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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

SEPTEMBER 27, 2001 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● MASHÍYYAT/WILL ‘ILM/KNOWLEDGE BAHÁ’Í ERA 158 VOLUME 32, NO. 8

● I ● N ● S ● I ● D ● E ●

MILWAUKEE, PART 2 PAGES 20–24

LOCAL EXTERNAL AFFAIRS PAGES 8–9

● ● ● TREASURER’S PAGE ● 7 YOUTH ● 18 KID’S CORNER ● 19 COMMENTARY ● 29 CLASSIFIED ● 30–31 IN MEMORIAM ● 32–33 PERSIAN PAGES ● 36–38

From the Arc Projects toward continuing needs

To the American Bahá’í community from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dearest Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly has the honor of sharing with you this message dated August 5, 2001, from the Universal House of Justice in which the Supreme Body recaptures the historic accomplishment of the completion of the Arc Projects through the sacrificial contributions of the Bahá’ís worldwide. The House of Justice provides us also with the results of an assessment of the present state of the international funds of the Faith to serve the increasing demands of global opportunities to promote the Faith and influence society.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Juana C. Conrad Deputy Secretary-General

Message of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated Aug. 5, 2001

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has asked us to provide you with the results of an assessment of the present state and needs of the international funds of the Faith which it has conducted following completion of the projects on Mount Carmel.

There can be no doubt that this accomplishment, followed by the spectacular success of the ceremony marking the official opening to the public of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, has infused the community of the Greatest Name throughout the world with fresh vigour and confidence as it embarks upon the Five Year Plan and seeks to advance the process of entry by troops.

Through the sacrificial contributions of the believers from all parts of the planet, sufficient funds were provided to meet the needs of this historic enterprise and permit the construction to proceed unimpeded to its conclusion. The House of Justice has decided to close the Arc Projects Fund forthwith, with confidence that the funds remaining in it will suffice to meet the...

SEE UNIVERSAL HOUSE, PAGE 5

A message on the Sept. 11 tragedy

To the American Bahá’í community from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Sept. 11, 2001

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Our hearts are shocked and grief-stricken by the shameless acts of terrorist violence against innocent victims in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Fervently, we are praying for those who died and beseeching God to comfort the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and to strengthen our nation and its people to meet this challenge with faith, courage, and unity.

As you know, the Bahá’í Scriptures proclaim that God has given the United States a spiritual mission to help reshape the world. The Bahá’í Writings state that America will evolve, through purifying tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and...

SEE MESSAGE, PAGE 12

Creating ‘clusters’ of communities

The National Spiritual Assembly addressed the following letter, dated July 19, 2001, to all Local Spiritual Assemblies in the American Bahá’í community, helping to clarify how Assemblies may work to create “clusters” or intercommunity partnerships.

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We send you our wholehearted love and admiration, and salute your tireless efforts to build spiritual communities of a kind that have never existed before and for which there is no model.

Local Spiritual Assemblies 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 continuous efforts to...

SEE CLUSTERS, PAGE 35

Twin milestones at Louhelen

Saleef Kafajouffe’s drumming helps energize a gathering to dedicate the new Unity Hall at Louhelen Bahá’í School Aug. 12, which also was observed as the school’s 70th anniversary. It was the second major construction project completed under the umbrella of the Kingdom Project. See story and photos on page 6. Photo by Jim Cheek

BUILDING THE KINGDOM IT’S OUR TIME
Participants: appx. 7,000	Goal: $60 million
	Money committed: $24 million
See page 6

THE NATIONAL FUND
Received by the National Treasurer
$1,349,486 received, June 2001
$1,254,739 received, July 2001
5,629 individual contributors, June 2001
5,900 individual contributors, July 2001
Excluding Kingdom Project
See page 7 for details

● E ● X ● C ● E ● R ● P ● T ● S ●

“The day will soon come when the light of Divine unity will have so permeated the East and the West that no man dare any longer ignore it.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 2]

ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed between sundown Oct. 19 and sundown Oct. 20
• Work is to be suspended

“The Báb, whose name was ‘Alí-Muhammad, was born in Shíráz [in Persia], on the first of Muharram, in the year 1235 A.H. [Oct. 20, 1819]. He was the descendant of a house renowned for its nobility, which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself.” (The Dawn-Breakers, p. 14)

A beautiful Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in honor of the anniversary of the Báb’s birth can be found on page 234 of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.

Anniversary of Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A Bahá’í Holy Day

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

“It is clear how that most dire of calamities, that most great disaster which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, may our souls be sacrificed for His meekness, has set our hearts on fire and dissolved our very limbs and members in grief. ... No more does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous songs, and the sweet and holy melodies of the immortal dove are hushed.” —Shoghi Effendi, Bahíyyih Khánum, pp. 148–149

Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

A Bahá’í Holy Day

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

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

Day of the Covenant

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed between sundown Nov. 25 and sundown Nov. 26
• Work is not suspended

“‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the Bahá’ís that ... [May 23] was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth. It was the day of the Declaration of the Báb, exclusively associated with Him. But as the Bahá’ís begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant.” —H.M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 523

Regional Bahá’í Councils are elected by members of Local Spiritual Assemblies on this day.

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

October

Oct. 10–12, 1848: Mullá Husayn, journeying to the Mázindarán region of Persia on instructions from the Báb, arrived with more than 200 companions near the town of Bárfurúsh. There a band of townspeople, stirred up by a local cleric, attacked the Bábís. Though Mullá Husayn’s company was victorious, several were slain. Suffering snipings and an attempted surprise attack, they presented an able defense and took sanctuary in the shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí.

October 1852: While imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit) in Tehran, Iran, Bahá’u’lláh had a vision of a Maiden that told Him of His station as the Manifestation of God for this age.

October 1935: The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada (then a single Assembly), affirming that the Bahá’í laws of fasting, obligatory prayers, consent of parents before marriage, monogamy and avoidance of alcoholic drinks were binding on the believers.

Oct. 7–15, 1953: The Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference, one of several conferences held to energize the 1953–63 Ten Year Crusade, was held in New Delhi, India. It was the first international Bahá’í gathering in the East.

Oct. 12, 1977: The world’s first Bahá’í cultural and education radio station, in Ecuador, made its first broadcast.

Oct. 20, 1983: The Universal House of Justice issued a letter to the Bahá’í world outlining the principles of the Faith concerning social and economic development.

Facts in the “Some Significant Dates” section were drawn from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Chicago Alderman Joe Moore (left) presents a City Council resolution honoring Azaka Ajanaku (right), who has promoted Haitian participation in local access TV.

Azaka Ajanaku, a Bahá’í in Chicago, Illinois, has been honored with the ‎Jewell Jewel‎ Ryan-White Cultural Diversity Award from the national Alliance for Community Media, as well as with a mayoral proclamation. Ajanaku is producer of “Unity in Diversity: C’est la Vie,” a weekly show on Chicago Access Network TV cable channel. For years, he has organized and promoted a positive presence for Haitians on local access TV.

Robert Brian Fortuna, a Bahá’í in Salt Lake City, Utah, received the NBI Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston at this year’s commencement ceremonies. One student is selected each year for the award, to be recognized for outstanding compassion and sensitivity in delivery of care to patients and family members.

Alex Fry, a Bahá’í youth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduated as valedictorian of Central High School and was honored with the Great Spirit Award from the school’s alumni association. In high school he held leadership positions in JROTC, marching band and Key Club.

Lucy Shaffer, a Bahá’í youth in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was named Character Education Middle School Student of the Year for all of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. In the presentation for this award it was noted that Lucy was the president of Student Council, a straight-A student, a peer mediator, a member of the Youth Forum on Race Relations, the National Academic League and the school chorus, a co-captain of the volleyball team, and a volunteer at a local science museum.

Lee Ann Sparks, a Bahá’í youth in Round Rock, Texas, graduated as valedictorian of the class of 2001 at Stony Point High School, with a grade point average in excess of 4.0.

Rachel Sullivan, a 10-year-old Bahá’í in Burlington, Vermont, earned the academic excellence award for the third consecutive year, as outstanding female student in her class. Rachel is entering the fifth grade at John J. Flynn Elementary School.

Other honors

Academic

Alexander Gregg, 17, Harper’s Ferry, WV: recipient of Principal’s Award, Departmental Award for Computer Science and Good Samaritan Award at Brunswick (MD) High School.

Jibri Raspberry, Boston, MA: selected for “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” [Page 3]

Barrett was at BIC helm

Former Latin America pioneer passes away

Donald Morgan Barrett, who was at the helm of Bahá’í negotiations that led to a historic 1987 international agreement with Israel’s government, passed away August 2, 2001, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was 73.

The Universal House of Justice credited that agreement with fulfilling a wish the Guardian expressed in 1952 for a “concrete footing” in the Faith’s legal relations with the government, and with paving the way for the Mount Carmel Building Projects—which were completed only this year.

Barrett and his wife, Barbara, had lived in Edmond for the past five years. Since 1951 they had relocated in service to the Bahá’í Faith 22 times, often to pioneering posts in Latin America.

For nine years in the 1980s, Barrett served at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa as secretary-general of the Bahá’í International Community. His wife was editor of the Bahá’í World News Service.

For seven of those years, Barrett was in charge of negotiating an agreement with the Israeli government that outlined official status for the World Center in Haifa.

Barrett was born in Berkeley, California.

SEE BARRETT, PAGE 32

Donald Barrett was an Auxiliary Board member for propagation of the Faith in the 1970s, responsible for Michigan and Ohio.

From the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Aug. 3, 2001:

The news of the sudden passing of Donald M. Barrett, a dearly loved, stalwart servant of Bahá’u’lláh, deeply grieves our hearts. The five decades of his dedication to the work of the Cause of God, including teaching, administrative and diplomatic activities, have left an unforgettable and exemplary record. He will surely be remembered for his pioneering exploits in South America and, with particular gratitude, for the high achievement of his many years of indefatigable service at our World Center as Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community. Kindly convey our loving sympathy to his wife and constant supporter, Barbara, and the other members of his dear family. We are praying fervently at the Holy Threshold for the progress of his illumined soul throughout the divine worlds.

The Universal House of Justice

Enrollments

August 2001	112
May-August 2001	452

HUQÚQU’LLÁH THE RIGHT OF GOD

Of ‘needs’ and ‘wants’

In calculating our Huqúqu’lláh obligation, Bahá’u’lláh exempts what He terms the “needful” expenses of living. As examples of such “needful” items He mentions one’s residential home, tools of one’s trade and what a person needs to earn a living.

But this list is not all-inclusive. Cost-of-living items such as food, clothing, transportation etc. all are “needful.” The essential spiritual principle is that we are to distinguish between what we need and what we want.

This act of decision Bahá’u’lláh leaves to the conscience of each individual, and it is the greatest impetus to our spiritual growth and maturation.

A frequently asked question: How much is 19 mithqals of gold?

The basic unit set by Bahá’u’lláh for measuring of our assets for the purpose of paying the Huqúqu’lláh is the value of 19 mithqals of gold, equal to 2.2 troy ounces. The price of an ounce of gold can be found in the business section of any newspaper. At this writing it is about $275, making 19 mithqals or 2.2 ounces worth about $605.

Helpful Hint: Please make sure that there is no discrepancy between the numeric and the lettered amount on your check, and that your check is correctly dated. ♦

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 below.

• Amin Banani, phone 310-459-0125, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail banania@ucla.edu
• Stephen Birkland, phone 612-452-1921, fax 651-490-7521, e-mail sbirkland@usbnc.org
• Sally Foo, phone 609-671-0422, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail sallyfoo@aol.com
• Daryush Haghighi, phone 440-333-3331, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail haghighi@en.com
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 phone 803-635-4272, fax 803-635-9982, e-mail emartin@infoave.net

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, phone 440-333-6110, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail huquq@usbnc.org

Institute students urged to show forth zeal, enthusiasm

One of the youngest summer residential study groups in the history of the Wilmette Institute was seen off Aug. 10 by David and Margaret Ruhe, who urged zeal and enthusiasm as the students use their new learning to serve the Cause.

Bahá’ís are being called to new areas of service even as they grow into new capacities, David Ruhe, a former member of the Universal House of Justice, said at the graduation dinner for the institute’s Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization 2001 session.

The Wilmette Institute and other such programs are needed, he said, to train Bahá’ís “who will serve the world in a way only a Bahá’í can.”

In its sixth year, the Spiritual Foundations program comprises a four-year course of study, which a student can start any year. Each year’s program combines several months’ home study with a summer session in the Wilmette, Illinois, area.

Though Spiritual Foundations was its first program, the Wilmette Institute has blossomed into a global enterprise that counts as many as 500 students at a time studying distance-learning courses, in India, Australia and several other countries as well as the United States.

Theme for the two-week 2001 summer session at Kendall College was the physical, mental and spiritual development of the individual, with a sub-theme of marriage and family life.

Coordinated by Ramsey Zeine, faculty also included the Ruhes and Marc Greenburg of New York state, Iraj Ayman and Saba Ayman-Nolley of Illinois, Michael Penn of Pennsylvania, Habib Riazati of California, Leslie Asplund of Washington, Kim Douglas of Michigan and Robert Stockman, institute director.

For student Danton Ford, the session’s greatest effect was showing him an “interdisciplinary approach to the Faith,” viewing it from social, scientific, historical, service and other aspects. ‘I know now how to further deepen in the Writings through ... linking all the sources together to gain a larger understanding.’

With hometowns in seven states stretching from Tennessee to Oregon—plus Ford, a Texan pioneering in South Korea—the 12 students in this year’s session included eight first-year students,

Students Danton Ford (above), Sherry Krannichfeld (below).

Margaret Ruhe (seated) obliges Wilmette Institute alumna Nancy Turner with an autograph. Photo by James Humphrey

SEE INSTITUTE, PAGE 35

“Set goals for community development and growth and evaluate them at least once every six months in consultation with community members.”

A number of Local Spiritual Assemblies have contacted the Bahá’í National Center about this aspect of the national Five Year Plan. The details of how to carry out the evaluation process, which the National Assembly views as key to implementing the learning mode, are left to Local Spiritual Assemblies to decide, in consultation with the friends in their care.

A fuller discussion of this aspect of the Plan is expected to be posted on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) during September. ♦ [Page 4]

VINEYARD of the LORD

The formal opening in late May of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb capped the 11-year building phase of the Mount Carmel Projects at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel. Since 1994 the Projects office has published a bulletin several times a year, titled Vineyard of the Lord.

Photos and news from this bulletin were reprinted in The American Bahá’í and other national Bahá’í newsletters, giving the friends around the world a vivid picture of progress on the Terraces and on the new buildings at the nearby Arc.

Below is a message from Fariborz Sahba, Mount Carmel Projects manager, reprinted from the final issue of Vineyard of the Lord:

It has been a long journey—from the commencement of the construction of the momentous Projects of the Arc and the Terraces on the Mountain of God in May 1990, to their completion in May 2001. The task entrusted to us by the beloved Universal House of Justice entailed extraordinary challenges as well as immense bounties. We bow our heads in humility and gratitude before the Blessed Beauty for the honor bestowed upon us, and beseech His blessings that we may be able to continue to be of service to His precious Cause.

To bring alive the progress of this physical enterprise with deep spiritual significance we undertook the publication of Vineyard of the Lord, releasing the inaugural issue in January 1994. In the preparation of this bulletin I have been ably assisted by reporter and writer Miss Eliza Rasimala, and photographer Mr. Ruhi Vargha. We acknowledge with deep gratitude the guidance of the Supreme Body in making this publication a worthy instrument to disseminate the progress of the Projects, and pray that our efforts have been to the satisfaction of that august Body. As we wind up with this last issue, we sincerely hope that you have enjoyed the bulletin as much as we have enjoyed producing it.

With loving greetings, Fariborz Sahba Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects

U.S. participants in the ceremonies for the opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel included (back row) Geoffrey Wilson, Alfred Fox, Gergely Hegedus, Evander Gilmer, Shidan Taslimi, Grant Kvalheim, David Rouleau; (standing, front row) May Khadem Czerniejewski, Gertrude White, Guity Ghadimi, Jean Scales, Lois Willows, Barbara Johnson, Puran Stevens, Alice Bathke; (kneeling) Amelia Villagomez. Not pictured: Lydia McCarter. Photo courtesy of Puran Stevens

Some of the thousands invited to the Terraces ceremonies in late May (photo above) stream into the Shrine of the Báb after ascending the lower nine terraces, and (left) throng a musical celebration at the Entrance Plaza. Photos by Ruhi Vargha

400,000 visit Terraces in 3 summer months

Reserved tours draw people at rate of 18,000 per month

BAHÁ’Í WORLD NEWS SERVICE

More than 54,000 people took reserved guided tours of the cascading garden terraces surrounding the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel from their opening in June through the end of August, indicating that the site may soon become one of the top tourist draws in Israel.

Including the thousands who have visited gardens open to drop-in visitors, more than 400,000 entries had been recorded since June 4, when the terraces were opened to the public. At this rate the number of entries per year will add up to more than 1.5 million.

“The remarkable thing about the high volume of visitors is that it is coming at a time when tourism in Israel has dropped by 30 percent in the last six months. In contrast, in Haifa we’ve seen only an 8 percent drop,” said Moshe Tsur, general manager of the Haifa Tourist Board. “There is no doubt the Bahá’í gardens have had a big role in saving Haifa’s tourism industry.”

By far most of the visitors—95 percent—are Israelis from other parts of the country. “The number of day visitors has tripled since the gardens opened,” Tsur said. “Many others are staying in local hotels with a package deal that includes a tour through the gardens.”

There are no fees for entry into the gardens or for the guided tours. Tsur estimates that other spending, such as on food and transportation, has added millions of dollars to the local economy.

This economic effect is particularly visible in the evenings, after the gardens close and the dramatic nighttime illumination of the terraces and Shrine is turned on. Along Ben Gurion Avenue, which runs straight from the base of the [Page 5]The Shrine of the Báb overlooks the nine lower terraces, Ben Gurion Avenue and ultimately Haifa Bay. Photos on this page by Ruhi Vargha

The uppermost terrace stands two-thirds of a mile above the base of Mount Carmel.

The Entrance Plaza welcomes visitors at the foot of the mountain.

The two new buildings of the Arc, the International Teaching Center Building (left photo) and the Center for the Study of the Texts (right photo), are positioned immediately on either side of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

outstanding expenses of the construction and the purchase of some required properties on the perimeter of the Terraces.

It is now apparent that the needs of the Bahá’í International Fund have increased substantially as a consequence of a number of recent developments, including the following:

• The sharp increase in the tempo of Bahá’í activity throughout the world with the launch of the Five Year Plan has created a pressing need for resources to meet the new opportunities now emerging to promote growth and to influence society.
• Adequate resources must be allocated for the maintenance of the Terraces and edifices of the Arc, including the preservation of the high standard of the gardens and lawns, the upkeep of the structures and ornaments, and the provision of appropriate security measures.
• Guides must be provided for the rising number of visitors to the Terraces, now estimated to be 35,000 members of the public each week, including those who are conducted on tours in groups of 60 at a time during the daylight hours, 7 days a week.
• Greater attention must be given without delay to the preservation of the precious documents and objects associated with the ministries of the Central Figures of the Faith and of Shoghi Effendi so that deterioration of these irreplaceable items is arrested.

These increased demands have arisen at a time when economic conditions in the world and other factors have caused a significant reduction in the level of income to the Bahá’í International Fund. The House of Justice is confident that the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by the believers in their support of the Arc Projects Fund will animate their response to the pressing needs of the Bahá’í International Fund in the years immediately ahead.

We have been asked to assure you of the prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines for your guidance as you deliberate on means by which the flow of the resources necessary to meet the international obligations of the Cause can be augmented.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Department of the Secretariat

Terraces to the Haifa port, sidewalk cafes and restaurants are now bustling, even on midweek evenings, whereas just a few months ago the area was largely quiet after dark.

The Haifa Tourist Board—located in the historic, recently restored German Templer Colony along Ben Gurion—runs the booking system for the guided tours of the Terraces. Five telephone operators work full time to take calls on the tour reservation lines.

“The lines are continually jammed, and people complain that they can’t get through,” Tsur said. “We have more than 70,000 people registered for the coming months, and we are almost fully booked through December.”

The guided tours, with groups of 40 to 50, are conducted either from the crest of the mountain down the nine upper terraces to the Shrine midway down the slope, or from the Shrine down the nine lower terraces to the Entrance Plaza on Ben Gurion Avenue.

Built primarily as a path of approach for Bahá’í pilgrims to the Shrine of the Báb, the Terraces also offer a symbol of peace and hope to the world at large, and the tours come with a message: that harmony and coexistence are possible.

Israeli guides are recruited and trained by the Beit Hagefen Center, an Arab-Jewish cultural center well-known in Haifa for its programs to promote coexistence among all ethnic groups. Often university students, the guides are from a great diversity of backgrounds: Christians, Druze, Jews, Muslims, Russian immigrants and others.

Hila Naftali, a student at Haifa University, guides up to four tours per day. “I actually get to talk with a lot of people

SEE TERRACES, PAGE 39

“People know this city for the coexistence of Jews and Arabs, and also Christians, Druze and Bahá’ís. The visitors can see our guides working together, and they remark on this.” —Gad Zorea, tour guide supervisor [Page 6]

Louhelen gets a new building for its 70th birthday

KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

BUILDING THE KINGDOM IT’S OUR TIME

BY THE KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

Louhelen Bahá’í School and the friends across the country all had two reasons to celebrate on Aug. 12. Louhelen marked the 70th anniversary of its founding, and Unity Hall, its new and largest gathering space, was formally opened and dedicated.

“Unity Hall is the perfect fusion of spirit and material,” said Holly Hanson, a guest speaker at the ceremony inside the new addition to the school at Davison, Michigan.

And it represents another milestone: completion of the second major effort funded by Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time, our National Spiritual Assembly’s comprehensive development plan, also known as the Kingdom Project. Renovation of several buildings at Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, was the Kingdom Project’s first finished job.

The National Assembly was host for the day’s festivities, attended by about 450. Staff and volunteers at Louhelen created a warm, welcoming and joyous atmosphere to complement the sunny weather.

The ceremony

A formal ceremony inside the light-filled Unity Hall was the centerpiece of a day that included a picnic in peaceful surroundings, a musical program, children’s art activities and an exhibit on Louhelen’s history.

Begun with music and devotions, the ceremony benefited from the transporting drumming of Saleef Kafajouffe, which showcased the new room’s acoustics.

William Davis, chair of the National Assembly, offered a keynote address on behalf of the institution. He shared how proud the Assembly is of Louhelen, and its great confidence in the increased capacity that will result from the addition of Unity Hall—as well as from the other enhancements of the Kingdom Project.

June Thomas conveyed the greetings of the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Central States, and offered some personal reflections on the important role Louhelen has played in her own life, and that of her friends and family.

Altogether, six members of our National Spiritual Assembly and eight members of the Central Regional Council attended. Other guests included Ken Parel-Sewell, architect for the project; Rebecca Wilson, Kingdom Project coordinator; Sam Conrad, properties coordinator; Nancy Davis, Education and Schools coordinator; Maia and Patrick Patillo, family members of Robert Hayden, who read the late writer’s moving poem “The Year of the Child.”

At the end, William Roberts, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, reminded the guests that Unity Hall is just one aspect of the Kingdom Project—and one of the first to be completed. He highlighted the need for our ongoing commitment to the Kingdom Project to ensure that its many exciting initiatives will all celebrate similar successes in the months and years to come.

The building

Impressive to many visitors was the way Unity Hall blends seamlessly into the existing buildings and landscape. The new construction provides a passageway between the main building and the classrooms, and a large gathering space/reception area just outside the hall was designed as an ideal place to gather and visit before and after a program.

Even frequent visitors had trouble identifying where the new building began and ended. The architect called this the best compliment he could have hoped for.

“Our goal was to provide everyone with a nice space, and to blend the new building in seamlessly with what was there before by working within the language of the previous architects,” said Parel-Sewell of Gregory Maire Architect Ltd. “We also worked to provide a lobby space and classroom that was in tune with the way Bahá’ís socialize—to foster and embrace the constant interaction that is a feature of Bahá’í gatherings.”

Large windows on three sides admit considerable natural light into the hall, which holds up to 200. In particular, windows on each side of the stage prevent the common problem of a dark back wall that absorbs energy.

The mission

“The Universal House of Justice has called for a deepening commitment to the education and training necessary to develop human resources for the Cause, with special emphasis on creating a community which loves, nurtures, and inspires children and youth to arise in service,” Louhelen co-administrators Rick and Barbara Johnson said in a statement. “Unity Hall enlarges the means for this spirit of learning to grow.”

Louhelen’s mission in education and training dates to August 1931, when the first regular school sessions were held there.

The land for the school was owned by Lou and Helen Eggleston, and the couple continued to develop the facilities until they deeded the property to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1949.

Known for some years as Davison Bahá’í School, the institution was exhaustively renovated beginning in the late 1970s, and many of Louhelen’s current buildings were opened in 1983. ♦

Audience members take in the light-filled atmosphere and the superior acoustics during devotions and celebrations of the opening of Unity Hall, the newest and largest-capacity gathering space at Louhelen Bahá’í School. Photos by Jim Cheek

KINGDOM PROJECT OVERVIEW

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS Approximately 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? The Kingdom Project: Building the Infrastructure of the Kingdom Louhelen’s Unity Hall is the second project to be completed through the Kingdom Project; the first was renovations to the Louis Gregory Institute. Other initiatives already under way include the conservation of the House of Worship, a new meeting and classroom building at Green Acre Bahá’í School, renovations to the Bahá’í Home for the Aged, and the introduction of Bahá’í books to the retail book trade. Future initiatives will include: Enhancements to Bosch Bahá’í School and the Native American Bahá’í Institute. Renovation of the Hazíratu’l-Quds. Creation of a new Temple Visitors Center. Expansion of the media campaign. Establishment of an endowment and strategic reserves. Construction of a suitable National Archives facility.

