The American Bahá’í/Volume 32/Issue 9/Text

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[Page 1]

Toward a long-term vision

Universal House of Justice members give reminders of destiny, responsibility lan Semple: Speeches in Seattle, WA; Wilmette, IL

Douglas Martin: Speeches in Atlanta, GA

BY TOM MENNILLO

but it

he dates were long-planne was providential that Universal House of Justice member Douglas Ma tin was able to assure American Bal reeling from the Sept. I atta and community’s—desti

country’s

Accompanied by Na Assembly member William Roberts, Martin devoted his vacation time to a tour that started in New York City and continued on to Chapel Hill, North Carbefore winding up in Adanta,

olina, Georgia.

‘The House of Justice member said it has been a great blessing to him to experience nd the “love and warmth, confiand enthusiasm” of American

Baha'is.

His presence here also has bee! 2 benefit to the Supreme Body at a time it fervently wishes to reach out to our community, Martin said in expressing “how much the Universal House of Jus

tice loves you and how close it feels to you.”

A roomful of love

The Adanta visit took the form of an all-day lovefest in a huge ballroom of the downtown Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Among the _ standing-room-only crowd were Counselor Marilyn Smit Auxiliary Board members Mary K. Radpour, Danita Brown and Riaz Khadem; and members of the Southern Regional Baha’i Council.

Baha’is traveled in the wee hours to Georgia from ‘Tennessee, Alabama,

SEE DOUGLAS MARTIN, PAGE 8

ic approach

lanning and a systema

are indispensable allies as we make efforts to build a spifitual civilization, Universal House of Justice member Ian Semple reminded the 1,000 people attending the Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies-North America, over Labor Day weekend in Seattle, Washington.

In the long run, methodical process of planning complemented by focused action ar more productive than pursuing succes

Semple said,

More excerpts from Seattle talk / page 19

sive, isolated bright idea ate effect of which may be striking but can soon die away without enduring benefit to the work as a whole.”

But any hope for advancing civilization, he said, rests on Baha’u'llih’s teaching that the “supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for man to

SEE IAN SEMPLE, PAGE 8

Musical tribute to Tahirih

Members of a women’s chorus sing a selection from the dramatic musical work Téhirih, composed by Mimi McClellan, during its premiere at the conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies, held Labor Day weekend in Seattle, Washington. The conference also featured a number of talks on the value and direction

of Baha’i scholarship; more articles on pages 18-20. Photo by Michael Frank

Baha’is in New York, across U.S. respond to tragedies

BY TOM MENNILLO

Nee images of devastation and of war, it hits home as never before that we must build a Baha’i community that is at once a refuge in troubling times and the seedling of a Kingdom free of

such pain.

We can take a cue from the Baha’is battered New York City. Friends in the City of the Covenant have moved forward resolutely since Sept. 11 on many

Jan Mau

fronts, according to Assembly secretary

In service to the wider community:

• The Baha'i Center is open every night

ritual Assembly donated $500 to relief efforts and is providing a channel for individual Baha’és to contribute (send checks, earmarked for NYC Relief, to the New York City Baha'i Fund, 53 E. 11th St, New York, NY 10003).

• New York Baha’is have participated in

several interfaith events, while recognizing a need to inc such contacts and efforts in the future.

• A special ongoing effort is being made

to reach out to the Mu communiyy. ¢In an_ individual initiative called

“Healing Sundays,” art therapist Razi Searles and other Baha'is go to Union

SEE RESPONSE, PAGE 4

Novemser 4, 2001

QUDRAT/POWER QAWL /SPEECH BAHAI ERA 158

VOLUME 32, NO. 9

“LENSE D°E:

VIRTUES EDUCATION PAGE II

KIDS CORNER 17 | CLASSIFIED + 26-27 IN MEMORIAM + 28-29 PERSIAN PAGES + 31-34

Goal: $60

million

Money

committed: $24.3 million See page 6

Participants: more than 7,000

THE NATIONAL FUND

Received by the National Treasurer $1,179,123 received, August 2001

$1,458,935 received, September 2001 fo pee renua en nec tame eran ener }27 individual contri 2001

}

lh i al 8:1 69 ined tne, er 20 Excluding Kingdom Project See page 7 for details EE

“E°X-C-E-R-°P-T'S:

“Happy are they who in the days of world-encompassing trials have stood fast in the Cause and refused to swerve from its truth.” —Bahd’u'llih

[Page 2]Chief tellers’ addresses for Regional Council elections

egional Baha’{ Councils will be elected Nov. 26, 2001, according to guidance from the Universal House of Justice:

“In view of the experience gained over a period of several years, the Universal House of Justice has recognized that it would be more practical to set a new date for the formation of these institutions. Henceforth, then, the election or appointment of Regional Councils will take effe every year on 26 November, the Day of the Covenant.” — Letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated March 13, 2000

‘The four Regional Baha'i Councils in the United States have been working diligently to advance the process of entry by troop \d ach) Five Year Plan. pecial time, believers throughout the country

ay for the upcoming election for ion members of Local Spiritual to cast their ballots. Council elections, helpct infor

ve the goals of the

ful to Local Spiritual mation for each region’ American Baha'i to a the election. We are ple: addresses for the chief teller in each region.

vide the m:

ling

SOUTHERN REGION PO Box 111299 Nashville, TN 37222-1299

CENTRAL REGION P.O. Box 21545 Saint Louis, MO 63132-0545

WESTERN REGION PO Box 1780 Santa Monica, CA 90402-1780

NORTHEASTERN REGION P.O. Box 1528 Springfield, MA 01101-1528

ALMANAC

Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah

A Baha’i Holy Day

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

Mirz4 Husayn-‘Ali, Baha’u'llah, 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 Baha'i Holy Day

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

bdu’l-Baha told the Bal any circumstances, day of the Decl y ated with Him. But as the Baha'is 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 Ce —H.M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Babd, p. 523

that ...

[May 23] was not, under y s the

Anniversary of Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

A Baha’i Holy Day

• Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m.

• Work is not suspended

“It is clear how that most dire of calami ter which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’lrificed for His mee our very limt

does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous s of the immortal dove are hushed.

—Shoghi Effendi, Babiyyih Khdnum, pp. 148-149

nd holy melodies

LENCE IN ALL THINGS

WILLiAM E. Davis, a Baha’i in Half Moon Bay, Califor nia, and member of the National Spiritual Assembly, one of four 2001 inductees into the Unive: tucky College of Law Hall of Fame. This honor is ed to selected alumni who have “reached and rei the pinna his or her field -» perseverance and maturation and/or ... a profound positive influence on the College of

Law. is

year’s inductees William Davis (center) is congratulated also include a by Robert Lawson (left), former dean, Kentucky state and Alan Vestel (right), dean of the Uni- Supreme Court

versity of Kentucky College of Law. justice. A sweeping list ccomplishments that led to that honor include: id-1960s, +h included organizing rural production cooperaamong Mapuche Indians and organizing and equipping a dental clinic. forts as staff attorney for the Cz rative Office of the Courts to e: courtroom appearances by

• Serving as the first director of the Kentucky stat

trative Office of the Courts, in charge of organizing a new constitutionally created multilevel court system involving more than 200 judges and 2,000 support pers

• Working as chief admistrative officer for f

in the Ninth Circuit, and later as director of the fornia Administrative Office of the Courts.

• Helping form a private legal consulting firm that has

been involved in significant court reform around the world, including Central America, South Ameri

Near East and Eastern Europe.

lifornia state Adminthe burden of

Cali

DwiGut DONALDSON, a Bal was honored last spring as Outstanding Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Pierce County. The award, given by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, was gi based on football performance as well as Dwight’s 3.99 cumulative grade point average.

in Tacoma, Ws

hington,

‘Tami Haat tana, was this Roerich Prize, one of the most prestigious honors in American poetry, for her book Breath in Every Room. In conjunction, Haaland, an assistant professor of c1 ative writing at Montana State University Billings, is to read her poetry at the Nicholas Roerich Museum, which is devoted to promoting peace through artistic and cultural exchange.

YDRA HICKS, a Bal in Manchester, New Hampshire,

has been presented the Good Samaritan Award for Medicine and f g, in recognition of “comp: commitment” in her field. Pastoral Counsel sponsors of the award, annually honors a local i each of six segments of the community for service to others.

ABBAS EARL MAHVASH, a Baha’i from

I Louston, ” I

S, Braduared as salutatorian,

e school’s Most Outstanding Boy award, and a number of scholarships for outstanding academic work and community service.

Yuyt Tsuzukt, 13, of Bloomii ranked No. | in North Amei enth-grad in the Kumon Math system. He has been in the Kumon Math “Top 20” for three

THE AMERICAN

BAHAI

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’is OF THE UNITED STATES

Baha’i National Center 847-869-9039

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

E-mail:

[+ sess erases

Editor James Humphrey /

Associate Editor ‘Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Baha’i Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors

Kathleen Babb, Jean Brooks, Sam Conrad, Randolph Dobbs, lia Donaldson, Jesse Fish, Michael Frank, Judith Grif, Barb Hancock, Wendy Helle, Howard Hinterthue, Carole Hit, Rebeca Hotlagh, Ellen Parmelee, Al Proser, Mojan Sami Sous Setar, Siggle 5. Shaw Il MadimirShiloy, Roberta Selomeo, Ramin Tie, Gayle Hoover Thorn, hus Vstie

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one

special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of.

the Bahi's of the United States, 1233

Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL

and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Canada: Publications Agreement

Number 1486683 ADDRESS CHI If you have an add or wish to ap or. i contact the

Baht National cae 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL. 60201 (e-mail ) ‘There is no need to contact the Editors directly, A form is on the back rage.

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

• ARrTICLEs should be clear, concise and

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

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

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

• DEADLINES for upcoming issues:

Jan. 19, 2002 issue: Deadline Dec. 4 Feb. 26, 2002 issue: Deadline Jan. 15

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

OE RU CIN Te ead COUT mc Reco

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

page 2 Tre American BanA’i ¢ ALMANAC/EXCELLENCE November 4, 2001

[Page 3]

New online center for learning

www.kingdomconference.org delivers knowledge from workshops

dom Conference last summer, and

attended every workshop you possi: bly could, you would only have been abie to go to eight out of more than 200 workshops. That’s less than 4 percent, the mathematicians would say.

Just think of all that knowled munity-building, te: ig the Faith, spiri: tual development, race unity, gender equity, business, social and economic issues— there and gone, if you happened not to be at all the right places in Milwaukee June 28-July 1. Unreachable. Inaccessible.

Until now. With the help of the Internet and the Kingdom Conference Web site (www.kingdomconference.org), our Baha'i National Center has stretched the boundaries of the Kingdom Conference through time and space and created the beginnings of a nationwide and even worldwide learning community.

Visitors to that evolving site will find:

I f you were at the Building the King

• Handouts from a growing number of

the conference's w at press time.

ops—about 50

Redesigned ID card makes debut

he National Spiritus

pleased to announ ty of plastic membership card fe: turing a full-color aerial photo of the Baha’i House of Worship. Designed to be a permanent identification card, it does not carry an expiration date. It does carry a bar code that ¢

Assembly is the availabili

n be used to reg

‘The new card continues to be free of charge to new believers,

into the American E

close of the first year of the Five Year Plan.

ERS

• E-mail and Web links to the presenters

who shared their wealth of knowledge.

• Audio and video files of main stage

sessions.

• Reports by American Bahay reporters

on a number of the workshops.

Staff in the National Genter’s Information Services department are collecting these mat nd posting them pect to do so until every

senter and Expo exh s to, has their information on

who wan

with official name changes. The previously issued blue

laminated B identifica tion card remains valid. A

small service charge, to cover production and pos ‘osts, will be applied to all requests

for replacement cards.

If you would like to request a replacement card, name, Baha’i ID n

$5 payable to “Baha’

Foundation Hall, Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois

The National Spiritual Assembly eagerly anticipates greeting delegates, members of the Continental Board of Counselors, and their Auxiliaries, members of the Regional Baha'i Councils and a small number of visitors as we mark the

The 93rd Baha’i National Convention will open Thursday evening, April 25, and close midday Sunday, April 28. All elected delegates will have reserved seats in Foundation Hall throughout the Convention. Visitors, including family members of delegates, MUST apply for pre-registration with this form by U.S. mai Due to limited seating space, only registrants using this form—faxed or postmarked between Nov. 26, 2001, and March 1, 2002—will be admitted to the Baha'i House of Worship Visitors Center during the Convention. Seating will be assigned on a first-applied, first-served basis.

family of online learning and community resources under consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly. An interdepartmental team at the National C ter started work in July to look into

experts on a full range of technical and developmental possibilities.

Early recommendations have been submitted to the National Assembly for its consultation. “Gradual evolution, stead of just a single Web site, is important to plan for,” said one nonBaha’ expert. “A document repository or clearinghouse can be useful, because the Bal have a lot of creative indi uals and a whole group of local institutions that are learning things and innovating all the time, and that information

should be shared so it won’t get lost. comes in, though,

“The real

the start of a dialogue between the authors and everyone who’s interested in the topic,” the expert added.

Baha’s National Center, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Pl ndicate that the payment is for the new card. #

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

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

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

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

Enrollments

September 2001 ....

May-September 2001 ...

Obligation on debts

Frequently asked question: We are told that the Right of God is to be paid after the payment of our debts. Does that mean that we pay no Huqdqu’llah until after we pay off our long-term loans, such as real estate mortgages, or medium- and short-term debts, such as car loans?

Answer: In all annual cost of servi the intere

uch cases only the ig those loans, i.e. ind the part of the principal paid each year, should be deducted when calculating your Huqiqu’lléh obligation.

Helpful Hint: Please include a note

when your address k

changed.

Huququ’llah Web site Codification of the Law + Compilation of writings on Hugqiqu’llah * Practical guidelines + History of the institution * Prayers * Online videos * Directory of HuqdGqu’llah Representatives across the U.S. * Articles for study

Access WWW.USDbNE.org with your Baha'i ID number, then click on “Hugiqu’llah” link

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

+ Amin Banani,

phone e-mail

• Stephen Birkland,

» fax 310-394-6167

phone e-mail

• Sally Foo,

» fax 651-490-7521

phone e-mail + Daryush Haghighi,

» fax 609-671-0740

phone e-mail

• Elizabeth Martin, P.0. Box 178,

Winnsboro, SC 29180

, fax 440-333-6938

, fax 803-635-9982

e-mail

November 4, 2001

Tne American BanA’i ¢ Tae Seconp FRONT

page 3 [Page 4]SVYTTTORRENYTTTSE

RESPONSE °*TO

RESPONSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Square, a major gathering place for people who have lost loved one: distribute invitations to a pra ering at the nearby Bahé the gathering, participant to share their feelings about the re events. Following a break for refreshments and fellowship, those interested invited toa fireside where the healsage of Baha’u'llih is shared. For details, contact Searles (e-mail ). The Children’s Theatre Company performed Sept. 20 at the Children’s Museum of Ma with the me CICs for the UN. Special dren, but that s

.

.

annual Interfaith Service of Commitment to the Work of the United Nations. The service went on as scheduled $ » but was dedicated

eral Kofi Annan, the pres neral Assembly, the ctor of UNICEF and more than

executive

comm Church. the Nati

ty at St.

Bartholomew Huffines, Assembly's

al Spiritual ative, offered nt of the ComNGOs at the UN

Spiritual Assembly had quoted in its sage to the American Baha'i munity on Sept. 11.

‘The work of all national and international Baha’f offices in New York City resumed two days after the United Nations area was evacuated because of safety concerns. Housed building next door to the UN are the Bahé International Community, the National Assembly’s UN representative and the Office of Public Information. The offices’ main telephone number remained out of service two weeks after the attacks, but an alternate number was being used and email capability was restored.

Growth and development Within the Baha'i community: Communication between the Local Assembly and the friends has been restored, including a letter from the Assembly and an issue of the City of the Covenant newsletter devoted to the community’s response to the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Assembly hosted Universal House of Justice member Douglas Martin. His talks Sept. 22 at Columbia University on “Century of Light” and “Taking Yes for an Answer,” arranged by the Regional Baha’{ Council and Counselor Rebequa Murphy, helped area friends understand their role in

Jeffery «

More than 200 Baha’i communities and individuals have informed The American Bahd’i of sterling examples of quick response, selfless service and community involvement in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedies that hit New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. At press time the stories are continuing to trickle in, and more may well be printed in the Dec. 12 issue.

We thank everyone who has helped us report on the U.S. Baha’i community’s loving spirit in this way.

this day and the urgent importance of teaching.

Groundwork is being laid for a s tematic growth project in metro New York. The decision to proceed was made after the Assembly consulted on Sept. 15 with the Regional Council, the regional training institute board and Auxi Board members. Murphy and National Teaching Committee representatives were to have taken part as well but could not make travel arrangements in the wake of the national tragedy.

A 20-year vision has been formulated for community development at the neighborhood level. Realizing that no model exists for clustering in a community like New York, with its five farflung boroughs, the Assembly analyz the number of Baha'is and se the level of activity in each ZIP code and identified a couple of “hot spots” for initial efforts. Study circles are being encouraged as an engine for growth, with the goal of achieving in each area a critical mass of Baha'is that can sustain a high quality of community life.

Mauras said the New York City community cannot begin to express its appreciation for the hundreds of e-mail messages, letters and phone calls of con

Above: The National Day of Mourning was observed Sept. 15 at the New York City Baha'i Center, ina quiet service that welcomed the public. Photo by Ramin Talaie

Left: Participants gather after a special Sept. 15 prayer service at the Baha’i House of Worship, which drew nearly 600 people at midday. Photo by Viadimir Shiloy

cern and support received from around the nation and the world.

‘The terrible events of Sept. 11 have made metro friends more keenly aware, she J, of the need to provide solace and hope through the message of

Baha'u'llah.

Taking the lead

Friends throughout the United Stat are taking on that privilege and responty as well.

To that end, they’re finding that previous work is paying off.

“Because of the efforts of so many Baha’fs who nurtured relationships with leaders of thought over the last 20 years, we received a phone call from a campus minister who was planning an on-campus prayer service for the National Day of Mourning,” reports Kathy Liebman of St. Louis, Missouri.

“Although there are no Baha’is attending his college at this time, he insisted that the Baha'is be represented and particularly asked that we send someone who could chant or sing,” said Liebman.

The Baha'is had already planned a service for the same time and were having difficulty finding someone to attend the college service.

warmed when this dear Pres byteri m er asked me to e-mail him Bal prayers and writings and joyfully sa ‘If no Baha'i shows up, I will be the Baha'i?’ ”

In Huntsville, Alabama, because of Baha'i membership on the local board of the National Conference of Community and Justice and the sion Service, the F. na Sept. 16 community-w attended by 1,200 people.

‘The program included Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Baha'i praye nd a Catholic priest made a point of xplaining that the Faith was included t of the spiritual makeup of Huntsville and the world.

‘Clearly the collaborative work by the ith interfaith org: i

th, was represented

le

Baha’ repr board.

“The dominant theme of the speaker in their own word only one

s that there is God, His religion is one in are all bound by our

ed to chantwa Baha’ prayer, and ‘Tyson read the Prayer for A the request of the NCC] board.

Across the nation ir Opportun were reported by friends in many localities. bet in McLean, Virles from the Pentagon, invited friends and neighbors to her local fire station for prayers.

“The idea was to be of service to my community and provide a place where all people would feel welcome,” said hrari-Sabet, who reports that more than 100 people came, including Zoroastrians and Hindu:

Baha’is in Dayton, Ohio, joined with more than SO other religious leaders to draft a joint statement in response to the national tragedy, reports Kristin Aileen Motlagh.

She said Baha'is parti local events, including a prayer meeting at the Islamic School in suburban Beavercreek and a prayer walk in downtown Dayton.

A Bahia’i-sponsored pub prayer service at ler ~~ University — in Lawrence, New Jersey, drew Mayor Pam Mount, who spoke, and about 100 people from many countries and faiths.

In writing about the gathering, Mercer Times reporter Joseph Dee said the chapel “was often quiet enough to hear such sounds of nature as the chirping of crickets and the occasional quack from a

page 4 Tie American BanA’i * Response To TRAGEDY November 4, 2001 [Page 5]

Message of the Universal House

of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, Sept. 14, 2001

Ds Baha’i Friends,

The Universal House of Juss read with warm sympathy the text of your message to the American Baha’f community in the wake of the tragedy that has struck your country. You may rest assured that prayers are being offered in the Holy Shrines on behalf of the American people. With loving Baba’ greetings, Department of the Secretariat

More messages of love and encouragement from national Baha'i communities around the world are available on: www.usbne.org

duck in a nearby pond.”

“J felt very uplifted. It was so beautiful,” harpist Anisa Nizin told Dee. Ni traveled from Ridgewood to perform at the service.

Wesley Dyring, a violist. with the Seattle Symphony and a resident of Lynnwood, Washington, was part of a honor guard participating in a service organized by Gov. Gary Locke and attended by 30,000 people.

The next day he visited a mosque that had been defaced with black paint.

“When we arrived, there was a nonn neighbor who was meticulously

the paint from the sign, and ¢ were flowers placed all around it by well-wishers,” he reports. “We greeted three young men on their grounds. I told them that we were from the Lynnwood Ba community and that we hed to express our support. I explained how important it is for us to teach and demonstrate the elimination of bigotry and prejudic

The regularly scheduled devotional evening at the home of Dan and Andi Seals in Hendersonville, Tennessee, was dedicated to “those many souls who are enduring the suffering caused by the horrendous tragedies.

