The American Bahá’í/Volume 4/Issue 1/Text
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Third National Bahá’í Youth Conference[edit]
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been selected by the National Spiritual Assembly as the location for the third National Bahá’í Youth Conference, which will be held June 20-24, 1973.
The primary function of this conference is to provide an atmosphere that will assist Bahá’í youth in setting the course of their lives as active and committed members of the Bahá’í community and as world citizens. The National Spiritual Assembly, which is sponsoring the conference, will take an active role in the conference agenda and will note the many suggestions and ideas that such an event will inspire.
Who is invited?[edit]
All Bahá’í youth, aged 15 to 25, are invited and encouraged to attend. Adult Bahá’ís are also invited and encouraged to attend as observers. Youth, however, must be given priority should space become limited.
Music[edit]
A youth conference would not be a youth conference without music! This conference, therefore, should witness the emergence of new and wonderful musical talent in the widest array of styles, harmony, and instrumentation ever assembled at a Bahá’í gathering. Bahá’ís who perform musically, either individually or in groups, are encouraged to audition for a spot in the conference. The National Teaching Committee will begin its review of audition tapes right after Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, March 21. Tapes—cassette or reel—should contain only those selections that an individual or group wishes to present at the conference, along with any explanatory notes. These should be mailed to: National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, and marked “Music Audition”.
Transportation[edit]
Oklahoma City is almost in the center of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma is almost in the center of the continental United States. This should make it easier for most Bahá’ís to attend.
Additional information will be published in The American Bahá’í as it becomes available and will also be sent to Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees for inclusion in their respective bulletins and newsletters.
FLASHBACK! Scenes from the second National Bahá’í Youth Conference, which was held in Evanston, Illinois, in June 1970. Approximately 2,000 Bahá’ís from all over the country attended this memorable event.
Victory in Sight![edit]
As the Nine Year Plan enters its closing months, we rejoice in the fact that our international goals are almost completed. The American Bahá’í community has again arisen to the challenge and is in clear sight of accomplishing the “lion’s share” of the tasks assigned by The Universal House of Justice.
Pioneer settlement, however, is not the only kind of assistance needed in other countries. The Universal House of Justice constantly calls for a “flow of traveling teachers”, and this flow has increased steadily over the last few years. Bahá’ís have been spending vacations, sabbatical leaves, and other opportune occasions, visiting other continents to assist with the teaching and consolidation work. Visits by traveling teachers serve many purposes; for example, many individuals learn about the Bahá’í Faith through these visitors, and reports indicate that many individuals who had already heard of the Faith have declared their belief after hearing the Message again from a “new voice”. In addition, pioneers laboring alone in remote places are encouraged and inspired when visited by traveling teachers, and gain added strength to carry on the work.
To become a traveling teacher, one needs no special credentials or requisites other than love for Bahá’u’lláh, a knowledge of the Bahá’í Writings, some funds, and time to spend. Knowledge of a foreign language is invaluable, since it enables one to teach without the assistance of an interpreter; however, it is not mandatory, since there are many English-speaking countries in the world. French and Spanish are the most commonly used languages and would be of most assistance.
Although there is no time limit set for a travel-teaching project, it has been found that projects of less than two weeks’ duration are not as effective as those of a longer period. Greater results have been achieved in projects where a teacher has been able to stay in one locality, meet the people, enroll them, and remain for several weeks to consolidate.
Travel-teaching can also be undertaken in conjunction with another type of trip, such as one’s pilgrimage, business, or a visit to friends or relatives. Again, it should be borne in mind that it is better to schedule fewer stops for longer periods of time than to try to visit many places for a few hours at a time.
The cost of a project varies considerably depending on the area to be visited and the duration of one’s stay. In some places, hospitality can be provided by the Bahá’ís, but in many places, this is not possible because the friends are poor and cannot afford the extra food, nor do they have extra space in their homes. Traveling teachers should always be prepared to pay their own way and should not rely on the generosity of usually already over-burdened Bahá’ís. The estimated cost of a travel-teaching project can be obtained through the International Goals Committee. If a Bahá’í has the time available but needs assistance with funding, additional funds can be sought through the same Committee.