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

[Page 7]

THE FUND

Through July 31, 2001

Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)	Month
$1,349,486	June
$1,254,739	July
$3,703,204	Total this fiscal year (since May 2001)

Individual contributors

This fiscal year, 7,712 individual Bahá’ís have contributed to the National Fund (hundreds more than the same time in 2000)

M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D	J	F	M	A
5,378	5,629	5,900

Cash-basis revenues, expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund May 1–July 31, 2001

$5,871,055	Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)
$7,248,810	Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

KINGDOM IT’S OUR TIME

• Pledges needed by Ridván 2002: $60,000,000
• Pledges, contributions so far: $24,000,000
• See details on page 6

Iman (left) and Milad Ghasempour made paper goods for the Kingdom Project. See article at right.

On people’s minds ...

Q What is the cash deficit for the fiscal year that just ended? And what does this really mean?

A It was about $2,455,000. This means many needed projects did not get funded, or that we could not fully exploit opportunities for growth and development of the Cause in this country.

Q What do we need to do if our community is considering acquiring a center?

A This is a complex issue. Please read carefully the guidance discussed in the Stewardship and Development manual (chapter 7), and the section in Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities. Volunteers are working on a study of “best practices” and issues to be considered regarding Bahá’í center acquisitions. Contact the Office of the Treasurer at the National Center.

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

National Spiritual Assembly urges participation at Treasurer’s Forum this October

“[O]ur contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Bahá’u’lláh—Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated.” —Shoghi Effendi, published in Bahá’í News, August 1948

To help local treasurers become more effective as stewards of the Bahá’í Fund, the Office of the Treasurer has taken the unprecedented step of launching a three-day National Forum, Oct. 25–28 at the Sheraton Northbrook Hotel near the Bahá’í National Center.

Local treasurers from across the country were sent personal invitations to this historic event, and so far more than 200 treasurers have registered. The Office of the Treasurer has made plans to accommodate 500 treasurers.

The Forum will offer a variety of workshops intended to empower treasurers of Local Spiritual Assemblies in engaging their communities to achieve universal participation in giving to the Bahá’í Funds.

For information on the National Forum for treasurers, contact Regina Blum (phone 847-733-3495, e-mail rblum@usbnc.org).

Evening programs will offer a selection of optional presentations for new and experienced treasurers, including:

• A question-and-answer session with national Treasurer William Roberts.
• An introduction of the new accounting system to be used by local treasurers.
• Steps toward acquiring a local Bahá’í center.
• An introductory workshop for new treasurers.
• A two-part workshop on planned giving and the writing of a will.

Morning plenary sessions will feature guest appearances by Counselors Rebequa Murphy and Angelica Huerta, as well as by members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Each participant will have a chance to tour the House of Worship and the offices of the Bahá’í National Center. Included is a special session with Dennis Davis, Temple conservation director, who will discuss efforts to preserve the House of Worship.

The Forum will be wrapped up with an evening dinner theater presentation.

If an Assembly’s treasurer is unable to attend the Forum, it is urged to send its assistant treasurer. Attendance by another Assembly member in the treasurer’s place can be arranged with the Office of the Treasurer. ♦

True stories of giving to the Fund

From Kansas City, Missouri

My sons Milad, who is 5, and Iman, who is 2½, with their Bahá’í friend Sarah, who is 7, decided to make special cards, envelopes and wrapping paper for the Kingdom Project. They displayed their work at the sub-regional conference (June 9 in Kansas City), to be sold for donations for the Kingdom Project. They raised $12 and were all very pleased.

Milad said, “That’s great, Mama. We get to build the Kingdom.” This morning he was telling me about everything he learned and the fun he had experienced at the conference. Then he asked when we were going to start building the Kingdom. He was a little disappointed that he wasn’t going to actually do the building himself.

However, thanks to Liang the Lion and the book that you sent about Liang’s adventures, we were able to talk about how the money would fix the leaky holes in the House of Worship. The children plan to continue raising money for the Kingdom Project in our local community.

From Pasadena, California

I am a 14-year-old Bahá’í in Pasadena, California. I recently heard your letter about the financial concerns of the National Bahá’í Fund and the $2 million deficit. I would like to help out in any way I can. Starting this month, I will be sending $10 a month to the National Fund from my allowance.

Cousins Ida (from left), Ariel and Liliana, aka the Lemon Lime Sisters.

From Superior, Colorado

Alláh-u-Abhá! Our names are Ariel, Ida, and Liliana. We made $25 for the Bahá’í Fund by making a lemonade stand called the Lemon Lime Sisters. We sold the lemonade to the people who were working hard in their gardens. One man bought three cups of lemonade! We are very proud of raising money for the Bahá’í Faith instead of shopping with it. ♦

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

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

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

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

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID# on check

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.

• Providing for the Bahá’í Faith in your will
• Making a gift of securities
• Making a gift of real estate
• Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Charitable Remainder Trusts

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.

8-page brochure

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

The Writing of a Will [Page 8]

ONE LARGE CITY: Systematic, effective

Dallas, Texas, is a large Bahá’í community with its fingers in several pies.

According to Kambiz Rafraf, this multipronged effort is coordinated by a three-member Social and Economic Development and External Affairs Executive Committee.

Under the executive committee are committees and individuals devoted to specific activities.

The Special Events Committee is responsible for organizing events around special days such as World Religion Day, Race Unity Day and Human Rights Day.

The Thanks-Giving Square Chapel Committee coordinates Bahá’í participation in communitywide events there.

Two Dallas Bahá’ís serve as officers (president and secretary) of the Dallas United Nations Association chapter.

The Bahá’í representative to the Dallas Independent School District Religious Task Force helps advise the superintendent. At a meeting of principals on church-and-state issues, the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ handled registration.

Dallas Bahá’ís collected canned goods and nonperishables for the North Dallas Shared Ministries again this year. The Assembly also chipped in with a financial contribution to the organization.

Speakers abound

Of course, sponsorship of notable speakers and performers remains a primary tool for promoting Bahá’í ideals.

In the past year, attendees enjoyed:

• William E. Davis, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, on “From Conflict to Unity,” sponsored by the Carrollton Assembly.
• Beth Bowen of Mottahedeh Development Services (MDS) on the process of social and economic development.
• Saturday Night Arts Gatherings featuring such musicians as jazz saxophonist Marvin “Doc” Holladay.
• David Anderson on “Building Great Communities.” The workshop was based on MDS’s 10-step process for the effective planning and implementation of social and economic development projects based on Bahá’í principles.
• Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, on “Lessons

SEE LARGE CITY, PAGE 9

Local external affairs reflect a growing maturity

BY TOM MENNILLO

Lucky us.

Once again our growing maturity has earned us a higher goal in the realm of external affairs.

Bahá’í communities heeded the One Year Plan call to “reinforce” external affairs activity, so the National Spiritual Assembly is asking in the Five Year Plan for an expansion of that thrust.

Where can we look for examples? In a word, everywhere.

Communities large, small and in between are tuning in to the needs of the larger society.

They are ever more systematically injecting a Bahá’í perspective into public discourse.

And their efforts cover all the bases identified by the Universal House of Justice in an October 1994 letter: human rights (including race unity), equality of women and men, moral leadership, and global prosperity.

Some communities—Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York among them—have been spotlighted in recent years in The American Bahá’í.

On these pages are accounts from several others as representative of the many communities thus involved.

Pictured at the San Jose, California, community service awards dinner are (left to right) Peggy Proff, Community Impact; Judge James F. Nelson, member of the Regional Bahá’í Council; Lisa Langer, Community Impact; Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick; and Bill Arnopp, Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity.

MEDIUM-SIZE COMMUNITIES: Finding a niche

Washington, DC, and San Jose, California, typify medium-size communities that act in several realms but have found a real niche in one.

The Spiritual Assembly of the nation’s capital recently formed an external affairs team of six. But metro Bahá’ís long have made an indelible mark in interfaith activities, according to Richard Witter.

In 1997 the greater Washington community became a member of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC), made up of eight faith traditions.

Bahá’ís hold several key positions on IFC. Three serve on the board of directors; one is IFC first vice president, chair of its strategic planning committee, and a Faith Group Leaders group member; two serve on IFC’s Commission on Social and Economic Justice; and three hold at-large seats on the IFC Assembly.

A Bahá’í recently helped judge essays by students about faith-based initiatives. Bahá’ís also have participated in sessions on such issues as the death penalty and moral leadership. And they are often asked to participate in interfaith prayer services at local events.

One highly visible annual activity is the interfaith concert attended by about 2,000 people. The Bahá’í Chorale every year stands out as the event’s most diverse group. A Bahá’í has served twice as chair of the IFC committee responsible for the concert.

Outside of IFC, the Bahá’ís have a representative on the Mayor’s Interfaith Council, an advisory group that meets monthly to discuss issues of concern to the DC government and faith communities.

In addition, a Bahá’í publicity committee this past year publicized major events such as the Bahá’í-sponsored Race Amity Conference at Howard University; the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Howard University; and a showing of the satellite broadcast from the opening of the Terraces in Haifa.

20 years of leadership

The Spiritual Assembly of San Jose has sponsored for 20 years an annual community service award to promote actions and values that are in line with Bahá’í principles.

This year, says Shahriar J. Jam, the Assembly honored two organizations, Community Impact and Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity, at a banquet on Jan. 27.

Past awards have been for education, human rights, equality of women and men, youth development, women’s development, elimination of poverty, family, law and justice, race unity, environment, literacy and the elimination of prejudice.

Keynote speaker this year was Judge James F. Nelson, member of the Regional Bahá’í Council. He delivered a motivational speech on “Volunteerism and Service in the Bahá’í Faith.” His talk included praise for and information about the award recipients.

Of the more than 160 who attended, more than 30 percent were civic and religious leaders.

Many new contacts were made and the event motivated several people to volunteer for Community Impact and Habitat for Humanity. ♦ [Page 9]

SMALL COMMUNITIES: Mighty efforts

Size doesn’t always dictate the degree of Bahá’í community involvement in the wider society, of course.

Glendale, California, Bahá’ís offered the school board a booklet from San Diego titled Bridging Our Faith.

The school board subsequently recommended the booklet for use in the state-mandated social studies curriculum, says William L. Cramer.

Glendale also teamed with La Crescenta, La Cañada and Burbank to publish a half-page, full-color ad on the opening of the Terraces.

In Clemson, South Carolina, the Assembly teamed with fellow Upstate communities and a Unitarian Universalist church to sponsor a Day of Honor.

The April 5 program honored men and women of color for their service in the fight for freedom.

The planning committee, says Inge Grunwaldt, included representatives of Clemson University and its military staff.

As the 45 veterans present entered the school’s Tillman Hall, they received red, white and blue ribbons for their lapels. On a table with the guestbook were proclamations signed by 16 mayors.

Minority veterans of World War II watch the “pass and review” parade during Day of Honor festivities in Clemson, South Carolina.

Bahá’í’s film is anchor

The program started with the film The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices, produced by Massachusetts Bahá’í William H. Smith.

The “Prayer for America” was read by Carolyne Fulmer of the Clemson Spiritual Assembly. Cara Finley, a niece of Dr. Smith, sang the national anthem.

David Liebman, chair of the Clemson Spiritual Assembly, read the proclamation and the names of the towns whose mayors signed it.

To close the program, a joint Bahá’í and Unitarian choir directed by Laura Finley sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

At a reception, children and youth from both the Unitarian Fellowship and Upstate Bahá’í communities presented essays and prayers for unity.

Advocates for families

Isolated believers Nina and James Rhodes are usually right in the middle of civic affairs—from American Legion to race unity.

So it’s no surprise the Camp Hill, Alabama, Bahá’ís were invited to help develop a statewide training program to protect children and strengthen families.

Through consultation, the scope of this training was extended to the entire Southeast.

Planners operated under the principle that “no meaningful change with children and families” is possible “until God became part of everyone’s life.”

Workshops included three facilitated by Bahá’ís: “Vision and Guidelines as Tools of Cooperation,” by Jack Guillebeaux of Alabama; “Cultural Competency,” by Nina and James Rhodes; and “Virtues Training,” by Shayla Hill of Virginia.

In addition, Birmingham Bahá’ís staffed a booth with information on families and children from a Bahá’í perspective.

Cultivating friendships

Nosratullah Ghaemmaghami refers to where he lives not as his home but as the Bahá’í Center of Ridgeland, Mississippi.

The homefront pioneer’s residence houses a Bahá’í library, photos, a wonderful Bahá’í history display and—best of all—a steady stream of visitors.

A two-day fireside/deepening in mid-August drew several people, including the mayor of nearby Canton. The good doctor’s also a good cook, and guests can pick fruit from his backyard.

The relationship Ghaemmaghami patiently cultivated with Canton’s mayor, Alice Scott, was the seed for his successful efforts.

He met her a year ago when the Bahá’ís wished to set up a booth at the flea market that’s held twice a year in front of Canton City Hall.

No other faith group had previously gotten permission to do so, but Dr. Ghaemmaghami’s proposal to Scott led to an OK from the City Council.

Scott is among the many people who have grown close to the Faith in that time. She was quoted in a large write-up in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger about an Ayyám-i-Há event this year that brought dozens of people to the Ridgeland home/Bahá’í Center. ♦

STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT: Celebrating a birth

Can the formation of a Spiritual Assembly be an occasion to establish relationships?

You bet. In the case of Sammamish, Washington, the Assembly’s birth paralleled that of the city itself.

As Americans celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2000, a different celebration was taking place in the newly incorporated city, according to Melanie Saedi.

There was no loud fanfare, fireworks or television coverage. But this fete—marking a new Bahá’í community of 28 adults and 11 children—made a lasting impression on all witnesses.

The 50 invited guests included City Council members, prominent community artists, the city water commissioner, local journalists, school principals and teachers. Most had never heard of the Faith before.

Bahá’ís present included both Auxiliary Board members and Marilyn Martineau, representing the National Spiritual Assembly.

Auxiliary Board member Todd Kutches outlined the meaning of the Bahá’í revelation and how the followers of this often unnoticed religion are making a significant mark in the world today.

One couldn’t help but feel an utmost respect for the newly formed Assembly as the members stood together at the front of the room and received roses conveying the dignity of the institution.

Following this event was a full-page story in the local newspaper, The Sammamish Review. The article featured an extensive interview with two Assembly members.

A foundation for relationships

The meticulous planning that went into a public commemoration of the brand new Spiritual Assembly of Superior, Colorado, will serve the Bahá’ís there in good stead as they build upon a foundation of new relationships.

The event, celebrated Feb. 24 at the Omni Interlocken Resort, was attended by Spiritual Assembly members from the Denver area, Auxiliary Board and national representatives, new friends in Superior and religion columnist George McHendry.

McHendry attended with his wife, Helene, and wrote a very favorable column, headlined “A Journey into a New Faith Experience,” for the Broomfield Enterprise.

“Have you ever gone to a function where the people you met made you feel totally at peace?” was McHendry’s lead sentence and the tone of the entire article.

The column noted that devotions were led in both English and Spanish, an issue important in Colorado. Also publicized were Sunday school classes for children and family devotions held each week at the Lafayette Bahá’í Center.

Planning for the event began well in advance. The Spiritual Assembly of Superior followed the directives of the National Spiritual Assembly for preparing a befitting celebration to commemorate formation.

City officials were formally and personally invited during a televised open meeting of City Council. Chairman Ahmad Akrami addressed the Council while other Assembly representatives presented each member with an information packet that included a personalized letter and engraved invitation.

Vice Chairman Mehran Majidi kept channels of communication open with the mayor of Superior, and a cordial friendship has been established. ♦

LARGE CITY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Learned from Grandfather.”

• A presentation on the Bahá’í Faith at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Dallas.

The Dallas Bahá’í community sponsored or participated in several highly visible external affairs events over the past year, including the annual National Day of Prayer breakfast, Race Unity Day, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference, a blood drive at the Dallas Bahá’í Center and the fourth annual UN Conference on Women at University of Texas-Dallas.

Emphasis on media

A concerted effort goes into contact with the media.

Weekly ads are placed in the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Post Tribune for worship services.

News releases about all Bahá’í Holy Days and major events are sent to the media.

The Dallas Assembly also supports the Bahá’í-produced “Beyond Bows and Arrows” radio program by providing a financial contribution toward buying CDs. ♦ [Page 10]

RACE UNITY DAY 2001

Continuity and imagination marked Race Unity Day 2001 celebrations in Bahá’í communities across the land. The friends built on past efforts or started new traditions. Their approaches were just as fresh, and always geared toward process so people whose interest was attracted could nurture their spiritual yearnings.

Orange County, CA

An awards ceremony honoring the children who entered the third annual Bahá’í-sponsored race unity art contest drew more than 200 people to the South Orange County Bahá’í Center on June 2.

The theme of this year’s contest was “Uniting the World, One Heart at a Time,” intended to foster awareness of the importance of a prejudice-free society and to promote unity in diversity.

Local dignitaries, religious leaders, artists and museum directors attended the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Auxiliary Board member Gary Bulkin, along with his children, created an exciting, inspiring and fun atmosphere.

The Bahá’í Center auditorium was decorated with Bahá’í-themed balloons and banners. Each judge received a T-shirt imprinted with this year’s logo design. Prayers were recited in four languages and the Bahá’í Children’s Choir sang beautiful, world-embracing songs.

Winners from the more than 100 entries received prizes and gift certificates. Every child received a certificate of recognition and many received honorary mention.

“All the children were winners to us,” said Venus Shafizadeh, one of the organizers of the contest. “We all felt empowered by their participation.”

Many participants and their families expressed interest in the Bahá’í Faith and its principles.

The outreach started in January, as more than 50,000 fliers inviting children to participate in the art contest were distributed within two south Orange County school districts.

The contest was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Mission Viejo and made possible through support from the neighboring Laguna Niguel community. It was geared to 5- to 14-year-olds, and winners were chosen from three categories: Children under seven, 8- to 10-year-olds and 11- to 14-year-olds.

Judges from different religious and social backgrounds were invited to select the winning works, which were evaluated based on concept recognition and presentation.

“It was hard to select only three winners per age group. The children had done such a great job communicating the concept of unity,” said one judge.

Winning artwork was displayed at the library for two months.

An entry shows the spirit of the children’s art contest in Orange County, California.

Exeter, NH

BY PHYLLIS EDGERLY RING

For the 10th year, the Spiritual Assembly of Exeter honored local efforts to increase unity and understanding with the presentation of its annual Vision of Race Unity Award.

The June 10 Race Unity Day event at Green Acre Bahá’í School closed out a weekend-long program focusing on race unity in America.

About 80 adults, children and youths gathered in the school’s Sarah Farmer Inn to celebrate the oneness of the human family and address racism, America’s most vital and challenging issue.

Keynote speaker LeNise Jackson Gaertner, founder of Mothers for Race Unity and Equality, drew upon world events to pay tribute to a variety of leaders who have worked to promote unity throughout U.S. history.

Featured performing artists were blues musician T.J. Wheeler of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, a former Vision of Race Unity Award recipient, and the Funky River Band. The latter group, made up of local youth ages 9–14 who study music with Wheeler, offered a range of songs about working for unity and African-American history.

The day’s guest of honor was 2001 Vision of Race Unity Award recipient Richard Haynes of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The visual artist was honored for his efforts as artist and community member to create understanding through positive images of African-American life in America, as well as artwork that emphasizes interracial amity and friendship.

Several of Haynes’ bright canvases were on view as members of the Spiritual Assembly of Exeter presented the award.

Richard Haynes gives his acceptance speech after being presented the Spirit of Race Unity award by the Spiritual Assembly of Exeter, NH. Photo by Jim Sacco

Hollister, CA

INFORMATION FROM ANNA M. GARCIA

In only its third year of Assembly status, Hollister, California, hosted a Race Unity Day event that brought people from 12 communities together.

The tally was 105 adults, 60 of whom followed the Bahá’ís to the fireside after the main event.

Six non-Bahá’ís signed a guest register requesting more information about the Bahá’í Faith.

Savannah, GA

INFORMATION FROM RAY RUDOLPH

Repeated thunderstorms and torrential downpours limited the crowd at the sixth annual Race Unity Picnic hosted by greater Savannah, Georgia, Bahá’ís to “only” 650 souls.

That just meant more fish for those who braved the elements—nearly a pound piece, fried up by master cook Gladys Walker.

Not to mention fried chicken, barbecue ribs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad and peach cobbler.

Add to that a hearty helping of jazz, provided by local great Teddy Adams, a high school ensemble, and ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ Marvin “Doc” Holladay, Walter Abdul and Ray Ray.

Also adding local flavor was a Gullah chorus. The Gullah are descendants of Africans who settled the coastal islands and developed their own culture and language.

Bahá’í youth and children reminded all of the occasion’s importance by reading from the Writings on unity and diversity.

The county school superintendent delivered wonderful comments to the crowd on the importance of unity and racial equality in the school system to build excellent citizens.

Local and regional believers are ready to follow up inquiries about the Faith with personal contact and a regular Wednesday night introductory course.

Brentwood, TN

INFORMATION FROM ARAM FERDOWSI

This Bahá’í community’s first observance of Race Unity Day was an amazing one.

More than 230 chairs were filled with people from all racial backgrounds to hear James Hefner, president of Tennessee State University, speak on “Unity in Diversity.”

Approximately 100 audience members were not Bahá’ís.

Mayor Joe Reagan signed a proclamation designating June 10 as Race Unity Day in Brentwood. [Page 11]

A man’s search, a community’s eye-opener

Pennsylvania Bahá’ís find an unexpected spotlight as part of a best-selling book

BY TOM MENNILLO

Joe Kita could be a poster child for the millions of Americans the National Teaching Committee’s research shows are searching for religion.

At age 40 he discovered a “hole”—the lack of spirituality—growing inside him and set off to fill that and other needs.

Unlike other folks, Kita sat down and wrote Another Shot, a best-selling book that was highlighted on a recent edition of the ‎Oprab Oprah‎ talk show.

The humor-filled tome also got the attention of the Bahá’í community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—because three pages in it described Kita’s visit to Bahá’í Sunday school there.

Laura Lawrence remembers the visit well: “About a year ago a very nice fellow and his family visited our Sunday Bahá’í school and devotional meeting,” she said.

“He was warmly welcomed and his children enjoyed their classes, but that was the last we heard from him.”

Then Another Shot: How I Relived My Life in Less Than a Year [Rodale Press] came out.

Looking to answer regrets

The book is about Kita’s quest to redeem 20 of his life’s regrets. Those include such things as getting cut from his high school basketball team, selling his first car, never expressing his love to his father, and never asking out a certain young woman in college.

One chapter dealt with how he explored religious spirituality by visiting a variety of churches and groups in his hometown. Kita described himself as a “Christmas-and-Easter Catholic” who usually spends Sundays cycling around the southeastern Pennsylvania countryside.

“This is my church,” he wrote.

But Kita was convinced there is a “God instinct” that’s required if we’re to thrive and “only with age does it gather momentum, become noticeable, and ultimately, send us off searching.”

Did Kita’s search lead where he expected?

“The author responded to all of these characteristics of the Bahá’ís, probably because that was what he was interested in.” —Ken Bowers, National Teaching Committee secretary

Author’s impressions

He was intrigued by what he had heard about the Faith from a friend who is the husband of a Bahá’í—especially the lack of an implicit dress code.

The Bahá’í Faith, he wrote, “must be the world’s most casual religion.”

Beyond clothing, Kita found the Bahá’ís to be “simply a group of like-minded people coming together wherever is convenient.”

“This isn’t worship of some deity but rather a quiet striving toward spirituality,” he wrote. “This is like a little search party trying to find the key to a slightly more satisfying life. They are not here out of habit or fear or ego. They’re here simply because they find it enriching, and they want to be here.”

Kita related how the devotional gathering began with socializing and led to singing in a circle to taped music, a sharing of inspirational thoughts, and a series of readings.

Then attendees broke into age group classes. The adult class that week learned Chinese meditation techniques.

Later he was told this isn’t typical, but he found a “lethargic peace” in it and was happy to see “a group of ordinary people who are open-minded enough to allow something like this.”

What’s more, his children had fun. Lots of their age group were there, and they found a genuineness in the Bahá’ís.

Skimming the surface

While the piece showed Kita enjoyed his experience, Local Spiritual Assembly secretary Sally Eiler Cordova was somewhat chagrined at his “surface” approach. By his own choice, Cordova said, the author didn’t learn much about the aims of the Faith or of the Bahá’ís.

But it shouldn’t be surprising that one-time visitors sometimes see in the Bahá’í community what they want to see, said National Teaching Committee secretary Ken Bowers.

The Bethlehem community “clearly came across in a positive fashion in many respects,” Bowers said. “We know that most seekers are looking for a general ‘spirituality’ which is defined, at least in part, as free of ritual, dogma and sectarianism, while at the same time espousing such values as community, family, diversity, etc.

“The author responded to all of these characteristics of the Bahá’ís, probably because that was what he was interested in,” Bowers said.

Cordova noted that Kita just happened to attend a class that departed from the usual structure, conducted by a visiting teacher.

Bethlehem’s Sunday classes, ongoing for 20 years, are very organized and draw on the resources of a number of talented people, Cordova said.

In the past, she added, Sunday class visitors from outside the Bahá’í community had been steered routinely into a small, fireside-type conversation. But the community learned over time that visitors would rather be in class with everyone else.

The entire experience leads Lawrence to say in hindsight: “This ... is a lesson in the importance of cherishing every seeker that comes our way. You never know the impact that one person will make.” ♦

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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 television commercials.

• 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 (four editions available).

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

Detroit friends in the thick of their city’s 300th birthday celebrations

INFORMATION FROM ROGER REINI

Bahá’í participation in Detroit, Michigan’s 300th birthday celebrations helped expose a variety of religious communities to Bahá’í teachings. It also earned Bahá’ís a role in the planning of a massive city-wide worship event in 2002.

The most prominent public Bahá’í presence came at a July 25 “Spiritual Day” ceremony for religious leaders at Ste. Anne de Detroit Church, which also was celebrating the 300th anniversary of its founding. Dovetta Ziegler of Riverview, Michigan, read from a talk given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His 1912 North American visit. The Master’s words were heard alongside recitations from the Torah, the Gospel, the Qur’án, and Hindu, Sikh and Native American sacred text and utterance.

Local television and the Detroit Free Press prominently covered that event alongside a larger public ceremony, which drew about 2,000 worshippers and heard the words of Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders.

