Bahá’í Ctr., 3001 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, WA; date, time TBA. Mail absentee ballots to LSA Seattle c/o Carla Jones, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111-0396 (phone ).

Available on the Web: Spiritual Assembly development tools

Free for the downloading:

• Spiritual Institutions: The Unique Nature of Bahá’í Institutions
• Developing ‎Disctinctive Distinctive‎ Bahá’í Communities: Assembly reference manual
• Assembly Development Module Workshops participant handouts
• Assembly Self Assessment Tool
• Assistance for Achieving Goals
• Information on Assembly Development Representatives

Access www.usbnc.org with your Bahá’í ID number, click on "NSA Departments" then link to "LSA Development" [Page 32]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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

AT BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON/WILMETTE, IL

Creative Director, Office of Youth Affairs. Designs Fertile Field, the national newsletter for Bahá’í campus activities (about six issues per year), helps edit and prepare material for Fertile Field, The American Bahá’í and the youth Web site (www.bahaiyouth.com), provides design assistance for miscellaneous projects; handles some correspondence and helps provide analysis on youth issues to Bahá’í institutions. Should have a degree in graphic design or equivalent experience in Adobe programs and Microsoft Publisher, strong writing skills, ability to delegate tasks and work collaboratively with others, ability and willingness to handle some non-design tasks as needed.

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 Bahá’í Faith and have excellent consultative abilities.

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 (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3–5 years as maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

AT BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE FULTON COUNTY, GA

Customer Service Representative. Will process phone, fax and electronic orders, respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Bahá’í literature is a plus.

AT BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ, CA

Office Manager/Registrar. Contact the Office of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center for job requirements.

Assistant Cook (full time). Helps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen/dining room operations; must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

Children’s Education Coordinator. Looking for a dynamic, personable, energetic person with a bachelor’s degree in education or related field; must be trained in Core Curriculum; must have knowledge of curriculum building for children of all ages on a wide range of subjects; able to contact and supervise volunteer teachers. Will plan and organize children’s program as well as help with adult program. Organizational and leadership skills a must; musical talent a plus.

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ELIOT, ME

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Needs skills in housekeeping, maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, grounds.

AT NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE HOUCK, AZ

Office Assistant. Performs general office management and bookkeeping, assists with the bookstore, reception, registration. Must be grounded in Bahá’í principles, proficient in general secretarial/administrative skills, familiar with software including MS Word, Excel, Publisher and QuickBooks.

Assistant Cook (part- to full-time). Helps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

Children and Youth Program Coordinator. Carries out administrative, training and social tasks to coordinate day-to-day operation of youth programs, including Youth Service Corps volunteer program; collaborates with administrators to design and run an effective service, training and community involvement program for youth volunteers; communicates with youth from around the region and the country; develops youth newsletters, periodic conferences, organized retreats and deepenings; completes special projects and other duties. Needs driver’s license.

Maintenance Supervisor. 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 (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3–5 years as maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

If interested in any of the above Bahá’í National Offices posts, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

URGENT NEEDS

All positions full time unless otherwise noted.

Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Accountant (CPA skill level). 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.

Meetings and Travel Office, Evanston, IL: Manager. Should know travel industry; Worldspan or other travel reservation system experience. Experienced in hospitality with strong organizational skills, good understanding of hotel business, site research, meeting room arrangements, food functions and accommodations. Vendor contract negotiations. Must be able to work under pressure and handle several tasks at the same time. Work schedule flexible; some weekend work required.

Meetings and Travel Office, Evanston, IL: Meetings/Travel Assistant. Will help make travel arrangements for National Spiritual Assembly agencies and Bahá’í National Center departments. One-week technical training will be provided. Will also help with clerical/telephone work and some bill reconciliation. Must be able to work well under pressure and time constraints. Will sometimes be called on to back up the Hospitality Assistant.

Meetings and Travel Office, Evanston, IL: Hospitality Assistant. Will promote loving, attentive, pleasing atmosphere for meetings of National Spiritual Assembly agencies and Bahá’í National Center departments. Will set up and close down meetings, pick up catering, shop and do light clerical work. Must be able to work well under time constraints. Must be able to lift and carry meeting supplies. A car is highly desired. Very flexible work schedule offered to accommodate various weekend meetings.

Bahá’í Distribution Service, Fulton County, GA: Business Office Manager. Will manage all aspects of Business Office activities: coordinate/communicate with BDS manager and buying office, Office of the Treasurer, other Bahá’í offices, authors, publishers, vendors and others nationally and internationally; supervise business office assistants. Minimum five years’ varied experience in accounting with a year’s management experience, extremely strong accounting skills through G/L; retail background a plus; fluency in Spanish or Persian along with English a plus; strong computer skills including QuickBooks and Excel. Must be highly motivated, problem solver, able to work independently.

Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Contribution Processing. Will be responsible for analyzing the wishes of the friends, recording and depositing contributions, assuring accuracy and timeliness of receipts. Should be able to work rapidly and accurately with computer database systems, be somewhat flexible in working hours and have a good sense of humor. Some accounting knowledge helpful but not necessary.

Kingdom Project/Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Administrative Assistant. Will maintain database of 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.

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

URGENT NEED

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION NEW YORK, NY

For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbnc.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.

ACROSS THE NATION

South DeKalb County, Georgia: Caretaker/Facilities Manager, Bahá’í Unity Center. Average: 35 hours a week. This 20,000-square-foot center on a four-acre, partly wooded lot includes a social hall with kitchen, newly remodeled gym, 300-seat auditorium, library, offices, boardroom, bookstore and prayer room. Uses include a growing Sunday School, regular South DeKalb Bahá’í community events, SED/outreach programs, and special events involving metro Atlanta’s approximately 45 Assemblies and 2,500 believers. Facilities also rented to some non-Bahá’í users. Caretaker/facilities manager will ensure efficient operation of Unity Center and take measures for safety and comfort of members, visitors and guests.

Duties involve maintenance/repairs/routine upkeep, purchasing and services contracting, scheduling/rental, inspecting building condition, answering voice mail, managing supplies and petty cash, enlisting/coordinating volunteers, consultation/reporting.

Caretaker is provided a 3-bedroom residence. Must be fit for moderate physical labor and must commit to at least 18 months of service. [Page 33]

URGENT NEED AT THE BAHÁ’Í 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.usbnc.org

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

YOUTH

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC, is accepting applications for the following unpaid semester-long internship positions beginning in fall 2001:

Research Assistant. Performs research in some or all of the following areas: status of women, sustainable development, support of the United Nations, human rights treaties, race unity; also helps out with day-to-day office operation.

Project Coordinator. Consults with staff and draws up proposals based on their recommendations for Web site design and/or exhibits; also helps out with day-to-day office operation.

Applicants must be at least in their junior or senior year of college, be a college graduate or in a graduate program with a proven area of interest related to the work of the Office of External Affairs.

To apply, send a résumé and cover letter to Internship Applications, Office of External Affairs, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., 1320 19th Street NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036-1610 (e-mail e-mail to ).

On the Web: Information about the Office of External Affairs can be found at www.usbnc.org under “NSA Departments,” at www.us.bahai.org, and in the Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly. Questions about the internship may be directed to the office (e-mail ).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

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

For information, please contact Micah Janus (phone 770-987-4489, pager 888-980-1833). To apply, send a letter of interest, a résumé and a list of references with contact information to the Bahá’í Unity Center, 2370 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, Georgia 30035, Attn: Caretaker Search Committee (e-mail ). More details on Web site (www.wabu.org; click on “Bahá’í Unity Center”).

Wanted: Biographies of U.S. Latino Bahá’ís who have pioneered, served on committees or Assemblies past or present, or any Latinos who may have met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or Shoghi Effendi. The Hispanic desk of the Western States is compiling an archive of Latino Bahá’ís in the United States, for historical perspective as well as a current database. Please submit your information in writing, video or audio tapes, along with any available letters or pictures. The time is crucial to begin collecting historical data on Latinos. Please don’t be shy! Submit a biography of yourself or people you know. All Latinos need to be counted. Send information to Linda Almonte, Hispanic Desk-Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States, (phone , e-mail ).

