PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

I THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL I ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS

OF THE UNITED STATES

FOR BAHA'IS ONLY 112 Linden Av., Wllmette, Ill. 6W91 Application to mail at Second Class Postage Rate is Ending

No. 9 BAHA'I YEAR 125 SEPTEMBER 1968

The Healing Message A Baha'i family living in a predominantly Negro

section of Gainesville, Florida made news during the aftermath of the June unrest in that city by living our Faith. A newspaper article described the scene as follows: " . . . There was Leslie Ossen, the young white girl

who works here for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).

There was LaVonne Jinks, a Negro girl who celebrat- ed her 18th birthday that day.

There was Reginald "Reggie" Sapp - who's either 18 or 19, the records are confused - a lanky Negro boy who works in the poverty program here and who's looking forward to being a lawyer someday.

There were Douglas Spears and Mrs. Spears and their four children, all white, who rent the house that's probably best described as a dormitory in the center of a Negro section here.

Spears, middle-aged and with short-cropped hair, is a salesman in an automotive store.

Mrs. Spears, attractive in middle age, dressed in a red nightgown, and a library science teacher at the university, stood with her husband quietly watching over the singing, praying brood.

The Spears have been here for two years, with a faith that tells them this is the way to live, peaceful and nonviolent, totally devoid of all racial considerations, faithful to Bahi'i, a religion that claims to be the world's youngest.

On this Monday night as National Guardsmen stood on alert for a recurrence of the destruction of a night earlier and while city police and Alachua County sher- iff's deputies and specially trained state conservation agents coursed the streets, the Spears' yard seemed to be the only place people dared gather.

Then Reggie jumped up - "Come on, everybody get in the house," he commanded.

He didn't say why but everyone did. Later he said he had a feeling there would be trouble,

and a little later still there was. An officer accidentally discharged a shotgun nearby, and a small warehouse around the corner was burned.

Inside the Spears living room - cluttered with bicy- cles because they always get stolen if they're left out there overnight - the Spears and the children contin- ued the ritual they brought from the front yard, the songs like "We Shall Overcome" and the half-sung, half-spoken prayers and late into the troubled night their lights still burned and inside it was very peace- ful.''

A Pioneer Child Spreads Knowledge of Bah6'u'llah St. Cloud is a litttle town in France in the environs of

Paris. American pioneers live there and the community has been w o r b g hard to spread the teachings of Bahi'u'llPh. In St. Cloud, recently, there was a procla- mation of the Faith which was reported in many newspapers as well as among the whole French neigh- borhood and had far reaching repercussions - but it was the result of a tremendous sacrifice by one of the American pioneers. Mrs. Margarey Allen Keppel has been an active Bahi'i pioneer living in the town some four years. Her husband, not a Bahi'i, was connected with the United States Information Service at the Em- bassy. The Keppels had a nine year old daughter Jennifer and there are three other children. Jennifer was in the local school, one of the best students and also in dancing and painting classes. She loved the Faith and was thrilled that the Feast was to be at her home June 4. She made brownies and served everyone and was so happy and excited. The next afternoon she was dead. While playing on a rope in a tree she was apparently strangled. In the words of another St. Cloud pioneer: "You can imagine our grief, as our Commu- nity is close and small. We all asked 'Why?' and 'How could it happen?' Shortly all the answers flowed in, and all of us are convinced that it was no 'accident' and that God had called her - and made her death a proclamation for the Faith. We were left in a state beyond words. Not only did her accident appear in all the papers and on the ticker-tapes, but her Baha'i funeral as well. And in the St. Cloud Cemetery . . . we laid to rest our little Baha'i among a huge crowd. All her school class was there with her teacher who read a story written by Jennifer on 'The New Day' when everyone was happy. Many French neighbors attended, Bahh'is and members of the American Embassy. Am- bassador and Mrs. Sargent Shriver called and wrote.

"The readings were beautiful even the hardened grave diggers were visibly moved and listened intently. Her teacher asked for the prayer which we read for her classmates, '0 God, Educate these Children' and she read it later to them in class. In fact we have made a little folder of the prayer to give to those who ask for it.

"We are all full of admiration at the wonderful courage of Margarey and her husband and her desire that Jennifer's death be used to help the Teaching. Margarey Keppel's faith was tested to the utmost and she came out pure gold." Little Jennifer, just turned nine years old, became a potent force in spreading the message of Bahi'u'llah. She left this world on the day of the Feast of Light.

-FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE

Adoption of Children In the past, Baha'i families desiring to adopt children

have sometimes been frustrated because of the require- ment of adoption agencies that the religion of the child be the same as that of the adopting parents, or because adoption agencies have been reluctant to permit Cau- casian adopting parents to adopt a non-white child. At the same time it has been impossible for the adoption agencies to find homes for all of the non-white children who are available for adoption. Now the situation has changed and certain agencies in various parts of the country are making trans-racial adoption placements without requiring the religious matching of parents and child.

Two adoption agencies in the State of Illinois have been contacted and have indicated that they would be pleased to take applications from Bahl'i families wish- in to adopt non-white children. Bahb'is residing in the State of Illinois may now be served directly by these agencies. As to BahP'i families living in other States, a survey is being made as to how best they can be served. This will depend upon how many BahP'i fam- ilies wish to participate in this program and where they reside.

Any Bahb'i family unable to find a child for adoption in their own State should contact the National BahP'i Office for Human Rights, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, and those families who have found adoption agencies willing to serve them should send in the names and addresses of these agencies. A wonderful opportunity now exists to provide loving Bahl'i homes for homeless non-white children and to put into practice the principle of the oneness of mankind.

Weekend Institute Relates Pioneering Experience

Would you like to bring the Faith to people with pure hearts who recognize Bahb'u'llPh quickly and with great understanding and who enter the Faith in large groups? How can people plan their life careers so that such teaching may be possible? Does one sacrifice greatly in leaving his home and familiar surroundings for the sole purpose of obeying Bah5'u'llPh's command to teach all peoples?

