U.S. Supplement/Issue 99/Text

[Page 1]

Universal House of Justice Outlines Requirements

for Strengthening Individual and Community Life

The Universal House of Justice has sent us a copy of a letter which it addressed on February 2, 1966 to National Spiritual Assemblies engaged in mass teaching work, with permission to share pertinent extracts with the believers of the United States. The underlying theme of the communication is the interdependence of the inseparable processes of expansion and consolidation. It points out that it is not only imperative that the number of new believers be greatly and rapidly increased, but that it is equally essential that local Bahá’í communities become increasingly conscious of their collective duties, that the administrative institutions operate efficiently, and that the spiritual life of the individual believer is continuously enriched.

Among the particular subjects that must be given constant attention by local Assemblies and by teachers, the Universal House of Justice lists the following:

1. Informing the believers of the spread and stature of the Faith today;

2. The importance of the daily obligatory prayers;

3. The need to educate Bahá’í children in the Teachings of the Faith and to encourage them to memorize some of the prayers;

4. The stimulation of youth to participate in community life by giving talks, etc., and having their own activities;

5. The necessity for the friends to understand that the voluntary act of contributing to the Fund is both a privilege and a spiritual obligation;

6. Helping the believers to understand the importance of the Nineteen-Day Feast, and the fact that it should

be a joyful occasion and a rallying point of the entire community.

7. The all-important work of teaching, both in the home locality and its neighboring centers, as well as the need to continuously deepen the friends in the essentials of the Faith. The friends should be made to realize that in teaching the Faith to others they should not only aim at assisting the seeking soul to join the Faith, but also at making him a teacher of the Faith and its active supporter.

The local Spiritual Assembly should vigorously direct its attention to these vital functions and become the heart of the Bahá’í community life of its own locality, even if its meetings should become burdened with the problems of the community.

The local friends should understand the importance of the law of consultation and realize that it is to the local Assembly that they must turn, abide by its decisions, support its projects, cooperate wholeheartedly with it in its tasks to promote the interests of the Cause, and seek its advice and guidance in the solution of personal problems and adjudication of disputes, should they arise among the members of the community.

The National Spiritual Assembly strongly urges all Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’í groups and the individual believers to study and consult on these matters fully and frequently during the Bahá’í year we have just begun. The sound development of the Bahá’í community, local and national, is dependent upon the degree to which they are put into action by all local Spiritual Assemblies.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Index to U.S. Supplement

Enclosed with this issue of the U.S. Supplement is an index of all major items published in the U.S. Supplements from its first issue in February 1958 through December 1965. Secretaries of local Spiritual Assemblies would do well to file it, either with the Assembly’s set of Supplements or in the Secretary's Handbook. Many subjects not included in The Bahá’í Commumlty, or clarification or revision of certain subjects, will be found in the Supplements.

Because of the very limited supply of back copies of the Supplements and lack of staff available to handle them, it will not be possible to provide the friends with numbers missing from their personal sets.

“Bahá’í in the News" Explained

The rapidly increasing amount of publicity being given to the activities of the Bahá’ís throughout the United States makes it impossible to mention in the “Bahá’í in the News” column all feature stories, photographs and special articles published in newspapers and sent to Bahá’í News or the National Spiritual Assembly. The editors wish the believers to continue sending these items so that those of unusual interest can be mentioned. All clippings will also be referred to the newly formed Public Information Department for its possible use. We congratulate our fellow-believers in their diligence in securing good local publicity, particularly in connection with special events.

—EDITORS, Bahá’í NEWS

[Page 2]Race Unity Day June 12. ‘1966

A Special Event for Procluiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public

Theme: Humanity United

Suggested Materials: News and Radio releases, RUD Poster; One World-One Family; Man One Family; Ebony Reprint. Order Literature from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Order Posters from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Reports: Good photographs and reports of outstanding observances should be mailed to the PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091 prior to June 20.

Small groups planning observances and who did not receive publicity packet may obtain one from PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT.

Notice to New York Visitors

Visitors to New York City and friends wishing information about Bahá’í meetings or other activities in the city should inquire of the Spiritual Assembly of New York or call the New York Bahá’í Center at 111 West 56th Street. It is listed in both the Manhattan alphabetical telephone directory and in the yellow pages under “Religious Organizations.” The “Bahá’í Library” on East 65th Street is not an actual Bahá’í library but is operated by the Caravan of East and West and should not be contacted by the Bahá’ís.

The February 1966 Bahá’í NEWS announced the opening of the Bahá’í United Nations Office in the United Nations Plaza in New York. Since this office is handling Bahá’í national work connected with United Nations and is not open every day, the friends are requested not to call there for information about Bahá’í activities.