INTERNATIONAL

The Bahá’í International Community, United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, wishes to hire an experienced Secretary (part time: 20 hours per week) with strong proficiency in the English language. Starting date: Sept. 1, 2001. Skills required: MS Windows/Word, Editing and French. Experience at the UN or with other NGO an asset. Please address application with CV to Mrs. Gail Madjoub, Bahá’í International Community—UN Office, Route des Morillons 15, (phone , fax +41 22 798 65 77, e-mail ).

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

Seeking information for our local archives on Gayle Reddin and daughter Mahdah Reddin, reported in one book to have been Bahá’ís in Birmingham, Alabama, around 1925. If Mahdah is still alive, she would be about in her 80s and may have been married and taken a different last name. Local Bahá’í archives do not mention them, as our first Spiritual Assembly was formed in 1943. There is nothing on them in the National Archives either. If anyone has any information on them, please contact Keitha Hudson, (phone , e-mail ).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: M.A. Fox, Samuel Fox, Thea Francis, Brenda Ray Moryck Francke, Harriet Frantz, Patty Frantz, Gordon Alan Fraser, Lois G. Fraser, Frank Fredericks, Lee Freedman and Amalia Freiburger. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-853-2359).

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following for its collection: Helen and Lou Eggleston, Marion Jack, Seals & Crofts, Alain Locke, Robert Abbott, Lut-fu’lláh Hakim, Paul Thiele, Mathew Kaszab, Dorothy Champ. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Please identify photographs if possible.

WANTED

To all college-educated Bahá’ís: The Research Office at the Bahá’í National Center maintains e-mail lists of Bahá’ís in this country who either work on college faculties or at least have earned college degrees. These lists are used to notify members of upcoming research projects, scholarly events, or educational issues of national Bahá’í importance. If you would like to be notified when such events occur, please send your name, current career background and e-mail address to the Research Office (e-mail ).

Back issues of Brilliant Star available, from 1986 through 1997. All issues are in excellent or good condition, with no coloring or marking on the pages. Entire set (mostly complete) free to anyone interested in having these excellent resources for children. Bahá’í schools or children’s class teachers will be given first priority and free shipping. If interested, please write to Betsy Freeth, (e-mail ).

KALANTAR,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

preparation to be a wife and mother. But her mother’s untimely death in 1958—followed by a stroke that disabled her father for some time—left her in charge of rearing five younger sisters at age 22.

Though she carried out this unexpected duty with determination, the experience added to a growing list of questions about God and religion that had perplexed her all her life.

In 1960, Nora found answers when she learned about the Bahá’í Faith in the home of Elahi and Emilie Kalantar, pioneers to Manizales. She embraced the Faith, in March 1961, and months later married the Kalantars’ son Kenneth. They soon were at their first pioneering post, Cartagena, where they helped preserve an Assembly.

With young son Kenneth Jr., they moved in 1963 to Meriden, ‎Conecticut Connecticut‎, where another son, David, was born and an extended family gathered that included Kenneth Sr.’s parents and two of Nora’s sisters. In 1967 the Bahá’ís of Meriden elected their first Spiritual Assembly.

After two years in Skokie, Illinois, the family moved in 1969 to Puerto Rico, first in Mayagüez and later in San Germán. While Ken worked as a chemistry instructor at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Nora studied and earned high school equivalency—immediately gaining admission to the university to study elementary education. Ultimately she earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision in 1980.

In addition to service on Local Assemblies and committees, she traveled with family members to teach or otherwise serve the Faith in Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. Nora was one of Puerto Rico’s representatives at the commemoration of the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, May 1992, at the Bahá’í World Center.

Nora’s career as a schoolteacher began in 1977 in Meriden, where her husband returned to work toward a doctoral degree. After the family moved back to San Germán, Nora taught elementary school till her retirement in 1995. For several years she also taught Spanish part time at the university.

“Relatives, friends and strangers can always enjoy a feeling of well being, of peace and comfort when visiting with Nora and her family, a feeling which, no doubt, is a result of the manner in which the family was raised—in an atmosphere of true love, understanding, consideration, wisdom and spirituality,” a friend wrote in 1990.

The couple moved to Palm Coast in 1996 after Ken retired. They served on the town’s first-ever Spiritual Assembly along with her son and daughter-in-law.

Diagnosed with stomach cancer in February 2000, she moved with Ken back to Puerto Rico, where they lived near another son until her passing.

Her remains were buried in the same tomb that contains the remains of Emilie Moore Kalantar, her mother-in-law, in San Germán. ♦

The following e-mail message of the Universal House of Justice was received by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico on April 18, 2001: Dear Bahá’í Friends, The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn from Mr. Kenneth E. Kalantar, Sr., of the passing of his dear wife Mrs. Eleonora López Kalantar, devoted maidservant of the Cause for more than four decades, and will offer ardent supplications at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her soul. Kindly extend to her family and friends the loving sympathy of the House of Justice and the assurance of its prayers for their comfort and consolation at this difficult time. With loving Bahá’í greetings, Department of the Secretariat

[Page 34]

World Order

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

Spring 2001: Special Issue on the Family

• Martha Schweitz, “Family Governance: For Love and Justice”
• Michael L. Penn, “Eradicating Gender-Based Violence: Successes and Challenges”
• Caren Rosenthal and Leili Towfigh, “Truth-Telling and Healing Families: An Analysis of Thomas Vinterberg’s The Celebration”

Still available: Winter 2000–01 Julio Savi, “The Declaration Dominus Iesus: A Brake on Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue” • Gary L. Morrison, “Loulan Beauty: Encountering the Xinjiang Mummies” • Peter Murphy, “Pausing for Poetry: A Review of Americans’ Favorite Poems: The Favorite Poems Project Anthology”

Coming soon: Firuz Kazemzadeh reviews Century of Light • M. Eric Horton on individuals and family in Gregory Nava’s El Norte • Leila Milani on the role of women in peace • Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine on Dangerous Intersections • June Manning Thomas on the relationship between urban planning and racism • Richard Thomas looks at the rich history of intercultural and interracial collaboration in the U.S. • And, what do aliens-in-batik and animal theology have in common? Find out soon.

Subscriptions: U.S.—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$24 / year, $46 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$32 / year, $62 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + 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

• General presentations in both Persian and English
• Youth and pre-youth sessions in English on conference theme; children’s classes for ages 3–11
• Visits to House of Worship and Chicago Bahá’í historic sites

PRESENTERS TO INCLUDE: Dr. Simin Sheybani, Dr. Shapur Rassekh, Dr. Vahid Rafati, Dr. Iraj Ayman, Dr. Franklin Dean Lewis

TOPICS TO INCLUDE: Women’s Progress in Iran, their Future, and the Role of the Bahá’í Teachings; Social and Cultural Developments in Contemporary Iran; Iran of Tomorrow in the Future World Community; The State of Scholarship in the Bahá’í World; Development of Education in Iran and the Role of the Iranian Bahá’í Community, Mawláná Jalálud-Dín Rúmí

Youth topics: The State of the Youth in Iran; The Joy of Learning Persian Language and Literature

ARTISTIC PRESENTATIONS: Music, drama, poetry reading, folk dance performances

ONSITE REGISTRATION Fees: Adult or youth (12+): $45; Child (3–11): $50. One-day fee (all ages): $20.

HOTEL RESERVATION SPECIAL RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT A SECOND HOTEL: The Marriott Courtyard in Wood Dale, Illinois, has agreed to provide a special rate for those who attend the Conference of the Friends of Persian Culture. A free shuttle will be provided to the conference location 1.2 miles away. Special rates: King size bed, $72 Two double beds, $79 Mention “Persian Bahá’í Arts Conference” when you call to reserve a room: 800-228-9290 or 847-375-3426

PHONE FOR INFORMATION Office of Persian-American Affairs, 847-733-3531, 3476 or 3528

One Country

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

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly

For subscription information: See “Kid’s Corner,” page 22

The American Bahá’í

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

Herald of the South

Quarterly by National Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand Subscriptions: U.S.—$28 / year, $50 / 2 years Outside U.S.: Contact Herald of the South, e-mail Single copy: $8 + shipping/handling

Youths: Call ahead if ... ... you would like to share your thoughts or artistic or poetic talent. Contact Sheedeh Mahboobipoor (phone daytime, evening).