These and similar questions both practical and spir- itual were discussed at the weekend sessions held August 3 and 4 at Davison School in Michigan. The Institute, "Adventure in Pioneering," planned to give prospective pioneers a chance to learn from the experi- ences of those serving actively as pioneers in other lands, was attended by some forty believers. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Clayton who have pioneered in Uganda for several years showed color slides, displayed cloth and art objects created by the Africans and told of teaching successes in several countries. Mr. Donald Witzel, who has pioneered for many years in Latin America as well as Asia and now serves on the Conti- nental Board of Counsellors for South America, was able to take precious time from his crowded schedule to bring to the friends a vivid picture of what it means to teach the Faith to the Indians of South America and what deep satisfaction comes to those who can arise to do this. Mrs. Margaret Mills Leonard, pioneer for many years in South America and now, with her husband

Part o f the group of 30 friends who gathered at the Kappus home i n Burt, New York to celebrate on June 16 the 89th birthday of Miss Ella Quant (shown center). Miss Quant is one of the few American Baha'is now living who met and talked wi th 'Abdu'l-Baha when He visited America i n 1912. Miss Quant, i n the best of health and spirits thoroughly enjoyed the occasion which included gifts. cards, visiting wi th friends and a buffet supper w i th birthday cake.

teaching the Faith in the remote Falkland Islands, told clearly and frankly of life in the little known places where the Faith grows more slowly but where victory is certain to come. Mr. S. Thaliah, a young believer from Mauritius Island, in the Indian Ocean, himself now a pioneer after hearing of the Faith from American believers during the Ten Year Crusade, told of the rapid growth of BahA'i institutions on that island and of the desire of many who live there to pioneer.

In attendance were eight who have definite plans for pioneering in the immediate future as well as several who hope to leave in the coming months. To these as well as to the many others who may eventually arise to go the chance to hear of the lives of these dedicated and experienced servants of the Faith of Bahl'u'lllh brought inspiration and joy as well as added incentive for action.

Souvenir Commemorates Visit of 'Abdu'l-Baha

What is so rare as a day in June? The friends of the Teaneck, New Jersey community will testify that the weather on the last Saturday of June has been contin- uously flawless since that memorable day in June 1912 when the beloved Master 'Abdu'l-Baha was present on the grounds of Evergreen Place. At that time the Servant of God served the first Unity Feast to friends of all colors and creeds, demonstrating the Bahb'i unity which encompasses all.

The program for the annual Souvenir of this event, held on June 29, 1968 opened with greetings and prayer read by the chairman, Mrs. Estelle Rouse of Spring- field, New Jersey, followed by the children's chorus led by Carol Rutstein accompanied by Chris Faulconer and her guitar. Miss Soo San Samimi read 'Abdu'l-Bahb's address given there in 1912. Guest speaker John Savage of Teaneck offered an inspiring talk about "The Re- splendent Mirror for a New Age." There were also special services in the grove and a stimulating talk to the youth by Auxiliary Board member Curtis Kelsey.

The six hundred Bahl'is and friends who came to- gether in loving harmony found once again that the living memorial to One Who truly exemplified the Bahb'i life brought joy and spiritual refreshment.

REVIEW 3

NABOHR ANNOUNCES NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS SEPTEMBER 13, 14, and 15, 1968

YMCA HOTEL, 826 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois PROGRAM

Friday, Septemer 13 8:00 a.m. Registration

6:30 p.m. BANQUET

Sheraton Blackstone Hotel, Crystal 10:15 a.m. Conference opens Ballroom

Chairman, ~ i . Daniel Jordan, Direc- tor, Institute for Human Behavior, Indiana State University

"Purpose of the Conference" Mrs. Juliette B. Buford, Director, North American Bahi' i Office for Human Rights

1 1 : O O a.m. "The Black American and Human Rights"

Mr. Hugh Jackson, Executive Direc- 9:00 a.m. tor, Wichita Urban League, Wichita, Kansas

"Human Rights Across the U.S.A."

Miss Dorothy Height, President, Na- tional Council of Negro Women

"To Secure These Rights"

Mr. Clark M. Eichelberger, Chair- man, The Commission to Study the Organization of Peace

Saturday, September 14 "Business and Human Rights"

Mr. I. 0. Funderburg, Executive Vice-president, Gateway National

11:30 a.m. Break for lunch Bank, St. Louis, Missouri

1:30-5:00 p.m. Workshop Assignments and Field 9:30 a.m. "Youth and Human Rights" Tours Mr. Edward F. Carpenter, Director

1. The American Indian and Human Rights Workshop Leader: Samuel Hil- burn, Director, New Residents Di-

of Community Services, Queens Col- lege Children and Parents Center; Headmaster, Harlem Preparatory School

vision. ~ h i c a a o Commission on 10:OO a.m. Worksho~s urna an elations 2. The Spanish-American and Hu-

12:00 Noon LUNCHEON

man Rights Workshox, Leader: Mr. Claudio Flores, Commissioner, Chicago Human Relations Commission; President-Editor, El Puertorri- queiio

3. Education and Human Rights Workshop Leader : Ernest Yan- cey, Director of Human Relations, Archdiocese of Chicago School Board

4. Employment and Human Rights Workshop Leader: Walter Ducey, Executive Director, Illinois Fair Employment Practices Commis-

Conrad Hilton Hotel, Boulevard Room

"Education and Human Rights"

Dr. Dwight W. Allen, Dean, School of Education, University of Massachu- setts

"The American Indian and Human Rights"

Mr. Peter MacDonald, Director, Office of Navajo Economic Oppor- tunity, Ft. Defiance, Arizona

2:OO-5 :00 p.m. Workshops sion Sunday, September 15

5. Housing and Human Rights 10:OO a.m. Workshop reports and recommenda- Workshop Leader: Larry Am- tions brose, Director, Housing & Com- munity Services, Chicago Com- mission on Human Relations

6. White Racism and Human Rights Workshop Leader: James Burns, Director, Chicago Commission on Human Relations

7. Poverty and Human Rights Workshop Leader: Dr. Deton J. Brooks, Executive Director, Chi- cago Committee on Urban Oppor- tunity

11:30 a.m. Closing remarks

Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the United States

12:OO Noon Conference closes.

