48th ABS Annual Conference: Full Schedule

7:30pm EDT

The Nine Year Plan and the 28 November 2023 Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World

Friday August 2, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

The historic significance of the 28 November 2023 letter of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World is assessed briefly and its potential impact on the implementation of the provisions of current Nine Year Plan is explored. The presentation reviews how various phases of development experienced by the worldwide Bahá’í community can be perceived as successive and coherent stages in a single, unfolding, Divinely- ordained drama and how each generation of Bahá'ís was able to build capacities needed to render the increasingly complex tasks expected of their generation. It argues that for the task ahead the achievements of the first century of the Formative Age of the Faith and their attendant processes of capacity building will prove to be a tremendous help in building confidence and certitude among those who are attracted to the vision of Bahá’u'lláh.

Speakers

Firaydoun Javaheri

Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri holds a doctorate in agronomy. As a pioneer to Africa for twenty-seven years, he served the Bahá’í community in his roles of Auxiliary Board member and, then, Continental Counsellor. While in Zambia, he worked as chief technical adviser for the Food and... Read More →

Friday August 2, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Ravinia ballroom

9:00am EDT

Cultivating Creative Space to Release the Society-Building Powers of the Faith

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Ravinia ABC

Traditional academic and community spaces meant to support artists and scholars can trigger a sense of otherness harmful to POC and women. A prescriptive gaze and suggestions to minimize traumatic realities perpetuate “soft violence,” objectifying scholarship and art. How can we disrupt this cycle intentionally? How can we heed the Universal House of Justice's call to harness the power of the arts in community-building, apply Baha'i Teachings in social spaces, and reflect on growth? The presenters will facilitate discussion and share what they have learned about creating a deeply satisfying and encouraging space to excel in their craft.

Speakers

Kim Douglas

Kim Douglas is a writer, educator, speaker, social justice activist, and founder of Write2Unite, an online writing community. She has supported more than 2,000 college students, change-makers, and aspiring writers to free their voices and value their lived experiences by writing about... Read More →

Masud Olufani

Masud Ashley Olufani (MAO) is an Atlanta-based actor, mixed media artist, and writer whose studio practice is rooted in the discipline of sculpture. He is a graduate of Morehouse College, and The Savannah College of Art and Design where he earned an MFA in sculpture in 2013. Masud... Read More →

Sharon Davis

Sharon Nesbit-Davis is an author, artist, and storyteller. She began her art career as a solo mime artist performing for festivals, theaters, and schools. She served the Rockford Area Arts Council as a community arts coordinator and retired as the Executive Director. Her memoir, Intended... Read More →

Hyacinth Wallance

If you had asked Hyacinth Wallance what her future would have looked like, never would she have guessed Creative Director of her own business and an aspiring author. Four years ago, she was a physical therapist frustrated by the medical industry. She was raised in the Bahá’í Faith... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Ravinia ABC 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Collaboration and Professional Discourse as a School Teacher

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Dunwoody A

The presentation considers my engagement in professional discourse and action over a period of four years working as a high school ESL teacher. It offers an account of 5 collaborative learning processes and 12 presentations given at 3 annual conferences. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, consultation, drawing on relevant discourses, and writing conference proposals. Participants will analyze a set of three conference proposals and draft their own proposal for feedback. The session will be of interest to professionals who wish to contribute to the discourses of their field, especially teachers.

Speakers

Niaz Khadem

Niaz Khadem serves on the Regional Bahá’í Council of Appalachia. He is interested in language education, community collaborations, transformative institutions, media literacy, and the social implications of technology.

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Dunwoody A 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Education, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Exploring the Relationship between Religion and Public Health

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Dunwoody B

In this session, we will (1) share preliminary findings from a series of key informant interviews with public health researchers and practitioners on the relationship between religion and public health, and (2) engage participants in a dialogue on the topic. Themes emerging from the interviews will be used to stimulate small group discussions with the conference participants on the principles and approaches that could build connections between religion and public health. Pre-reading will be provided in advance for conference participants to review.

Speakers

Anish Arora

Anish K. Arora, PhD, MSc, is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Yovania Dechtiar

Yovania Dechtiar holds a dual Master in Social Work and Public Health with a focus on community and policy practice that promotes the health and well-being of children and families. Her most recent work in the US and in Mauritius has focused on analyzing how various populations, including... Read More →

Johnathon Ehsani

Jon Ehsani, PhD, MPH, uses policy and behavioral research to prevent motor vehicle crashes and advance the health promoting aspects of transportation. Dr. Ehsani is a Professor at John Hopkins School of Public Health.

Andrew Hatala

Andrew R. Hatala, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba. Andrew conducts qualitative and community-based research in the areas of Psychological Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, Indigenous Health, and Community Health... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Dunwoody B 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Health, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Reflections on Health Equity in Light of Baha'u'llah's Revelation

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Dunwoody C

Although the Social Determinants of Health and the Sustainable Development Goals are positive steps, health equity requires the Baha'i Teachings’ vision for a profound transformation. Baha'is and Baha'i -inspired initiatives contribute to health equity by applying teachings about unity, justice, and consultation at all levels and in different ways. This presentation is the result of a collaborative effort among a group of Baha'i public health professionals reflecting on lessons learned in the field in light of the Baha'i writings.

Speakers

Guitelle Sabeti

Dr. Sabeti (PhD Pharmacy, Master's Public Health) is a global health professional with over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical policies, governance, and strategic engagement. She has worked with WHO for 30 years, representing it in forums such as G7 and G20. Dr. Sabeti launched... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Dunwoody C 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Health, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Soulful Code: Baha'i Principles of Justice Applied to Software and AI

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Maplewood AB

This breakout session aims to bring together Baha'i professionals and enthusiasts from the technology sector, including anyone interested in the software lifecycle. Our goal is to explore the intersection of Baha'i principles with fields related to software design and engineering, foster consultation on engaging in meaningful discourses with the wider professional software community, and focus on how the Baha'i Teachings can bring unity and justice to both users and creators of software technologies. We hope to inspire ongoing consultation, including hackathons and regular virtual meetings.

