FUNDamentals

The Issue Wherein We Make Several Calls to Action
From the Editor

The FUNDamentals Team has been busy behind the scenes, re-tooling, re-conceptualizing and re-creating. We're happy to report that several efforts are ready for launch in this issue!

First, the FUNDcast Series. Weekly audio and video podcasts. Keep reading to learn more! You don't want to miss out on these.

We also wanted to share with you a devotional slide show. The theme, the Funds and the Five Year Plan, is timely because of the amazing goals the American Baha'i community has in front of it, goals that will assuredly both challenge and change the nature of this community as we arise to meet them.

Lastly, we also thought you might want to take a look at Hank & Terri, a little comic that we produce for each issue of The American Baha'i.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

The FUNDamentals Team

FUNDcast Series
FUNDamentals Multimedia

A weekly program, with new audio and video podcasts offered every Monday, the FUNDcasts will explore a range of issues, from the nature of sacrifice to the role of love in economics to how young adults across the country are living and understanding what it means to hold "fast unto the cord of material means (in Baha'u'llah's Words).

You can subscribe here and on iTunes.

In the most recent episode, Counselor Alison Milston talks about giving and sacrifice in such difficult economic conditions.

"Funds and the Plan" Devotional Slide Show
FUNDamentals Cinema

The American Baha'i Community is facing two major goals - one for the National Fund and one for 74 more clusters to have IPGs (Intensive Programs of Growth, which are grassroots efforts to share the Message of Baha'u'llah with those in their community) by Ridvan 2009. The two, as this slide show explores, are intimately linked and rely upon each other.

The US National Spiritual Assembly determined that $25 million is necessary to maintain the current rate of growth in this country and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the dedicated work of tens of thousands of Baha'is in clusters around the country. With a goal of having 166 total IGPs in this country by Ridvan, it's clear that the National Fund, which supports regional and local teaching efforts, will need a constant, fresh infusion of Funds.

After viewing the slide show, please take a moment and think about you can do personally to play your part in winning these goals. Whether it's hosting a devotional, contributing more than feels possible, organizing a fundraiser, or establishing a personal prayer campaign, let us remember these words from the Universal House of Justice: "New achievements invariably bring new challenges. Every steadfast believer is called to a faith and determination, a commitment to unity and sacrifice that lift the Cause to a new stage in its development. May all find a part to play."

Hank & Terri Debut
FUNDamentals Comics

If you've had a chance to flip through the newest issues of The American Baha'i you may have seen this comic, called Hank & Terri, produced by some members of the FUNDamentals Team.

(Click for larger size)
     

Online contributions. Coming this Spring.