For further information and registra- tion form write: National Conference on Human Rights, NABOHR, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. 60091

4 SEPTEMBER 1968

Where Our Dollars Go

A series presented by the Coordinating Committee for the Fund

The National Archives

Ask any Bahl'i visiting the House of Worship in Wilmette from another part of the country or even some of the local Baha'is, "Where is the National Baha'i Archives?" Some of the answers are likely to be, "Well, it's around here someplace," or "I think it's in another building," or "Heavens, I didn't even know we had an Archives!" If your instincts as a detective have been stimulated by such oblique replies, you will soon find the object of your quest - located in a little- known section across the hallway from Foundation Hall. Behind a plain, white, innocent-looking unmarked door you will find a center of complex activities.

The National Baha'i Archives is, a t times, a "bee- hive" of activity. But there isn't enough room among the rows of shelves piled high with boxes, the filing cabinets, and the piles of boxes that are still forlornly seeking a permanent home, for more than a couple of "bees" to work. The physical needs of our Archives are great. Even more crucial than our lack of space is the need for improved storage and preservation facilities for a few Tablets of BahA'u'llPh, the over 2,000 original Tablets from 'Abdu'l-BahP, and the over 4,000 original letters from the Guardian that we possess. After much consultation, consideration of expert opinion, and the gathering of information, the National Archives Com- mittee has developed a plan for the physical alteration of the Archives storage- and work-room designed to greatly improve the security of these precious, abso- lutely irreplaceable documents and other objects from the hazards of fire, water, explosion, and other dangers. A special safe is being purchased for the preservation of the most precious Tablets and letters. Other im- provements such as the installation of fire doors, the improvement of the fire resistance of the storeroom walls, the storage of no items less than about six inches from the floor, and the use of special archival folders and storage boxes are planned. An estimated $2,000 of the Capital Improvement segment of the current bud- get is being allocated for these purposes.

The primary project involving the Archives within the past year has been the duplication of all the original Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha with translations and all the original letters or exact copies of the letters of the Guardian in our possession, to be sent to Haifa at the request of the Universal House of Justice. A major proportion of this work has been completed and a large number of the duplicates have already been received at Haifa, but much remains to be done. The 1968-1969 budget includes $2,500 for the balance of the duplication work. Combined with the estimated amount of Capital Improvements, the total cost of the Archives work this year is less than one-half cent of every dollar contrib- uted.

It is understood that many of the friends still have original Tablets or original letters from the Guardian in their possession that they have not yet sent to the

Universal House of Justice or to the National Baha'i Archives. The importance of the cooperation of all the friends in this matter cannot be overstressed. Those Tablets and letters that a re received at the National Center will be processed as soon as possible and then duplicated for the Universal House of Justice.

Three other tasks being pursued behind that plain, white door in the Archives are the improvement of classification systems, the pursuance of research, and the provision of information for use at the National Center. All of these functions are still in their embryon- ic stages, but the immense value of the data and information that can be made available to Bahh'i administrators and scholars, some day in the future after our materials have been thoroughly and effec- tively organized, is becoming increasingly clear.

The workers immersed behind the mountains of boxes are few and the enormity of the work to be accomplished in the future is staggering. One of the workers, Tim Rost, is shown in the accompanying picture. Through the help and encouragement of the National Spiritual Assembly, the loving cooperation of the friends, and the allocations from the National Baha'i Fund in this year's budget, significant strides have been and will be made toward our goals.'

No finer statement can be found on the value of Bahd'i Archives than the one by the beloved Guardian in a portion of a letter to the National Spiritual Assem- bly dated September 25, 1936:

"The importance of the institution of Baha'i Archives is not due only to the many teaching facilities it procures, but is especially to be found in the vast amount of historical data and information it offers both to the present-day administrators of the Cause, and to the Baha'i historians of the future. The institution of Baha'i Archives is indeed a most valuable storehouse of information regarding all the aspects of the Faith, administrative as well as doctrinal." B. N. no. 104, Dec. 1936

REVIEW

"All Things Made New" Not Available Inasmuch as Bah6'is continue to order, from time to

time, the book All Things Made New, it should be made clear that it is not possible presently for the Bahl'i Publishing Trust to carry this title. The book needs considerable updating in respect to developments in the Faith since it was originally written, to include the passing of Shoghi Effendi, the election of the Universal House of Justice and other historic events. This is being handled by the Universal House of Justice itself who have the matter in their hands and who will advise accordingly.

If and when this title is again available, the Publish- ing Trust will be only too pleased to announce it in B ~ h ' i NEWS and to fill orders.

Human Rights Pamphlet Free for Proclamation

Human Rights - Basis for World Peace will be made available to individuals, groups, Assemblies and State Goals Committees free except for the cost of mailing and handling. The pamphlet was described at length in the July 1968 NATIONAL BAHA'~ REVIEW on pages 2-3 and can be effectively used for proclamation purposes.

Substantial postal savings can be obtained by order- ing through your local Bahl'i librarian. A maximum of 2000 pamphlets per order must be imposed for more equitable distribution.

Please place your order(s) with Bahl'i Distribution and Service Department, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

"The Child's Way" Suspends Publication Announcement of a moratorium on the publication of

The Child's Way has been made in its final issue, No. 118, now off the press. Despite evidence that it fills a vital need, both here and abroad, lack of sufficient support in the United States has made this action necessary.

In view of the need for a publication giving assistance to teachers and parents as well as children, the Nation- al Spiritual Assembly, after consultation with the man- aging editor of The Child's Way is making plans to set up a new committee to resume publication of such material, possibly by January 1969.

Three alternatives are hereby offered to current subscribers: 1) let their orders stand to be applied towards subscription to the future publication; 2) re- quest the editor to apply their present credit to back issues now available for Bahl'i years 118 through two issues of the current year 125; 3) request payment in cash. All renewals and new orders a re being returned to the senders. Please send instructions to: Mrs. Jean Hutchinson; 1245 Shermer Ave., Northbrook, Illinois 60062.

Mrs. Jean Hutchinson, editor since 1956, makes this announcement with regret and thanks the many friends of The Child's Way who have supported the magazine in many ways. Vision has been a proportionately large ingredient in the enterprise from the start, and the prospect of a new, inspired and adequate staff which will publish a similar magazine for a wider audience keeps the dream alive.