In recent months, teams of Bahá’í teachers have been assigned to certain areas to accomplish specific tasks. This has been most effective, and it is foreseen that more of this type of teaching activity will be undertaken in the future. Often a group of teachers in a certain area can accomplish what an individual could not possibly do alone.
For more information on travel-teaching, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Unfilled Goals[edit]
| AMERICAS | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonaire Island | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Collaboration goal with Venezuela) | |||||||||||||||||
| Martinique Island | (F) \ | ||||||||||||||||
| Guadeloupe Island (SC) | (F) - | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Marie-Galante Island | (F) / | ||||||||||||||||
| AFRICA | |||||||||||||||||
| Gabon | (F) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Lesotho | (E) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Malawi | (E) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| St. Helena | (E) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Togo | (F) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Zaire Republic | (F) | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| EUROPE | |||||||||||||||||
| Azores | (P) | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Denmark | (D) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Italy | (I) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| ASIA | |||||||||||||||||
| Portuguese Timor | (P) | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER
The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce its appointment of Mrs. Mabel Garis as observer to the United Nations. Mrs. Garis succeeds Mrs. Mary Sawicki, who has become the Executive Assistant to Dr. Victor de Araujo, the United Nations Representative for the International Bahá’í Community.
Mrs. Garis, a long-time resident of Amherst, Massachusetts, is participating in weekly briefings with other representatives of the U.N.’s Non-Governmental Organizations. The meetings take place at the U.N. building for the international briefings and at the United States Mission for the national briefings.
Mrs. Garis is also serving on the United Nations Association’s committees for Environment and for Economic and Social Affairs. She works closely with Dr. de Araujo, who is also Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Non-Governmental Organizations at the U.N.
Inquiries about the United Nations, and what the National Bahá’í community can do to promote U.N. activities, should be directed to Mrs. Garis, U.N. Observer, Rooms 809-10, 345 East 46th Street, Carnegie International Center, New York, N.Y. 10017.
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Material must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Black and white glossy prints should be included with material whenever possible. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as assemblies and committees. Address all mail to: The American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. |
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Qualities to Live By
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 70
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 142
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as quoted in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by H.M. Balyuzi, pp. 201-2
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 38
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 290 |
Pictured above are a few of the Bahá’ís and their friends who attended a World Peace Day picnic in Issaquah, Washington, last September. Mrs. Alla Dakserhof (standing at right) spoke before an audience of approximately 40 people on the proclamation theme “World Peace—The First Priority.” The Issaquah Press, the one and only local newspaper, gave excellent coverage of the event. A huge banner which proclaimed the Bahá’í Faith was prominently displayed at the picnic, and an attractive array of Bahá’í pamphlets was arranged on one of the picnic tables. The program included a reading of the prayer for America revealed by the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
About 25 Bahá’ís and their friends enjoyed the fellowship at a World Peace Day picnic held by the Bahá’ís of Whittier and Whittier J.D., California.
