U.S. Supplement/Issue 96/Text

[Page 1]

NSA Summarizes Important Actions

Taken at November and December Meetings

Besides dealing with a large number of other items calling for consultation and decision by the National Spiritual Assembly at its November meeting, the members devoted a great deal of attention to the general subjects of teaching and community development. Several hours were given to consultation with the Community Development Committee meeting in Wilmette at the same time. The subjects that received particular attention were: ways and means for improving Bahá’í community life, methods for improving the functioning of local spiritual assemblies, practical approaches to problem solving, and education of the entire national Bahá’í community with concurrent remedial actions in individual communities suffering from internal problems. The urgent need for deeper understanding of the Bahá’í social laws and for raising the spiritual and moral level of the national Bahá’í community as a whole led to decision to request all Bahá’í summer school committees to include courses in their 1966 programs designed to improve this condition.

Consultation was also held with the secretary of the National Teaching Committee on the current status of those groups expected to achieve assembly status by Riḍván 1966. To accomplish the Assembly goals established earlier in the year as well as those added for California and at the Victory Briefings, an intensified teaching effort is needed. Both the National Teaching Committee and the Community Development Committee were asked to give special attention to the more than twenty communities presently in danger of losing their assembly status.

Teaching among the American Indians also received considerable attention and the American Indian Service Committee was requested to consult on a number of recommendations aimed at acceleration of teaching among Indians wherever they live.

Brief consultation on plans for the 1966 Annual Convention resulted in one action, namely, the decision to arrange a one-day and evening meeting for youth, with the National Teaching Committee responsible for locating suitable facilities and submitting a proposed program for consideration at a later meeting.

An excellent report from the Foreign Goals Committee indicated good progress in the filling of certain goals, but serious difficulties in finding self-supporting pioneers for our African goals and for West Indies Islands where residence permits are needed and difficult to obtain.

As usual, far too much valuable time had to be devoted to problems of personal status, marriage and divorce.

At the beginning of the meeting there was consultation and action on a large number of communications from the Universal House of Justice, many having to do with legal matters and issues involving our relations with various departments of government. Correspondence with other National Assemblies, particularly those with whom our NSA is collaborating in the acquisition of Bahá’í properties and other goals of the Nine Year Plan also called for considerable consultation.

The Treasurer’s report showed income for the month of October from all sources to be $51,225. This was the first month in the year when contributions exceeded $45,000, but it was still far below the monthly budget requirement of $59,600.

One entire session was devoted to a meeting of the Temple Trustees, who are also the members of the NSA. It was decided to disband the existing Architects Committee and the Committee for the Maintenance of Temple Buildings and Grounds and to appoint in their place a National Center Properties Department responsible to the Temple Trustees for the systematic development of the physical aspects of the National Center, and for the continuous maintenance of the grounds, buildings and equipment thereof. It was voted to prepare for publication in Bahá’í News in the near future an article describing the responsibilities and functions of both this newly established department and the Department of Temple Activities.

December-January Meeting

The agenda for the 1965 year-end meeting consisted of more than 225 items, exclusive of items under several Trusteeships which also received attention. These included forty communications from the Universal House of Justice, many in answer to questions asked by the NSA about legal matters and goals of the Nine Year Plan. Two communications of major importance are published in the February issue of Bahá’í News — one on the subject of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and the other the urgent call for pioneers to fill all pioneer and resettlement goals by Riḍván. There was much serious consultation on how to achieve the latter.

The Foreign Goals Committee reported that of the 44 United States goals to be settled or re-settled before Riḍván, twenty-seven have been settled, leaving seventeen still to be settled and requiring a minimum of twenty-eight Bahá’ís. The settlement of the African goals presents the greatest difficulty. Certain recommendations were made to the committee for overcoming some of the obstacles.

[Page 2]An entire day was devoted to study, consultation and action on recommendations from the 1965 State Conventions, and to the program for the 1966 National Convention. The actions on the recommendations from the State Conventions are reported elsewhere. A problem that received special consideration was how to achieve effective consultation among the delegates at the National Convention in the presence of a thousand or more visitors. The need and possibility of some special events for visitors were also discussed. These matters will receive further study at the February meeting.

