Message from the National Spiritual Assembly
17 June 2021
14 Núr 178 B.E.
Contents:
– Message from the National Spiritual Assembly
– Service Opportunity: Aide in the Office of the Secretary
– Launch of new Bahá’í Books UK website
– Podcast: A path toward a unified America
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To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved friends,
During recent meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly, which were joined by Counsellor Varqá Khadem, much thought was given to the question of how to release the potential of the youth of our country. The National Spiritual Assembly recalled the 2013 youth conference, which brought together over 1,000 young people in response to the call of the Universal House of Justice, as well as efforts both before and since to release the immense potential of youth and prepare them for a life of service.
In its message dated 25 November 2020 to the Bahá’ís of the World, the Universal House of Justice urged “every community” to “draw on whatever untapped potential it may possess” during this One Year Plan. The extraordinary capacities of youth are indeed one of these potentialities which deserve our focussed attention during this short Plan.
We should be left with no doubt as to the capacities of youth. In its 28 December 2010 message, the House of Justice identified that “young people are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the Plan and the most ardent champions of the Cause”. In recognition of their contribution to the advancement of the Faith and their increasing maturity, this Riḍván the Universal House of Justice lowered to eighteen the age when a believer may vote. In speaking of the significance of the services they have rendered, the House of Justice wrote:
One of the most striking and inspiring features of this twenty-five-year period has been the service rendered by Bahá’í youth, who with faith and valour have assumed their rightful place in the forefront of the community’s efforts. As teachers of the Cause and educators of the young, as mobile tutors and homefront pioneers, as cluster coordinators and members of Bahá’í agencies, youth on five continents have arisen to serve their communities with devotion and sacrifice. The maturity they have demonstrated, in the discharge of duties upon which depends the advancement of the Divine Plan, is expressive of their spiritual vitality and their commitment to safeguarding humanity’s future.
The National Spiritual Assembly has encouraged all regions to establish a rhythm of youth gatherings, institute campaigns and teaching projects throughout this summer and beyond. We urge institutions at all levels, as well as parents and families, to support and encourage the youth to make a mighty effort to participate fully. As experience has shown, it is through such engagement that a lifelong commitment to serving the Cause and humanity is born, capacities are built, potential is released, friendships flourish, and the joy of sacrificial service is tasted.
The youth are uppermost in our hearts and prayers.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary
Service opportunity: Aide in the Office of the Secretary
The National Spiritual Assembly continues to seek to fill a full-time position of an Aide in the Office of the Secretary. This important role includes:
- handling a wide range of enquiries;
- drafting official correspondence;
- assisting in the preparation of reports for the National Assembly, including research;
- generally assisting with a wide range of administrative tasks within the Office.
Requirements for the role include:
- a sound understanding of the structure and functioning of the Administrative Order;
- knowledge of Bahá’í laws, principles and their application;
- a good grasp of the work of the Five Year Plan;
- good written communication skills, with a careful eye for detail;
- a sympathetic, kind and just approach in dealing with sometimes difficult situations;
- good organizational skills, including the ability to plan, organise and prioritise a wide range of tasks;
- ability to organise or unpack pieces of information from complex documents;
- the ability to work and communicate well with others;
- willingness to learn, follow and develop existing processes;
- familiarity with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
This is a full-time role, offered initially as a three-year contract. A salary is offered to enable successful applicants to carry out their service. As with all service to the Faith, there is also the opportunity to undertake it on a voluntary basis or part-voluntary basis.
The National Assembly is committed to learning more about a hybrid model of working, mixing office-based work with remote and flexible working. Thus, while the ability to travel to the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds from time to time would be advantageous, this need not be a London-based position. Individuals who would like to apply for this position are asked to submit a copy of their curriculum vitae, together with a letter sharing their reasons for applying for this service, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the UK, 27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD or by email to mailto:nsa@bahai.org.uk. Applications should be submitted no later than Friday 16th July 2021.
Your prayerful consideration of this opportunity to serve is deeply appreciated.
Launch of new Bahá’í Books UK website
The friends are reminded that the new Bahá’í Books UK website will be launched with an online gathering on Sunday 20 June at 7pm.
The meeting link is here >
Meeting ID: 970 9409 0274
Passcode: 903147
Podcast: A path toward a unified America >
The centenary of the first race amity conference held by the American Bahá’í community has been marked by a three-day symposium exploring racial unity and social change.