The Seals family knows that suffering firsthand. Their son-in-law, Giachery Lizarraga, was working in the World Trade Center when the hijacked airliners hit the towers.

“His wife, Holly, watched in horrified disbelief as the TV news reported the devastation as it occurred,” reports Andi Seals. “Instantly she tried to contact him to no avail. Minute by excruciating minute she waited to receive news of his safety. Then whatever updates he could send about his harrowing journey towards home.

“For what seemed like endless hours his family in Tennessee waited to hear his voice stating he was safe. Finally, thank God, his call came. All the prayers for protection led us to this moment of

relief that cannot be adequately expressed in words. We have, each and all, said a multitude of gratitude prayers that he was spared physical injury.”

Rendering assistance

Mojdeh Rohani is a clinical social worker who normally does therapy with refugees, asylum seekers and victims of torture.

But when the attacks hit, the Boston, Massachusetts, Baha’{ thought of the far of passengers and crew on the two hijacked planes that had taken off from Boston's Logan Internation

“Because of the efforts of

zero of the World Trade Center. The unity especially with fellow workers is not describable by words alone.”

But beneath the dirt, he found, “if one looks closely enough it becomes apparent that there is more work to be done.”

The Yonkers, New York, Baha’i and retired NYC police officer described having to break up a bloody fight.

“The fight began with racial slurs that were exchanged between African-American and Anglo-American steelworkers,” he said. “I was left to wonder if we are going to really unite behind this \ or just use it to come together on

he immediate- gg many Baha’is who nur- “T also we nder if ly contacted the a i ys the terrorist attack local American tured relationships with — would have Red Cross _ office leaders of thought over occurred if we were and placed her twuly united as one name ona list of the last 20 years ...a people. That is, if mental health we wuly viewed

counselors available to aid those people.

“T_ don’t know,” she said. “You just sh there was something you could do to reduce the pain that has been inflicted on so many hearts. God help us all.”

Kimberley Weldon of Nashville, Indiana, also enlisted to aid those grieving.

“T am certified as part of the Red Cross’s Disaster Mental Health Services Team, and I will be shipping out of Indianapolis ... to the disaster site in Pennsylvania, perhaps to be moved to NYC later when the transport clears up,” she e-mailed the day after the tragedy. “I could be gone as long as two weeks. Send your prayers, please.”

Focus on the future Don Plunkett spent six days beginning Sept. 11 “digging through dirt at ground

campus minister... insist- . ed that the Baha’is be

represented.”

—Kathy Liebman, St. Louis, Missouri, reporting on an interfaith prayer service

ee

our fellow American_ neighbors well as our neighbors from other

as memof one human would we have sustained a terrorist attack of this magnitude?”

Candace Hill’s whole attitude toward teaching changed in the week following the attacks.

The Evanston, Illinois, Baha’i was touched when several people stopped by her family’s table at a candlelight vigil along Ridge Avenue, picked up copies of the Prayer for America and asked, “Did the Baha’is plan this event?”

“Every person I meet now will know, without a doubt, that I am a Baha’i,” she said. “I will never walk out of my home without wearing the Greatest Name upon my person. I am a member of the community of the Greatest Name and with the Words of Baha’u’llah I have the key to world peace. Now is the time like

The UN SecretaryGeneral and the president of the UN General Assembly joined more than 40 religious leaders in the fifth annual Interfaith Service of Commitment to the Work of the United Nations, Sept. 13 at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York. Jeffery Huffines, UN representative for our National Spiritual Assembly, welcomed some 900 members of the UN community in his capacity as president of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. The service was dedicated to all who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack.

never, ever before to show the way, to hold our light aloft.”

In Mount Vernon, Virginia, the nine participants in the Baha’i community's monthly “Getaway Retreat” Sept. 15 discussed the terrorist attacks and what they might be able to do as individuals and as a Baha’ community.

“We felt that it was particularly urgent to re-disseminate The Promise of World Peace, a document more relevant now,” said William P. Collins of Washington, DC.

The Wa: sembly devoted Sept. 16 Su y morning program to ing Above Violence: How to Cope with, Understand and Respond to What Happened on Tuesday.”

led a discussion in which attendees agreed that terrorism is a collective problem interrelated with many other social,

and economic issues that must te lasting peace.

h e-mail list, particwith

ipants consulted on how Baha

technical skills could render this time.

But underlying the discussion was the recognition of a need to share the Baha’s perspective with fellow Americans.

“J think it is critical that the Faith as a body and its members become visible and can stand as exemplars,” said list member Charles Cooper of Chicago, Illinois. “We must assist our fellow citizens to fend off irrational feelings that devolve into racially tinged attacks on groups of people in a blind desire for revenge. We must educate our friends so that this country may rise to its spiritual destiny.”

Carol Black, a Baha’ in West Lafayette, Indiana, is enlisting other friends in an effort to donate a dollar to the Kingdom Project for each of the more than 6,000 victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Let us work together to bring abouta true and lasting peace for humanity,” Black wrote in an e-mail message proposing the idea.

November 4, 2001

Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ Response To TRAGEDY page 5 [Page 6]

‘BUILDING THE

INGDOM

IT’S OURTIME

Making the Home a sweeter home

n June my friend Jennifer Hall, 24,

joined me in service in Wilmette, Illinois: | at the Baha’j National Center and she at one of the lesser-known components of the Kingdom Project, the Baha’i Home for the Aged. Jennifer became the first youth in recent years to volunteer full time at the Baha’i Home, established in 1958 and the first and only dependency of our Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. It is also the only dependency of any House of Worship in the world today. The Baha’i Home cares for 20 residents with a full- and part-time staff of 17. Funds pledged or contributed to the Kingdom Project, a comprehensive development plan of the National Spiritual Assembly, will make it possible to renovate and modernize the Home. In mid-September, Jennifer and | spoke. She told me about happiness, beauty, and building connections—all a big part of her service. Here are some of my questions and her answers:

Mojan: Can you tell me a little about your experience with the residents at the Baha’i Home?

Jennifer: When I walk in the door every day, I yell, “Good morning, everybody!” and the response from the people in the living room—who are generally sitting quietly and thinking—is of happiness. We have special programs in the mornings and afternoons, and I think the residents really look forward to them. For many of the residents, it’s their point of reference for the passage of time.

What kinds of programs do you have? Besides talking with the residents, who are so trusting—sharing all the experiences of their lives and struggles, I also do “story hour.” This is a great thing for those who have lost their ability to read. They are so grateful. I didn’t even know I liked to read stories aloud before I got here, but their confidence in me has improved my ability to express myself.

‘spot lighting with lights that make visual adj floor tile in common areas to absorb shock in case

What else do you do with the residents?

I do singalongs, which are really amazing. Those who don’t usually communicate very well really love to sing, and they'll sing every song. These songs may bring back memories and feelings they have forgotten. We also go to the movies and out to dinner. They also really like bowling, so we set it up for them here. They love it and look forward to it. Its a lot of hard work to arrange the pins and keep score, but we do it because they love it.

I hear that the staff turnover rate at the Home is only about | percent, in an industry where turnover rates are generally 50 percent or higher. What makes the staff stay?

It’s no secret what's so special about this pla ike it says right in the front of the building: “Baha'i Home.” The spirit of the Faith is in action here. Ey though most of the staff members are not Baha’{s, they are so happy to work here. The ri ts are happy. There are a lot of people of different ethni and religions working together in harmony. I think it’s the kind of home ‘Abdu’l-Bahé would have had. That's why it’s different. It’s blessed by the spirit of the Faith in action.

How do you think the Baha’i Home con tributes to building the Kingdom of God? In my experience, itserves as an example

of what positive things can be done when

you're serving without a motive to get something in return. Its not run like a business that tries to make a profit; i it’s a model of how a home should t Baha'i Home builds relationshir nects people, which is why I think people stay here. It’s not a job you come and do; it’s an opportunity to connect with people in a non-superficial way. The connections we have here-are very deep, as they are in the Kingdom of God, where everyone is united. It’s a way to express that unity here on earth. I feel like I can take that home with me, and into the future. These lessons I have learned I will also build upon in my own home with my family.

How do you and the residents feel about the future renovations?

Since be: progress, as well conducive to human happiness; we're at a new epoch and ev: s progressing spiritually (whether they know it or not), ow terial progress has to express that. The renovations will show phy beauty and be a visual cue to what's happening here spiritually.

Will the renovations make the residents happy?

I think it will make the residents happier, as well as the people who visit them. And you know, these residents, although their physical forms are fading away—we know there are deep things inside.

‘KINGDOM ®ROJE

east edges of the House. Worship in Wilmette. Photo by James Humphrey

KINGDOM PROJECT OVERVIEW

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

• More than 7,000 individuals and

Baha’i institutions and agencies have pledged funds toward the $60 million goal, or have made direct cash contributions, or both.

• About $24.3 million in pledges or

cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

WHAT IS 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 Baha’i School, renovations to the Baha’i Home for the Aged, and the introduction of Baha’i books to the retail book trade.

Future initiatives will include:

• Enhancements to Bosch Baha’i School

and Native American Baha’i Institute. Renovation of the Haziratu’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

page 6. THe American BanA’i ¢ Kivapom Prosect -November-4; 200! [Page 7]°TREASURER’ SPA GE"

THE FUND

Through September 30, 2001

Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)

$1,179,123

$6,394,057

Total this fiscal year (since May 2001)

August Sept.

Individual contributors

This fiscal year, 8,906 individual Bahi'ts have contributed to the National Fund,

ONDJFMA

Cash-basis revenues, expenditures for Baha’i National Fund May 1-August 31, 2001 (latest available)

AT es

Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc)

“(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 Bahda’u'lldh—Divine in origin—that the world can

be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated.” —Shoghi Effendi, published in Bahd't News, August 1948

Non-cash gifts: Handle with care

riends often wish to contribute inkind gifts the benefit of the Fund, sometimes pers¢

rugs. those

While this ¢: g who contribute such gi to the following guidelines from the IRS: ¢ When an item is valued at $500 or more, the donor must complete IRS Form 8283. This form may be obtained at a local bank and/or downloaded from the IRS Web site. We, the

charity, must complete Form 8282 if the item is sold within wo years from

the time we receiv Ifan item ued at $5,000 or more, then in addition to completing Form 8283, the donor must make sure the item is appraised, preferably by a certified appraiser.

We, the charity, cannot assign or indicate a value on the receipt we will issue to you. We can only describe the donated item.

Sacramento-area friends get jazzy with center benefit

$9,285,389

Expenditures (operat, capital and debt payments etc)

vas A Pledges ——>—OM = needed fe OURTIME 38 <8 See details Pledges, ——>- 3 Bad ronipage’e contributions = = Ike so far o Ra

Kids Keeping Track of Goals! In the Lynn, Massachusetts, Bah: community, c dren record their community’s monthly progress of giving to the Funds on the Fund Goal Chart (a.k.a. “candle chart”). Each child has a copy to personally keep track of their community’s development and growth. Lua Tomarelli-Lu (pictured) is so happy to help her community in this way! (Liang the Lion is happy too!)

BY GAYLE HOOVER THORNE kee wasn’t the only “hap M:: g” place in the American

world the last weekend of June. the mento, Californ ed for an evening of j efiting the Sacramen

ing from the far State were on the bill: acoustic guitarist Jamie Findlay from greater Los Ange Wendy McC co Bay Ar

, and saxophonist and flutist Roger Hogan from northerly Redding.

They treated a sold-out crowd to a

,” “Skylark” fer Time” to “The Queen of Carmel” and original pieces composed by the performers: alla the Greatest Holy Leaf, in honor of Dizzy Gillespie) and “Thank You, Mr. Sears.”

Coffee and a iety of pastries were

On people’s minds ...

How should | prioritize in giving to Q the various funds? Should one Fund take precedence over the other or am I free to give as I please ? A “The beloved Guardian that the general and nation:

ests of the Cause ta

ined inter

precedence over the local ones; thus contributions to local funds are secondary to those of national funds. However, the stability of the National Assembly rests on the f the Local Spiritual Assembli matter of educating the friends in the importance of the fund, it is often most practical and efficacious to concentrate at first on the development of the local funds and the efficient operation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies. Then once the friends understand the principle ... they will more easily understand the importance of the National Fund and the work

of the National

piritual Assembly.” (From a memorandum of the Universal House of Justice, cited in Lights of Guidance.)

How is the Honor Roll determined?

Tt recogni

regular Baha’i year, criteria are: contributing to the National Fund 15 times or more during at least 15 of 19 Baha’i months, or participating in the ACS for at least 10 of 12 Gregorian months between ch 2001 and February 2002. Ce whose combined contributions by mail and through the ACS fulfill either criterion are also included.

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

served in the patio outside the auditorium. Tables were arranged there so some of the friends could chat in the cool of the evening while enjoying the music through an outdoor loudsp ing was such a es sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of amento County Northw s sidering making this an annu rence, with an ever-burgeoning audience in mind. The event grossed $1,850. #

Note from the Treasurer's Office: Fundraising events such as this can be a unifying and enriching experience. A few precautions must be remembered when Assemblies sponsor events that are openly held as fund-raisers for Baha’i activities or properties:

• Only Baha’is in good standing should

pay for tickets or refreshments at such an event.

Guests of the Baha’is should not be put in a position’ where they might feel they are expected to contribute at such a fund-raiser.

• Generally, when a donated item—such

as jewelry or ori e to the work of the N

Assembly or

ional Spirthe donor

i may not

item rel donor

alue. If the donated tes to the work of the Faith, the deduct fair market v: know that we appre ity in any form it takes. yer, that som i to sell certain item

is difficult for

Automatic

contribution system «+ helps give the Fund stability and simplifies your contributions

Giving in memory or in honor

«+. of a loved one, a special event, a wedding, birth or graduation

Worksheets for local

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

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

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

Please write Baha'i ID# on check

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 Baha’i Faith.

• Providing for the Baha’i Faith in

your will

• Making a gift of securities

• Making a gift of real estate

+ Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

• Charitable Gift Annuities *

• Charitable Remainder Trusts

• Wot yet licensed in Arkansas, California,

Washington

Uyststae

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

• Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail

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

Funds envelope attached to this paper.

sNoyember,4, 2001

s THE AMERICAN Band’i ¢,TREASURER’S PAGE , page 7 [Page 8]

IAN SEMPLE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

know God” through His Manifestation. As we draw closer to Baha’u'llih through study, steadfastness and observing His laws, Semple said, “we become profoundly aware ... that in all things we are but willing instruments in His Hand, and that He can achieve things which we could never dream of attempting on our own strength.”

During the same week, Semple spoke at the Baha’f House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, about the authority of Shoghi Effendi and of the Uni House of Justice.

Cycle of deepening and action

Every Baha'i needs to “acquire a sound and penetrating knowledge of the Teachings,” he told the ABS gathering in Seattle. But the process reinforces. itse! Knowledge is deepened when we act upon it in service to the Cause and to humanity.

The Baha’i community that cycle of learning, action and deeper learning in three general forms, Semple said. Those forms

• The perpetual s

to draw closer to God in 1 and spirit. The “persistent and fundamental work” of teaching the message of ’u'llah and building His Administrative Order. ion by Baha’fs in humanitarand the betterment‘of the life of society. While all those fields of effort complent and reinforce each other, the Universal House member said, “the range of tasks that demand our attention are infinite in range and number.”

“How are we to know what is the most

nd, action

DOUGLAS MARTIN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE |

Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and elsewhere.

Devotions opening the morning and afternoon sessions featured the Creative Word sung and recited to the accompaniment of cellist Gwendolyn Watson.

Adding to an atmosphere of reunion were the rollicking South DeKalb Baha’i New World Ensemble and individual singers who soon had the friends on their feet, clapping and joining in.

Martin spoke twice with insight and sharp humor, despite suffering from a cold and having to speak softly. He also was prevailed upon by Roberts to relate how he came to the Faith and to describe a “day in the life” of a Universal House of Justice member.

In “Century of Light,” the morning talk, Martin looked at the Baha’i Faith’s place in history. After lunch, in “Taking Yes for an Answer,” he did the same for the American community’ place in the Bahi’i world.

No question of blame In one of the question-and-answer se: sions that followed each talk, Martin was

urgent?” he asked, a ques reflect a quandary faced by n individuals and institutions. The answers are not simplistic, he indicated—in fact, Baha’fs are called on to exercise “wisdom, breadth of vision and clear understanding.” Sometimes, “as ‘Abdu’l-Bahi explained, the important has to be sacri J so that the most important can be achieved.”

Tolerance and righteousness

This principle sometimes applies in ways that are not obvious. For example, social and economic development projects can draw people to the Faith and indirectly support the teaching work. But to ensure that people in general trust the Faith’s motives, a dis i

must be drawn s see our humanitarian work as “a bona fide contribution to the betterment of life, and not a mere front for tea ‘the Faith,” he said.

Baha’i_moral education efforts can benefit from a similar balance, he said. In keeping with Baha’u’llih’s exhortation to observe “tolerance and righteousness,” we should not appear to insist that people outside the Baha'i community observe Baha’i laws of conduct—but still

ching

whether was

asked America attacked “patent evils” persist in its society. Martin was emphatic in his response. “America was attacked by psychopathic forces,” he said. “You should not imagine it was attacked because America is evil. Only because it exists.”

because

delivered two talks in the Atlanta area. Photo by Tom Mennillo

said, it is right that the United Stat even with its imperfections, the fight against this threat to global peace. Parenthetically, he said if he were an American he'd be plastering the nation with tastefully printed copies of

nity in similarly unequivocal language.

Martin said the recent terrible blows have “awakened new dimensions” in our faith and he expressed confidence that this “galvanizing effect” soon will attract our neighbors.

Louise and lan Semple sit among the friends in Foundation Hall at the Baha’i House of Worship, just before his talk there early September. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

should keep an eye on the end of the process, recognizing that real peace and unity is impossible “so Jong as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.”

mple told powerful stories of thr Baha’is who relied on divine aid to overcome uncertainty and difficulties in g toward goals: an early believer who completed a dangerous errand at ‘Abdu’l-Ba ing whom he w man who became the first Bah of the Spitzbergen Islands whe!

‘equest despite not

covered a job opportunity afte: to Norway; and a National Assembly se retary who delivered a message from the Universal House to a visiting dignitary despite bureaucrati i

most fundamental of the realities lives, Whose purpose and. pr should always be in our thoughts.”

Guiding the institutions

In his talk at the House of Worship on Sept. 6, Semple restated a core pi ple of the Covenant: “Baha'u'llah protects

to

Everything is in place for our efforts make that happen, he said. They just need to intensify. “There’s nothing you n't do,” he said.

Backward and forward

Martin’s talk on the topic “Century of Light” brought the friends along on an examination of the role historical interpretation has played in people’s understanding of forces at work in the world:

• Any effort to interpret history requires

the lens of a worldview. At the close of the 20th century, however, it was painfully clear that no prevailing approach really could explain wi ; Our job now as Baha’is is to step in and depict history from the perspective ofa single human family. Our approach starts with a recognition that the world “ a shadow stretching out”—it’s useful but the low level of infinite realms. Our chief link to those realms is Revelation. Baha'is possess, through Baha’w'lléh, a second vital connection: the cord of a Covenant that orders relationships today between people and with God. We're pioneering another truth, that authority can be conferred for the organization of society.

His Cause by guiding the institution at its center.”

But there is a difference in the ways the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have been authorized to act on such guidance, he said. Shoghi Effendi’s authority as Guardian was in the interpretation of the Writings, while the House of Justice has authority to legislate on some matters the Writings don’t directly address. And the House, in making decisions, refers to the writings of Baha’u’llih and the interpretations of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi.

Many times when Shoghi Effendi interpreted specific passages of Baha’u’lJah’s writings, he identified passages that should be taken literally, that are symbolic, and that relate to future conditions of society, for example. But in all

ases, “he was interpreting ... not revealing writings,” Semple said.

The House of Justice, he s been prohibited from ruling areas, but the Writings often authori, ction on. clos:

1, has n some

ely related topics. For example, when a be ked for a prayer that could be said for the House of Justice itself, it declined beca "iah’s 13th Glad-Tidings that appeared to restrict the House from making rulings on acts of worship.

passage in Bah:

However, in one exception to that restriction, the Guardian specifically wrote that the House of Justice was empowered to rule on any obscure details of the Obligatory Prayers, such as movements and ablutions.

“The great vision has been given to us ... by Shoghi Effendi,” he said. “The details we shall see as they unfold ... as and as the House of Justice

time passes makes its de

And through our system of knowledge we can trace the evolution of spiritual forces and see them at work. ‘Abdu’lBaha did just that in such writings as The Secret of Divine Civilization, Memorials of the Faithful and A Traveler's Narrative. Shoghi Effendi systematized the analysis of history in God Passes By true to the Texts, rigorously accurate in its depiction of events, and honest in recognizing that the details of history will be refined indefinitely as other documents come to light. The book Century of Light, prepared at the direction of the Universal House of Justice, illuminated two developments other historians have missed. ¢ First is a growing consciousness of the oneness of the human family. Catalysts of this transformation have been the integrating forces that are rapidly building and the disintegrating forces are collapsing one by one. Second is the evolution of the C: of God. As institutions and under

standing develop, we have put in place all the elements necessary for the Baha’i_ community to function a model of what society can be.

SEE DOUGLAS MARTIN, PAGE 30

page 8 Tne AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ ContinueD November 4, 2001 [Page 9]

PETER

NATTONAL* PLAN?

LR PETS PT FST Y EE TED PC TE PETTY,

‘Dogged diligence’ has rewards

Communities recognized for perfect record in retrieving seeker calls

hroughout the

United States, souls

searching for the

loving message of Bah

lih are responding by the

thousands to national and local media campaigns.