Children: Call ahead if ... ... you want to perform (poetry recitation, music, dance, etc.). Contact the Persian-American Affairs Office (number at left).

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

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Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from U.S. bank, payable to Bahá’í Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents include applicable sales tax.

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Phone orders: 800-999-9019 • E-mail orders: Mail orders: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 TAB 8/20/01

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

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TAB 8/20/01 [Page 35]...عقاید دیگران صورت گیرد. مراعات این اصل که وظیفه اجتماعی و اخلاقی هر شهروند آگاه است برای یک فرد بهائی که "هزار لوح گواه" اوست که "سبب حزن نگردد" تا چه رسد به فساد و نزاع، این مراعات اخلاق و آداب انسانیت از وظائف اساسی دیانتی اوست.

با اینکه گمان می‌رفت که مطالب بالا به روشنی در نوشته مذکور بیان شده بود، گزارشی رسیده که بعضی از یاران عزیز آن شرح را جواز تماس گرفتن با رسانه‌های فارسی‌زبان قلمداد نموده‌اند. از این رو ذیلاً به توضیح بیشتری می‌پردازیم:

۱- محفل روحانی ملی میل ندارند که یاران الهی از سر خود مقالات و نامه برای سردبیر نشریات فارسی‌زبان بفرستند یا به ایستگاه‌های رادیوئی و تلویزیونی تلفن کنند و در باره مسائل بهائی به اظهار نظر بپردازند.

۲- ارائه و بیان حقایق در باره امر بهائی در رسانه‌های گروهی مستلزم مهارت‌های ویژه و احتیاط لازم است که هر دوی اینها در همه کس وجود ندارد. یعنی همه افراد جامعه مهارت و احتیاط لازم را دارا نیستند. این کار نیازمند آموزش در فنون کلام و بیان، تجربه لازم در کار با مطبوعات و موقع شناسی در قبال هزاران شنونده و خواننده است.

بویژه در زمان حاضر که در اذهان بسیاری از هموطنان ما و مسؤولین رسانه‌های گروهی فارسی‌زبان تا حدودی نظر مثبت نسبت به امر مبارک بوجود آمده و حتی بعضی به کسب اطلاعات درست و مستند در بارهٔ این آیین که زادگاهش ایران است علاقه مند شده‌اند، باید بیش از حد معمول احتیاط بخرج دهیم تا آنچه از جانب بهائیان عنوان می شود درست و منطقی و مستند باشد و مطلبی ابراز نشود که موجد سوء‌تفاهم یا موجب رنجش گردد.

۳- باید بپذیریم که چون در ایران سابقه تماس با رسانه‌های گروهی نداشتیم هیچیک از ما زبان لازم برای بیان مطالب را به هزاران و میلیونها مخاطب نیاموخته ایم و عادت کرده ایم که با بکار بردن کلمات و عبارات مصطلح در آثار امری گفتگو کنیم یا بنویسیم. نتیجه اینکه اکثر آنچه می‌نویسیم تنها برای بهائیان و کسانی که با نوشته‌های امری آشنایی دارند قابل فهم و استفاده است و از همه ما ساخته نیست که بتوانیم از رسانه‌ها به نحوی مؤثر استفاده کنیم. شواهد زیادی در چند سال گذشته داشته ایم که دخالت‌های تلفنی و غیر از آن در برنامه‌ای که در حال پخش بوده باعث شده که مخاطبین برنامه دریابند که برخی اعضاء جامعه بهائی اشخاص مؤدبی نیستند و اصلاً تحمل شنیدن مطالبی به غیر از آنچه خود معتقدند را ندارند. و یا مقالاتی بقلم یکی از بهائیان در نشریه‌ای درج شده که اشتباهاتی داشته یا در سبک نوشته مراعات حکمت نگردیده. البته این گونه موارد باعث ایجاد نظر منفی در بارهٔ دیانت بهائی شده است و عمل فرد بهائی که قطعاً از روی دلسوزی بوده نتیجه منفی به بار آورده است.

۴- به همین دلیل محفل روحانی ملی افراد معینی را تعیین فرموده اند که برای تماس با رسانه‌های گروهی صلاحیت دارند و با صوابدید تشکیلات و یاران صاحب نظر دیگر بموقع اقدام لازم را می نمایند.

۵- در مقاله ۲۶ فبروری ۲۰۰۱ در آمریکن بهائی کوشش شده بود نظر دوستان را به این توصیه معطوف دارد که اگر رسانه‌های گروهی با احبّاء تماس گرفتند و از آنها انتظار می‌رفت که به پرسشهائی پاسخ بدهند، و فرصت آن نبود که با تشکیلات ملی مشورت کنند، دست کم بیاموزند که چگونه پاسخ گویند تا نتیجه مطلوب به دست آید.

۶- آنچه که محفل روحانی ملی انتظار دارد اینست که هر گاه دوستان مشاهده کنند که در یکی از رسانه‌های فارسی‌زبان ذکری از امر مبارک شده آن را به هیأت ملی رسانه‌های گروهی گزارش دهند تا عکس العمل صحیح در باره‌اش انجام گیرد. برای ارائه پیشنهادها یا کسب اطلاعات بیشتر در این باب می توان با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی-آمریکانی در دارالانشاء محفل روحانی ملی تماس گرفت. تلفن ۳۵۲۶-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷)

انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION

در آستانه قرنی نوین موضوع محوری یازدهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی است. اساتید و سخنرانان امسال در بارهٔ موضوع های زیر با ما سخن خواهند گفت:

یادی از چند شاعر ایرانی، شعر فارسی در افغانستان، تحولات اجتماعی در ایران امروز، سیمای زن در فرهنگ ایران، تحول تعلیم و تربیت در ایران، موسیقی ایرانی در زمان ما، "غربت" در شعر فارسی، تحولات فرهنگی و فکری ‎وادبی و ادبی‎ در ایران امروز، نیازهای تحقیقی وتألیفی در جامعه بهائی، مولانا جلال الدین رومی، تحول در وضع جوانان ایران، جایگاه ایران در جامعه جهانی فردا، رسانه های گروهی فارسی زبان.

هنرمندان عزیز ایرانی برنامه‌های ویژه شعر و موسیقی و رقص‌های محلی ایرانی را اجرا خواهند نمود. کتاب فروشی و نمایشگاه آثار هنری در محل کنفرانس مثل هر سال دایر خواهد بود.

تاریخ کنفرانس از پنجشنبه ۳۰ آگست تا یکشنبه ۲ سپبر ۲۰۰۱ است و محل آن در هتل ویندام شمال غرب شیکاگو در شهرک آتسکا است:

Wyndham Northwest Chicago Hotel, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, IL 60143 Telephone: (630) 773-4000

حقوق الله

HUQUQ’ULLAH

حضرت بهاء‌الله می‌فرمایند: این بسی معلوم و واضح است که ادای حقوق الهی سبب نعمت و برکت و عزّت و حفظ بوده و خواهد بود... و این در صورتی است که به کمال روح و ریحان و میل به احکام کتاب عمل نمایند.

برای ارسال حقوق‌الله، لطفاً از نشانی امناء حقوق الله مندرج در صفحه ۳ در این نشریه استفاده فرمائید.

انتشارات تازه

NEW PUBLICATIONS

به تازگی چهار عنوان فارسی به کتابخانه محفل روحانی ملی رسیده که عبارتست از:

مقاله شخصی سیاح که در تفصیل قضیه باب نوشته است اثر کلک حضرت عبدالبهاء، مشتمل بر تاریخ امر مبارک از آغاز تا زمان نگارش کتاب در عکّا (۱۱۲ صفحه). ناشر: مؤسسه مطبوعات امری آلمان، چاپ اول تلفن: ۱۱-۰۹-۶۱۹۲-۲۲۹۲۱

ذکرالله خادم، ایادی امرالله نوشته خانم جاویدخت خادم همسر حضرت ایادی امرالله جناب ذکرالله خادم، مشتمل بر شرح زندگانی و خدمات ایشان (۴۸۴ صفحه).