The subject of the establishment of a public relations department was considered at length. While there is pressing need for such a department and the program it is expected to develop, particularly in view of the events scheduled for 1967 and 1968, the NSA is faced with the question as to whether it can count upon sufficient support of the National Bahá’í Fund from the believers to finance it. This subject, too, is to receive further consideration at the next meeting.

While contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund in November and December showed a healthy increase over previous months, the total contributions for the first seven months of the Bahá’í year were $282,663 as against the required budget of $417,083 for the same period, creating a deficit of $134,420. Thus the problem of financing the needs of the 1965-1966 program continues to be an extremely serious one.

In spite of the financial situation, certain specific steps were taken to resume the publication of World Order Magazine, and to develop ways and means, hopefully through sufficient subscriptions, to make it self-supporting.

The Community Development Committee reported twenty-four Bahá’í communities whose assembly membership as of December 29 had dropped below nine,

IIIIUARY 1966

three of these having fallen to this status during the past month. In each instance the committee indicated what steps it had taken to assist these communities to regain their assembly status.

The National Assembly was concerned to find that approximately ninety assemblies had not returned the mid-year questionnaire sent out by the Community Development Committee at the request of the NSA. However, among the 242 reporting, there has been generally healthy increase during the year in the number of firesides and study classes being held, classes for youth and children, and extension teaching.

A plan for continuous deepening in the Faith for individual believers through the medium of Bahá’í News was presented and approved by the National Assembly.

Some time was devoted to consultation on publishing matters, including approval of the publication of a de luxe edition of Bahá’í World Faith which will soon be reprinted.

Consultation on community, assembly and individual problems again consumed several hours. Decisions on a number of them had been long delayed owing to the difficulty in securing adequate factual information necessary to deal with the problems.

A very encouraging and inspiring report included in the agenda was the plan of the California Victory Committee for a nine-day program of proclamation and deepening in Fresno, California, during which one session for Bahá’ís only will be conducted by the National Teaching Committee which will be meeting in Fresno, January 28-30.

The enrollment of new Bahá’ís continues to show an increase over last year, but it is still only 25 per cent greater.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Actions Taken by the National Spiritual Assembly on State Convention Recommendations

Among the important items on the agenda of the National Spiritual Assembly at its December—January meeting was study and consultation on the reports and recommendations from the 1965 ‘State Conventions.

While the voting lists included 600 more members than last year, only 61 per cent of those eligible to vote did so as compared with 64 percent at the 1964 State Conventions, even though the total attendance at the 1965 Conventions was 340 greater than in 1964.

Seven Conventions sent no reports other than the tellers’ reports. The other forty-eight states/electoral districts submitted a total of 174 recommendations, fifty per cent of which were regarded by the National Spiritual Assembly to be of local or state interest only.

While every recommendation was carefully considered, the following report represents only the actions taken on those that are of interest to more than one state. Where no mention is made of recommendations under the state listed it is because the recommendations had been made before, that they were made also by some other state, that they consisted of information or recommendations for specific committees such as the National Teaching Committee or the Community

Development Committee, or had to do with plans for the State Conventions for 1966. In the latter case, these recommendations have been filed for consideration when plans are being made for these conventions next fall. Recommendations for stimulating greater support of the National Bahá’í Fund were referred to the Treasurer for study and possible incorporation in his letters to treasurers or articles in Bahá’í News.

Alabama: 1. That regional youth committees be appointed for planning youth activities.

Action: Since the abolition of the national and area youth committees and emphasis upon attention to youth by local assemblies there has been a steady upsurge of youth activities throughout the country and this trend should be further supported and strengthened by local assemblies.

2. That a national committee put together a slide and tape presentation suitable for introducing the Bahá’í Faith to new contacts.

Action: The NSA has this matter under consideration.

Arizona: 1. That the American Indian Service Committee provide a training program for all Bahá’ís in [Page 3]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

terested in Indian teaching.

Action: This recommendation has been referred to the American Indian Service Committee for action.

2. That the whole concept of “Indian service” and “Indian teaching” be revised.

Action: This subject is under consideration by the NSA.

3. That the bounty of giving to the Bahá’í Fund be stressed at all Nineteen-Day Feasts.

Action: The special messages to local treasurers are designed for this purpose.

4. That there be clarification of the status of Auxiliary Board members as to their eligibility to serve as delegates to the National Convention and that this statement be included in the Convention Call.

Action: This recommendation will be carried out by the NSA.