Many seekers who nad

heard of the i

ays).

I

tion and for the loc 2. tion of the nearest Bahé 3. community 4. 5.

6

Top 19 Golden Retrievers

Of the 487 communities and defaults who have a perfect A record of retrieving their messages, below is a list of the top 19 in order of the number of seeker messages sent to their voice-mail box. Note: A default is a voice-mail station that receives a message if the local community that first received it doesn't retrieve it within three days (formerly five

. New Orleans, LA: 248

. California Northern state default: 134

. Washington state default

132

Arkansas state default: 114

Responding to these souls . Austin, TX: 100 requires the friends to pro- . Boston, MA: 96 vide immediate and thought- 7. Chico, CA: 83 ful contact with a loving and 8. Hollywood, FL: 81 nurturing spirit. Of para- 9. Jacksonville, FL: 72 : mount concern to the 10. Wake County, NC: 66 ational Spiritual Assembly 11. Asheville, NC: 65 is that local institutions sy 12. West Virginia state default: 65 tematically and diligently 13. Colorado state default: 65 follow up every time 14. Modesto, CA: 63 sho 15. Gary, IN: 60 The 16. Minneapolis, MN: 58 Office is recognizing commu- 17. Madison, WI: 58

nities that demonstrate exem- 18. y commitment to s tained and systematic follor up. In support of their “dogged diligence,” 487 communities are being designated as “Golden Retrievers.”

‘These are the communiand state default box holders with a perfect record of retrieving their national media campaign secker messages since the beginning of the national broad ‘They have retrieved alls ’ inquiries from 1-800-22UNITE calls and the public Web site (www.us.bahai.org).

‘Those commu 5 are too numerous to name here, but a complete list is on the Media Campaign pages of the Adminis

New Hampshire state default: 53 19. Peach County, GA: 52

For a complete list of the 487 “Golden Retriever”

honorees, access www.usbnc.org and click on “Media Campaign.”

trative Web Site (ww bnc.org).

Since the beginning of the campaign in summer 1998, a great deal of progress has been made in the

stem at the national level.

Not knowing what kind of seeker response to expect, the National Teaching Office started with one staff member who used volunteers to cut and paste (literally) seeker information onto letters

to let communities know a seeker from their area had responded to the campaign. imple computer database ited to maintain s ind that database evolved into today vest” database system.

As many of you may be aware, a new Web-based seeker response system is being implemented to

the systematic

improve response to seekers. And now, the Internet s m will replace the phone-based mail box aid Gwen of the National Te ing Office, “It’s like go from the abacus to the computer in a matter of a few years.”

How the new system works Whena er calls 1-80022-UNITE or visits the public Web site and requests more information, the me: sage forwarded to the National Teaching Office where messages are retrieved every business day. A ker’s information from

1-800-22-UNITE is carefully listened to and then The

entered into a database. contact information for seekers who the Web site will be transferred into this database at the Baha’ National Center. Requests by visitors to the House of Worship are also entered into the dat e and forwarded to the communitie: The seeker’s ZIP code determines to which community a seeker’s information

SEE RETRIEVAL, PAGE 25

Look at what’s on the Web!

Click on “Media Campaign” at top

Helping your community do its pos in the media campaign

• Important informa

tion about available

video programs

• National broadcast

< schedule

• Sample call-back script and follow

up letter

• A variety of tools for u' ig the

video programs, TV commercials

and Web-based materials

www.bahaistudy.org Anew Web site developed for seekers, premiering as a link from the national public Web site (www.us.bahai.org). Developed under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee by a team including Dwight Allen, Thane Terrill and Simon Richmond, the site is intended to supplement the deepening process for seekers and prompt them to make heart-to-heart contact with the Baha’is themselves.

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

Fire lit in Milwaukee leads to response and declaration in Kansas City, KS

Aue conversation with a Baha’ returning home from the Build the Kingdom conference in July led him to investigate the Faith. And the way his hometown Baha’is responded is a teaching story in itself.

It started on an airliner bound for Seattle, on which Sanford Kelley of Kansas City, Kansas, happened to be seated next to a woman named Fran.

“She said that her family had come from the Baha’i [conference] and what a beautiful experience it was,” said Kelley.

The woman briefly described the chings and used them to answer ions Kelley had about morality, ethics and other issues.

“T thought I may have found something I had been searching for and just didn’t know what it was,” he said.

“This woman possessed such a presence of peace, contentment and joy that what

applying the + Seeker Ve PLAN: — follow-up

ever she was experiencing by faith, I wanted to know a little more about,” he recalls. “T remember she said not to take her word face value, but to look at it for myself.” did just that upon returning home. The story picks up the next Thursday, when Loree Foroughi-Gross, a Kansas City Baha’, retrieved a message from Kelley on the 1-800-22-UNITE line. Foroughi-Gross prepared a packet for mailing and looked in the phone book to make sure of his address. The name was there with a phone number but different address. So she called and left a message. “At 2 am. Friday the phone rang and my husband answered,” recalls ForoughiGross. “He invited the caller to our regular Sunday Pancake Breakfast, where we

would answer all his questions.”

But Kelley wanted the materials right away, so Foroughi-Gross finally agreed to deliver them.

And she did. With one eye on a chained barking dog, Foroughi-Gross approached the front door.

“The door opened and Sanford came down the walk to meet me,” she said. “His face was glowing, his eyes were lit up, and he warmly shook my hand and introduced himself.

When Foroughi-Gross asked how Kelley had become interested in the Faith, he recounted his airborne conversation.

“Having been to Milwaukee myself, I knew where the fire had been lit,” recalls Foroughi-Gross.

Kelley showed up at Pancake Breakfast that Sunday with his friend Anna Marie Minnick. “She was equally inte: ested in the Faith,” said Foroughi

. “We talked for three or four hours and neither of them had any objections, only curiosity.”

Kelley and Minnick took books home, attended a couple of firesides in the Fornd at the Pancake s later declared their

Gre

“T have found that after searching for a religion and faith that I could truly believe and practice, that I feel that I have been a Baha'i all of my life, but never knew,” said Kelley. “I realize that I have a long way to go in my new spiritual life, but I know that I am on the right path.”

A path that was discovered during a chance conversation aboard a plane.

“I would like to thank God for sending Fran and her family to bring the message from Baha'u'llah into my life and for the great impact that their family made in my life,” said Kelley.

‘November 4, 2001

THe AMERICAN BanA‘i NATIONAL PLAN page 9 [Page 10]

• NATIONAL*PLAN®

ADVANCING THE PROCESS OF ENTRY BY TROOPS

Iowans crown eels efforts at fair

INFORMATION FROM JUDITH GRIFFIN AND AL PROSSER

A(t was literally a crowning achi ment. The Baha’is in Iowa solidified their sense of un

f all ages heard about the id transmitted the mesby wearing paper crowns

sage to othe: on their head:

For the first time in many years, the Baha'is of Iowa had a booth at the Iowa Sate Fair, Aug. 9-19. The Spiritual Assem= bly of Des Moines sponsored the booth, giving it the theme “Unity in Diversit

The Assembly chose to pamphlets, “Who Are the B: “A New Vision of Race Unity,” as well as “Golden Rule” and “Two Wings of a Bird” fliers.

But the ‘Virtues’ Crowns were the biggest hit, with adults as well as chil dren. The colorful paper crowns pror nently feature the words “I am a nobl soul” and list a variety of virtues. Bah: worked ahead of time to s crowns with the 1-800number and the address for the Iowa Baha’{ Web site (www.iowabahai. Org); developed for the needs of this project.

About | million people, a third of lowa’s population, attended the fair. For LO days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Baha'is staffed the booth in a newly air-conditioned exhibition building on the main concourse.

As the fair progressed, more and more people came by to ask about the h. Most were friendly and inquisitive. A very few provided the required element of opposition. Some visited for a few seconds; some stayed and talked for more than an hour. Schoolteachers asked for the Golden Rule materials to use in their classes. Inquiry cards were filled out, with plans for followup after the fair.

lowa Baha’is Lea Baker (from left), Tressa Clifton, Nancy Clifton, Ken Speas and Denise Wagner gather at the State Fair booth. Photo by Judith Griffin

The Spiritual Assembly of West Des Moines rented space in the Des M er to have fireside: ig. A local family providtaging area for shifts getting ready rve.. Prayers were said and nents given, food was shared, and sleeping arrangements were offered «to many booth workers.

The planning phase

From the beginning of planning, assis tance was sought from the National ‘Teaching Committee and they most generously responded. Meetings in Milwaukee between the NTC and members of the Local Assembly took place as well as meetings with Justice St. Rain of Special Ideas, a publisher of literature and special materials.

It was only shortly before the Kingdom Conference—late in June—that the

fair confirmed that the Baha’is would have a booth. The venture to put everything together by virtually all 200 B:

The National Teaching Committee's Media Office supplied a backdrop for the booth, with photos of Baha’ House of Worship in Wilmette. backdrop was quite visible the first day, until owners of the booth next door put up a high curtain. So the Baha’is found an eight-foot banner with the words: “The and

That

s ble agai If nothing else, a few things were accomplished that are major to the Baha’is in Iowa: The Baha’i Faith is certainly better-known than before, and the Baha'is in lowa have become much more unified. Through the weeks of hard work, they got to know each other to a much greater degree than believed possible. #

Oklahoma City reaches out to community with children’s classes

pee of a new believer and participation of many neighborhood children in Garden of Light Balt School classes are immediate results an extraordinary effort by Otiuhowss City-area friends to reach out.

The Spiritual Assembly's vis that the school provide spiritual education to children ages 5-14 within and outside the Baha’i commu: s well as to seekers.

A core group stepped forward and others joined them to choose a curriculum and promote the clas

Planning led to action when Baha'is visited nearly 350 units of low-income

Baha’i Newsreel: Focus on Education

housing near the OKC Baha’f Center in the week preceding Labor Day.

Residents were invited to a Sept. 2 neighborhood picnic in the adjoining park—with free hot dogs and chip and to Sunday classes beginning the following weekend.

A Center volunteer working late at night r phone call from one of he woman ended up talking about the Faith for nearly two hours, and the next morning showed up at the Center and declared her belief.

The Sunday picnic drew at least 75 non-Baha’is. Many took literature, and about 15 watched videotapes. Firesides

broke out all over the park.

Several children were pre-enrolled in children’s classes and other needs of re: idents were identified. A few people this would be their only meal that day, and the Bah: ent extra hot dogs and chips home with th

A homeless family living in the park particularly appreciated the short program of devotions. Without clean clothes or showers they didn’t feel they could attend a church.

Hearing this, had once been in that the family to come and take time they needed. @

The next edition of the Bahda’f Newsreel, Volume 11, Number 2, will be the first ina series on Baha’i education in the United States. Special focus will be on the spiritual education of children, our national community’s history of children’s classes and Sunday schools, and the systematization of those programs through Core Curriculum. Also included in this edition of the Newsreel will be discussion on the Sept. I1 terrorist attacks and the role of Baha’is in the current condition of the world.

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This course will examine what human beings are from every angle, especially drawing on psychological insights and the perspective of the Baha’ scriptures. Tuition: $150; financial aid available.

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The Bible will be studied as historical literature, h and Christian scripture, and as a work interpreted and clarified by the Baha’f scriptures. It will be useful in understanding and acquiring familiarity with the contents of the Bible. Tui : $150; financial aid available.

Partial Schedule for Early 2002 Islam for Deepening and Dialogue, Jan. 15-April 15 Hinduism for Deepening and Dialogue, Feb. 7~May 7 Rediscovering the Heroic Age: The Baha’i Faith, 1863-1921, March I-May 31

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

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page 10 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN November 4, 2001 [Page 11]

“NATIONAL? PLAN?

DETRUSOR

L.A. schools adopt Baha’i-inspired curriculum

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS

os Angeles Unified, the nation’s

second-largest school district with

a combined K-12 enrollment and adult extension education population totaling nearly 900,000 students, has adopted a Baha’ pired curriculum, according to a spokesperson for the Children’s Enrichment Program (CEP), a social and economic development project located at the L.A. Baha’i Center.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors for CEP, Teresa Langness announced that as of June, the curriculum, for the after-school program has been approved for use in all L.A. Ui schools by the district’s Educa Options Division.

“Te was a very serendipitous thing,” id. “Debbie Spears, who serves as art director for our annual report, was preparing our [CEP] 376-page curricujum at home and asked her husband, Eric, to proofread it for her.” ric Spears, recently promoted from

applying the + Social/economic development

• Advancing education for children

ive PLAN:

principal of a continuation high school to head the district's Educational Options department, read the curriculum and told himself, “I want to make this curriculum. available throughout the district.” ic had previously discussed a collaboration with CEP,” Langness said. “He took the initiative and contacted the organization and received permission to offer it to any interested schools in the district.” The oldest and most successful social and economic development project in the Los Angeles Baha’i community, the C) dren's Enrichment Program is an independent nonprofit organization and receives its funding from foundations and individual donors. CEP began operations nearly 10 years ago, following the riots in the aftermath of the verdict in the Rodney King police brutality case. dren from the largely AfricanAmerican neighborhood near the L.A.

Baha’i Center benefit from full-circle learning educational model, which uses character education as a springboard for academic and arts enrichment, conflict resolution and community service. Students also receive assistanc with homework and participate in field trips and international correspondence. ‘The program’ mission is to help children embrace their role as meaningful contributors to society as its helpers and healers.

In addition to adding character education in an after-school format, the Los Angeles Unified School District also intends to incorporate similar training in its District C, which encompasses a large segment of the city. According to District C Superintendent Robert Collins, every parentand student will be asked to abide by “six pillars of character”—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

According to a recent study, “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California,” after

school programs significantly reduce crime and improve academic achievement. CEP'’s students are routinely tested for academic improvement, and last year 100 percent of students increased their ranking in the national percentile for reading while 84 percent increased their ranking in spelling and math.

Adaptable to either elementary or middle schools, the Baha’i-inspired curriculum manual, “Full Circle Learning,” is available to other organizations wanting the benefits of teaching the whole child in a way that affects both attitude and aptitude. Recently, the Children’s Enrichment Program opened a new site in Anthony, New Mexico, sponsored by the Anthony and Loma Linda Elementary Other inquiries have come from Baha'i communities in other parts of the world with the potential for sites as far away as South Africa. @

For more information, contact the Children’s Enrichment Program, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (e-mail

Virtuous projects

Character education inspires a variety of service

Eee and practicing virtues is not only good for us as individuals, it’s key to helping transform the society around us—as many Baha’is and their communities have discovered.

Three such ever-evolving projects are spotlighted here. The settings differ: public school, Sunday school, an inner-city neighborhood.

But the results are the same: all ages benefiting from Baha’i-sponsored character education projects for chi dren, and growing recognition of the underlying Baha’i message.

Washougal, WA

er waiting four years for the opportunity, Diane fts wekked to Abbotsford, Brit lumbia, in bruary to be trained as a virtues facilitator.

“Intuitively I knew that I must re this training to become the wing that would bring the balance for my husband’s training,” said Tufts, a Bal in Washou; near Vancouver, Washington.

“There is such energy in this project. It takes on a life of its own once the focus is there and the intent is pure.” fts had no sooner returned home than she started ing “Keys to Success” signs all around town.

Read one in a store windoy “he key to success this month i is respor i

e something st the Virtu . So she followed the trail of posters to an elementary school.

In the school library she met the “culprit,” who produced from behind her counter a copy of Linda Kavelin Popov’s The Family Virtues Guide—the basis for Tufts’ own virtues training.

The librarian had taken the training in Portland, on, then introduced her princi to the idea. way of reinforcing virtues in the community, at school and in the life of the students

new virtue

s displayi

‘Tufts volunteered to place the posters to relieve teachers of the burden. It gave her an opportunity to serve the community and get to know the store owners.

In conversation, th shopkeepers revealed a side benefit: The campaign is serving to improve their workplaces.

‘The next step was to introduce the campaign to the school district next door, Camas.

A meeting with the superintendent of schools led to a meeting with a principal and seven district councilors.

Tufts just happened to have the Virtues Project Educator's Guide, a virtues poster for schools, virtue cards and pocket virtue cards with he

The officials bought the materials on the spot and started consulting on how best to use th nd in the community. The s

Orange County, NY BY JEAN BROOKS

very Sunday in a cluster of towns near the New

Jersey line, a group of Ba ind their friends gather for Brilliant Star Family Sunday School. The ion rotates: once a month at Warwick Town Hall, once a month at Woodbury Senior Center, other weekends at a family’s home.

If everyone came at the same time, there would be about 33 souls, including 11 children and youths ages 2-17.

It has taken more than five years to get to this level.

It all started when Kathy Grammer, inspired by the

Four Year Plan, determined to create a local, consistent teaching activity. Firesides were the first logical step, but they drew no response. Eventually she discovered something people in her area did want: moral and spiritual education for their children.

Grammer recruited Chris Sinclair, a Baha’s towns away, to attend with her two daughters, and she launched Sunday School every week in her home. I tially the text used he Virtues Guide.

Gradually, openness to individual teaching devel

veral

The joy of learning virtues is on the faces of children taking part in the Soul Miners program in Columbus, Ohio.

oped. Participating parents began to become Baha’is and share hosting and instructing.

In the current format, Margie De Rosso and her guiopen by leading musical prayers. Next come spoken prayers, with older children often helping little ones to read. arents take turn

giving the lesson, a half-chapter a week from The Divine Art of Living, followed by lively discussions on applying the Writings.

When the group is large and space is available, a mom teaches the children separately for part of the lesson period. All reunite for the last part of the lesson, which includes a visual demonstration. dren then draw names from hats to determine which adult and which child the whole group will pray for during the coming week.

After closing prayers, all share a lunch provided by a member family, again on a rotating basi

Every three months a core committe to work out the schedule. Mary Ann Rothstein makes up clear and colorful monthly calendars detailing location, teacher and chefs for each week and mails them to all participants.

‘The schedule also includes parties to celebrate si Baha’ Holy Days. These festive events, along with the

SEE VIRTUOUS, PAGE 25

November 4, 2001

Tre AMERICAN BantA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN page II [Page 12]

~ermernne ge

PLANe

Sets egem ec et

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

Pioneer training: focused, ready

OF of the mandates for the Office of Pioneering is to help prepare the friends spiritually for the challenges of international service.

‘The core of the Pioneer ing Program is deepening on the Writings regarding the Covenant, pioneering, teaching and service.

Also included are a cross-culturs ulation activity, interaction with current and veteran pionee! istance with the practical aspects of effective pioneering.

Offered regularly throughout the year, these programs are open to adults and youth alike.

In the Tablets of the Divine Plan,

“grand design t of the planet”

xert Ours in promulgating the Cause of God

throughout the world.

He empha nce of pioneering and asked us to arise and teach, saying: “Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity.”

pioneering on a personal level, describing it as a journey “from an old self to a new self.”

Both the spiritual journey and the material one from one country and culture to another benefit from thoughtful planning on the part of the travele

A Pioneer Training Program is one of the most important provisions for thi: most meritorious of services to Baha’w’l

The benefits

to participants of thes

grams is best described in their o

“This has been an ‘eye’ in my *hurri

ions

cane’ of prepar: or our depar ture—an opportunity for spiritual cen

It for me to realize the spirit ance of going pioneering. Coming here did exactly that and tru made the experience of my journey 2 reality.”

“[ enjoyed and appreciated this program, not only because it helped in preparing and thinking about serving abroad but also because it made me

“This program allowed me to not only get a glimpse of what physical prepa tions I must make in order to go but also provided me with the spiritual per tion that I undoubtedly need in order to be successful in my service to B: lah. It gave me the fuel and spiritual energy to be effective in my plans.”

“Te hi vakened my spirit to the life of a pioneer and has made my life so much more open to the love of Baha’u’llah and has truly pi ed me on the je and outside.”

‘ourse] helped me look at all the actual preparation I needed to do. This included spiritual as well as y 1

“Pve learned so much uable

information that I will definitely draw

inv:

ar of servi

on during my y

“(This program has] rekindled the pioneer in my soul.”

“I had never thought of myself pioneer until this program: one going on a year of serv

“Being with those who are thinking of arising, or who already have, I think is ys to prepare for

just some

one of the best teaching.”

‘The Hand of the ¢ ley commented on the

The goals and opportu:

Central States

Joliet, Minvis, will be losing wo active community members, potentially jeopardizing its functioning Local Spiritual Assembly, which is incorporated and has been in existence since 1972. Homefront pioneers are sought to support the Assembly and facilitate local teaching efforts. Holy Day observances are held regularly. Joliet is 45 minutes southwest of Chicago and within a

Feast and

14-hour drive of the House of Worship. The population of 106,000 is racially diverse, and the area has many employment opportunities, a variety of housing options, public transportation, two hospitals, two univers anda junior college. Please contact the Baha'is of Joliet, RO. Box 2662, Joliet, IL 60434-2662.

Northeastern States

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, needs two more adult Baha'is to itual Assembly. ‘The island desperately needs nurses and teachers. Housing for nurses is provided and soon teachers will have housing too. Nantucket is 30 miles south of Cape Cod near the Gulf Stream, which moderates temperatures year-round. It has 50 miles of beautiful beaches and

excellent schools. This resort

e Horace Holignificance of

country as well.”

island has many of the beni metropolitan area with live theater

> and a large art community. ‘There is a great chance to meet and teach people of almost any ncluding many people of capacity. Please address questions to Andrea Dougan, Baha'i group secretary,

(phone e-mail —don’t forget the “5” in the e-mail address).

