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State Convention Recommendations Continued
Actions taken by the National Spiritual Assembly on the 1960 State Convention recommendations having nation-wide interest or application are continued as follows:
NEVADA. 1. That the small Bahá’í communities be given more frequent help by well-prepared teachers who would stay several days and make a concentrated teaching effort. '
Action: This recommendation is being carried out through the American National Teaching Committee as expeditiously as possible.
2. That the National Assembly clarify the system of apportionment used in assigning delegates to the various states.
Action: Under directions given to the National Spiritual Assembly many years ago by the Guardian, the assignment of delegates is based upon proportional Bahá’í population in the respective states.
NEW JERSEY. That the friends be advised to purchase out-of-print Bahá’í books or books on the Faith that may be in the hands of book stores or book collectors for future research and history.
Action: The National Assembly considers this recommendation to be excellent and hereby calls it to the attention of the friends.
EASTERN NEW YORK. That the article in one of the early volumes of The Bahá’í World about the greatest Holy Leaf, written by Mrs. Margery Morton, be made available in pamphlet form so that all the friends may have access to it.
Action: The National Assembly is happy to approve this recommendation and is requesting the Bahá’í Publishing Trust to make preparations for the production of this material.
NORTH CAROLINA. That a Hand of the Cause be sent through the Southern States before Riḍván 1963 to assist in the teaching effort.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly approves this recommendation and is referring it to the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere for whatever attention they can give to it.
TEXAS. That the National Assembly clarify in Bahá’í NEWS the necessity for the genuflections specified in the long Obligatory Prayer.
Action: The instructions that accompany the long Obligatory Prayer as well as the medium Obligatory
Prayer were issued by Bahá’u’lláh Himself and therefore cannot be questioned or explained.
WISCONSIN. In view of the number of defective ballots which indicate that many of the friends are unfamiliar with the proper methods of voting, that complete instructions on voting be given to all Bahá’ís when the Convention Call is sent out.
Action: Attention is called to the fact that the Convention Call sent to every enrolled believer each year contains full instructions on this matter.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLX
National Convention Information Outlined for Delegates and Visitors
Following the practice of recent years, Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship will be open during the afternoon and evening of April 26 preceding the Annual Bahá’í Convention, for registration, viewing the exhibits, and informal visiting. The assembly room, however, has been reserved during the morning and afternoon for a pre-convention meeting of the American National Teaching Committee and the area committees and will not be open to any others except by invitation.
During the evening the Convention Arrangements Committee, assisted by the Bahá’ís resident in the Temple area, will hold an informal reception for delegates and visitors. If it is possible for the National Spiritual Assembly to adjourn its meeting in time, the members will join the friends the latter part of the evening.
All Sessions of the convention are open to visitors. In View of the disturbing effect upon the consultation the National Spiritual Assembly makes an urgent plea that the visitors who assemble in the area outside convention hall refrain from loud conversation while the convention is in session. During the election of the incoming Assembly the visitors will be asked to assemble in the auditorium for silent prayer on behalf of the delegates and the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, or to leave the building completely.
The believers are reminded that no individual over fifteen years of age who is not a registered Bahá’í is to be invited to attend the convention except for the Feast of Riḍván, Saturday evening, April 28, when Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney will be the speaker.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
APRIL ‘1961
Community Status of Bahá’í Youth Clarified by NSA
In view of the number of requests received from local spiritual assemblies as well as recommendations from the State Conventions requesting clarification of the status of Bahá’í youth, particularly with respect to service on committees, the National Spiritual Assembly is republishing here the statement on this subject which appeared in the October, 1946 Bahá’í Nrszws (pages 4 and 5). There has been no change in the principles as stated at that time.
First, the term “Bahá’í” is not limited to declared believers twenty-one years of age or older. Young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one are Bahá’ís even though they may be referred to as Bahá’í youth. The members of a community are all the declared believers in that community, regardless of age.
Second, each individual, fifteen years of age and older, becomes a registered believer upon acceptance of the qualifications of faith set forth by the Guardian and by declaration to a spiritual assembly or to an area teaching committee. All individuals, regardless of age, should be lovingly and carefully prepared for acceptance into the community.