The larger event resounded with themes familiar to Bahá’ís: for example, remarks by Roman Catholic Cardinal Adam Maida praising people of “different races and different peoples all living and working together in a covenant with God,” and the prayer of Detroit 300 Commission Chairman Edsel Ford II that Detroit would “retain the sense of community we felt this week.”

As a result of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís’‎ work with the Detroit 300 Commission and the Spiritual Day planning committee, as well as earlier interfaith collaborations, the Spiritual Assembly of Detroit has been asked to serve on the planning committee for an event scheduled for the International Day of Prayer in May 2002: 10,000 people encircling the city, standing hand-to-hand in prayer. ♦

Bahá’ís take part in a procession of religious leaders during Detroit 300 celebrations. Photo courtesy of Fariba Nategh [Page 12]

Bahá’í communities nationwide offer comfort, help

BY TOM MENNILLO

A picture began to emerge Sept. 12, the day after hijacked airliners crashed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a wooded area of western Pennsylvania:

Friends in the targeted areas were believed to be safe and Bahá’í communities throughout the land were confidently carrying out their mission to bring Bahá’u’lláh’s message of hope to fellow Americans.

Communication networks remained spotty in the City of the Covenant and transportation was difficult. As a result, the New York City Spiritual Assembly had not been able to hold a physical or even virtual meeting.

But Assembly members reached by telephone said the two Bahá’ís known to work in the World Trade Center—one from New York and one from New Jersey—were unharmed. One of those friends had arrived late that morning and not entered the complex.

A third Bahá’í, a different source reported, was in the lobby of one tower when it was hit. She managed to dodge falling debris, exit via a basement door and run all the way home.

But as Assembly member Eric Kreitzer noted, “Everyone is going to know someone who was killed. The destruction was of inconceivable magnitude.”

Kreitzer said the first two times he tried to give blood he was turned away, because people had overwhelmed the facility.

Bahá’í communities nationwide held prayer gatherings within 48 hours of the devastating attacks. Here is a list of those who reported such action in response to a request by The American Bahá’í for information by Sept. 12:

• Holbrook, AZ
• Ceres, CA
• Corte Madera, CA
• Los Angeles, CA (numerous locations)
• San Francisco, CA
• San Jose, CA
• Douglas County, CO
• Pompano Beach, FL
• Metro Atlanta, GA
• South Bend, IN
• West Lafayette, IN
• Several Boston, MA-area communities
• Triangle area, NC
• New York, NY (numerous locations)
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Beaverton, OR
• Corvallis, OR
• Portland, OR
• Bethlehem, PA (where some of the injured from New York were being treated)
• Tredyffrin Township, PA
• Myrtle Beach/Horry County, SC
• Dallas, TX
• Houston, TX
• Richmond, VA
• Virginia Beach, VA

Among Bahá’í communities represented at interfaith services:

• Fresno, CA
• Lodi, CA
• Washington, DC
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Eugene, OR
• Park City, UT
• Bennington, VT

Many National Spiritual Assemblies sent messages of encouragement • see www.usbnc.org

New York University student Roja Mirzadeh was one of those who stopped by the Center the night of the attacks. She had been evacuated from her dormitory, within sight of the World Trade Center towers.

“It’s amazing to see and know that we have enough people donating blood and volunteering their time to help others. Everything is so surreal around me,” she said. “I know that when I go back to my neighborhood, everything will begin to sink in. Those images you are seeing on TV are nothing compared to seeing all this in real life.”

Prayer vigils were held on the Upper East Side and others scheduled for the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn, friends reported.

At Columbia University, the Bahá’í Club participated in a campus-wide interfaith vigil and hosted its own prayer meeting, said student Andra Nahal Behrouz.

In the nation’s capital, the DC Bahá’í community held a noon prayer service Sept. 12, according to Richard Witter.

Many other communities in the area “are using firesides and other meetings to devote to prayers and meditations,” Witter said.

And the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington planned a Sept. 13 service at Georgetown University, with a Bahá’í invited to say a prayer for the departed.

And many Bahá’ís were among those lined up in city after city to donate blood. In fact, Bahá’í youths in Framingham, Massachusetts, and Holbrook, Arizona, were not only praying—they were looking to organize participation in blood drives.

Typical of Bahá’í-sponsored prayer gatherings was one in Pasadena, California, at the home of Gary and Mary Lou Katz and her son, Tyler Byrne.

About 20 Bahá’ís attended, of many ethnicities and ranging in age from 13 to 70. Also present were a neighbor and non-Bahá’ís brought by the friends.

“The neighbor lady who came is a devout Catholic, and she told us how glad she was that we were doing this,” said Mary Lou Katz. “When we finished with the prayers and were having coffee and cake, she turned to me and said, ‘Now I understand why you are so happy all the time.’”

Bahá’í Center open for prayer

Assembly secretary Janice Mauras said the New York Bahá’í Center was open the evening of the attacks for anyone who wished to pray. By the next morning, however, it was part of an area that was sealed off, along with all of lower Manhattan below 14th Street.

Mauras and Kreitzer hoped the Center could reopen in time for a long-scheduled weekend meeting with Counselor Rebequa Murphy, Auxiliary Board members and the Regional Bahá’í Council to consult on the community’s readiness to engage in a systematic growth program.

They also hoped the weekly Sunday devotional gathering at the Center could take place there.

Other parts of the country

Across the United States, more prayers were the order of the day. Bahá’í communities sponsored and/or participated in vigils, while individual friends circulated quotations over the Internet.

Some communities also started reaching out through the media or other activities to help Americans understand the day in which we live and the glory promised for tomorrow.

Part of larger community

Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bahá’í Carol Butler reported that her home phone “rang twice yesterday asking the Bahá’ís to please be part of a community response to the tragedy.”

“Specifically,” she said, “a man who attended firesides this past winter at our home asked if the Bahá’ís would be part of an interfaith service we wanted to arrange. Another young woman, president of the university’s Anthropology Club, stated it was important to include the Bahá’ís in the plans she was developing for a peace rally.”

In Park City, Utah, where the potential for terrorism is on everyone’s mind because the resort will host events during the 2002 Winter Olympics, an interfaith vigil was held at which Bahá’ís offered prayers and their presence was acknowledged.

Another city that has seen the face of terrorism is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

SEE COMMUNITIES, PAGE 13

MESSAGE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

leadership, a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and powerful servant of the Cause of everlasting peace. The Bahá’í Writings promise that this “signally blest” nation will never be defeated and will triumphantly fulfill its God-ordained mission.

The Bahá’í Faith has known crisis since its inception and many Bahá’ís, especially in the cradle of the Faith, have faced brutal attacks with faithfulness and noble resolve. Their model must be our standard. At this moment of unprecedented disaster, we call on all of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the United States to come to the aid of your nation in the name of your Faith. The vision of Bahá’u’lláh’s Healing Message and the Bahá’í spirit of universal love and assistance are more urgently needed now than ever before. As you proceed to serve and assist your neighbors and communities, we ask you to bear in mind these words of assurance and guidance from the Bahá’í Writings. “Let each one of God’s loved ones center his attention on this, to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest. O friends of God! That the ‎bidden hidden‎ Mystery may stand revealed, and the secret essence of all things may be disclosed, strive ye to banish that darkness for ever and ever.”

Our prayers and love are with you always, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General

Most national offices’ work unaltered

Most Bahá’í national offices—including those in the Chicago area and in Washington, DC—saw little change in their routine and no noteworthy incidents in the first few days after the Sept. 11 attack.

New York City offices of the Bahá’í International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Public Information and the U.S./UN Office were closed for two days as part of a general, safe evacuation in and around the UN complex, according to the National Assembly’s Washington office. The New York offices are more than three miles from the World Trade Center site.

As a general precaution, the Bahá’í National Center offices in Evanston, Illinois, and the House of Worship in Wilmette were under a “heightened state of awareness” in security for the first few days, according to the Bahá’í Public Safety Office. The Visitors’ Center at the Temple was closed to the public early Sept. 11, but the Auditorium remained open 12 hours a day, the usual summer hours.

A special noontime prayer gathering was held Sept. 11 at the House of Worship, and daily devotional services continued on their regular schedule.

Assemblies seek advice

In Washington, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs (OEA) stayed open every business day. That office was never in a threatened or restricted area, and communication lines remained open.

The OEA was busy the first few days talking with Local Spiritual Assemblies that called for advice on such matters as reporters asking for a “Bahá’í response,” or on making sure local relations with government, civic or religious groups stay positive.

Those Assemblies were doing exactly the right thing, said Richard Bauman of the

SEE OFFICES, PAGE 13 [Page 13]

College credit for Core Curriculum!

Participants in selected Core Curriculum facilitator training programs now have the option to earn graduate or undergraduate college credit, through a cooperative arrangement between the National Teacher Training Center, based at Louhelen Bahá’í School, and the Virtual College of Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

Programs to be included in the initial agreement include Teacher Training, Parenting, Race Unity and Youth Empowerment.

The college credit option will not change the nature of the training programs. However, in addition to completing the standard Core Curriculum training format, those seeking credit must also complete course readings, papers and other assignments.

To earn the credit beginning this fall, participants enrolled in one of these Core Curriculum training programs may simultaneously enroll in FHSU’s Virtual College program. Credits earned are fully accredited and transferable.

For more details, contact the National Teacher Training Center (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail ). ◆

Wilmette Institute: Credit is doable

Several students have received university or college credit for Wilmette Institute courses, according to Robert Stockman, institute director.

The Wilmette Institute cannot itself grant credit that could be used toward an academic degree, but it has worked in conjunction with accredited institutions to allow its students to gain credit for its courses.

Because several Wilmette Institute faculty members hold doctorates, graduate credit is possible in certain cases.

“The usual procedure is for a student to approach a faculty advisor at his/her university, explain in brief the Institute, the course the student is considering, and describe the work requirements,” a statement from the institute reads. “Once you have found a possibly interested faculty advisor, we can work with him/her to tailor an individual course of study which fulfills both your Wilmette Institute requirements and the requirements of the university, thus allowing you to get credit for our courses.”

For further details, contact the institute (contact information below right). ◆

Training is a family event in Oregon

Not only did 11 parents in the Corvallis, Oregon, area gain knowledge and encouragement through a nine-week Core Curriculum training course in Parenting earlier this year, but their families also bonded more closely, participants say. Together with their nine children, the parents gathered weekly at a Corvallis church for the course, facilitated by Terry and Carrie Kneisler of Philomath, the sponsoring community. “We hope to continue with regular sessions that will be open to the public to receive guidance from the Writings and encouragement and ideas from each other in the most noble task of bringing up and raising the new race of men,” a report states. Participants included (from left): Toni George, Cassie Khavari, Jeanine Taylor, Mehrgan Khavari, Carrie Kneisler, Terri Kneisler, David Eastman, Lorri Hendon, Adel Faridani, Suzanne Schmidt (Grace in arms). Not pictured: Ted Taylor, Axel Anders, Lua Siegel.

COMMUNITIES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Describing a Bahá’í-sponsored vigil, Cindy Van Kley of nearby Spencer said, “Almost two hours of prayers and readings generated a wonderful though slightly melancholy spirit. The uncanny sense of déjà vu has been most unsettling for those of us who went through our own version of terrorism in 1995.”

A Bahá’í in Yukon, Oklahoma, also sent a letter to the editor offering the Prayer for America.

In Jefferson County, Kentucky, Nancy Harris was on her way downtown “to give the ‘invocation’ for the county government Fiscal Court session when I heard the news on the radio.”

She noted, “My planned reading didn’t change. It was from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk, quoted on pages 229-230 of Bahá’í World Faith, that spoke of the spiritual destiny of America. After the judge/executive opened the session with a few brief words, the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were the first ones our government leaders heard.”

A unique event took place in Corte Madera, California, where Bahá’ís planted a peace garden in response to the tragedy.

“We have written on stones things like ‘peace’ and ‘breathe in the pain, breathe out the love, let my heart be a place where this world is changed forever,’ ” said Christina Quinn. “The garden is small, but it is so filled with love it brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it.”

The community also planned a peace concert for Sept. 16 in nearby Mill Valley.

The annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, was to proceed as planned.

“After the terrible events of Tuesday, we need to gather together more than ever,” said committee member Doug Hartman, “to consult on how the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh can unite mankind.” ◆

OFFICES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

OEA. In fact, the Assembly reference manual, Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities, advises Assemblies to contact External Affairs for guidance in such situations.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all comment that applies to all [local] situations,” Bauman said. “We can help each Assembly figure out the best approach to its situation.”

However, Bauman said, a few general ideas guide the OEA’s advice. “We should act in keeping with the Assembly’s message to the Bahá’ís. We should offer the spirit of universal love and assistance, provide practical assistance where possible, help our suffering communities to rise above hatred in keeping with God’s message of love, and act as true servants to humankind.”

Any Bahá’í-connected message to the public should stay “above the level of blame and recrimination ... and not get enmeshed in the details of the overall situation. We should avoid negative references to governments or assignment of blame. We want to express the Bahá’í message of hope during difficult times,” he said. ◆

Wilmette Institute

Distance learning: Center of the Covenant, Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation: ‘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, the course can be useful for new and veteran believers alike. Tuition: $150; financial aid available.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation: A Systematic Survey, Nov. 1, 2001–Feb. 28, 2002

Students will read extracts from the major works of Bahá’u’lláh and works about them, to gain an understanding of what Bahá’u’lláh wrote, when, and how He emphasized different themes at different times. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an overview of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings that is manageable in length and workload. Tuition: $200; financial aid available.

Registration is still open until Oct. 1 for a four-month course, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Related Texts, which started Sept. 1. Tuition is $200.

Additional information is coming soon about three-month courses on The Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Development of the Individual, Nov. 15, 2001–Feb. 15, 2002; and The Bible, Dec. 1, 2001–Feb. 28, 2002. Tuition for each is $150.

Courses in early 2002

Study of a book requested by the National Spiritual Assembly, beginning Jan. 1

Rediscovering the Heroic Age: The Bahá’í Faith, 1863–1921, March 1–May 31

Marriage and Family Life, April 1–June 30

The Mystical Works of Bahá’u’lláh, June 1–Aug. 31

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:

Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org

The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition. [Page 14]

How the West is being won

applying the Homefront pioneering PLAN:

The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States decided it has to re-evaluate its homefront pioneering goals.

At the beginning of the One Year Plan, 2000–2001, the Council asked for at least 50 of the friends to move to goal localities in the West, to help establish, restore or preserve Spiritual Assemblies or strengthen groups, with particular emphasis on American Indian reservations.

Big miscalculation. The final count of homefront pioneers was 117 families and individuals.

According to the e-mailed Regional Victory Newsletter, distributed Aug. 10, here are the numbers of homefront pioneers settling in top-priority areas during the Bahá’í administrative year that ended when Local Assemblies were elected at Ridván 2001:

• Six in Wyoming, a state that maintains two Spiritual Assemblies despite having none only three years ago.
• Eighteen in Arizona.
• Three in Idaho.
• One in Montana.
• Five in Nevada.
• Eight in New Mexico.
• Three in Utah.
• Ten on Indian reservations.

In addition, 28 households moved to goal localities in California, 18 in Colorado, two in Oregon and 25 in Washington.

Though it wasn’t known where all the pioneers moved from, at least six came from other regions in the United States, and others moved in from Iran, the Mariana Islands, South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, China, Zambia, Russia and Alaska (which has its own National Spiritual Assembly).

Many others “relocated very close to their original locations, moving to a goal community near them, thus demonstrating that it is the goal, not the distance, that makes the pioneer,” the newsletter stated. ♦

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

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 ).

Answers to frequent questions about serving internationally are posted on the Web (www.usbnc.org, NSA Departments).

See page 34 to report an international trip. ♦

HOMEFRONT SERVICE

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

Northeastern States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Northeast Regional Bahá’í Council secretary, Joel Nizin (phone , e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana Rouse Kaufman (phone , e-mail ).

Central States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Central Regional Bahá’í Council secretary, Curtis Russell (e-mail ).

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

Western States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator for each state (list available on www.usbnc.org in the Regional Councils section), or one of the regional coordinators:

Traveling teaching: Jan Saeed, (phone , e-mail ).

Homefront pioneering: Flor Toloui, (phone , e-mail ).

For information on American Indian reservations, contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator, Helen Kiely, (phone , e-mail ).

Southern States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, please contact regional coordinating team member Susan Crossley (phone , e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, please contact regional coordinating team member Kitty Schmitz (phone , e-mail ). ♦

Hundreds at Lucent hear of Faith

applying the Individual initiative PLAN:

Diversity class conducted for the fifth straight year

For the fifth straight year, employees at Lucent Technologies’ Columbus, Ohio, facility had a chance to learn about teachings of the Bahá’í Faith as part of their required diversity training, in a class organized by electrical engineer Dina Firoozmand.

The May 17 class attracted a diverse group of 173 employees. Publicity for the course, including the name of Bahá’u’lláh, had reached the 5,000 people at Lucent’s Columbus division via newsletter, e-mail, fliers, video and digital advertising screens all over the plant.

This year’s topics were the Bahá’í Faith’s views on life after death and the purpose of life. The class began as it did in the previous years, with an introduction of the Faith, introducing Bahá’u’lláh as God’s divine Messenger to humanity for this age. At the end of the class, a video of Reinee Pasarow (a Bahá’í), was shown where she described her near-death experience.

The well-received class inspired many attendees to share their positive impressions with co-workers. Some requested that the Bahá’í classes continue in the future.

Topics of Bahá’í classes in previous years at Lucent include:

• “Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith” by David Hansen.
• “Bahá’u’lláh—A Glimpse of His Life, Teachings and Writings” by Robert Stockman
• “Harmony of Science and Religion” by Hoda Mahmoudi.
• A Bahá’í youth workshop performance. ♦

Youths steer retreat in New Mexico

Youth planners of a Bahá’í school in southern New Mexico are (from left) Dorothy van der Sterre, Shoshona Johnstone, David Gurinsky, Erin Collins and Ian Mitchell.

applying the Youth in consultation PLAN:

Organizers of a locally sponsored Bahá’í retreat in southern New Mexico are taking seriously the Universal House of Justice’s admonition to involve youth in all aspects of Bahá’í community. This year’s Labor Day Weekend session was planned entirely by a five-member committee of youths.

“Spiritual Identity” was the theme established by that committee, and it was to address issues important to second-generation Bahá’ís—a unique focus for the family gathering, held annually for 25 years in the Lincoln National Forest.

“When my parents became Bahá’ís, they found their faith through search,” said one youth. “It is so different for those of us who were raised Bahá’ís.”

The committee, after researching the Writings and seeking input from other Bahá’í youths in the area, planned to set up discussion groups and study circles to explore “how your religion defines who you are and who you aren’t” and other issues they find in common. ♦

The Southern New Mexico Bahá’í Schools Committee sponsors institutes each year during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. For information, please contact Curtis Wynne (phone ) or Linda Gurinsky (e-mail ).

Conference on mental health Nov. 15-18

Dr. Hossain B. Danesh of Landegg International University is among several outstanding scholars planned to present sessions at the third annual conference of the Bahá’í Association of Mental Health Professionals, Nov. 15–18 at Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

Theme is “Unfolding the Potential Within: Exploring the Nature of Psychospiritual Development.” Presentations and workshops will be conducted by a variety of scholars, artists and practitioners attempting to apply Bahá’í teachings to mental health research, theory and practice.

Immediately afterward, a two-day workshop presentation on the ethics of authentic human relationships will be conducted by the “Authenticity Project,” founded by mathematician and philosopher Dr. William S. Hatcher.

For more on the National Spiritual Assembly-affiliated association, please visit the Web site (www.abmhp.org). To register for the conference, contact Louhelen Bahá’í School (phone 810-753-5033, Web site www.louhelen.org). ♦ [Page 15]

Bahá’u’lláh: The Central Figures, Volume I

National Education and Schools Office Introductory Price: $9.95 HC (BCF1)

The first in a series of colorful, beautifully illustrated storybooks, designed to correspond with the Core Curriculum strand booklets. Created through the dedicated efforts of many distinguished authors and illustrators. About half the book’s illustrations are full-color. A delight for children; a wonderful aid for teachers and parents!

9" x 9", 118 pp., foreword

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.

6 3/4" x 9 1/4", 157 pp., foreword, notes

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.

4" x 6", 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. 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 the peace and security that the villagers say they want.

5 3/8" x 8 3/8", 40 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 letters 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 conclude 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.

5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 49 pp.

Why They Became Bahá’ís

Annamarie Honnold $8.00 HC (WBB)

This collection of stories of the first generation of faithful in the West is for those wondering why people embraced a new religion while it was still in its obscurity. The pictures of these early champions of the Cause are fascinating and revealing. 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 readers.

8 7/8" x 6", 574 pp., list of illustrations, preface, introduction, epilogue, glossary, bibliography

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

Judy Jade Amick $12.95 SC (HWC)

Contains selected Hidden Words quoted from Bahá’u’lláh and short stories to illustrate 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. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

7 1/4" x 7 1/2", 47 pp.

Inspirational Music Book

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, “Glad Tidings” and Bahá’í prayers.

8 1/2" x 11", 40 pp., instructions for organ pedals and other instruments included

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. [Page 16]

NEW BOOKS FROM BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

O God, Guide Me! A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá $9.95 SC (OGGM)

New, colorful, illustrated edition of the prayer book for young children! Contains 10 prayers or portions of prayers with 22 charming illustrations that capture a child’s attention, reinforce the meanings of the prayers, and facilitate memorization by visual association.

4" x 6", 41 pp., illustrations

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

Originally designed for teaching children ages 4–6 in the villages of India, this book is an excellent resource for use around the world. Thirty-two lessons designed to facilitate weekly moral education classes are presented along with helpful suggestions for very low-cost supplemental materials.

8" x 10", 70 pp., lessons, instructions, roll call pages

A Guide to Bahá’í Funeral and Burial Practices compiled by Natalie Reyes $6.95 SC (GBBF)

This compilation has been thoroughly researched and answers many questions about Bahá’í laws and dignified ways to assist those who are preparing for passage. There are suggestions for individuals, Local Spiritual Assemblies, families and funeral directors. References include support services and phone numbers for people with terminal illnesses. Recommendations for body preparation, sources for fabric, considerations for purchasing a casket, and actual examples of personal experiences are presented to help with decisions in both anticipated and unexpected circumstances.

8 1/2" x 11", 31 pp.

The Virtues Project The Educator’s Guide Linda Kavelin Popov $24.95 SC (VPEG)

By the author of The Family Virtues Guide, this guide for counselors, teachers, caregivers and youth leaders offers a wealth of character awakening activities and ideas to bring out the best in your students and yourself. Representing a holistic approach to character education, the method can easily be integrated into existing curricula in a classroom, school, day-care center or youth program. Major components include simple elements of character honored by all cultures and spiritual traditions: 52 basic virtues.

8 1/2" x 11", 208 pp.

Handmaidens of God Marzia Rowbani-Dalal $2.50 SC (HGS)

Bahá’í prayers for women featuring prayers for assistance, children, detachment, expectant mothers, forgiveness, healing, husbands, nearness to God, parents, praise and gratitude, protection, purification, spiritual qualities, steadfastness, and tests and difficulties.

6" x 3 3/4", 37 pp.

Towards a New Era Robert Thomas $8.00 SC (TNE)

This autobiographical work describes the author’s visit as a physics teacher to the ‎New Era School High School {{{2}}}‎ in ‎Panchgani Maharashtra Panchgani, Maharashtra‎, India. A graduate from University of Wales and accomplished educator, he had to modify his view of education as he approached a new academic environment. He noticed that in physics, when you “use any kind of instrument to investigate something, you not only learn about that something ... but also about the instrument.” He learned about himself and his views which needed “adjusting” after he formed some very valuable and touching friendships.

8 1/4" x 5 1/2", 147 pp. contents, acknowledgments, foreword, pledge

PHOTO NOTECARDS AND PRINTS

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master $3.50 (AMAS) Beautiful photo note-card with envelope. Includes a photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá seated with hands folded and features the passage that begins “To live the life is ...”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Exemplar $3.50 (AEXE) Beautiful photo notecard with envelope. Includes a colorized photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá greeting people in a garden and features the passage that begins “Look at Me, follow Me, be as I am ...”

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"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Most Mighty Branch $3.50 (AMMB) Beautiful photo note-card with envelope. Features a painting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá seated and includes the passage that begins “Now the time has come when we must part: ...”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Mystery of God $3.50 (AMYS) Beautiful photo notecard with envelope. Includes a photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a young man and features the passage that begins “I say unto you that anyone who will rise up in the cause of God ...”

Red Forest $11.00 (JWPO7) 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 17]

MUSIC

Love All The World, CD and Book music by Tim Urbonya $19.95 (LATW) The writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are set to upbeat, well-thought-out music. Lyrics are printed in the book and depicted with colorful illustrations by children. Delightful, educational and beautiful. This combination is excellent for helping your children memorize verses from the Sacred Writings and be inspired to draw their own visions of the Bahá’í life. book 4¾" x 5½", CD running time: 39 minutes 59 seconds

Voices of Bahá in Concert directed by Tom Price with the Slovak National Orchestra $14.95 CD (VOBCD) Recorded live in Slovakia, March 2000. Drawing its membership from singers from all over the world, and after eight years and 10 concert tours, this is the first time that Voices of Bahá has a recording allowing people to hear the group in concert. They perform music in a variety of styles, drawing on the writings and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. running time: 68 minutes 5 seconds

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

Amame Palabras Ocultas de Bahá’u’lláh Leonor Dely $15.00 CD (AMCD) This beautifully arranged CD of Spanish songs was produced for Leonor Dely by the same people who worked on recent CDs for Carlos Santana and Ricky Martin. While Leonor Dely is a well-known artist in South America, this is her first Bahá’í CD. running time: 50 minutes 51 seconds

China Skies The World Unity Jazz Ensemble $16.95 CD (CSCD) The World Unity Jazz Ensemble features Phil Morrison with Keith Williams at piano and a variety of guests on tour through China and other parts of Asia. running time: 47 minutes 38 seconds

Meditations Selections from World Scriptures Jumelle $16.00 CD (MCD) Danielle and Crystal Morales, identical twin sisters known as the instrumental duet Jumelle, have been composing and performing their original music since the age of 7. Jumelle specializes in creating, arranging, and performing original meditative, Celtic blend and inspirational music. running time: 55 minutes

VIDEO

Symbols of the Spirit $14.95 VHS (ESSN) A video essay featuring prayer, meditation and the temples of the Bahá’í Faith. Ideal as a follow-up video to the national media campaign videos. Great as support material at firesides or for individuals expressing interest in obtaining more in-depth information. running time: 30 minutes

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 son, who fled to North America for refuge and away from religious persecution. They wait for word on her husband, who was detained. She must help her son learn to emerge into his own identity as a teenager in a new culture while he learns from his aging grandfather about the responsibility to nurture the seedling of his heritage. running time: 80 minutes

The Hands of the Cause of God Volume I—Heroic Age through 1951 Ramin Khadem and Fred Badiyan $19.95 VHS (EHCGN) This video covers the where and why of these heroic souls first appointed by Bahá’u’lláh during the latter part of His Ministry. The stories of sacrifice and daring of the four souls is followed by accounts of those special individuals referred to as Hands, posthumously, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and those appointed by Shoghi Effendi. This is the story of these heroes and heroines of the Bahá’í Faith who "diffused the divine fragrances" and "promoted learning" throughout the world. running time: 43 minutes

The Bahá’í Community $14.95 VHS (EBCN) A video essay on the worldwide organization and functions of the Bahá’í Faith. Ideal as a follow-up video to the national media campaign videos. Great as support material at firesides or for individuals expressing interest in obtaining more in-depth information. running time: 30 minutes

Your order will be shipped via UPS Ground and should arrive within 7-10 business days after we receive your order. Any item currently out of stock or unavailable will be noted on the packing slip included with your shipment. Please note that separate shipping and handling charges will be added to each shipment. Back orders are canceled 90 days from date of order.