Speakers

Tom Grushka

Software and Accessibility Engineer

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Maplewood AB 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

IT, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Discourse in Action: The First Fruits of the Wilmette Institute Social Transformation Certificate

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Oakwood B room

The first three completers of the Wilmette Institute’s pilot Social Transformation Certificate will bring participants into the life of the courses by sharing their insights and applications of the course material to their professional work in the fields of education, community psychology and public health; applying themes and learnings inspired by the four certificate courses focused on social action, sustainability, centering Blackness and education as applied by the presenters. Participants will hone their efforts as protagonists by practicing consultation and exploration potential action plans for their own communities.

Speakers

Geri Peak

Dr. Geri Peak is a public health Social Demographer who works as an independent evaluator, applied researcher, trainer, facilitator and coach. She is a Virtues Project Master Facilitator and received a certificate from the Wilmette Institute’s Social Transformation Certificate Program... Read More →

Susan Wolfe

CEO/Community Consultant, Susan Wolfe and Associates

Dr. Susan Wolfe is a Community Psychologist and has been a Bahá’í for about 3 years. In January 2024 she was among the first group of recipients of a certificate from the Wilmette Institute’s Social Transformation Certificate Program. She is a Community Consultant and provides... Read More →

Emily Chou

For a decade, Emily Chou has taught children and adults from all walks of life including refugees, immigrants, Sunday school and public school students. With a Master's in Education, she has taught at a public elementary school for the past 3 years. As a homefront pioneer near LA... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Oakwood B room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

9:00am EDT

How the Mind of God Has Structured Reality

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Ravinia EFG

If the Creator is perfect, then so must His Creation be perfect. And if His intention is to generate a being capable of freely coming to know and to worship Him, then logically reality must be perfectly structured to produce this result. If we examine what the authoritative Baha'i texts tell about reality, then we can discern the nature of this structure, how it effects this result, and the extent to which this portrayal of reality conforms to contemporary scientific axioms about this same reality. This presentation attempts to show this compliance.

Speakers

John S. Hatcher

Dr. John S. Hatcher received his BA and MA degrees at Vanderbilt University, and his PhD at the University of Georgia. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida where he taught in the English Department for forty years and headed graduate studies in English Literature... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Ravinia EFG 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Study of the Writings, Breakout

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (Economics)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Camellia room

This session is for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals working in the field of economics. The purpose is to explore how we see the vision of the Universal House of Justice unfolding in the discipline of economics and how we can contribute to the advancement of civilization through our work in this field. We will explore examples from academic work of Baha'is striving to engage the economics discourse in a manner that is coherent with the Baha'i conceptual framework. Then we will discuss how, as Bahá’ís, we can contribute to constructive avenues of research, advance the generation of knowledge, and participate in discourses in the field in a manner that is aligned with Baha'i teachings and guidance.

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Camellia room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Discipline-specific Session, Economics

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (History)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Dogwood

This session is for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals working in the field of history. The history disciplinary stream will initiate the first of what will hopefully become an ongoing series of conversations about what Baha'i historians are learning by engaging in professional discourses in their fields and subfields. As we reflect on what it means to be a Baha'i historian in this historical moment, we hope to explore themes and questions such as: What are the challenges Baha'i historians face in their professional environments? How are these reflective of broader social issues and what lessons are we learning in addressing them? What perspectives and consciousness inform the approaches we might take to participating in discourses on these challenges? What perspectives and capacities can Baha'i historians offer as a result of their vision and experience in community-building processes? Who is our audience and how are our methods influenced by our participation in the historical process underway of releasing the society-building power of the Faith? How do these perspectives inform our craft of engaging with historical practices and processes? What are some of the qualities and attitudes that we should bring to the presentation of our evolving conceptual framework when considering emancipatory approaches to historical research? How can we offer interpretive insights that maintain coherence between the material, moral, and existential dimensions of historical processes? What does it take to remain true to the historical actors we are writing about?

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Dogwood 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Discipline-specific Session, History

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (Literature)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Oakwood A room

This stream will gather academic faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, K-12 teachers, and practitioners in the field of literature and the literary arts. The purpose is to begin collectively exploring how the literary arts can best contribute to the betterment of humanity by analyzing professional and academic discourses in this field through the lens of the conceptual framework guiding the work of the Baha'i community. Special attention will be paid to both recent and long-standing frameworks found in literary studies, including those on race, multilingualism, globalism, Black feminism, peace studies, and virtue ethics. We will explore questions pertaining to theory, methodology, and pedagogy – and will consult on how we might develop our capacities to contribute to the advancement of thought in these domains, especially given the precarity of some areas of the discipline in our present moment. Some pre-readings will be assigned.

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Oakwood A room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Discipline-specific Session, Literature

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (Philosophy)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Gardenia room

The purpose of this stream is to gather academics and students in philosophy to explore key issues of their field in light of the Baha'i teachings and the accumulating experience of the community. In particular, the session will focus on enduring philosophical questions related to relativism, knowledge, and truth. What is it that distinguishes knowledge, or justified belief, from mere opinion or subjective perspectives? How do features of contemporary Baha'i community life (e.g., operating in a learning mode of action, reflection, and consultation) shed light on the meaning of truth, knowledge, and relativism in practical contexts? The session will be divided into two panel sessions. The first panel will explore questions of knowledge, relativism, and truth from a historical perspective. The second panel will consider a range of practical questions emerging from more contemporary manifestations of the problem of relativism.