Slide-Tape Presentation On Fund Now Available A thirty-minute slide-tape program prepared by the

Coordinating Committee for the Fund will be presented at all of the nationwide conferences on Proclamation, Expansion and Consolidation to be held in eighteen cities in October. This presentation was shown during the national convention, and subsequently the National Spiritual Assembly approved the recommendation of delegates that it be reproduced and shown to Bahl'is throughout the country.

The purpose of the program is to help Bahl'is visualize more clearly the various components of the Fund, with particular emphasis on the work being carried out at the National Center. We believe that becoming acquainted with the individuals serving at the National Center and obtaining even a partial understanding of their functions will bring to each believer a fuller appreciation of the scope of Baha'i activities which must be carried on for the successful achievement of our goals.

Special showings of the program will be arranged after the eighteen nationwide conferences so that a maximum number of Bah6'is will have an opportunity to view the program. Several summer schools are also being requested to show the program during the last weeks of their sessions.

Thousand National Bah6'i Fund $ Cumulative Monthly Income: 1968-1969

I

INCOME FOR JULY 1968 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Contributions $ 45,61 3.83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Contributions 1,000.00

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Estates 32,614.67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Income 2,437.25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Income $ 8 1,665.75

. . . . . . . Cumulative Total, April I -August I $288,062.89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative Deficit . . . . . $117,937.11

NUMBER O F ASSEMBLIES CONTRIBUTING

July 279 (71 percent of total)

SEPTEMBER 1968

, World Center. Copies are available from B d ' i DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT at a cost of 10 copies for $1.00. This is an excellent item to add to Press Kits.

United Nations Day United Nations Day will be ob-

served on October 24, 1968. Each year the President of the United States issues a proclamation for this event. Bahi'is throughout the U.S. will help observe the day by either joining local chapters of the United Nations Association in their ob- servance or sponsoring a special program for the day when there is not an association sponsoring the event.

Baha'i theme for the United Na- tions Day observance is "United Nations-A Service to Mankind." The Committee for the United Nations of the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Public Information Dept. will send a packet of material to all United Nations Correspon- dents of BahL'i assemblies, groups and state goals committees and to public information represen- tatives. The material will contain suggestions for the observance and suggested press releases.

In planning activities for the day it is suggested that communities seek help and guidance from the United Nations Association of the USA. (UNA) if a chapter is accessible. The chapter may be preparing to initiate a public program in which the Baha'i community or group and other organizations can cooperate.

New Reprint Available A six-page reprint titled: News

Features on the Bahri'i Faith has been prepared by the Public Infor- mation Department. The reprint is made up of feature articles that have appeared recently in newspapers on the visit of Hand of the Cause Tar& zu'llih Samandari. Included are ar- ticles from the Chicago Tribune, Nashville Banner, Nashville Tennes- sean, and the Los Angeles Times plus an article by David Meade, Re- ligion writer of the Chicago Daily News about his visit to the Bah6'i

Publicity Major Role in Success

of Ft. Lduderdale Proclamation

During the week of May 4 through May 12 the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Bahi'i Community held a most suc- cessful BahB'i Week. As a result of the exhaustive efforts of the publicity committee, the Ft. Lauderdale Ba- ha'i Week managed to procure six to eight hours of free television ex- posure on the Faith, five and a half hours of free radio time and at least 200 column inches of free newspaper publicity.

The proclamation effort was cen- tered mainly in Fort Lauderdale, but television, radio and newspaper pub- licity extended as far south as Mi- ami. Baha'is from all: over Broward County, representing over five com- munities, joined hands in contribut- ing many hours of work. A total of ten communities from all over the state contributed generously to the proclamation fund.

The victories won during the proclamation were far greater than anticipated. There were twenty-four declarations during Baha'i Week and the week immediately following. The number has steadily increased since then, as a result of the nightly follow- up firesides still being held through- out the area.

The television publicity during the week took the form of interviews on four major networks, including CBS and NBC. This would have cost in the neighborhood of $7,000 to $8,000 had they bought the time. Approxi- mately five hours were in color. Not included in the figure were the many color spot announcements on tele- vision just prior to the 12 noon, 6 pm and 11 pm newscasts daily for a week on Channel 4, showing a color slide of the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel.

The radio time was on four sta- tions in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami and included interviews and Na- tional Public Information Depart- ment radio tapes. It is estimated that the radio time would have cost from $1,500 to $1,700 if purchased.

The newspaper publicity included material run in six newspapers,

including at least six illustrations of the House of Worship and of speak- ers. In. addition two ads were run, and 200 posters distributed through- out the area.

Mayor Edmund Burry of Fort Lauderdale signed a parchment proclamation for Bahi'i Week.

As the result of the publicity and meetings many persons became in- terested in the Faith, including the Reverend E. K. King, a relative of the late Martin Luther King. He happened to see two spot announce- ments on television and called to request literature.

Southern Baptist Convention

Issues Booklet on Faith The Home Mission Board of the

Southern Baptist Convention has is- sued a booklet titled: "American Bahais and the Baptist Witness." The ten-page booklet which is printed in slimline format is written by a Mr. M. Thomas Starkes. Some of the section headings are: "Who Are the Bahais?" (Note: The booklet leaves out the diacritical marks and the apostrophe from the word Ba- hA'is), The Bahai "Manifestations," Bahais and Christ, and How to Witness to a Bahai. While the booklet is written as part of the Southern Baptist Convention's evangelical program to convert people of differ- ing religious beliefs to the Baptist denomination, it does praise the Baha'is on one hand while attempt- ing to point out the errors of Baha'i beliefs.

The author tells how he dialed a number listed in the yellow pages under "Bahi'i" and spoke to a woman who answered. "In only ten short minutes she arrived at the motel where I was staying, took me to her home, offered me an evening meal and eagerly answered my questions on the Baha'is and their faith. . . . As I left their house, I could not help remembering that the woman had reached me in ten min- utes. eager to share her faith. I wondered how I would have been received had I dialed the number of a Baptist. Would the same eagerness to share faith have been so appar- ent?"

