Rejecting the low sights of mediocrity, let them

[Bahá’í youth] scale the ascending heights of

excellence in all they aspire to do. May they

resolve to elevate the very atmosphere in which

they move, whether it be in the school rooms or

halls of higher learning, in their work, their

recreation, their Bahá’í activity or social service.

―Universal House of Justice, May 8, 1985

message to the Bahá’í youth of the world

Bahá’í Youth Service Corps

Welcome!

To the volunteers of the national Bahá’í

schools :

Dearest friends:

We extend our warm greetings

and sincere gratitude for your generous

gift of service to the national Bahá’í

schools. We hope that your experience

will offer you many opportunities to build

your capacity for service to mankind as

you participate in study, deepening,

prayer, reflection, and self-less acts of

service to individuals of many

backgrounds and ages that participate in

the programs offered at our schools.

With loving greetings,

Kenneth E. Bowers

Secretary

Stories of inspiration and new found confidence...are being reported from those attending and serving our national schools… the Universal House of Justice identified these centers of learning as complementary elements to the institute process, working in collaboration with expansion and consolidation activities that support the goals of the Five Year Plan.

Youth volunteers have played a significant role in this success. Their contributions include not only their service to basic functions of the schools, but also their involvement in community activities such as teaching children’s classes, devotionals, tutoring study circles, and active participation in cluster teaching activities.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís

of the United States July 23, 2008

letter to Local Spiritual Assemblies

and Registered Groups

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States 2012

Seated left to right: S. Valerie Dana, Juana Conrad, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Fariba Aghdasi, Erica Toussaint-Brock; Standing left to right: David Young, Robert Henderson, Kenneth Bowers, Muin Afnani

Purpose of Bahá’í Schools

Bahá’í schools, often referred to as Bahá’í summer schools, originated in America in the early part of the last century and have been adopted all over the world. Their primary purpose, as originally outlined by Shoghi Effendi, is to deepen the knowledge of the friends in the Faith, and foster the spirit of fellowship among all who attend.

What other community has shown the foresight, the organizing ability, the enthusiastic eagerness, that have been responsible for the establishment and multiplication, throughout its territory, of those initial schools which, as time goes by, will, on the one hand, evolve into powerful centers of Bahá’í learning, and on the other, provide a fertile recruiting ground for the enrichment and consolidation of its teaching force?

Shoghi Effendi December 25, 1938

The Advent of Divine Justice, p.7

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Bosch Bahá’í School

Louhelen Bahá’í School

...through the consultation about the Plan...your understanding will deepen, and conscious of the spiritual forces that support you, you will resolve to make this global enterprise a personal concern and become as occupied with the well-being of the human family as you are with that of your dearest kin. Universal House of Justice

1 January 2011 letter to

the Bahá’ís of the World

Bahá’í schools like the rest of the

Bahá’í community, strive to fulfill the vision of the Universal House of Justice, offering sessions designed to develop capacity for contributing to expansion and consolidation activities, building vibrant communities, and serving humanity, as well as developing skills to engage in discourse on the exigencies of the age. All programs are directly linked to current guidance from our institutions and grassroots learning identified within the clusters.

Vision for Bahá’í Youth Service Corps

In 1993, the National Spiritual Assembly established formal youth service posts at its national Bahá’í schools in order to afford young people unique opportunities to develop their personal capacities for serving mankind. With full confidence that youth will make their own vital contributions to raising up these nascent Bahá’í agencies, the aim is that through service to the high purpose of the schools they will further develop those spiritual qualities and reflect the transformative power of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bosch Bahá’í School

Green Acre Bahá’í School

Louhelen Bahá’í School

Nothing is quite like service. You don’t realize how empowering it is. In this society, it’s all about doing for yourself. You hear it said, but you don’t realize how much better it is to serve others until you try it. When doing a year of service, you feel the presence of God, seems odd to say, but it becomes obvious God is there...

Paula Zitnick

Bosch 2010

Some of the things you should expect are trials and missing home. You may cry. In the end you will learn to work with others in unity. It will be worth it!

Ryan Burke Bosch 2007

I feel like I changed a lot. I gained a lot of insight in how to interact with others on a more spiritual level. It helped me a lot; I would have been different had I gone to school directly.

Jessi Bruns Louhelen 2011

Serving is a good idea as you will grow spiritually and mature in a way you never thought you would. You get closer to God. You always get something out of it.

Sina Sabet Green Acre 2011

What should I expect from my service experience?

Everyone’s service experience is unique, and we encourage you to take an active role in getting the most out of your own experience. As a volunteer, you will be part of a service community responsible for building a distinctive Bahá’í environment true to the vision expressed by Shoghi Effendi for every Bahá’í school. You will reap all the bounties and blessings of living and serving in these special environments, and will also likely face tests that will ultimately help you build new understandings, skills and spiritual insights.