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. • Atlanta, GA 30336 call us • 800-999-9019 • toll-free [Page 18]

Welcome back to school!

Bahá’í campus clubs prepare for the 2001-2002 academic year

The first academic term of the Five Year Plan begins this fall with Bahá’ís active on more than 200 college and university campuses in all regions of the country.

With each passing semester, Bahá’í students, faculty and staff are increasing their efforts to spread the teachings of the Faith on what Shoghi Effendi described as fertile fields for teaching.

More than ever, Bahá’í clubs have an unprecedented number of resources to contribute to their efforts. These include the growing collaboration with local Bahá’í communities, support from Regional Bahá’í Councils, a handbook for campus activism, a national Web site and a quarterly magazine.

Resources for Bahá’í campus activities include:

Bahá’í Campus Activism Handbook

This handbook, available online at www.bahaiyouth.com, is for Bahá’ís interested in developing and improving teaching and activism on campuses across the country, be they universities, colleges, community colleges or junior and senior high schools.

The handbook discusses the role of Bahá’í campus associations in promoting activism, the resources and guidance available to associations, and administrative and organizational issues, including developing unity, maintaining balance, and the need to systematize efforts through the formulation of a campus plan.

Types of activities in which Bahá’í student groups may wish to participate are also discussed, as well as guidelines relating to external affairs issues and Bahá’í scholarship. A sample constitution and policy statement, a small compilation of relevant Bahá’í writings and other useful information can be found in the appendices.

www.bahaiyouth.com

Take advantage of the new www.bahaiyouth.com, a fast-growing Internet-based powerhouse for connecting youth with one another. Features include message boards, chat rooms, events posting, multimedia and news services, useful Web links, Bahá’í youth workshop resources, campus activism resources and more.

The Office of Youth Affairs has big plans for this Web site and looks forward to consulting with youths who are willing and able to help maintain various aspects of this audacious project. Questions, comments, suggestions and offers of service may be directed to:

(technical matters)

(content and substance)

Fertile Field

This national youth magazine is dedicated to helping Bahá’í college students in their service and teaching activities on America’s college and university campuses. It has been edited, designed, produced and circulated by and for the nation’s college-age youth. In its fifth year, Fertile Field has reached exciting new levels of excellence with respect to the increasing diversity of its contributors and the quality of its subject matter.

• Local Bahá’í community and campus association newsletters are encouraged to glean articles from Fertile Field for their publications.
• Fertile Field wants your wisdom, talent, energy, insight, stories, articles, experiences, poetry, photography, artwork, suggestions, opinions, comments, feedback, recommendations, illustrations, rantings, ravings and support sent to the Office of Youth Affairs!
• To receive Fertile Field, register your club with the Office of Youth Affairs, or read it online in the campus activism section of www.bahaiyouth.com!

The Office of Youth Affairs and Bahá’í Campus Associations

Research and Development

Over the course of the Five Year Plan, the Office of Youth Affairs will continue to assist in the development of Bahá’í campus activities. In addition to providing resources and administrative support, the office will be researching effective and innovative practices involving teaching the Faith on college campuses, including:

• Effective models of collaboration between Bahá’í campus clubs, Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í communities.
• Establishing Bahá’í classes and majors on university campuses.
• The role of Bahá’í students in mentoring children, junior youth and youth.
• Bahá’í clubs and social and economic development.
• Establishing year-of-service posts on college campuses.
• Having study circles on campus, and opening these to non-Bahá’í students and faculty.
• The effect of intercommunity partnerships on Bahá’í campus activities.
• Utilizing www.bahaiyouth.com and Fertile Field as the basis of a national Bahá’í youth news network where youth can easily learn from each other. Specific attention will be given to encouraging clubs and communities to draw on this network for news articles that can then be published in local Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í publications.

The Office of Youth Affairs encourages students to earn academic credits while providing research assistance to the Office in carrying out its varied research tasks. Please contact the Office of Youth Affairs for details.

Campus Club Registration

One Bahá’í representative from each college and university in the United States is kindly requested to register her or his campus organization with the Office of Youth Affairs. Whether there is just one Bahá’í student, faculty, or staff member on your campus, or one hundred members, please consult with the members of your Bahá’í campus association and your Local Spiritual Assembly (or its liaison) to provide the following information:

• Name of school.
• Name of sponsoring Assembly and its e-mail address.
• Name, Bahá’í ID number, mailing address, e-mail address and phone number of one representative for the Bahá’í campus association who will act as liaison to the OYA (this person will receive official mailings and distribute information and copies of Fertile Field to other Bahá’ís ‎on campus. on campus.)‎
• Number of Bahá’í students, faculty and staff in association.
• Number of copies of Fertile Field desired.

Office of Youth Affairs c/o Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 Phone 847-733-3499 Fax 847-733-3502 E-mail

WHAT’S GOING ON WHERE YOU ARE

Central Regional Youth Committees serving:

North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri

Illinois and Indiana ( )

Michigan and Ohio ( )

Northeast Regional Youth Committee ( )

Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team

Web site www.youth-south.org

Western Youth Office

College Club Desk

CAMPUS CLUB WEEKENDS

Retreats for Bahá’í college students

• Oct. 26–28: Bahá’í Campus Club weekend at Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail ).
• Sept. 28–30: Bahá’í Campus Club weekend at Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail ).
• Oct. 26–28: Bahá’í Campus Club weekend at Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California (phone 831-423-3387, e-mail ).

If there is not a weekend scheduled in your area, organize one yourself!

A “do-it-yourself” guide to Bahá’í campus retreats is available on www.bahaiyouth.com (Campus Activism > Key Resources > “Handbook for Bahá’í College Gatherings”).

YOUTH SERVICE CORPS

Internship and study-abroad programs

How can you receive college credits and financial aid while serving the Cause? Arrange to do internship and study-abroad opportunities through your college or university!

To find out where your talents may be best employed around the Bahá’í world internationally, contact the Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

For domestic opportunities at the permanent schools and institutes, contact the Office of Education and Schools (phone 847-733-3514, e-mail BYSC- ).

To work at the Bahá’í National Center or Bahá’í House of Worship in Illinois, contact the Office of Human Resources (phone 847-733-3427). [Page 19]

Who am I?

With Wayne and Wilma

Bahá’u’lláh tells us it’s important for grown-ups to work at a job. Can you guess what jobs these people have chosen? Read the clues, then write your answer. You can draw a picture of each person, too!

For more fun activities and stories about growing up, check out the July/August 2001 issue of the Brilliant Star!

Mystery Job #1

Clues

• You can SEE that I love my job
• I help you focus on things
• I care for your eyes

Mystery Job #2

Clues

• My job really GROWS on me
• I use shovels, water, and seeds
• I care for flowers and trees

Mystery Job #3

Clues

• I get to play a lot while I work
• I use crayons, toys, and games
• I get to rest at nap time

Mystery Job #4

Clues

• I’ve always got a story
• I help you find books to read
• People call me a bookworm

Activity by Brilliant Star

Subscribe Now!

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Wayne and Wilma’s secret "Who am I?" answer key: Mystery Job #1: Optometrist (Eye Doctor); Mystery Job #2: Gardener; Mystery Job #3: Child Care Provider; Mystery Job #4: Librarian [Page 20]

BUILDING THE KINGDOM FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, YOUTH & CHILD

CONFERENCE COVERAGE

SECOND INSTALLMENT: BEHIND THE SCENES AND OTHER INTERESTING DETAILS

Consistently, the behind-the-scenes stories from the volunteer organizers and Bahá’í National Center staff who served at the Kingdom Conference fall into a pattern: A short time to plan, too few volunteers, certain plans sustaining the effort even as other plans collapsed, and courage, determination and often prayer-bolstered improvisation finally winning the day. On these pages are a few of those stories.

Kingdom Conference statistics

Bahá’í National Conference Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 28–August 1
Registered, all ages: 8,437	Actual attendance: 8,600 (est.)
Registered by age group: Adult (21+): 5,680 Youth (15–20): 1,112 Pre-Youth (12–14): 550 Children (0–11): 1,095
Non-‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ attending: 500 (est.)
Workshop opportunities: 260 Distinct workshops: 206 Workshops offered twice: 54 Range of workshop audience size: 30–300	Eric Dozier, conference choir director, and fellow musician Red Grammer marvel at the spirit of the beach ball event June 30 at the Kingdom Conference. Photo by Aimee Porter
Expo booths: 37
Shuttle driver-hours logged: 1,500 (est.)
Beach balls ordered for Saturday morning’s main session: 1,008 medium size, 36 giant size
Hospitality and gatherings volunteers: Estimated needed in advance: 1,500 Number volunteering, who got the job done: 250
Conference in the news: Newspaper articles published in advance or during the conference: 10 known in Wisconsin Unknown number published nationwide because of article carried by Knight-Ridder News Service (at least 2 in Florida, 2 in California, Georgia, Washington, Kansas) Television stations publicizing or covering the conference: 3 local stations CBS News made footage of conference and beach ball event available nationwide
People interviewed in detail: William Davis, National Assembly chair Robert Henderson, National Assembly secretary-general KC Porter, musician/arranger Emily Ware, youth in Port Washington, WI Jim Beasley, Milwaukee, WI Tim Tyson, NTC and conference media coordinator

Bounces and bumps on the way to the Bahá’í beach ball bonanza

Note: A longer story on this episode is available on the Web at www.redgrammer.com/bahai/bb.htm

How to levitate 1,044 beach balls at once:

• Ahead of time, draw up elaborate plans and produce an entertaining instruction video for participants.
• Order beach balls and air pumps.
• Alter plans several times as consultation and determination ebb and flow.
• Add prayers and dedicated friends, while gaining and losing and regaining volunteers.
• Spice with overnight runs for equipment and cargo.
• Fold in youth energy and a pre-teen quality control watchdog.
• Mix well with 8,600 wound-up conference-goers at US Cellular Arena.
• Discard instructions halfway through, put a Vivaldi concerto on the sound system, and watch the colors fly.

“Fortunately, the audience had heard the directions for ending the game,” reported Kathy Grammer of upstate New York, instigator of the “Beach Ball Mania” cooperative game that proved a highlight of the Kingdom Conference. “When the music stopped, the beach balls came down within seconds and everyone who caught a beach ball got to keep it.”

The feedback over the next couple of days confirmed the success.

“I get it. We are all hitting the balls. We are all keeping them up in the air,” one participant remarked metaphorically to Amelia Pawlak, a member of the conference Planning Team.

“To think that we can do something like the beach balls at a national religious convention, makes me think that our regional conventions won’t ever be the same. ... Everyone will be playing that game, it was so joyous,” a woman told Grammer on the plane home.

Pretty good for an event that would have been canceled several times over but for determination and persistence.

“Couldn’t lose”

Grammer had been organizing cooperative beach ball games at workshops for three years.

So when she was asked to serve on a program task force for the conference, she lit on the idea: Why not just expand the concept to fill the arena?

“There was something about a beach ball that brings out the kid in all of us. I figured I couldn’t lose. After all, a ball is the number one toy in the world,” she said.

Ken and Mark Cabot, young Bahá’ís from northern New Jersey, shot a video with Grammer’s instructions, employing a friend who had some stunt training (don’t try that pratfall at home, kids).

“I was definitely the straight man in the group,” Grammer noted.

Were there anxious moments in the planning? Of course: safety discussions and experiments, changes in where (or whether) it would fit into the program, too few advance volunteers, etc.

That last aspect nearly caused the beach ball bonanza to be canceled only days before the conference.

Before giving up on it entirely, though, Grammer and Pawlak decided to ask the National Spiritual Assembly.

“Don’t cancel this event” was the Assembly’s advice. It’s a community-centered conference, they said. How are you going to fight that?

People power, lung power

A lot of what you’ve heard about what went on in the 18 hours leading to noon Saturday, June 30, is probably true. Grammer confirms at least this much:

Many advance volunteers failed to show up for a Friday night orientation. That left the project with about 30 volunteers, plus prayerful reliance on word of mouth to raise that number to the minimum of 90.

The air pumps they originally bought were flimsy. A quest for better air pumps through rental stores, hardware stores and personal connections went unfulfilled well into the wee hours.

The crates of uninflated beach balls themselves? They were originally to be delivered two days before the conference.

In actuality, it took an extra call to get them flown to Milwaukee on the morning of the program. Ken Cabot made a 5 a.m. run to the airport to pick up the beach balls, and even then the first person he encountered told him the cargo was still in Memphis.

“I went to bed Friday evening with not enough volunteers, no pumps, and no beach balls. I awoke at 6:30 on [Saturday] morning in the same situation,” Grammer related.

Soon, however, the balls arrived, and thanks to 10 volunteers backstage at the arena, about 100 were inflated by 9 a.m. Then a network TV crew arrived to ask Grammer about the beach ball extravaganza that was to happen by noon.

Grammer “surveyed the scene and laughed. ‘Bahá’u’lláh,’ I said, ‘I need to know right now if this is going to happen.’”

This happened: A gentleman in a cowboy hat put up a sign: “We Need Blower Uppers.”

Minutes later, backstage was “flooded with youth, adults, and children ripping open bags and blowing up beach balls.”

A young girl, dissatisfied with the consistency of the product, leapt onto a table with two sample efforts and declared: “This is a bad beach ball. It doesn’t have enough air. This is a good beach ball. If you want to be of service, do it right!”

Bystander Nora Hartman marveled, “It was early in the morning and most of them looked very tired as they sat on the floor or leaned against walls, surrounded by piles of beach balls. I saw a couple of younger children working on blowing up balls that were bigger than they were. It was truly a scene of ‘hyperventilating for Bahá’u’lláh.’”

Ten minutes before the program’s start, 1,044 beach balls were inflated, and 200...

SEE BEACH BALLS, PAGE 24

Images and captions

• LaDonna Johnson, member of the programs task force, prepares fliers for entertainment events. Photo by Michael Frank
• The Midwest Express Center lobby was a constant buzz of activity for people headed toward workshops, the Bookstore or the Expo. Photo by Michael Frank
• Above photo: Conference co-coordinators (from left) Amelia Pawlak, Delara Rapant and Faith Holmes are recognized on stage at the final main session July 1. Photo by Nathan Brown
• Photo at right: Members of the Charlotte, NC, Bahá’í Youth Workshop, among 200 volunteers who helped make the beach ball event a success, confer just before Saturday morning’s main session. Photo by Michael Frank
• Downstairs from US Cellular Arena, the conference office was also a lunchroom for dozens of staff and volunteers. Photo by Michael Frank
• Photo at left: Even as participants celebrated with the conference choir, security was a nonstop job everywhere conference events were held.
• Above photo: A video camera technician goes through a dry run June 27, the day before US Cellular Arena was to be filled with conference-goers. Photos by Michael Frank

[Page 21]

Reflections on serving from the backstage folks

Amelia Pawlak, one of three conference coordinators

The Planning Team said from the beginning that this conference would not be “perfect” in every sense but knew that the most important thing was that we did the best we could do without complaint or criticism.

We stayed very clear on the conference’s purpose; frank and unfettered consultation was at the heart of all decisions, along with a firm adherence to principle and a commitment to unity.

Everyone knew the time was short but we chose to not dwell on that fact—some said it was crazy to do something on such short notice. We believed the impossible was possible, and we stayed focused and on task. Although there were some challenges on site, this conference and all its aspects were, to me, nothing short of miraculous and a testament to the unfailing Assistance promised to us when we are truly united. I am deeply grateful to the National Spiritual Assembly for allowing me the privilege to participate in a life-changing experience which affected so many hearts, my own included.

Phyllis Medrano, conference office manager

I was overwhelmingly impressed with the ability of a handful of people to pull off an event of this magnitude. This was only possible, in my opinion, because every one of us was dedicated to serving the National Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’u’lláh by giving everything we could possibly give to make the conference a success.

The people I worked most closely with (conference coordinating team, stage/sound crew, security staff, Bill McSherry, the Day Star Café and Bookstore managers) were at the conference center from 5–6 a.m. until 1–2 a.m. every day of the conference. I never saw anyone lose their patience or lose that glorious face that comes when you know you are giving your all to serve.

I saw Bahá’ís work with Milwaukee Conference Center staff/security in a way that allowed those folks to also rise to the occasion. I was especially surprised by the way the cleanup people and security staff from the main conference center rallied to my side several times a day as I attempted to keep the conference office cleared of trash after meal times (when we fed up to 150 volunteers, staff and performers).

Cindy Catches, member of Day Star Café design team

I must say I have done these before but this was different. We heard that this could not be done in six months. But the National Assembly said yes, so it was unanimous—we obeyed the institution.

So often in this process, I would laugh out loud as this was a “concourse conference.” They did it, we just said we would do all that we could. But at times I felt they would say, “let’s show them how to build the Kingdom.” They took this motley crew and made it perfect! Now I know how the Kingdom will be built. We just have to do what they ask.

Children’s class coordination

Education and Schools Office

We faced a remarkable amount of work in planning, recruiting volunteers, purchasing supplies and then going on site and helping set up the classrooms at the Hyatt Hotel, performances at the Plankinton Theatre, registration and the Family Room.

Even so, our small group of staff and volunteers were, with heavy doses of prayer and mutual support, able to pull it off. We saw heroes and heroines at work all around us.

Thursday night, after the first main session, we were sea-deep in parents waiting to register their children for the programs. Just as we could tangibly feel the waves of people about to wash over us, our volunteers from a previous shift magically reappeared. Pretty worn out after putting in more than a full day of work, but wearing fresh smiles, they just “worked the line.”

With safety in mind at all times, a fairly elaborate system had been devised for moving students between buildings, using coded wristbands for more than 1,000 children and junior youths.

We heard later that people were amazed at the lines of children, with little hands holding on to ropes—which turned out to be about four feet too short (who knew?). Those observers immediately formed an additional protective barrier to assist during “the crossing.” We were all so blessed, for there were absolutely no incidents during the transfers; only lots of thirsty children arriving to greet their teachers and ready for class.

Hospitality and gatherings

Members of Hospitality task force

Just days before the conference we had commitments from only 81 of the 1,500 volunteers we had estimated we needed to meet and greet the friends, make sure everyone found their way to the right venues and felt personally welcomed by representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly.

As we plunged into the fray of registration Thursday, we of course found that all of the problems we encountered were solved by the right person showing up, or the right door opening. It felt like the story of the loaves and fishes: With, eventually, 250 actual volunteers, we were able to accomplish what 1,500 would have done. The lost were found and the friends were assisted, loved and advised.

On Saturday, one 7-year-old young man and his mother came to the volunteer registration desk. He had come to do his share. He was thrilled to have the “volunteer” blue badge put on his name tag, and more thrilled to receive an actual assignment—saying hello to the friends at the Day Star Café, and cleaning tables. I later saw him at work. He was heroically clearing trash from the tables, and smiling at every person he saw.

There were volunteers who worked almost continually throughout the conference, and they were a great blessing for those task force members who often wonder if anyone is interested in what we were trying to do.

Another confirmation was the way so many of the volunteer staff treated the children and youth—a sense of partnership and real involvement in the production of the conference.

Registration

CJ Cohen, task force member

I have had the privilege of serving on the registration team at several large conferences, and this was the first time I have considered registration a “mostly pleasant” experience. The computer program used was very well-organized and made registration fast and mostly painless for both the registration team and those registering.

I think maybe it was also a learning experience for those who had to wait in two lines because they didn’t follow instructions (i.e. bring their confirmation letter or pre-register). When we were told that we registered almost 3,000 people in a little over 3 hours, I couldn’t believe it!

Sign me up! I’m ready for the next one!

Nora Hartman, Information Services Department

The company that provided the registration software went above and beyond the call of duty. The president of the company (non-Bahá’í) came to the conference himself to help make sure everything ran smoothly. He stayed right there with us, running reports and fixing any problem that came up (there were very few). He did all this despite illness.

Main programs

KC Porter, performer/arranger

One thing I noticed people comment-

Captions

• Though it got hectic, the hospitality desk was a center of service. Photo by Michael Frank
• After a session of stories and songs at the Plankinton Theatre, groups of children are linked hands-on-shoulders during a transfer of several hundred young ones to the Hyatt Hotel for more afternoon classes. Photo by James Humphrey
• Stocking and other duties went on continuously for Bookstore workers all during the conference. Photo by Michael Frank

[Page 22]“WEEKS LATER I AM STILL IMPACTED by the service performed for me to see the Temple.” —House of Worship tour participant

Temple tours offer different dimension

BY THE KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

How did the special visits to the Bahá’í House of Worship affect the 400 or so people who shared the bus trips from Milwaukee to Wilmette, Illinois, just before and after the Kingdom Conference?

“I cannot tell you how much the tour did to lift my spirit to new heights,” one participant wrote. “I feel so differently now when I see a picture of the Temple. It feels so much closer to me.”

During the extended weekend of the conference, an additional 6,000 or more people visited the Mother Temple of the West on their own.

But those who signed up for the 90-minute bus rides from and to Milwaukee took part in something special.

As soon as they boarded the bus, visitors were prepared spiritually for their visit to what Shoghi Effendi termed “the Holiest House of Worship.”

Volunteer bus hosts shared informational videos on the creation of the House of Worship and the current conservation efforts through the Kingdom Project, inspirational stories of the early Kingdom builders, and a packet of materials including activities for children and in-depth information for adults.

“We so appreciated the warm welcome from our bus host and all the staff here at the Temple,” another participant wrote afterward.

After arriving, guests enjoyed special devotions in the Auditorium, then gathered downstairs in Foundation Hall for talks from Caswell Ellis, House of Worship director, and Rex Walker, administrator of the Temple’s only dependency, the Bahá’í Home for the Aged.

This was followed by a family tour of the House of Worship and the gardens. Lunch was served under a tent at the shore of Lake Michigan with a full view of the Temple.

A girl on a tour gets a close-up view of ornamentation on the House of Worship’s outer wall.

Time to explore the gardens was an important part of the House of Worship tours.

After lunch, guests were given a special opportunity to visit the Archives, which are not generally open to visitors.

Many were moved to tears at the sight of the precious relics housed in the Archives.

“Everything was presented in such a nice way, and I really feel that I learned a lot even in such a short period of time,” another tour participant wrote.

The Conservation Department offered a slide presentation and walking tour on the conservation and restoration efforts under way.

For many visitors, seeing the damaged steps and water-stained garden wall and hearing from the experts about the restoration plans firsthand demonstrated the urgency and importance of the work being undertaken on the House of Worship through the Kingdom Project.

Meeting some of the people who are devoted to the conservation also showed the extensive expertise and loving care that the people working to preserve this building bring to their service.

“As a teacher, I was particularly impressed at all the speakers and the way they integrated information so that both children and adults were addressed at the same time—this is a good model for how we should communicate information at all Bahá’í activities,” a tour participant wrote.

Tour participants leave the Bahá’í House of Worship Auditorium after taking an opportunity for meditation. Photos on this page taken by tour participants

There was also plenty of time throughout the visit for personal devotions in the Auditorium, the Cornerstone Room and the gardens. The day closed with devotions in the Auditorium again, and then it was back on the bus for the return trip to Milwaukee. ♦

BEHIND THE SCENES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

ing on was the fact that this conference gave us a feeling of interconnectedness with the global Bahá’í community—showing that Bahá’ís are people from all over the world with one message. Seeing artists from around the world coming together, their music blending together perfectly, proved to us that world peace is beyond possible.

It cost quite a bit to bring Leonor Dely and Millero Congo from Colombia to the conference, but in the end it made a world of difference.

Bookstore and Expo

Harriette Robinson, BDS staff

One of the things that touched me was to watch the friends as they stood in line, greeting old friends and/or striking up new friendships, sharing stories, photos, etc. Now, picture this. A small group of customers are earnestly engaged in conversation and one of them is next in line! What to do? They haven’t finished exchanging addresses yet. Well, they simply wave the next person through and continue their conversation. This happened time and again and seemed a very dear gesture to me.

You may ask, “So what kept those volunteers going day after day long 14-hour day of standing on their feet with only a short lunch and dinner break?” It was you, dear friends, your joy and delight and love that you expressed as you hauled your treasures to the cash register and stood patiently while we processed your orders. It was such a pleasure serving you.

During one lunch break when I sat in the restaurant waiting for my meal, the exhaustion must have been very evident on my face, for before I knew it a total stranger had approached me and began to give me a serious shoulder and back massage. Wow! This woman knew what she was doing! What a difference that made. Thank you, my guardian angel!

Mojan Sami, Expo director

The evening before the conference, we realized that the floor plan we were given wasn’t drawn to scale and that the furniture company wouldn’t be able to set up with the floor plan we gave them. We redrew the floor plan in about an hour, and then had to stand outside the Midwest Express Center at 3 a.m. to meet the furniture company to inform them of the changes.