Northern California: 1. That a clarification be published in Bahá’í Naws about receiving contributions from non-Bahá’í sources and the ways in which they can be used.

Action: Such a statement is being prepared for publication.

2. That the friends be encouraged to send Bahá’í pamphlets with the checks they send to pay bills.

Action: The NSA does not approve this recommendation.

3. That the Faith be promoted through a world-wide competition for artists and that the results be sent around the world to arouse the interest of art patrons.

Action: The NSA does not consider this project practicable at this time.

4. That a committee be appointed to gather authentic inspirational stories of the Hands of the Cause, pioneers, and others while there is still time to do so.

Action: Referred to the Advisory Committee on Education for implementation.

5. That a pamphlet devoted specifically to Bahá’í history be prepared for teaching use.

Action: The NSA will give consideration to this recommendation.

Southern California District No. 1: 1. That the NSA permit the State Convention to form an inter-community committee to plan week end meetings with emphasis on the social aspect of teaching the Faith.

Action: The State Convention has no function other than the election of delegates, consultation on matters of concern to the believers in the state, and recommendations to the National Assembly on matters of general interest. The proposal can be carried out through other administrative channels.

2. That the NSA consider the possibility of contributing money from the National Fund sufficient for the down payment on a local Bahá’í Center when a community has reached a sufficiently firm population and financial stability.

Action: Under directions from the Universal House of Justice there can be no investment of capital funds for this purpose at this time.

3. That Bahá’í News publish more reports on youth activities.

Action: Referred to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee for action. It should be pointed out, however, that very few reports are being received and sometimes these are several months late.

Southern California District No. 2: 1. That the NSA

3

restate for the benefit of new believers and youth the importance of non-participation in politics and clarify the Bahá’í position on participation in human rights and civil rights movements.

Action: Local spiritual assemblies are requested to acquaint new believers and youth with the statements on these subjects which have been published in BAHA’I News, particularly the inserts of October 1963, May 1964, and the letter from the NSA in the U.S. SUPPLEMHNT in August 1965.

2. That the NSA again consider making available a Bahá’í citation for use by the Boy Scouts of America.

Action: This subject is still under study by the NSA, but it appears that the action cannot be carried out until such time as the local assemblies can sponsor Boy Scout groups.

3. That the NSA update and republish its policy on the preservation of archives materials.

Action: Steps have already been taken to do this.

Colorado: 1. That the NSA send a representative to each community not contributing to the National Fund in order to educate the community to the spiritual obligation and responsibility of giving to the institution of the Fund.

Action: This recommendation has been referred to the Treasurer and to the Community Development Committee for consideration.

2. That the NSA clarify contributions to the Fund and how they are made.

Action: The Treasurer is making a continuing effort to do this through his messages to the local treasurers and articles in Bahá’í News.

Georgia: That the NSA consider the possibility of an exchange of pioneers between Africa and America to stimulate teaching activity, to encourage cultural exchange, and to afford American believers the opportunity to learn about mass conversion from African pioneers.

Action: This is impracticable at this time.

Idaho: 1. That the attention of the NSA be called to the need for clarification of the Bahá’í Faith as an independent religion in college and university comparative religion courses.

Action: Efforts are being made in this direction by the National Teaching Committee and Bahá’í Clubs.

2. That the NSA consider the advisability of leasing Bahá’í School properties, when not in use, to other organizations to help curtail maintenance expenditures.

Action: This recommendation is impractical because of our tax exemption status.

3. That the NSA inform the believers more quickly and in more detail about teaching successes on a more world-wide basis, pinpointing mass conversions and how accomplished.

Action: Referred to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee. It should be recorded, however, that the Editorial Committee is dependent upon other NSAs where these types of teaching are carried on to report them to the Editorial Committee.

Northern Illinois: 1. That the NSA recommend to local assemblies that they appoint a community development committee and call it that so that it will tie in with the national community development program.

[Page 4]Action: Referred to the Community Development Committee for consideration.

2. That the NSA produce a kit like that used for the Victory Briefings to be supplied to every assembly, community and Bahá’í group, giving them basic materials for a self-propelled deepening class.

Action: This recommendation is impracticable. The Community Development Committee is working out a plan to accomplish much the same objective through Bahá’í NEWS.