What will be expected of me as part of a service team functioning within a distinctive spiritual environment?

The distinctive quality of these spiritual environments is affected by the degree to which each member of the service community exemplifies those qualities of character that distinguish a Bahá’í.

Be prepared to:

Appreciate differences in others. You may be serving with people of diverse backgrounds from all over the world.

Make new friends. Be inclusive and avoid

pairing off in small exclusive groups, which tends to make others feel left out.

Search for means of problem solving that

will avoid arguments, criticism, and mere airing of personal frustrations. Instead, practice consultation with peers, staff and administrators, and learn to use established channels for addressing concerns as they arise at your service post.

Be courteous to guests being served as

well as staff and volunteers. Make eye contact with those you meet and give a sincere “hello” and smile, even when you are busy, frustrated, or distracted.

Dress modestly, avoiding revealing

clothing such as short-shorts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, and messages or symbols on clothing that are inconsistent with Bahá’í teachings.

Observe cleanliness in your personal

appearance and the upkeep of your room, and help keep common areas clean.

Cultivate moderation in your speech and choice of recreational activities, including music, electronic games, movies, books, etc.

Strive for excellence in your service

assignments. Participate whole-heartedly in staff

meetings, training, and consultations. Be a valued member of a unified team by letting the team count on you to listen, learn and offer your ideas.

Respect the privacy, property, and

personal space of others: males only in housing assigned to males; females only in housing assigned to females; with the exception of married couples/families.

Observe campus guidelines for quiet

time and evening retirement. Advise administration of trips off-

campus, providing departure and return times, destination and contact information.

Share the task assignments fairly:

arrive on time, return from break promptly, request help if you need it and offer help to others.

Endeavor to obey Bahá’í laws and put

into practice Bahá’í principles.

Profound is the confusion that threatens the foundations of society, and unwavering must be the resolve of all those involved in Bahá’í activity, lest the slightest trace of self-interest becloud their judgement. It must be realized that the isolation and despair from which so many suffer are products of an environment ruled by an all-pervasive materialism. And in this the friends must understand the ramifications of Bahá’u’lláh’s statement that “the present-day order” must “be rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead.“ Throughout the world today, young people are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the Plan and ardent champions of the Cause...May every one of them come to know the bounties of a life adorned with purity and learn to draw on the powers that flow through pure channels.

Universal House of Justice

Excerpts from 28 December 2010 letter

Keep deepening the youth! These types of discussions don’t happen in our everyday lives. They are very important. It helps us to mold our attitudes…

James Foguth Louhelen 2008

We studied One Common Faith and the tutor was amazing! It was fantastic! There was also plenty of time for personally initiated study as well.

Jordan Sobhani Green Acre 2008

There was a great library and study circles going on once a week; we studied the Kitáb-i-Íqán too!

Dory Quinlan Bosch 2007

Pure creative, artistic expression came out of our service...You learn so many practical skills—things that will help you in your life. I learned so much about management, I could run a company!...You work on spiritual development in a Bahá’í bubble...a unique opportunity for deepening…

Shameem Moshrefzadeh Louhelen 2010

What opportunities will I have for study and deepening?

Deepening is an important aspect of the youth year of service, and a variety of opportunities are available throughout the year, including:

Extensive libraries for personal research and study

Presentations offered by special guests and visitors

Opportunity to attend one school session for year of service volunteers

Regular study circles and weekly deepenings

Full scholarships for participation in courses of the Wilmette Institute for youth volunteers during their terms of service. see www.wilmetteinstitute.us.bahai.org

Youth serving only during summer months will have fewer opportunities for deepening and study due to the service demands during these busiest seasons of the year. Reflect on personal goals before you arrive, and speak to your administrator about developing a plan for deepening and study during your term of service.

Will I be able to participate in community activities other than those at the school?

Community activities vary based on the characteristics of the communities surrounding the school/institute where you serve. Volunteers enrich Bahá’í community life by attending Nineteen Day Feasts and participating in core activities associated with cluster advancement. In addition to Bahá’í community life, you will have opportunities to enjoy local community life for cultural events, recreation and relaxation.

What kind of service assignment will I

have?

Service assignments are made by the school/

institute administrator in light of each

volunteer’s experience and interests as well as

the particular needs of the school/institute.

Volunteer opportunities are available to

develop skills in a variety of departments

including, but not limited to education of

children and junior youth, youth mentorship,

office administration, hospitality, facilities,

horticulture, culinary arts, library maintenance,

and café/bookstore services.

What will my schedule look like?

Volunteers are scheduled 40 hours of regular service activities weekly; longer hours during the busy seasons when the schools serve large numbers of guests may occur and are often more exciting and rewarding. Volunteers also receive vacation time during long-term service commitments. Those offering a full year of service are eligible for ten vacation days. Those offering six months are eligible for five vacation days. Requests for vacation time must be submitted at least two weeks in advance and preferably scheduled during the off-season.