Happy Ayyám-i-Há![edit]
| Some Suggested Activities for Children No doubt, Bahá’í children and their parents will think of many other exciting and rewarding activities for the intercalary days. Let’s make this occasion a time of joy in our homes, and a celebration that we and our children can look forward to each year! |
February 26—March 1 These days are very special. Bahá’u’lláh says we should help others and be joyous during these days. He also says they are a time for giving presents. During the intercalary days, Bahá’ís who are 15 years or older are getting ready to fast. The intercalary days are also called Ayyám-i-Há (pronounced i-yawm-eh-haw). |
Thoughts for Ayyám-i-Há |
| “Believers must show their belief in their daily lives, so that the world might see the light shining in their faces. A bright and happy face cheers people on their way.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 131) |
| “The best way to thank God is to love one another.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 231) |
| “Welcome all with the light of oneness... Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 15) |
| “...The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.” (The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, Persian No. 54) |
| 1 MAKE SOME DECORATIONS FOR YOUR HOUSE OR FOR ANOTHER BAHÁ’Í’S HOME
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| 2 LEARN THE INTERCALARY DAY SONG ON THIS PAGE OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
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| 3 INVITE SOME FRIENDS OVER FOR GAMES AND SINGING
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| 4 SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE POOR OR SICK
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Betty Conow
Hap-py and mer - ry, In - ter - ca la - - ry,
In - ter - ca- la - ry, Days for ev - ’ry one, (dum dum dum)
I - N - T - E - R - C - A - L - A - R -
Y , That spells a lot of fun! _____ (dum dum dum)
Copyright © 1948, 1968 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America.
“The intercalary days... are specially devoted to hospitality to friends, the giving of presents, ministering to the poor and ick, etc.”
(J.E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 188)
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NEW WORDS TO LEARN
(Look up the meaning in the dictionary. Parents can help!) hospitality ministering |
[Page 6]
Greetings from the Bahá’ís of Long Beach, California. The friends are shown here during a World Peace Day picnic which was held in Silverado Park.
Over thirty Bahá’ís and their guests attended a United Nations Day program in Issaquah, Washington, October 24, 1972.
Folk dancers from the Seattle area performed various dances of the world, from English country dances to the fancy footwork of Balkan line dances. The theme of the evening’s program was “The Promise of World Peace—An Experiment in Internationalism”, and the guests enjoyed experimenting by learning some of the dances themselves! Another part of the “experiment” was the sampling of refreshments representative of Greece, Israel, Malaysia, Dahomey, Ireland, Canada, and Morocco.
Among items on display were various crafts of the Northwest American Indian tribes; batiks from Iceland, Java, and Israel; a print from Nigeria; and jewelry from several countries.
Travel posters decorated the school cafeteria where the program was held, and free literature about the United Nations was available.
A map of the world included a quotation from the Bahá’í Writings: “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” This was repeated in several different languages.
The non-Bahá’í folk dancers seemed pleased to find another group of internationally-minded people. One of the performers has been studying the Faith for quite some time.
The Issaquah Bahá’í community also presented a library display for one week to commemorate United Nations Day. The two bulletin boards at the Public Library were bedecked with United Nations posters and other materials. Free pamphlets were available at the front desk, and materials for browsing and study were placed on the reference table.
The Bahá’ís of Alameda, California, are happy to report that the Mayor of their town signed a United Nations Week Proclamation.
In addition, the Bahá’ís held a special observance of United Nations Day on October 21. Although there is no United Nations organization in Alameda, there are two model United Nations clubs at the town’s two high schools, and both participated in the program. The community reports having received good radio and newspaper publicity; posters were put up around the town; and flyers announcing the event were sent to neighboring towns. Two films were shown: a United Nations film, and a Bahá’í film entitled “And His Name Shall Be One.” Mr. Jamshid Fozdar from El Cerrito was the speaker at the program, and there was also some entertainment.
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The Spiritual Assembly of Starr, South Carolina, held a proclamation for Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday, sending invitations to most of the community. This is being followed by weekly meetings. The Spiritual Assembly of Aynor, South Carolina, held a proclamation during the weekend of November 25 and 26. The members of this community have proclaimed the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to every home in Aynor and have adopted Galivant’s Ferry for extension teaching. This effort is being followed by a weekend institute and weekly deepening classes. According to the most recent Regional Teaching Committee Newsletter for South Carolina, the teaching work is on the upsurge. The new Local Assemblies are beginning to TEACH and PROCLAIM. |
Photographed is nine-year-old Lauren Corbitt of Libertyville Township, Illinois, who was given the opportunity last December 1 to read a short explanation of the Bahá’í Faith and to show a model of the House of Worship in Wilmette to her fourth-grade class and to two fifth-grade classes at Oak Grove Elementary School.