Southern States ‘The Regional Council has placed

top priority for homefront pios where Local

neering on loca Spiritual Assemblies can benefit from the addition of homefront

pioneers, or cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly.

+ Alabama: Dothan, Hobile

+ Arkansas: Fort Smith, Pine Bluff Florida: Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Nelbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach

+ Georgia: Nbany

Kentucky: Owensboro

Charles, Monroe

North Carolina: Gastonia Oklahoma: Broken Arrow, Lawton Tennessee: (larksvlle, Jackson

Texas: Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Killen, Laredo, Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler

think about serving the Cause in this

“Te hi

+ West Virginia: Huntington Please contact the Southern

Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordinators listed at right.

Western States

‘The Regional Council has three main criteria for homefront pioneering goals: saving jeopardized

-mbli

or lapsed Ass forming Assemblies in communities of seven or more believers; and saving/maintaining Assemblies on Indian reservations (marked * below).

Priority is on sites in the seven “breath of life” states designated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Goal localities include the following (complete list on www.usbne.org). ‘These include a number of Assembly communities that can benefit from homefront pioneers (in italics).

For communities on Indian reservations (marked *), contact the regional traveling teaching

tor or homefront pio neering coordinator (both listed at

right).

+ Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District", Bisbee, Buckeye, (asa Grande, Chino

s given me ass ty and helped me get over my f

ce in my abili rs.” ©

s below have been designated or reviewed by agencies of the Regional Baha’i Councils.

Yalley, Clarkdale, Cochise Co. SW, Gold Canyon, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Houck Chapter’, Kabito Chapter, Kingman, Sedona, South Tucson, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Whiteriver

Idaho: Ada County, Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, Fort Hall Reservation", Kootenai Co, Meridian, Twin Fall

Montana: Billings, Blackfeet Reservation’, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Grow Agency*, Flathead Reservation*, Great falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewis and Cark (0, Missoula Co,, Northern Cheyenne Reservation*, Ravalli Co., St. Ignatius, Yellowstone Co.

Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill Co, Lyon o,, Nye County/Pahrump, Winchester Township

New Mexico: Artesia, Aztec, Belen, Bernalillo Co. E., Deming, Dofia Ana Co. Cent, Grants, Jicarila Apache Reservation*, Los Lunas, Lvington, Luna (o,, Hountainair, Rio Arriba Co., Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro, Taos Co., Tohatchi Chapter* Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Verkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, Syracuse, Vintab-Ouray Reservation*, West Valley Gy

Wyoming: Casper, Cheyenne, (ody, Laramie, Evanston, Gillette, Jackson Hole, Lander, Laramie Co., Newcastle, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Weston Co., Wind River Reservation* California: 72 goal communities Colorado: 16 goal communities, induding 2 on Indian reservations

Oregon: 21 goal communities, including 2 ‘on Indian reservations

Washington: 39 goal commonites, induding 8 on Indian reservations ®

The Office of Pioneering

friends prepar

eager to assist the

for international serv

information regarding jobs and s 2 traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office

or internation:

of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847733-3508, ).

Answers to frequent questions about serving

internationally are posted on the Web

sbi

(ww org, NSA Departments). See page 30 to report an international trip.

HOMEFRONT SERVICE

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

Northeastern States

inquire about locating as a bomefront pio

neer, contact the Northeast Regional Baha'i

Council seer

ry, Joel Nizin (phone + e-mail ). To inquire about traveling teaching, contact

the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana

Rouse Kaufman (phone .

Central States To inquire.about locating as a bomefront pioneer, contact the Central Regional Bah’t Surtis Russell (e ) To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the approp

Council seeretary, ail

state traveling teaching coor

dinator (list is available on www.usbne.org in

the Regional Councils section) or cont

Marilyn Ray (phone ye-mail

.

Western States To inquire about locating as a bomefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the mefront pio

appropriate traveling teaching-h

neering coordinator for each state (list available on www.usbne.org in the Regional Councils section), or one of the regional coordinators: ‘Traveling teaching: Jan Saced,

(phone ye-mail ). Homefront pioneering: Flor Tolou

, e-mail ). For information on American Indian reservations, contact the regional American

(phone

Indian teaching coordinator, Helen Kiely, (phone e-mail

.

Southern States To inquire about locating as a homefront pioner, please contact regional coordinating team member Susan Crossley (phone H ). To inquire about traveling teaching, please contact regional coordinating team member Kitty Schmitz (phone § ©

yet

e-mail

page 12. THe AMERICAN BaniA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN November 4, 2001 [Page 13]

BAH

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Beautiful photo notecard with envelope. Includes a colorized photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé greeting people in a garden and features the passage that begins “Look at Me, follow Me, be as 1am...”

‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Mystery of God

Beautiful photo notecard with envelope. Includes a photo of ‘Abdu’l-Baha 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 ...”

A Guide to Baha’i Guide to Funeral

and Burial Practices

compiled by Natalie Reyes

$6.95 SC (GBBE)

This compilation has been thoroughly r tions cert Be

rched and

nd Signitied

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and ye numbers for people with terminal illnesses. ion, sources for iderations for ¢ presented to

page 14 Tne American BanA’i ¢ BAnA’i DistriBUTION SERVICE November 4, 2001 [Page 15]

This Is Where | Live Character & Ethics music kit for classroom & youth choir

Jennifer Russell

$25.00 CD and Booklet (TIWILCD)

of the C Sharacter & Ethics Project for the city of Glendale, C ‘The music kit has been adopted by the school district for . Kit mate: nclude a 10-song CD (all ted with music tracks only), songbook s, activity id lyric sheets to copy for running time: 62:50

STOO U: songs are repea

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A Gift of Music

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$15.00 CD (BELCD) Baha’i themes and writings are set to gently rocking acoustic ric accompaniment ‘oft soprano vocals by Julie Rosser. Her contemsound and style (somewhere between Bjork, talie Merchant and Jewel) will appeal to discriminating music lovers from youths to adults.

running time: 31:20

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The Tablet of Ahmad

intoned by Red Grammer $11.95 CD (TACD)

‘This CD features the Tablet of Ahmad beautifully intoned by Red An introduction of the story of Ahmad of P% apted from “A Flame of F The Story of the Tablet of Ahmad,” a two-f by the Hand of the Cause of God Abu lished in the March and April 1967 Z

Love All The World music by Tim Urbonya

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The writings of Baha’wllah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha are set to

SS

2 (‘f~ 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 ft the Sacred Writings and be inspired to draw their own ns of the Baha’i life. booklet, 43/4” x 5'/2”, CD running time: 39:59 minutes

Voices of Baha in Concert

ith the Slovak National Orchestra $14.95 CD (VOBCD) Recorded live in Slo’ March 2000. Drawing its memsingers from all over the world, and after eight ) and 10 concert tours, Voices of Baha is finally featured in a recording that allows people to hear the group in concert. They perfor ry of styles, drawing on the writings and teaching of the Baha’i Faith.

acs O09 5. 199 ME

bership from

music in a

running time: 68:05 minutes

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

A Collection of Baha’i Persian Songs, Part I

Tahereh Najmi

$10. 95 Cassette (PTNU)

eloquently sung and rranged by by Rahmatullah Badie and Shahram Badie. Includes: Gonaham Bel n (Iran), Payameh Soroosh, Saghinameh, Ghiameh Aasheghaneh and Hazrateh Aalaa.

En ° trance Henri Cross featuring Tracey Harris $15.00 CD (ENCD) Features 11 tracks of great R&B with a little jazz and funk mixed in! Inspired by the mesages of the Baha h, t ig CD features a variety of memorable songs including “Blessed Is The Spot” and “Building a Kingdom.” running time: 50:22

A Visit To The West By the Trustee of Hugtiqu’llab and Hand of the Cause of God ‘AliMuhammad Varqi

$9.00 VHS (EVWN)

‘The Hand of the Cause of God “‘Ali-Muhammad Varga visited Baha’i communities in North

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pects of the Right of God. He refers ically to reciprocity and interdependence, ¢ fundamental principals of natural law and at the very heart of this mighty law of Baha’u'llih. running time: 43 minutes

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Tne American BanA’i ¢ BanA’i Distrwurion SERVICE page 15 [Page 16]

Yo

College credit NOW

They get the credit

University of Washington students have already received credit for the following:

for Bahai Studies * Facilitating a Ruhi study circle. COUurses, oy

.

workshop-type programs).

performance and faculty panel discu:

Helping the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle develop a children’s workshop.

• Coordinating several projects for the Diversity Arts Project (Baha’i youth

• Coordinating a “Peace Forum” at the university, including dance workshop

i nte lalel S h j p S * Creating and coordinating a UW “Baha'i ss Corps,” a social and economic

development branch of the campus Baha’i club, basically designed to connect students with Baha’i communities’ service and research needs for college credit.

BY JESSE FISH, OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

very few universities offer courses that tie directly into the Baha'i Faith iS och textual canons, history, commu pistration. But as of round-bre: ing proposal for the systematic study of the Faith was granted conditional appre by the Gi es Committee of the U ighly motivated Sealants Bachelor of Arts degree with aa

the hosting institution ‘Transfer credits: Some universities m formally recognize Baha’i-inspired universities such as Landegg (Switzerland) or N by ‘epting their transfer credit, or through the Core Curricun partners of the National ‘Teacher ‘Traini Though this may happen on a ning, transferring credit 1 al students request

ified faculty, endowment at a particul, could produce a Ba

become much easier after sever

Why support systematic efforts to introduce Bah4’i Studies to public schools? ities provide infrastructure, academic, materi:

Key ingredients for designing a university Baha'i program of study Key features might include some form of the following: a host department that allows student-authorship of their own majors; internships; independent and group study through multiple departments and professors. These along with tr a i versity courses on com

options ding the kingdom of God on earth. By deepening of Baha’ subjects with thei of study, they will be able to:

• See how the Faith applies to various disciplines and careers.

tudy of the h (especially at a studies compete heavily for students’

fer credii

parative religion, peace studic etc. may provide the basis for si

Devote more time to the time when universit time).

Address the service and research needs of Bal and communities.

¢ Educate campus commur and teachin; Develop of the Bah

4’f institutions

Taidependene study: $ Similar. t to i eras, this s about the Bak

could allow stud

community ts to provide inv:

.

ng institutes and a ing needs in the community. /

earn credits while desig: majors etc. (this author did!). and universities reward collecfacilitate their own

ig ground” or

funded courses on Baha’ subje ‘Take Baha’s academics to a higher level. Inspire a remarkable youth movement, the likes of which

Group s

tive student coursework. Th ig learning laboratory to yy are to different curricula eae some t and error, isa courses may full-fledged uni

never before

eventually become

he presence of

3s tion’s Web site (http: shington.edu/| religion, Middle s

how those students have used the site to promote their

Service and study options. Or visit the “C:

outh.com. Otherwise, contact

airs at the US Baha'i National Center,

‘vanston, IL 60201(phone 847-733-3499, .¢

courses on compar

ies and languages, internati strengthen the propos:

administration. This proves that the Baha’i

Get connected with Baha’i youth across the country’ College Students: To receive complimentary copies of Fertile Field (subsidized by the National Spiritual Assembly), register your college club with the Office of Youth Affairs, or read it online in the campus activism section of www.bahaiyouth.com! If you are a Baha'i, please feel free to reimburse the National Fund at an amount you feel is appropriate.

If you are not enrolled in college, cannot access www.bahaiyouth.com, or would simply

like a paper copy of Fertile Field mailed to your doorstep, you can purchase a yearly subscription (minimum 4 issues/year). Please contact the Office of Youth Affairs or visit the “campus.

activism” section of www.bahaiyouth.com for details.

Creating a UW Baha’i Association newsletter/quarterly report.

• Developing the UW Bahai Association’s Web page (hitp://sudents.washington edu/bahai/).
• Developing a “Virtues Theatre Project” program.

( ry ] t! * Conducting a two-credit, student-designed class on Babi history, with a prode ie BX program may rest on a stable foun tion of existing coursework provided by Youth

fessor of Near Eastern languages and civilizations as academic adviser.

service opportunities

Baha’i Youth Service Corps (BYSC) looks to Baha’i Campus Clubs for Research & Service!

VOLUNTEER HELP WANTED on a part-time basis; work from home—no need to relocate!

1. IMPORTANT: Periodic assessments of different age groups’ response to our National Spiritual Assembly’s “Spiritual Missions” for children, junior youth and youth in the Five Year Plan. a. Designing Surveys—tidentify and prioritize what information is useful and in what format (multiple choice, short answer, etc.?), suggested audiences/sample groups, how the data should be analyzed, and how the survey should be written. b. Analyzing Survey Results— Analysis of data using the best of Baha'i scholarship!

2. URGENT: Message board mod erators for www.bahaiyouth.com a. Commitments of three months, |-5 hours of moderation time/week (or more) will be most appreciated! b. Assistance in development of sustainable moderation strategy for www. bahaiyouth.com’s public message board postings.

Note: To respond to these requests, or to inquire into a more complete listing of service needs, please visit the “service” section of www. bahaiyouth.com or contact the Office of Youth Affairs.

Office of Youth Affairs c/o Baha’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201

Phone 847-733-3499

Fax 847-733-3502

E-mail

page 16 Tie American BanA‘i ¢ Yourtt. November 4, 2001 [Page 17]

= % Childven Around the World =>

Pray for Peace

Match the picture of each child to “O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let

the prayer that he or she might say. the religions agree and make the

nations one, so that they may see each

• aha’u'llah promised that one > other as one family and the whole

day there will be peace on : earth as one home.” < earth. The leaders of every coun- ¥ —Abdu'l-Baha ¢ Baha'i

try will agree to end war. People will live in love and _ unity. * Children and adults around the world, from all religions, pray for this time of peace to come.

Omen @

0 ee 9 ee © “Lord, make me an instrument of

your peace.” —St. F

5 of * Christian

Oe @ tO te a

“Grandfather Sacred One Teach us love, compassion, and honor That we may heal the earth And heal each other” —Ojibway Prayer ¢ Native American

0 ee Ue Oe

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” —Numbers 6:24-6 ¢ Jewish

Oe 0 ne 0 ees @ mes ©

“O God, thou art peace. From thee is peace and unto thee is peace. Let us live, our Lord, in peace and receive us in thy paradise, the abode of peace.”

—Prayer at the Close of Salat « Muslim

@ meee © ees ©

Penn Oo

“Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.”

— The Upanishads + Hindu De

“{t is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one county, and mankind its citizens.”

Subscribe Now! +

When we love each other, we help bring Send this form to: Bahai Distribution Service + 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. + Atlanta, GA 30336

i aa ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee peace to our families, schools, cities, and | Please enter my subscription for Brilliant Star magazine at 6 issues per year (check one):

Baha'u'llah

world. What can you do to bring peace? J United states International (Surface Mail) (International — Air Mail) I 1? $18 On ar $18 One Year 4 $28 One 19pP Mire E nate eee re ta rn p 2 552 Bo Years 2 $32 Two Years 2 $52 Two Years » 14 ls .. td DELIVER SUBSCRIPTION TO 1 ot SS pA AS Rae E Name Age Phone 1 L Street I in Ea ae I ciy State Zip Country 1 ES OAS cag [ Is this a gift subscription? If so, from whom? 1 I pn Na ep i*« BILLING INFORMATION a 1 1 Name Phone I I ‘Street I roy State Zip Country I T payment type Check/Money Order Number Dollar Amount I Mu vied I I Q Credit Visa | Mastercard | Amex | Discover I I credit card Number Exp. Date I ee ee aay Cardholder's : 2 ® a PACH NTCCVTEsC) GMICERYETS TATION Re ews cos psc pps es ps Jes sus ps Gap pm ls uo Ons Os ta Gs og ms poo j

November 4, 2001 Tie AmeRICAN BanA’i ¢ Brivuiant Stark Kip’s Corner page 17 [Page 18]

BAH A’

PI ILT TL TT TET GET PLENTY TP PINAY BN TT IY ONG II TUDIES« .

CONFERENCE

PET ET TNT NNT OER

EVAN IT I 7

Making the ceuueactiali

Seattle conference links thought and action, spiritual and material

BY WENDY HELLER

he processes spiritualizing human society sym bolized by the recently completed Mount

Carmel Projects were the focus as 1,200 people gathered for the 25th annual conference of the AssociStudies-North America.

ation for Baha’f

“Towards a Spiritual Civilization” was the theme of the Labor Day weekend conference in Seattle, Washington. Echoing through many of the presentations were the thought and action and between the spiritual and the material worlds. Human action in the world manifests the divine Attributes and Names of

connections betwe

God in the realm of creation.

Talks, presentations

n opening talk on “Creation” was delivered by Lasse Thoresen, who composed the oratorio erraces of Light” for the Dedication of the Mount Carmel Projects. “The world was not created once and for all,” Thoresen “Tt is under continual creation as the energies of the transcendent world flow into the world of matter and the world of human minds, maniing itself in the creation of ig beings, in the revelation of God through His manifestations, and in the rise and flourishing of human civilizations throughout history.” he conference was especially honored to have Ian C. Semple, member of the Universal House of Justice, speak on the conference them

Semple examined “three principal methods which are being used to achieve Bahé’u’lléh’s purpose for the spiritualization of hum kind”: individual effort to dr: closer to God, the work of tea ing the F Administrative Order, and Bah participation in humanitarian service. (See article, page 1)

The 19th Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture was jointly delivered by Hossein Sahba.

‘The two architects presented perspectives on the process of the construction of the Arc and Terraces of the Mount Carmel Projects.

Amanat offered “Reflections on the Architecture of the Arc” and Sahba recounted the vicissitudes and victories experienced by the s of the construc

team throughout the proc

Hossein Amanat speaks on the construction of the Arc buildings.

manat and Fariborz

tion in “From Vision to Reality.

Counselor Rebequa Getahoun Murphy, in a presentation titled “Beyond the Century of Light,” mined the ersal House of Justice ‘i world in and

guidance to the B: ight recent documents letters, while Counselor gene Andrews spoke on “Baha’f Scholars and the Baha’s Community: A New Relationship for Social Change.”

Andrews erted that B: scholars and Baha’i communities can build on each others strengths with healthy dose: wisdom and acceptance. In he said, “I’m surprised that B: communities are not actively scholars homefront We should be going after them like football coache: go after blue-chip players. It is really in the best interests of communities to attracted the learned among us and further diversify their membership.”

Holly Hanson’s talk on Crystal: How Thought es Structure in the Pursuit of explored the process by which oppr ial structures can be changed by co

Lasse Thoresen

Holly Hanson

into

Fariborz Sahba

actio Hanson emphasized the need to overcome yhat she called functional atheism by making faith a real, living part of our society. “Functional atheism does ssarily mean that people don’t believe in God, it means that people do not re: > the Poy, of God to illumi

not neces

Interpretation Shoghi Effendi and the Institutions of the B Faith,” Anne Furlong, a sor at the ity of Prince

Island,

Edward

rebutted recent objections to the authority of Shoghi Effendi’s — tra tions. #

sla

“development to thos

of topics.

‘The conference opened Friday with the meetings of 10 special interest groups (SIGs). Their daylong sessions offered presentations and discussions on a variety

‘The remainder of the weekend was devoted to a series of talks, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and per formances revolving around the conference theme.

Panel discussion on apologetics: Anne Furlong, lan Kluge, Fiona Missaghian, Robert Stockman (not pictured: Nader Saeidi, Peter Terry). Photos by Michael Frank

ating lively interest at the conference were several scholars and

ribed and exchanged

views on and

particular topics answered questions from the aud

A panel on “Defense of the f Apologetics in Our chaired by Peter Terry, with Nader Saiedi, Robert Stockman, Fiona Missaghian, Ian Kluge and Anne Furlong, generated enormous interest, attracting an overflow crowd.

Panel addressed three topics: the rationale for Baha’ apologetics, patterns of attack on the Faith, and the ideas which have ly characterized or propelled attacks on the Faith.

The common thread uniting all the comments the profound importance of love in the defense of the Faith—love of the Fai of those who cri

Ata panel on a cine—A New Challenge for Bah Scholars,” Ridvan Mogbel, Babak Etemad and Maryam Valapour presented topics related to bioethics to a standing-room-only crowd.

Considerable interest was generated ch member of the panel presented sing role

special

within the ABS, to increase publication

of papers on topics that interface ies and pigs) and to

Baha’ eeeetees Ti uaioeatiiens ot

bioethics.

“Taking Collaboi The Baha'is and Ko: nium Report,” chaired by Holly Har son, featured three insightful present: on the content, scope and contr of the Millenni m Report b s general secretal

Kim Naqvi, a development and ecc nomic geographer at the Uni ape) di:

Sane to ana addres mental de

lyze holistic measure ing corruption and enviror! adation. I anager of the Urba Information Center at Dallas Publi Library, encouraged parti find local avenue: , particu larly through study circles, to addres concerns raised in the Millenniur Report.

Chetan Parikh, a professor of electri the India Institute « Bombay, examined th

ruption as raised in the report, ani community migh uch concerns through mora ion cla

In the Book Collectors, Archi:

how the

Kur

and session, Asplund d spl layed a sampling of choic: old and archival materials

William P. Collins demonstrated computer database including mor than 22,000 works mentioning th: aith, Payam Afsharian share«

expertise in book collecting, anc Marleen ¢ presented a detailer report about the concerns of loca

Ss. ©

Baha'i community archi

page 18 THe AMERICAN BanA‘i ¢ BAnA’i Stupirs CONFERENCE November 4, 2001

[Page 19]

vw winiwintD ina

Excerpts from a talk on “Towards a Spiritual Civilization” by lan C. Semple, member of the Universal House of Justice, at the 25th annual meeting of the Association for Baha’ StudiesNorth America:

“It was Shoghi Effendi who taught us how to build systematically, using plans to focus our endeavors, lest we dissipate our time and energy. ...