3. That the NSA provide a wallet-size card to be issued to every believer which will identify him as a Bahá’í and express his wish to be buried according to Bahá’í laws, which will be stated.

Action: No action in view of the fact that all the burial laws are not yet known or applicable in the west.

4. That the permanent chairman and permanent secretary for the State Convention be elected prior to the Conventions by all the believers by mail ballot.

Action: Convention officers cannot be elected until the Convention is in existence, and it is not in existence until it is convened.

Southern Illinois: That the NSA find a workable plan to implement the sale of Bahá’í books on the open market in order to reach more people and increase the fund by the sale of these books.

Action: This subject is under constant consideration.

Indiana: That area conventions be held on a two-day basis so that part of the time may be devoted to wellpublicized teaching in the area where the convention is to be held.

Action: This matter is left to the discretion of the host assemblies.

Iowa: 1. That the existence of state boundaries not be permitted to hinder a local assembly from carrying on extension teaching in a nearby town which is in another state.

Action: Such divisions need not hinder extension teaching work.

2. That the College Bureau, upon the request of a college-bound youth, supply him with the names of cities where Bahá’ís reside and where there is a college but where there are no Bahá’í youth in the college in that city.

Action: It is impractical to provide such a list, but the College Bureau is prepared to make suggestions to such youth.

Kansas: 1. That the NSA consider publication of a “prayer card” for use as a give-away item by Bahá’ís.

Action: Every Bahá’í and local assembly can make their own cards for such use locally.

2. That the NSA report on all State Convention recommendations in the Bahá’í NEWS.

Action: Every recommendation receives consideration by the NSA. Refer to the opening statement on the procedure that is followed.

3. That the NSA publish, as quickly as possible, all the messages of the Guardian not presently available in published form.

Action: The Guardian's messages to the American believers are now available in the newly published book, Citadel of Faith. Steps have been taken to compile and publish the Guardian's letters to individuals that have been published in Bahá’í News.

FEIRUAIY 1966

Kentucky: That Bahá’ís planning to leave their community notify the assembly at the earliest possible date, especially if the individual serves on the assembly. This would prevent suddenly placing the assembly in jeopardy.

Action: The National Assembly makes this appeal constantly.

Louisiana: 1. That every state not having an Indian Teaching Committee representative be allowed to form such a committee in order to work with olf-reservation Indians.

Action: Local assemblies are free to initiate such an action. The recommendation has been referred to the American Indian Service Committee for consideration.

2. In order to have more systematized circuit teaching and visiting among the Bahá’ís of a state, the NSA appoint a committee instead of an individual as a State Representative in order to give the teaching work in each state fuller attention.

Action: Circuit teaching is planned and developed by the National Teaching Committee. It is not the function of the State Service Representative to organize teaching activities.

Maryland: 1. That the NSA organize a cadre of individuals who can assist local assemblies in their own areas or in areas where these persons can travel in order to properly teach the Faith and help with the administration as delineated by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian.

Action: If there are such persons available their names should be sent promptly to the National Teaching Committee and the Community Development Committee.

2. That the NSA inform new believers about the various Bahá’í funds and their purposes at the time of becoming newly declared believers; that a form be devised for instructing new believers how to write their checks, that an initial envelope for a gift be included in the material that is sent to each new believer, and further that this material and envelope be sent to each believer as he moves from one community to another.

Action: The packet of material sent to each new believer includes information on the Bahá’í Fund and how to make contributions. It is impractical to send this same material to each individual whenever he moves to another community. With respect to enclosing an envelope for a gift contribution, this is in the nature of direct individual solicitation which is not permissible.

Massachusetts: That the Bahá’ís use their creative talents, hobbies, and interests on projects, such as writing children's stories, to raise money for the Bahá’í Fund.

Action: Every Bahá’í who can do so is urged to act on this recommendation.

Michigan: That the NSA Contact local spiritual assemblies to encourage teaching efforts to be extended to hospitals, homes for the aged, etc.

Action: Local assemblies are urged to encourage individual Bahá’ís to extend their teaching activities into all areas to which they may have access.

Minnesota: 1. That all members of the NSA be present at National Conventions so that all believers attending will have opportunity to meet them.

[Page 5]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

Action: All members of the NSA are always present at National Conventions unless some emergency arises to prevent their attendance.

2. That the NSA organize a plan whereby Bahá’ís can use their vacation time to participate in a continuous teaching effort in some locality.

