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Teaching About Bahá’í Elections
“On the election day, the friends must whole-heartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty.”
—Shoghi Effendi
Can you envision an election process with no nominations, candidates, or campaigns? No debates or accusatory speeches? The global Bahá’í community has been implementing such a process for over a century.
There are no ministers or clergy in the Bahá’í Faith. Instead, elections of councils to guide communities take place by secret ballot with. No one is to express their desire to serve or their thoughts about the service of others. In a spiritual atmosphere, participants turn their hearts to God in prayer and vote for people who express loyalty, selfless devotion, a well-trained mind, ability, and mature experience.
All Bahá’í adults aged 18 and over have the sacred duty of participating in elections. Teaching kids and junior youth about this unique and vital process helps to prepare them for their future roles in their communities. Here are some stories and activities related to Bahá’í elections that can be shared in classes, at conventions, and wherever people are curious about a unifying process of decision making.
Bahá’ís Believe: Sacred Elections—Article
An overview of the Bahá’í election process
Video: Bahá’í Elections and Consultation
Amanda Ripley, author of the book High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, describes how Bahá’í elections and consultation help us avoid contentious debates.
Bahá’í History
Bahá’í History: A Timeline
Key events in Bahá’í history from 1817 to the present
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Sharing His Teachings (Printable PDF)
A timeline and overview of His life and teachings
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Servant of Bahá (Printable PDF)
A timeline and description of his life and mission
Shoghi Effendi: Let Us Arise (Printable PDF)
A timeline and article about his life and service
Stories of Role Models
Shining Lamp: Louis Gregory | Printable PDF
A pioneering lawyer who worked for race unity
Shining Lamp: Dr. Peter Khan | Printable PDF
He served on the Universal House of Justice.
Shining Lamp: Martha Root | Printable PDF
She traveled the world to share the Faith.
Shining Lamp; Rebequa Murphy | Printable PDF
A dynamic world citizen
Shining Lamp: Dr. Elsie Austin | Printable PDF
She stood for truth and justice throughout her life.
Stargazer: Q&A with Judge Dorothy Nelson (Printable PDF)
Get to know a pioneer in justice and conflict resolution.
Stargazer: Dr. Brian Lepard | Printable PDF
He teaches about justice and human rights.
Virtues Related to Elections
Maya’s Mysteries: Tactful Talking Tool (Printable PDF)
Make Your Own Talking Stick
Nur’s Nook: Your Cool Community | Printable PDF
Crat a model community built on virtues.
Nur’s Nook: Community of Light | Printable PDF
Create paper houses that glow!
Nur’s Nook: Make a Lighthouse | Printable PDF
Illuminate conversations with the light of truth.
Seas of Life (Printable PDF)
Find the words to complete tips on servant leadership.
Online Quiz: Building Trustworthiness | Printable PDF
Can people rely on you?
Online Quiz: Are You Cooperative? | Printable PDF
How well do you work with others?
Online Quiz: Gift of Listening | Printable PDF
Test your skills
What Do You Say About Conflicts? (Printable PDF)
Practice responding with virtues.
World Citizen Passport (Printable PDF)
Create your peacemaking passport
Process of Consultation
Riley’s Rainforest: Consult and Connect—Article
Printable PDF
Be As Waves of One Sea (Printable PDF)
Explore a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Consultation Is Key (Printable PDF)
Use the code to unlock the mystery of a consultation quote.
Elfland Harmony (Printable PDF)
Use a musical code to reveal a quote on consultation.
Consultation Rocks (Printable PDF)
Unscramble words to discover tips on consultation.
Building on Consultation (Printable PDF)
Find missing words to complete consultation tips.
Clash at the Monster Bash (Printable PDF)
Match monster with instruments that help them consult in harmony.
Zeke & Rhombus: Talking Tips (Printable PDF)
Use the Zilizag decoder to find Zeke's tips.
Images: Oksana Horiun/Getty, stellalevi/Getty
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Updated on 9.27.24