What will housing accommodations be like?

Room and board is provided for you. Rooms are arranged dormitory style with two to four per room. All assignments are made by the administrator. Bedding and towels are provided, however feel free to bring a favorite blanket or pillow as well as a few small items to help you feel at home and comfortable during your stay. Space is limited, and varies at each location, so be sure to ask about particular things you would like to bring with you.

...when any souls grow to be true believers, they will attain a spiritual relationship with one another, and show forth a tenderness which is not of this world. They will, all of them, become elated from a draught of divine love, and that union of theirs, that connection, will also abide forever. Souls, that is, who will consign their own selves to oblivion, strip from themselves the defects of humankind, and unchain themselves from human bondage, will beyond any doubt be illumined with the heavenly splendours of oneness, and will all attain unto real union in the world that dieth not.

‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings

of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 117

What should I bring with me?

Speak with your contact at the school/institute where you will serve for specific advice on what you will need. As you plan what to bring, consider the following within the constraints of space limitations:

Your favorite prayer book.

Clothing suitable for your service assignment.

Dress clothing suitable for special occasions

such as Feasts and Holy Days.

Casual clothing for time off.

Clothing suitable to climate: rain gear,

sweatshirts/sweaters for evenings, jackets

and boots for snowy climates, including

sunglasses, sunscreen, hats.

Sturdy, comfortable boots or shoes,

depending on your service assignment (no

flip flops, open shoes or sandals).

Favorite hats or head coverings (may be

necessary for some service assignments).

Flashlight for moving around campus after

dark.

Cell phone.

A musical instrument to share your talent

Diaries, journals, art/craft supplies.

MP3s, Ipods or small portable stereo.

Prescription medicine if required or your

preferred brands of over the counter

remedies.

Your lap top computer.

Small items to make you feel at home, like

pictures of family and friends to share.

Swimwear if climate allows: beach towels,

one piece suit for women, no ‘Speedos’ for

men.

Spending money.

Towels, linens, blankets and pillows are

provided however, feel free to bring your

favorite pillow and/or other articles of

bedding if you prefer.

What are the consequences for failure

to uphold identified standards? Living a life of service is a process. All volunteers go through a period of getting used to the new setting and following new standards. For the first three months, school administrators and mentors will meet with you periodically to provide support and encouragement, as well as provide guidance regarding any areas where improvement is needed. Blatant disregard for Bahá’í law will result in immediate termination of your service term. Disregard of school procedures such as tardiness for work, failure to heed quiet hours, etc. will be handled on a case-by-case basis with progressive steps of intervention. Failure to improve or ongoing disregard of procedure may result in suspension of your service term.

How should I prepare for service?

Reflect on what you want to accomplish

spiritually and personally during these

months.

Make plans with family and friends to

stay connected.

Be prepared to be flexible.

Check out the typical weather patterns.

so you can plan to bring appropriate

clothing.

Deepen on the value and characteristics

of service.

Ask questions and seek out former youth

service volunteers for insights into their

experiences.

Pray.

Read descriptions of the early believers

and their service to the Faith.

Deepen on the process of consultation.

I adjure Thee by Thy

might, O my God! Let

no harm beset me in

times of tests, and in

moments of

heedlessness guide my

steps aright through

Thine inspiration.

The Báb

Make me ready, in all

circumstances, O my

Lord, to serve Thee...

make me to grow as a

tender herb in the

meadows of Thy grace,

that the gentle winds of

Thy will may stir me up

and bend me into

conformity with Thy

pleasure, in such wise

that my movement and

my stillness may be

wholly directed by Thee.

Bahá’u’lláh

…every aspect of a person's life is an element of his or her

service to Bahá'u'lláh: the love and respect one has for one's

parents; the pursuit of one's education; the nurturing of good

health; the acquiring of a trade or profession; one's behaviour

towards others and the upholding of a high moral standard;

one's marriage and the bringing up of one's children; one's

activities in teaching the Faith and the building up the strength

of the Bahá'í community, whether this be in such simple matters

as attending the Nineteen Day Feast or the observance of Bahá'í

Holy Days, or in more demanding tasks required by service in the

administration of the Faith; and, not least, to take time each day

to read the Writings and say the Obligatory Prayer, which are the

sources of growing spiritual strength, understanding, and

attachment to God.

The concept of the Youth Year of Service should be viewed in

this context, as a special service that the youth can devote to the

Cause, and which should prove to be a highly valuable element

in their own spiritual and intellectual development.

The Universal House of Justice,

Dec. 07, 1992 message to European Bahá’í Youth Council

Questions? Contact us at byscschools@usbnc.org or call 847-733-3514