“Make a Better World” Conference, Des Moines, January 18, 2025

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Submitted January 2025 by Bryce Abel

Bryce Abel, on behalf of the Cluster 7 Area Teaching Committee, sent this message regarding the first of two such conferences in Iowa, called for by our National Spiritual Assembly. You’ll find thee program and conference materials below.

Dear Friends,

Last Saturday, January 18, fifty-seven souls including children and youth, gathered at the Willkie House in Des Moines and centered our thoughts around the theme of how to contribute to making a better world that we all want to see.

At the gathering, we connected with the foundations of Baha’u’llah’s vision for a spiritually and materially prosperous humanity, reflected on the “points of light” that we already see in our communities and neighborhoods, considered what next steps, even if small, that we might take to advance our ongoing efforts in community building, and thus began to make some plans along those lines of action, especially as they relate to devotional meetings (prayer gatherings), children’s classes, junior youth programs, study circles, home visits, firesides and conversations in general.

There have been several reflection spaces since then by the organizers, the facilitators and others.  Some recent comments coming from such a space described the conference as joyful, friendship building, relaxed, accessible to all and energizing.  And there was the sense that the whole process of this conference could be seen as the expansion phase for this cycle.

In order to extend the spirit and contents of the conference, we are offering that the friends who participated in the conference, could reach out to another individual or two, a family, or some other group of friends that were not able to be present, and at least share their impressions of the conference and perhaps some of the contents of the program.  This could be done at a time set aside specifically for this purpose or at a Feast, a devotional meeting or study circle, or some other conversational space, perhaps a home visit of sorts.  We should also remember to include those friends who we had conversations with about the conference and invited them to join us, whether friends of the Faith, acquaintances or perhaps other Baha’is, but were not able to be present at the time of the conference/gathering.

Finally, we want to express our deepest appreciation for all who were involved in all aspects of the conference: planning, program assembly, greeting, facilitating, lunch service, artistic enabling, devotions, facilities set up and tear down, and as well as all participants.  All seemed to be genuinely engaged in a spirit of service.

Attached are the materials that were used at the conference and a photo of most of the attendees.

Please contact any of us on the ATC if you have questions or need assistance or would like accompaniment.

Warmest regards,

Bryce Abel, Connie Wilson, Christiana Lawson Snyder, James Braun

Conference packet materials:

Welcome!

9 -10 Arrival, snacks, socializing                                 1:00 Plenary 2

10:00 Plenary 1                                                            1:30 Community Groups Part 2

10:30 Community Groups Part 1                                  3:00 Plenary 3

12:00 Lunch

Plenary 1

Prayer and song.

Introduction shared by Leila based on thoughts below:

…With every passing day, we see too the condition of the world grow more desperate, its divisions more severe. The escalating tensions within societies and between nations affect peoples and places in a myriad ways. This demands from every conscientious soul a response. 1

Heartfelt concern must prompt sustained effort to build communities that offer hope in place of despair, unity in place of conflict. 2

All of us want to see the world become a better place. We look forward to a future when universal peace has been established and the human family lives in harmony. Such a future is not a dream and can be built as more and more of us exert effort to contribute to the betterment of the world. Deep in our hearts each of us has the desire to serve our communities. What we need is to develop our capacity to undertake selfless acts of service for the common good. We can think about our service to humanity by imagining a path of service on which we walk together. This path is open to all. We each make the choice to enter it, and we advance on it at our own pace. We do not walk this path alone; we serve alongside our friends, learning together and accompanying one another. Every step we take generates joy and assurance, and every effort we make brings divine confirmations.3

We are here together, from many walks of life, inspired by Baha’u’llah’s vision for a materially and spiritually prosperous world. Here are but a few of the beautiful pearls of wisdom in the Writings of Baha’u’llah.

The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.4

The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.5

The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.6

Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.7

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.8

Community Groups – Part 1 

Bahá’u’lláh states that “the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.”9

Let us think more about what the “betterment of the world” might look like and which qualities and attitudes we may need to nurture in order to move towards that better world.

