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American Bahá’í Community Faces Unprecedented Financial Crisis
At the request of many of the friends we are publishing below the statement of the National Treasurer given at the state conventions on December 7, 1958:
The American Bahá’í community is facing a financial crisis unprecedented in its recent history. We feel sure that if this condition is clearly and thoroughly understood by the friends, they will respond wholeheartedly and with genuine sacrifice, as they have in the past when faced with great challenges, emulating those heroic figures in the formative years of our Faith who gave their lives as well as their possessions that the Faith might survive and grow strong.
The budget of $450,000 for the current Bahá’í year was determined after very careful consideration of this year’s financial requirements for all the activities necessary to fulfill the objectives and goals given us by the beloved Guardian in the Ten-Year Crusade. It represents a realistic appraisal of the minimum amount that will adequately satisfy our responsibilities. To meet this budget an average monthly contribution of $37,500 is required.
So far this year monthly contributions have ranged between $19,000 and $22,000, just a little more than half of the amount required. Through November 15, slightly more than half of the Bahá’í year, total contributions were $142,600, compared with a budget of $243,750. The deficit, therefore, amounts to $101,150.
In past years we have also had deficits of varying size, but they have been made up from surplus funds or large bequests from estates. The plain fact of the matter is that now we have no further surplus funds to draw on, so there is no possibility of further help in this direction. In addition, estate bequests, so far this year, total only $10,000, and we know of no other substantial ones which are imminent.
We are therefore faced with three alternatives: (1) The friends can respond to this emergency by increasing their contributions to the point where the budget is met; (2) We can borrow to make up the deficit, which merely means postponing the day when it must be paid for: (3) We can drastically cut our expenditures to conform to the actual rate of contributions. This would mean cutting back the budgets of committees and teaching and pioneering projects. Such action would inevitably have the effect of sharply re ducing the effectiveness of our efforts toward the allimportant Crusade goals, at a time when they actually need strengthening. It seems inconceivable that the American Bahá’í community would accept this alternative in good conscience.
Merely to cover the budget for the remainder of the Bahá’í year, contributions to the Fund must be increased 42% above the rate prevailing in the first six and one-half months. To meet the entire annual budget, including the deficit to date, contributions must be 116% greater during the remaining five and onehalf months. This means that instead of $22,000 monthly, which we have been receiving, we must receive during the balance of the current fiscal year monthly contributions of $56,000.
These are the unadorned facts of the situation we face. The budget was unanimously approved at the National Convention. On this foundation and with full confidence in the American Bahá’í community to meet its commitments, the National Spiritual Assembly authorized its committees to proceed with their home front and intercontinental tasks. These tasks thus became our solemn and sacred obligation. Are we to fail in this commitment at this crucially important time in the beloved Guardian’s Crusade?
We strongly urge that the most earnest consultation take place on the subject, both at the state conventions and in all of the home communities. We are confident that the American Bahá’í Community will rise to this stern challenge, face up to its obligations, and move forward to victory on all fronts, thus preserving its spiritual primacy.
Supplementary Statement
After the financial plight described above was explained in the November BAHA'I News and in the above statement at the state conventions, results have been encouraging, though still not conclusive.
Contributions received in November totaled $24,250, almost $2,000 greater than those for any previous month this year. In December, when the American Bahá’í community had full opportunity to consider the implications of these messages, contributions increased to $35,800.
Though the latter figure is far short of the $56,000
needed monthly for the balance of the Bahá’í year to make up the accumulated deficit, it does represent the only receipts this year which have come close to meeting the monthly budget of $37,500. More importantly, it also signifies a very substantial and gratifying increase over previous rates of giving and in numbers of donors.
Though undoubtedly a certain amount of this increase stems from the fact that December is a customary month for year-end donations by those to whom tax planning is a consideration, nevertheless there is evidence that a good part of this increase is a direct result of sacrificial giving on the part of friends who have understood the nature of the present crisis and have risen to the challenge. The National Spiritual Assembly is profoundly grateful to those who have responded so generously and unselfishly to its call, and it hopes that this spirit will be maintained continuously throughout the remaining months of this year and the final four years of the Crusade.