“Over the decades, and especially in recent years, Baha’is have been learning to think in terms of process—of attuning their activities to the current stage in any particular process. This requires a breadth of vision in both space and time. One needs to evaluate experiences of past events, understand the implications of current actions for future developments, and measure their interaction with other activities being pursued at the same time.

Jan C. Semple

“Nevertheless, it is essential that creative individuals continue to have ‘bright ideas’ One of the skills which Baha’t institutions are learning is how to evaluate and encourage these ideas and relate them to the work as a whole, so that they will contribute to overall progress, rather than be mere diversions. ...

“... [Because all of us are still learning, and are imperfect in our understanding of the Faith, we inevitably make mistakes. It is clear, therefore, how important is the development of the Administrative Order and the evolution of its national and local institutions. The consultation employed by these institutions, and the authority they exercise in guiding the believers, help to avoid the ill effects of unwisdom or lack of knowledge on the part of individuals.

“One area in which there is increasing activity on the part both of Baha’ institutions and of Baha’i-inspired projects is that of moral education. Governments and educational institutions in many parts of the world are coming to recognize the pressing need for moral, and even spiritual, education, if their societies are not to decline still further into crime, anarchy and chaos, and many of them have been turning to the Baha’is to fill this gap.

“... [T]here is also a growing thirst for spirituality in people at large, and this is one reason why the House of Justice has encouraged Baha'i communities to hold gatherings for prayer, meditatién and reading of the Writings. These not only help raise the level of spirituality among the Baha’is themselves, but help spiritually thirsty non-Baha’is to enrich their lives and learn of the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

“... [W]hatever we do in humanitarian service, the conveying of moral standards and the encouragement of spirituality and, indeed, in the teaching of the Faith itself, can have only a limited effect unless and until people fully accept the claim of Baha’u’llah. These activities are parts of a process and are not complete or adequate in themselves. .

“The recognition of Baha'u'llah establishes a personal relationship and connection between the Manifestation of God and the believer. As we study ... we become profoundly aware of the fact that in all things we are but willing instruments in His Hand, and that He can achieve things which we could never dream of attempting on our own strength. With closeness to Baha’u’llah, one learns to rely with confidence on His help and guidance in all that happens. ...

“,.. Moreover, the more we can attain to that spirituality, the more we can awaken it in the hearts of others. ...

“This understanding of individual spirituality should indicate to us the characteristics of a spiritual civilization, It is not just a society in which the people engage in prayer and meditation and are aware of the spiritual things of life such as beauty, harmony and kindliness. It is a society which lives and functions in accordance with the will of God and in the consciousness of His guiding Hand and Spirit. To describe such a civilization and how we will move towards it, | can do no better than to read the closing paragraphs of The Promised Day is Come. This passage is undoubtedly familiar to you all, but it bears reading and re-reading as we struggle with the problems, sufferings and looming disasters of the present period in history. ...”

rasa ai pecker ee) hon i th rr ohne aera ai van n /',

Special interest groups

ks special interest groups (SIGs) of the Association met on Friday.

Agriculture: Approximately 20 people, from as far away as Chile and Switzerland, participated in a “talking circle” in which each shared concerns, enthusiasm and experiences. Presentations included a short paper on deep ecology and on the main themes of a book being compiled on Baha’s perspectives of agriculture.

Baha'i Institute for the Arts: The Arts SIG s¢ included presentations on dance, video, poetry and al art. Short fiction by Robbie Sethi was read, and artists reported on work featured at the conference, particularly the musical Tahirih performed Sunday night to an enthusiastic reception. In addition, there were presentations on Native American spirituality through music, a reading and discussion of Kurt Asplund’s play A Thunderous Dawn, and talks on “State of the Arts—the Problems of Art in Advancing

tinctive and spiritual nature of Baha'i marriage as a fortress for well-being and salvation as a social and moral act as opposed to simply meeting individual needs. The disc n_ of romantic love and its overrated nature in the Western marital contract was also an intriguing area of discussion. The discussion of the need to be authentic with each other in our community lives and to learn the art of creating a “village” to support our families and children met with great appreciation and agreement.

Racial Unity/Intercultural Issues: This addressed the disparities in performance between ethnic groups on standardized tests (Scott Phelps), racism in the education and justice systems (Jan Saeed), applying ethi Baha’i models of social intervention in Chicago’ Project” (Derik Smith); the EMPIRE Program for multicultural education

ion

Baha’i Culture” and “Managing the Arts with Propriety.”

Baha'i Language Educators: More than 30 language educators gathered to establish the Baha’i Language Educators § discussed how the could contribute to Bal inspired curriculum design and skill-specific pedagogical activities, mentoring new teachers, assisting with job searches, and advising publishers of teaching and acader material. The afternoon session consisted of formal presentations, along with roundtables on and Delivering spired Language

Material and and “Mentoring the Baha’i Language Teacher” and di ion of on-demand publishing.

Business and Economics: This session, organized by the Baha’f Business Forum of the Americas, featured a workshop on “ Servant Leadership” by Bijan Zayer and a forum on ashe: Spiritual Principles to All Organizations.” Tannaz Grant discussed “Creating a Standard of Busin ; Samuel Dubois explored “Local Exchange and Transfer System”; and Donna Pickel offered insights on “Applying Spiritual Principles to Project Management.”

Consultation and Conflict Resolution: Discussion and workshop presentations by John Kolstoe, Randie Gottlieb, Robert Wilson and Trip Barthel focused on using consultative principles in non-Baha’ settings and bringing compatible proc into Baha’{ consultation.

Education: The Education SIG program included a panel of students from Maxwell International Baha’i School on their experiences. The session keynote was a lively presentation by Dwight Allen on teaching children to be both good and smart. Garrett Brisdon, Maxwell's principal, reflected on the philosophy of education. A father/son presentation by Dwight and Douglas Allen examined business and academic approaches to education from a Baha'i perspective. In “A Proper Education,” Anne Breneman approached educational ues from sociological and anthropological viewpoints. small-group consultations resulted in a rich variety of recommendations on transformation, action, curriculum, practices of a “proper education,” and the role of Baha’i parents, teachers and students.

Marriage and Family: “Preparation for a Baha’i Marriage” was the theme. Presenters Keyvan Geula, Mary K Radpour and Paul Friedman focused on the dis

G. They SIG

j

Small group discussion becomes animated in a breakout session on consultation at the Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies.

(Randie Gottlieb); avoiding the reproduction of unequal social relations in research (Tam Donnelly); and consultation on efforts to identify, analyze and propose solutions for the disparities that afflict racial and ethnic minorities in North America (Bonnie Taylor).

Science and Religio: he Science and Religion SIG featured several presentations and a panel in which discussion focused on the need to understand the coherent, highly interconnected philosophy of reality contained in the Baha’{ writings. The current intere: developing courses on science and religion was cited, and NASA scientist Kelly Snook spoke about her “BASIC” program to help students integrate and correlate the Baha’{ teachings with their academic studies. The need for Baha’is to develop and articulate a cl

position on current issues in bioethics and other contemporary aspects of the relationship between science and religion was also a focus of interest.

Study of Religion: The six talks at the Study of Religion SIG meeting all drew overflow crowds. Ron Hershel described his experience teaching a non-credit course for several years. Christopher Gilbert explored parallels between the four person: described in Four Valleys and personality types recognized by psychology. James Desson compared the concepts of soul, mind and heart from Judaism to the Baha’i Faith. Gerri Graber drew parallels between the teachings of a 20thcentury Catholic theologian and the Faith. Michael Sours Rohani traced the theme of wisdom to ancient Judaism and Neo-Platonism.

More ABS Conference coverage on page 20

November 4, 2001

Tue American BanA’i ¢ BAnA’i Stupies CONFERENCE page 19 [Page 20]BAHA’

‘f*STUDIES:CONFERENCE

Pros perform

is year’s arts program at the Con ference of the Association for Baha Studies featured an unprecedented number of professional musicians and vocalists

nce to view paintings by Baha’i artists such as Mark ‘Tobey. Master classes by and

aren Oleson Tim Strong further enriched the artistic component of the confere!

At the opening plenary session, the

ce.

audience was greeted by meditative

h_morning’s plenary

ensemble, organized — by Gretchen Hewitt and conducted by Kathy Tahiri, lifting the spi of melodious pi

On Friday evening attendees were treated to an exciting jazz concert fe: turing pianist Burt Bell and vocalist Karen Oleson, joined by Brett Wartchow (bass guitar), John Boucher (drums) and Peter ‘Terry (vocalist).

At the gala concert on Saturday evening, internationally renowned bas baritone Norman Bailey sang a recital of numbers from the Western cla 1 repertoire—including songs by Sibelius, Head, Mussorgsky

yer.

and the much-loved

Charles Wolcott—accompanied by pianist Tim Strong.

Groups of vocal offerings were interspersed with solo Hs solo piano and viola and no compositions, by Bach, Bloch, Chopin and Ravel. TI violist was Wesley D Seattle Symphony Orchest

The second half of the gala promised a concert of Persian cl sical music. Vocalist Ghazal I was compelled to short presentation of cl songs because of laryngitis, but the nce was treated to a fine pro

au gram nonetheless, including her band of artful instramentalists.

Sunday morning _ violinist Farzad Khozein presented a thrilling display of virtuosity, and in the evening the conference was treated to

the world premiere of the musical play Tabirib with music by Mimi McClellan and words by McClellan wi Marzieh Gail (who had tran: of Tahirih’s poetry for inclusion).

At the closing plenary on Monday morning, Honour All Nations Drum and Dance Group from Lake Cowichan,

Gregory Paul Meyjes sings a poem by Tahirih before the performance of the musical play TGhirih. Photos by Michael Frank

Canada, performed, and the choral ensemble sang and chanted piece: senting the Jewish, Christian, Babi and Baha’s Dispens:

In a particularly moving finale, the drum group, the choral ensemble, and the entire audience joined in singing a Native rendition of “Ya Baha’u’l-Abhi, bringing this memorable conference to an inspiring conclusion. #

Islamic, ions.

Breakouts: variations on theme

S imultaneou breakout plored many different fa

conference theme.

Presenters explored the relationship art and religion, develop

he symbolism of I buildings and shrines, and the building of the Are on Mount Carmel.

Social and economic development was the topic of presentations that explored its role in the transformation of both developing and developed s well as ultural trad health and well-being community. of Administrative Order that were considered included the design of the Bab Order, the role of s

A

nique Administrative tematization in the development of sf al civilization, and the contribution of the Ridvan mes es as well as the salvational purpose of Baha’w'llih’s Revelation, expectations of the Lesser Peac ith of the future Presenters also offered insights into the symbolism of the feminine and the soul of the World Order, and the life of an early African-American female physician.

nd the common

Harvard student Nava Ashraf gives a breakout presentation on agricultural development and rural trade.

Native perspectives and contributions to spiritual civilization were explored ii presentations on justice, American Indians and the Bal faith, and the conand

nections between “sacred site” “sacred song.”

Other presentations investigated scientific paradigms, consciousness, the psyche, the dynamics of moral authenticity, spiritual psychology and the “cul ture of adversarialism” pervading poli

tics, the economy, and the legal system. Paul Lample, coordinator of the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Baha'i World Center, presented on “Translating the Word into Reality.” He pointed out that most of human

lity is social, not physical, and is constructed by social agreement and carried out through the vehicle of

“The Kingdom is reality structured on the Will of God,” he said. n of poetry was the main topic at the second Roundtable Discussion on Persian and Arabic ‘Translati

nguage

a social

and once again thi for Baha'i Studi afternoon of pre:

s an.

Ata session introducing the book Logos and Civilization: Spirit, History and Order in the Writings of Babd’ullib, Rebequa Murphy stressed the importance of such works in the defense of the Faith.

Workshops at the conference offered sions examining beliefs about technology, leadership in the Baha’i community, belief and culture in development, and the use and misuse of logic and persuasion.

Youths active

large number of youth and college students actively participated in this year’s conference as presenters, performing artists and volunteers.

Jesse Fish, coordinator of the Office of Youth Affairs at the National Baha’ Center, and a member of the University of Washington Baha’i Student Association, gave a presentation on the club’s efforts to establish a Baha'i Studies program at the unive

Semple also met with the youth, answering their questions and encouraging them never to be afraid to que:

In his closing remarks at the final session of the conference, the Universal House of Justice member noted tha “this period has particular ficance. There has been a strengthening of the fabric of the Administration of the Faith, in the work of the Counselors and in the understanding of the believers.”

The growth of the Association for Baha’f Studies plays a very important role in the work of the Baha’i community, he noted: “As the House of Justice has said, we should all be scholars. ABS should unders a very valuable element in the growth of the Baha'i Faith.”

ions.

Conference comments M any who have watched the

recent evolution of the ABS annual conference say it is moving to ever-higher levels of excellence. ‘The conference has become somewhat of a new creation in the last couple years,” said Safa Sadeghpour, a Harvard Medical School student.

Amrollah Hemmat of Tampa, Flori da, remarked:“The quality of the performances and presentations is improving year by year. ... My better half (Norma) and our daughter Michelle also enjoyed this conference a lot. ... Michelle says she is going to go every year now.” Many presentations given at the conference will be published in The Journal of Bahd’i Studies, which is sent to all ABS members. To join the Association for Baha’i Studies or to order videotapes/audio CDs of conference plenary talks, visit www.bahai-studies.ca or call the ABS office at 613-233-1903.

California regional conference

The California Regional Committee of the Association for Baha'i Studies will host a regional conference April 13-14, 2002, at the University of California, Berkeley, in the theme “Forging a Spiritual Civilization: Developing Communities within a New Global Ethic.” The conference will focus on the challenge of creating spiritually and economically healthy communities that are viable and sustainable within a global context.

The committee welcomes paper presentations, workshops, music, art, poetry, drama and dance that address the conference theme.

Those interested should submit either a 250word abstract or workshop proposal, or a video/audio tape of performance to the committee secretary, Stephen Friberg,

(phone/fax , e-mail : net) no later than March 1, 2002.

‘Irfan Colloqui:

‘Irfin Colloquia at Bosch Baha'i School in 2002 will be held May 23-26. The program, in Persian and English, will focus on the Writings of Baha’u’llah during the ‘Akka period.

For offering to make presentations at those sessions please contact ‘Irfan Colloquium, Baha’s National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3501, fax 847-733-3502, e-mail ).@

page 20 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ BAnA‘i Stupies CONFERENCE November 4, 2001 [Page 21]

Green Lake arms conference-goers for Plan victories

BY HOWARD HINTERTHUER

ttendees at the 42nd Annual Green Lake Conference, Aug. 24-26, faced capricious weather, ebrated victories won, and armed themIves to carry out the Five Year Plan. Despite intermittent thundershowers and drizzle the first wo days, the nearly 1,000 undaunted participants enjoyed each other while marveling at recent accomplishments throughout the Baha’i world. Highlights of the conferen to as “a family reunion” by Paul Jacobi, member of the sponsoring Regional

referred a

Baha’i Council for the Central States, cluded:

• Stories about the projects on Mount

Carmel by Fariborz Sahba, project

ger and ‘Terraces architect.

¢ The honoring of Caswell Ellis, who had announced his retirement from the Regional Council.

• Insights by Steve Gonzales, a lawyer

and judge, about the role and spiritual heritage of U.S. Baha'is

• Energetic interactions among youth

• Presentations by former Counselor

‘Tod Ewing and his brother, actor Geoffrey Ewing.

welcomed part , noting the event is “the longest-running, most successful conference in the 12 Central fe Ellie and I started dating in 1973.”

Mount Carmel glimpses For two nights, Sahba shared stories of the massive 14-year effort to complete the newest structures on the Are while

neously reconfiguring the conof the mountain and _relocatir ind infrastructure within Hai

he dedication

“The most important miracle,” Sahba said, “wa the House of Justice’s decision to do the Arc and the ‘Terraces together. It made it look like a public project.” As a result, he said,

local and_ national offils—and the pub general—began to think of the projects as their own. ‘The contractors all seemed to buy into the effort, rec

ognize and go out of their way to meet deadlines.

the more challenge

“Speak Your Mind,” a youth panel, was an emotional highlight of the Green Lake

Baha’i Conference. Photo by Russ Yestlie

fire walk great opener. There were lumi narias [candle lanterns] lighting the path to the fire pit. When we got people — talked about where they were as Baha’is—what brought them there. ... It w great sitting together, understanding we all have the same purpose.

“My wife Hansa and I have never seen such an ntense positive outpouring of spiritual communication between youth and parents,

was a

there,

S

we choose, the more bless ings we get,” said Sahl

Following his first the video Not n a Lamp by Badiyan Productions movingly told the story of how His Holiness the Bab was de even a lamp while imprisoned. Today Shrine of the Bab and supporting terraces are filled with light, night and day.

“Mr. Sahba told a really serious story but made it fun,” sai ji 14, of Cascade, hi

‘aring about the Arc projects my entire fetime. It makes me happy to see the projects completed. It shows the Baha’is can do just about

Council tribute

The RBC and the Green 1 mittee joined in honoring El retirement from the Council “hit us like a thunderbolt,” J the Regional Council 1997, Caswell has served as its chair ever since, while simultaneously serving as House of Worship director. We want to publicly pay trib

ake com

ted to ion in

of the Arc (May si ute to him.”

22-25) was a ui- “I feel that the light of the Lori Block of the umph of love over world that disappeared “ree” Lake organhate, light’ over uu izing committee darkness,” Sahba With the execution of the _ pointed out, said. _ I feel that Bab returned with this ‘Caswell w on the the light of the Green Lake Comworld that disap- event.” mittee prior to the

peared with the execution of the Bab returned with this event

Said Sahba, “At one time a v iz architect remarked, ‘It isn’t logical to open a project on so many fronts simultaneously.’ I told him, ‘Nothing the Baha’is do is logical.’ ”

Sahba cited several ii ments to progress during the projects. “We had to change the main town planning of the city, and when three of our contractors went bankrupt, we had to become contractors.”

—Fariborz Sahba, Terraces architect, referring to the opening of the gardens

RBC. We still consider him part of the Green Lake team.”

After receiving a tanding ovation, Ellis said, “Your Council is now an established institution, facing tremendous challenges during the next five years. It needs your prayers and support. ... Thank you for your expres of gratitude to me and to your Council.”

Ellis’ seat on the RBC will be filled by Lisa Smits of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who received the next highest vote tally in the latest election.

ons

Mary Wilder (left) and Galynne Goowill (seated right) consort coterie of future world leaders at the 3- to 4-year-old children’s class at Green Lake. Photo by Howard Hinterthuer

Talks by Joy Leary (left), on “Embracing fe of Courage and Sacrifice,” and Tod

were key events at Green Lake. Photos by Russ Vestlie

ULS. spiritual heritage Gonzales’ address focused on the U.S. Baha'is

spiritual he

“How can we serv being contaminated by it? The Bah: community needs to look outward toward the er world and find ways to turn our beliefs into action,” he said.

Gonzales cited qualities that permeate American culture—lofty ideals, heroism, elimination of tyranny, a welcoming attitude toward refugees, and leadership in difficult times. He pointed out that Baha'is bring clarity of spirit of servitude, and that Shoghi Effendi called the American Baha'is the chief executors of the I ¢ Plan.

The judge asked attendees to overcome any tendency to be divided, to set a spiritual example for others, to apply appropriate remedies to ills facing our country, to stay true to the Covenant, to turn to prayer and the House of Justice, and to learn to balance and reconcile Baha’s principles.

tage of leadership. the world without

Presence of youth Empowered youth were everywhere throughout the weekend. Said Claire mith of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, “The

on such id Gary Kerns, a_ recently returned pioneer, after

viewing the youth presenation Sunday morni “Dr. (joy) Leary mentioned that the youth at that discussion are the cream of the crop of our society. If they are showing, the need for parents to reach out to them on such an intense level, what must be the intensity of feeling of non-Baha’i youth?” During his presentation, Tod Ewing spoke to that point. “The concept of encouragement needs to be part of this plan—encouraging each other. ... We are literally interconnected with every net. Wh: . When

other human being on the pl we do has implications for othe: we make sacrifices, it m in our community, but it may impact elsewhere.”

Artistic inspiration

‘The Green Lake crowd was also treated to a performance by Geoffrey Ewing, a New York City-based actor, writer and producer best known for his award-winning, off-Broadway play Ali, based on the life of Muhammad Ali. Now adapted into a firei ntation. focuses itual transformation. ments were provided by Tim, Dalian and Jong May Urbonya, who performed a variety of musical selections in English and Chinese, helped by Jacob and Jane Myers of Madison, W

side format,

Pre-register now for the 2002 Green Lake Baha’i Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin, Aug. 23-25, 2002. On-site housing is limited; call 800-558-8898 for housing and pre-registration.

Visit the conference Web site (wwrw.GreenlakeBahaiConference.org) to see video and audio highlights of the 200! conference and keep informed about the 2002 program.

November 4, 2001

Tue AMERICAN Bana’

© NATIONAL PLAN page 21 [Page 22]

mA REECE ETO re rT Oo Tr

“PLAN?

Quick resettlement facts about Iranian Baha’i influx

What can I do to help? nee shows that if the Baha’f comnmediately contacts newly arrived Persian Baha'is, they establish close ties to the community. They feel the love and care of Baha'i institutions and are more inclined to become productive community members. New arrivals who are left to themselves the first few months after their arrival become overwhelmed with such activities as leai skills, gaining an education and/or ea money. They may easily become

from the U.S. Baha'i community or feel disconnected from its goals.