Action: Bahá’ís who can use their vacation time for teaching ouside their own communities are urged to let the fact be known to the National Teaching Committee who will be glad to help make practical plans.

Montana: That the NSA or the National Teaching Committee outline some mechanism whereby copies of similar World Peace Day or United Nations Day proclamations by governors issued in other states be made available to the friends in their respective states for distribution as a free teaching medium.

Action: It is impractical to duplicate such items.

Nebraska: That isolated believers list “Bahá’í Faith” in telephone directories, signs on buses, books in public and private libraries.

Action: Approved for action wherever feasible.

Nevada: 1. That local assemblies be asked to arrange and invite isolated believers to an institute for teaching. This should be an intensive study which would also serve as a deepening study.

Action: Local assemblies are urged to undertake such activities wherever and as frequently as possible.

2. That the back of the membership card carry a printed reminder of the essential laws of the Aqdas that are so often not obeyed.

Action: This recommendation is impractical.

‘New Hampshire: That post-Convention reports be held soon after the National Convention, and not four to six weeks later as last year.

Action: Local assemblies are free to plan for postConvention reports to be given by the delegate(s) for their states or visitors and may invite nearby groups and isolated Bahá’ís to attend.

New Jersey: That the NSA undertake the preparation of stories of the life and childhood of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for publication in book form.

Action: Initial steps have been taken to accomplish this.

New Mexico: 1. That the NSA give authority to State Conventions to form non—policy-making, non-administrative, functional committees for the use of the State, to be under the responsibility of a particular local assembly.

Action: This is not permissible as business of the State Convention.

2. That the NSA bring back the monthly Bahá’í magazine.

Action: Plans already well advanced to do so.

North Carolina: 1. That the NSA ask assemblies to investigate the possibility of putting Bahá’í ads on buses.

Action: Local assemblies are free to undertake this method of publicity if they can afford to do so.

2. That Bahá’í stickers be made available to put on cars.

Action: Not approved.

Ohio: 1. That Bahá’í greeting cards for Naw-Rúz and Holy Days be made available for purchase by Bahá’ís.

Action: This recommendation has been under con sideration for some time.

2. That the NSA prepare a list of youth in each state so that they may exchange information and communicate with each other.

Action: The problems involved in this service are too great at this time to make the recommendation practicable.

Oregon: The publication of a colored pictorial pamphlet which illustrates the universality of the Faith, showing believers and their activities in all areas of the world, including statistics to give the reader an idea of the growth rate.

Action: This will be done whenever it is possible to gather the necessary material.

Pennsylvania: That the NSA enclose with some general letter to all Bahá’ís such as the Convention Call a self-addressed envelope for the purpose of stimulating contributions to the National Fund.

Action: Such action would constitute direct individual solicitation which is not permissible.

East Texas: 1. That the NSA publish a study outline for local institutes on the individual’s contribution to the Bahá’í Fund, giving references from the Writings concerning the reasons and purposes of contributing and the results therefrom, and including any information from a national or administrative standpoint that would be helpful.

Action: The preparation of such material is already under way.

2. That arrangements be made sufficiently ahead of time so that delegates can get copies of the tapes of the National Convention to be utilized in their reports at home.

Action: This is under consideration by the Temple Activities Department.

West Texas: That each local assembly at the last Feast before the election of the new local assembly contribute all funds in the local treasury to the NSA to apply against deficit in the budget for the year then ending.

Action: This is impractical, since many assemblies have fixed obligations that carry over into the new Bahá’í year.

Virginia: 1. That the NSA review with the Federal Government the classification of Bahá’ís other than “conscientious objectors” as well as the total Bahá’í position relative to selective and military service.

Action: The whole matter of Bahá’ís and military service is constantly under review.

2. That a list be prepared naming preferred noncombatant occupational specialties within each branch of the Services for the guidance of actual and potential Bahá’í military personnel.

Action: This is both impractical and unwise.

Western Washington: That the secretary of each local assembly make available to the individual members of the community for a period of two or three days each the Victory Kit for their personal evaluation of how each one can best help to achieve the goals of the Crusade.

Action: Local Spiritual assemblies are urged to carry out this recommendation.

Wyoming: That a slide program of wider interest to people of other religions, be made available.

Action: The matter of slide programs is under consideration.