(Pause to write on sticky notes ideas before reading)

We are striving to create vibrant, outward-looking communities, focused not only on material but also spiritual progress, in which every individual is empowered to contribute. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that the more the qualities of cooperation and mutual assistance are manifested by a people, “the more will human society advance in progress and prosperity.” 10

Bahá’ís and those labouring alongside them are “committed to the prosperity of all, recognizing that the welfare of individuals rests in the welfare of society at large… they are focused on transcending differences, harmonizing perspectives, and promoting the use of consultation for making decisions.  They emphasize qualities and attitudes—such as trustworthiness, cooperation, and forbearance—that are building blocks of a stable social order.  They champion rationality and science as essential for human progress.”11 

…Bahá’ís are engaged in cities and villages across the globe in establishing a pattern of life in which increasing numbers, irrespective of background, are invited to take part…  This pattern of community life is giving rise to vibrant and purposeful new communities wherein relationships are founded on the oneness of mankind, universal participation, justice, and freedom from prejudice.  All are welcome.12

Small group discussion

  • What qualities and attitudes are helpful to nurture as we strive to bring about a better world?
  • How are you and those working alongside you learning to raise the consciousness of those around you of the spiritual qualities and attitudes that are needed to contribute to the betterment of society?
  • What are you learning about engaging growing numbers in the process of building spiritually and materially vibrant communities?

Points of Light Activity

Think about the following questions in your group and share specific examples, if possible. Each observation of a community developing in strength can be likened to a “point of light,” that contributes to the transformation of our communities, and can grow in its intensity and influence. Write each of these points of light on a piece of paper and decorate them. Then each group will add their points of light to a group collage in the main room.

  • Where do you see glimmerings of “vibrant, outward looking” efforts in your community? (All forms: religious, school, work, civic, etc)
  • Where do you see communities supporting the material and spiritual wellbeing of individuals?
  • Where do you see cooperation and mutual assistance being manifested among individuals, the community, institutions, and the local leaders?
  • Where have you seen local examples of “transcending differences, harmonizing perspectives, and promoting the use of consultation for making decisions”?

Plenary 2

Gather in a group that is composed of 2-4 friends from geographic groups different than your own (identified by different colored stickers). Study the following prayer:

O Lord, my God!  Give me Thy grace to serve Thy loved ones, strengthen me in my servitude to Thee, illumine my brow with the light of adoration in Thy court of holiness, and of prayer to Thy kingdom of grandeur.  Help me to be selfless at the heavenly entrance of Thy gate, and aid me to be detached from all things within Thy holy precincts.  Lord!  Give me to drink from the chalice of selflessness; with its robe clothe me, and in its ocean immerse me.  Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones, and grant that I may offer up my soul for the earth ennobled by the footsteps of Thy chosen ones in Thy path, O Lord of Glory in the Highest.

With this prayer doth Thy servant call Thee, at dawntide and in the night-season.  Fulfill his heart’s desire, O Lord!  Illumine his heart, gladden his bosom, kindle his light, that he may serve Thy Cause and Thy servants.

Thou art the Bestower, the Pitiful, the Most Bountiful, the Gracious, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Community Groups – Part 2

Let us now consider together some of the steps we might take as we go back to our communities. The actions we take when we go home do matter, and weave the fabric of our communities ever-stronger. Baha’u’llah assures us that “the betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” It is possible, if we make concentrated and sustained effort.

To think further about next steps, let us explore more about some of the specific efforts Baha’is and their friends around the world have been learning about through action.

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is concerned with the transformation of both humanity’s inner life and social environment….  The contribution made by Bahá’ís is distinguished by its focus on building the capacity for service; it is an approach founded on faith in the ability of a population to become the protagonists of their own development.13

[From the collective experiences of Bahá’í communities around the world] it was recognized that certain [community-building] activities were a natural response to the spiritual needs of a population.  Study circles, children’s classes, devotional meetings, and later junior youth groups stood out as being of central importance in this regard, and when woven together with related activities, the dynamics generated could give rise to a vibrant pattern of community life.14 

(Encourage to jot notes of what resonates, link to current activities: )

Classes for children allow a community’s youngest members to practice their God-given qualities, such as kindness, generosity, patience and compassion. Parents, teens and young adults teach these classes and create an environment where children feel they belong to the community and share in its purpose.15

Groups for teens and pre-teens tap into young people’s acute sense of justice, growing awareness and increased interest in profound questions. Through storytelling, discussion, recreation, arts and service projects, participants form healthy and productive patterns of behavior. They build discernment and decision-making skills, and learn to address the needs of their communities.16