While the booklet has many errors it is yet another sign of the growing awareness in religious circles of the power of the Baha'i Faith.

REVIEW 7

Notes Human Rights Bumper Sticker.

A new auto bumper sticker has been produced by the Public Information Dept. The sticker which is green in color with black lettering is 12 inches long by 2 and 3/4 inches wide. In addition to the International Human Rights Year symbol the sticker has the phrase: "Human Rights are God- Given Rights" in big letters and in small print: "International Year for Human Rights. North American Bahi'i Office for Human Rights." The stickers are available from Bahi'i Distribution and Service Dept. a t the cost of 4 for $1.00 or 10 for $2.00.

Human Rights Year Material. I t is most important that Bahi'i communities and groups make full use of the International Human Rights Year material during 1968 which is the designated year. Next y,ear the material will be out of date. The material includes: Human Rights Poster (5 for $1.50; 10 for $2.75), Bumper stickers mentioned above, Baha'i Statement "Human Rights-Human Rights are God-Given Rights" (5 cents per copy), "You In Human Rights9'-A community action guide for Human Rights Year (85 cents each or 75 cents each when ordered in 10 or more copies) and "Human Rights-Basis for World

Peace" - 12-sided folder sponsored and prepared by the National Spir- itual Assembly in cooperation with the U.N. Association (see article on this elsewhere in this issue).

The BahP'i marriage of Gail Martin and Paul Francis Polena in Beverly Hills, California was men- tioned in a paragraph in the Transi- tion section of August 5, 1968 issue of Newsweek. Mention was made that both are Baha'is and that the Faith advocates world government and a universal language. The Bahi'i mar- riage received a large amount of publicity in newspapers in the U.S. and Canada.

YOUTH AND COLLEGE

Area Youth Conferences The National Spiritual Assembly

has called for a series of nation-wide area youth conferences on Novem- ber 29-December 1, 1968, as a follow- up to the historic National Baha'i Youth Conference in June.

The aim of these conferences is to give impetus and form to the great enthusiasm expressed at the Na- tional Conference by (1) setting up 25 Area Youth Committees to coordi- nate youth activities, and (2) con- sulting in depth on the Five-Year Program for youth, a recommenda- tion of the National Youth Confer- ence which was accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly and is designed to mobilize all youth re- sources toward the achievement of specific goals of the Nine-Year Plan.

The Department of Youth and College Activities has appointed ad hoc committees in each area to make the necessary arrangements for the Conferences.

These Conferences are open to BahP'i youth only, and all youth between the ages of 15 and 25 are strongly urged to make plans to attend the Conference located in their area.

More Conference details will be forthcoming.

Area Youth Committees The Department of Youth and

College Activities announces the for- mation of a nation-wide Bahi'i youth organization consisting of 25 Area Youth Committees, which will co- ordinate youth activities within designated areas and will stimulate the youth to teach the Cause of God, to study the life-giving Word, and to live in accordance with the Stan- dards of Bah5'u'llPh.

These committees, made up of four youth members and one adult ad- viser, will be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Youth and College Activities and will imple- ment their plans with the consulta- tion and aid of already-existing Ba- hi ' i institutions and committees (e.g., local spiritual assemblies, state goals committees).

The Area Youth Comnlittees will be organized officially during the Area Youth Conferences scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 29- Dec. 1). Further details will be mailed to all youth, local spiritual assemblies, and state goals commit- tees.

Twenty-Five Youth

Committee A,reas Arizona Michigan Central Calif. #l Oregon South. Calif. #3 Washington Florida Wisconsin North. Illinois South. Illinois Wyoming Colorado

Indiana Kentucky Tennessee

New Mexico Maine West. Texas New Hampshire

Vermont Utah Massachusetts Idaho Connecticut Montana Rhode Island

North Dakota North Carolina South Dakota South Carolina Minnesota Georgia Iowa

Louisiana Nebraska Mississippi Kansas Alabama Missouri

Oklahoma East. Texas Arkansas

North. Calif. Central Calif. #2 minus Kern County North. Nevada: all counties north of

Esmeralda, Nye, Lincoln

South. Calif. #l Central Calif. #2: Kern County

South. Calif. #2 South. Nevada: Esmeralda, Lincoln, Nye,

Clark Counties

Ohio West Virginia West. New York West. Penn.: all counties west of & incl.

Potter, Clinton, Centre, Huntingdon, Fulton

East. New York North. New Jersey: all counties north of

Ocean & Mercer

Virginia Maryland Delaware Dist. of Col. East Penn.; 'all counties east of above South New Jersey: all counties south of

& incl. Ocean & Mercer

8 SEPTEMBER 1968

Miilenylvania Summer School Held in July

Baha'is and their friends from communities in Wash- ington, Oregon, California and Canada enjoyed a week of study, fellowship and recreation at the Millersyl- vania Summer School sponsored by the North West Winter and Summer School Committee of the United States. The Camp which is part of the Washington State Recreation Department facilities is located south of Olympia, Washington on a lake in a wooded area. Approximately ninety were in attendance during the week.

Dr. Peter Khan, Auxiliary Board member, taught a course on "Bahii'i Morality" and had a discussion time each day with the youth. Mr. Richard Groger gave an evening class to adults and youth on "The Most Chal- lenging Issue", Mrs. Beatrice Rinde gave a class on "BahQ'i Law", and Mrs. Hazel Mori taught "Bible Prophecy". Classes for children three years and older were conducted every day. With all this wonderful program much time was enjoyed in fellowship and recreation. This was the first year for the School to extend over a period of six days and it is felt that it was extremely successful.

Theme of the School was "A New Day, A New World, A New Man". One youth and one adult enrolled in the BahL'i Faith during the week. One of the nearby communities furnished literature and a librarian for the School and over $100 of literature was sold.

Plans are underway for summer 1969 as well as for the Winter School scheduled on December 27-30, 1968 at the same camp.