Let us resolve that each month’s contributions will equal or exceed those of the previous month. Let us be determined to furnish the bricks and mortar as well as the spirit, inspiration and drive required to fulfill the goals of the Guardian’s World Crusade and build the strong foundation needed to bring into being that divinely ordained institution, the Universal House of Justice.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Fifty-First National Convention Meets in Wilmette April 23-26
The Fifty-First Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. will be held in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Ill., April 23-26, 1959.
Reservations: Delegates and visitors who wish accommodations in private homes should send their request for reservations to: Mrs. Betty Geller, 606 Barton Avenue, Evanston, Ill., who is chairman of the Housing Committee, or to co-chairman, Mrs. Lilian Cloonan, 332 Eaton, Northfield, III. A list of nearby hotels with their rates will be published in the next issues of Bahá’í News. Friends wishing this type of accommodation are requested to make their own reservations with the hotel of their choice.
Child Care: The Convention Arrangements Committee will limit child care to the daytime sessions only. Also, it will not be equipped to care for children in arms, or for other very young children requiring individual attention. If there are any inquiries concerning this service, they should be directed to Mrs. Minnie Hadley, 1729 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, 11]., who is chairman of the Child Care Committee.
--CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE
Plan National Committee Consultations on Day Prior to Opening of U.S. National Convention
In accordance with the recommendation made at the 1957 Armual Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly is setting aside April 22, the day preceding the opening of the Fifty-First Annual Convention (April 23-26. 1959) for use by national committees, particu FEBRUARY ‘1959
larly the teaching committees, for meetings of consultation on matters which are of vital concern to them. This includes a joint meeting of the summer school program committees, press representatives with the Bahá’í Press Service, and others wishing time-for such purposes.
The committees desiring’ such meetings are requested to notify the National Spiritual Assembly before March 15, 1959, in order that the meeting places may be allocated. It would be helpful if the request could state the approximate number who might attend and how much time is desired.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Gilt Reprint of Tribute to Shoghi Effendi by Hand of the Cause Sent American Bahá’ís
By the time this issue of Bahá’í News is distributed each American believer will have received a copy of a pamphlet entitled A Tribute to Shoghi Effendi by Amelia Collins, Hand of the Bahá’í Faith in the Holy Land. The foreword states that the address was delivered by Amelia Collins at the International Bahá’í Conference held in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, July 25-29, 1958, which Mrs. Collins attended as the chosen representative of Shoghi Effendi, late Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.
Mrs. Collins, Hand of the Cause and Vice-President of the International Bahá’í Council, was called to Haifa by the Guardian in 1951. She first met the Guardian in Haifa during 1923.
In this text Mrs. Collins tells with deep feeling and moving language of her intimate knowledge of Shoghi Effendi during the last six years of his matchless service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. She witnessed his persecution by the Covenant-breakers, his service and his steadfast determination to safeguard the blessed Faith, build the Shrines, inspire and train the believers, and his inauguration of the World Crusade.
Her tribute can but quicken the hearts of the friends and increase their passion to carry out the Guardian’s plans and wishes. The pamphlet itself is a dignified and beautiful example of typography. This gift to the American believers was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Collins, who defrayed the cost of printing and mailing. The designing and production was carried out by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in accordance with the details approved by Mrs. Collins before her return to Haifa in November, and the mailing was done by the United States National Spiritual Assembly.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Attendance and Voting at State Conventions
Shows Poorest Record of Recent Years
The reports of the tellers at the state conventions on December 8, 1958, reveal the smallest total attendance and participation of believers in these conventions in recent years. Here are the statistics:
Total number of voting Bahá’ís in the U.S. .6770 Number attending the conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2203 Number who voted by mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2065 Number who did not vote at all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2502
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U. S. SUPPLEMENT
It is known that in some states where the attendance is generally quite good, inclement weather prevented many from going at the last moment. While this is regrettable, the National Spiritual Assembly is more concerned over the total number of believers who did not vote either in person or by mail.