Around 2:55 a.m., an employee of the Midwest Express Center met me there to open the door, and I taught him the Faith! Anyway, I was absolutely exhausted the following day, but the whole situation was just hilarious.

Transportation

Jocelyn Boor, task force member

Planning and running a shuttle bus system to move 8,000 people around Milwaukee was a daunting task. The spirit of service was visible. Many local Bahá’ís helped with the transit needs by serving in the office or on the street. We called ourselves “Kingdom Conference Transit.”

Our task force was a wonderful group of people, and we worked well together and did our best. Was it stressful? Yes. Did I worry too much when things got off track for a bit? Probably. Did the questions from the friends (most of which were answered in the program book) bother me? No—at times I laughed, sighed in frustration, or repeated my mantra, “growing and learning, growing and learning.” Many of the participants called when they didn’t see a bus for a while, but those calls were needed; we had to know what was and wasn’t working.

We also participated in the Bahá’í sport of kiosk wrangling: putting those tall cardboard markers together and moving them into position. One exceptional group was delivering kiosks to the hotels at 1 a.m. Thursday morning (so this visible symbol of the conference would be in place for the friends). Another ever-changing group of volunteers helped KCT bring the kiosks on Kilbourn Avenue in each night at 1 a.m. I remember being that energetic as a Bahá’í youth. It was good to see that hasn’t changed!

KCT managed the team sport of shuttling—but most of the friends participated by riding and waiting patiently. This was, unknown to us, preparation for THE game of universal participation, beach-ball tossing. ♦ [Page 23]

“I DON’T BELIEVE YOU CAN GO ANYPLACE

to be more inspired than what I saw at that last session.”—Adele Solomon, Montgomery, Alabama; friend of Bahá’ís, who attended a day of the conference and shared a bus back home with Bahá’ís

Getting there was half the fun (!)

BY TOM MENNILLO

What’s a little hardship among friends?

Especially Bahá’ís heading to and returning from the Bahá’í National Conference, Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child.

Just about anything that could delay a trip beset the merry band traveling by chartered tour bus from Atlanta, Georgia.

But the spirit that rode that balky behemoth more than made up for any inconvenience.

And it started with the sacrifices of driver Thomas Varner.

A 60-year-old with beard as white as the bus and twice as luxurious, Varner is a man of limited means and unlimited heart.

He knew that many folks could not afford the plane ticket—tickets, in the case of families—to Milwaukee or the expense of car rental.

He also knew a great opportunity when he saw one for fellowship within the far-flung Atlanta area’s 2,000-member Bahá’í family.

So the College Park Bahá’í put out word, with help from Internet-connected friends, that for $90 round-trip folks could ride in comfort and leave the driving to him.

Just enough for a bus

Several waves of local publicity among Bahá’í communities resulted in a roster of 41 riders, including four to be picked up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

It was enough to make the rental of one bus feasible. Just not enough to secure the bus Varner had his eye on.

After wrangling with the bus company, he took the helm of an older, less-lavishly appointed bus the morning of June 27 and rolled two hours late into the parking lot of the Bahá’í Unity Center in south DeKalb County.

Everyone piled their suitcases in the under-bus compartments and stuffed to-do bags above their seats, and away we went.

Some passengers read or listened to music through headsets. Others chatted or gathered around a talented young artist. Fitful naps were grabbed.

When talk turned to the conference, there was excitement over the prospect of being among so many Bahá’ís.

Would it be like the second Bahá’í World Congress in New York nine years ago—something we would speak of fondly the rest of our lives?

And would the presence of many non-Bahá’ís add a dimension never seen before?

Soon we would know.

The needs and the stops

Sooner it became apparent Thomas Varner’s spirit of service has been passed on to his family members.

Young Daniel, in particular, spent the trip caring for others: He sold water, soda and snacks to help defray the costs of the charter; he picked up and distributed trash bags at every stop.

And the stops were many: to fuel bus and passengers; to give a carsick rider a break; to tend to Varner’s daughter, Hannah, who was feeling ill and would require medical attention in Milwaukee; to allow Varner himself to flop onto a sleeping bag for a couple of hours’ nap.

The fuel situation became a bit precarious in the wee hours, finally abating when an open truck stop was located in Gary, Indiana.

The final leg was uneventful, and we hit Milwaukee around 6:30 a.m.

On the road back home

Might the return trip be quicker? Please? Alas, it was even longer.

A one-hour stop at the Bahá’í House of Worship stretched to 2½ hours when the friends discovered a nearby Chinese eatery. It was soon overwhelmed with orders.

Fuel again became a concern, as the bus meandered the South Side of Chicago seeking an open gas station that pumped diesel. The idea was to get enough to make it to Gary for a fill-up. Mission accomplished, finally, we again hit the highway.

A sing-along of favorite Bahá’í tunes made the anxious search easier to bear, and a couple of hours later prayers were recited for the martyrs, coinciding with a program at the House of Worship.

Everything seemed to be going just fine. Several passengers—young and old—took the time to excitedly relate their conference experiences with the reporter from The American Bahá’í.

Oh, there were more breaks. Again Varner had to stretch out for some shut-eye.

So you thought you were home free?

By Monday afternoon, though, we were inside Georgia—the end in sight.

All of a sudden the engine fell silent and the bus coasted to a stop on the I-75 berm.

Several attempts to get the engine to catch were short-lived. Varner shut off air circulation. The motor rumbled to life.

Thus, we were able to limp back to the Bahá’í Unity Center, the sweat on every face reflecting the day’s heat and humidity.

But we were safe. And with lots of stories to tell of a shared journey to, in and home from Milwaukee. One we’ll talk about forever. ◆

Left photo: Bus driver Thomas Varner checks folks in for the trip home from Milwaukee back to Atlanta.

Above photo: As expected, children were the center of attention aboard the bus. Photos by Tom Mennillo

BEACH BALLS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

mostly youth volunteers lined the aisles, ready to keep balls in the air and to make sure it all stayed friendly.

And that’s not all, folks

One last question: When the beach balls finally emerge, how do you restrain thousands of folks who have sat through 2½ hours of songs, prayers, dramatic recitations and a major speech introducing the Five Year Plan?

“The beach balls came out early in the middle of the video after only a few instructions had been given,” Grammer said. “Someone told me later that it started with a young boy giving one to a fussy baby. The baby let go of the ball and that’s all it took.”

At the same time, word got around outside the arena that beach balls were being passed around. Dozens of parents hustled their children by the hand from the lobby or the Day Star Café back to the Arena. No way could they miss this.

For several minutes, the arena looked as if someone had poured a thousand gumballs into a cartoon popcorn popper.

And when it was over, every ball had a home—whether it was rolled out intact, carried out a little limp, or worn deflated on someone’s head.

Grammer says it all was worth the risk and anxiety—especially as it created a new way of demonstrating our community and interdependence, and each person’s power to keep it happening.

“I think we are now ripples in the pond,” she said. “Our joyful activity which required something small from each of us has gone out to the Bahá’í world, and we will see the effects of it in the years to come.” ◆

Hmong children from California demonstrate a bit of their dance tradition in a conference workshop, “Inspiring Joy, Hope & Confidence in Newcomers: Embracing Cultural Gems.” For information on assisting Southeast Asians in your Bahá’í community contact USBRO (phone 847-733-3547, e-mail ). [Page 24]

Youth project: Encounters with the heroes of God

BY DIRK PADFIELD AND DARIUS LOGHMANEE NORTHEAST REGIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE

ADVANCING THE PROCESS OF ENTRY BY TROOPS

Spot. House. Place. City. Mountainrefugecave. The blur of the glorious landscape only added to our elation as our steed (a 1994 Honda Civic) devoured the asphalt between us and today’s heroes of God, the youths who had arisen to serve Bahá’u’lláh on the 2001 Northeast Regional Youth Teaching Trip (NERYTT).

In all, 31 youths were serving in seven communities across the Northeastern States as part of this nine-day event. The two of us had the privilege of visiting each group. These are their stories.

Training

The first stage was the Badasht Academy at Green Acre Bahá’í School, where nearly 100 youths read about the heroes and heroines of their Faith. Then the youth teachers attended a training in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, held by the Northeast Regional Youth Committee.

Various training institute programs provided help on topics including “Consultation,” “Active Listening” and “Teaching Christians.” The youths learned how best to serve and teach in the communities they would visit, and also honed their Ultimate Frisbee and Persian dancing skills! They developed close bonds of friendship, and their love and respect for one another attracted the attention of even casual passers-by.

Participants in the Northeast Regional Youth Teaching Trip gather during their training session in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.

These radiant youths, ages 13–25, came from England, Italy, Canada, California, Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire.

On July 15 they scattered across the Northeast. Soon we two regional committee members began our tour of five locations.

First stop: Rochester, NY

We found the team in Rochester fearlessly and lovingly engaged in teaching and serving the local community. They spent the week inviting an estimated 450 Rochesterians to firesides and a race unity picnic. They met these people through door-to-door ‎invitiations invitations‎, by doing service in diverse neighborhoods, and even by launching an innovative beach teaching campaign!

The week culminated in the race unity picnic, for which they had prepared skits and a step dance. Their service attracted the attention of community leaders who were moved to offer support for any future race unity endeavors by the Bahá’ís of Rochester.

Next: Olean, NY

Youth here were actively engaged in inviting Oleanites to their presentation, titled “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” They visited schools, went door-to-door, and set up a booth in a mall handing out invitations and offering information on the Faith.

In the evenings, in front of an audience of nearly 100, these youths, ages 13–15, gave eloquent and dynamic presentations on the history and the various tenets of the Faith. Their courage and maturity impressed all those present.

In Olean we took advantage of the opportunity to do laundry, as we consider clean clothes to be an important consideration for those who hope to teach and serve the Cause successfully.

Onward to Lancaster, PA

In the days before we arrived, the five youths serving here had hosted a well-attended race unity picnic in State College, had served in a retirement home in Huntingdon, and had hosted a large fireside in Lancaster. Their enthusiasm and obvious love for one another invigorated Bahá’ís and seekers alike.

We met them on their last day in Pennsylvania. After spending the morning exploring Chocolate World, they had gone to serve at the Bahá’í Center, preparing the rooms for painting and maintaining the grounds. The Lancasterian Bahá’ís were deeply grateful for the youths’ contributions to the beauty and functionality of their center. A neighbor was moved to let the Bahá’ís plant a garden in an area of the yard they had not had access to previously.

A stop in New Paltz, NY

In the meantime the Olean group had traveled here, where they served the New...

SEE NORTHEAST, PAGE 39

Teaching experience in Ohio turns out to cause a lot of learning

Training in Milwaukee after the Kingdom Conference was the first step for five youth teaching teams that spread throughout the Central States in July. Teams were based in Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and South Dakota.

Here is a report from the Columbus team.

BY HEATHER LEIGH JENSEN OHIO STEP I PROJECT COORDINATOR

Our three-week project involved more than 40 youths, and concentrated on direct teaching and humanitarian service.

For direct teaching, we mainly had a booth on the Ohio State University campus, which was really successful, or in Whetstone Park. We decided to be daring one day and walked around the park with two signs, one reading “Do you think we can overcome racism?” and the other reading “Do you think Christ has returned?”

We thought that the latter sign would be really controversial, and attract a lot of attention, but mostly we just got funny looks. The other sign enabled us to do a lot of teaching; that group was able to hand out about 30 pamphlets in one day.

Another interesting teaching experience happened on campus. We decided to have a booth every day for the last week of our project. One day the rain was pouring, but our group decided to tough it out and stand by the booth anyway. Only a few people came, but they were impressed that our group would stand in the rain to teach the Faith.

We also ran into a devout Muslim from Bangladesh, who showed an intense interest in learning more about the Faith. Our group stayed and talked with him for over two hours one day. He returned the next day to talk with a Bahá’í who had been raised Christian, then converted to Islam, and then who found the Bahá’í Faith.

Several friends of the Bahá’ís participated in the project. One was a young Christian boy named Xavier. Everyone agreed he was one of the purest souls we had ever met. He would go out teaching with us even though he started out knowing nothing about the Faith—he said he loves the company of Bahá’ís. On the last day of the project he cried because he knew he would never see some of us again.

Our only enrollment came from within our group as well. The new Bahá’í had participated in a workshop for years, and believed in the Faith, but hadn’t been ready to declare. On the last night of our project, she said she was finally ready.

Members of the Ohio Step I youth teaching team gather during their training at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just after the Kingdom Conference. Photo by Emily Chew

On site in Columbus, some members of the Ohio Step I crew show team spirit during a break in their work on a Habitat for Humanity house-building project. Photo by Liz Gordon

We also did an enormous amount of teaching at the humanitarian service projects. Whether it was at a homeless shelter, a nursing home, Habitat for Humanity, or a neighborhood recreation center, everyone wanted to learn more about these youths who were devoting their summer to service. ♦ [Page 25]

BAHÁ’Í EDUCATION

After spending eight weeks surrounded by youths, I discovered that we are a group of poets and singers awaiting eyes and ears to take in our art as we create it; not how it is recreated for us. Too often we squelch our voices in fear of how we will be taken. We youth are a timid group, in that many of us, now that we have finally found our voice, are just beginning to own it. This is a youth perspective of a summer at Green Acre Bahá’í School. —R.J.

Bodhisattva¹

BY RIKKI JAMALIA

My summer was flavored Latin salsa and Persian salad. My summer was flavored sandalwood and rose water which God hath loved from the beginning that hath no beginning². And so I love this same fragrance through the halls, through the air that is wafting in the flavor of summer, the pepper and garlic colored skins sitting at the tables. Talking. Singing. Praising God with their Hello and Are you happy? To the children they ask, My love, are you? And if, my dear ones, if you believe, so shall they. The world may be pulled asunder on faith alone.

My summer was flavored thick, creamy conversation. Examining the word of God, no, examining God. In Hebrew the word is huspáh—courage, gall. How can you serve His army if you are seated, reading, waiting? Mistakes will be made. But if you act, then your action can be judged and revised and improved and the people will continue to move forward, ever forward, kam kam, rúz bi rúz³. If you sleep, if you wait, if you hold your tongue in obedience to a fear you cannot justify you may sit as the world slows and slows and slows and stops its rotation to sleep and wait for you to begin.

My summer was flavored strawberry red-headed children dancing in the green green grass teaching through the rhythm of their movement, the rhythm of Bahá. The pattern of life, of plaid, shown on little brown boys small enough to crawl and cry and learn these words:

Oh, God, guide me. Protect me from the little boy trying to steal my toy. Mom!

He is your brother; treat him as such and share.

But Mom—

Azeezám.⁴

My summer was flavored piña colada and pink lemonade smoothies, chocolate lovin’ spoonful and no, I am sorry, we are out of carrot cake today.

What do you have for free?

Tap water and love.

My summer was flavored chocolate, black, lots of sugar, black, candy, sour balls, gravy, black, flour covered floors because Bonnie has never made catfish before and black. One hundred and three black men gathering, singing, igniting these pale-colored quarters with sweet honey, caramel, and bitter cocoa skins in an unair-conditioned lobby for six days and on the seventh they rested and left and Maine was white again and the laughter had gone again and our smiles were not as forthcoming as before, but our eyes are deeper, darker, filled full with memories of fathers and uncles and brothers and children and ancestors waking to answer the Call of God. Arise. Arise. Arise. Arise ye men whose skin was burnt by the sun. Arise ye men who carry in your flesh the burden of knowing what servant means. Arise ye most exalted men of God. Arise and stand against the world knowing that yours is the movement that can fulfill the promises of Bahá. Arise and having risen know that it is on your backs that you have thrown the people forward. Arise so that the world may rise with you.

My summer was flavored cold water at every meal with a stranger who calls me friend. With a stranger who calls me love, servant, dawn-breaker. With a stronger who believes that we have within us the power to break the dawn. With a stranger who says that we will bear children who will sleep underneath a broken dawn.

My summer was flavored dill, bitter recollection of days spent in separation on a hill in a town too many miles from home. Of days spent trying to understand what He meant by detach. Of days spent trying to avoid understanding what He meant by detach. Of days spent detaching.

My summer was flavored sea salt, bug spray, apple juice, window cleaner, dry heat, blueberry muffins. My summer was flavored. My summer was flavored and I can still smell the sandalwood and rose water when the rooms are still and the children have been tucked into bed and the lights have been dulled and all the prayers have been said and there is nothing stirring on these green acres except the faint call, arise, and rest assured that you will be with Me.⁵

Summer student volunteers share the spirit at Green Acre.

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

Footnotes: 1. "One who can become a butterfly. Also, a caterpillar," as defined by ‎Osha Osho‎, an eminent Zen master. In other Buddhist traditions, a bodhisattva is a human soul in the advanced states of enlightenment. 2. Kitáb-i-Aqdas, para. 76 3. Persian for "little by little, day by day"; a phrase used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the process of becoming a Bahá’í. 4. Persian for "darling." 5. Words spoken by the Báb to Anís at the time of their martyrdom, as quoted in The Dawn-Breakers.

Music for the soul

BY LIZ DONALDSON

Bonnie Greathouse says she is still floating—weeks after attending Louhelen Bahá’í School’s "Choral Music and Community Growth" conference, July 20–25.

The joy she radiates when reminded of her five-day stay at Louhelen speaks legions. Perhaps a part of that stems from an uncanny coincidence that occurred as soon as she stepped off the airplane in Flint, Michigan.

Greathouse happened to share a 20-minute shuttle ride from the airport with Van and Cookie Gilmer. Van was serving as co-faculty with Tom Price for the session.

During a lull in the polite conversation, Greathouse was asked: "How long have you been a Bahá’í, Bonnie?"

"Five years," she answered. Asked what attracted her to the Faith, she said: "I was walking in the Old Town area of Albuquerque, and I heard this song playing from one of the stores. I had to go in to hear about this song. It was beautiful." The song that drew Bonnie Greathouse to the Bahá’í Faith was "We Have Come to Sing Praises to Our Lord."

The shop owner, a Bahá’í, told Greathouse where the song came from, and invited her to a fireside. Greathouse enrolled in the Faith one month later, after viewing a video of the Procession of the Peoples of the World from the World Congress. She was so happy about her decision to declare, she said, "I thought I’d lose my mind—I cried in my Persian rice."

On hearing that the song was such a draw, Cookie Gilmer smiled and nudged her husband, Van, affectionately. "See, that’s your song."

And indeed it is. Van Gilmer wrote that song, which was performed at the 1992 Bahá’í World Congress to huge, enthusiastic, enthralled crowds. The song has since been recorded on CDs and audiotapes, and is featured prominently on the World Congress video.

"It’s always surprising what effects a song might have," said Van Gilmer. "I hadn’t thought a little song that was written to ‘break the ice’ with the Bahá’ís at the World Congress would have this effect on someone." The story certainly demonstrates the power of music to touch the spirit.

About 100 participants attended the Choral Music session. The purpose of the session is best illustrated by this comment by a participant: "Choral music was demonstrated to be an excellent means of teaching."

Upcoming sessions

Oct. 5–8: Irfán Colloquium. Numerous presentations will deal with the writings of Bahá’u’lláh revealed during the latter years of the ‘Akká period, as well as the topic “Mysticism and the Bahá’í Faith.”

Oct. 12–14: Youth Eagle Institute. Youths age 15 and up will study the theme “Building the Kingdom: One Youth at a Time.” Seekers are invited to this weekend of service, study, fellowship and fun!

Oct. 19–21: “Pupil of the Eye.” This joyful, unity-building weekend addresses the goals of the Regional African American Teaching Committee to systematically increase the numbers of people of African descent who enter the Cause. ♦

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen sessions on Calendar, back page [Page 26]

October event views spirituality in use of space

Registration is open for the two-day colloquy “Cities, Suburbs, and the Countryside: Connecting the Spirit and the Environment,” Oct. 27–28 at the Bahá’í National Center in Evanston, Illinois, sponsored by the Institute for Bahá’í Studies and World Order.

The event is aimed at drawing together a range of professionals and scholars whose work touches on the use of public space in urban, suburban and rural settings. Planned topics include how urban public spaces reflect the quality of a city’s life and health, how globalization may help redefine the concept of “place,” what role rural space has in the 21st century, and what constitutes public space in suburbs and countryside. An exhibit of art and photographs dealing with public spaces will be used to help clarify these and other topics.

The concept of using space to enhance spiritual values is especially relevant to Bahá’ís in light of the recent opening of the Terraces on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, and the ongoing restoration of the House of Worship in Wilmette and its gardens. A special Saturday evening session will include a slide presentation of the restoration work and a hands-on tour of the building and gardens.

To allow for close interaction among presenters and participants, attendance is limited to 100 people, as much of the value of such conferences lies in spontaneous interactions during the formal presentations and question-and-answer sessions that follow. ◆

Registration and lodging

Registration fee for the “Cities, Suburbs and Countryside” colloquy is $60 for adults, $45 for students. The fee covers materials; breakfast, lunch, and snacks Saturday and Sunday; and dinner Saturday evening.

Registration forms may be obtained from Barry Uhlenhake (phone ( ), fax 847-733-3563, e-mail ( )) or from the Institute for Bahá’í Studies, “Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside Colloquy,” c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Other queries should be addressed to Lynne Yancy (phone ( ), fax 847-733-3563, e-mail ( )).

Hotels near the conference site include the Hampton Inn and Suites-Chicago, 5201 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077 (phone 847-583-1111, fax 847-583-0300; ask for the Bahá’í rate of $89/night) and the Omni Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-866-8700; fax 847-866-8724; ask for the Bahá’í rate of $109/night). Though the Orrington’s daily rate is higher, it is close to the commuter train line serving the National Center. Those staying at the Hampton Inn would have to rent a car or arrange other transportation.

Bahá’í scholarship viewed as agent of social change

INFORMATION FROM PETER E. MURPHY

About 80 Bahá’ís and their friends explored Bahá’í scholarship as an instrument of social change during the ninth Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Mid-Atlantic Region, held April 7 at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Presentations, with participants from as far away as Florida, Illinois and Texas as well as the immediate area, included:

• A presentation on the main theme, “Bahá’í Scholarship as an Instrument of Social Change,” by Hoda Mahmoudi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Illinois University.
• “Methodology and Bahá’í Studies: The Bridge Between Realities” by John Hatcher.
• Application of Bahá’í principles on health and medicine, by Babak Etemad, a member of the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
• “The Relationship Between Bahá’í Scholars and the Community,” by Counselor Eugene Andrews.

During lunch, participants enjoyed an “Authors’ Alley” where published writers discussed and autographed their books for sale. In addition to Hatcher, the event featured Robbie Clipper Sethi, author of The Bride Wore Red, who had earlier read for the conference the short story “Fifty Fifty,” about a savvy young woman of Punjabi/American parentage trying to make her way through the minefield of adolescence after moving from comfortable New Jersey to California. ◆

Information is available on future events sponsored by the ABS Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee (phone (609-823-5076, e-mail ( )).

Hong Tatt Foo, an artist in New Jersey, displays his book Foo Hong Tatt—Paradise Regained about his life and work, at the Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Mid-Atlantic Region.

California regional meeting supported strongly by youth

Youth made up more than a third of participants at the regional conference of the California committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, April 6–8 at the University of California, Berkeley.

Themed “Addressing the Pressing Needs of Humanity: Children, Technology and the Future,” the event presented a variety of topics with great relevance to society, according to a report from organizers.

Out of 90 participants, 38 were youth, including several members of the university’s Bahá’í campus association, which obtained facilities and helped promote the conference. Other participants came from cities and campuses across California and from five other states.

A major panel discussion on issues of justice and equal access involved Steven Gonzales, co-founder of the Bahá’í Justice Society; Richard Schikele, member of the California Commission on Judicial Performance; Cynthia Barnes Slater, personnel director with Babcock and Brown; and LeNise Jackson-Gaertner, founder/president of Mothers for Race Unity.

Two noted scientists, Christopher McKay, chief researcher for the NASA Ames Mars Project, and William Hurlbut, professor of Biotechnology at Stanford University, presented a public colloquy on “Technology, the Future and Human Choice,” co-sponsored by the university’s Department of Bioengineering.

Other workshop and presentation topics included children’s issues; science and religion; Internet technologies; the crossroads of environment, entrepreneurship and Native Americans; “dynamic consultation”; youth organizational skills; and the power of utterance, among many others.

An evening reception at the conference was supported with refreshments provided by the Spiritual Assembly of Berkeley. ◆

National Research Office invites college alumni to join e-mail lists

The Research Office at the Bahá’í National Center maintains two computer listservers serving college-educated Bahá’ís around the country for the purpose of rapidly reaching them when important issues or opportunities relating to the Bahá’í Faith arise.

• The Academics Listserver contains the names, areas of expertise and e-mail addresses of Bahá’í faculty.
• The Highered Listserver contains the names and e-mail addresses of university alumni, students, staff and others interested in academic matters.

This system was developed in recent years to defend the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran. We have subsequently used the listservers to notify Bahá’ís of relevant seminars, symposiums, and other scholarly gatherings, including calls for papers.

Because subscribing is free for all qualified Bahá’ís, we encourage all friends to do so. To subscribe, please e-mail us ( ( ) ) with the following information:

• Your name as listed on your Bahá’í membership card.
• Your field(s) of expertise.
• Your current e-mail address.
• Your opinion as to which listserver you feel you belong. ◆

El Ruiseñor THE NIGHTINGALE

Subscription / Subscripción $19 U.S. / $23 international

www.bci.org/ertn/

To subscribe by mail: use the Multipurpose Form on page 34

Fill out all identifying information plus your Bahá’í ID number • Please pay by check or money order to El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340

El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Bahá’í publication, sponsored by our National Spiritual Assembly, containing information about the development of the Faith worldwide. The objective of the magazine is to share with the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of the world the development of the Cause, articles on deepening in the Sacred Writings, reports of success in teaching and of Bahá’í activities throughout the world, so that we can see and feel that we are not alone in our communities and gain enthusiasm to go forward in our efforts to win the goals of the Faith. [Page 27]

Educator promotes unity within Vermont schools

INFORMATION FROM ALIS HEADLAM

applying the PLAN: • Championing racial unity

A Vermont educator is bringing his Bahá’í convictions and knowledge of consultation into the quest to counter racism in schools across the state.