ظهور و حقیقت انسان دومین اثر از دکتر فیروز براقی، مشتمل بر ۲۳ موضوع در پنج فصل (۳۱۴ صفحه). این کتاب "حاوی مطالب چندی است که از قدیم و جدید خاطر اهل اندیشه را به خود مشغول داشته است"(از پیشگفتار).

قیام به خدمت

برنامه درسی مؤسسه روحی، دفتر دوم مشتمل بر سه مبحث شوق تبلیغ، تزیید معلومات در مواضیع امری و معرفی عقاید بهائی

سه عنوان بالا از انتشارات مؤسسه معارف بهائی در کانادا است. تلفن: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸-۹۰۵-۰۱۱

حماسه جاوید

داستان دلاوری ها و جانبازی های پیروان باب و بهاء، مشتمل بر شرح رویدادها در تاریخ امر بابی و بهائی از آغاز (۱۸۴۴) تا صعود حضرت بهاء‌الله (۱۸۹۲). در پیشگفتار اشاره شده که این کتاب بجهت توجیه آرمان مقدسی که هزاران جان پاک در راه آن نثار شده به رشته تحریر در آمده است.

کتاب شعر، سراینده روح الله سخنور، ناشر مؤسسه مطبوعاتی مرآت در هندوستان:

Mir’at Publications, P.O.Box 4273, New Delhi- 110048, INDIA

[Page 36]مشخصات اصلی نقشه پنج ساله عبارت است از:

• پیشبرد جریان تحقق بخشیدن به وعده "یدخلون فی دین الله افواجا"
• سهیم ساختن کودکان بهائی در جریانات امر مبارک و تربیت امری آنان
• پرورش اقدامات فردی
• تأکید درباره اهمیت تقلیب روحانی افراد و جوامع بهائی و تشکیلات امری و ترویج آن
• تأثیر گذاردن بر مسیر جریان امور انسانی

در نقشه پنج ساله رسالت روحانی افراد بهائی اعم از کودکان و نوجوانان و جوانان و بزرگسالان مورد توجه قرار گرفته و خطاب به هر گروه مطالبی خاطرنشان گردیده و برای هر یک اهدافی معین شده است.

همچنین در نقشه رسالت و اهداف جوامع بهائی، تشکیلات امری، شوراهای بهائی منطقه‌ای و مؤسسات آموزشی تعیین گردیده است.

در پایان متن نقشه اظهار امیدواری شده که "با توجه به پیشرفت‌های چشمگیری که در زمینه رشد اصولی جامعه بهائی در پنج سال گذشته حاصل گردیده، نظر محفل روحانی این است که شرایط لازم برای توسعه امر مبارک در سطحی بالا فراهم آمده است." اما آنچه حصول توفیق را ممکن می‌سازد به فرموده معهد اعلی "همت و تلاشی درخور علمداران دلیر است."

ترجمه کامل متن نقشه پنج‌ساله را می‌توان از دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی درخواست نمود.

پخش صدمین برنامه رادیو پیام دوست

PAYAM-E-DOOST RADIO BROADCASTS ITS 100TH PROGRAM

رادیو پیام دوست، اولین رادیوی موج کوتاه بهائی در جهان، در روز ۲۹ ژوئیه ۲۰۰۱ صدمین برنامه رادیویی موج کوتاه خود را پخش کرد. این رادیو از رضوان سال ۱۵۸ بدیع با اراده و هدایت بیت العدل اعظم الهی و راهنمایی و پشتیبانی اداری محفل مقدس روحانی ملی آمریکا به همت و یاری چند تن از دست‌اندرکاران و متخصصین رادیویی بهائی، برنامه‌های خود را بمدت نیم ساعت روی آنتن موج کوتاه اینترنت بُرد و برای فارسی زبانان و بویژه ایرانیان مقیم ایران و سایر ممالک جهان برنامه‌هایی با هدف ایجاد تفاهم و پیوند دلها آغاز نمود. این رادیو در مدت کمتر از چهار ماه ایرانیان را از پیام صلح آمیز و امیدبخش و آرمان مهر و دوستی، عشق و اتحاد و نقش دیانت بهائی در نوسازی و برقراری وحدت عالم انسانی آگاه نمود و با استفاده از آثار بهائی، مصاحبه با متخصصین و طرح مطالب متنوع عظمت و جهانی بودن دیانت بهائی را نمودار ساخت. استقبال بی نظیر از این برنامه‌ها و بازتاب پخش روزانه آنها برای میلیونها شنونده فارسی زبان در ایران و دیگر نقاط جهان، از جمله خاورمیانه، آسیای دور، اروپا و آمریکا بر اهمیت وجودی این اقدام تأکید دارد که ایرانیان، مخصوصاً ساکنین زادگاه آئین بهائی تشنه عشق و محبت، نیازمند به نیروی الهی و محتاج تعالیم آسمانی حضرت بهاءالله هستند تا بتوانند با امیدی دوباره به آینده‌ای بهتر و درخشانتر دلبندند.

درجه تأثیر برنامه‌های رادیو پیام دوست در انتقال این پیام حیات بخش بطرق مختلف در ارتباط مستقیم شنوندگان با رادیو کاملاً محسوس است. واکنش‌های مثبت شنوندگان تقریباً بطور روزانه بوسیله پست الکترونیکی، تلفن و نامه با مسؤولین رادیو درمیان گذارده می‌شود. با مروری مختصر به چند نامه دریافت شده میتوان مؤثر بودن برنامه‌های رادیو پیام دوست را در این مدت کوتاه حس کرد. بعنوان مثال شنونده‌ای در تماس تلفنی خود با پرشنونده‌ترین رادیوی برون مرزی در ایران از کیفیت دریافت برنامه‌های رادیو پیام دوست اظهار خشنودی کرد و گفت، «رادیو بهائی را که صدایش بسیار رساست خیلی‌ها در ایران گوش می‌کنند.» شخصی دیگر نوشت «قصد داشتم در انتقاد و ردّ بهائیت کتابی بنویسم ولیکن با شنیدن برنامه‌های شما نظریه‌ام کاملاً عوض شده است و از این بابت بسیار خوشحال هستم. از شما بسیار سپاسگزارم...» اشخاص دیگری از نقاط مختلف دنیا بوسیله تلفن و پست الکترونیکی مطالب بیشتری برای آشنایی با دیانت بهائی خواستار شده اند و به پرسش سؤالات متعدد در زمینه تاریخ و اصول عقاید دیانت بهائی پرداخته اند. جای بسیار خرسندی است که عده زیادی از احباء فارسی زبان - مخصوصاً جوانان - از طریق نامه و پست با اظهار لطف و محبت فراوان از برنامه‌ها تمجید و تقدیر نموده اند. جوانی نوشت که «من هر شب رادیو پیام دوست را گوش می‌کنم و برنامه‌های شما به من امثال و من امیدی دوباره داده است.» شخصی دیگر از اینکه «برنامه‌ها بسیار قابل استفاده و جالب است» و «مطمئناً باعث رفع سوء تفاهم‌ها خواهد شد» سخن می‌گوید. شخصی دیگر از اثرات مثبت برنامه‌ها نوشته و خاطرنشان ساخته که، «در حالی که تمام رادیوها دَم از جنگ و نزاع می‌زنند چه بجاست که پیام دوست تنها برنامه‌ای است که از صلح و صفا و صمیمیت حرف می‌زند، چیزی که مردم در حال حاضر واقعاً به آن احتیاج دارند... خیلی ممنونم.»