‘The Local Spiritual Assembly can help the new arrivals fill out a Persian Questionnaire, which is the first step in officially transferring their membership into the U.S. Bahai com

munity. It also allows the national Bah: offices to send them a welcome packet and offer their assistance and services to them.

How many have arrived recently?

1,550 Persian believers went through a formal process of transferring into the American Baha’{ community from January 2000 through September 2001.

‘The breakdown of where they have settled: Western States, 582; Southern States, 639; Central States, 151; Northeastern States, 76.

Los Angeles leads with 87 newly arrived Iranians, followed by Houston with 43. Phoenix and Atlanta are among cities with a significant influx.

How many more await resettlement?

Another 2,000 wait in 13 Turkish border for permission to enter the United or some other country. Some 1,200 of them have been introduced as Baha’is by the friends in Iran. About 33 Iranian Baha'i refugees are in Austria ay

Should Baha’ ‘The Universal House of Justice encourages the friends to try to stay in Iran if they can; however, the Supreme Body has said that any person who decides to leave Iran for any reason is free to do so. The Universal House of Justice has asked that the friends refrain from encouraging others to leave Iran, as this only makes it more difficult for those who remain to be steadfast. After a Baha’{ leaves Iran, that person’ recognition as a refugee by the United Nations triggers the next step—selecting their new home. Any ties to a place, through relatives or sponsors, are a plus: The refugee likely to adapt faster in that environment.

leave Iran?

What role does USBRO play?

As directed by the Universal House of Justice, the U.S. Baha’f Refugee Office (USBRO) does not intervene in the friends’ personal resettlement arrangements. USBRO verifies the Baha’i credentials of those coming through the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). People who come through HIAS must prove that they were registered Baha’fs while they lived in Iran; otherwise, they will be deported back to that country.

For the first year after their arrival, USBRO is available to answer questions about refugees. It is also involved in education about refugee issues.

Key to aiding refugees is love

BY U.S. BAHA'I REFUGEE OFFICE

lee arriving here today the Islamic Republic of Iran. y without local and national Baha’f institutions.

You’y

seen your children deprived college education.

You've been denied the opportunity to work.

You've had your family home and properties taken from yor

Many of the latest Bal from the cradle of the I spent the majority of their lives under these conditions. When they arrive in the United Si

of

rivals ‘aith have

nsitive to

spiritual and emotional needs. At the recent national Conference of the Friends of Persian Culture, nine Persian youths—some of them children of marty:

th

—shared their puth in encounters

Iran, and then, their firs with the American Baha’i commun They all acknowledged the di culties they faced in Iran, but also expressed how they felt that their souls became polished like fine gems through experiencing hardships. they spoke about the pivotal role nd support of their ies had played in shaping their characters. In Iran, id, the entire Baha’i commu y. They felt close

to each fellow Bahé had high expectations about ig the same kind of love and friendship from the Americ: All said they were welcomed after they arrived, but still felt thirsty for personal companionship and loving friendship. As a community, we must st

riends.

us souls truly fi

fathers, brothers and siste:

are welcoming them into their new homes.

Many forms of help

The answer, though, is not to feel obligated to provide for the new> every perceived need.

aiding ne can give federally contracted refugee 's room to do their job, w! , to the extent sible, by s} tically providing spiritual and social support 2 gested in the National Assembly's letter to all Local Spiritual Assemblies dated Jan. 16, 2001. Help can take many forms, including individual acts of kindness, either spontaneous or coordinated by an Assembly or task force. As noted in the Jan. 16 letter, while newly arrived friends should not have the expectation that Baha'i institutions will t them financially, Baha’ individuals and institutions may do so if they choose, in a manner and to the degree that the host community feels comfortable with. In no way does the National Spiritual Assembly forbid such as

community

ve PLAN:

Several communities have found that by establishing a “buddy system” program for newly

ed refugees, they can make the most of their hu in and material resources. In the buddy program, as family or i al gned to one vol

soon as a new arrives, they

unteer community member or family.

The “buddy” family commits to keeping in regular contact with the new family, and helping its members adjust to their new environment. The formal commitment lasts only three to six months, but most sd cover that by then, they have become lifelong cherished friends.

‘The key is empowering the newcomers to become confident: in their new surroundings. Taking them nse test facility

applying the Unifying the

bles their mobility. nd assisting th

e Encouraging m to attend deepe ncl

knowledge of the W

closer to employment and full icipation in the Baha’i communit

“Refugees don’t need hand-m downs to feel good,” says Puran St s, director of the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office. “They need respect. We must extend a hand of love and friendship to them. We should try to help them ing bond of ndship with their Baha’i communities and institutions.”

s of community needed now by newly gees, who may d themselves subjected

fortunately to the prejudice directed agai Easterners after the Sept. 11 tragedy. @

Children and youths discuss what they lost during their experience as refugees, at the World Refugee Day program on Ellis Island. Photos courtesy of USBRO

Baha'i Refugee Office present at ceremony promoting respect

was represented at an Ellis Island ceremony June 20 for World Refugee, Day, promoting

respect for s around the world. eremony recognized the sac

e The fices and suffering of the world’s refugees, their resourceful ability to overcome extreme hardship, and their ongoing positive contributions to society. While there, Puran Stevens of the USBRO spoke with Sadako Ogata, former United Nations high oner for refugees. Ambassador Betty King, U.S. repto the United Nations Sconomic and Social Council, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that “protecting refugees and conflict victims is a shared international responsibility.”

She noted that “the United States is a leading contributor of humanitarian assistance to refugees and conflict victims

Well-known refugees in the United States have included Albert E stein, Gloria Estefan, and former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger

USBRO Director Puran Stevens (left) with Sadako Ogata, former UN high commissioner for refugees.

and Madeline Albright.

Stevens said refugees to our shores ute to society by sharing their culture and traditions, working to better lives for themselves and ly, and furthering the education of their childr

Last year more than 72,000 from all over the planet and from many different religions resetted in the United States. @

page 22 THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN November 4, 2001 [Page 23]*NATIONAL*PLAN

Scouting emblem program fosters world citizens

BY EDUCAI

IN AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

t al

joyous day when the Nationducation and Schools Office received the declaration card of a Brownie leader whose interest in the Faith had been heightened through its mention in the Girl Scout handbook. Lawton-Royce had contacted tional Center for informafaith and its “Unity of Mankind” emblem Scouting Program, then shared what she children in her troop.

arned with the

Baha'is she had contacted through the Education and Schools Office. A few months later, she sent in her tion card because the closest Baha’is were more than 100 miles away. At the same time in a small town near the Canadian border, two high school girls found out about the Faith from their Girl Scout manual. he girls contacted the National Bah Offices and were connected with two isolated believers in their communi

Available to all in Scouting

The Baha’ Faith’s Scouting Program, available to Girl and Boy Scout program participants of all ages, is designed to help young people realize their potential as citizens of the world.

It is available both for Scouts who are members of the Baha’i Faith and for those interested in learning more about the Faith.

It also is an incredible teaching tool.

Specific requirements are set out in the manual for each Scouting age level, organzed around three main areas of investigai Unity and the Individual, Unity and mily and Unity and Humanity h area is broken down into the cen

Steven Miller wears his newly bestowed Unity of Mankind emblem at the Feast where the award ceremony was held.

tral principles of the Baha’ ness of God, Oneness of Relig Oneness of Mankind (Race/Gender).

Increasingly, young believers are receiving their Unity of Mankind awards in formal ceremonies either during Feast or during the Scout troop’s formal awards presentation.

A proud moment

Steven Miller received his Scouting award at a recent Nineteen Day Feast in Oceana, Michigan.

“Everyone was impressed with the beauty of the emblem and, of course, the work Steven did to get it,” said Annette Toulemon, Baha’i School teacher and friend.

‘Toulemon, of Hart, Michigan, served

s Steven’s counselor as well as his Bahé School teacher during the months he worked on this program.

Upon moving to Michigan from Cali fornia a few years ago, she had helped

ve PLAN:

establish Baha’f School in her new community. Working with Se j part of the proc “Steven did the work for the emblem under the direction of his mother,” said Toulemon. “As a young Baha’i who was also a Cub Scout, he found out about the Unity of Mankind emblem program from his Scouting manual and was encourag project by his den moth

aid Touleaction when

“Tt was just so exciting, mon, remembering her r: she saw that the Baha’i Faith was represented in the Scout book.

“We're so pleased that the National ‘itual Assembly has [become] affi ed with other organizations, and this serves to keep our children connected to

the Faith and to each other.” She explained that the children in her community, and many others like hers,

are quite isolated.

“Such connections are very important for our children, because they just don’t see many other Baha’fs,” she noted.

Steven’s mother said the eight boys in is den often shared what they had learned or done.

“When they did the prayers, each of the boys listened to what the other had memorized, and they worked on other acti ties together,” she explained. “This turns out to be a good teaching tool as well.”

Saying the noonday prayer by memory at the Feast in which the emblem ceremony occurred, Steven also received a color certificate signed by National Assembly Secretary General Robert C. Henderson. The framed certificate now hangs in the bedroom he shares with his little brother.

“My scouunaster was really proud of

applying the + Enhancing the range of children’s and youth activities

me for earning thi emblem,” id Steven on the phone recently.

T learned pt of food to the Good Samaritz We were also kind to othe:

A Webelo’s accomplishments Another young Scout who completed the program is Samuel Stephenson, a 10old Webelo Cub Scout from Oregon. Like Steven, he |

project with his family and for his communi

Samuel met formally with the Loc Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Tillamook County, Oregon.

Bill Harford, his counselor, spoke to the Assembly about the young man’s accomplishments.

During that meeting Samuel recited from memory the essential principles of the Baha’i Faith and quoted a passage about the power of the love of God that makes all of us as the waves of one sea and the flowers of one garden.

As did Steven, Samuel memorized the short obligatory prayer. He also made a Unity of Mankind poster about racism.

He had read an article in the community paper about a sit-in at the local high school by an African-American student who left school because he had been worried about his safety.

Samuel felt that a poster could help because it agreed with the central theme of the sit-in, which was that education i:

Development of young people’s program is a great example of collaboration

y= Cub Scouts, Brownies, Boy ind Girl Scouts have been working toward the Unity of Mankind Scouting emblem since 1984.

That’s when a group of caring parents designed the program to teach young people about the Baha’s Faith.

“Ie a tough program,” said Tim Tyson of Huntsville, Alabama, one of its creators.

“We felt that it had to be a compreher sive program that was aligned with what was expected in the comparable badge programs. And it certainly is comparable, but irs not easy—it’s worthwhile,” said Tyson, now the coordinator of the National ‘Teaching Committee’s media campaign.

He remembers back to a 1984 meeting when he and J.B. “Butch” Fuller Jr. (now of the Birmingham area) were serving as assistants to Auxiliary Board member Ben Levy of Lake Mary, Florida.

“Butch and I were consulting on ways

The Unity of Mankind program for Scouts is now administered by the National Education and Schools Office. An update of the Unity of Mankind manual was completed two years ago. The 80-page guide, designed with individual sections for each age and Scouting group, can be downloaded from the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) and printed. Click on “NSA Departments,” then “Education and Schools Office” and, within that area, “Scouting Program.”

Also, copies are being distributed for $8 each through the Education and Schools Office (phone 847-733-3492, e-mail »

to expand involvement in our community’s teaching activities,” said Tyson. “Butch and his three sons were quite involved in Scouting, and I remember him pointing out that the other re! had a badge the young boys could earn.

“At that moment Ben challenged the two of us to put a program together, and really he helped us stay focused on producing the program in the shortest time possible,” Tyson recalls.

“Tt was a great collaboration of agencies

and institutions working together to fill a id: an Auxiliary Board-initiated activity, developed at the local level, worked through the National Teaching Office at that time, and then relying on the Office of External Affairs to help coordinate the adoption of the program by the Boy Scouts of America after the program was approved by the National Spiritual Assembly.”

The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America adopted the Unity of Mankind award in a ceremony in Wash

ington, DC. The Girl Scouts of the USA adopted the program not long after. “Having this program puts the Baha’i h on equal footing with the other faiths that are represented in Scouting,” said Fuller.

He points out that millions of Scouting manuals have been published mentioning the Faith since the inception of the Unity of Mankind program.

Fuller would like to see a next step taken—that of developing a recognition program for adult Scout leaders, as is done by the other faiths.

“To me it is a real deficiency, for we certainly should have some formal recognition process,” he said in offering to field offers of assistance.

Those who would like to see this program developed are encouraged to contact Fuller at

(phone \.¢o

November 4, 2001 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ NATIONAL PLAN page 23 [Page 24]

“oNATIONAL*®PLAN®

h Bahai School

Lock Lane - Santa Cruz, CX95060

The power of love

Or hundred thirty people experinced the power of love during a ekend of spiritual t Aug. 24-26 at Bosch Bah:

“The Power of Love in your Personal, Family, and Communit ed by Dan Popov and Linda Popov, authors of The Family Virtues Guide, took participants through an interactive journey exploring the theme of the captivating and transforming qualities of love.

Exercises and activities concentrated on fundamental virtues such as love, joy and unity. During an interactive session the participants asked each other what “joy” means to them and “What brings you joy?” They spent their time acquiring the skills to apply the virtues to everyday situations. As a result, the ses: sion helped recharge the participants’ spiritual batteries in a brief two days.

sformation,

Many participants said they longed for an extended weekend because of the joy they experienced during the session. One friend remarked that her husband was not a Baha’, but after the wonderful session, both of them will work together back home. Another _ participant remarked, “Now I have the wools to clean up my act and then help others.” The most e ig aspect of the session was the spirit the participants took back to their homes, one excited friend stated, “I can’t wait to go home and shake!”

The thrill of discovering the reality of unconditional love paralleled with an enriching focus on building spiritually healthy relationships deeply affected the life of a new believer, as she explained to a friend in San Francisco, “ “The Power of Love’ has changed my life forever.”

Many more friends will have an opportunity to receive the same joy and feel the same vitalizing spirit in furure sessions.

Upcoming session

Dec. 26-30: “Comparative Religion” with Dann May and Habib Riazati; “Mediation and Conflict Resolution” with Phyllis Bernard. While the nations of the world celebrate the New Year, Bosch will be welcoming friends for this exciting dual-topic Winter Ses

Sacred Obligation ...

conference.

Local Baha’i Schools Conference in Seattle, Washington. People involved in Baha’i schools across the state gathered in the aftermath of the Sept. II tragedy with a renewed sense of commitment and dedication to the education of all God’s children; the conference theme was “All God’s Children: Our ushering them to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts!” Much time was given to consultation on effective and systematic means to open Baha'i schools even more to the world’s children. Seventy-one participants representing 34 communities and 12 of the 21 Baha’i schools in Washington shared inspiration, love and success stories during this one-day

Jake Jacobs (left) and Mahvash Rezvani listen as Jennifer Head offers ideas ‘on incorporating the arts in teaching of children, during the

“Comparative Religion” will take participants through an exploration of the relationship of the Baha’i Faith to other religions.

Concurrently, “Meditation and Conflict Resolution” will set out vital skills

for resolving conflicts in all walks of life and will present effective methods of meditation.

Complete list of upcoming Bosch programs on Calendar, back page

WWwidtihelen.org Spiritual parenting

BY LIZ DONALDSON

IE its letter of Ridvan 2000, the Universal House of Justice issued an urgent appeal on behalf of Baha’i children, noting, “Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future.”

‘The Supreme Body further appealed to parents “to give constant attention to the spiritual education of their children.”

This clarion call for concern for the interests and needs of children has stimulated action among Baha'is worldwide, as the House of Justice noted with satisfaction in its Ridvan 2001 letter.

The Baha'i community's increasing focus on nurturing children was apparent in the enthusiasm of participants in the Spiritual Parenting session held Aug. 10-15 at Louhelen Baha’i School.

That session was one of a regular, year-round series of Spiritual Parenting trainings held at Louhelen to support parents in their efforts to raise spiritually healthy and happy children who are

strong and active Baha’is

“Pm usually not a workshop kind of person, but this was great,” said Shahin Fallah, one of 43 people at the August program.

He noticed immediate benefits from the course and recommends it to others. “We had wonderful instructors and a great group [of participants],” he said.

The basis of this well-received course is the National Teacher Training Center’s parent facilitator curriculum, one of six programs in the Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education.

As with other Core Curriculum courses, Spiritual Parenting doesn’t need to be taken at Louhelen. Local communities may host sessions with trained facil

itators arranged through the National ‘Teacher ‘Training Center (NTTC).

“The parenting workshops have received high marks from participants, who include parents who are Baha’fs as well as others who are close to the Faith,” said Dan Darling, NT'TC outreach coordinator. “People interested in bringing these workshops to their communities can contact the NTTC for help in locating a trained facilitator in their area.”

If trained facilitators are unavailable in a particular area, people may seek training for this service. The next training for such facilitator a split two-weekend session at Louhelen in 2002: Feb. 8-11 and May 17-19.

Summer school in the fresh air

Children at Four Corners Baha’i School in New Mexico gather around Alberto Cardefia of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, who helps them make kites. The July summer school annually draws a diverse group of students from several states.

Photo by Carole Hitti

les Parenting, the NTTC offers s in Core Cur lum teacher ing, Marriage and Family Life workshops, Race Unity training, Equality training and Youth Empowerment training. These are all two-part courses, consisting of a 3-day plus a 2-day session. All courses are offered at least twice per year.

If you are interested in any of these valuable paths of service, please contact the NTTC (phone 810 653-5033, email DS

Other upcoming sessions

Nov. 9-11: “Following the Century of Light: Implications for the Five Year Plan” with Counselor Rebequa Murphy and Marshall Murphy. Features a full spiritual education program for children.

Nov. 15-18: “Unfolding the Potential Within,” the third annual conference of the Baha’ Association of Mental Health Professionals. “The Authenticity Project” immediately follows this session until Nov. 20. Project founder Dr. William Hatcher will lead this session, focusing on this groundbreaking approach to the development of authentic human relationships.

Dec. 7-9: “Expressing Creativity through the Writer’s Art,” led by Dr. Adrienne Ellis Reeves, will allow aspiring and practiced writers a chance to hone their craft and to see what the Baha’i writings say about this topic. Participants should bring a 250-word writing sample on a topic of interest to them. #

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen programs on Calendar, back page

page 24 THe AMERICAN BanA’i * NATIONAL PLAN November 4, 2001 [Page 25]

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RETRIEVAL,

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is forwarded for follow-up. (Upon regi tering for or confirming participation in the seeker response program, communities tell us which 5-digit ZIP codes they would like to “claim.”)

A reminder e-mail will automatically be sent to the local seeker response representative every time a new seeker m forwarded to the community’

Web page. ‘The community is respon: ble for checking daily for messages from in their area. Any seeker message ed within 3 days will automatically be forwarded to a state default page for follow-up.

ge

How the community follows up The local community then responds to the seeker, perhaps with a person ized letter with their local community’

contact information, invitations to local firesides, devotio: gs, childr community is also responsible for providing the seeker newsletters The Light of Unity when the seek ly requested to receive it at the public Web site (www.us.bahai.o

The

as speci

newsletter can be downloaded

from the Administ Web Site (www.usbne under “Media Cam2 ” The

newsletters can be adapted to reflect local eve:

ts.

Seeker tracking system After logging on to the new system, the community then enter information on local follow-up and seeker progress in the Web site-provided tracking system. This new system of tracking

VIRTUOUS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE II

Sunday School, show an appealing Baha’i community life to seekers.

The Baha’is are always seeking an opportunity to push forward. For instance, once the town hall and the senior center each were secured to house the school once per month, attention turned to advertising the classes.

Shem Bucovean worked out a contract with the local cable TV company to air Baha’ ads referring interested people to 1800-22-UNITE. Since February, the spots have been shown 25 times a week, rotating on six cable channels that appeal to women. Community members chip in for the cost.

A weekly local newspaper, in addition, has begun to list the Sunday School in its calendar of religious activities.

The effort appears to have come full circle: Many of the communities’ contacts are not necessarily interested in the Sunday School but want to learn more about the Faith.

‘The response? Firesides, naturally— every month, featuring various artists.

Melinda Burgard recently shared a telling testimony from her 7-year-old daughter.

Simone was invited to a birthday party, but it turned out to be at the same

through the Web site will assist you in your efforts to be and will also provide the Institutions of the Faith with valuable information on the response of local communities to seekers.

How your community can join If your community is not already signed up with the new system, pleas

• Consult with your Local Spiritual

Assembly or registered group to assign someone who owns a computer to be responsible for retrieving your communi seeker messages. Ma sure it is someone a warm, wel. coming personality who n be counted on to check daily for message: ¢ Establi: rese:

h your coverage area by ¢ what ZIP codes you wish to cover. You are encouraged to add ZIP codes that correspond to the coverage area of the dominant broadcast media in your locality. If the coverage area includes ZIP codes that de the jurisdiction of Baha’ communities, institutions should alt on the approp!

are out

co jate ment.

If you need help determining ZIP codes, contact your local post office for a listing or try the United S Service site gov) or ZIPfind Central

ign

If your community has a voice-mail box with the old system, you must have reliable Internet access and confirm your participation in the new system by registering on the Web (www.research.net/22unite). For more information, pl us (

se e-mail .¢

time as Sunday School. Once the conflict’ surfaced, Simone immediately chose the latter.

Melinda, surprised, asked her again several times. Simone remained firm: I don’t want to miss Sunday School.

