On Baha'i Social and Economic Development Projects: Initiation and Guidelines

A seeker has raised the question in an email to me, what barriers does one's religion pose to providing effective service for those involved in a Baha'i Social and Economic Development (SED)? She is not a Baha'i, but has worked in conjunction with a Baha'i SED. Perhaps the answer to her question can be found in several slides contained in the powerpoint slideshow A STUDY OF SED PRINCIPLES APPLICATIONS TO HEALTH CARE. -gw

"Presenter Jordan van Rijn (center) listens as participants discuss concepts of sustainability during his workshop on grassroots community banking in Nicaragua" at the 2006 Orlando SED Conference.

Photo Baha'i World News Service

INITIATION
! Individual initiative [by a Baha'i]
! Local Spiritual Assembly
! National Spiritual Assembly
! World Center
a. Universal House of Justice
b. Office of Social & Economic Development

GUIDELINES
– 1) where a relatively strong & united Baha’i community exists
– 2) subject to consultation at all levels
– 3) suited to local needs and resources
• immediate & perceived needs of the community
– 4) meet aims & purposes of civil authorities
• service to community is prime objective
– 5) means of rendering assistance & help
• gain experience, confidence, self respect, dignity
– 6) well defined aims & objectives
• simple & manageable
– 7) # served matches resources & capacity
• Baha’i standards & principles applied
• culturally & socially sensitive
– 8) community, grass roots commitment
– 9) ensure women’s participation
• must have men’s support & participation
– 10) assure role for youth in development
– 11) trustworthy individuals with managerial skills needed
– 12) aim to become self supporting

Uploaded on December 22, 2005 by bsaunders904 on flickr

http://www.rabbanitrust.org/papers2001/sed_principles.pdf

It appears that the success of a Baha'i SED is precisely dependent upon the extent to which these principles, which incorporate larger Baha'i principles, are adhered to. It can be argued that one's religion, in the case of SEDs, does not provide the barrier but the avenue to success. Here's a link to a discussion of Baha'i SEDs that mention or don't mention Baha'u'llah. -gw