PROMOTING RACIAL JUSTICE IN THE US
GOAL OF THE NSA
PURPOSE: Development of An Approach to Facilitate Systematic Learning About How the Society Building Powers of the Faith Can be Harnessed and Directed Towards Promotion of Racial Justice in the U.S. Through Engagement in Fulfilling the Goals of the Nine Year Plan—
(It should be noted that the approaches will be ever evolving—Nothing is locked in place, and refinements will be made over time as learnings are harnessed).
- Comprehensively (and in real-time) catalog the range of current initiatives
- Record the insights being learned
- Develop an analysis approach
- Create spaces where what is being learned can be harnessed and canalized
- Devise mechanisms for dissemination of insights with an eye towards facilitating the systematic adoption of best practices
- Develop a process of harmonizing the diversity of worthwhile approaches towards fulfilment of 9YP goals
- Be deliberate about harvesting and operationalizing learnings on the subject of facilitating the transition of populations from one class of core activity to another
- (i.e., bridging between the entry point of children’s classes to the entry point of JYP;
- bridging from JYP to the entry point of youth programs;
- bridging of youth programs to the entry point of the institute process etc.)
8. Operationalize the search for truth
--------------WATCHWORD!
a word or phrase expressing a person's or group's core aim or belief.
Let there be no misgivings as to the animating purpose of the worldwide Law of Bahá’u’lláh.… It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity
- of ethnical origins,
- of climate,
- of history,
- of language and tradition,
- of thought and habit,
that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world.… Its watchword is unity in diversity such as ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá Himself has explained: “Consider the flowers of a garden.… Diversity of hues, form and shape enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof.…”. 25 July 1988 – The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada
Freedom from racial prejudice, in any of its forms, should, at such a time as this when an increasingly large section of the human race is falling a victim to its devastating ferocity, be adopted as the watchword of the entire body of the American believers,
- in whichever state they reside,
- in whatever circles they move,
- whatever their age, traditions, tastes, and habits.
It should be consistently demonstrated in every phase of their activity and life,
- whether in the Bahá’í community or outside it,
- in public or in private, formally as well as informally,
- individually as well as in their official capacity as organized groups, committees and Assemblies.
It should be deliberately cultivated through the various and everyday opportunities, no matter how insignificant, that present themselves, whether in
- their homes,
- their business offices,
- their schools and colleges,
- their social parties and recreation grounds,
- their Bahá’í meetings, conferences, conventions, summer schools and Assemblies.
It should, above all else, become the keynote of the policy of that august body which, in its capacity as the national representative, and the director and coordinator of the affairs of the community, must set the example, and facilitate the application of such a vital principle to the lives and activities of those whose interests it safeguards and represents.
The Advent of Divine Justice
SAMPLE FLYER
THIS IS AN IDEA I AM USING TO REACH OUT INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD. YOU ARE FREE TO USE THE TEXT FOR IDEAS IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY.
"Exactly what measures should be taken by Bahá’í institutions will naturally depend on the relevant circumstances. But in every place, the friends will need clear and timely guidance; special attention must be given to those who are most at risk from the virus itself, or from the economic impact of its spread; and creative approaches will be required to sustain the collective spirit of the community during difficult times. Networks of various kinds comprising families, neighbouring households, or other groupings are offering valuable support to many; you should be confident in the resourcefulness of your communities, and seek to draw on their talents and energies to the fullest.
As grave as conditions have already become in some places, National Assemblies in countries that have so far been spared the more severe consequences of the pandemic must keep in mind that there is the potential for worse to occur, and any preparations that can be made now for that eventuality, before the introduction of further restrictions hampers such efforts, should commence at once—without alarm, but without delay. Local Spiritual Assemblies in particular should consider what means might be within their power to prevent, relieve, or mitigate suffering in the wider society of which they are an integral part.
When society is in such difficulty and distress, the responsibility of the Bahá’ís to make a constructive contribution to human affairs becomes more pronounced. This is a moment when distinct but interrelated lines of action converge upon a single point, when the call to service rings aloud. "
Universal House of Justice- May 9, 2020