Every possible effort is made, and a considerable sum is expended annually, to provide each believer with fuH information about the convention, a list of all the adult members in his electoral district, and a ballot and envelopes for voting, thus enabling every Bahá’í to fulfill his sacred obligation to participate in this important Bahá’í institution even to the minimum extent of voting.
The situation is so serious that the National Spiritual Assembly has asked the local spiritual assemblies and area teaching committees to take certain steps that will enable the National Assembly to evaluate accurately the‘ number of believers in the United States who may be counted upon to assist in the promotion of the World Crusade during the next four crucial years.
Every believer is requested to read and ponder the statement by the National Spiritual Assembly, “UnityTender and Compassionate,” which appears on page one of this issue of Bahá’í News. The National Assembly will welcome constructive suggestions (other than the change of date which has already been recommended) looking toward better attendance and participation in the conventions next year.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Southern Arizona Town Offers Opportunity To Pioneer to Open New Center for Faith
Ajo, Ariz., a pleasant, thriving town of 6,000, offers interesting pioneering opportunities, according to the American Indian Service Committee. Located forty miles north of the Mexican border, and adjacent -to the Papago Indian reservation, enjoying warm desert climate and famous for its large open-pit copper mine, this southern Arizona town offers a Bahá’í pioneer the dual opportunity of opening a new center for the Faith and living among a predominantly Mexican as well as Indian population. Further details regarding Ajo may be had by writing to the American Indian Service Committee, Nancy Phillips, secretary; 736 Encanto Drive, S.E.; Phoenix, Ariz.
Youth Committee Schedules Second Series of Area Workshop-Conferences
The second in a series of three youth workshop-com ferences scheduled by the National Bahá’í Youth Committee for the winter months will be held on February 14-15 at locations selected by the area committees.
Purpose of this National Youth Study Program is to advance the objectives for youth teaching set forth at the beginning of the year, and to assist the program for spiritual reinvigoration initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly.
Recommendations from State Conventions and Actions Taken by the NSA
LL OF THE recommendations from the 1958 state
conventions were carefully considered by the National Spiritual Assembly at its January meeting. Since a number came from more than one state and are of general interest to the friends, the actions taken by the Assembly are reported here without identifying the state or states from which the recommendations came. Several dealt with individual state problems, needs, or interests, and decisions on these have been reported to the area teaching committees for publication in their bulletins. Still others had to do with the state conventions themselves and have been noted for attention when plans are being made for the 1959 conventions.
In the last group, several states recommended holding the state conventions in October or November instead of December. While aware of the possibility of inclement weather in December, the National Spiritual Assembly does not find it practical to hold the state conventions any earlier than December. To insure participation in voting for the delegates, the friends whose attendance is affected by weather are urged to mail their ballots ahead of time with the understanding that if they find it possible to be present they can request the return of their mailed ballots on arrival at the meeting place.
Following are the actions taken on recommendations of general interest to the believers:
1. That a list of Writings referring to the National
Fund be published in Bahá’í News.
Action: Such references have appeared in Bahá’í News from time to time during the past several years. The friends are requested to look these up, and to refer also to those published in Trustees of the Merciful.
2. That the National Spiritual Assembly make available to every community the statement read at the state conventions on the National Bahá’í Fund.
Action: This statement, brought up to date as of January 1, 1959, is published in this issue of the U.S. SUPPLEMENT.
3. That the National Spiritual Assembly consider further plans for unified action in teaching the Bahá’í Faith in the Christian community, and in bringing before Christians the teachings concerning the return of Christ in the person of Bahá’u’lláh.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to the ample supply of current Bahá’í literature for use in teaching the Christians.
4. That consideration be given to circulating and publishing reports from Negro pioneers as an aid to stimulating additional pioneering by Negro believers.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly is always pleased to receive and publish reports or letters from pioneers which act as a stimulus to others, particularly for the teaching of Negroes in the south. Unfortunately very few such reports have been received.
5. That the National Spiritual Assembly publish peri
[Page 4]
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odic reviews of homefront needs to encourage‘ home front pioneering.