Committee on Education Offers Training Kit On May 23, 1968 Bahi'is from twenty-four states

arrived early at the House of Worship to participate in a pre-Convention Teacher Training Institute presented on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Education by David and Mildred Lepard of Montclair, California, and Fred Littman of Santa Ana, California. Participants viewed on color slides a class for young childen, dis- cussed the BahL'i philosophy of education, and consi- dered theories of child growth and development. They also played games, examined crafts and sang songs, all suitable for use in Baha'i classes. The Institute conclud- ed with a panel on the practical problems of education in Baha'i communities. Material presented has been packaged in a kit and made available for a rental fee of $5.00. The kit con- tains:

. Detailed instructions for preparing and presenting the Institute

. Display posters portraying the important ideas of the Institute.

. Color slides and recorded narration of a sample lesson

. Ten copies of Baha'is Around the World (six lesson plans for kindergarten)

. "Good Morning Sun" (phonograph record of chil- dren's songs with suggestions for use by teachers)

. Handbook V (Children's Classes) and Handbook VI (Crafts, Games and songs), bound in one volume

. Sample crafts mounted on posters for display. Available for $5.00 rental fee or request for fee waiver from: Advisory Committee on Education; Dr. Fred E. Littman, Secretary; 13172 Sussex Place; Santa Ana, California 92705.

At the Millersylvania School

REVIEW

Study of Crises- Leads to

Study of Faith When the National Spiritual Assembly urged Baha'is

to study the Kerner Report (Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders) the Salt Lake City, Utah community lost no time in organizing a study class which was advertised to the public.

The first session was titled, "Spring Housecleaning Your Mind and Your Attitude: What's Your Hang-up?" and drew 19 people, 11 who were non-Baha'is and 9 of the 11 who had not previously heard of the Faith. They attended solely because of the subject matter which included the nature and cause of prejudice and the profiles and patterns of the disorder.

Once there, they became interested in the nature of the sponsoring organization and took many Baha'i pamphlets. These people lamented that the study class did not have more publicity. Many, who were teachers, spoke of the tremendous interest and concern over racial matters now developing in the teaching profes- sion.

The Kerner Report states ". . . the causes of recent racial disorders are imbedded in a massive tangle of issues and circumstances - social, economic, political, and psychological - which arise out of the historical pattern of Negro-white relations in America.

"These factors are both complex and interacting; they vary significantly in their effect from city to city and from year to year; and the consequences of one disorder, generating new grievances and new demands, become the causes of the next. . . .

"Despite these complexities, certain fundamental matters are clear. Of these, the most fundamental is the racial attitude and behavior of white Americans toward black Americans. Race prejudice has shaped our history decisively in the past; it now threatens to do so again. White racism is essentially responsible for the explosive mixture which has been accumulating in our cities since the end of World War 11."

[€ACHING AND CONSOLIDATION

Assemblies Report on Progress

of Nine Year Plan Goals The National Teaching Committee asked all local

spiritual assemblies for progress reports on the goals they were asked to fulfill, namely - maintain status, incorporate by 1971, and choose and help another locality to reach assembly status by 1971. Also, they were to plan for dispersal, regular study classes, minority teaching, proclamation, and for an increase in interested friends and a greater flow of funds.

Results of the consultation and success of the programs are hereby outlined briefly for your benefit:

1. DISPERSAL. Although few Assemblies have had specific and regulated dispersal programs, there has been spontaneous moving about. In a limited number of cases, organized moves were undertaken by one or more of a community to a minority pocket or goal locality.

Often "dispersal" is a regular item on Feast and Assembly agendas, but few reported "successful" dispersal programs. Either the communities weren't large enough or dispersal was "too good," leaving too few active members. I t also appeared that a recurring problem was the inability of some large communities to activate enough of their members in the local activi- ties, so that others could leave.

2. REGULAR STUDY CLASSES. Regularly-held Sunday classes for children and youth were repeatedly reported as successful, many being integrated. Other classes which were stimulating and thought-provoking included those covering topics such as the meaning and use of prayer, the relationship of specific Writings to world events, the use of the National Baha'i Review topics, the "questions most often asked by non-Baha'is," the Islamic Faith, the Advent of Divine Justice, and the Kerner Report.

In one community, members signed topic preference cards and each was then scheduled to conduct a meeting. A "continual Baha'i Community School" program for all age levels used materials recom- mended and prepared by the Advisory Committee on Education.

Whether study classes were well attended or not, the value of the classes for those who did attend was based largely on the classes' regularity.

3. MINORITY TEACHING. Here the communities are employing varied methods. Some gear all their activi- ties to making sure contacts "feel at home." Some utilize machinery already created in their town, such as a human rights council, Project Head Start or Job Corps, for the twofold purpose of helping others and for locating seekers.

Other means for increasing minority participation include holding local spiritual assembly meetings, public meetings and committee meetings in a minority pocket or using a BahQ'i bus to carry signs, pictures and pamphlets into Negro neighborhoods and rural areas. Some Baha'is have pioneered within their own community to live in a pocket area and others utilize Negro media. One community sent the "Human Rights Are God-Given Rights" statement with an accompany- ing letter to all junior high schools in town, offering speakers for social studies classes.

4. PROCLAMATION. Here the communities gener- ally reported some form of weekly or monthly public meetings, using various means of preparation and publicity. All the members of one community dedicated themselves wholly and completely to one direction - towards the welfare and growth of the Cause of God in their area. They realized that the Faith is "workable today, believable today and communicable today." They shifted their emphasis from home teaching in the city to campus life and those 18-30 years old. In two years they had 38 new members, 90 per cent under 30

SEPTEMBER 1968

years. In opening a new town, one Baha'i community, praying, visited the city, held Assembly dinners at the restaurant, and contacted the Mayor and the Superin- tendent of Schools. One community offers a puppet show on Human Rights to luncheon and service clubs. Many have booths at fairs, both local and state. Some have set up a special proclamation fund. Many have shown persistence with regular proclamation meetings even though the attendance is not immediately ap- preciable. By using all forms of communication avail- able, many have found they can reach "all strata of the local society." The recognition of Holy Days by school boards was found to be a good news item for the local press. Several communities use a Speakers Bureau, and anticipate their greater use, especially through the forthcoming proclamation programs under preparation by so many communities.