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Gardenia room

Discipline-specific Session, Philosophy

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (Political Science)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Azalea A room

The purpose of this stream is to gather academics and students in the field of political science. The session will comprise panel discussions on concepts of power, political agency, and democratic deliberation in political science. These presentations will inform a collective exploration of our experience as political scientists aiming to contribute insights from the Revelation to the prevalent discourses of the discipline. What are some strands of political science discourse that are especially promising and receptive to ideas drawn from the Faith? What are we learning about making meaningful contributions to these areas? How are we learning to navigate especially fraught or challenging conversations in the field? We will also reflect on our experience participating in a range of spaces where thinking evolves in the field, e.g., conferences, publications, the classroom.

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Azalea A room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Discipline-specific Session, Political Science

9:00am EDT

Academic Discipline-specific session (Sociology & Anthropology)

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Azalea B room

This session is for researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals working in the fields of sociology and anthropology. A major theme in the fields of sociology and anthropology is the relationship between human agency and social structure. Key issues associated with this theme include the degree to which human behavior is shaped by and influences community and culture, how both interact with organizational structures, and how the dynamic relationships between the individual, the community, and the institutions—these “three protagonists” of society—foster or hamper well-being and human flourishing. According to the Universal House of Justice (28 December 2010), “a new conception of each [protagonist], appropriate for a humanity that has come of age, is emerging.” Moreover: “The relationships that bind them, too, are undergoing a profound transformation.” In view of these developments, this session will explore questions such as: What are the implications of these new conceptions for sociological and anthropological research? What assumptions and insights from the Revelation and the social sciences – such as those concerning human nature, power, normality and deviance, and gender – are most conducive to investigating the nature of the relationships between the three protagonists? In what ways does the harmony of science and religion influence our readings of social reality?

Saturday August 3, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Azalea B room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Discipline-specific Session, Sociology

10:45am EDT

The Theme of “Art in Exile” as Represented in the "Mishkin-Qalam" Documentary

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Dunwoody B

The theme of “art in exile” is currently prevalent in discourses advocating diversity and upholding social justice for marginalised groups, as these groups are often deprived of the opportunity to express themselves in a constructive way, thereby contributing to the societies in which they live. In a recent message, the Universal House of Justice underlined the importance of the arts as an integral “part of the development of a community from the start” and “an important means of generating joy, strengthening bonds of unity, disseminating knowledge, and consolidating understanding, as well as of acquainting those in the wider society with the principles of the Cause.” consolidating understanding, as well as of acquainting those in the wider society with the principles of the Cause.” So let us investigate the possible fruit of an artist’s exile in terms of a life of worship and service, as evinced by the recently completed Mishkin-Qalam documentary film.

Speakers

Amir V. Meshkin

Amir Válá Meshkin is a great-great-grandson of Mishkin-Qalam, an executive producer of the “Mishkin-Qalam” documentary and the Vocalist / Composer / Producer of the “Mishkin-Qalam” Documentary Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Dunwoody B 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

10:45am EDT

Settle All Things: Tracing the Linkages between Prior Community Consultation and Infrastructure Dispute Mitigation

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Dunwoody C

Learning how to prevent conflict through effective consultation mechanisms in infrastructure projects is a new area of learning. Mirroring the admonition to “settle all things, both great and small, by consultation" (‘Abdu'l-Baha), a positive consultative “engagement effect” can be discerned such that with expanded access to prior consultation and community grievance mechanisms, fewer claims are lodged. Overall, findings support the development of increasingly robust community consultation channels within development banks which, far from aggregating complaints, conversely appear to serve as a conduit incorporating community concerns into project design such that disputes are avoided.

Speakers

Shahla Ali

University of Hong Kong

Shahla Ali is Professor of Law and Associate Dean (International) at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law and Director of the LLM Program in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. Her work centers on questions of governance, sustainable development and cross-border dispute resolution... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Dunwoody C 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Conflict resolution, Breakout

10:45am EDT

Unity and Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Oakwood B room

Unemployment, lack of access to education, and racial inequality have limited the potential for communities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when unity in communities prevailed, this led to the acceleration of scientific advances. Baha'u'llah states, "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." Using inspirations from Baha'i writings and the Nine Year Plan, we will demonstrate the parallels between spiritual principles of unity, collaboration, and service to humanity and the practical, unified response of the scientific community to a global health crisis.

Speakers

Payam Dehghani

Dr. Payam Dehghani is an associate professor at University of Saskatchewan and director of non-profit Prairie Vascular Research Inc. He led the Canadian team for the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) Registry, the largest registry of patients with COVID-19 and... Read More →

Bayan Dehghani

Bayan Dehghani is a senior high school student and participates in research related to gender differences in health outcomes. He has been selected to represent his district at the National Senior School Student Leadership Conference and has given presentations related to men’s role... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Oakwood B room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Health, Breakout

10:45am EDT

Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: In Search of Coherence

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Ravinia ABC

Ethical questions around uses and abuses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of public discourse in many societies. The emerging AI methodologies can produce highly damaging results or conversely superbly useful outcomes. Baha'i teachings have a lot to say about all this at the level of the principle. More particularly, the conceptual framework for study and action can be directly applied to the methods and approaches for the generation and dissemination of knowledge about this subject. Currently various governing bodies find themselves poorly equipped to legislate on the needed guardrails. We will review the application of action-reflection to this field.

