Outline of

SOCIAL ACTION
A paper prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development
at the Bah World Centre
26 November 2012
outline by sana rezai
numbers correspond to paragraphs
bold heading titles are verbatim

INTRO: Ridvn 2010 message called Bahs to reflect on contributions to progress, referencing
community building processes, and defining the sphere of social action as a spectrum from
informal/limited duration/individual to complex and sophisticated programs; all of which seeks to apply
the teachings and principles of the Faith to improve some aspect of the social or economic life of a
population, however modestly. This paper, based on experience, contributes to discussions about the
nature of involvement in social action, and its insights can be applied across the whole spectrum.
I.

The Bah worlds involvement in social and economic development

1. Endeavors of Bah community number of interacting processes originated during time
of Bahullh have advanced and gained new dimension, including social/economic
development, pursued through educational activities received impetus in 20 Oct 1983
message asking for systematic attention.
2. 1983 message: progress depends on grassroots established OSED to coordinate
communities responded with decade of experimentation, some offering glimpses of new
paradigm.
3. 1993 OSED document then set the stage elaborated common features called for activity at
different levels of complexity capacity building became central.
4. 2001, House introduced geographic construct concept of cluster intended to assist in
planning/implementing activities, and made possible by establishment of training institutes
which employed system of distance education aimed at developing collective capacity.
5. During the next decade, social action in context of cluster, and grassroots action became more
pronounced experience systematized and structures/methods learned network of junior
youth program learning sites is first fruit of OSEDs efforts to raise structure strength of
institute and enhanced capabilities of individuals enable using methods/programs of proven
effectiveness.
6. Bah community now at new stage.

II.

A framework for collective learning

1. Mode of operation is learning in action action, reflection, consultation, study,
reexamination of vision and strategy, modifications in goals and methods learning process
gives direction, maintains continuity, resembles growth/differentiation of organism.
2. House mentions coherence as necessary characteristic subjects of learning include:
i. How first stirrings of social action manifest in cluster with robust process of
expansion and consolidation
ii. The extent of institutional direction
iii. The way that social action strengthens community life

3. Coherence suggests areas of activity are complementary, integrated, and mutual supportive
implies existence of common evolving conceptual framework some elements of which
expressed more or less depending on area categories of elements below
4. Element statements that define the character of progress
i. Civilization has material and spiritual dimension
ii. Humanity is on the threshold of collective maturity
iii. Destructive and constructive forces are operating which propel humanity towards
maturity
iv. Relationships of society must be recast in light of Bahullhs Revelation
v. Transformation must occur simultaneously within human consciousness and
structures of social institutions
5. A) Element perspective on the role of knowledge
i. Complementarily of science and religion
ii. Imperative of spiritual and material education
iii. Influence of values inherent to technology on the organization of society
iv. Relevance of appropriate technology to social progress
v. Generation and application of knowledge
B) Element - concepts of individualism, power, authority, comfort, selfless service, work, and
excellence.
6. Element beliefs about fundamental issues of existence immutable conviction, yet not
static; understanding and expression evolve.
i. Nature of the human being
ii. Purpose of life
iii. Oneness of humanity
iv. Equality of men and women
III.

The nature of Bah social and economic development

1. Seeks to promote well-being of all and effect constructive social change through learning to
apply teachings of Faith and knowledge o fields of human endeavors to social reality below
are elements that define nature of social action.
(i)
Coherence between the spiritual and the material
2. Social action in the context of advancement of civilization global civilization that is both
materially and spiritually prosperous is next stage of social evolution this conception of
history endows every instance of social action with purpose: to foster true prosperity thus,
to achieve dynamic coherence between material and spiritual requirements is imperative
Material civilization is like the bodyDivine civilization is like the spirit.
3. This coherence:
i. Rejects development as transfer to all societies of patterns of life prevalent in highly
industrialized regions, including ideologies, social structures, economic practices,
models of governance
ii. Avoids tendency to reduce development to consumption of goods and services
iii. Is exemplified by relationship between scientific knowledge (analyzing technology)
and spiritual insight (moral imperatives) to ensure technology serves common good
4. Relevance of science (even though its misconceived as a magical application of technique
and formula) is acknowledged, yet not religion both are misunderstood which prevents their
harmony.
5. Social action should be free of distorted conceptions of both, avoiding the imaginary duality
between reason and faith development is
i. Rational and systematic, incorporating scientific capabilities
ii. Deeply aware of faith and spiritual convictions
iii. Both are attributes of the soul through which insights/knowledge is gained