Charles M. Johnson, a Bahá’í in Thetford, has since spring 2000 served as Safe Schools coordinator for the Vermont State Department of Education, working with schools to promote race unity.

One of the reasons he accepted this position, Johnson recently said, is that as a Bahá’í he is “inspired with hope. ... Racism is evil and we can do something.”

In a mainly rural state with a low proportion of racial minority residents, racism would not seem to be a front-burner issue. But working with the Department of Education and a small group of dedicated educators, Johnson has begun to reveal that it is a problem that needs addressing.

Starting in the late 1980s, a state civil rights advisory committee appointed by the governor—of which Johnson was a member for 10 years—worked with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to investigate racial harassment and discrimination in Vermont schools.

That committee’s 1999 report, “Racial Harassment in Vermont Public Schools,” documents a variety of cases of physical and verbal assaults at all levels.

In his current position, Johnson has sought to turn the tide on those assaults by applying Bahá’í teachings in universally acceptable forms—such as civility, respect, kindness and the importance of listening.

One crucial consultative technique Johnson uses is called “restorative justice,” especially useful for schools where hazing and bullying have created a crisis.

In applying restorative justice, Johnson invites all parties to sit down to conference. Using a conflict resolution approach, the group then decides on a proposal for future action that takes into account the needs of all the various parties involved.

It is also done with the realization, Johnson says, that all students are affected at any school where there is violence based on racial intolerance. ◆

Charles Johnson is Safe Schools coordinator for the Vermont Department of Education.

Dr. Charles Johnson and Alis Headlam work with a subgroup of the Department of Education called Vermont LEADS. This group is working to define its leadership role in issues of equity, racial justice and diversity by promoting workshops and training for teachers, students, ‎adminstrators administrators‎ and staffing the public schools.

An ‘Ocean of Light’ at Bosch

More than 100 people attended the annual Ocean of Light Conference at mid-summer at Bosch Bahá’í School. Designed mainly to promote teaching and deepening of Pacific Islanders, this year’s session featured a first-level Ruhi course facilitated by Hamilton and Ruth Breton.

The profound effect this produces in some participants is notable. During the evaluations, one older gentleman stood up and emotionally said, “I never thought I would be able to teach the Faith. Now I can.”

Photos courtesy of Bosch Bahá’í School

Celebration of and with children

A celebration and “fun afternoon” for children at the Bahá’í Center in Rochester, New York, was the occasion for the registering of 10 area children as Bahá’ís. Each one was given a Bahá’í pin for the occasion. More than 50 people attended the event, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsford. People of all ages gathered for chess games, arts and crafts, dinner, dessert, music and face painting, plus reading of prayers and Bahá’í writings concerning children, “our most precious treasure.” Photo by Lori Wilson

Internship helps student build experience in service

BY SHAUN YAYROM

applying the PLAN: • Service • Career vision

As an undergraduate sociology student at the University of California, Davis, it was my desire to hold an internship in Washington, DC, for the summer of 2001. My fields of interest are human rights, women’s issues, environmental protection, global trade and sustainable development.

I was interested in working with an organization that dealt with these social issues and this led me to discover the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs. I applied and was accepted as an intern. It was the perfect opportunity for me to advance my academic career as well as simultaneously to serve the Faith.

The experience I gained from my internship has given me some direct contact with the issues in my field of interest and has taught me valuable skills. My work included attending meetings on Capitol Hill, helping to compose letters, creating computerized presentations, doing background research for a Senate resolution, and assisting with the evaluation of interfaith statements for Bahá’í endorsement.

Perhaps the most important thing that I learned is how to address certain social issues while maintaining the principle of unity. The skills and understanding that I acquired will undoubtedly endure throughout the rest of my spiritual and professional life.

I strongly encourage any college student interested in working on any of the social issues I have mentioned above while simultaneously serving the Faith to consider interning at the Office of External Affairs. ◆

Information about internship positions at the Office of External Affairs can be found in Classifieds, under the “Youth” heading, page 31. You may also write to the Office of External Affairs (e-mail ). [Page 28]

Let’s focus on our strengths to meet our needs

BY WILLIAM ALLMART

It’s a common enough refrain: “Let’s reach out to the youth, find out what their needs are, and serve them.” That’s what one delegate to the recent National Convention suggested, to general approval from the audience.

Of course, we say, we need to identify those needs and attend to them, and all good things will follow. And “youth” can be interchanged with any ethnic or other group we are thinking about enlisting in the Faith; we could be talking about “troops,” for example, as so often the conversation revolves around what the needs are, what the demands on our time and resources will be once this group of folks, whoever they are, come into the community.

Let’s take a moment to think about how destructive such an approach really can be. For one thing, it assumes “we” have the answer “they” need—a bit divisive, a little presumptuous, isn’t it? Because we have the answers, “they” must be a little inferior to us—just a tad condescending? And how does this approach work as a motivational tool: Let’s go out and find a bunch of needy people, who are going to take our time, make demands on us, and generally inconvenience us while we help them work through their issues. Who wouldn’t want to sign up for a project like that?

The needs-driven approach is common in our society; it is, in many ways, the norm, especially in the service and philanthropic sectors, and truly good people subscribe to it. Good money is also to be found in defining the needs of a group, a neighborhood, a business, and then “meeting those needs.”

And the interesting thing is that focusing on needs becomes self-perpetuating and self-fulfilling. If my community organization gets grant money to service needy people, why, it’s amazing just how many needy people I can find when I put my mind to it! The “clients” buy in, too: with all the experts telling them they are in need of something—training, money, material things—pretty soon they begin to accept the experts’ word, perhaps to the point of surrendering their own initiative, even ultimately their human dignity.

There is an alternative: focus on strengths, indeed “from strength to strength.”

The National Spiritual Assembly didn’t put children on center stage at the Kingdom Conference because the children needed it; they were called because they have unique talents and insights that would enrich the experience for everyone. And didn’t they just!

Youth are not needy; they are our future, full of strength, joy, energy and a bracing dash of iconoclasm. How better to keep the great experiment vital than to enlist their special strengths?

For another example: Latinos are not needy, even though society has consigned too many to the hardest drudgery and the worst living conditions. Ask a Latino friend or family to host or contribute to the Nineteen Day Feast, and revel in the special warmth that will result!

This is not to say there are not needs in the world, even next door. No genius is required to know that virtually everyone is struggling in one way or another, whatever their skin color or salary level. But if we focus on reinforcing our strengths, we may well find the energy and encouragement needed to tackle the “unpleasant things of life.” ♦

Sherine Patrick (left) and Sophia Bittar of the Children’s Theatre Company—draw on their strong qualities and win the hearts of those attending the Building the Kingdom Conference during June in Milwaukee.

Photo by Vladimir Shilov

William Allmart is director of the Office of Development Research at the Bahá’í National Center.

LETTERS FROM READERS

We welcome letters from readers on topics relating to the furtherance of the goals of the Five Year Plan, the principles of the Writings, and response to content in The American Bahá’í. The purpose of Letters from Readers is to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or attack anyone—openly or subtly. Opinions expressed are those of the writers, not necessarily of the editors. A 250-word maximum length is suggested. Letters will be edited for style and possibly for length. Address to: Editor, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

Kingdom Project materials help instill Bahá’í identity

To the Editor:

Yesterday, each of our children received a package from the National Spiritual Assembly. It included a letter from the national treasurer, an activity booklet and a cassette tape, all pertaining to the Kingdom Project and reaching out to the youngsters in the American Bahá’í community.

As our family listened to the tape, we felt deeply touched by the message and the sensitive way it was conveyed. Most of all, we felt deep gratitude to the National Assembly for caring about involving the children.

They became very excited about it, and we could tell it reinforced their Bahá’í identity. This is invaluable assistance to parents, as we strive to instill a strong Bahá’í identity in our children while they are growing up in American society.

Thank you, National Spiritual Assembly. May Bahá’u’lláh bless you for your amazing services to His precious Faith.

With warmest love,
Jenina and Brian Lepard
Lincoln, Nebraska

Institute process aids homefront pioneering

To the Editor:

The recent article on homefront pioneering (The American Bahá’í, June 5, 2001) captures some lessons from pioneering without mentioning process or systematic action, elements of what the Universal House of Justice calls “a new state of mind.” Institutes are now in place to facilitate the process of entry by troops. A follow-up article on homefront pioneering that utilizes institute programs would be most useful.

My exposure to process and systematic action began in Colombia with the use of Ruhi Institute material until its methods became second nature. But I did not appreciate the institute process until 10 years later after reading Learning About Growth and the compilation on training institutes.

The Jan. 9, 2001, letter from the Universal House of Justice stresses the need for homefront pioneers to virgin areas, especially those “experienced in institute programmes and able to use their methods and materials in raising up a group of dedicated believers who can carry the work of the Faith forward in the area.”

Since Ruhi Institute facilitated my pioneering about 15 years ago, I encourage pioneers to be involved in the institute process.

Terry Zeutenhorst
Yakima, Washington

Spiritual army possesses powerful medicine for today

To the Editor:

What is the work of an army? It is to fight against crime and corruption, tyranny and oppression. To bring peace and stability to a people lost and confused, suffering and dying from malnutrition.

What is the work of the Army of God? What are our duties as members of God’s Army of Light? All of the above, and more; for ours is a spiritual army which ‎posesses possesses‎ the Spiritual Medicine to cure the sick souls, the damaged and lost spirits debilitated by the crimes and corruption of a diseased tyranny that oppresses and steals the peace and security, that disrupts the stability of the world of humanity, leaving people suffering the diseases of false promises, and malnourished from living on hollow words and empty promises.

For what are we waiting? We have the healing medicine of the Words of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, those two blessed Physicians. We have the guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the encouragement of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and the assistance and supervision of the Universal House of Justice and our National Spiritual Assembly. What more could we possibly need to build the Kingdom of God on Earth?

There is no time left to sit back admiring our uniforms of our Army. There is no time left to be complacent in our attendance at local meetings, or content with deepenings and group prayers. Now is the time for action, for declaring war against the Army of Darkness burying the world in moral corruption and ungodly works.

The Kingdom of God can only be built by cleansing and nourishing soul by soul, life by life. That is the only way. Our job is to find those needy souls, one by one, to cleanse their eyes so they can see the Truth, to cleanse their ears so they can hear the healing Word, to open their hearts to the beauty of God’s teachings, to heal their souls with the healing love and medicine of God’s Messengers for today—the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

We are God’s chosen Army of Light. Who else will fight for these souls if not us? We have the spiritual medicine; who else can bring it to a suffering, malnourished humanity if not us?

For what are we waiting? If not us, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? If not with courage and daring, with wisdom and caring, how? Why are we hesitating? For what do we wait?

Antoinette Isaac
Alpine, Texas [Page 29]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

Program Coordinator I, Office of the Treasurer. Will organize weekend visit programs and coordinate annual National Treasurer’s Forum; manage, train and mentor financial consultants around the country who will assist local treasurers and Assemblies; design training materials and programs to complement Stewardship and Development manual; give presentations and workshops at Bahá’í schools and conferences; maintain database on local treasurers and relevant local activities; coordinate activities of the Annual Convention related to the Office of the Treasurer; answer letters and phone calls from individuals, Assemblies, and other agencies; distribute an electronic newsletter; assist with development and maintenance of Office of the Treasurer Web page and online training program for local treasurers and Assemblies.

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.

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.

Support Services, Evanston, IL: Purchasing Agent. Will purchase and maintain inventory levels of office supplies and furniture, as well as solicit quotes and procure printing services, for the Bahá’í National Center, Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Bahá’í House of Worship; will be responsible for payment approval on all invoices. Must be able to work and consult with many different cultures and types of people; to handle multiple urgent tasks; to exercise basic understanding of printing processes by helping offices with press layout and with choosing the best media. May be required to pick up and deliver supplies and/or printing in your car. Responsible for copier maintenance and auditing of copier accounts. Should be conversant with Windows 98 and/or 2000, much shopping and searching online.

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.

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.

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

Facilities Manager. 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.

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.

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; must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

AT NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE HOUCK, AZ

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). [Page 30]

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 [[ ]]).

INTERNATIONAL

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

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 [[ ]]).

WANTED

Online teaching stories and experiences needed for a book on how Bahá’ís are using computers and the Internet in their teaching efforts. In addition to teaching stories, I’m interested in all things related to online teaching. Where have you done your online teaching, and how ‎have people have have people‎ reacted to it? Have you made friends or irritated people? How have you handled opposition? What have you learned? Please send your stories and experiences to Dale Lehman, (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 [[ ]]).

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 cooperation 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.

YOUTH

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC, is accepting applications for a semester-long internship position. Primary duties are: Perform research support in some or all of the following subject areas: the status of women, sustainable development, support of the United Nations, human rights treaties, race unity. Consult with staff and draw up proposals based on their recommendations for Web site design and/or exhibits related to the work of the office. Perform services related to day-to-day office operations (40%).

Applicants should be college students, recent college graduates or students in a graduate program with emphasis related to the work of the Office of External Affairs.

To apply, mail or e-mail 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 [[ ]]).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Eberhard K. Friedland, Barbara Friend, Helen Frink, Ethel Furbush, Elsie Gaertner, Blanche A. Gagnon, Alta M. Gaines, Robert and Elinor Gaines, M. Gallois, Edith Gallup, Sydney H. Gallwey, Tom Galt and Agnes Gardner. 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 847-869-9039).

The National Bahá’í Archives is maintaining a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book mail auction catalogs. The Archives has been having one or two mail auctions of duplicate books a year. If you would like to be on the mailing list, send your name, address and Bahá’í ID number to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

BAHÁ’Í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE • 800-999-9019

World Order

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

Summer 2001: Perspectives on the Promise of Peace

June Manning Thomas on removing racism from urban planning • Richard W. Thomas on positive interracial and multicultural movements that model peace • Leila Milani on the decision-making role of women in bringing about peace • Jeffrey S. Gruber on indigenization, universalization, and world language • M. Eric Horton on Gregory Nava’s El Norte • Firuz Kazemzadeh reviews Century of Light

Still available: Spring 2001

Martha L. Schweitz on family governance • Michael L. Penn on eradicating gender-based violence • Caren Rosenthal and Leili Towfigh on truth telling and healing families through an analysis of Thomas Vinterberg’s The Celebration

Coming Soon:

Special issues on:

• Constructing Gender
• Does Race Exist?
• Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside: Connecting the Spirit to the Environment

Subscriptions: U.S.—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$24 / year, $46 / 2 years

Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

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

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

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly

For subscription information: See “Kid’s Corner,” page 19

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

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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 9/27/01 [Page 31]

Burrell Bullock had extended Bahá’í family

INFORMATION FROM L.A. BAHÁ’Í JOURNAL

Burrell Bullock’s family extended well beyond his wife, his six children and grandchildren. At his memorial service in Los Angeles, when the people who considered themselves his sons were asked to identify themselves, an amazing number and variety of people stood proudly.

Bullock, a former member of the Auxiliary Board for Protection, a 15-year Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly member and an enthusiastic servant of the Cause, passed away February 12, 2001, from lung cancer. He was 67.

Born March 19, 1933, in Chicago, Bullock was an enthusiastic optimist. His father, Gerald, was a high school teacher and was at the forefront of the civil rights movement—not only as Illinois state president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, but also as a founding member of the Congress of Racial Equality. That group is credited with a number of actions that influenced nationwide change in racial laws and business practices, including the famous “Freedom Rides” of the 1960s.

Later, Gerald served on the Illinois Governor’s Commission on Human Rights and received many awards and commendations for his service. Burrell once remarked, “... men like Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy deferred to my father when he was in the room.”

Mischievous in his early school years, Burrell began excelling after a teacher noticed his leadership ability and started assigning him responsibilities. He also eventually earned the Eagle award in Boy Scouts.

While attending college in Illinois, Burrell married Jacqueline Tanner. He joined his wife as a Jehovah’s Witness and the couple had two children. After the family moved to Los Angeles in 1953, Burrell worked at various jobs and helped open a restaurant before settling into a county data processing job, an area in which he worked for many years. His first marriage ended in the mid-1960s.

In the next few years came several life-changing events: In January 1966 Burrell married Lena Bradford, with whom he eventually had four more sons. That year his father died and his mother, Mary, moved to Los Angeles to be with the rest of the family.

Fateful meeting

Then in 1969 at a fast-food restaurant, Burrell met a stranger named Jerry Sinclair who told him about the Bahá’í Faith and gave him the book Bahá’í World Faith. All that night, his wife recalls, “Burrell read that book in one sitting, pacing back and forth saying, ‘Oh my goodness.’”

Burrell devoted the rest of his life to serving his religion and humanity.

He served on the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pasadena for a time and, in 1974, moved his family to South Pasadena to help establish a Spiritual Assembly there. In 1975 they moved to the Chicago area, where Burrell served in the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Secretary under Glenford E. Mitchell. They moved back to Los Angeles in 1978 when Lena, pregnant with their son Brett, became ill from the cold Chicago climate.

Within months Burrell was elected to serve on the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, and that service was continuous until 1994, when he moved outside the country for a year. During that stint in Los Angeles he resumed his education, in 1989 earning a master’s degree with highest honors from California State University, Northridge.

After returning to the country in 1995 he was appointed to serve on the Auxiliary Board, and was an encouraging presence at a number of Bahá’í schools and events. He left that post in December 2000 upon discovering he had terminal cancer.

A budding education career

Though retired, Burrell had recently begun teaching at Montclair College Preparatory School. Though he started as a substitute teacher, the school’s headmaster recognized his positive effect on students and persuaded him to teach full time. Burrell came to love his work with the school and he quickly became the favorite teacher on campus.

More than 400 people gathered for a memorial program, at which an array of family members and friends expressed their joy at having known and served with Burrell.

They included Counselor Angelica Huerta, who recalled her association with him as the two served as Auxiliary Board members; Fernando Huerta, now an Auxiliary Board member, who choked with emotion as he spoke of Burrell’s memorable qualities and the success he had had in raising his children in the Faith; and musician JB Eckl, who counted himself part of Burrell’s extended family.

Wilma Ellis, who as a Continental Counselor had overseen Bullock’s Auxiliary Board services, sent a letter saying in part: “Burrell’s chair in the Los Angeles Bahá’í Community is now empty and while we mourn his absence we will join his dear wife, Lena, and his family in taking solace in the teachings of our Faith for his ‘days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight’ have now begun.”

His son Brian related a touching story in which his father expressed a fear of dying—but not of death itself: “He said he was afraid that he hadn’t done everything he should have; that there was some soul he had hurt, or hadn’t shared the message with when the time was right; or some service that he had left undone.”

Burrell Bullock is survived by his wife, Lena; their four children, Brian, Bradley, Brandon and Brett; children from his first marriage, Jerrold and Janice; his mother, Mary; his brother, Curtis; and numerous grandchildren. ♦

Burrell Bullock (left) is shown here in a 1991 photo with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, while Bullock was serving on the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Bahá’í Journal

Barrett

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

nia, on Oct. 1, 1927, and raised in Oakland. His forward-thinking parents wrote and produced two plays in the 1920s promoting race unity—presaging his own work as a Bahá’í for the oneness of humanity.

Barrett earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and added a master’s from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He also attended Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

He spent most of his life as an international law attorney, pioneering to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Venezuela during the Ten Year Crusade and to Ecuador in the 1970s. The Barretts were instrumental in forming several Bahá’í communities and National Spiritual Assemblies in South America.

They also lived in Canada, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, and California, where he was the Lake County Superior Court administrator. During the late 1970s he served a stint as a member of the Auxiliary Board for Propagation responsible for Michigan and Ohio.

For the past five years, Donald Barrett served on the Spiritual Assembly of Edmond.

On July 21, just days before his death, he was the subject of a feature article in The Edmond Sun.

It focused in part on his work as an English instructor for the Edmond Language Institute, part of the University of Central Oklahoma.

He also taught English to recent Iranian Bahá’í immigrants at the Edmond Bahá’í Center.

In the Sun article, Barbara Barrett told how her husband studied space and air law in the early 1950s before Sputnik I launched the space age.

“It was so funny to talk about space back then,” Barbara Barrett said of his studies in Canada.

She also recalled how they met as UCLA students. He was running for student body president and she was persuaded by a mutual friend to be his campaign manager.

Barrett won the election. It was the “beginning of a lifelong partnership that was cemented in marriage in 1949,” the Sun article related.

Memorial services for Barrett were held at the Edmond Bahá’í Center, with burial following at Gracelawn Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jewkes Barrett; son, Morgan Barrett of Edmond; daughter, Teresa Barrett Jensen of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Dr. Arthur David Barrett of Malibu, California; sister, Carol Boyd of Claremont, California; and three grandchildren. ♦

Information for this article came from Veronica Shofstall in New York City and The Edmond Sun.

Cornell a leading light for BCCA

John Cornell, D.D.S., a moderator of ‎Bahai-puter Bahá’í-puter‎ and Communications Association (BCCA), died June 24, 2001, at his home in Reedley, California, of a heart attack. He was 77.

In a statement, the BCCA coordinating committee called his service as moderator “a thankless task requiring careful judgment and good human relationship skills, all of which John exemplified. He will be sorely missed.”

In nearby Fresno, Cornell was involved in Hmong teaching, often driving youths to events around the state with the radio blaring rap and hip-hop tunes.

He was instrumental in establishing social contacts with Hmong adults. And he was very active in the United Nations Association.

Years ago, Cornell and his mother developed and published a study course on Bahá’í law.

He was the recipient of at least one letter written on behalf of the Guardian, with a postscript from Shoghi Effendi. This letter was often quoted in discussions on the subject of chastity.

Cornell is survived by a son, John Cornell Jr. of Fresno; a brother, Charles Cornell of Honduras; and a niece, in Detroit, who recently finished dental school.

The Spiritual Assembly of Fresno handled funeral arrangements. ♦ [Page 32]

IN MEMORIAM

Doris Ballard served in Africa, in England, at Bahá’í World Center

INFORMATION FROM MIRIAM NEWMAN WIENER

Doris Copeland Ballard, born in 1914 in Vernon, Texas, passed to the next world May 2, 2001, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Her long and dedicated service to the Faith included stints as an administrative assistant at the Bahá’í World Center and in South Africa, Zambia, and England.

In her youth, Doris Copeland made great strides in music, studying voice and performing in her hometown while still in her teens.

She joined the civil service at the onset of World War II, living in San Antonio and later Fort Worth, where she was married for a time. From there she moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

There she studied the Bahá’í Faith under the wing of widely known teachers Bahiyyih Randall Ford (Winkler) and Kay Zinky.

Ballard enrolled as a Bahá’í in 1949, and soon moved to London, England, where she was able to travel and teach widely throughout Europe. In the early 1950s, she moved to South Africa—and stayed on that continent for 16 years as a pioneer.

For two years she worked in Johannesburg for the American consul general, sharing quarters with Ford. During that time she befriended the first South African woman to become a Bahá’í.

After Ballard’s term of government service was up she received a cable from Shoghi Effendi saying, "Accept a local job." She complied and stayed there until there were at least 15 Bahá’ís.

She next moved to Zambia, then known as Northern Rhodesia. Ballard said it was easier to teach the Faith in Rhodesia, since it was British. In South Africa apartheid had caused great fear of inviting black people into one's home.

At the Bahá’í World Center, she worked closely with Universal House of Justice members Ian Semple, Charles Wolcott and Hugh Chance; the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears; and Marguerite Sears.

Upon returning to the United States, Ballard worked as a secretary to John Melcher, a Montana member of the U.S. House and later the Senate.

In recent years she served on the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria.

Her other interests included literature, poetry, and the visual arts.

During her last few years, after her eyesight failed, Ballard spent much time listening to opera and classical music.

Ballard was buried at Bethel Cemetery, Old Town, Alexandria. Her graveside service was arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria.

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.

• Jamalieh Avvali-Seisan, Los Angeles, CA, July 11, 2001
• Doris C. Ballard, Alexandria, VA, May 2, 2001
• Adam P. Banner, Munith, MI, June 22, 2001
• Victoria M.L. Bombas, North Miami, FL, June 21, 2001
• Marie Burnett, Elko, NV, July 5, 2001
• Leroy F. Buttorf, Huntington Woods, MI, January 18, 2001
• Ursula H. Dare, Ashland, OR, July 21, 2001
• Arman Fazli, Montgomery County, MD, July 14, 2001
• Javahir Ghatan, Tacoma, WA, July 11, 2001
• Judith A. Hall, Alamogordo, NM, July 3, 2001
• Lynda R. Hawkins, Antioch, CA, April 20, 2001
• Patria J. Jones, St. John the Baptist Parish, LA, July 20, 2001
• Heavula Kata, Huntington Beach, CA, July 24, 2001
• Effat A. Kiani, Huntington Beach, CA, July 9, 2001
• John T. Linkins, Tamarac, FL, June 15, 2001
• Susan E. McCune, Edmond, OK, June 30, 2001
• Marcia McKenna Inti, Montgomery County, MD, June 28, 2001
• Kenneth R. Merryman, Middletown, PA, July 3, 2001
• Joyce Nelson, Klamath Falls, OR, June 10, 2001
• Pauline Paul, Santa Rosa, CA, July 10, 2001
• Arthur J. Somerhalder, Antioch, CA, March 18, 2001
• John R. Skoog, Onamia, MN, June 3, 2001
• Mary R. Thompson, Victoria, TX, June 15, 2001
• Anna von deBardeleben, Tuscaloosa, AL, June 23, 2001
• Myron Wilson, Palmdale, CA, July 11, 2001

Message from the Universal House of Justice

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, dated Aug. 17, 2001:

We share your deep sense of loss in the passing of Sylvia Badieh Parmelee, a lifelong, faithful, self-effacing handmaiden of Bahá’u’lláh. Ever influenced and distinguished by her childhood meeting with her beloved Master, she acquired a steadfastness of faith, a humility of character and a radiance of spirit that illumined her services as a teacher of the Cause of God and as a worker for many years in advancing pioneering activities, particularly in Africa, during the Ten Year Crusade and subsequent international teaching plans. We ardently pray at the Holy Threshold for the progress of her radiant soul throughout the divine realms and, as well, for the solace of her loved ones.

—The Universal House of Justice

A detailed obituary article on Sylvia Parmelee will be published in a future issue of The American Bahá’í.