For more information on any aspect of this community development, contact Kathy Grammer (phone 845-469-9450).

Columbus, OH

Columbus Soul Miners has taken virtues training to the inner city.

Children from Connie Young’s East Side neighborhood near the Columbus Baha’i Center are invited monthly to a “celebration” in her home.

Each event focuses on a person of African descent and the virtues that person exemplified.

In February, for instance, the Soul Miners children celebrated the 11th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the subsequent freedom of South Africa from apartheid.

The children discussed the virtues of fortitude and patience and the importance of race unity.

Discussion flowed into singing and dancing to songs from South Africa.

Finally, the children presented how

A different type of ‘learning’ circle

teaches

Springs, Florida,

Robert A. Speirs stands among his concrete sculptures of children of all races in attitudes of study, which stand in front of Idyllwilde Elementary School in Sanford, Florida, a school with a highly diverse student body where Speirs ed and talented students. Children often sit with the concrete “children” and read. “The sculpture has become a center the district’s assistant school superintendent has said. Other principals in the county have requested similar sculptures for their schools. Speirs, of Winter

is working on a series of sculptures that show various principles of the Baha’i Faith. Photo courtesy of Siggle S. Shaw Ill

ce for the school,”

Site has nearly 200 devotional programs

Me: than 190 devotional programs s, Holy Days, Unity

Feasts or other public meetings are available for downloading from “The n—The Baha'i Devotions Yeb Site,” maintained by the Spiritual ssembly of Dallas. ‘The programs can be downloaded in a variety of formats—Microsoft Publisher

they saw themselves practicing the virtues and how it would help the world, their nation, their community, their family or another individual.

Sometimes Young and her helpe: neighborhood adults along with area Baha’is—present the topic.

Other times a speaker is brought in: a police officer on trustworthiness and justice, or a city councilwoman on respect, patience and determination.

“We want the children to discover that they have the same virtues inside them that famous people do, and that they don’t have to wait until they’re grown to do great things,” said Young.

She said it has been wonderful to see the growth in participants. One acted and spoke rough at the beginning, but gradually changed her tone. Recently she wrote an essay about how she has applied the virtue of kindness in her life

‘Through exposure to Baha’fs, including members of a youth workshop, some of the children also have begun participating in Baha’f events.

For most sessions, Soul Miners participants range in age from 5 to 10. Sometimes a topic will attract neighborhood teens.

And that’s not to mention the neighborhood’s elderly, who also have taken an interest.

or Word or Adobe Acrobat—or simply viewed as Web pages

They were collected not only from those used at the Sunday devotional meetings in Dallas, but also from the Unity Feasts held in Nas n

Address for the Web www.bahaidevotions.org #

“They come because they were deprived of that education [about accomplished African-Americans] when they were growing up,” said Young. “It creates a wonderful caring and giving environment for both generations.”

A professor of African-American and African Studies at Ohio State University also has taken notice, as have several schoolteachers, a church youth program and a day care center in the area, and they want to get involved.

Baha'is in other Columbus neighborhoods—and in the suburbs—are looking to replicate the 2-year-old program as well, tweaking it so the exemplars chosen reflect the demographics of the children.

Young has received much interest in the Soul Miners concept after presenting at two subregional Baha’i conferences.

‘To spread the word, Young figures she’ll need some help. She is studying ways to gain 501(c)(3) status for the social and economic development project so it can attract grant money. ®

For information on Soul Miners, please contact Connie Young, (phone » e-mail

).

November 4,200! THe AMERICAN BANA’i ¢ ContinueD/News page 25 [Page 26]

AUDREY

Set

HETERO PTBY

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

f you know of anyone who has skills in the following areas, or know of people who may know others with these skills, especially for positions listed as “Urgent Needs,”

please contact our Human Resources Department.

AT BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON/WitmerTe, IL Program Coordinator I, Office of the Treasurer. Will organize weekend visit programs and coordinate annual National Treasurer's nd mentor financial assist

Forum; manage, train

consultants around the country who wi

local treasurers and Assemblies; design training materials and programs to complement Stewardship and Development manual; give pre sentations and workshops at Baha'i schools.

and conferences; maintain databa:

treasurers and rele of the ed to the Office of the ‘Treasurer; answer |

nate activil Convention relat

du:

ters and phone calls from indi blie:

tronic newsletter; assist

and other agencies; distribute an elec

ith development and maintenance of Office of the Treasurer Web training program for local

treasurers and Assembli

Administrative Assistant, Persian-American Affairs Office. Office skills should include

Microsoft Windows 98 and/or 2000, possibly yping 55 wpm,

lator by touch.

Excellent verbal and written skills in both Per

sian and English a M Should be well versed in both cultures, able to interact with

all types of people; must posses knowledge of the Bah: lent consultative abilities.

Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building mai engincering staff to provide

in-depth th and have excel

tenance and

imely services at

minimal costs; plan, estimate, sc

tenance requests and proje

effectively maintained. Needs 5 years’ experiall areas of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, paint

ing, cleaning etc.) with 3

nan

nanage! sory command of

AT BAHA’l DisTRIBUTION SERVICE Futton County. GA Customer Service Representative. Will process

phone, fax and electronic orders, respond to

skills, experience in telephone customer ice or related work, pleasant and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Baha’i literature is a

plus.

URGENT NEEDS

All positions full time unless otherwise noted.

Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Accountant (CPA skill level). Will work in fast-paced, complex environment with diverse accounting, financial and administrative responsibilities. Should have a strong background in auditing and either for-profit or not-for-profit activities. Minimum 10 years’ experience.

Meetings and Travel Office, Evanston, IL: Manager. Should know travel industry; Worldspan or other travel reservation system experience. Experienced in hospitality with strong organizational skills, good understanding of hotel business, site research, meeting room arrangements, food functions and accommodations. Vendor contract negotiations. Must be able to work under pressure and handle several tasks at the same time. Work schedule flexible; some weekend work required.

Meetings and Travel Office, Evanston, IL: Meetings/Travel Assistant. Will help make travel arrangements for National Spiritual Assembly agencies and Baha’f 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 gn 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 Baha’{ 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.

Bahai 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 Baha’f 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.

Bahai Distribution Service, Fulton County, GA: Buyer. Helps ensure timely, economical availability of Baha’{ literature and materials; communicates with publishers and vendors; negotiates sales agreements. Two years’ experience as. a buyer, including work with purchasing contracts or two years’ experience retail ordering and stocking; experience with basic office administrative support including Microsoft Word.

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). @

At Bosch BaHa’l SCHOOL

SANTA Cruz, CA Facilities Manager. Will manage facility/building staff to pro Children’s Education Coordinator. Looking

for a dynamic, personable, energet

person

ing maintenance and engine:

vide timely services at mini must have knowledge of curric

tenance requests and proj

for children of all ages on a able to contact and supervii . Will plan and organize children’s

mate, schedule mai ects; ensure that all equipment and buildings

are efficiently and effectively m Needs 5 years’ experience in all areas of build- prog electrical, plumbing, Organizational and leadership skills a must; musical talent a plus.

m as well as help with adult program. ing maintenance (HVAC,

carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3-5 driver's

years as maintenance manager; license; supervisory command of E Office Manager/Registrar. Contact the Office National

AT GREEN AcRE BAHA'I SCHOOL Euiot, ME

of Human Resources at the Bah:

Center for job requirements. assists with the Assistant Cook (full time). Helps Head Cook,

+hen/dining room oper ion, Must be grounded in Baha’s principles, proficient in

general secretarial/administrative skills, f

experience as cook.

with a bachelor’s degree in education or related field; must be trained in Core Curriculum; jum building ide range of subvolunteer

Office Assistant. Performs general office man

URGENT NEED

Director, NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION New York, NY For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit wwwausbnc.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.

iar 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 BAHA'I INSTITUTE Houck, AZ Children and Youth Program Coordinator.

Carries out adn social

tasks to coordinate day-to-day operation of youth programs, including Youth Service

Corps volunteer program; collaborates with administrators to design and ru

service, tra

ig and community

communicates

program for youth volunte with youth from around the region and the country; develops youth newsletters, periodic

conferences, retreats and deepenin,

pletes special projects and other duties. Needs driver's license. Maintenance Supervisor. Will manage facility/building n

to provide timely

intenance and engi

plumbing, carpentry, een

as a maintenat

with 3-5 yea valid driver's license; supervisory command of English.

If interested in any of the above Baba’i National Offices posts, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

INTERNATIONAL China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for ry. For information contact John Cornyn (phone , fax 847-733-3509, e-mail .

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

in this rapidly developing cou

The Office of Pioneering is eager to a: the friends prepari fort

for international serv

tion regarding jobs and study

abroad, or international traveling teaching

SEE CLASSIFIED, PAGE 27

page 26 THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED November 4, 2001 [Page 27]

, TTC A S oT Te De

Special ‘World Order’ looks at family

n the fairy tale ends, and the iant couple, ever so much changes in the world.

exit to live happily ever after, That Bal onceptions of the fam they assume that their abiding love will should be r d to our understandi see them through all of the fortuities of gender equality might come as no

relationship of changes in the family to

ati

and exigencies of life without conflict. e. What might come as a surprise, not also part of the fairy tale that World Order has puba Schweitz, one of four lished more articles on gender eq

work appears in the tha issue of World Order, a

any other publ : of World Order is

ling. Individuals k found great value in

The spe

ng the issue for

personal and group study. Martha Villagomez, a newlywed from I

Schweitz, el L. Penn, Caren Rosenthal and Leili Towfigh took up — Evans World Order’s challenge to consider her husband are ng Schwei on the Changing Family,” together in thei rts to continue to the theme of a special issue. deepen on the concept of Bal

Penn looks at the theme of the from the perspective of gender ec in his article on “Eradica Based Violence: Su lenges.” The Spring 2001 cludes with Rosenthal’s and analysis of Thoi Celebration, examining the disclosure of family abuse, response, change, truth telling, recon n, justice, and the

inois, reports that

“Perspectiv

ef

marriage. “Schweitz offers methods for crafting one’ own model of family governance based on Bal

Robert Stockman, who coordinates the Wilmette Institute, notes, “Some of the themed issues have proved particularly valuable in our courses. It would be difficult for the Wilmette Institute to offer the range of courses it is offering without access to World Order’

URGENT NEED AT THE BAHA’i WorRLD CENTER, HAIFA, ISRAEL

Maintenance/Janitorial Supervisors ‘The Works Office at the World Center is responsible for physical involving renovations, repairs, carpentry, plumbing,

aintenance of buildings,

electrical works, et ‘The Cleaning Maintenance Department is responsible for keeping the buildings cl involves janitorial work, protecting and cleaning floors, walls

, furniture, art obje 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 supervis

number of helpers. The buildings to be looked after cover a wide range,

from the character of museums to that of ordinary offi For more information see: WWW-USDNC.Org

Please send résumé to: Baha’i National Center Office of Human Resources, 1233

Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430, e-mail )

CLASSIFIED, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 opportuni tact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central ston, IL, 60201 (phone 847-733mail ).

gravesites are located in Haw:

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for and other events, please con- 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 ).

ARCHIVES

International Teaching Projects

• Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany,

Baltic States: Diversity Dance Theatre Europe, continuing through August 2002,

ion of the

ically connecting procla ‘The National Baha’ Archives is seeking original letters written on bebalf of the Guardian

to the following: William D. Gardner, Ralph

Faith, personal teaching, dance and music, social service and t

institute process. In ‘ontinental Board of

‘opean Baha'i Youth Council and many National Spiri

cooperation with the Garner, Lillian Beavers Garnett, Rosa Lee

Counselor

Dunston Garnett, Bessie M. Garrison, Faith

tual Assemblies, the Garsed and Jack Gartner. Anyone knowing

project consi ly of touring and “short- family members or rel

these C

s who might have iardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Baha’ Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-8532359).

term pioneering” aiming at supporting and

establishing “social dance projects.”

Conference in Honolulu, Dec. 20-23.

‘The National Babs’ Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Bah’i community wishing a set is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Baha'i 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

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 Archi Martha Louise Root—both of whose

PVRS a ea fe mee RL)

World Order

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

• Leila Milani on the decision-making role of women in bringing about peace
• Jeffrey S. Gruber on indigenization, universalization and world language
• M. Eric Horton on Gregory Nava's El Norte * Firuz Kazemzadeh reviews

Century of Light

Making sense of the world by exploring the spiritual implications of 2 Ist-century life

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 Countrysid

Connecting the Spirit to the Environment

Subscriptions: US—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail— $19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail— $24 1 year, $46 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

One Country

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

The American Baha’i

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

Brilliant Star

a BY Cx Cae a ees ce eee er oy

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly For subscription information: See “Kid’s Corner,” page 17

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication?

Send to:

Address

City State, ZIP Country Daytime phone or e-mail

Sold to (if different from recipient):

Address

City State, ZIP Country Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N Home phone E

Work phone E-mail

Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank, payable to Baha’{ Distribution Services Do not combine ion payments with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents applicable sales tax.

Credit card #

(if applicable) Exp. date

Cardholder signature

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 ¢ E-mail orders: Mail orders: Baha’i Subscriber Service,

4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 ‘TAB 11/04/01

November 4,200! THe AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ CLASSIFIED page 27 [Page 28]

Parmelee served at home, abroad; was tireless worker for race unity

INFORMATION FROM ELLEN PARMELEE

ylvia Badieh Paine Parmelee met

‘Abdu’l-Bahé in childhood and

remained a lifelong servant to the use of God, traveling extensively to teach and to encourage the friends in this country and in Guyana, communica with hundreds of intern and helping her husband main coming home in Washington, DC, and later in Wilmette, Ilinoi After a brief hospitali ailure, she died August 15, 2001, having lived in Wilmette nearly four decades. She was 92.

Born Aug. 4, 1909, in Urbana, Illinois, Sylvia was the daughter of Ellery Burton Paine—an engineering professor and later dean at the University of Illinoi and Mabel Hyde Paine.

When she was 6, Sylvia and her mother heard of the Baha'i Faith while attending the Unitarian Church nea their home. The minister, Albert had recently found and embraced the new religion and shared it with his congregation.

Mother and daughter wrote directly to ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, as was the procedure in those days, stating their wholehearted faith in Baha’u'llah. In 1920, they joined two others in the long and uncertain journey to the Holy Land to meet the Master.

‘As a Bahé’i youth, Sylvia was active in gatherings in Illinois, Indiana and the Davison (now Louhelen) Baha’s School in Michigan. Her family ensured that she attend top-quality schools: University High School in Urbana, then Well ley College in Massachusetts, where she

Paul was longtime pioneer to Saba

INFORMATION FROM ROBERTA SOLOMON

AND THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING

earned a bachelor’s degree in 1931.

That year, a second pilgrimage to Haifa allowed her to ask the Guardian for guidance: Should she find ways to rve the Faith or return to higher education? His clear encouragement spoke of the need of the Faith to have welleducated Baha’is who could attend to the teaching of the Faith to prominent leaders of thought.

With that in her heart, she worked to earn a master’s degree in economics in 1933 at the University of Illinois. There she met Rexford Clark Parmelee; the two were married in 1935 in Urbana.

Rex became employed by the federal government and the couple moved to Washington, DC. Both worked constantly to support the Baha’i community. She was a member of Washington's Spiritual Assembly for many years and their home served as a “center” for the community, receiving a constant flow of lors—many of whom were guests at r regular fireside:

During the Ten Year Crusade beginning in 1953, Sylvia served as secretary of the Africa Teaching Committee, interviewing and sending pioneers to many countries in that vast continent. She and Rex began a study of thos countries and their home was filled with books, artwork, and crafts of Africa.

An ardent student of the Writings, she also taught many courses in her community Acre Baha’i School in Maine.

While in Washington, Sylvia maintained contact with Wellesley and its club for foreign students and, from her constant interest in foreign affairs, often supported projects with them, such as

Goals Committee, s believe that this day. If they have

e wrote, “I firmly land will be all Baha’{ someened to me on the radio

mpanying 17 foreign students to the Capitol to attend a hearing. She also supported the civil rights movement through such means as keeping the Baha’i Center open during the historic March on Washington in 1963. She and Rex also supported an interfaith group that worked to help smooth the path of integration in housing, a cause for which they later gave much time and energy in Wilmette.

In 1964, as Rexford neared retirement from his government position, they were ed to serve at the Baha'i Ni Center. They found a home very near the House of Worship in Wilmette, suitable for service to its growing need:

Having learned so much about the needs of pioneers, she began work at the International Goals Office, where she remained until her retirement in 1975. During those years she also assisted with the production of Baha’s News and other publications, and, with Rex, served on the Devotions Committee of the Hou: of Worship.

Her work in the broader community included support of the League of Women Voters, Northshore InterFaith Housing and other community agencies, earning her an award as a Super Senior Citizen in 1978.

She and Rex also traveled extensively to teach the Faith within the U.S. as well as in Guyana, where her daughter Ellen, her husband and their three children were pioneering. They remember how Sylvia endured the many mosquitoes, heat, mud and lack of electricity and water during her regular stays in their home.

Despite her age, Sylvia traveled to s eral remote areas within Guyana and twice traveled to neighboring Suriname,

ac

Sylvia Parmelee traveled for the Faith as recently as four years ago, when she attended a course at Landegg Academy in Switzerland.

always willing to share her accounts of that early pilgrimage, bringing those believers closer to the Heroic Age of their Faith.

Those visits helped in the establishment of youth c Be and commemorations. The couple generou: supplied materials, equipment, books, slides, tapes and other items that n many teaching efforts pos: n of the

ade

it in Guyana ended with the return of Ellen and her family to the States in April, 1994, Sylvia traveled abroad again in October 1997, when at age 88 she attended a course at Landegg Academy (now Landegg International Un zerland. She assisted with Baha’i act as long as her health and strength would allow.

Ina message to the family, the N: al Spiritual Assembly. said, “ embodied the name, ‘Badieh’ or ‘Wonderful’ bestowed upon her by ‘Abdu’lBaha. ... Happiness and joy personified her devotion to her Lord.” They also noted that she and her husband “created a home of peace where friends were warmly welcomed and the teachings of the Faith diffused. It was always a haven and refuge for those giving service to the National Spiritual Assembly.”

Sylvia urvived by her three children, Richard, Ellen, and Marian, seven granchildren, and three great grandchildren. @

Setareh promoted equality

. INFORMATION FROM SIROUS SETAREH

IN Setareh taught the Baha’ Faith with great love and dedication, and while she lived in Iran she was deeply involved in activities to advance the equality of women and men.

auline Paul, a Baha'i pioneer to the

Caribbean island of Saba for 26 years, passed away peacefully in the company of two longtime Baha’ friends on July 7, 2001, in Santa Rosa, California, where she had lived since 1997. She was 91.

Born Pauline Hundey on Nov. 30, 1909, in Des Moines, Iowa, she worked for years as a teacher.

While serving as er for the Washington, DC, Baha’i Center and s rary of the Local Spiritual Assembly, she wrote in March 1972 to the International Goals Committee, offering to fulfill a goal of the Nine Year Plan. By July she was on Saba.

Pauline hosted a tea every week for the ladies of St. John, gave free piano lessons, held firesides every Friday night and gave 15 minute talks twice a week on Saba radio. She later added a news broadcast and nightly children’s programs, becoming known as the radio personality “Miss Pauline.”

In one of her letters to the International

for the last six years, they have to know something.”

She served on the board of the Saba section for International Women’s Year, speaking at unity meetings of all the churches, and made periodic trip . Kitts and Nevis.

Helping to establish two National Spiritual mblies in the Caribbean, twice she served as a national delegate to the Baha’i International Conventions at the Baha’{ World Center in Haifa.

She received an award from the Kiwanis Club of Saba for her dedicated and sincere

acting lieutenant governor and national Baha’s esentatives, with citizens holding flowers and signs along her way to the airport.

Pauline is survived by four children, David Paul, Dorothy Cronquist, Diana Bort and Donna Paine; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. #

She ascended to the Abhi Kingdom on July 30, 2001, in Los Angeles, Californi

Born into a devoted Baha’i family in Kashan, Iran, in 1916, ata time when women in that country were limed socially and religiously, Maryam made remarkable strides, learning Hebrew at the age of 4 and Arabic later on. Around age 10 she took up the tar, a traditional Iranian stringed instrument, learning the radiments by observing her grandfather Morad Amanat.

During her years of study, she received many awards and commendations because of her excellent memory. Through this ability, she was able to commit many of the Baha’ sacred writings to heart, thus becoming very resourceful in helping Baha’s friends to find answers to their spiritual questions.

She was a pioneer in advancing the interest of women wherever she lived. In Iran, she was deeply involved and associated with the activities of renowned Persian Baha’ women. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 forced her and her family to flee to the United States, where they joined other members of their family.

During her several hospitalizations, it was her ardent desire to inform the doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff about Baha'u'llah and the Faith.

Maryam is survived by six children and their respective families. #

page 28 Tie AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ IN Memoriam November 4, 2001 ue eM rote cu Y 4 [Page 29]

Trudy Eisenberg opened the Canary Islands

ertrude (Trudy) Eisenberg, a

Knight of Bahau’lléh, died September 8 in her sleep at Monrovia Convalescent Home in Duarte, California. She was 95.

She was born June 13, 1906, in Sag Harbor, New York, to Jewish Hungarian immigrants and was raised, with her sister and three brothers, in a loving Orthodox home that encouraged independent thinking, education and an interest in the arts.

In the years following World War II, she became acq inted with the teachings of the aith and wholeheartedly embraced them. Always independent and adventurous, ned Spanish and began to sively around the world to

nessage of unity, with stays in Guatemala, Hawaii, Paraguay and Brazil.