Study circles are for adults and older teens. They connect study of Baha’i Sacred Texts to acts of service. Topics include: the spiritual nature of life, the basic features and history of the Baha’i Faith, how to build unified communities, and how to teach children and mentor youth. In their study circles, neighbors share insights with one another and design service projects relevant to their communities.17

Prayer gatherings bring friends, families and neighbors together in a spirit of worship — feeding the soul through prayer, song and contemplation. Drawing strength from the cultural character of each community, they inspire meaningful connections in an informal setting.18 

Visits to homes, often including joyful sharing of prayers or meaningful conversations, help to combat isolation, inspire communities, and weave bonds of unity.

Uplifting, well-prepared community gatherings—extending in some cases to camps and festivals—occur with increasing frequency, and music and song feature prominently on such occasions.  Indeed, the arts as a whole, so integral a part of the development of a community from the start, stand out in such settings as an important means of generating joy, strengthening bonds of unity, disseminating knowledge, consolidating understanding…19

These and many other related and noble efforts are being done around the world by each one of us and by people of all backgrounds. Sometimes the way forward can feel daunting, but we do not walk this path of service alone: we accompany one another to take the next step, however small. “Small steps, if they are regular and rapid, add up to a great distance travelled.” 20

Small group discussion 

  • How are you and those working alongside you learning to widen the circle of participation of families and individuals in the community-building activities in your local area?  
  • How are conversations on spiritual themes and the culture of home visits being strengthened in your local area?
  • What are the spaces/occasions in your area where families and individuals come together for collective prayer? 
  • How can “uplifting” and “well prepared community gatherings”, including camps and festivals catering to families, children, junior youth, or youth become a feature of your local area?
  • How does the use of arts “generate joy”, strengthen “bonds of unity”, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge?
  • What are some examples of service or collective endeavours in your area that are contributing to the “well-being of everyone”, including children, junior youth, and youth?

Think integration, small ways of building on what exists

Planning

Think about what your next step(s) might be. These might include conversations, community gatherings, festivals, children’s classes, junior youth groups, study circles, prayer gatherings, home visits, and more. Remembering that “small steps, if they are regular and rapid, add up to a great distance travelled.” One thing Baha’is and their friends around the world have found helpful is the practice of working in cycles. Reflecting, consulting, and making plans, like we have done today, then dedicating a one- to two-week period of intense activity in carrying out our plans, and finally consolidating those plans over a few months of sustained effort before coming together again to reflect and plan. If helpful, you can use that outline as you consider your next steps/timeline below. At the end of this cycle of concerted activity, an option for collective reflection and planning is a gathering Saturday, May 3rd. Another option would be smaller gatherings at the local level.

Next steps

Collaborators

Steps/Timeline

Next time to reflect and consult together

Plenary 3

Gather and share any reflections and plans made in your geographic groups.

Closing with prayer and song.

References:

  1. The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 2024 message to the Bahá’ís of the World
  2. Ibid.
  3. From Arising to Serve, Ruhi Book 2  (West Palm Beach: Palabra Publications, 2020) pg. 56
  4. Baha’u’llah, cited by Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice (Wilmette: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 2006, 2018 printing) par. 39, pp. 36-37
  5. Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf  (Wilmette: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1988, 2018 printing) par. 19
  6. Baha’u’llah, The Hidden Words  (Wilmette: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 2003, 2012 printing, Arabic no. 2, pg. 3
  7. Gleanings From the Writings of Baha’u’llah (Wilmette: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1983, 2017 printing) CVI, par 1, pg. 241
  8. Ibid., CIX, par. 2, pg. 243
  9. Bahá’u’lláh, in Trustworthiness a compilation of Writings of  Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, #20 
  10. The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 30 December 2021 to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
  11. Ibid.
  12. The Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice from a message  to an individual believer dated 27 December 2017
  13. The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 30 December 2021 to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
  14. The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 2021 message to the Bahá’ís of the World.
  15. https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/building-community/
  16. Ibid,
  17. Ibid.
  18. Ibid.
  19. The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 30 December 2021 to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
  20. The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 2016 message to the Bahá’ís of the World.

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