[Page 6]Recent Contributions Show Increase

As the chart shows, contributions in November and December from both regular and special sources have shown an encouraging increase. At the end of December the deficit, based on the budget, was reduced to $77,500.70. This is still a tremendous figure, but is not as catastrophic as the more than $100,000 which prevailed at mid-year.

The outcome for the year as a whole will depend largely upon what happens the rest of the year. If, as has sometimes happened in the past, the increases in November and December were motivated largely by year-end income tax considerations, and we again slip back to the level earlier this year of $20,000 monthly deficits, we will end in financial disaster. If, on the other hand, a substantial part of the increase was stimulated by a heightened awareness of the urgency of the financial crisis and a determination to relieve it at all costs, correspondence coming into the treasurer’s office suggests that this is the case with some assemblies and individuals, regular contributions will remain near the $50,000 monthly level of December. If, in addition there is a reasonable number of special gifts and estate bequests, we can then hold the deficit near its present level, or even reduce it further, and we will at least be in a manageable position.

Let us concentrate our attention on this objective, and have special prayers for the success of this endeavor.

NATIONAL BAHA'l FUND Monthly Income: 1965-‘1966

Thousand

180 140 120 100 80 Monthly Budget

llllllllll|||||||||||l|||||l|||||

40 20 >‘ W P‘ cl ' H :>’ o‘ z an at a: <1 Z 4 53 U o in m 2 3 E 3 g o z Q 3 rz. Q Q

I Regular contributions —— Special contributions & Miscellaneous Estates

FEBRUARY 1966

Contributions from Non-Bahá’ís

Several recent communications suggest that there is confusion in the minds of many of the friends concerning the appropriateness of receiving contributions from non-Bahá’ís. Because the Writings clearly indicate that such contributions can only be used for charitable or humanitarian purposes, there is a feeling that it is not desirable either for a local assembly or for the National Fund to accept donations from outside sources.

The facts are just the reverse. At the national level there are several financial requirements faced by the National Fund which, in the judgment of the National Spiritual Assembly, fit precisely the definition of charitable or humanitarian activities. Examples are: subsidies to the Bahá’í Home for the care of non-Bahá’í guests, and emergency assistance to long time Bahá’í pioneers who are now aged or ill, and toward whom we accept a moral obligation. If a portion of these demands can be met by contributions from non-Bahá’ís, this will release other funds for Bahá’í purposes, and will directly aid in meeting the deficit. If a local assembly receives donations from non-Bahá’ís, and does not wish to use them for local charitable purposes, it can forward these to the National Fund, clearly earmarked as coming from non-Bahá’í sources, and they will have almost as much benefit in meeting the deficit as a Bahá’í contribution.

Therefore, when the opportunity arises, gifts from non-Bahá’ís should be accepted and used for charitable purposes.

Local Assemblies Contributing Each Month

I§

300

250

MAY JUNE JULY

AUG SEPT

OCT.

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

[Page 7]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

Bahá’í Book Placement in Libraries

More than ever before, the Bahá’í Faith is becoming better known to the public through the media of radio, television, public proclamation, newspapers, periodicals and books by non-Bahá’í authors alluding to the Faith. Because of the increased demand for information about the Faith, it is essential that Bahá’í books be made more readily available.

The need at the present time is for a definite program of book placement in public libraries, college libraries and theological school libraries. An effort should be made by assemblies, groups and isolated believers, as well as college clubs and college students, to place Bahá’í books for reference and study. The Guardian once said that “more people are attracted to the Faith by reading than by listening to lectures.” In the initial investigation, there are no doubt many people who prefer this means without becoming involved with the local Bahá’í community. Therefore, Bahá’ís should make this provision for private investigation.

Offered below for consideration are some suggestions for dealing with this important outlet for the Bahá’í Writings to the general public:

1. Make a check of the library in your community to see whether Bahá’í books are stocked.

2. If books are on shelves, note whether they are in good condition and relatively up to date.

3. Make note of whether books are being circulated.

4. Check to see whether at least one basic Bahá’í book, such as Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, All Things Made New, or Renewal of Civilization, is available.