Conference on Indian Teaching Announced

All Bahá’ís are invited by the American Indian Service Committee to attend a weekend camp-out and conference the purpose of which is to find new and productive approaches to Indian teaching. Dates are July 9 and 10 and place is a Bahá’í campsite near Flagstaff, Arizona.

The two day conference will draw on the ideas applicable to Indian teaching to be found in the Writings, the experiences and insight of Indian friends, and information from various sources brought together for the first time.

Interested friends should write to the American Indian Service Committee for further details about the program and suggestions as to equipment necessary for the C3mP'°ut- Mrs. Maureen Thur, Secy.

6549 West Medlock, Glendale, Arizona

MAY 1966

Bahá’í Boolc Placement in Libraries

Local assemblies can use book placement in libraries as an excellent means for extension teaching. Libraries in smaller towns nearby can be checked for listing of at least one basic Bahá’í book and such a book as Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era presented to those not having Bahá’í books. This requires a minimum of time and would add significantly to the growing list of libraries throughout the United States which carry Bahá’í books on their shelves.

Given below is a suggested outline of procedure used very successfully by a believer as related in the article “What One Bahá’í Can Do” in the Teaching Bulletin for March, 1966.

“Ask for the librarian and when you have been directed to her (him) say something like: ‘My name is _j_:, and I am a member of the Bahá’í World Faith. Have you ever heard of it?’ After a yes or no answer, one might proceed with: ‘There are about six million Bahá’ís in all countries of the world—except behind the Iron Curtain—and today the Bahá’í Faith is growing faster than any other. Until recently, the growth of the Faith in this country has been somewhat slow, but we anticipate rapid growth in the near future. For this reason, and since you may receive inquiries regarding the Bahá’í Faith, we would like to present this gift of book(s) and pamphlets to the library.’ (Note: Was refused only twice in fifty-two attempts.)

“When gift is accepted, it requires only brief explanation of books and pamphlets. Offer to leave your name, address and telephone number (or name, address and telephone number of nearest assembly). Write it down on a card or pamphlet in order that they may have information at hand were someone to inquire about contact with Bahá’ís. Extend thanks and appreciation.”

The above direct and simple procedure has been the “pass key” to a goodly number of library doors. It can continue to be effective when properly used, and provided it is in keeping with the Guardian’s guidance of dignity for the Faith.

Following this fourth article in a series of six, we will bring forth additional ideas concerning a library book placement program.

—NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Annual Reports Reflect Accomplishments on the National Scene

With this issue of Bahá’í NEWS each American Bahá’í will receive a copy of the Annual Reports for the year 1965-1966. The purpose of these annual reports is three-fold: (1) to provide an historical record of the accomplishments and progress in all major fields of national Bahá’í endeavor during the past year; (2) to supply the delegates to the National Convention with valuable information for consultation at the Convention; (3) to make available to all Bahá’ís information that will deepen their knowledge and understanding of

[Page 3]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

the unfoldment of the national administrative institutions and the progress of the Faith within their own national Bahá’í community. Nowhere else is it possible for the National Spiritual Assembly or its departments and committees to give the friends a comparable accounting of their stewardship for the year. It is the hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that the friends will study the reports carefully; otherwise the cost of such wide distribution of these reports cannot be justified.

NSA Warns Against Giving Money to Unidentified Persons

Reports continue to come to the National Spiritual Assembly from local Assemblies and individual believers that emergency loans have been made from time to time to travelling Bahá’ís or individuals who claim to be relatives or close friends of Bahá’ís, who they sometimes even name, and that they have immediately disappeared from the scene. Some of these individuals are quite well informed about the Faith and are skillful in presenting a story that inspires sympathy and confidence on the part of the believers they contact. The National Spiritual Assembly cannot be responsible for tracing these individuals or for collecting the “loans.”

While all Bahá’ís wish to show compassion and to aid fellow believers in distress, financial assistance should be extended through the local Assembly after consulta NATIONAL BAHA'| FUND Monthly Income: ‘1965-‘1966

Thousand

160 140 1%) 100 80

60-’ 59. 5 Monthb'

Budget

40 20 JUNE JULY U

PT CT

NOV. EC JAN FEB MAR APR

Special contributions & Miscellaneous

>4

<2

2 I Regular contributions fa;

Estates

3

tion on the case. If there is a question as to the believer’s status, a telephone call to the National Bahá’í Center during working hours can often clarify the situation. If a non-Bahá’í claims to have a Bahá’í relative, the name of the relative should be secured and checked with the National membership record.