مسئولین رادیو پیام دوست ضمن سپاسگزاری از اظهار محبت تک تک شنوندگان عزیز بسیار خوشحال و شاکرند که با فراهم شدن موقعیتی چنین استثنائی تجربیات و دانش خود را در راه ترویج تعالیم الهی در میان فارسی زبانان بکار گرفته و با ایجاد محیطی مملو از عشق، محبت و امید در دل میلیونها شنونده جانی ثابت پیدا کرده اند.

بدینوسیله از تمامی کسانیکه مایلند در این میدان خدمت و فعالیت به دست اندرکاران این رادیو بپیوندند دعوت می‌شود آمادگی خود را برای همکاری با ما در میان بگذارند. نیاز همکاری در تمامی زمینه‌ها وجود دارد از جمله نوشتن مقالات، گویندگی، ترجمه، امور فنی و صدابرداری دیجیتال بر پایه نرم افزارهای کامپیوتری. دوستانی که مایل به حمایت مالی و مادی این رادیو هستند خواهشمندیم با قسمت امور مالی رادیو پیام دوست تماس حاصل فرمایند.

رادیو پیام دوست روی موج کوتاه ردیف ۴۱ متر برابر با ۷۴۸۰ کیلوهرتز از ساعت ۱۰ونیم تا ۱۱ هر شب به وقت طهران (۶ تا ۶ و نیم بعدازظهر به وقت گرینیچ) و موج متوسط ردیف ۱۱۲۰ ای‌ام هر یکشنبه از ساعت ۹ و نیم تا ۱۰ و نیم صبح بوقت شرق آمریکا در منطقه واشنگتن دی‌سی پخش می‌شود. در ضمن برنامه‌های موج کوتاه، موج متوسط و ویدیو گشایش رسمی طبقات کوه کرمل به زبان فارسی در سایت اینترنت رادیو در دسترس علاقه‌مندان است.

ارتباط با رسانه‌های گروهی

COMMUNICATIONS WITH PERSIAN MEDIA

در شماره مورخ ۲۶ فبروری ۲۰۰۱ نشریه آمریکین بهائی صفحه ۲۸ پیامی از طرف هیأت ملی امور احبای ایرانی-آمریکایی با عنوان ارتباط با رسانه‌های گروهی خطاب به احبای ایرانی درج گردید.

در آن پیام دو نکته اساسی قید شده بود. اول آنکه تماس با رسانه‌های گروهی برای اظهار و توجیه حقایق در باره دیانت بهائی نیاز به آگاهی‌ها و تجربیاتی دارد که همه افراد بهائی ممکن است دارا نباشند. به این سبب هیچ فرد بهائی نباید به نمایندگی از دیانت بهائی با رسانه‌های گروهی تماس بگیرد و اصول اعتقادات بهائی را بیان کند یا به تصحیح و تنقیح برنامه‌هایی بپردازد که يحتمل مطلبی خلاف واقع یا ناقص در باره دیانت بهائی گفته‌اند.

تشکیلات بهائی نهادهایی را که برای تماس با رسانه‌های گروهی صلاحیت و آمادگی لازم را دارند مأمور نموده است که با هدایت آن تشکیلات در هر مورد بنحو مناسب اقدام نمایند. منطق این خط مشی اداری بهائی نیز بکرات در نشریات بهائی توضیح و توجیه شده است.

نکته اساسی دوم که مکمل اولی است این است که اگرچه اصل آزادی بیان ایجاب می‌کند که هر فرد بهائی به عنوان یک شهروند مطلع می‌تواند با رسانه‌ها تماس بگیرد و نظرات انتقادی خود را درباره موضوع‌های مختلف بیان دارد، همان اصل آزادی بیان حکم می‌کند که این اظهار نظر در کمال ادب و با مراعات آداب و احترام به [Page 37]عنوان ولی امرالله و مبین منصوص آیات الهیه تعیین شدند، در عین حال که تصدیق می‌فرمایند اتخاذ تصمیم نسبت به اینکه آیا شخصی مؤمن حقیقی است یا خیر، مسأله‌ای ظریف و بغرنج می‌باشد، عوامل مهمه‌ای را که قبل از اتخاذ تصمیم نسبت به اینکه آیا می‌توان شخصی را مؤمن حقیقی دانست یا خیر، باید مد نظر قرار داد، برای محافل روحانیه تعیین فرمودند که عبارت است از "اعتراف تام به مقام مبشر و شارع و مثل اعلای امر بهائی به نحوی که در الواح وصایای حضرت عبدالبهاء بیان شده، قبول بلاشرط و اطاعت از آنچه به قلم مبارکشان نازل گشته، انقیاد صادقانه و راسخ نسبت به هر یک از فقرات الواح مبارکه وصایای حضرت مولی الورى و ارتباط نزدیک با روح و شکل تشکیلات کنونی بهائی در تمام عالم." (نظامات بهائی، ترجمه لجنه ملی ترجمه آثار امری، ص ۵)

با توجه به فقراتی که از آثار مبارکه نقل گردید، خروج از جامعه بهائی، بدون خروج از ظل امر بهائی، فی نفسه امری متناقض می‌باشد. جامعه بهائی را باید در پرتو وجود واقعیش مشاهده نمود. ضرورت وجودی آن به صورت یک عنصر تفکیک‌ناپذیر از نفس امر مبارک در هدف از ظهور حضرت بهاءالله، که ایجاد مدنیت روحانیه می‌باشد، بیان گردیده است. تحقق این هدف و روحی که حضرت بهاءالله به عالم عنایت فرموده‌اند، عبارت از نظمی است که آن حضرت مقدر فرموده و در کتاب مستطاب اقدس با این بیان به آن اشاره فرموده‌اند: "قد اضطرب النظم من هذا النظم الاعظم و اختلف الترتيب بهذا البديع الذي ما شهدت عين الابداع شبهه." (کتاب مستطاب اقدس، بند ۱۸۱)

به طور معمول، در این قبیل موارد محفل روحانی فقط در نتیجه اقدام یک فرد، یا با اعلام ایمان او به حضرت بهاءالله، یا بیان تمایلش به خروج از ظل امر مبارک، یا در موارد بسیار نادر، در ترویج مصرانه مفاهیمی که به وضوح با اصول و مبانی عضویت که فوقاً ذکر شد، مباینت دارد، اتخاذ تصمیم می‌نمایند.

اقبال به امرالله یک اقدام اختیاری از طرف فرد است و تسجیل توسط مؤسسه مربوطه بهائی صورت می‌گیرد، مگر آنکه دلیلی موجه برای خودداری از تسجیل وجود داشته باشد. همچنین یک فرد بهائی مختار است که داوطلبانه از ظل امر الهی خارج شود. وقتی که یک عضو جامعه به محفل روحانی اطلاع می‌دهد که مایل به حذف نام می‌باشد، محفل سعی خواهد کرد به وی مساعدت نماید تا بر مسائلی که به نظر می‌رسد علت تمایل وی به چنین اقدامی است، غلبه نماید. اگر فرد در نیت خود مُصرّ باشد، معمولاً محفل روحانی با حذف نام وی موافقت می‌کند، مگر آنکه زمینه سوء ظنی دال بر عدم صداقت وی و وجود انگیزه نهائی، مانند عدول از احکام امریه با مصونیت از مجازات، موجود باشد.

علی‌رغم تشویق محبت‌آمیزی که از طرف محافل روحانیه ابراز می‌گردد، تمام افراد بهائی در امور جامعه فعال نیستند. البته این امر ضرورتاً بر حذف نام و کناره‌گیری از جامعه دلالت ندارد. یک محفل روحانی باید به دقت بین نفوسی که فعال نیستند، اما در عین حال خود را در ظل امر مبارک می‌دانند و کسانی که عدم فعالیت آنها نشانه بی‌علاقگی کامل و تمایل به عدم ارتباط با امر مبارک می‌باشد، تمایز قائل گردند.

وقتی که تقاضای خروج فرد از ظل امرالله پذیرفته شده باشد، وضع وی مانند یک فرد غیربهائی است و (به غیر از مواردی که ذیلاً ذکر می‌گردد) رابطه وی با تشکیلات بهائی و آحاد احبا، همانند هر یک از افراد غیربهائی دیگر می‌باشد. مانند هر رابطه انسانی دیگر، نزدیکی این ارتباط و گرمی روابط دوستانه به عوامل شخصی بستگی دارد.