5. Take out the Bahá’í books for your own use or the use of an inquirer.

6. Employ some courteous comment to make librarian aware of timeliness of the Bahá’í books.

In such cases where no Bahá’í books are stocked in the library, the following procedure is suggested:

1. If the library check is being made by an assembly representative, report should be made to the assembly and a plan of action adopted to:

a. Approach librarian in a friendly and courteous manner to determine whether placement would be acceptable.

b. Determine whether it will be a public presentation with publicity, etc. or a private presentation through an assembly representative.

c. In either case, a letter of thanks be sent to the librarian in appreciation of service rendered.

2. If library contact is being made by a group, the same suggestions would apply.

3. If contact is being made by an isolated believer, it would be at his discretion to determine the best means of placement, taking into account the above suggestions.

This is the first in a series of articles about book placement in libraries. In the next article, an effort will be made to offer suggestions as to types of Bahá’í books for placement in public, college and theological school libraries.

—NATIONAL TEACHING COMMrr'rr.s

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Alabama. Birmingham: Mrs. Delight Bethune, 936-H N. 5th St., 35204 Northern California. Fresno J .D.: Mrs. Gertrude Griesner, 4780 E. Cornell, Fresno 93703 Santa Cruz J.D.: Mrs. Ruth Brannan, 1300 Graham Hill Rd., Santa Cruz 95060 Stockton: Miss Valerie Wilson, P.0. Box 4232, 95204 Southern California Dist. #1 West Hollywood: Mr. Albert Reed, 1115 N. Formosa, 90046 Colorado Pueblo: Mr. Walter Tihonovich, P.O. Box 3182 Connecticut New Haven: Miss Marina Kazemzadeh, 231 Colony Rd. Georgia DeKalb County: Mr. John R. Haynes, 2400 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur Idaho Ada County: Mrs. Mildred R. Cossey, P.0. Box 7454. Boise 83707 Kansas Kansas City: Mrs. Jacquelyn Oswald, 3047 Cissna, 66104 Nevada Reno: Mrs. Jane E. Russell, 1295 Goldfield St., 89502 North Carolina Greensboro: Mr. F. Kimball Kinney, 1615 Woodbriar Ave., 27405 South Carolina Greenville County: Herbert L. Williams, Chairman, Rt. 4, Box 569, Greenville

NSA-STATE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES

Iowa Mr. Richard Snyder, 1606 Grand Blvd., Cedar Falls 50613 (new address) Idaho Mrs. Mildred Cossey, PO. Box 7454, Boise 83707 South Carolina Mrs. Elsie Thompson, 477 Hamburg St., Pendleton West Virginia Miss Adah Schott, 1328 Frame St., Charleston 25312

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

National Reference Library Miss Adah M. Schott, Secretary, 1328 Frame St., Charleston, W. Va., 25312 (new address)

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

If you are planning to attend the National Convention, make sure NOW that I.D. cards will be in order. Do not leave request for renewal until the last minute.

It is the responsibility of believers in groups and isolated localities to request renewals from the National Bahá’í Office. Believers in communities request renewals from local secretary.

Secretaries should make sure NOW that they will have supplies on hand so that National Office is not deluged with requests at the last minute.

Sando Berger Deprived of Membership Privileges

In view of conduct unbecoming a Bahá’í and the effect it has had upon the reputation of the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly has found it necessary to deprive Sando Berger, Monterey, California, of his Bahá’í membership privileges.

[Page 8]Bahá’í Distribution and Service Depar'l'men'|'

A fifth in the new series of tapes is now available, on The Spiritual Nature of Giving. This series is being prepared by Hand of the Cause William E. Sears and his associates and has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly for use by the believers. The tapes are each approximately one hour in length with a break midway for consultation. They are exclusively for Bahá’ís and are not for public meetings. The tapes can be played on any tape recorder with a capacity for seven inch reels and with a speed of 3% i.p.s. A list is given below with revised prices to reflect cost of production and distribution:

The Majesty and Greatness of the Divinely Or dained Local Spiritual Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 The Signficance of Covenant Breaking . . . . . . ..$3.00 A Call to Pioneering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 Teaching: Living the Life (The Only Secret of Success) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 The Spiritual Nature of Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00

Orders should be sent to Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Bahá’í Marriages San Francisco, Calif.: Miss Sandra Itsumi Kato to Ross R. Klutke on October 22, 1965