Speakers

Farzin Aghdasi

Senior Manager, Nvidia Corporation

Farzin Aghdasi was a Bahá’í pioneer in Africa much of his adult life and intimately involved in the development of the Training Institute in Southern Africa and North America. He served as a Continental Counselor for the Americas, and is currently the secretary of the Regional... Read More →

Douglas Allen

Doug Allen is Associate Professor of Management and former Director of the International MBA program at the University of Denver Daniels College of Business. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his PhD from the University of Michigan Business School. He has published... Read More →

Dennis Wittmer

Dennis Wittmer is a professor in the Management Department of Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, where he has taught for 33 years and chaired the department for 10 years. He currently teaches courses related to ethical leadership, organizational ethics, business... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Ravinia ABC 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

IT, Breakout

10:45am EDT

Evolving the Approach to Philanthropy: Shifting Values to Catalyze Systems Change Together

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Dunwoody A

The concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the Teachings of Baha'u'llah brought to life in His ordination of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar and its dependencies. This ordinance fuses the spiritual and material life of the Bahá’í community to release the society building power of His revelation towards advancement of humanity. In this presentation, I will share Mona Foundation’s Baha'i-inspired approach to philanthropy, lessons learned since our inception in 1999 in support of 53 grassroots organizations focused on education and gender equality in 23 countries, and the implications of our practices as together we build capacity to create, sustain and scale positive societal change.

Speakers

Mahnaz Javid

Ed.D. in educational leadership. CEO and President of Mona Foundation for the past 5 years, 20 years of experience at high tech industry, engaged in the field of global social and economic development for the past 30 years.

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Dunwoody A 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

10:45am EDT

Human Rights: A Baha'i Spiritual Vision

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Maplewood AB

This presentation will engage attendees in a conversation about what human rights are by comparing the secular, UN based vision of human rights with the Baha'i vision. At the beginning of the presentation attendees will be asked to jot down answers to four questions about their view of human rights. The 30 minute presentation will be followed by a discussion period focused on the four questions asked at the program's beginning.

Speakers

Terry Edwards

Terry Edwards, PhD, has been investigating the Bahá’í vision of human rights since he became a Bahá’í in 2006.

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Maplewood AB 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

10:45am EDT

The Bab and ʿAli Muhammad, Islamic and Post-Islamic: Multiple Meanings in the Writings of Sayyid ʿAli Muhammad Shirazi

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Ravinia EFG

Through the lens of multiple meanings, this presentation analyzes the interplay between the Bab’s identity and His writings as they relate to Islam. The Bab’s writings echo a long tradition of Islamic literary culture that creates meaning through metaphorical and symbolic language. The Bab’s claims are evident through His titles of the Gate (Bab), Remembrance (Dhikr), Point (Nuqtah), ʿAli, and Muhammad, which point to the Imam, Prophet Muhammad, and a new Manifestation. The simultaneous absence and presence of Islam in the Bab’s Writings created a real-world division between the Bab’s followers and His critics, leading to a post-Islamic future.

Speakers

Zackery Heern

Zackery Mirza Heern is a specialist in Middle East and Islamic Studies, focusing on Shiʿism as well as Bábí and Bahá’í studies. Dr. Heern is a Professor of History at Idaho State University, where he served as Chair of the Department of History for five years. He currently... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Ravinia EFG 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Study of the Writings, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

An Artist’s View through the Lens of Race and Gender

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Oakwood A room

How can Baha'i artists address the nature and complexity of social barriers that must be understood with clarity to build vital communities? Is bearing creative witness to the subject of social justice an act of devotion? Is not the attempt to examine the status quo in regard to racial justice and gender equality the work of those charged with building the world anew? These are questions my work represents and I offer it for consideration to examining the role artists can play in response to Baha’u’llah’s exhortation to “be anxiously concerned with the exigencies and requirements of the age.”

Speakers

Paula Henderson

I have both an academic and professional background. My graduate work at the University of Chicago was an MFA studio and seminar program with a focus on issues of race. I have taught academic courses on art history and critical thinking in contemporary art as a professor at The School... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Oakwood A room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Listening to Artists: A Stimulus to Transformation

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Dunwoody A

The artist has among other responsibilities that of questioning our values, of leading us to new insights that release our potential for growth, of illuminating our humanity, or renewing our authenticity by putting us in touch with our inner selves and of creating works of art that challenge us -- as Rilke says -- to change our lives. They are a stimulus to transformation. In the Bahá’í Order the artists will find their home at the center of their community, free to interact constructively with the people who are served by their art; free to give and to receive strength and inspiration. It is my hope that you will be in the vanguard of this reconciliation between artists and their world. As Baha'u'llah foretells, the artists are coming home to claim their place. I urge you: Be there! Welcome them! Bring chocolate! (Excerpt from an Address to Bahá’í World Centre Youth Group, 31 October 1990 by poet Roger White, Advice from a Poet: Bring Chocolate)

After experiencing a series of transformative events through the arts over some years I came to understand a little of their purposes and power, especially how important they are to learning, healing and spiritual development. Several of those experiences involved work with the Wings to the Spirit Foundation. Gatherings sponsored by that Foundation made clear that we as individuals and communities could learn about the challenges and the wisdom of Bahá’ís who are artists by deeply listening to their language. I became inspired to undertake a qualitative research study with twelve Bahá’í artists about many topics, including the relationship between the sacred and the arts. I learned so much from each of them…by listening.
This breakout session will include a video glimpse of these artists and their work, a presentation on some of ideas that were generated, followed by a panel discussion with two of the artists who were a part of the research, well known sculptor Shaughnessy Johnson and visual artist Dr. Lisa Puzon. Lisa and Shaughnessy are a powerhouse of a married couple, devoting most of their time using their passion and talents in creating arts-related experiences to youth who live in underserved communities. There will be time for questions, comments and ideas from the session participants.

Speakers

Kim MacQueen

Kim MacQueen holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, and a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Through work with the Wings to the Spirit Foundation and her research resulting in her book... Read More →

Shaughnessy Johnson

Shaughnessy studied art at The Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, IL and architecture and design in Tuskegee, AL. Although he explored many mediums, he favored wood, stand stone, metal and marble for his sculptures. His artwork has been shown in many galleries and museums such as Avisca... Read More →

Lisa Puzon

Lisa’s experience in art began as a youth through the encouragement of her grandmother and an uncle who taught her the importance of the Asian culture and its warmth reflected in history and customs. She began working as art director for a K-4th day camp and there developed an interest... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Dunwoody A 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Baha'i Approaches to Depolarization

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Ravinia EFG

Polarization is one of the hallmark issues of our day, and it’s one which directly intersects the mission of Baha’u’llah. In this session, we explore findings from the scientific literature on how to effectively depolarize, demonstrating how such insights resonate with Baha'i principles. Effective engagement here is not just about sharing relevant Baha'i teachings, but also about bringing coherence in the manner of our engagement. We also explore how Baha'i approaches transcend contemporary paradigms, promoting universal participation and unified action.