گاهی اوقات، بعد از پذیرش تقاضای حذف نام یک فرد، معلوم می‌شود که اظهارات وی غیرصادقانه و صرفاً برای فرار از اجرای احکام امری بوده است. ضرورتی ندارد که محفل روحانی در چنین موردی، اقدامی علنی انجام دهد، بلکه موضوع را در سوابق موجود وارد می‌کند. به عبارت دیگر، در خصوص پذیرش اقدام بعدی این فرد در اعلام ایمان به امر مبارک، تا زمانی که محفل روحانی قانع نشده که اظهارات وی با ایمان کامل بیان گردیده است، باید محتاطانه رفتار کند. همچنین با توجه به مقتضیات و شرایط موجود، محفل روحانی ممکن است او را ملزم سازد نسبت به جبر کسر حدود، که انگیزه وی در خروج از ظل امر الهی بوده است، قیام نماید.

وضعیت مشابه زمانی رخ می‌دهد که شخصی مرتکب عملی می‌گردد که حدس می‌زند ممکن است به اعلام نام وی به عنوان ناقض میثاق منجر شود، و لذا با این تصور که ممکن است با خروج از جامعه از چنین نتیجه‌ای جلوگیری کند، تقاضای حذف نام می‌نماید. استنتاج بیت العدل اعظم ممکن است چنین باشد که حذف نام موجد حمایت کافی جامعه از شخص مورد بحث گردد. معهذا، اگر او، بعد از حذف نام، در تلاش برای تضعیف عهد و پیمان الهی اصرار ورزد یا با ناقضین میثاق مرتبط شود، ممکن است به عنوان ناقض میثاق اعلام گردد و به احبا، گفته شود که از هر گونه تماس و معاشرت با وی اجتناب نمایند. هر مورد را باید با توجه به شرایط و اوضاع و احوال خاص خود مورد بررسی و مطالعه قرار داد.

یک وضعیت دیگر نیز وجود دارد که باید به آن اشاره نمود. اعمال بعضی از نفوسی که قبلاً بهائی بوده‌اند، الزاماً شامل نقض میثاق نیست، اما شدیداً مخرب و مضر است. وقتی که چنین نفوسی در مقابل توضیحات و انذارات تشکیلات بهائی مقاومت و بی اعتنائی نمایند، معاشرت مداوم با آنها می‌تواند نگران‌کننده باشد و از لحاظ روحانی بر ایمان احبا، تأثیرات زیانبار بگذارد. در چنین مواردی مرکز امرالله و مرجع کل امور ممکن است صرفاً به احبا، توصیه نماید آنها را به حال خود واگذارند.

به این ترتیب، مواردی استثنائی وجود دارند که طرز تلقی و نگرش روحانی یک بهائی سابق نسبت به امرالله ممکن است، به درجات متفاوت، موجب بیگانگی بین او و بهائیان گردد. معهذا، به طور کلی، شخصی که از امر مبارک کناره‌گیری کرده باشد در زمره اکثریت افراد بشر تلقی گردد که بهائیان به معاشرت "بالروح و الريحان" با آنها تشویق و ترغیب می‌گردند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت العدل اعظم

نقشه پنج ساله

FIVE YEAR PLAN

همانگونه که خوانندگان عزیز آگاهی دارند در رضوان سال جاری محفل روحانی ملی متن نقشه پنج ساله را اعلام فرمود. رئوس مطالب نقشه در زیر درج می‌گردد.

در آغاز نقشه ذکر شده که مقدر است که ایالات متحده رهبری روحانی جهان را به دست گیرد و بهائیان این کشور نیز رسالتی بر عهده دارند که در اتمام مراحل نقشه الهی دخیل باشند. "این رسالت مستلزم آن است که احباء، دل و جان و روش و رفتار خود را به کلی دگرگون سازند و نفحات تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله را به مشام جان همۀ مردمان برسانند." و بدین منظور "احباء باید روزانه بکوشند که در زندگی خود آرمان‌های والای امر مبارک را در عمل نشان دهند و بدین ترتیب رسالت روحانی ملت و جامعه را به پیش رانند."

هدف اصلی نقشه پنج ساله آن است که "نظام و اساسی پی افکنده شود که نیازهای روحانی ساکنان این دیار تأمین شود و قابلیت افراد و جوامع و تشکیلات... برای محبت و خدمت و تبلیغ و پذیرش همۀ کسانی که برای دستیابی به حقیقت روحانی می‌کوشند، افزایش" یابد.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی دورنما و طرح کلی نقشه پنج ساله را به احبا، عنایت فرمودند. کمک به تحقق وعدۀ "يدخلون في دين الله افواجا" و پیشبرد جریان آن از طریق کوشش‌های منظم احبا، و جوامع بهائی و تشکیلات امری هدف عمدۀ نقشه مذکور است. وحدت نژادی و تساوی حقوق زن و مرد نیز همچنان درونمایه‌های اصلی نقشه را تشکیل خواهد داد. [Page 38]

ترجمه متحدالمال دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم مورخ ۸ فوریه ۲۰۰۱

خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی

Persian Translation of the Message Dated February 8, 2001 of the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice to All National Spiritual Assemblies

Applicability of Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

درباره وجوب اجرای احکام و حدود کتاب مستطاب اقدس

یاران عزیز الهی

در تاریخ ۹ می ۱۹۹۳ نسخه ای از نامه ای را که در تاریخ ۹ جون ۱۹۷۴ به محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایسلند نوشته شده بود برای هر یک از محافل روحانی ملی ارسال داشتیم. آن نامه حاوی صورت احکامی بود که اجرای آنها در آن زمان در مغرب زمین واجب نبود. در نامه مذکور ذکر شده بود که اجرای حکم حقوق الله از رضوان ۱۹۹۲ برای عموم احبا فرض و واجب شده است. در پیام ۲۸ دسامبر ۱۹۹۹ بیت العدل اعظم به بهائیان سراسر عالم ابلاغ فرمودند که اجرای سایر حدود و احکام مربوط به نماز و روزه نیز برای عموم احبا واجب است.

برای مشخص شدن صورت احکامی که اجرای آنها در مغرب زمین فعلاً واجب نمی باشد مقرر شده است که فهرست ضمیمه را برایتان ارسال داریم تا به جای فهرست قبلی که در ماه می ۱۹۹۳ ارسال شده مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی

دارالانشاء

صورت احکامی از کتاب مستطاب اقدس که هنوز اجرای آنها در سراسر عالم واجب نمی باشد

۲۸ دسامبر ۱۹۹۹

بیت العدل اعظم در تعقیب اعلام وجوب اجرای احکام صلوه و صیام و ذکر الله ابهی، فهرست ذیل را تهیه فرموده اند که شامل احکامی از «تلخیص و تدوین احکام و حدود کتاب مستطاب اقدس» است که در حال حاضر اجرای آنها برای احبا در سراسر عالم بهائی واجب نیست. برای سهولت مراجعه شماره هر حکم در برابر آن آمده است.

۱-۹-۳ احکام مربوط به نامزدی

۱-۳-۱۰ احکام مربوط به مهریه

۱۲-۱۳-۱-۳ احکام مربوط به سفر شوهر و دور ماندن از همسر

۱۵ و ۱۴-۱-۳ احکام مربوط به باکره بودن زن در موقع ازدواج

۲-۲-۳ قسمت مربوط به پرداخت جریمه به بیت العدل اعظم در ارتباط با حکم طلاق

۳-۳ حکم ارث. در حال حاضر مشمول قوانین مدنی دربارۀ ارث است.

۱-۴-۱ حکم حج

۴-۱-۴ حکم مشرق الاذکار به تدریج به موقع اجرا گذارده می شود.

۶-۱-۴ اعیاد بهائی در مغرب زمین بنا بر تقویم میلادی برگزار می گردد تا زمانی که بیت العدل اعظم وضع مقررات لازم برای اجرای کامل تقویم بهائی را مقتضی بدانند.