In 1953, she moved to the Canary

ing effort, Shoghi Effer di designated her a Knight of Baha’u’llal In a letter to the International Goals Committee, Eisenberg wrote, “What a bounty for me and a privilege to assist in establishing the first Assembly on Grand Canary. I have to keep pinching myself.” Patty Gill of South Pasadena remembers Eisenberg as a “beautiful, intelligent, spirited and passionate woman and believer who always cared for, prayer for, and encouraged those in need. She never sought gain or recognition, only the opportunity for more service.”

IN MEMORIAM Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Baha’i National Center. To report the passing of a Baha'i in the United States, please contact the Membership Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail . Wiley B. Allison Azrine Jones Noorieh Samandari East Point, GA Hampton, SC Eugene,OR 1996 1998 July 24, 2001 Forough Anderson Robert D. Keithley Carol Sager San Diego, CA Albemarle County, VA Long Beach, CA August 22, 2001 August 12, 2001 July 23, 2001 Veronica D. Augustine Fatemeh M. Khalighi — Maryam Setareh Sells Chapter, AZ Covina, CA Los Angeles, CA July 15, 2001 June 2001 July 30, 2001 Caryl Borea Lars A. Larsen Alice Singleton Roswell, GA Orland, CA Anderson County, SC August 26, 2001 January 2001 August 12, 2001 Saltanat Boshra Donette Lee William H. Smith Bunker Hill Village, TX Ojai, CA Lansing, MI April 1998 April 23,2001 March 25, 2001 Jean L. Buckley Lee McBride Cheryl L. Stull Loveland, CO Pompano Beach, FL. Port Angeles, WA June 21, 2001 September 2, 2001 April 24, 2001 Mare A. Croyle Fashri S$. Nikubonyad Aronld H. Sutin Cleveland, OH San Diego, CA Xenia, OH Devember 7, 2000 August 22, 2001 May 12, 2001 Virginia Forsmo Nasser Nouri Harold J. Thomas Snohomish County, WA Riverside, CA Cleveland, OH July 25, 2001 January 2001 September 2000 Margaret A. Gallagher Ruhullah Noury Irene Thomas Placerville, CA Riverside, CA Cleveland, OH July 24, 2001 July 8, 2001 August 1999 Leonard D. Graham Mallor Owens Irene Trulear Kingstree, SC Cleveland,OH Philadelphia, PA April 21, 2001 November 2000 May 19, 2001 Yahya Hedayati Sylvia B. Parmelee Mae M. White Horse Scottsdale, AZ Wilmette, IL Antelope District, SD May 23, 2001 August 15, 2001 June 2001 Nematollah Horriat | Esmat Sabeti Seysan Louise S. Williams Colorado Springs, CO Beaverton, OR Glendale, AZ August 22, 2001 September 10, 2001 July 16, 2001

Gill said she “took great d tening to opera and cla S pleasing children, looking at beautiful flowers, making friends, and just reveling in the simple joys and beauty of life.”

Esther de Talley of Pasadena wa: newly declared, “overwhelmed” Baha’i when she met Eisenberg in 1966.

“We had hours of conversations, and she, as everyone who knew her knows, was a storyteller,” said de Talley. “All her words fell on my enchanted heart. I was so new at this Faith—couldn’t express a word coherently about it. But in my heart of hearts I was aflame, a stoked that flame even furth

for days and days and days,” said de Talley. “And I think she knew her grief was a symbol, and pent-up sacrifices and

Sisenberg was attacked in her parking lot in the early 1980s and had difficulty walking from then on, but she rarely if ever complained about her disability. She went into the nursing home at the end of 1997.

Eisenberg is survived by her brother, Jack, of Hayward, California, and many nephews and nieces, most residing in the Chicago area.

Burial was in Inglewood Park Cemetery near the Thornton Chase Memori .o

Udhnawala served in Sri Lanka on National Spiritual Assembly

he friends in Memphis, Tennessee, ahirih

e mourning the loss ¢ Hakiman Udhnawala impact on the Ba brief time.

A former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sri Lanka, she moved to Memphis with her son, Rah

who made a great community in a

mat, to get trea oul, c ee her life

, in Dallas, ad moved to suburban Coppell after h’s husband, Soli, got a job in the The is of Memphis and of the Dallas area held memorial services for her.

“She attended all the Baha’i meetings. She tried to phone each member of the Baha’i community to tell each that she loved him or her,” wrote Patricia Bradley, a veteran Memphis believer. “She tried to have each come to a delicious meal in her home. She made good friends at thé West Clinic and volunteered there, besides going for frech emo|therapy] treatments.” irih did tailoring work while she and Rahmat stayed in Memphis, Bradley said. Neighbors were frequently welcomed into her apartment near LeMoyne-Owen College.

“She w: wonderful friend to me, sometimes calling me late at night to tell a joke,” Bradley wrote.

Born in Kerman, Iran, Tahirih Hakiman spent her childhood at a pioneering post in Iran so remote that it took se al days to get there by truck. Her family moved later to Zahedan, where she

learned tailoring.

When the Iranian Revolution broke out, Tahirih was attending college in Turkey, and she worked for years to comfort and counsel Bahé’i refugees

Islands and § Lanka’s National Convention in 1986 she

met Soli Udhnawala. The pair married and settled in that country until late 1998.

Tahirih Hakiman Udhnawala is shown in arecent fi photo with her husband, Soli, and their son, Rahmat.

From Ridvan 1990 until 1994, Tahirih served on the National Spiritual Assembly there. For several y retary of the national Baha’f Child E tion & Women Activities Committee. “She has left an indelible memory on the majority of the Ba ha’f population in this country,” the Sri Lankan National mbly said in a message to the Universal House of Justice, copied to her husband, Soli. “She always wore a welcoming smile on her face and her vibrant personality would have infused new life into many, many believers, particularly the youths.”

In 1996, an three years after Rahmat was born, she found signs of cancer. The family consulted her brother Sina, a physician in Iran, and she had surgery and chemotherapy. Later, her brother Sadegh arranged for treatment at a clinic in Memphis, where he lived, and she moved there in early 1999.

A few months after the family moved to Coppell in spring 2000, other health problems put her back in the hospital, and the cancer soon overtook her.

“When she left Memphis she said she had received many gifts—wonderful parents, Soli and Rahmat, but in many ways cancer had been her best gi Bradley recalled. “It gave her her heart’s desire—a greater opportunity to ... be of service.”

‘November 4,200! THe AMERICAN BAnA’i ¢ IN MemMoRIAM page 29 [Page 30]reRSaTE

SEEKING YOUR

TORIES

CRESPONSE

2001 BAH

RENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS December 13-16 ¢ Rosen Plaza Hotel ¢ Orlando, Florida

nt (SED); Ethics in SEL SED Projects; A € Guide SED Pr Application of SED Principles to Health €

-eptual Framework to Help

ice; Applying the Arts to SED;

1g the Barriers to Systematic Action; Ser The Progress of Women Along the Path

ice and SED; Moral Leadership

Toward Oneness”: Practical

Application of the Teachings to Eliminate Prejudice; Participatory Processes that Empower

Communities; Bringing Spiritual Values o Business

and much, much more. MUSIC AND DRAMA ‘The arts will be integrated throughout the

ference, including “Inspirational Learn through the Arts," directed by Leslie Asplund and featuring the talents KC Porter, <lton, Mark Ochu, Christina Quinn,

an, Laura Lee and

Farzad Khoveii

Gwendolyn Watson, Roya Bau

‘many more.

ram details, sce www.rabbanitrust.org

nello

Gene Andrews Wilma Ellis Jack McCants Leslie Aspl

Add $20 per person after Ni

Mail check (in U OR: To pay by credit card (Vis

Register online at our Web si Adults $120 * Youth (15-20 years) $80 * Cl

HOTEL AIREINGIRENTAL CAR INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Rosen (formerly Clarion) Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $50 per night (up co 4 pate per room)

iIdren and Junior Youth (3-14 years) $60 * Add $19 co:

This is to be

The new Year Plan calls upon us to “influence the course of human affairs.” 1

achieved through va tiatives, including establishing projects of social and economic de

ous ii

velopment. The Plan calls for us ¢0 t0

could be

As we've been told in the past, “. 2, to apply the Teachings ...

nition of

nas the ve

y def ” Key elements of the Conference program include a mix ture of plenary and smaller concurrent sessions featuring presentations on

ED principles,

concepts, core processes and in-depth case studies, with a number of repeat sessions to assist

the friends in being able to attend se:

ne Andrews (U.S, hacl and Judie Bopp (Canada), Austin Bowdeng (U.S.), Holly Hanson (U.S.), Jack McCants ysan Sahba (US), Donald Witzel (Venezuela) and many more.

Featured presenters: Dwight and Doug Allen (U. Eloy Anello

20

call 407-740-5415 bution if possible for scholarships

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DOUGLAS MARTIN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

• We're all fallible. But if we reach as

’Ilih will “bless nd will raise it up

high as we can, B: what we up the rest of the way.

A new relationship

The Universal House of Justice member carried through the theme of empowerment to his second talk, “Tak ing Yes for an Ans\

• Baha'is

community through our unity are not just for us; they are d empower masses of humanity to arise and shape their own future. Baha'u'llah has given us a Divine Plan

.

we do h . Divisions in society give rise to people such as those who attacked on Sept. 11. Globally, the largest division ss to and distribution of wealth. As bad as the toll at the World ‘Trade Center was, it pales next to the 800,000 murdered in Rwanda just three years ago. And the world had ample warning of that bloodbath. People who riot against globalization do so because they don’t know whom to confront. The problem is injustice in dis: tribution of the fruits of globalization.

.

Our job is to foster the masses’ hopes and dreams in the face of the amoral forces of lingering colo North Ameri

For which event or activity?

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL

TEACHING TRIP

i record achievement of travelng 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 847-7333509, e-mail i

Use the Multipurpose Form below to respond by m: Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed): © Names and ID numbers of all Baha'is on each trip

• Names of cach 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?

<a

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

Cup or Copy as N

IED

State, ZIP

t powers and capacit me In struggling against the fa our society, we have employed quali- 4 Address ties unique to America: We come from mS all over the world, we possess the con- | GY fidence to “create in the wilderness a Phone

mail

new type of society,” and we are preoccupied with morali This leadership role is a “crown that’s and the birthright of every

Special information (please include dates if reporting

ternational teaching trip):

Baha’i. Through generosity and our protec

tion of the oppressed we also have aided the development of the world

wide Baha’i commu

, however, thi

leadership role

does not require sending knowhow or money. It requires standing alongside

our friends—through travel, pioneering and youth service—and participat

And it require:

ted partici

pagon. in Hugqt h—the portion of s that is God's.

inder of our assets is ours. ing contributions from

this portion built the Arc and Terraces. That accomplishment in itself will

begin a process of recovering our Babi roots, our connection to the only true revolutionary of the past 200 years.

“TAB 11/4/01

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page 34 Tue AMERICAN BanA’i ¢ PERSIAN November 4, 2001 [Page 35]*INTERNATIONAL*NEWS-e

‘Voices’ across Europe

Choir performs in four countries, earns prize

FORMATION FROM REBECCA MOTLAGH

ore than 6,200 people attended performances of the Voices of Baha choir June 22-July 9 as it traveled to seven c countri

jes in four and performed at some of the sin Europe, on a tour

premier facilit

• Tt was the first time the choir, led by

‘Tom Price, was accompanied on tour by ional orchestra, the 85-member National Slovak Radio Orchestra. It was the first time the choir entered into competition, the Second International Johannes Brahms Choir Fest and Competition in Wernigerode, Germany, for which it earned two medals. he 165 singers made up the largest touring group in the choir since it was founded in 1992. Singers from the United States and 18 other nations made the eae ee scones 7)

cal Bakeelona Ga iThoriondlée? Bains and Paris, France. It went on to perform a capella at the Brahms competition and at the Mother Temple of Europe in genhain, Germany.

‘The program for the five city performances featured many songs familiar to Baha’is from the Second World Congress of 1992; a number of gospel pieces directed by Van Gilmer or featuring him as soloist; established jazz and classical pieces as well as pop numbers; and “O God, My God,” sung in the local language—Sloval Catalan or Fre

ater only two di ctice together, the choir embarked June 24 on a series of performaces that often saw li: teners filling such prestigious venues as Radio Symphony Hall in Bratislava, the

National Music Auditorium in Madrid, Barcelona Auditorium and_ others. Enthusi audiences at each perform nged from 600 to 1,200.

Official warmth Dignitaries from Slovakia and Spain showed particular appreciation for the programs. According to Omeed Jahanpour, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Slovakia, a civil servant

N ever let it be said one Baha’i cannot accomplish much. Gita Baghdadi, one

living in Thonon-les-B:

‘s, France, had the responsibili ty of putting the finishing touch on preparations all alone. Her husband had surgery and was not released from the hospital until the day of the concert. The couple had formed a local organization to promote multiculturalism, and through this agency they enlisted municipal help. All concert posters were paid for and posted by the town. Fliers announcing the concert were delivered to every mailbox. A friend, a Roman Catholic priest, put announcements in his

Sunday church bulletin.

To top it off, a negative article in a local paper helped prove that opposition always waters the seeds of the Faith. Despite sweltering weather, the seats in the sports hall where the concert was held were almost full.

The priest addressed the audience afterward commending the Baha’i efforts.

“Music brings us together,” he said.

from the Ministry of Culture attended the Bratislava concert to ¢ information on the Bahai ‘ading reports in

response to some mi the country’s medi ‘The civil servant

id she enjoyed the surprised by how nor

evening and mal Baha’is are,” Jahanpour said. Later, the Slovak consul for cultural affairs in Paris attended that city’s performance. He praised the collaboration between the choir and the Slovak orchestra as “a very happy mari ain, the welcome was even more

largely due to the local Baha’ c ty for organizing the concert as a for UNICEF and a Spanish refugee

—Rebecca Motlagh

assistance organization.

“For 50 years, the Faith has worked for the principles of economic development, the struggle of equality of women and men and the richness of diversity,” said Beatriz Elorriaga, councilwoman for cultural affairs.

India’s ambassatlor to Spain attanded the Barcelona performance, whose proceeds were donated to the Baha’{ Education Institute for Rural Indian Women

and to the Vincente Ferrer Fund, a local

organization benefiting India. “More than the music, I loved the spiri' | -hind it,” the ambassador's wife sai

A highlight of the trip was the \ sit to

‘Thonon-les-Bains and the apartment house (then a hotel) where ‘Abdu’l-Baha spent two weeks at the beginning of His

Above: the Voices of Baha choir gives one of its two performaces in the l7th-cehtiry town square of Wernigerode, Germany, as part of its participation in the Second International Brahms Choir Fest and Compet! S Left: A poster advertising the performance by Voices of Baha in Thonon-les-Bains, France, happens to stand in front of the building where ‘Abdu’l-Baha spent two weeks at the beginning of His travels through the West in 1912. Photos courtesy of Rebecca Motlagh

trip through Europe 90 years ago. Choir gathered for p r in small a park next to the building. ly moved by the bounty.

Triumph in competition

After the tour of the five cities, the group traveled to Wernigerode for the choral competition, July 5-8, where they competed in several categories with 40 other choirs from around the world.

The choir earned a gold medal in the folklore category with four gospel songs, including a moving “Amazing Grace” featuring Gilmer as soloist. For its entry as a mixed choir, the Voices of Baha earned a silver medal with a secular program including three songs in German, and a spiritual program performed in the 12th-century St. Sylvestri church.

“I am very, very proud of this score” in the competition, Price told the choir.

Competition officials were so please with the Voices of Baha they were asked to sing in a special friendship concert at the town square. That performance ended with 800 people in the square waving, clapping and singing along with “We Are Soldiers in God’s Army.”

‘The musical journey ended with the choir singing at the Mother ‘Temple of Europe in Langenhain, Germany, filling the arched geways that surrounded the 800 seated congregants. Many in the audience wept openly while others had radiant and beaming faces. #

Baha'i International

Community

recent statements

available on www.usbne.org

Quotation from the statement to the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, Aug. 25: i Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, June 28: i

the principle of the oneness of humanity expos: attempt to distinguish separate “races” or “peoples” the contemporary world as artificial and mi While racial, national and/or ethnic heritage can be considered as sources of pride and even a backdrop for positive social development, such distinctions should not _ become a basis for new forms of separation or i superiority, however subtle.” i

leading.

Quotation from the statement to United Nations General

“The denial of equality to women not only promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that affect their families, the workplace, political deci international relations; it to the spread of HIV/AIDS and retards the progress society. ... Traditional gender roles that have gone unquestioned for generations must now be

re-examined in the light of justice and compassion.”

sions and contributes substantially of

November 4, 2001

THe AMERICAN BanA’‘i ¢ INTERNATIONAL News page 35 [Page 36]

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly _ phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail or its agencies at the Baha’f National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha'i School, phone 831-423Green Acre Baha’f School,

fax 843-558-9136; e-mail

Baha'i School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail . Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 843-558-5093;

phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

. Louhelen

- Native American Baha'i Institute, .o

NOVEMBER

9-1: Family Weekend, “Following the Century of Light: Implications of the Five Year Plan” at Louhelen.

9-11: Two programs at Green Acre: “Expr Creativity Through the Writer’s Art”; Self-Direction: Applying Baha’{ Principles to Your Life.”

9-11: “Arts in the Bahé’i Community” at Bosch. 15-18: Association of Baha’i Mental Health Profes sionals conference at Louhelen.

16-18: Two programs at Green Acre: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” Ruhi Book | training; “The

Greatness That Might be ” youth institute. 18-20: “Authenticity Project” at Louhelen.

22-25: Dr. Ghadimi’s Conference: “The Kitib-iAqdas and other Holy Books” (Persian and English) at Bosch.

22-25: “Children: Functional Families and Caring

ing

pecial youth and young adult programs. Registrar: Ruby R. Jamshedi, (phone , Web site www.mesabahai.org) 23-24: Menuch: Baha’i School, east of Portland, OR.

. Registrar: Lynne Nesbit, (phore

re ). 30-Dee. 1: Two programs at Bo Single Parenting” and Young Pri ence. 30-Dec, 2: Two programs at Green Acri the World: The Life of Louis Gi Chord in the Heart of the

BAHA’{ NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

DECEMBER

7-9: Two programs at Green Acre: “Clay into Crystal: Changing Habits of Thought and Patterns of Action”; “Ya Sahibu’z-Zamin!” Junior Youth Institute.

7-9: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Development at Bosch.

7-9: “Expressing Creativity through the Writer’s 4

at Louhelen.

13-16: Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development for the Americas, Orlando, FL. See pee 30.

1-24; Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Phoenix, AZ; theme: “Falling in Love With Baha’w'llih.” With Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Dr. Nosratollah Mohammad-Hossei

Dr. Robert

Stockman, director, Wilmette Institute; Dr. William Maxwell; others. U.S. premiere of the dramatic work “Reflections on the Century of Light.”

, Web www. rates at conference hotel (phone 800-233-1234 or 602-252-1234).

21-25: South Carolina Winter School and Youth Retreat, Springmaid Beach, SC. With Jack McCants, thaden Djalali, Adrienne Reeves, Anthony Greene, ‘ey Murphy, Angela and Karim Boyd. Information/registration: Doug Phillips,

(phone

).

er School at Bosch: “Comparative ReliJonflict Resolution.”

, e-mail

Personal Tr: ion and Powerful TeachApostle of Baha’u’llah.” rer School, on the transformative

JANUARY

4-6; Ruhi Institute Training Book 2 and Book 7, Part 1, at Bosch.

5-6: “How to Get from Here to There with Simple Dignity: A Seminar on Leaving This Life” at Florida

i sored by Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. With Pamela Solon, Maureen and Richard Hall and others; sessions on wills/estate planning; burial; death as a m of joy; other relevant Baha'i teachings. Conc children’s program. For information contact Denise Godsey (phone ) or Joan Tavalero

). ng at Bosch. Contact Office of National Center iPhone 847

Wo programs at Bosc marriage a and Raising Biracial

“Racial Unity: Interdren”; “Dawn

Wo programs at Bosch: “Courtshi| ge”; “Understanding the Ki 28-31: Texas Winter School, Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, with Michael Sours. Contact Registrar (phone , e-mail )

• Office of Public Information: Director aes

Office: Accountant * Meetings and Travel: Manager; Travel and Hospitality Assistants * Baha’i Distribution Service: Buyer; Business Office Manager » Kingdom Project: Administrative Assistant See page 26

oid unnecessary delays in r

Anibal Ybarra-Rojas, Linda Grundman

and Antonio Ybarra

tmerican Baba’, send all family members’

ventral St

ew address and 201-1611. If cks for process

Rojas prepare for distribution of some

of 13,000 “virtues crowns” by Baha’is at the lowa State

Fair in August. See story on page 10. 4

Photo by Judith Grifin

B. NEW RESIL

= ADDRESS

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS

‘Street Address

Street Address

Apartment # (if applicable)

Aparunent # (if applicable)

NOVEMBER 4—DECEMBER 11, 2001 City City QUDRATIQAWL ° B.E. 158 State Zip code State Zip code D. NEW COMMUNITY E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

Name of new Baha'f Community Moving Date ‘Area Code Phone Number Name FE WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) ‘Area Code Phone Number Name ‘Area Code Phone Number Name

G. WE RECEI 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.

= EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

H. IT WOULD LIKE A COPY

Our houschold receives only one copy of The American Babé't. 1 wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address 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.

Tue AMERICAN BanA‘i