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Revised: March 08, 2008 With joyous hearts we report that the 2007 Bahá'í Conference on Social and Economic Development was a resounding success with overwhelmingly positive feedback received from attendees. Highlights and excerpts from that feedback are posted below. In addition, a complete stranger to the Faith learned of the Conference while flying into Orlando on the same flight as that of Erica Toussaint and decided, on the spur of the moment, to attend. Two days into the Conference, she joyfully declared her faith. For the beautiful story, click on the following link: http://teaching.bahai.us/?p=95. Plenary Session Recordings:
Free download of compressed .mp3 files and recordings on CDs of all of the excellent plenary addresses - by Erica Toussaint, Adamou Kombo, Counsellor Debbie Kirton [Barbados] and Counsellor Dan Scott [Canada] - may be obtained from Don Davis by clicking on the following link (http://sed.skyrunner.net) or by writing to Don at: New Era Productions Selected materials from the 2007 Conference will be posted during the remainder of January. You may wish to check from time to time for new additions. 2008 Conference Dates: Once again buoyed by an outpouring of enthusiastic support and encouragement, the Trust has set in motion plans for the 2008 Conference, scheduled to begin Friday evening, December 19, and conclude on Monday, December 22, 2008. Mark your calendar now for what promises to be another outstanding educational and spiritual event. The Rabbani Charitable Trust _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Some Excerpts from the 2007 Bahá'í SED Conference Feedback: Typical of the general comments were the following: “High point of my Bahá'í year” “Most learning-intensive conference in North America” “Best SED conference ever” “The best conference I know” “Outstanding spirit” “Can’t think of anything better than what we had” “Performing Arts program was the best yet!” “Organization, format, content excellent!” “Wonderful job in selection of speakers & topics” “It was perfect!” “It was great as is. Bravo!” “Thank you for making this a thrilling experience” Youth: “I had never been to (the) SED (Conference) before, and I am very pleased about how my experience has turned out.”
Reasons for Attending:
Repeated mention of inspiration, networking, and gaining practical information “I LOVE (the) SED Conference. (The) program online was very thorough, convincing me I needed to come.” “I love it! It’s like getting a shot of vitamin B12.” “To keep the spark of service ignited” “All my friends were going” “I wanted to hear the music programs” “Help to raise better Bahá'í children (several references to importance of children’s programs) Jr. Youth: “We’ve heard great things about the (SED) conferences” “Please make it longer”
Most Valuable Take-Aways:
Spirit and Inspiration (most frequently mentioned) Bahá'í spirit of service from organizers and participants Learning from “doers” Love from attendees Practical, useful workshops with concrete learning CD’s of Debbie Kirton’s and Dan Scott’s talks; “I received information to motivate and guide me - I need to develop the skills to put them in action” “To make my kids more at home at Bahá'í gatherings” “Bahá’ís through action can influence the direction of the planet” “Courage” “So much love!!!” Youth: “A changed attitude, personal development esp. in the area of service” Youth: “…I have a new support system and family to help me through struggles. I have a new outlook on life and ways to apply this to the rest of my life outside the conference.” Youth: “I am now excited and ready to serve in my community”
High Marks:
Frequently singled out for praise were the presentations by Erica Toussaint (plenary & workshop); plenary talks by Counsellors Kirton (several referred to her plenary as “one of best talks I’ve ever heard, ”Great”); and Scott “talk on the last day was AMAZING!” (from a youth) “Music excellent, uplifting”; “Jack Lenz does an exceptional job finding talent, organizing. He is such a sweet, funny, lovely presence and so humble - great soul - wonderful music” “The music was so inspiring.” Virtually all the workshops received high marks. “They were all surprisingly good. I was amazed” “Didn’t attend any workshop that wasn’t wonderful” Youth: “Everything was helpful and wonderful” Youth: “I really liked the youth classes…” “I love the location. The venue is fantastic.” “Children’s classes/activities - great.” Several comments that the Conference is a vital opportunity for promoting their children’s Bahá'í identity. “Deepest thanks to the loving, self-sacrificing teachers of children’s classes. They really made the children feel that it is THEIR conference too.” “A very enriching environment for children and families.” |
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