(ii)
Participation
6. Humanitys coming of age involves all of humanity every member has a right to benefit and
an obligation to contribute social action operates on the principle of universal participation
7. Traditionally, developments approach to this principle is at the level of technique rather, it
calls for:
i. Involvement of growing number in collective learning process generation,
application, diffusion of knowledge
ii. Focused on the nature of dynamics of material/spiritual progress
8. Systematization of knowledge generation requires structures of safeguard integrity and ensure
its not reduced to opinion or anecdote institutions of the Administrative Order endows
Bah community with this capacity
9. Local learning process is limited unless connected to global process structures required to
facilitate learning about development at international level approach is neither top-down or
bottom-up, but rather characterized by reciprocity and interconnectedness OSED is learning
entity dedicated to
i. systematization of growing worldwide experiences of participants
ii. developing capacity to observe activity at the grassroots
iii. identifying and analyzing patterns that emerge
iv. disseminating knowledge generated
v. strengthening structures
vi. lending impetus to process at all levels
(iii)
Capacity building
10. Social action is not provision of goods and services, which carries attitudes of paternalism
that disempower more essential is rise in capacity of three protagonists to contribute to
progress.
11. Level of individual
i. Influence of training institute equips with spiritual insights and knowledge,
qualities and attitudes, skills and abilities needed to carry out acts of service, creating
pool of human resources for social/economic development.
ii. Able to acquire specific knowledge and skills while strengthening general capacities,
such as fostering unity in diversity, promoting justice, consulting, accompanying.
12. Institutional capacity focus at every level of complexity capacity to
i. Offer assistance, resource, encouragement, guidance
ii. Consult freely in environment of honesty, fairness, patience, tolerance, courtesy
iii. Channel individual and collective energies
iv. Read society and identify forces
v. Translate a vision of progress into projects and lines of action
vi. Manage financial resources
vii. Interact with governmental and non-governmental agencies
13. Community development beyond activities that
i. strengthen devotional character
ii. tend to spiritual education of children
iii. enhance spiritual perception and powers of expression of junior youth
iv. enable individuals to explore application of teachings to individual and collective
lives
social action enters the realm of culture and is an occasion to
i.
Raise collective consciousness of principles of oneness, justice, equality
ii.
Promote environment of truthfulness, equity, trustworthiness, generosity
iii.
Enhance ability to resist influence of destructive forces
iv.
Demonstrate value of cooperation as organizing principle
v.
Fortify collective vision

vi.
Infuse practice with insight from teachings
14. Development of capacity of three protagonists are linked together Man is organic with the
world.
(iv)
Degrees of complexity
15. Development process is complex capacity to pursue coordinated action appears over time
16. Scope and complexity of social action is commensurate with human resources available, and
ownership with the community rests with the community itself.
17. Efforts begin on modest scale small group initiates simple set of actions some continue,
others naturally end through learning, some are sustained process moves forward through
reflection and is flexible no insistence of expansion when not warranted or direction based
solely on theoretics LSA is voice of moral authority, ensuring integrity and harmony.
18. Some may use educational programs supported by OSED, the steady expansion of which
increases human resources and reinforces structure a single area of action is expanded
gradually over time.
19. All can be inspired to bring Bah teachings to bear on their professions, occupations,
dealings, day-to-day interactions, even within agencies working towards the good of
humankind yet the term Bah-inspired organization refers to one that is
i. Under general guidance and moral authority of Bah institutions
ii. Has range of initiative and degree of latitude in affairs
iii. Places emphasis on quality
iv. Puts aside notion of bigger is better and achieves optimal size gradually
v. May receive encouragement, direction, resources from OSED
20. Regarding Bah-inspired organizations
i. Establishment cannot be haphazard
ii. Creation cannot proceed from individual desire
iii. Derives meaning through relationship with other activities
iv. Is one of several interacting endeavors
v. Does not replace the value of thousands of simple actions at grassroots tied together
with common framework
(v)
Flow of resources
21. Activity carried out in light of oneness of humankind all contribute talents and resources
emphasis on local action doesnt favor isolation
22. Social/economic development requires flow of material and intellectual resources through
institutional arrangements, in a structured and systematic way avoiding dichotomies of
developed and underdeveloped.
23. Poverty cannot be alleviated without just distribution of wealth law of Huqqullh
provides means for fostering prosperity of humankind by placing material resources at
disposal of House to fund development projects.
24. Funds can also be acquired government and donor agencies yet, funds dont set the agenda
and dependence is unacceptable.
25. Social change is not a development project one group carries out or establishes for another
yet, Bahs do travel, and they form part of the collective of the community, under the
institution the notion of an expert is avoided.
26. In these efforts is seen:
i. Emergence of global community
ii. Connected through institutions
iii. Respects local autonomy without creating isolation
iv. Attaches importance to material means without allowing them to be instruments of
control
v. Provides for the flow of knowledge without paternalistic attitudes
vi. Strengthens capacity in all individuals regardless

vii. Local and part of a global process

IV.