۴-۱۰-۱ سن بلوغ فقط در مورد اجرای احکام شرعی مجری است. در سایر موارد منوط به قوانین مدنی هر کشور است. سن بلوغ اداری در جامعۀ بهائی در حال حاضر ۲۱ سالگی تعیین شده است.

۹-۱۱-۴ برای دفن اموات آنچه در حال حاضر در مغرب زمین باید اجرا شود آن است که جسد میت نباید سوزانده شود و نباید بیش از مدت یک ساعت انتقال آن از محل موت تا محل دفن به طول انجامد. در مورد افراد مؤمنی که سنشان از ۱۵ سال به بالاست تلاوت نماز میت واجب است.

۱۶-۱-۴ حکم زکات

۱۸-۱-۴ حکم مربوط به شکار حیوانات

۲۲ و ۲۱ و ۲۰-۱-۴ احکام مربوط به پیدا کردن مال گمشده، حکم دفینه، تصرف درامانات و قتل غیر عمد همگی برای وضع جامعه در آینده است. این قبیل موارد معمولاً مربوط به قوانین مدنی هر کشور است.

۱۴و۱۵و۱۶و۱۷-۲۵-۱-۴ آتش سوزی عمدی، زنا، قتل نفس و سرقت تماماً در دیانت بهائی حرام است، اما مجازاتی که در کتاب مستطاب اقدس برای هر یک تعیین شده مربوط به وضعیت جامعه در آینده است. این امور معمولاً مشمول قوانین مدنی هر کشور است.

۲۵و۳۰و۳۱و۳۲-۲۵-۱-۴ احکام مربوط به نهی از دخول در خزینۀ حمام های ایرانی، و فرو بردن دست در ظرف غذا، و تراشیدن موی سر، و تجاوز موی سر در مردان از حد بنا گوش

عمل بر طبق کلیۀ خطابات نصحیه که در ذیل قسمت ۳-۴ آمده در این زمان برای عموم لازم است، تا حدی که اجرای آن میسر باشد. برای مثال حکم تعلیم اولاد به تلاوت آیات بالحان خوش در مشرق الاذکار را اکنون تنها در سطحی بسیار محدود می توان اجرا نمود، ولکن احبا، باید تلاوت آیات را در حد امکان به کودکان خود بیاموزند.

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۴ اپریل ۲۰۰۱

یاران عزیز محبوب،

دارالتبلیغ بین المللی تقاضا کرده اند ‎مواضیع مواضع‎ مربوط به نگرش بهائیان و تشکیلات بهائی نسبت به نفوسی که حذف نام نموده و از ظل امرالله خارج شده اند، تشریح و بیان گردد. در اجابت تقاضای مزبور توضیحات زیر تهیه شده که برای اطلاع و استحضار ‎شمار شما‎ ارسال می گردد. شما مختارید که مفاد این پیام را به هر صورت که مقتضی می دانید به اطلاع احبای منطقه خود برسانید.

معتقدات هر فرد امری باطنی و شخصی است؛ احدی از نفوس یا تشکیلات امریه حق ندارد اعتقادات را به فردی تحمیل نماید یا او را مجبور به قبول آن کند. چون دامنۀ مفاهیم در آثار مقدسه بسیار وسیع می باشد، برای درک بسیاری از تعالیم امریه سبل متعدده و طرق مختلفه موجود و مشهود. معهذا، برای کفایت و کارآئی جامعۀ بهائی لازم است که اعضاء آن درک یکسانی از اصول اساسی امر داشته باشند. این امر بر تعهد هر یک از اعضاء جامعه دلالت دارد که بر مبنای معیار معینی که منبعث از چنین درکی است، عمل نمایند.

این معیار، فی المثل، شامل حصول معرفت نسبت به وجود کلام الهی است که توسط حضرت بهاءالله مظهر ظهور الهی در این عصر و زمان عنایت گردید و پذیرش دو وظیفۀ اولیه است که توسط ذات الهی تاکید شده و در کتاب مستطاب اقدس که ام الکتاب این دور مقدس می باشد ذکر گردیده است. این دو وظیفه عبارتند از «عرفان مشرق وحیه و مطلع امره» و اتباع «ما امر به من لدى المقصود». در کتاب اقدس مؤکدا ذکر شده است که «لانهما معا لا يقبل احدهما دون الآخر» (کتاب مستطاب اقدس، بند ۱)

حضرت عبدالبهاء که از قلم حضرت بهاءالله به عنوان مبین آیات آن حضرت منصوب گردیدند، این اصول اعتقادی بهائی را مجددا مورد تاکید قرار می دهند. آن حضرت در الواح وصایای خود می فرمایند: «اساس عقائد اهل بهاء روحى لهم الفداء حضرت رب اعلی مظهر وحدانیت و فردانیت الهیه و مبشر جمال قدم. حضرت جمال ابهى روحى لاحبائه الثابتين الفداء مظهر کلیه الهیه و مطلع حقیقت مقدسه ربانیه و ما دون کل عباد له و کل بامره یعملون.» (الواح وصایا، ایام تسعه، ص ۲۷۶)

عضویت در امر بهائی با اعتراف به این اعتقاد اساسی و عمل به موجب آن تعیین می گردد. حضرت شوقی افندی که از قلم حضرت عبدالبهاء به... [Page 39]

Bahá’í statement explores AIDS, equality link

BAHÁ’Í WORLD NEWS SERVICE

United Nations: The Bahá’í International Community has issued the following statement, titled "HIV/AIDS and Gender Equality: Transforming Attitudes and Behaviors," for the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, which took place June 25-27 at the United Nations in New York:

The relationship between the AIDS pandemic and gender inequality is gaining recognition globally. New HIV/AIDS infections are now increasing faster among women and girls than among males; therefore, last year half of all new cases occurred in females. At the recent 45th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where HIV/AIDS was one of the main thematic issues, the complexity of the challenges in addressing the issue were underscored by the undeniable association of AIDS with such an intractable problem as sexism. There is no denying the importance of research, education and cooperation among governments and civil society. However, awareness is growing that a profound change of attitude—personal, political, and social—will be necessary to stop the spread of the disease and ensure assistance to those already infected and affected. This statement will focus on two of the more significant populations who need to be represented in these global discussions: men, because of the control they have traditionally exercised over women's lives; and faith communities, because of the power they have to influence the hearts and minds of their adherents.

Need pointed out for changes in sexual attitudes, behaviors of both sexes

In order to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS among women, concrete changes need to occur in the sexual attitudes and behavior of both men and women, but especially men. Fallacious notions about the naturally voracious sexual appetites of men must be addressed. The real consequences to women—and men—of the practice of satisfying one's sexual desires outside of marriage must be fully understood. Educating women and girls is critically important, but the current power imbalance between men and women can prevent a woman from acting in her own interest. Indeed, experience has shown that educating women without educating the men in their lives may put the women at greater risk of violence. Efforts are needed, therefore, to educate both boys and girls to respect themselves and one another. A culture of mutual respect will improve not only the self-esteem of women and girls, but the self-esteem of men and boys as well, which will lead toward more responsible sexual behavior.

The denial of equality to women not only promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that affect their families, the workplace, political decisions and international relations; it also contributes substantially to the spread of HIV/AIDS and retards the progress of society. Notice how culturally accepted social inequalities conspire with economic vulnerability to leave women and girls with little or no power to reject unwanted or unsafe sex. Yet, once infected with HIV/AIDS, women are often stigmatized as the source of the disease and persecuted, sometimes violently. Meanwhile, the burden of caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and for children orphaned by the disease falls predominantly on women. Traditional gender roles that have gone unquestioned for generations must now be re-examined in the light of justice and compassion. Ultimately, nothing short of a spiritual transformation will move men—and women—to forego the behaviors that contribute to the spread of AIDS.

Such a transformation is as important for men as it is for women, because "As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs."