Speakers

Duane Varan

Dr. Duane Varan is CEO/Founder of MediaScience, an audience research firm counting all major US TV networks as clients. A former professor, he is the recipient of numerous awards including the Australian Prime Minister’s Award for University Teacher of the Year. He was recently... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ravinia EFG 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Conflict resolution, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

25 Years of Listening: The Story of Parent University

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Gardenia room

Parent University is a grassroots community collaborative focused on multi-generational education with the goals of reducing poverty and increasing health and wellness, public safety, and neighborhood vitality. Since 2000, Parent University has provided opportunities for parents and grandparents to invest in themselves and their children. By using consultative and reflection laden approaches that rely on the input and feedback of all participants we provide an environment to nurture confidence, provide encouragement and expand competence to enhance and improve individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities. Much attention is focused on the perception of ownership by all.

Speakers

Michael O'Neal

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Michael has been a Savannah resident for almost 50 years. He and his wife of 48 years have three sons and a daughter, three daughters-in-law, a son in law and twelve grandchildren. He was employed with International Paper since 1976 and worked... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Gardenia room

Education, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Releasing the Power of Society Building: Nutrition and Health Equity

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Ravinia ABC

The Universal House of Justice states that “increasing attention needs to be given other processes that seek to enhance the life of the community,” including the example of “improving public health.” The goal of this session is to explore “the implications that the teachings hold” for the field of nutrition as a key determinant of both individual and public health. Participants will be exposed to the latest scientific evidence and connections will be drawn to Baha'i concepts and community experiences. A seminar preceding the conference will be held and insights from this session will be shared during this interactive session.

Speakers

Farshad Fani Marvasti

Farshad (Shad) Fani Marvasti, MD, MPH is practicing physician and an Associate Professor of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine at the College of Medicine Phoenix and Associate Professor in the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness in the College of Agricultural and Life... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ravinia ABC 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Health, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

“By the Aid of the Vision and Insights Obtained”: Baha'i and Academic Frameworks for Historical Interpretation

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Camellia room

History is perhaps unique as a discipline insofar as it aspires to distill the collective memory of humanity. This knowledge informs social reality and collective future aspirations. History is thus both a scholarship and a fundamental aspect of life for all peoples. This paper explores key similarities and differences between academic and Baha'i paradigms for historical interpretation through an analysis of historical examples of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s engagement in discourses of society in the West—and the implications these hold for current-day Baha'is and historians attempting to participate in discourses in an increasingly divided and fractured world.

Speakers

Johanna Jochumsdottir-Taherzadeh

Jóhanna Jochumsdóttir did her PhD (ABD) at Rutgers University, New Jersey, and is currently completing her dissertation about religious discourses in the Edwardian suffrage movement. She has taught global and comparative history, modern European history, and women’s and gender... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Camellia room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

History, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

A Framework for Unity: The Shared Humanity between African Americans and Indigenous Peoples

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Maplewood AB

The African American and Indigenous communities of the United States are forged by historical sufferings that go back to the founding of this country. However, these communities have also offered a framework for racial unity that for far too long has been ignored, forgotten, or erased to our own detriment. Greater examination of the historical collaboration and innate spiritual power that exists within the Indigenous and African American community is vital if America is to achieve its true destiny as promised by 'Abdu'l-Baha. When we fully acknowledge the powerful spiritual forces that exist in both the African American and Indigenous communities, our nation will be better for it.

Speakers

Michael Orona

Michael Orona has served in the US Department of State for over 20 years where he has held an array of senior-level foreign policy advisory positions, including serving at the White House as National Security Council Director for African Affairs and overseeing the President’s Executive... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Maplewood AB 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Race unity, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Constructive Resilience in Forced Migration: A Comparative Analysis of Policies and Narratives of Afghan Women and Girls Migrating to Australia and Canada

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Oakwood B room

This study examines the paradigm of constructive resilience within forced migration, focusing on Afghan women and girls and drawing insights from the Baha'i Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) as a model. I will be conducting qualitative interviews alongside an in-depth analysis of migration policies in Australia and Canada. This research highlights the role of community institutions and policies to instill resiliency within forced migration settings, versus reproducing inequalities. Additionally, this study seeks to uncover mechanisms through which constructive resiliency can be a transformative force, particularly in advancing gender equality in the context of forced migration.

Speakers

Kimiya Missaghi

Kimiya is a PhD Student at the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa. After completing her master’s thesis on the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education, she endeavored to apply the Bahá’í community in Iran as a model for understanding resilient... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Oakwood B room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Systems Science as a Tool for Accelerated Collective Learning

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Dunwoody C

From the Tablets of the Divine Plan to the plans of the Universal House of Justice, many elements of what is now called "Systems Science" are demonstrated. This talk will characterize many of these shared features with a special focus on the current Nine Year Plan. It will also introduce, in a participatory manner, the motivations and some of the methodologies from systems science that could be used in advancing the current plan. Many of these methodologies could be used by individuals or small teams, or by institutions and planning agencies at broader scales.