Third, it is not necessary for a regularly enrolled Bahá’í youth to redeclare his faith at the age of twenty-one. When a Bahá’í youth declares his faith, it should be a spiritual step binding upon him for the rest of his life and not a mere statement of some future intention. On reaching the age of twenty-one, the individual is to notify the local assembly secretary or the area committee so that he may be registered as a voting member.
Fourth, individuals between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one have all the rights and privileges of a community member except voting in Bahá’í elections. Bahá’í youth may participate without question in all the consultations of the community; they may serve on any committee of the local assembly; in fact, it is the conviction of the members of the National Assembly that local assemblies should use all feasible opportunities to give encouragement, experience, and training to the younger members of the community. Bahá’í youth may also serve on national and area committees.
Fifth, members of the community under twenty-one may not serve as convention delegates or as members of a local or national assembly. In these matters, as in voting for these positions, the age limit of twentyone must be maintained in order to assure the legal position of the local and national assemblies.
Sixth, the children of believers may attend the Nineteen Day Feasts and other intimate gatherings of the community, but when they reach the age of fifteen, the local assembly should lovingly inquire if they wish to declare their faith and enroll as members of the community. If they do not declare their faith after fifteen, they do not have the rights and privileges of community membership. The local assembly is cautioned not to exert undue pressure on such young people but to treat them in a very kindly spirit and, when they wish to declare their faith, to assist them in careful preparation to understand the significance of such a step.
The Guardian has repeatedly stated the tremendous responsibilities to be discharged by the present generation of Bahá’í youth. All local assemblies are urged to adopt a consistent policy of encouragement for the development of a generation of trained and devoted Bahá’í youth.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
NSA Clarifies Conference Sponsorship And lntercommunity Projects
In order to avoid conflict and confusion that arise when one or more local spiritual assemblies and Bahá’í groups join together in planning and conducting institutes or conferences on subjects or matters of special concern to them, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to clarify once again the administrative principle governing such intercommunity activities.
While the National Assembly wishes to give every encouragement to any initiative taken by assemblies and groups for meeting the needs for deepening classes or consultation on ways and means of increasing and improving teaching activities, all such events for this or similar purposes involving more than one Bahá’í community must be scheduled and sponsored by the area teaching committee for that area or region.
The American National Teaching Committee and the area teaching committees have been charged with certain responsibilities in the prosecution of the home front teaching campaign, including circuit teaching and the holding of certain types of conferences which often are planned long before they are announced. If certain assemblies and groups should take it upon themselves to schedule some type of intercommunity conference or institute among themselves, this could completely disrupt the plans of the area committee and even the effectiveness of conferences that are being planned by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The correct procedure for any assembly or group that feels the need for some particular type of intercommunity or regional activity is to communicate first with the area teaching committee outlining reasons and suggesting the program and date. The area teaching committee may very well find it desirable to approve the idea and to accept the offer of that assembly or group to serve as host and to assume certain responsibilities. It may also have valuable suggestions for making the conference very productive. Also, if the committee approves the proposal, it will announce the event in the bulletin and encourage full support and attendance.
In other words, present day Bahá’í administration does not provide for such a thing as an intercommunity committee other than the area teaching committee which must be consulted before any activity requiring the cooperation and support of more than one community can be undertaken. However, the area teaching committee at its own discretion may invite a given assembly to sponsor or assume certain details for an intercommunity or regional activity. Under no circumstances can any local spiritual assembly or Bahá’í group request financial assistance from other communities.
——NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
[Page 3]
U.S. SUPPLEMENT
3
Seattle Assembly ‘Gives Results Of Youth and Children's Teaching Program
The National Spiritual Assembly is happy to share with the Bahá’ís of the United States a few of the highlights of a very interesting account from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Wash., of the results of a well—planned youth and children’s teaching program which it initiated two years ago and which now involves more than seventy children and youth and a number of teachers and other adult assistants from six communities. It is a fine example of how an intercommunity teaching project can be successfully carried out with the approval of the area teaching committee and in accordance with correct administrative procedures, and that even adult enrollment can accrue from a good Bahá’í child and youth education program.
