The BAHA'I YOUTH WORKSHOP: Who Are They?

"One Planet One People ...Please"

WHAT IS THE BAHA'I YOUTH WORKSHOP 

In the summer of 1974, the first Baha'i Youth Workshop was formed in the home of Oscar Freddie De Gruy. Many of these first workshop members were not Baha'is. They were neighborhood youth who hung around the De Gruy home where many Baha'i activities took place. They participated in the regular meetings and activities that were designed to appeal to youth and young adults. Many of these young people became Baha'is, but found it difficult to serve and teach the Baha'i principles. They then began exploring ways in which they could feel comfortable communicating their message as youth. The BYW is a group of young people who, through the performing arts, convey messages of universal peace, unity in diversity and spiritual awareness. 

THREE PRINCIPLES 

The Baha'i Youth Workshop has believed in three major principles: THE ONENESS OF GOD, THE ONENESS OF RELIGION, THE ONENESS OF HUMANITY. These three principles are the means by which humanity can come together as a human family. The BYW views the different races as a segment of this human family, and lives as such. 

VISUAL MESSAGE 

The power of unity in diversity within the group plays a major part in communicating the message the BYW demonstrates. When you see the unity and fellowship of the diverse members of the group, the power of this unity is striking. There is an old saying that "seeing is believing." That is exactly what the visual message is all about. 

THE PROCESS 

Discipline, Concentration and Control are three important values that are expressed withing the Workshop. Members need to prepare as individuals as well as a group before their full potential can be reached. The process itself is a test. Unity, love and harmony with the group is a requirement in order for it to function successfully. It is the test of the group's sincerity, devotion and commitment to this form of communication. Can there be anything more difficult than this? To put aside one's differences, submerge the ego and not insist on your own opinion is a difficult task indeed. There are no stars in the BYW. It is a group effort. As individuals, they sacrifice their personal differences for the unity of the group. Therefore, the unity of the Workshop is the key to this very important process. It is the degree of unity that will determine the the degree of success. Unity within the group is determined by the group. 

THE PERFORMING ARTS 

As we have seen through the past, and now in the present, the arts have been one of the most powerful ways of expression throughout the world. The arts are a way of awakening people's souls rather than their intellect. Through the performing arts, The Baha'i Youth Workshop reaches out to all types of people from all walks of life to share the message of unity. 

BAHA'I TEACHINGS 

In addition to the three principles of oneness, Baha'is also believe in and are working to establish: THE EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN. A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION TO THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM. ELIMINATION OF RELIGIOUS, RACIAL AND POLITICAL PREJUDICES. A UNIVERSAL, AUXILIARY LANGUAGE. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION. THE HARMONY OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION. 

There is another site where you can find more information on The Bahá'í Youth Workshop 

For more information regarding the Bahá'í Faith please go to http://www.bahai.org 

For any other question write to: bozorg@geocities.com

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