Speakers

Kurt Kreuger

PhD in computer science focusing on systems science in public health from U of S in Canada. Postdoc at the University of Michigan in complex systems. Taught many university and professional courses. Consultant for 6 years with government and researchers in Canada, Australia, and the... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Dunwoody C 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

2:00pm EDT

Apostle of Reconciliation: The New Perspectives on Paul and Implications for Baha'i, Muslim, and Christian Theologies of the "Other"

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Dunwoody B

Caleb Gilleland, a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, explores the Apostle Paul's role in dialogue between the Bahá’í Faith, Christianity, and Islam. While Paul’s writings have often been used to build exclusivist theologies that condemn non-Christian religions, his writings are pivotal in Christian theology and thus cannot be ignored. Caleb's research investigates the New Perspective on Paul, which reinterprets traditional views on law and salvation in a rigorous but ultimately inclusive direction. He shows how this approach can remove theological barriers that separate believers of the three Abrahamic religions, potentially building bridges for increased interfaith understanding.

Speakers

Caleb Gilleland

Caleb Gilleland is from north Georgia, USA. He is currently a PhD candidate in Christian-Muslim Relations at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. His research interests include modern views of the apostle Paul — especially in interfaith context, Baha'i studies, evangelical... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Dunwoody B 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Study of the Writings, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Modernism - Traditionalism: Exploring Discourses on Beauty in Architecture and Urbanism

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Camellia room

Much of humanity’s recently built environment has failed to create places that uplift the spirit and reflect our highest ideals. A growing movement of practitioners and citizens explores the negative effect of modernist architectural approaches and the possibility of reviving traditional design and urbanism. Understanding both modernism and traditionalism will help guide the way to recalibrating the built environment disciplines and restore a sense of beauty and order to our buildings and cities. All individuals are invited to reflect on the value of beauty and craftsmanship and to contribute to our understanding of what makes a building or city beautiful.

Speakers

Jeremy Ziegler

Jeremy is an established facility manager with nearly 15 years of experience and a portfolio encompassing modern, critical-infrastructure facilities, county government, and some of the United States' oldest buildings. Recently, he has been focusing on his pursuit to marry facilities... Read More →

Nadim van de Fliert

Director, KeyUrban

Nadim van de Fliert is a linguist, urbanist, creative soul, and avid fan of soccer who resides in Washington, D.C. He presently works as a real estate development consultant and community development specialist in the city – focusing on affordable housing, educational facilities... Read More →

Jason Burtwistle

Associate, Stantec

Jay lives and works in Vancouver, BC, where he has resided for the last 16 years. As a sustainability consultant at a large integrated architecture and engineering firm, he collaborates on large scale building projects to help ensure sustainable principles (and ideally Bah... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Camellia room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

The Relationship of Art to Culture at this Critical Juncture in Human History

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Dunwoody A

In a world characterized by rapid change and connectivity, the intersection of art and culture is more important than ever, offering profound opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and transformation. In recent messages, the Universal House of Justice has stated that the “Baha'i world has experienced a significant advance at the level of culture” and encourages Baha'is to draw “on the power of the arts.” This panel of practicing artists will explore where the world seems to be at this stage and how the arts might play critical roles in community building, global civilization, advances in universal education, equality, and peace-making efforts.

Speakers

Anne Perry

Anne Perry (PhD Aesthetic Studies/Humanities) teaches Art Appreciation and Humanities through Dallas College and art-related courses through the Wilmette Institute. Her commitment to creativity through writing, drama, and film spans decades. With her husband she has produced films... Read More →

Michèle Jubilee

Michèle Jubilee has over six years of experience working in interdisciplinary education, public programming, curating, leadership, and community engagement for museums and arts organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in both Art History and Visual Arts from the University... Read More →

Christina Wright

Adjunct Faculty, Film Studies

Christina Wright is a Lecturer in the School of Media and the Performing Arts at San Jose State University, an Instructor in the Film and Television Department at De Anza College and Online Faculty for the Wilmette Institute. She also freelances as a Screenwriter, Social Emotional... Read More →

Taraz Samandari

Taraz Samandari is a writer, poet and physician-scientist. While he has served on various Bahá'í administrative institutions in the US, Botswana, and Kenya, he has given many public talks about the Faith, enjoys hosting youth deepenings, has animated a junior youth group in Atlanta... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Dunwoody A 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Arts, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Harmonizing Principles: Academic Foundations and Baha'i Insights in Dispute Resolution

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Dunwoody B

This presentation explores the integration between recent academic research in dispute resolution and the enduring spiritual principles of the Baha'i Faith. The foundation for this presentation is a multidisciplinary course I created and teach to Pepperdine University doctoral students which examines academic research in economics, psychology, law, and negotiation. Through the presentation, we discover the convergence of these scholarly disciplines with the timeless wisdom of the Baha'i writings, culminating in a holistic and comprehensive framework for communication and dispute resolution.

Speakers

Parham Holakouee

Parham Holakouee is a professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. He received his BA and MBA at UCLA, his JD from Columbia Law School, his MS from UC Berkeley, and is completing his PhD at UC Berkeley. Beyond his university teaching, Parham... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Dunwoody B 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Conflict resolution, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Baha'i Engagement in Food Sovereignty Action and Discourse: 1844 to 2024

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Dunwoody C

Baha'i engagement in social action and public discourse related to agriculture and food systems was initiated by the Central Figures of the Faith during their lifetimes. The principles and activities They promoted were put into practice in several Baha'i villages, including 'Adasiyyih, which became a model community in Jordan under the guidance of 'Abdu'l-Baha. This presentation will highlight historic and current learning from Baha'i individuals, organizations, and communities who have made significant contributions to agriculture, through practical development activities and discourse.