The Seattle Bahá’í school itself consists of six classes for age groups ranging from pre-school to enrolled Bahá’í youth. The program for the youth is geared particularly to training them to become Bahá’í teachers. While the young people are in session there is a study class also for contacts and parents of non-Bahá’í children. Some of the interesting by—products of the first year’s activities were the enrollment of eight adults, six youth, several contacts studying for membership, distribution of a large amount of literature on request, and the formation of a Bahá’í chorus.
The report states that the program and organizational plan was the outcome of efforts to solve the child education problems that beset the Seattle Bahá’í community and the suburban assemblies of North King County and South King County. These were mainly the lack of a center in which the children could meet, distances, transportation difficulties, lack of a sufficient number of teachers, and the need of the children and youth to feel a part of a larger group of Bahá’í members of their own age.
Before any classes were organized on a formal basis, the Seattle Assembly sponsored three conferences to discuss these matters with interested believers. Five seminars followed for the training of prospective teachers in which research material from the Bahá’í writings was used as the guide for the study of these topics: “How the Individual Learns Through Satisfaction of Basic Needs,” “Methods of Teaching,” “Teaching Materials and Their Usage,” “Age Aim Characteristics,” and “Objectives of the Bahá’í' Classes.” It was determined that the whole curriculum should be aimed to acquaint the child with his environment, to acquaint the child with himself, and to acquaint him with his relationship to God. Study and discussion of the Bahá’í spiritual principles of education, the best of public school teaching methods, and information secured from the Department of Education of the University of Washington formed a very important part of the seminar sessions and proved very helpful in giving the teachers the know-how and confidence to carry out the program.
Armed with this information and training, representatives of four communities joined in launching the school under the sponsorship of the Seattle Assembly through which all the activities and assistance of other communities and individuals participating in it continue to be channeled. Regular teachers’ meetings are
held and consultation continues with the cooperating assemblies and groups on how to improve the effectiveness both of the teaching and the organizational structure of the classes. A coordinator keeps records, arranges for teacher substitutions, and obtains the required supplies.
The underlying goal of the whole program, says the Seattle Assembly, is “to produce a desire in the child to enroll in the Faith and to be equipped to teach it and to understand the responsibilities of Bahá’í membership.”
Declaration of the Báb May 23. 1961
A Special Event for Proclaiming 1-he Bahá’í Faith fo the Public
Sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly
Theme: The Herald of a New Age
Suggested Publicity Materials: Press Release from Bahá’í Press Service Faith for Freedom Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Reports:
Newspaper clippings from U.S. communities are to be sent immediately to Bahá’í Press Service.
Written reports and photographs for publication in Bahá’í NEWS are to be sent as soon as possible to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee.
Hand of the Cause Zikru'||éh Khádem
Now Trustee of Continental Fund
Since Hand of the Cause William B. Sears will leave the end of April to serve as one of the resident Hands of the Faith in the Holy Land, the trusteeship of the Bahá’í Continental Fund for the Western Hemisphere has been transferred to Hand of the Cause Zikru’lláh Ifliadem. However, contributions to this fund should still be sent as follows: The Continental Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden. Avenue Wilmette, Illinois
The foregoing announcement is being made at the request of the Hands of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere.
"Thief in the Night"
Available Through Bookstores
William B. Sears, author of “Thief in the Night,” has informed the NSA that individuals can purchase this book through their local bookstores. The publisher has already arranged outlets through certain bookshops in the United States. If not available through these channels, it may be ordered at $1.00 per copy from the publisher, George Ronald, S Barandon St., London, W. 11, England.