Maywood, Illinois: Mrs. Louise Champion to Waldo Fusaro on October 23, 1965

Eliot, Maine: Miss Gail Gustafson to Fred Frymuth on October 17, 1965

Pierce Co. C.D. #3, Wash.: Miss Rachel Eileen Messinger to James LeRoy Ingraham on October 9, 1965

Glendale, Calif.: Mrs. Inez M. Holbrook to John R. Whitney on November 25, 1965

Long Beach, Calif.: Mrs. Aileen M. Thornbury to Clarence Beeson on February 14, 1965

Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Gudrun Gentz to Dr. Mansoor Roshan on November 24, 1965

Pasadena, Calif.: Mrs. Edith Laura Cam'p to Edward James Reegan on December 4, 1965

San Francisco, Calif.: Mrs. Patricia Ford Atchison to Gilbert Adam Krier on November 6, 1965

San Francisco, Calif.: Mrs. Alice R. Morgan to Gordon Tom Burke on December 5, 1965

San Francisco, Calif.: Mrs. Mina Belle Smith to John H. Haumschilt on December 7, 1965

Victor J. D., Calif.: Miss Suzan Marguerite McClellan to David William Russell on November 28, 1965

West Hollywood, Calif.: Mrs. Glados Castle to Henry Wilfred Spoden on November 27, 1965

Denver, Colorado: Mrs. Betty Sharp to Kenneth Eskuche on November 20, 1965

Oak Park, Illinois: Miss J. Diane Schnable to Fakraddin Taefy on December 5, 1965

Wilmette, Illinois: Mrs. Frances L. Luedke to Arthur del Moro on October 23, 1965

FEBRUARY 1966

Ann Arbor, Michigan: Miss Claudia Christine Venable to Frederick Henry Stewart on December 11, 1965

Teaneck, New Jersey: Miss Ann Elizabeth E. Passoth to William R. Williams on November 27, 1965

New York, N.Y.: Miss Louise Patrica Damasco to James Leonard Tate on December 3, 1965

Asheville, North Carolina: Mrs. Thelma W. Cashion to William

Perry on December 19, 1965

Arlington, Virginia: Miss Georgia Ann Valentine to Edson Stokes Hockenbury on November 19, 1965

Walla Walla, Wash.: Mrs. Lenellen R. Whitehead to Donovan P. Whitehead on December 3, 1965

In Memoriam

Mrs. Blanche Abbott Fruitport, Michigan November 6, 1965

Mrs. Nellie S. Anderson Orlando, Florida November 13, 1965

Mrs. Goldie F. Bennett Spokane, Wash. November 15, 1965

Grover G. Boutin, Jr.

Fargo, North Dakota April 8, 1965

(in Durban, South Africa)

Dr. Agnes Brawley Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 8, 1965

Mrs. Ouida Broady Washington, D.C. November 24, 1965

Miss Viola L. F. Chaplain Frogmore, South Carolina October 28, 1965

Mrs. Jean King Chenevert Miami Beach, Florida December 3, 1965

Mrs. Nettie May Douglas Fresno, Calif. November 2, 1965

George Haley Tulsa, Oklahoma December 25, 1965

Mrs. Lorrol 0. Jackson Hilo, Hawaii

October 1, 1965 (Pioneer)

Mrs. Marie Lowell Santa Barbara, Calif. December 5, 1965

William Madison Englewood, New Jersey November 9, 1965

Allen B. McDaniel Lemon Cove, Calif. December 18, 1965

Mrs. Hattie Nichols Halethorpe, Maryland November 14, 1965

Mrs. Bessie G. Oldson Alturas, Calif. December 13, 1965

Mrs. Blanche G. Parker Santa Monica, Calif. November 10, 1965

Sanford W. Parker North Fort Myers, Florida December 4, 1965

Moses Roosevelt Parks Louisville, Kentucky November 24, 1965

Miss Carrie F. Ridenaur Davenport, Iowa November 20, 1965

Fred Riefschneider Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 7, 1965

Mrs. Olive Roy Racine, Wisconsin December 6, 1965

Mrs. Mary Louise Swift Eagle Fort Totten, North Dakota July 21, 1964

Donald James Weeks Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 3, 1965

William S. Wilks (Pioneer)

Johannesburg, South Africa December 14, 1965

(Buried in Swaziland)

Correction

The U.S. Supplement for November 1965 listed the death of Mrs. Alice Wilder as in Lakewood, Colorado. The notice should have read Lakewood, Ohio.