Speakers

Paul Hanley

Paul Hanley has authored seven books and 1600 articles on agriculture and environmental themes, including the award-winning book Eleven (2014). His biography of Richard St. Barbe Baker, Man of the Trees (2018), featured a foreword by HRH Prince Charles (King Charles III) and an introduction... Read More →

Karen Mapusua

Karen Mapusua is President of IFOAM-Organics International, the global umbrella body for the organic agriculture movement. She also serves as Director of the Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community which provides technical and scientific support the Pacific Island countries... Read More →

Dawn Egerton

Dawn Egerton is a retired community college art and design instructor. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania she found nature as an inspiration for pursuing her interests in both art and agriculture. In addition to serving on a number of Bahá'í committees and institutions, she has been... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Dunwoody C 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Ecology, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

The Earth is One Home: Small Island States’ Contributions to the International Climate Justice Discourse

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Maplewood AB

In recent times, small island nations with Indigenous peoples have brought historic cases before international courts and tribunals against the world’s major polluters. Driven by the dire ramifications of climate change, including the disappearance of island nations due to rising sea-levels, the smallest nations on earth are using the legitimacy of international law to advocate for accountability and justice. This panel will explore the significance of these unprecedented developments for global interdependence and climate justice at a time when the survival of humankind depends on a radical turn to moral and spiritual values.

Speakers

Payam Akhavan

Payam Akhavan is a Professor of International Law and Senior Fellow at Massey College at the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and formerly a UN Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague. In 2017, he delivered the bestselling... Read More →

Naima Fifita

Naima is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi (Mānoa) where she studied environmental law with a focus on Pacific climate displacement and served as President of the Pacific Islander Legal Association. She also received certificates... Read More →

Willy MISSACK

Founder & Executive Director, Learn to Serve Vanuatu

My name is Willy Missack and I am a Baha'i Youth from Vanuatu. I am a Ph.D. candidate researching Nature-based Urban Design for Wellbeing and Adaptation in Vanuatu.

Atieno Mboya

Professor of Practice, Emory Law School

Atieno Mboya is a Professor of International Environmental Law at Emory Law School in Atlanta. Her current research is in the area of oneness as a norm for climate change response. She has consulted on gender and the environment for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Maplewood AB 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Ecology, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

New Research on Baha'i History and Theology

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Oakwood A room

The Corinne True Center for Baha'i History proposes a panel highlighting some of the research on American Baha'i History and the Baha'i Theology of Religions. Duane Herrmann will speak about “The Reason Barbara Ehrsam Brought the Baha'i Faith to Kansas in 1897.” He has completed new research about Barbara Ehrsam, who brought Ibrahim Kheiralla to Enterprise, Kansas, in the summer of 1897. Nancy Lee Harper will present about “Dialectical Discourse: Untangling Seven Conceptions about Hand of the Cause Amelia E. Collins (1873-1962).” Peter Terry will present about the concept of “The Oneness of Religion” as it relates to interfaith dialogue.

Speakers

Peter Terry

Peter Terry studied Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago and has translated several Bahá’í scholarly works from French to English, as well as given talks at the Association for Bahá’í Studies and other scholarly conferences.

Duane Herrmann

Duane Herrmann is a dedicated researcher on Kansas Bahá’í history. He has spoken about the subject four times to the Kansas Association of Historians and has published in World Order magazine on the subject, as well as about Bahá’í Houses of Worship.

Nancy Lee Harper

Nancy Lee Harper holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance. She has authored more than 250 scientific articles, various books on music subjects, and recorded several CDs, as well as articles for BahaiTeachings.org, eli*x*ir magazine and Wilmette Institute. She is... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Oakwood A room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

History, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

The Louis Gregory Across America Project: A Grassroots Baha'i Study on Race Relations Development in the United States

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Gardenia room

Embark on a collaborative expedition through the vibrant tapestry of American communities as we chart the transformative path of Louis Gregory. This workshop is not just a historical recount; it’s an active engagement in the narrative of race relations. We will delve into Gregory’s enduring legacy, examining how his teachings resonate in our cities today. Together, we will forge connections between past and present, empowering each other to contribute to a society that embodies the oneness of humanity. This session unfolds in three dynamic segments:
1. An introduction to the Louis Gregory Across America Project, inviting you to join a nationwide dialogue on race relations and the Baha'i Faith.
2. A live collaborative research segment, where you and your peers will investigate and share Gregory’s impact on your local community.
3. A reflective discussion on how we can continue to honor Gregory’s legacy through active discourse and alignment with the Nine Year Plan’s vision.

Speakers

Lex Musta

human amity worker, Other2One

Lex Musta is an independent researcher whose work centers on the role of social meanings in shaping race relations. He completed his MBA studies at Schiller International University in Paris. Currently, he is appointed by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Charleston... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Gardenia room

Race unity, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Initiating and Promoting Professional Discourse on Science and Religion

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Ravinia ABC

The harmony of science and religion is a core principle of the Baha'i Faith. However, many Baha'is face challenges in communicating this message to academic and scientific communities, where there may be misconceptions, prejudices, or indifference towards the voice of religion in intellectual discourse. To address this issue, we will offer an intensive breakout session focusing on the issues of presenting Baha'i perspectives to our non-Baha'i colleagues in academia and the sciences. We will create a framework for discussion based on what we call foundations (relevant Baha'i concepts), blocks (barriers to dialogue), and bridges (pathways to understanding).