Donald Wong-Ken drew from Western, Eastern medical practice

INFORMATION FROM LYNN ASCRIZZI

Harold Donald Wong-Ken, D.O., 69, died unexpectedly at his Waterville, Maine, home June 30.

An osteopathic physician, he developed a one-of-a-kind practice after many years of studying Western and Eastern approaches.

Above all, he had faith in the human spirit and the body's inherent healing powers, and he transmitted this confidence to his patients.

Wong-Ken was born in Jamaica on April 16, 1932, of Chinese and Indian parents.

He received a degree in economics from Cambridge University in England, a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Illinois, and a master's degree in geology from the State University of South Dakota.

He worked in Jamaica at his family's business, in New York City as a cartographer and commercial artist, as a professor of geology in Jamaica, and as a geologist in South Dakota.

In the early 1970s, he was a professor of geology and dean at Unity College in Maine.

At age 38, he switched career tracks and went to medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Wong-Ken was a Bahá’í for more than 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna Starinieri; sons Adrian Wong-Ken, of Manchester, Maine, and Michael Yarberry of Port St. Lucie, Florida; daughter Shannon De Groot of Middletown, Connecticut; stepson Kevin Starinieri of Folsom, California; stepdaughter Lee Ann Starinieri of Sitka, Alaska; a brother, Ken Wong of Miami, Florida; two sisters, Joyce Schlump of Wyoming and Sybil Tenn of Ontario, Canada; a grandson, two stepgrandchildren, a niece and nephew.

Burial was July 7 at Howard Cemetery in Winslow. A memorial service celebrating his life was held later.

Bahá’í education resources at www.usbnc.org

National Education & Schools Web pages

THE SECRET OF DIVINE CIVILIZATION: Study guides for this year's national study theme.

Updates from the National Education and Schools Office:

• National goals and local lines of action.
• Core Curriculum/Fundamental Verities information
• Links to regional Bahá’í schools
• Wilmette Institute
• Scouting awards
• More!

[Page 33]

2001 BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

December 13-16 Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando, Florida Theme: CONTINUOUS LEARNING: DIVINE KEY TO HUMAN PROGRESS

TOPICS

The Spiritual Nature of Social and Economic Development (SED); Ethics in SED; Initiating SED Projects: A Conceptual Framework to Help Guide SED Practice: Applying the Arts to SED; Application of SED Principles to Health Care: Dissolving the Barriers to Systematic Action: Youth Year of Service and SED; Moral Leadership Education: The Progress of Women Along the Path to Equality: "Toward Oneness": Practical Application of the Teachings to Eliminate Prejudice: Participatory Processes that Empower Communities; Bringing Spiritual Values to Business ... and much, much more.

MUSIC AND DRAMA

The arts will be integrated throughout the Conference, including "Inspirational Learning through the Arts," directed by Leslie Asplund and featuring the talents of Farzad Khozein, KC Porter, Louis Shelton, Mark Ochu, Christina Quinn, Gwendolyn Watson, Roya Bauman, Laura Lee and many more.

For program details, see www.rabbanitrust.org Gene Andrews Wilma Ellis Eloy Anello Jack McCants Leslie Asplund

The new Five Year Plan calls upon us to "influence the course of human affairs." This is to be achieved through various initiatives, including establishing projects of social and economic development. The Plan calls for us to to utilize "a process of goal setting, action, evaluation and learning." As we've been told in the past, "... learning to apply the Teachings... could be taken as the very definition of SED." Key elements of the Conference program include a mixture of plenary and smaller concurrent sessions featuring presentations on SED principles, concepts, core processes and in-depth case studies, with a number of repeat sessions to assist the friends in being able to attend sessions of interest.

Featured presenters: Dwight and Doug Allen (U.S.), Eugene Andrews (U.S.), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), Luis Enrique Beust (Brazil), Michael and Judie Bopp (Canada), Austin Bowden-Kerby (Fiji), Wilma Ellis (U.S.), Tod Ewing (U.S.), Holly Hanson (U.S.), Jack McCants (U.S.), Naysan Sahba (US), Donald Witzel (Venezuela) and many more.

Registration & Fees

Register online at our Web site: www.rabbanitrust.org For general information, call 407-740-5415

Adults $120 Youth (15-20 years) $80 Children and Junior Youth (3-14 years) $60 Add $19 contribution if possible for scholarships Add $20 per person after Nov. 10 No refunds for "no-shows" All cancellations subject to a $20 cancellation fee

TO REGISTER BY MAIL: Use the Multipurpose Form on this page SEPARATE COPY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL REGISTERING Mail check (in U.S. dollars) to Rabbani Charitable Trust 2693 W. Fairbanks Ave. Suite A Winter Park, Florida 32789 OR: To pay by credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, DC, CB), under "Special Information" write card number, exp. date, amount paid, cardholder's signature

HOTEL/AIRLINE/RENTAL CAR INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Rosen (formerly Clarion) Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $50 per night (up to 4 people per room) Limited availability-call promptly 800-627-8258; mention Bahá’í Families Group Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants 800-241-6760 File #177623A Avis Car Rental discounts 800-331-1600 Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

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. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and regardless of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

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

Use the Multipurpose Form below to respond by mail.

Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed): Names and ID numbers of all 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 circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

"We loved the spiritual infusion of new energy into long-known concepts." -a workshop participant

Spiritual Assemblies are working to build a new state of mind. Join them by taking one of 15 Assembly Development Module Workshops. Contact the Office of Assembly Development at 847-733-3490, e-mail or go to www.usbnc.org

For which event or activity? Name Address City Phone State, ZIP E-mail Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip):

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

Honor those you love on their special days or remember them after they've passed on with a gift to the National Bahá’í Fund.

Forms available: On the Web (www.usbnc.org) By mail from the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 [Page 34]

CLUSTERS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

function as “instruments of the spirit of the Faith” and “loving shepherds of the multitudes” will determine, to a large extent, the progress of our United States Bahá’í community in the Five Year Plan.

In its letter of January 9, 2001, the Universal House of Justice calls us to employ intercommunity partnerships or clusters as a planning tool to advance the growth and development of Bahá’í communities. Our history of cooperation among communities must be given fresh consideration in the light of the House of Justice’s guidance and the application of their organizing principles to the particular circumstances and opportunities in your localities.

Various kinds of intercommunity partnerships are widespread in the American Bahá’í community. Local Assemblies, groups, and isolated believers have long established patterns of working together to support teaching projects, local media plans, seeker follow-up, home front pioneering, Sunday schools, area centers, Bahá’í youth workshops, devotional gatherings, training institutes, and projects of social and economic development; to name a few. Intercommunity cooperation is a salient strength enabling Bahá’í communities to serve special populations and to broaden their engagement of the larger community. Bahá’í work with public and private social institutions in education, race unity, gender equality and social upliftment would scarcely be possible without the cooperative efforts of devoted Bahá’ís from various communities.

In the Five Year Plan Local Spiritual Assemblies are given the goal of creating and strengthening clusters or intercommunity partnerships to advance programs of growth and development. The demonstrated capacity of Spiritual Assemblies inspires our confidence in your fulfillment of this assignment. The diversity of local conditions and the sheer numbers of Assemblies and groups make it a practical necessity that the decisions on how and where to create partnerships rest primarily with Assemblies, based on their assessment of how best to advance local development.

In creating and administering a cluster we encourage you to avoid overcomplicating the task. The basic purpose is to establish partnerships among communities to increase our capacity to develop and carry out systematic programs of growth. Clusters are not intended to be a new component of Bahá’í administration. Rather, they are simply a means of organizing the human and material resources of Bahá’í communities in an area to increase their strengths and nullify their weaknesses. Intercommunity partnerships provide a process for harnessing the collective power of the friends by strengthening the unity of our efforts to advance programs of growth.

In many cases such partnerships will begin with a few simple goals and evolve over time to include more of the elements of a full Bahá’í community life that are necessary for intensive programs of growth to be effective and sustainable. In all cases we ask you to employ a process of regular evaluation to assure continuous learning and improvement of your efforts.

In a few localities the large size of the Bahá’í community and the diversity of conditions within a city may suggest that intra-community partnerships be established to assure systematic growth.

These and other questions may be pursued in the process of the regular community consultation and assessment given as one of your Five Year Plan goals. We encourage you to seek the advice of your Auxiliary Board members or their assistants. The Regional Bahá’í Councils stand ready to facilitate your efforts if needed.

Our hope is that all Assemblies will complete their initial plans for establishing partnerships by October 1, 2001 and submit them, along with a description of partnerships in which the Assembly is already participating, to the Regional Bahá’í Council for review and comment. This is important in helping the Regional Bahá’í Councils carry out their function as centers of regional learning networks, facilitating learning among Assemblies on all aspects of growth and development.

We are confident that creating and strengthening intercommunity partnerships will bring unity and strength to our efforts to advance the systematic growth and development of the Bahá’í community.

Our prayers for the guidance and confirmation of your services are never ending.

Your servants, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Robert C. Henderson Secretary-General

INSTITUTE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

four of whom are youths.

“It’s a really good opportunity to expand your knowledge in the Faith in a focused way with other people,” said Shabnam Cyrus, a college sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky. Some of the most memorable sessions made students feel free to express their thoughts and feelings, rather than feeling choked off, she said.

Though definitely younger on the average than earlier groups dominated by self-described middle-aged women, this year’s group spanned what David Ruhe called a “happy range of ages.”

“It’s invigorating, ‎live-giving life-giving‎, renewing,” said William Love of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, the oldest group member, in his 70s. He added that the courses helped him learn better how to teach the Faith in a knowledgeable and systematic way, rather than “slipshod and haphazard.”

Bits and pieces of the two weeks’ shared experience at a college dormitory were revealed in student skits at the graduation dinner: man-eating elevators, quirky but beloved instructors, shrieking sound systems and meditation at the House of Worship “enhanced” by the music of tractors moving earth just outside.

More earnestly, the students shared a heartfelt letter to the Universal House of Justice, presented tributes to the board and faculty including Stockman, and honored the summer session’s “mom,” Patricia Haynie of Florida, who also was presented with a certificate of completion of the four-year Spiritual Foundations program.

The dinner also gave Iraj Ayman, a founding member of the Wilmette Institute board, an opportunity to share a glimpse of its vision: “The purpose is to learn how to study the message of God and to use it the way it should be used.”

William Love of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was among the students in this year’s Wilmette Institute Spiritual Foundations session.

Some of those proper uses, mentioned in the writings of Shoghi Effendi, are to make us better teachers of the Faith (both to the world in general and to children), as well as its defenders, expounders, administrators and scholars. Moving from study of the Writings to action, Ayman said, is like “the difference between viewing the beauty of the ocean and swimming in it.”

Characterizing the institute as one phase of a long-term “Wilmette Project,” he added that the board’s hope always has been that it would eventually evolve into a Bahá’í university.

To Sherry Krannichfeld, a student from Benton County, Arkansas, the expertise of the institute’s university-level faculty has provided great insight into “how they put their knowledge [of the Bahá’í writings] into their fields and professions.” It touched her, she said, that one of her instructors told of writing down a Tablet every day, carrying it with him and trying to apply its teachings at work that day. “I really wouldn’t have thought of applying it this way in a corporate situation,” Krannichfeld said.

That’s all part, though, of every Bahá’í’s personal study mission, which David Ruhe said in one way or another amounts to this: “You should know Bahá’u’lláh, read His writings, come to love Him. ... Only with such a personal attachment can we realize that zeal and that enthusiasm that are so essential to our work.”

RACE UNITY,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Award plaques were presented to Carolyn Oehler, Bishop Murphy, and Cindy and Rodney Lindsey for their outstanding contributions to race relations.

A youth gospel choir and the Malone Dancers entertained the audience.

Hefner spoke on “Unity in Diversity,” with quotations from the Bahá’í writings, allusions to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey to America, and a detailed introduction of the Bahá’í Faith.

He praised the diversity of the world-wide Bahá’í community and compared it to historically black TSU, which last year enrolled students from 54 countries and 40 states.

“We have learned that there truly is unity in diversity, because no matter what our differences, it is inevitably those things that are similar that are most powerful and that bring us together,” Hefner said. “We have come to appreciate that, in the words of one Kenyan proverb, ‘sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.’ ”

Hefner quoted from the Bahá’í writings alongside passages from key books from the civil rights movement, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community.”

“While there exists no clearly articulated definition of community in ‘Where Do We Go From Here,’ King leaves no doubt about his vision of community when he observed that the notion of community must be inclusive of all Americans,” he noted. “Let us be clear: Dr. King believed that the world and its inhabitants were interconnected and interdependent. The task, therefore, is to ‘transform this worldwide neighborhood into a worldwide brotherhood.’ ”

The event was sponsored and organized by the Unity Feast Committee, the Race Amity Committee of Nashville and the Brentwood Assembly.

Local newspapers and radio covered the evening. The Tennessean published several photos and a short article.

“[T]here truly is unity ‎indiversity in diversity‎. ... We have come to appreciate that, in the words of one Kenyan proverb, ‘sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.’” —James Hefner, TSU president

Tennessee State University President James Hefner (right) greets Yassi Azhdari, a Brentwood resident and TSU graduate student, at the local Race Unity Day celebration. [Page 35]انسان‌ها باید از آن برخوردار باشند، نداشته باشند. احیاء باید فقراتی را که حضرت بهاءالله درباره عفت و عصمت نازل فرموده‌اند در نظر داشته باشند.

یکی از شنیع‌ترین جرائم جنسی، تجاوز است. در صورتی که یکی از احباء، قربانی چنین جنایتی شده باشد، اعضای جامعه باید نهایت مراعات و محبت را نسبت به او روا دارند. و او مختار است که در چارچوب قوانین مدنی علیه مرتکب اقامه دعوی کند. در صورتی که در اثر تجاوز حامله شود، به هیچ وجه نباید او را مجبور به ازدواج با شخص متجاوز کرد. همچنین مختار خواهد بود دورۀ حاملگی را به آخر رساند یا در صورتی که بخواهد سقط جنین کند. همچنین در صورتی که تصمیم بگیرد که از نوزاد نگهداری کند، مختار خواهد بود که از شخص متجاوز مخارج نگهداری طفل را مطالبه کند، بدون اینکه از نظر امری شخص متجاوز از حقوق پدری برخوردار باشد.

حضرت ولی امرالله فرموده اند که امر بهائی ارزش سائقة جنسی را می‌پذیرد و تمتع مشروع از میل جنسی حق طبیعی همه افراد است و به همین جهت حکم ازدواج در ادیان الهی مقرر گردیده است. در رابطه زناشوئی نیز باید مراعات حقوق طرفین بشود. در صورتی که زن بهائی مورد ایذاء یا تجاوز شوهر خود واقع شود، حق دارد به محفل روحانی رجوع کند یا از طریق قانونی موضوع را تعقیب نماید.

در مورد اطفال باید در نظر داشت که مطابق تعالیم بهائی تنبیه و انضباط از جمله عناصر تربیت آنان است. حضرت ولی امرالله در این باره فرموده‌اند که انضباط بدنی یا اخلاقی یا عقلانی لازمۀ تربیت است. طفل در زمان ولادت از کمال کاملاً به دور و طبیعتش مایل به شرارت است. باید او را تربیت کرد و تمایلات طبیعی‌اش را هماهنگ ساخت و مهار کرد و در صورت لزوم محدود ساخت تا سلامت جسمانی و معنوی او تأمین گردد. والدین بهائی نباید شیوه‌ای بر اساس عدم مقاومت در برابر کودکانشان برگزینند، به ویژه در مورد اطفالی که سرشتی متجاوز و سرکش دارند. والدین نباید به دعا کردن برای کودکانشان اکتفاء کنند، بلکه باید با صبر و ملایمت اصول و تعالیم امر مبارک را در آنان نهادینه کنند تا آنان قابل مقام «ابناء‌الله» شوند.

هر چند تنبیه بدنی اطفال بخش مقبولی از تربیتشان را تشکیل می‌دهد، این تنبیه باید با صبر و ملایمت و محبت صورت گیرد و با خشم و خشونتی که در بعضی از نقاط جهان مجری می‌شود، همراه نباشد. کتک زدن اطفال به منزله عدم مراعات حقوق انسانی آنهاست.

شاید شرم‌آورترین رفتار با کودکان ارتکاب آزار جنسی نسبت به آنان باشد که پست‌ترین نوع آن زنای با محارم است. در جهانی که شرارت سرشت و انحطاط رفتار انسان و فساد نهادهای بشری به ظهور می‌رسد و صدای وجدان به خاموشی می‌گراید و آیت حیا سر در خفا می‌برد، تشکیلات بهائی باید هشیار و نسبت به حفاظت اطفال همواره بیدار باشند. هر یک از والدین که از این رفتار ننگین آگاهی یابد، باید از هیچ اقدامی روی نگرداند و با کمک محفل روحانی و مراجع مدنی مانع از این رفتار فجیع غیراخلاقی شود.

حضرت بهاءالله وظایف خطیری بر عهدۀ والدین نهاده و اطفال را مأمور فرموده که از صمیم قلب شاکر والدین خود باشند و در مقامی اطاعت از آنان را همانند اطاعت از خدا ذکر فرموده است. اما در مواردی نیز حق والدین را ساقط فرموده است. بیت‌العدل اعظم در موارد خاصی چون تجاوز و زنای با محارم معین خواهد کرد که آیا یکی از والدین حق خود را از دست داده است یا نه.

با گذشتن عالم بشری از دورۀ طفولیت و رسیدن به بلوغ تغییراتی در عالم صورت خواهد گرفت. وظیفه جامعه بهائی در این میان روشن است و آن اینکه تقلب روحانی اعضایش را صورت بخشد. از آنجا که عضویت در جامعۀ بهائی برای همۀ کسانی که حضرت بهاءالله را بپذیرند، آزاد است، ناگزیر مواردی پیش خواهد آمد که رفتار برخی از افراد مغایر با معیارهای امری خواهد بود. در اینگونه موارد تشکیلات امری باید با نهایت صراحت و صداقت و عدالت مطابق قوانین الهی عمل کنند.

گزارش سفر تبلیغی به بلغارستان

TRAVEL TEACHING IN BULGARIA

دو تن از دوستان خوب بهائی، جناب دکتر فرزین دواچی و همسر ایشان خانم ننسی دواچی، سال‌هاست که به کشورهای مختلف جهان سفر می‌کنند و با مسؤولان امور بهداشتی و تربیتی در بارۀ جلوگیری از شیوع اعتیاد و ابتلا به بیماری‌های عفونی، بویژه بیماری خطرناک ایدز، از راه تربیت اخلاقی مشورت می‌نمایند. اخیراً گزارشی از سفر خود به بلغارستان فرستاده‌اند که خلاصه‌ای از آن بعنوان نمونۀ خدمات پر ارزش این دو نفس نفیس در زیر درج می‌شود:

۱۴ جولای به صوفیه رسیدیم. ۱۵ جولای با لجنة مربوط به کارمان ملاقات کردیم. بعد از ظهر با دکتر پلامن Plamen که دربارۀ واکسن ایدز تحقیق می‌کند، دیدار کردیم و دربارۀ تربیت اخلاقی کودکان برای جلوگیری از ایدز گفتگو کردیم.

۱۶ جولای ما را به کلوب روتاری Rotary Club صوفیه دعوت کردند که راجع به تربیت اخلاقی کودکان صحبت کنیم. بعد، با آقای پاول، اسقف کلیسای ارتدکس دیدار کردیم و با او هم دربارۀ تربیت اخلاقی صحبت کردیم. اسقف مذکور بسیار ناراحت بود که مادی‌گری افراطی حیات روحانی مردم را از میان برده، اما از اهمیت تربیت اخلاقی استقبال کرد. از ما پرسید چه دینی داریم. به نظر میرسید که هرگز اسم امر مبارک را نشنیده بود. به هر حال سؤالاتی کرد که به آن جواب دادیم....

۱۷ جولای مصاحبه‌ای تلویزیونی با ما ترتیب دادند که در آن هم راجع به تربیت اخلاقی جوانان و جلوگیری از ایدز و سایر امراض اجتماعی صحبت کردیم... بعد با اسقف اعظم کلیسای ارتدکس ملاقات کردیم. با امر مبارک آشنا بود و با تربیت روحانی جوانان کاملاً موافق بود. مذاکرات بعدی همه حاکی از تفاهم در میان ما و ایشان بود....

۱۸ جولای با دو طبیب که یکی روانپزشک و دیگر متخصص امراض عفونی بود در مرکز اعتیاد به مواد مخدر و الکل دیدار و راجع به جلوگیری از امراض از طریق تربیت اخلاقی صحبت کردیم.

روزهای ۱۹ و ۲۱ جولای مصاحبه‌ای با رادیوی دولتی داشتیم و روز ۲۴ جولای مصاحبه دیگری در تلویزیون ملی بلغارستان که در همۀ آن برنامه‌ها هم راجع به تربیت اخلاقی جهت جلوگیری از ایدز صحبت کردیم.

روز ۲۸ جولای در حظیرة‌القدس راجع به مشورت با اعضای محفل روحانی و مساعدین اعضای هیئت معاونت صحبت کردیم. بهائیان عزیز از نقاط مختلف بلغارستان آمده بودند. مذاکرات بسیاری سودمند بود و احباء اهمیت وحدت نظر را در تصمیم‌گیری دریافتند.

خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر

NEW PUBLICATION

به تازگی شمارۀ دوازدهم «خوشه هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر» شامل متن سخنرانی‌هائی که محققان بهائی در انجمن ادب و هنر ایراد کردند، منتشر شده است.

موضوع اصلی این مجموعه "ادب و هنر ایران در قرن بیستم" بود. مقالاتی که در خوشه‌ها درج گردیده عبارت است از:

پژوهش و پژوهشگران ادبیات و تاریخ از قزوینی تا کدکنی و مقدمه‌ای بر شعر بهائیان ایران در نخستین سدۀ تاریخ بهائی: دکتر حشمت مؤید.

"شعرای سنت‌گرای ایران در قرن بیستم" و فارسی زبان نیایش دکتر شاپور راسخ.

"طاهره قرة العین پیشرو آزادی زنان و تبعید بلبل مادینه از سرزمین گل و بلبل" دکتر فرزانه میلانی

"دیانت بهائی و نهضت مشروطیت ایران از خلال الواح حضرت عبدالبهاء" خانم مینا یزدانی

"مدرنیسم و نوآوری در شعر فارسی" دکتر یدالله رؤیائی

ناشر این مجموعه مؤسسة عصر جدید در آلمان است و علاقه مندان می‌توانند آن را از طریق مؤسسة ایمجز اینترنشنال خریداری فرمایند.

شماره تلفن: ۱-۸۰۰-۴۷۰-۴۵۲۵ [Page 36]...دیگران را محکوم نسازند و امر به معروف و نهی از منکر نکنند زیرا مظهر امر الهی در کتاب اقدس آنان را امر فرموده که بر دیگران اعتراض نکنند. اما آنجا که رفتار خود ایشان مورد نظر باشد، ملاک عملشان نسبی نیست، بلکه باید با تمسک تام و مطلق به آنچه مظهر امر الهی مقرر داشته و حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله تبیین فرموده‌اند، رفتار کنند.

درباره وظیفه ای که جوانان بهائی بر عهده دارند، حضرت ولی امرالله می فرمایند: «این تقدیس و تنزیه با شؤون و مقتضیات آن از عفت و عصمت و پاکی و طهارت و اصالت و نجابت، مستلزم حفظ اعتدال در جمیع مراتب و احوال از وضع پوشش و لباس و ادای الفاظ و کلمات و استفاده از ملکات و قرائح هنری و ادبی است. همچنین توجه و مراقبت تام در احتراز از مشتهیات نفسانیه و ترک اهواء و تمایلات سخیفه و عادات و تفریحات رذیله مفرطه است که از مقام بلند انسان بکاهد و از اوج عزت به حضیض ذلت متنازل سازد و نیز مستدعی اجتناب شدید از شرب مسکرات و افیون و سایر آلایش‌های مضره و اعتیادات دنیه نالایقه است. این تقدیس و تنزیه هر امری را که منافی عفت و عصمت شمرده شود، خواه از آثار و مظاهر هنر و ادب و یا پیروی از طرفداران خلع حجاب و حرکت بلااستتار در مرآی ناس و یا آمیزش بر طریق مصاحبت و یا بی‌وفائی در روابط زناشوئی به طور کلی هر نوع ارتباط غیرمشروع و هر گونه معاشرت و مجالست منافی با احکام و سنن الهی را محکوم و ممنوع می نماید و به هیچ وجه با اصول و موازین سیئه و شؤون و آداب غیرمرضیه عصر منحط و روبه‌زوال کنونی موافقت نداشته...»

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی نیز در پیام خطاب به جوانان مورخ ۲۲ دسامبر سال ۱۹۹۴ خاطرنشان ساختند که «در این زمان پرمحنت و اغتشاش چه نفوسی بهتر از جوانان بهائی می‌توانند قدرتی را که رعایت تقوی و پرهیزکاری در زندگانی در بر دارد، جلوه‌گر سازند؟»

موضوع دیگری که در پیام‌های معهد اعلی بدان تأکید شده، کوشش‌های فردی جوانان برای انتشار تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله است. و البته از این نکته غافل نمی‌توان بود که دم جوانان بهائی آنگاه در هم‌طرازان مؤثر واقع می‌شود، که دیگران فرقی بین خود و آنان ببینند. تبلیغ به اعمال تنها روش تبلیغی است که احتیاجی به مراعات حکمت ندارد. جوانان عزیز بهائی باید با صداقت و بدون کوچک‌ترین شائبه ظاهرسازی چنان باشند و چنان رفتاری از خود به ظهور رسانند که تفاوتشان با دیگران حس کنجکاوی آنان را برانگیزد و آنان را به تعالیم جانبخش الهی راهبر شود.

بخشی از پیامی را که یکی از بزرگ‌ترین مربیان جوانان بهائی جناب دکتر علیمراد داودی اعلی‌الله‌درجاته خطاب به آنان نگاشته است در خاتمه این گزارش نقل می‌کنیم:

«امر بهائی دست‌های توانای جوانان را در گسستن بندهائی که بر گردن دل‌ها انداخته‌اند، به خدمت می‌پذیرد. پاهای خستگی‌ناپذیر جوانان در پیمودن دشت‌ها و فرا رفتن از کوه‌ها و رسیدن بدان سوی دریاها برای گرد آوردن فرزندان سرگشته آدم، برای به‌هم پیوستن دل‌های رمیده آشنایان بیگانه نمای، برای نابود ساختن ظلمت و وحشت و نفرت از صحنه‌ای که جلوه‌گاه نور حقیقت می‌تواند بود، به کار می‌گیرد.