Public Information Department Established

A full-time Public Information Department has been established by the National Spiritual Assembly. Duties and functions of the new Department will include working with national press, radio and television media to publicize and promote the Bahá’í Faith. The Department will also prepare approved material for use by local communities in their public relations programs, and will assist in the planning of special events, locally and nationally.

Salvatore A. (Tony) Pelle, Colonel, U.S.A.F.(Retired), will be directing the activities of the new Department. Mr. Pelle has been in public relations for the past twenty-five years. Natalie M. Owen, who has been a secretary in the public relations and advertising fields for several years, will assist. Correspondence may be addressed as follows:

Public Information Department

National Bahá’í Headquarters

112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Local Assemblies Contributing

Ea¢:hMonth fl E2. fl fl E E fl

[Page 4]BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Northern California Berkeley: Mrs. Pamela Deuberry, 1310 Acton St., Apt. A Daly City: Mr. Edward R. Karres, pro—tem, 92 Woodland Ave., 94015 Salinas: Mrs. Mary Allen, 210 Encinada Drive Southern California Pasadena: Mr. John W. Denise, 158 N. Meredith Ave., 91106 Colorado Aurora: Miss Janet Dodge, PO. Box 126

Georgia

Savannah: LSA of Savannah, 1304 Love St. Kansas

Wichita: Mrs. Jean Rowell, 1932 Marion Rd. Michigan

Royal Oak: Mr. Harold L. Johnson, P.O. Box 584 Oakridge Station, 48073

Western Texas El Paso: Mrs. Dorothy N. Edwards, Chr., 9302 Montgomery

INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE

Mrs. Florence Pringle, Hamburg, New York—for Northeastern States to replace Mr. Clarke Langrall

Mr. Duncan Brown, Toppenish, Washington — for Washington, Oregon and Idaho

J/12. (’lu'lal2'L cam,

A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Published bi-monthly by The Child's Way Editorial Committee with the help of all Bahá’ís.

“They (teachers) must encourage and stimulate by every means at their disposal, through subscription, reports and articles, the development of the various Bahá’í magazines.” —SHOGHI Errrzwnr Bahá’í Administration, page 38

MANAGING EDITOR: CORRESPONDENCE AND Mrs. Jean Hutchinson SUBSCRIPTIONS: ASSISTANTS: The Child's Way

Mrs. Sylvia Dennis Box 245

Mrs. Rosemary Eller Mrs. Bette Duiker

COST: In the United States — $2.00 a year Outside the States — $2.50 a year Sets of six back issues when ordered by Bahá’í year — $1.00 everywhere Single copies — 30c

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

MAY 1966

Bahá’í Marriages

Phoenix, Arizona: Miss Lorna Honeyestewa to Radford Quamahongnews on February 25, 1966 (non-Bahá’ís)

Glendale, Calif.: Miss Rebecca M. Basore to Larry D. Underwood on February 26, 1966

Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Jodi Irene McDowell to Harvey S. King on February 27, 1966

Riverside, Calif; Miss Ruth E. Vaniman to Park Davis (formerly George Agnew) on February 17, 1966

Sacramento, Calif.: Miss Faridih Seihoun to Hooshang Sohrab on February 6, 1966

Santa Monica, Calif.: Mrs. Ruth Lee Paster to Charles Evan Cornell on February 26, 1966

West Hollywood, Calif; Miss Mary Margaret Jackson to Wayne Kit Hayward on March 5, 1966

Detroit, Michigan: Miss Joan Marie Richardson to Dorie E. Reid on July 31, 1965

Detroit, Michigan: Miss Marzieh Johnson to Carlyle C. Douglas on January 9, 1965

Detroit, Michigan: Miss Diane Hingley Varga to Thomas Joseph Melton on February 14, 1966

Detroit, Michigan: Mrs. Mae Eunice Woods to Marcus Brown Green on February 19. 1966

Salem, Oregon: Mrs. Clara Mae Altree to Howard D. Nielsen on March 5, 1966

Greenville, S.C.: Miss Sarah Louise Cannon to James Richard Abercrombie on November 27, 1965

Greenville, S.C.: Miss Brenda Lucile Pinson to James Charles Renrick, Jr. on December 18, 1965

In Memoriam Sylvester N. Holmes

Pittsburgh, Penna. November 13, 1965

William H. Bennett Beacon, N.Y. February 1966

Mrs. Ivah B. Crane San Diego, Calif. January 11, 1966

Leslie Cude New Orleans, Louisiana February 15, 1966

Logan Rector Seattle, Wash. January 25, 1966

Henry C. Seker Pittsburgh, Penna. February 13, 1966

Miss Alice Forsyth Smith Troy, N.Y. February 24, 1966