Mrs. Joanne Cardo, a Bahá’í who is also a teacher at the school, opened the way when she asked Mrs. Noreen Buchner, the school librarian, about the possibilities of having a Bahá’í exhibit in the elementary library. Mrs. Buchner has also accepted several Bahá’í books for placement in both the elementary and the junior high libraries.
During an intensive, week-long proclamation of the Faith by the Bahá’í Group of Bozeman, Montana, last October, the children pictured above presented the book “God and His Messengers” to the public librarian. From left to right are: Howard, Lillian, Randall, and Leila Galinkin.
Other tasks accomplished by the Bozeman group during the proclamation period included three public meetings which were attended by an overall total of approximately 50 non-Bahá’ís; the showing of two Bahá’í films during the noon hour in the Student Union building at Montana State University (one of the public meetings was also held at the university); a presentation of the Bahá’í Sample Pamphlet Kit to the Chief of Police; a presentation to the public librarian of the book “The Promised Day Is Come” written by Shoghi Effendi; a letter to the City Manager outlining the group’s activities; the distribution of 1,000 flyers announcing the meetings, including invitations to the campus clergy and a professor of religion at the university; the display of 100 posters in various businesses in the city; twenty-five letters of invitation to service clubs; and good radio and newspaper publicity.
The Bozeman group reports that although there were no declarations of Faith during this teaching endeavor, the Message of Bahá’u’lláh was widely proclaimed. One youth is attending firesides regularly, and there has been an increase in the number of newcomers attending the weekly firesides.
From various reports, the Deepening Conference which was held in Virginia, Minnesota, on November 11 and 12, was considered to be a great success. As a matter of fact, the response to it was so good that the Northern Minnesota District Teaching Committee is planning to make it an annual event.
The goal town of Moorhead now has ten adult believers as a result of the enthusiastic teaching activities during the conference, and it is hoped that a Local Spiritual Assembly will soon be formed in accordance with the instructions contained in The Universal House of Justice Message to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated May 28, 1972.
Inspiring talks on the theme of the conference “How to Live the Spiritual Life in a Material World” were presented by Auxiliary Board Member Peter Kahn, and by Mrs. Ruth Hampson and Mr. Chuy Villagomez from the National Bahá’í Center in Wilmette.
Seven states and Canada were represented at the conference which was attended by about 275 Bahá’ís. Saturday evening was largely devoted to music with several talented believers performing many original compositions. The whole conference was tremendously exciting and inspiring. The spirit among the friends was so great that several people entering the building for other reasons wanted to know about the Faith.
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REMINDER! The next Special Events day on the Bahá’í calendar is Naw-Rúz, March 21. The American Bahá’í deadline for receipt of articles and pictures is April 15, for publication in the May issue. |
Pioneering Opportunities—Zuni Reservation, Near Gallup, New Mexico[edit]
Beginning with the next school semester around February 1, 1973, there will be some vacancies in the school system. Two elementary schools and a high school are located on the Zuni Reservation, which is all a part of the Gallup-McKinley County School System.
Any Bahá’í interested should contact the Gallup-McKinley County School Board, P.O. Box 1318, Gallup, New Mexico 87301.
CHILD’S WAY[edit]
For gift-giving (especially to children and grandchildren), have you thought of a subscription to CHILD’S WAY? The recipient will be notified of your gift, and the giver will also receive an acknowledgement.
CHILD’S WAY is completing its fourth year of publication in its present format. It is directed primarily toward children, but adults enjoy it too!
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
JANUARY 1973
In This Issue
THIRD NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CONFERENCE
VICTORY IN SIGHT! U.S. INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
NEW U.N. OBSERVER APPOINTED
AYYÁM-I-ḤÁ!
BAHÁ’Í CHILD EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIFE
NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW INSERT
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST INSERT LITERATURE CATALOG