ONE OF THE NINE YEAR PLAN GOALS: AT LEAST TWO LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES IN EACH STATE

In assigning the United States the goal of achieving 600 local spiritual assemblies, the Universal House of Justice included the requirement that there be at least two local spiritual assemblies in each state. At present there are five states with only one assembly and twelve others with only two. Individuals who are in a position to move, particularly away from large Baha'i commu- nities are urged to write to the National Teaching Committee, 112 Linden, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, for further information. Below are listed the states with only one or two local assemblies, goal areas within them, large groups and cities requiring further consoli- dation:

State Number GOAL AREAS* of

LSA's Del. 1 - Idaho 1 Nez Perce (I)

S. D. 1 Little Eagle (I)

Vt. 1 Burlington (V) W. Va. 1 Beckley,

Folsom. Huntington (V)

Ark. 2 Fayetteville (V). N. Little Rock -

LARGE GROUPS Goals for (5 or more adults) Consolida-

tion New Castle Co. Wilmington Idaho Falls Moscow. Pocatello - Little Eagle Mapleton Twnp. Rapid City -

Burlington Brattleboro Beckley. Folsom

- Kentucky 2 - - - La. 2 GonzAlez. Alexandria.

Slidell Gretna. Shreve- port. Slidell -

Maine 2 - York - Miss. 2 Vicksburg

Meridian - - Neb. 2 Omaha Res.

(Maw) (1) Winnebago Res. III - ,-,

N. D. 2 Ft. Totten (I) - Fargo. Ft. Yates

R. I. a - - E. Provi- dence

S. C. 2 Columbia Florence. (city) Florence Co..

Columbia Greenville Co. - (outside)

Tenn. 2 McMinnville Knoxville, McMinnville -

Utah 2 Ogden (V) Layton. Ogden - Wyo. 2 Cheyenne (V) - - * ( I ) - Represents a oal within an American Indian area

(V) - represents a %ctory Corps goal area

Holy Days Recognized

in Forty-Two States

Securing recognition of BahB'i Holy Days in local school systems continues to be a goal of many local assemblies, groups and isolated believers, particularly those in states where such recognition has not previous- ly been secured. Rogers, Arkansas was the first local Assembly in that state to achieve this goal, for BahB'i Holy Days had not heretofore been recognized any- where in Arkansas. This now brings to a total of 42, the number of states having attained this goal of the Nine Year Plan.

Communities recently able to secure this recognition locally, in addition to Rogers, are Skokie and East Moline, Illinois, Elsiore and Desert J.D., California.

Anyone wishing information or assistance in working toward the goal of Holy Days recognition in their schools should write to the Department of Community Development, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Tllinois 60091.

MTC Briefs State Goals Committees "Excellent Briefing, very stimulating and exciting!" - Rhode Island SGC.

"One of the most exciting and productive meetings we have had with representatives of the National Cen- ter." - Southern California District No. 2 SGC.

"We felt this was one of the most fruitful Briefings held to date. We were able tc get down to some good, honest consultation regarding problem areas." - Okla- homa SGC.

"Meeting extremely well-conducted. Meeting stimu- lating and informative." - Eastern Washington SGC.

"It is felt by all three members of the Alabama SGC who attended the Jackson Briefing that this year's session was even more helpful than last year's. We look forward to a year of hard work and hopefully good results." - Alabama SGC.

State Goals Committees throughout the United States met on the weekends of July 13-14 and 20-21 to discuss and consult on the purpose, duties and responsibilities of State Goals Committees. Everyone was imbued with a sense of commitment to the attainment of the Nine Year Plan goals by 1971. Consultation was not only informative and constructive, but also spirited in de- gree of participation and dedication to the leadership of our National Spiritual Assembly.

The need for greater cooperation between commit- tees, institutions, young and old, newly enrolled or veteran y a s stressed. Only through unity of purpose and harmony in the diversity of approach can the Nine Year Plan -goals- be won. Increased executive ability will assist the universal participation so essential to the Bahi'i Community. State Goals Committee members dedicated themselves to winning their share of the Nine Year Plan goals through prayer, cooperation and in- creased study of the Writings, directed toward Action - individually, locally and nationally - and Rededica- tion.

State Goals Committees: Their Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities: Purpose--The purpose of the State Goals Committees

is to: (1) implement the plans of the National Teaching

Committee, and

(2) develop plan(s) for the attainment of specific goals established by the National Teaching Com- mittee,

for proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Faith in their area of responsibility, always keeping in mind the overall goals of the Nine Year Plan as well as universal participation.

Responsibilities : 1. To be primarily engaged in establishing and devel-

oping isolated centers and groups on a systematic basis, this to include:

a. proclamation activities b. minority teaching c. encouraging participation in giving to the National

Baha'i Fund d. observances of Bahi'i Holy Days and Feasts e. deepening f. youth activities g. systematic scheduling of circuit teachers h. production and distribution of a bulletin or news-

letter on statewide Baha'i activities i. holding conferences, seminars and institutes 2. To lend support to, cooperate with, or initiate

intercommunity activities involving local spiritual as- semblies, groups and isolated believers within the state or electoral district, this to include:

a. exerting every remedial effort to insure that no spiritual assembly is lost

b. assisting in the preparations for State and Elector- al District Conventions as requested by the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly

c. encouraging attendance at Summer and Winter Schools, Institutes and Conferences

d. coordination of traveling teachers in cooperation with the National Teaching Committee

Duties: 1. Maintain mailing lists of isolated believers and

members of groups and report changes of address to the National Baha'i Center

2. Report promptly the death of isolated believers and members of groups to the National Baha'i Center

3. Enroll new believers who live outside the jurisdic- tion of a . spiritual assembly

State Goals Committees may receive and disburse funds on behalf of Committee functions.

Recommendations : Some of the recommendations made at the State Goals Committee briefing sessions and which will be further considered by the National Teaching Commit- tee at their meeting during September are listed below :

1. That the State Goals Committee make available to the isolated believers and groups a map of BahA'i localities within the state.

2. That isolated believers and members of groups receive their Bahl'i membership cards automatically each year from the National Spiritual Assembly.