این است که دل‌های خود را به جوانان می‌سپاریم، امیدهای خود را به جوانان می‌بندیم و آرزوهای خود را در جوانان می‌جوئیم. و کاشکی جوانان ما این دل‌های امیدوار و آرزومند را همچنان سرشار از امید و آکنده از آرزو نگاه دارند.»

کلوپ‌های بهائی در دانشگاه‌ها

BAHÁ’Í CAMPUS CLUBS

سال تحصیلی ۲۰۰۱-۲۰۰۲ آغاز شده و مصادف است با اولین سال تحصیلی نقشه پنج‌ساله. جوانان بهائی در بیش از ۲۰۰ کالج و دانشگاه در ایالات متحده کلوپ بهائی دارند.

با گذشت هر ثلث یا نیمسال تحصیلی، اعضای این کلوپ‌ها که عبارتند از دانشجویان و کارکنان و استادان این مراکز آموزش عالی، بر فعالیت‌های تبلیغی خود می‌افزایند.

امروزه کلوپ‌های دانشگاهی به تنهائی عمل نمی‌کنند و از کمک‌های منابع گوناگونی برای فعالیت‌های خود برخوردارند، از جمله همکاری با جوامع محلی بهائی و حمایت از جانب شوراهای منطقه‌ای بهائی و دسترس داشتن به نشریه‌ای که سالی چهار بار چاپ می‌شود.

جوانان بهائی و دیگر احبائی که مایل باشند فعالیت‌های تبلیغی خود را در کالج‌ها و دانشگاه‌های آمریکا افزایش دهند، می‌توانند به کتابچه راهنمائی با عنوان Bahá’í Campus Activism Handbook رجوع کنند. این کتابچه را می‌توان از طریق شبکه اینترنت در سایت www.bahaiyouth.com تهیه کرد. همچنین با استفاده از سایت مذکور می‌توان با جوانان بهائی تماس حاصل کرد.

مسأله خشونت و تعدی به زنان و اطفال

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

مسأله خشونت در خانواده یکی از مشکلات بزرگ جهان امروز است. لااقل در دو مورد بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی از طریق دارالانشاء، مطالبی درباره این مشکل اظهار داشته‌اند. خلاصه‌ای از مرقومه دارالانشاء، معهد اعلی مورخ ۲۴ جنیوری سال ۱۹۹۳ در زیر درج می‌شود.

در مرقومه مذکور آمده است که وحدت عالم انسانی محور تمامی تعالیم بهائی است و یکی از پی‌آمدهای این آرمان تغییری کلی در چگونگی رفتار مردم نسبت به یکدیگر و مراعات حقوق انسانی همه انسان‌هاست.

اعمال خشونت و زور از جانب فرد قوی علیه فرد ضعیف جهت تحمیل اراده خود بر او به منزله نقض یکی از تعالیم بهائی است. کسانی که تحت تأثیر احساسات خود نتوانند خشم خود را مهار نمایند و بدینوسیله دست به خشونت یازند، باید بدانند که امر بهائی چنین رفتار شرم‌آوری را محکوم می‌نماید.

یکی از علائم انحطاط اخلاقی افزایش موارد خشونت علیه همسر و فرزندان در خانواده است. اهل بهاء باید از مبادرت به این اعمال، هر چند شایع و متداول باشد، بر حذر باشند.

حضرت بهاءالله مقرر فرموده‌اند که احباء با توسل به مشورت مشکلاتشان را حل کنند. در روابط خانوادگی و هر موقعیت دیگری که مستلزم تصمیم‌گیری باشد، اعضا، باید بتوانند با صراحت و بدون ترس از نکوهش و تحقیر نظراتشان را اظهار دارند. هنگامی که واهمه خشونت و آثار وجود داشته باشد، شرایط مناسب برای مشورت موجود نخواهد بود.

مسائل مربوط به رفتار با زنان را نمی‌توان خارج از موضوع تساوی حقوق زن و مرد در نظر گرفت. اثرات این تعلیم در همه جوانب زندگی انسانی ظاهر خواهد شد. به فرموده حضرت عبدالبهاء، "تا مساوات تامه بین ذکور و اناث در حقوق حاصل نشود، عالم انسانی ترقیات خارق‌العاده ننماید."

بیت‌العدل اعظم در سال‌های اخیر به جوامع بهائی مؤکداً توصیه فرموده که زنان و دختران جوان را تشویق کنند که در فعالیت‌های اجتماعی و روحانی و اداری سهم بیشتری داشته باشند.

مردان بهائی باید از فرصت استفاده کرده، به جهانیان نشان دهند که شیوه تازه‌ای آغاز کرده‌اند و خشونت و اعمال زور را تبدیل به همکاری و مشورت نموده‌اند. بیت‌العدل اعظم تاکید فرموده‌اند که در روابط زناشوئی نه شوهر باید بر زن تسلط داشته باشد نه زن بر شوهرش. در مواردی که مسأله‌ای لاینحل بماند و اختلاف به هیچ‌وجه با مشورت حل نشود باید گاهی نظر زن را اجرا کرد و گاهی نظر شوهر را مجری داشت.

شوهر بهائی هرگز نباید همسرش را بزند و یا رفتاری ظالمانه نسبت به او داشته باشد. اگر چنین کند مخالف تعالیم امر بهائی عمل کرده است. نبودن ارزش‌های روحانی در جامعه سبب می‌شود که ضوابط حاکم بر روابط زن و مرد تنزل یابد و زنان به صورت وسیله‌ای برای ارضای امیال جنسی مردان در آیند و احترامی را که همه [Page 37]

ترجمه پیام دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

MESSAGE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT DATED APRIL 1, 2001

اول اپریل ۲۰۰۱

محافل روحانیه طرا ملاحظه نمایند موضوع: رسالۀ قرن انوار

یاران عزیز و محبوب

حسب‌الامر معهد اعلی یک نسخه از رسالۀ قرن انوار که بتقاضا و تحت نظارت بیت‌العدل اعظم تهیه شده بضمیمه ارسال میگردد.

هدف از این رساله که در آن بنحوی جامع و گسترده از آثار مبارکه نقل شده و تبیینات حضرت ولی‌ امرالله مندرج گشته آنستکه نظر احباء را بدو جریان مشخص که در قرن بیستم بوقوع پیوسته آگاه نماید. از یک طرف رشته وقایعی که یگانگی نوع بشر را خصیصه اصلی تاریخ نوین قرار داد و از طرف دیگر خروج امر الهی و نظم اداری آن از مجهولیت. امید وطید بیت‌العدل اعظم آنستکه انتشار این رساله بالسنه مختلفه آنرا در دسترس اعضاء جوامع بهائی در سراسر عالم قرار دهد.

برخی از احباء ممکن است مایل باشند نسخی از آنرا در اختیار دوستان غیر بهائی خود قرار دهند که معتقدند مفاد آن مورد توجه و علاقۀ آنها واقع خواهد شد. هیچ منعی برای تسلیم آن بدیگران توسط احاد احباء وجود ندارد. باید این نکته روشن شود که قرن انوار نشریه‌ای جهت اطلاعات عمومی نیست و نیز برای عرضه بشخصیتهای برجسته و رسانه ها تهیه نشده بلکه منبعی برای مطالعه بهائیان و عمیق شده آنها در امر است.

با تحیات محبّت آمیز بهائی از طرف دارالانشاء

رونوشت: ایادی امرالله دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی مشاورین

مژده: اطلاع حاصل شده است که رسالۀ قرن انوار به فارسی ترجمه شده و بزودی در دسترس علاقه‌مندان قرار خواهد گرفت.

ترجمه پیام محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده

MESSAGE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO THE YOUTH

خطاب به جوانان بهائی وظائف جوانان در طی نقشۀ پنج‌ساله

جوانان عزیز بهائی،

امید و آیندهٔ امر بهائی را در شما سراغ می‌گیریم. از آغاز تاریخ امر مبارک رهبری آن را جوانان در دست داشته و مصداق آرمانهای روحانی آن جوانان بوده و قهرمانان دلیر میدان تبلیغ را جوانان تشکیل داده‌اند. حضرت عبدالبهاء، وظیفهٔ خطیر ابلاغ تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله را بر دوش جوانان نهاده‌اند.

از شما عزیزان درخواست می‌شود که با توسل به دعا و مناجات درباره اهداف جوانان در طی نقشهٔ پنج‌ساله تأمل فرمائید و با دوستان و عزیزانتان مشورت کنید و برنامه‌هائی شخصی برای تکمیل آن طرح نمائید. همچنین تقاضا می‌شود به خاطر داشته باشید که هم‌اکنون تعداد زیادی از جوانان به برنامه‌هائی تبلیغی که در رسانه ها پخش می‌شود، عکس‌العمل نشان می‌دهند و می‌خواهند ببینند آیا تعالیم بهائی در شما عزیزان تأثیری داشته و زندگیتان را بهبود بخشیده و رفتار و اخلاقتان را تهذیب کرده و شما را به صورت مساعدان مهربان مردم درآورده است.

حضرت عبدالبهاء وعده داده فرموده‌اند که "اگر نفسی متابعت تعالیم بهاءالله نماید یقین است به نتیجهٔ عالم وجود موفق گردد، زیرا روح جسد عالمست، نعمت جمیع بشر است، رحمت برای نوع انسان است. پس بجان و دل بکوشید که بموجب تعالیم بهاءالله عمل کنید. اگر موفق باین شوید بدانید عزت ابدیه است، حیات سرمدیه است، سلطنت عالم انسانی است، مائدهٔ آسمانیست. من دعا می‌کنم که شماها به این مواهب موفق و به این فضائل رحمانیه مخصص گردید."

این قوای روحانی در قلوب شما نهفته است. حال زمان شکوفا ساختن آن است.

مهر شما در دل ماست و دعای ما بدرقه راهتان

خادمان آن عزیزان محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده

جوانان

THE YOUTH

دربارۀ جوانان و جوانی چه می‌توان گفت که تا کنون گفته نشده است؟ جامعۀ بهائی تداوم خود را در وجود جوانان می‌بیند. جوانان همچون حلقه‌ای گذشته را به آینده پیوند می‌دهند.

در پیام‌هائی که بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی و محفل روحانی ملی خطاب به جوانان بهائی صادر فرموده‌اند، به نکاتی اشاره شده که مهم‌ترین آن همانا تمسک به حیات بهائی است. این مفهوم موارد گوناگونی را در بر می‌گیرد. یکی از این موارد تخلق به پرهیزکاری و تقوی است.

پرهیزکاری بازداری نفس است از خواهش‌های آن، خواهش‌هائی که بیرون از محدوده‌ای باشد که مظهر امر مجاز فرموده است. خواهش‌های نفس انسان به صورت‌های گوناگونی جلوه می‌کند. گاه این خواهش‌ها متوجه به اموال و املاک و گاه خورد و خوراک است. در برخی موارد این خواهش‌ها طلب افزونی به صورت طمع است که ممکن است هدف آن مقام و شهرت باشد و در بعضی موارد این خواهش‌ها از امیال و سائقه جنسی برمی‌خیزد.

در سال‌های جوانی، به واسطۀ قوت و رشد نیروی جسمانی، هدف خواهش‌ها نیز بیشتر امور جسمانی است و در اینجاست که جوانان بهائی باید آن کنند که سرمشقی برای هم‌سالان خود باشند. با نگاهی کوتاه به جهان کنونی و فضای اخلاقی آن به آسانی می‌توان دید که آنچه در جهان می‌گذرد با آنچه حضرت بهاءالله برای بشر خواسته اند فرقی فارق دارد.

در مدارس توجهی به روحانیت ذات انسان نمی‌شود. موسیقی و دیگر مظاهر هنر و فرهنگ دستخوش امیال جسمانی انسان و در محور ارضای بی‌چون و چرای آن است. شرکت‌های بازرگانی برای بازاریابی و تبلیغ کالای خود کلمات و تصویرهائی به کار می‌برند که امیال جسمانی را اعم از میل به خوردن یا نوشیدن یا میل جنسی را برانگیزد. ابعاد وحشتناک لذت‌طلبی در تمامی مظاهر زندگی به چشم می‌خورد. از آنجا که جوانان در چنین محیطی زندگی می‌کنند، بسیاری از مفاسد اخلاقی محیط را به صورت هنجارهای فردی و اجتماعی می‌پذیرند.

جوانان بهائی باید همواره آگاه باشند که آنچه به عنوان رفتار معمول و ارزش عادی در پیرامونشان می‌گذرد، با آنچه در تعالیم امر بهائی نازل شده است، تفاوتی ماهوی دارد.

حضرت ولی‌ امرالله در توقیع ظهور عدل الهی تأکید فرموده‌اند که احباء باید "اعمال و افعال خویش را مورد تأمل و تدقیق قرار دهند و با عزم جزم و تصمیم راسخ به تهذیب ارواح و تعدیل افکار و تزکیۀ حیات جامعه پردازند و از هر تزلزل و انحطاط اخلاقی که نام و شهرت و تمامیت و جامعیت چنین امر اعزّ اعلائی را لکه‌دار نماید به شدت تام جلوگیری و ممانعت کنند." (ص، ۶۲)

دیانت بهائی، مرامی خانقاهی نیست که عزلت‌طلبی را تشویق کند و از پیروانش بخواهد ترک جهان و جهانیان کنند. جوانان بهائی باید در جهان، اما نه مبتلا به آن باشند. اهل بهاء، اعم از جوان و بزرگسال، آنقدر سعه صدر دارند که رفتار ناشایست [Page 38]

Uganda community celebrates 50th anniversary

BAHÁ’Í WORLD SERVICE

• Kampala, Uganda: In a weeklong celebration that opened to the joyous beat of African drums—and went on to feature a statement by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—the Ugandan Bahá’í community commemorated in early August the 50th anniversary of its founding.

The Ugandan community was established on Aug. 2, 1951, when a small group of Bahá’ís from Great Britain and Iran arrived to pioneer in Uganda.

The Faith’s principles of unity and social progress soon won acceptance from people in every region of the country and most of the major tribal groups. Within two years the community had expanded to nearly 300 members in some 25 localities, representing 20 tribes.

Today, the Bahá’í Faith has an estimated 105,000 members in Uganda, with about 200 Local Spiritual Assemblies and more than 2,800 established localities. Its members represent virtually every tribal and religious background.

“You will find that the diversity of all Uganda is clearly seen in the Bahá’í community and in our activities,” said George Olinga, chair of the Bahá’í Jubilee planning committee.

Praise for the Faith’s record of promoting harmony and development in a country often divided by tribalism was a main message of the president’s statement, which was read Aug. 2, 2001, by Capt. Michael Mukula, state minister for health, before some 2,000 people at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Kampala.

“In Uganda we are constantly fighting against ethnic and religious sectarianisms and our politics was played out and polarized along those major fault lines for a very long time,” wrote Museveni, explaining that his government has sought to “bring all the people together irrespective of their faith, race, color or ethnicity.”

“We have been doing what you in the Bahá’í Faith began to do a long time ago,” Museveni stated in prepared remarks. “Yours is a very useful message and can contribute greatly to nation-building.”

President Museveni’s statement went on to highlight the needs to fight the evils of corruption, to reduce poverty and to strive for equality between men and women—goals which he said he and his government share with the Bahá’í community.

Among other highlights of the weeklong celebration, which began July 31 in Kampala and ended Aug. 5 in Tilling in Eastern Uganda, were the presence of four of the six founding members of the community, attendance by various government officials, and extensive media coverage.

Among the founding members of the community in attendance was ‘Alí Nakhjavání, a member of the Universal House of Justice. He spoke at several events during the week, on the theme of “The Spiritual Destiny of Africa.”

Before some 2,500 people on Aug. 5 in Tilling, for example, he said that when he came to Uganda in 1951, the Faith was like “drops of water here and there.”

“Now the Bahá’í is like a lake,” Nakhjavání said. “They should now transform that lake into an ocean.”

Philip Hainsworth, another of the six founders who returned for the celebration, told how the fledgling Bahá’í community of Uganda became an important nucleus for the spread and expansion of the Faith to neighboring countries in the 1950s and 1960s, through the hosting of various international conferences and, in 1957, with the start of construction on the first Bahá’í House of Worship on the continent. It was completed in 1961.

In recent years, the Bahá’í community of Uganda has sponsored a number of social and economic development projects. The Faith operates primary schools in Odusai and in Tilling. With about 1,000 students and a solid reputation for excellence, the school in Tilling is considered the top school in its district.

In the 1990s, in some 30 villages in Eastern Uganda, the Uganda Bahá’í Institute for Development has been training and supporting local volunteer community health workers. Improvements in basic health and sanitation in the region have been documented by several organizations.

A Bahá’í-inspired non-governmental organization, UPLIFT, has also recently started a literacy project in the northern region of Uganda. ♦

TERRACES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

who I otherwise would not have a chance to meet,” Naftali said. “One of my friends now is another guide, a Druze from the Golan. We have reached a completely different level of understanding, based on friendship rather than politics.”

A tour guide supervisor, Gad Zorea, reiterated that having guides from many backgrounds working together adds to the appeal of the gardens.

“Haifa is a special, unique place in Israel. People know this city for the coexistence of Jews and Arabs, and also Christians, Druze and Bahá’ís,” Zorea said. “The visitors can see our guides working together, and they remark on this.”

“Israel is a difficult country. People are stressed and nervous because of the things that are happening,” he said. “Our guides are the first people they encounter when they enter the gardens, and slowly we try to show them a different perspective, give them a glimpse of the way the Bahá’ís view the world—in a way educate them that the world can be a better place.”

The intensive three-day training session for Terraces tour guides included sessions with the architect of the terraces, Fariborz Sahba, and the caretaker of the Bahá’í Holy Places, Jamsheed Ardjomandi.

Naftali said that the training program deeply touched her, and that nearly all the guides share her sense that what they are doing is much more than a job.

“It was so meaningful when Mr. Ardjomandi described the significance of these Holy Places, when he told us of Bahá’u’lláh’s dialogue with the mountain [in the Tablet of Carmel],” she said. “After that I felt: this is a mission. I started caring more, doing more. These gardens touch people’s souls.”

The tours give many Israelis their first glimpse of a religious community that has maintained a remarkably low profile during its century-long presence on Mount Carmel. Since the time in 1868 when the Bahá’u’lláh was brought to the neighboring city of ‘Akká as a prisoner under the Ottoman Turks, Bahá’ís have observed a strict policy of not seeking or accepting converts in the Holy Land.

Tour guide Yohai Devir, a university student, takes questions from participants on a terrace below the Shrine of the Báb. Bahá’í World Service

“The gardens are a wonderful contribution to the city,” said Lynn Taubkin, a visitor and Haifa resident for 22 years. “If I may speak as a representative of the people of Haifa, I have never heard anything but positive remarks about the gardens. And knowing that it is all based on voluntary contributions and the work of volunteers adds to our appreciation.”

Another visitor, Orit from Kadima, agreed that the explanation she had heard about the Bahá’í Faith reinforced the impression given by the gardens.

“The impression of symmetry, order and neatness was intertwined with the presentation of the Bahá’í religion. The harmonious, unifying principle is very pronounced in the gardens. It is beautiful and very inspiring,” she said.

Another tour guide, Yohai Devir, gathered his group on the bridge, speaking through a small portable amplifier carried on his waist. He pointed to the imposing marble buildings on the nearby Arc and described their functions as the international administrative center of a world religion. Looking up at the terraces, he pointed out the three distinct zones of the gardens—the formal central axis, surrounded on either side by informal gardens and drought-resistant ground covers, blending finally into the natural wooded cover of the mountain—and described the high-tech water conservation methods used in the gardens.

Devir, a student of electrical engineering at Haifa’s Technion University, then led the group down around the side of the Shrine of the Báb to a shady area where he told stories from the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Further along he shared basic teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

The visitors then peppered him with questions: How do they cut the grass on the steep slopes? How much does it cost to maintain the gardens? What other gardens in the world can these compare with? Who is buried in the Shrine? Why is it here in Israel?

Susan Soto, a visitor from Karmi’el, about 45 minutes north of Haifa, said she came on the tour because she had seen the gardens on television. “These gardens have become famous. They are beautiful and very impressive. Bahá’ís believe in good things. They believe in one God, in peace. It’s good for everyone,” she said. ♦

For more international news, see the Bahá’í World Service Web site: www.bahaiworldnews.org

NORTHEAST, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Paltzonians by hosting firesides, cleaning up a highway, discussing the Faith with youths at a youth shelter, and hosting a “be a friend to the whole human race” picnic. They also had the opportunity to visit a site in Mohonk where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had stayed and given a speech!

Destination: Ithaca, NY

This last group we visited had spent a few days at a campground deepening and building bonds of unity with the Ithacations. During all their service projects they proudly displayed “I’m a Bahá’í, ask me why” T-shirts—and had many stories of how the shirts gave them the opportunity to tell many people about the Faith. It also gave them the opportunity to learn, as we did, the importance of doing laundry.

The following weekend they had a race unity picnic in Syracuse and found time to go swimming near Ithaca Falls!

Service, love, encouragement

As we traveled from community to community, each group took the opportunity to send gifts and letters of encouragement to their brothers and sisters in service. These were no mere cut-out hearts or store-bought cards! These were masterpieces of origami, brilliant-colored pipe-cleaner flowers, chocolate bars, and even construction-paper Web page simulations, all expressing love and encouragement.

We were inspired by the youths’ enthusiasm, love, courage, detachment and willingness to serve in any manner in which they were asked. The motivation and dedication of the seven communities that arose to host and sponsor youths was also remarkable. ♦ [Page 39]

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 __________ . Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail __________ . Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail __________ . Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail __________ . Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail __________ .

OCTOBER

Early October: Unit Conventions held across the country to elect delegates to the Bahá’í National Convention of 2002.

5–6: Bahá’í Educators Retreat at Green Acre.

5–8: ‘Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Louhelen; sessions in Persian and in English.

12–14: Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen.

19–21: Assembly Development Forum at Green Acre.

19–21: "Heroines of the Faith"/‎Tábirih Táhirih‎ performance 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 __________ ).

25–28: National Treasurer’s Forum at Bahá’í National Center. For information call Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3495, e-mail __________ ). Local treasurers invited; see article, page 7.

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: "The Advent of Divine Justice" at Green Acre.

2–4: Royal Falcon Bahá’í School, Pensacola Beach, FL. With Charles "Cap" Cornwell, Auxiliary Board member. Registrar: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone __________ , e-mail __________ , Web www.triumphnetwork.com/falcon).

9–11: Family Weekend, "Following the Century of Light: Implications of the Five Year Plan" at Louhelen.

9–11: Two programs at Green Acre: "Expressing Creativity Through the Writer’s Art"; "Successful Self-Direction: Applying Bahá’í Principles to Your Life."

9–11: "Arts in the Bahá’í Community" at Bosch.

15–18: Association of Bahá’í Mental Health Professionals conference, "Unfolding the Potential Within: Exploring the Nature of Psychospiritual Development," at Louhelen.

16–18: Two programs at Green Acre: "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit" Ruhi Book 1 training; "The Greatness That Might be Theirs," youth institute.

18–20: "Authenticity Project" at Louhelen.

22–25: "Children: Functional Families and Caring Communities" at Green Acre.

22–25: Dr. Ghadimi’s Conference: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and other Holy Books" (Persian and English) at Bosch.

22–25: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Casa Grande, AZ. With Erica Toussaint and Barry Harper; Dan Seals entertainment. Special youth and young adult programs. Registrar: Ruby R. Jamshedi, (phone __________ , Web site www.mesabahai.org)

23–24: Menucha Bahá’í School, east of Portland, OR. With Steven Ellis. Registrar: Lynne Nesbit, (phone __________ , e-mail __________ ).

23–25: Divine Art of Living Conference, "New State of Mind," San Diego, CA. With Jack McCants, Suheil Bushrui, Jena Khadem Khodadad.

30–Dec. 2: "To Move the World: The Life of Louis Gregory" at Green Acre.

DECEMBER

7–9: Two programs at Green Acre: "Clay into Crystal: Changing Habits of Thought and Patterns of Action"; "Yá Sáhibu’z-Zamán!" Junior Youth Institute.

7–9: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Development at Bosch.

7–9: "Expressing Creativity through the Writer’s Art" at Louhelen.

13–16: Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development for the Americas, Orlando, FL. See page 34.

21–24: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Phoenix, AZ; theme: "Falling in Love With Bahá’u’lláh." With Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Nosratollah Mohammad-Hosseini; Dr. Robert Stockman, director, Wilmette Institute; Dr. William Maxwell; others. U.S. premiere of the dramatic work "Reflections on the Century of Light." E-mail __________ , Web www.azbahai.com. Special rates at conference hotel (phone 800-233-1234 or 602-252-1234).

26–30: Winter School at Bosch: "Comparative Religion"/"Mediation and Conflict Resolution."

26–30: Winter School at Green Acre: "Copper to Gold: Personal Transformation and Powerful Teaching as an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh."

27–Jan. 1: Winter School, on the transformative power of prayer, at Louhelen.

URGENT NEEDS

at the Bahá’í National Offices: Meetings and Travel • Public Information • Treasurer’s Office • Purchasing

See page 30

Aliyah (from left) and Imani Steiner enjoy a relaxed moment with their aunt Risa Makoski during Louhelen Bahá’í School’s celebrations Aug. 12, which included dedication of Unity Hall. See Kingdom project articles, page 6. Photo by Jim Cheek

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

SEPTEMBER 27–NOVEMBER 3, 2001 MASHÍYYAT/‘ILM • B.E. 158

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 Street Address ________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) ______________ City ________________ State ___ Zip code ___

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Street Address ________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) ______________ City ________________ State ___ Zip code ___

D. NEW COMMUNITY Name of new Bahá’í Community _________ Moving Date __________

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER Area Code Phone Number _________ Name __________

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number _________ Name __________ Area Code Phone Number _________ Name __________

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] 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.

H. I WOULD LIKE A 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.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í