Speakers

Douglas Perry

Faculty, Wilmette Institute

Now retired after a 40-year career in higher education, Dr. Perry was a cell biologist, professor, and a senior academic leader. He holds five degrees in life sciences, including a PhD in Biomedical Sciences earned at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai (New York). His primary... Read More →

Whitney White Kazemipour

Faculty member, Wilmette Institute

Whitney White Kazemipour earned a PhD and an MA in Anthropology from UCLA, specializing in psychocultural anthropology, and an AB in Intellectual and Cultural History from Princeton. As a Wilmette Institute faculty member, she co-teaches “Science, Religion, and the Bahá’í Faith... Read More →

Robert Sarracino

Robert Sarracino has a PhD in physics from the University of Victoria, BC, in the field of General Relativity. He has had a life-long interest in the harmony of science and religion and has been a faculty member for the Wilmette Institute course on Science, Religion and the Bah... Read More →

Stephen Friberg

Stephen R. Friberg is a physicist with a research background in quantum and nonlinear optics. His Ph.D. is from the University of Rochester for an early demonstration of quantum entanglement. After a postdoc at Bell Labs, he worked a decade at NTT Basic Research Labs in Tokyo, at... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Ravinia ABC 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Science, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Baha'i Perspectives on Philanthropy: An Exploration of the Role of Charity in Advancing Social Action and Societal Discourse

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Ravinia EFG

The Baha'i writings state that "Charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince among goodly deeds," and that for wealth to be acceptable it must “be expended for philanthropic purposes.” The panel will be comprised of Baha'is with experience in philanthropy who will share their learnings, rooted in the Writings and Guidance from the House of Justice, about ways that Baha'is might consider approaches to philanthropy. Lessons learned from Baha'i-inspired efforts, as well as reflections on the possible future state of philanthropy as envisioned by 'Abdu’l-Baha will be offered.

Speakers

Layli Miller-Muro

Layli founded the Tahirih Justice Center and, for 25 years, raised significant funds from philanthropic sources. Currently, she is a consultant to and board member of private foundations including the Mastercard Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Sony Foundation, the Meyer Foundation... Read More →

Husayn Allmart

Program Officer, Wayfarer Foundation

Husayn is a Program Officer at Wayfarer Foundation, a Bahá’í-inspired philanthropic organization. His work, based on the Bahá’í writings on social action, is gaining national attention as part of a movement towards community-based models of philanthropy.

Eric Dozier

Through the Children’s Theater Company and the Escambia Collective, Eric has valuable insights into issues of equity, justice, and systems change through philanthropic efforts and how they intersect with the Community Building Process. He is also the CEO of mobileSOULcafé, a Bahá'í-inspired... Read More →

Roy Steiner

Roy has worked in philanthropy for many years at the Rockefeller Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Omidyar Network and others. A recognized expert in philanthropic measurement, evaluation, and learning, he brings wisdom on how philanthropy that is inspired by the Bahá’í Faith... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Ravinia EFG 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA

Social transformation, Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Kevin Locke and ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablet to Amir Khan

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Oakwood B room

The late Kevin Locke (Lakota: Tokéya Inážiŋ, “First to Arise”) believed ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s “Tablet to Amir Khan” establishes the principle of Indigenous Messengers of God to the Americas: “Undoubtedly in those regions the Call of God must have been raised in ancient times, but it hath been forgotten now” (www.bahai.org/r/760585775). This expanded understanding of the Baha'i doctrine of Progressive Revelation has profound implications for interactions with Indigenous people.

Speakers

Christopher Buck

Author of Bahá’í Faith: The Basics (2021), Christopher Buck PhD collaborated with Kevin Locke on “Indigenous Messengers of God” series; “The Great Spirit Speaks: Voices of the Wise Ones” (28 Nov 2021); “Encouraging Grassroots Indigenous Land & Spiritual Acknowledgements... Read More →

Saturday August 3, 2024 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Oakwood B room 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA, USA

Study of the Writings, Breakout

7:30pm EDT

A Still More Superb Mission

Saturday August 3, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

Ravinia ballroom

With the close of the first century of the Formative Age, the Bahá’í world now turns its attention to the requirements of a new century of endeavor beginning with a release in ever greater measures of the society building power of the Faith. In The Advent of Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi explained to the Bahá’í community of North America that, following the close of the international mission placed upon them for the execution of the Divine Plan, “a greater, a still more superb mission, incomparable in its splendor, and foreordained for them by Bahá’u’lláh” may be thrust upon them. It would require their involvement in eradicating, from the generality of the people to which they belong, the three evil tendencies he addressed in detail in that book. “Suffice it to say,” he explained, “that out of the turmoil and tribulations of these ‘latter years’ opportunities undreamt of will be born, and circumstances unpredictable created, that will enable, nay impel, the victorious prosecutors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Plan, to add, through the part they will play in the unrolling of the New World Order, fresh laurels to the crown of their servitude to the threshold of Bahá’u’lláh.” The presentation will consider the initial steps in the century ahead toward fulfillment of this greater mission, including exploring a framework for action for the elimination of racial prejudice.

Speakers

Paul Lample

Paul Lample is a member of the Universal House of Justice.

Saturday August 3, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Ravinia ballroom

9:00am EDT

TBA

Sunday August 4, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Ravinia ballroom

Abstract forthcoming

Speakers

Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz

Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz holds a PhD in Cancer Biology from Emory University and is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. Her research focuses on investigating the impact of neighborhood-level structural inequities on the tumor... Read More →

Sunday August 4, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Ravinia ballroom

10:15am EDT

Reflecting Advances in Thought and Action: The Purpose and Philosophy of The Bahá’í World

Sunday August 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

Ravinia ballroom

Speakers

Naisohn Arfai

Naisohn is an emergency medicine physician with broad based experience in health tech innovation, population health, organizational transformation, medical education, emergency preparedness, and editorial services. His diverse expertise enables him to offer a distinctive perspective... Read More →

Sunday August 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
Ravinia ballroom

11:30am EDT

Visions of the Sacred: Conversations with Bahá'í Artists

Sunday August 4, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT

Ravinia ballroom

We know that the arts play an important role in developing Bahá’í communities but integrating the arts into our communities has been a long-time challenge for a variety of reasons. For individuals, communities, and institutions, exploring ways to begin and/or nurture that process is an important step. Learning from artists and exploring and experimenting with ideas that emerge from consultation with them and others is important. This talk includes a presentation on research that includes interviews with twelve Bahá’í artists on a variety of themes, summarized in Visions of the Sacred: Conversations with Bahá’í Artists.

Speakers

Kim MacQueen

Sunday August 4, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Ravinia ballroom