3. That the enrollment procedures be reviewed with a view to improving the basic understanding of the seek-

er prior to his enrollment. 4. That the believers of a given locality inform the

circuit teacher of local conditions and needs prior to or at the time of his or her arrival.

5. That some of the pamphlets and teaching aids which are currently out of print be reprinted.

6. That there be more frequent briefing sessions for exchange of ideas and successful methods.

7. That local spiritual assemblies be reminded to send in notice of marriages to state goals committees for publication in state bulletins.

8. That there be prepared at least six months in advance a calendar of all events to which Bahi'is will be invited.

9. That "lost assemblies" be kept on mailing list for one year after losing status.

The many other suggestions made have either al- ready been implemented or will be acted upon region- ally.

In Memoriam Mrs. Ethel Crane Broward Co., Florida

June 8, 1968 Mrs. Gladys E. Endress Helena, Montana

June 1, 1968 Mrs. Nellie G. Fenton Akron, Ohio

May 29, 1968 Miss Selma Gustavson Dayton, Ohio

June 20, 1968 Miss Sylvia E. Howard Spooner, Wisconsin

May 24, 1968 Mrs. Clara M. Maher El Cajon J.D., Calif.

May 24, 1968 Mrs. Matilde Ann Maus Brookhaven Twp., N.Y.

May 19. 1968

Mrs. Vivien Patterson Milwaukee. Wisconsin

June 9, 1968 Miss Leona Rohrsen Chicago, Illinois

April 30, 1966 Mrs. Edna Schoenback Detroit, Michigan

No date Dr. Judith S. Shouisky Kenosha, Wisconsin

June 8, 1968 Robert F. Willis Los Angeles, Calif.

June 12, 1968 William E. Moores Glendale, Calif.

June 17, 1968 Mrs. Edna Rohrs Atkins Omaha. Nebraska

July 12, 1968

PLANNING TO MOVE DURING THE NEXT 30 DAYS? Help us keep your address up-to-date

CUT OUT AND MAIL TO.

NATIONAL BAHA'I CENTER 112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILL 60091

I I

I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I : Name I I

ATTACH YOUR OLD ADDRESS LABEL HERE Address

changes received prior to the 15th of this month should

be processed in time for the next issue.

I 1 N E W Address- I

I I I 1 City State-Lip- I

I I : N E W Telephone: Area !

I I I Name of new locality: I I I

I (If different from city name)

I I I

Reminder: Have ou ALSO notified your community and SGC secretaries of your new address!

SEPTEMBER 1968

Memorial to First American Believer Announced

The 56th annual observance of the Thornton Chase Memorial will be held September 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the gravesite in Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California. All a re invited and those in other communi- ties are urged to share in prayer on this day, dedicated to the memory of this devoted believer whom 'Abdu'l- Baha designated as the first Baha'i in America, whose services will be remembered throughout the ages and whose passing 'Abdu'l-Bahi wished commemorated annually.

For additional information and details consult: Char- lene Robley, 941 N. Inglewood Ave. No. 3, Inglewood, California 90302.

Sfafe Convenfions November 3, 1968

Place and other details will be announced in the Convention Call to be mailed to each be- liever and in the bulletins of the State Goals Committees.

Calendar of Evenfs FEASTS

September 8 - 'Izzat (Might) September 27 - Maaiyyat (Will) October 16 - 'Ilm (Knowledge)

HOLY DAY October 20 -Birth of the BBb

PROCLAMATION EVENTS September 15 - World Peace Day October 24 - United Nations Day

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS September 27-29 November 8-10

Baha'i House of Worship

Daily Visiting Hours 10:OO a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday Devotions 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m.

Firesides Sunday, 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, 8:00 to 10:OO p.m.

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Central California Dist. #2 Fresno: Mr. John C. Cripe, 4780 E. Cornell, 93703

Southern California Dist. #1 Beverly Hills: Miss Margaret Naismith, 336 N. Palm

Drive, 90212 Inglewood: Mrs. Charlene Robley, 941 N. Inglewood

Ave., 3, 90302 Southern California Dist. #2

Fullerton: Mrs. Genevieve C. Ingham, 205 N. Lincoln Ave., 92631

Huntington Beach: Mrs. Fereshteh Bethel, P.O. Box 1087, 92647

San Diego North County J.D. No. 2: Correct route number to Rt. 5

Southern California Dist. #3 Oxnard: James A. Snyder, 672 E. Pleasant Valley

Rd., 93030 Santa Maria: Mrs. Suzanne Boyd, 1302 E. Donovan

Rd., 93454 Florida

Pompano Beach: Mrs. Laurel Modrak, 892 E. Atlantic Blvd., 33060

Georgia Augusta: Mrs. Rachel Fagans, 840 First St., 30901

Northern Illinois Chicago: Mr. Lloyd C. Robinson, pro-tem, 1717 N.

Newcastle Ave., 60635 Oak Park: Mrs. Diane Taefy, P.O. Box 854, 60303 Waukegan: Mrs. Annabel Whittier, 203 N. Utica, Apt.

2, 60085 Winnetka: Correct street number to: 443 Chestnut St.

Iowa Davenport: Correct box number to: P.C.C. Box 822

Kansas Lawrence: Mr. Olin Karch, Chr., P.O. Box 584, 66044

Nebraska Lincoln: William Jefferson England, pro-tem, 333 N.

24th St., 68503 Ohio

Lima: Mrs. Esther Hilgert, Chr., 965 Richie Ave., 45804

Urbana: Mrs. Sarah Davison now permanent secre- tary

Oregon Salem: Mrs. G. Natalie Bowen, P.O. Box 403, 97303

Eastern Texas Bellaire: Mrs. Bonnie Sparks, 4416 Jonathan St., 77401

Virginia Arlington County: Mrs. Margaret Gawen, 5917 - 14th

St., N., 22205 Eastern Washington

Franklin County Commissioners Dist. 3; Mrs. Miri- am Richmond, Chr., 5919 Argent Road, Pasco, 99301

Western Washington Bellevue: Mrs. Naomi Robinson, 1635 - 100 N.E.,

98004 Tacoma: Mrs. Juliette R. Frank, 1710 S. Jackson,

98465