[Page 4]
APRIL ‘1961
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Eighth Year: 1960-6|
Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$375,000.00 IIIIIIIIII|||I|||I||||ll||||||I||||||I|||I||||||l|||I||||I||l||||||||I||||||||III|l||||I|I||||||I|||l|||||||II|||||||I|||l|||||||I|||l|||l||||||II|||||| Total Requirements: May 1
to February 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 312,500.00
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllIIIIIIllIIIII||Il||||||l|||||||||||||IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII||||||l||||I|||II|||I|||||||I|||||||I||ll||l|||I|||| Tota1 Contributions: May 1
to February 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222,470.00 IIIIIIIIIIIIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllIIIIIIII|I|||lI|||I||||l|||l||||||||l||ll|||I|||IIl||II| ' Requirements for February 1961 . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31,250.00
IIIIIIIIIII1|||||l|||lI||||I|||||l||||||||I||||I|||||||||l||l||| |||||||| Received for February 1961 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16,705.00
‘IIII||II|IIIII||I|||||||llI|l||IIIII||I|lIIIIIIllllIllllII|||II|Il|II||I|||||||| Special non-recurring gifts received during
present Bahá’í year (not included above) .. 52,140.00
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahá’í Membership Revoked
Because of their continued association with and support of the activities of the Covenant-breakers, the National Spiritual Assembly has removed the Bahá’í membership and revoked the voting rights of the following persons: Mrs. Chrisella E. Newell, Mrs. Levina Walter and Mr. Ernest Walter of Monroe, Wash., and of Mrs. Lillian G. Lassus and Mr. Leon Lassus of Monrovia, Calif. The friends are warned against communication and association with them since their spiritual status is in serious question.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
In Memoriam
Mrs. Ada Searles Brooks San Antonio, Texas January 31, 1961
Mrs. Harriet C. Lanktree Santa Rosa, Calif. January 30, 1961
Nathaniel J. Douglas Englewood, New Jersey January 27, 1961
Mrs. Grace McIntyre Challenge, Calif. September 9, 1960
Miss Blanche Hillman Seattle, Wash. January 18, 1961
Mrs. Henrietta Spader Santa Barbara, Calif. February 4, 1961
Marshall N. Tyler Evanston, Illinois February 7, 1961
Alexander M. Kailing Mequon, Wisconsin February 2, 1961
Abraham Keever New York, N.Y. February 1959
Marriages
Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Peggy 0. Lucas to William E. Finch on January 28, 1961
Los Angeles, Calif: Miss Deborah Gene Summers to Vincent J. Mendello on February 4, 1961
San Francisco, Calif; Mrs. Eva Hildred Jones to George David Rowe on August 20, 1960
San Jose, Calif.: Miss Helena Joan Somerhalder to Clarence C. Bascom, Jr. on December 18, 1960
New York, N.Y.: Miss Bea Palos to Marc Towers on February 6, 1961
Astoria, Oregon: Miss Kathleen Miller to Robert Joel Johnson on January 14, 1961
DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Arizona Flagstaff: Mrs. Gisela McCormick, pro-tem, 2109 N. Navajo Dr. Navajo Reservation Dist. #18: (new Secretary to be reported)
Southern California Santa Ana: Mrs. Marilyn Greene, 723 N. English St.
Louisiana Shreveport: Mrs. D. Barbara Hubbart, 324 Herndon
New Hampshire Portsmouth: Mrs. Elizabeth Frazier, 142 State St.
Oregon Astoria: Mrs. Doris Miller,’ pro-tem, 153 Kensington Ave. ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES Area Teaching Committee—North New England States Mr. Boyd E. Leavitt
Area Teaching Committee—Southwestern States Miss Jean Martig
Area Teaching Committee—Gulf States Mrs. Carolyn Galinkin
Bahá’í College Bureau Mrs. Jayne Brown
RESIG-NATIONS FROM COMMITTEES
Area Teaching Committee—North New England States Mrs, Juliette Meade
Area Teaching Committee—Central States Mrs. Nancy Jordan
Area Teaching Committee—Gulf States Mr. Edward S. Campbell
Area Teaching Committee—Northwestern States Mr. Thomas F. Sousa
Area Teaching Committee—South Plains States Mrs. Bonnie Sparks Mr. Robert Sparks, Jr.
Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Mr. Joseph C. Ioas
BAH/VI SUMMER SCHOOL COMM|TTEES— 1960-I96!
Davison Bahá’í School Program Committee Mr. Fred Sudhop, Chairman Mrs. Betty Weston, Secretary, 22413 Francis St., Dearborn, Michigan
Davison Bahá’í School Maintenance Committee Mrs. Shirley Baldwin Mrs. Geraldine Barber (additional members to the Committee)
Geyserville Bahá’í School Program Committee Mrs. Helena Bascom, Secty., 2999 Van Sansul, Apt. 1, San Jose, California (change in name and address of Secretary)