Because the cultivation of humanity's noble, spiritual core has always been the province of religion, religious communities can play an important role in bringing about the change of heart and the consequent change in behaviors that will make possible an effective response to the AIDS crisis.

The leaders of faith communities are especially equipped to address the moral dimension of the AIDS crisis both in terms of its prevention and its treatment. The spread of HIV/AIDS would be significantly reduced if individuals were taught to respect the sanctity of the family by practicing abstinence before marriage and fidelity to one's spouse while married, as underscored in most faith traditions.

Religious leaders and people of faith are also called to respond with love and compassion to the intense personal suffering of those either directly or indirectly affected by the AIDS crisis. However, a tendency on the part of society as a whole to judge and blame those afflicted has, since the onset of this disease, stifled compassion for its victims. The subsequent stigmatization of individuals thus afflicted with HIV/AIDS has fostered a profound reluctance on the part of infected individuals to seek treatment and of societies to change cultural attitudes and practices necessary for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Such judgments can be particularly pronounced in religious communities struggling to uphold a high standard of personal conduct. One of the seeming paradoxes of faith is the individual obligation of believers to adhere to a high standard of personal conduct while loving and caring for those who fall short—for whatever reason—of that same standard. What is often forgotten is that "moral conduct" includes not only personal restraint but compassion and humility as well. Faith communities will need to strive continually to rid themselves of judgmental attitudes so that they can exert the kind of moral leadership that encourages personal responsibility, love for one another, and the courage to protect vulnerable groups in society.

We see signs of hope in increased interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Among faith communities there is a growing recognition that, as Bahá’u’lláh states, "the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God". It is, indeed, the transcendent nature of the human spirit, as it reaches toward that invisible, unknowable Essence called God, which galvanizes and refines mankind's capacity to achieve the spiritual progress that translates into social progress. As dialogue, cooperation and respect among religious communities increase, cultural and religious practices and traditions that discriminate against women, no matter how entrenched, will gradually give way. This will be an essential step toward retarding the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Indeed, it is in the recognition of the oneness of the human family that hearts will soften, minds will open, and the attitudes of men and women will be transformed. It is out of that transformation that a coherent, compassionate and rational response to the worldwide HIV/AIDS crisis will be made possible.

For more international news, see the Bahá’í World News Service Web site: www.bahaiworldnews.org

Monument to beloved Khánum

This monument, designed by Hossein Amanat, architect for the two new Arc buildings, was raised over the resting place of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum a few days before the inaugural events associated with the opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. Landscaping continues at the gravesite, near the House of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Haifa, Israel. [Page 40]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail bosch@usbnc.org. Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail greenacre@usbnc.org. Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail louhelen@usbnc.org. Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail lggbi@usbnc.org. Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail nabi@usbnc.org.

AUGUST

30–Sept. 2: Friends of Persian Culture Association annual conference, Itasca, IL. See page 34.

30–Sept. 3: Choral Camp/“Soul Food” at Bosch.

31–Sept. 2: Bellemont Bahá’í Summer School, near Flagstaff, AZ. Registration/information: Bellemont Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, Arizona 86003 (phone 520-526-3797).

31–Sept. 3: Homecoming 2001 at Louhelen.

31–Sept. 3: Two programs at Green Acre: “I Dedicate Myself to Thee: The Power of Prayer Within a Life of Service”; Junior Youth Institute.

31–Sept. 3: Association of Bahá’í Studies conference, Seattle WA.

31–Sept. 3: Kentucky Bahá’í School, Faubush, KY. Registrar: Joanne Strano-Barnes, (phone 606-252-7824, e-mail jstrano@prodigy.net). Pre-register by Aug. 24.

31–Sept. 3: Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, Monteagle, TN. With Dr. and Mrs. D. Popov, M.K. Radpour, Dr. Jane Failey. Registrar: Kaihan Strain, (phone 931-924-4444, e-mail kaihans@blomand.net). Register by Aug. 15.

31–Sept. 3: Texas Bahá’í School, Bruceville, TX. Registrar: M. Mazidi (phone 972-618-1996, e-mail mmazidi@aol.com).

31–Sept. 3: Shenandoah Bahá’í School, Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA. With Dr. Lameh Fananapazir, Sherlock Graham-Haynes, Navid Haghighi. Registrar: Ruth Clements, P.O. Box 4228, Charlottesville, VA 22905 (e-mail rclements@rica.net); Web site www.shenandoahbahaischool.org.

SEPTEMBER

7–9: Two programs at Bosch: Parenting training (two-weekend session continued Sept. 14–16); Local Spiritual Assembly Team Development.

10–12: 54th Annual UN Nongovernmental Organization Conference, “NGOs Today: Diversity of the Volunteer Experience”; registration deadline July 20. Information: Bahá’í US/UN Office (e-mail usun@usbnc.org).

14–16: Two programs at Bosch: “Unconditional Love”; Seeker’s Weekend.

14–16: “Striking a Chord in the Heart of the Seeker” at Green Acre.

21–23: “Learning From Life’s Tests” at Louhelen.

21–23: Circle of Badasht Conference at Bosch.

21–23: “Beyond Racism: Building Inter-racial Equity and Understanding,” regional conference at University of Nebraska Student Union, Lincoln, NE. With Tod Ewing, Jeanne Gazel, Steven Gonzales, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull. For information contact Spiritual Assembly of Lincoln, Race Unity Conference, P.O. Box 80601, Lincoln, NE 68501 (phone 402-423-8388).

27–30: Bahá’í Network on AIDS, Sexuality, Addiction and Abuse at Bosch.

28–30: Campus Association Conference at Green Acre.

OCTOBER

Early October: Unit Conventions held across the country to elect delegates to the Bahá’í National Convention of 2002. See pages 29–31 for list.

5–8: ‘Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Louhelen; sessions in Persian and in English.

12–14: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen.

12–14: Spiritual Assembly Team Development at Bosch.

19–21: Assembly Development Forum at Green Acre.

19–21: “Heroines of the Faith” at Bosch.

19–21: Two programs at Louhelen: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth; “Pupil of the Eye.”

24–29: Pioneer Training Institute at Green Acre: Contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail pioneering@usbnc.org).

26–27: “Inner Freedom and Self-Mastery: The Dynamics of Moral Authenticity” at Green Acre.

26–28: Bahá’í Campus Association Weekend at Louhelen.

26–28: College Club Weekend at Bosch.

NOVEMBER

2–4: Spiritual Assembly Team Development at Bosch.

2–4: Two programs at Louhelen: “Preparing for Marriage”; Assembly Development Workshop.

2–4: Royal Falcon Bahá’í School, Pensacola Beach, FL. Registrar: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail carolpayne@triumphnetwork.com, Web www.triumphnetwork.com/falcon). Pre-register by Sept. 17.

9–11: Family Weekend, “Celebrate the Life of Bahá’u’lláh” at Louhelen.

9–11: Two programs at Green Acre: “Expressing Creativity Through the Writer’s Art”; “Applying Bahá’í Principles to Your Life.”

9–11: “Arts in the Bahá’í Community” at Bosch.

URGENT NEEDS

at the Bahá’í National Offices: Meetings and Travel • Public Information • Treasurer’s Office • Kingdom Project • Louis Gregory Institute

Full-time positions: see page 32

A bulldozer rambles over remnants of part of the terrace deck at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Tons of deteriorated concrete were demolished in July to make way for new construction. Kingdom Project story and photos, page 6. Photo by James Humphrey

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center’s database.)

A. NAME(S)
1. _________________________________ ID# ________
2. _________________________________ ID# ________
3. _________________________________ ID# ________
4. _________________________________ ID# ________

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Street Address _____________________________	Street Address _____________________________
Apartment # (if applicable) _________________	Apartment # (if applicable) _________________
City _______________________________________	City _______________________________________
State ____________________ Zip code ________	State ____________________ Zip code ________

D. NEW COMMUNITY	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community ______________	Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name ________
Moving Date _______________________________

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name _______________________
Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name _______________________

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] We do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above. [ ] The last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

AUGUST 20–SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 ASMÁ’/’IZZAT • B.E. 158