Action: Statements and lists of the needed number of pioneers to establish new local assemblies and to maintain assembly status in small Bahá’í communities are published from time to time in Bahá’í News and regularly in the bulletins of the area teaching committees, and are also announced at conventions and conferences.
6. That only a minimum amount of time at the National Convention be devoted to the annual reports of committees in order to provide more time for consultation by the delegates.
Action: All national committees will again be reminded to confine their statements at the convention to brief resumes of the developments that have taken place subsequent to the publication of their reports. Also, all delegates are urged to study the printed reports before coming to the convention, in order that they may consult intelligently upon the vital information contained in the committee reports.
7. That state committees be appointed to act as arms of the area teaching committees to sponsor conferences, thus solving the problem of distances in travel and that there be similar committees of youth and young adults for each state.
Action: It is not possible to set up state committees or any other sub-committees of the area teaching com-mittees, either adult or youth. The area teaching com WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Sixth Year: 1958-59
Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450,000.00 Total Requirements: May 1 to December 31 300,000.00 Total Contributions: May 1 to December 31 190,600.00
—U.S. N.n'ION.=u. SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
FEBRUARY ‘1959
mittee is always free to consider and/or call special conferences in any of its states, and to request the assistance of the believers of the state to arrange and conduct them. This arrangement applies also to the area youth committees.
8. That the National Spiritual Assembly consider revision of the present ruling regarding Bahá’í residence in order to permit isolated believers to participate in the activities of an adjacent Bahá’í community.
Action: The present ruling which limits membership and voting in a Bahá’í community to individuals living in a given civil area was made by the Guardian and is not subject to alteration by the National Spiritual Assembly. Isolated believers may visit nearby communities from time to time, but they have a great spiritual obligation and opportunity to raise their isolated status to group and community status by teaching in their own towns or cities. In fulfilling this obligation they are free to request the assistance of the adjacent assemblies and the area teaching committee. They can also make their contributions directly to the National Bahá’í Fund.
(To be continued)
In Memoriam
Mr. Walter Goodfellow Mr. Alfred Taylor Dunedin, Florida Wilrnington, Delware November 29, 1958 December 21, 1958 Mr. Earl Andrews Mrs. Alberta C. Benson Albuquerque, New Mexico Colorado Springs, Colo. October 29, 1958 December 26, 1958
Marriages
Helena, Montana: Mrs. Jeanine Saunders to Mr. William Horne, Jr. on September 26. 1958
Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Helen E. Alter to Mr. Meredith Jones on November 23, 1958
BAHA'l DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Southern California West Hollywood: David Bond, chr., 1022-1/4 N. Sweetzer Ave., Hollywood 46
Colorado Jeflerson County: Mrs. Mary Wolf, Star Route 2. Box 2204, Morrison
North Carolina
Raleigh: Miss Louise Jackson. 529 N. Person St. Ohio
Toledo: Mrs. Marguerite Rodgers. 410 Deline Drive Utah
Salt Lake City: Mrs. Marcia McCormick. 1408 Laird Ave. Wisconsin Waukesha: Miss Harriet Cruver. 402 Wisconsin Ave.
ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES
Area Teaching Committee—Central States Dr, Irma Brown
Area Youth Committee—Central Atlantic States Miss Ouida Coley Miss Marion Parmelee
Area Youth Committee—Southwestern States Miss Sandra Woodead Mahabatullah Subhani Marc Towers
Convention Arrangements Mrs. Lilian Cloonan
Bahá’í SUMMER SCHOOL COMM|TTEES— 1958-1959
Davison Bahá’í School Program Committee (Additions to membership) Miss Phyllis Hall Marvin Hughes
Blue Ridge Bahá’í School Program Committee Mrs. Corinne Bowman. secretary. 4512 Riverdale Rd.. Riverdale, Md.
Gerald Curwin
Mrs. Vivian Curwin
Jack Davis
F. Kimball Kinney
7
Southwestern Bahá’í School Program Committee Miss Thelma Gorham. secretary. 2049 N. E. 17th St.. Oklahoma City ll, Okla.
Edward D. Gray
Robert Hopkins
Jack Raborn
Mrs. Allene Squires
John D. Thomas