The methodology of Bah social and economic development

1. Conceptual framework includes concepts which shed light of methods to be adopted.
i. Collective investigation of reality is best with detachment from personal views
ii. Ongoing investigation gives importance to valid empirical information
iii. Opinion not raised to status of fact
iv. Conclusions correspond to complexity of issues, not broken into simplistic points
v. Articulation of observations and conclusions presented in precise and dispassionate
language
vi. Progress contingent on creation of environment where powers and multiplied and
manifest in unified action
(i)
Reading society and formulating a vision
2. Stirrings at the grassroots, modest acts carried out by individuals, are responses to readings of
social reality for more elaborate endeavors, reading reality with higher degrees of accuracy
must be an explicit element
3. Understanding
i. Development efforts are a response to an understanding of society nature and state,
challenges, institutions, forces, capacities of people
ii. Understanding society progresses from perspective of particular purpose and in
context of collective vision
iii. Teachings shape understanding, such as
a. True nature of human beings is spiritual
b. Every human being is a mine rich in gems
c. Forces of integration and disintegration are propelling humanity towards its
destiny
iv. Understanding is refined continually using the methods of science
4. Reading social reality as an outsider is narrow whereas participatory effort eliminates
dualities such as outsider-insider and knowledgeable-ignorant
i. Studying from outside perspective sees deprivation in a materially poor population,
overlooking wealth of talent, aspirations, capacity to arise and become protagonists
ii. Outside observers allow feelings of pity, fear, indignation, ambivalence to affect
readings and influence solutions.
5. Vision
i. Formed within a social space
ii. Expresses a general idea of how goals are to be achieved
a. Nature of strategies
b. Approaches
c. Attitudes to be assumed
d. Outline of methods
iii. Becomes more and more precise
iv. Accommodates constantly evolving and more complex action
v. Attains increasingly high levels of accuracy in operation
(ii)
Consultation
6. Collective search for truth participants see reality from different viewpoints, and clarity is
achieved when these views are examined and understood truth is not a compromise
between opposing interests nor is consultation an exercise of power over another rather, it is
power of unified thought and action
i. Analyzing a specific problem
ii. Attaining higher degrees of understanding
iii. Exploring possible courses of action

7. In small group social action, every concern is subject of consultation as organization grows
and develops, consultation can be expressed as
i. Between those regarded as equals with the aim of reaching joint decision
ii. A discussion to draw out thoughts and information towards common understanding,
yet with the decision resting with those in authority
8. Responsibility needs to be appropriately structures and defined many spaces with various
expressions of consultation regardless, there must be an atmosphere that allows
information, knowledge, and results of consultation to flow openly that promotes
understanding and consensus.
9. In all social action, a consultative spirit pervades aspirations, observations, ideas of people
are ever present and consciously incorporated.
(iii)
Action and reflection on action
10. Consistent systematic action at the heart of development must be accompanied by constant
reflection this ensures relevancy of action; questions emerge and methods/approaches
adjusted.
11. Learning must be systematic and focused, not frenetic.
12. Line of action is a useful notion
i. A sequence of activities, builds on the previous one and prepares for the next
ii. A number of interrelated lines emerge, constitutes an area of action
13. Distinguishing features of Bah endeavor is the spirit with which action is undertaken
i. Focus and systematization, persistence and meticulous labor do not detract from
spirit of service
ii. One can pay attention to small practical details and occupied with profound spiritual
matters
iii. Requires purity of motive, rectitude of conduct, humility, selflessness, respect for
human dignity.
(iv)
Utilizing material means
14. Social action requires material means success in not measured in terms of amount received
and spent primary purpose is capacity building within a given population.
15. Integrity is secured by trustworthiness and honesty of participants, yet a system protects from
carelessness and imprecision.
16. Efficiency
i. Limited conceptions include only relation of output to material input
ii. Regarding input, however, work motivated by spirit of service and urge to excel has a
different value than work used to advance personal interest
iii. Regarding output, accomplishment of a task may be less important that development
of capacity to cooperate and engage in unified action.
17. Wealth of spiritual and intellectual resources are available, regardless of material resources
ie, resolve, cooperation, determination, consecration, zeal, fidelity, devotion, courage,
tenacity, vigilance accomplishments of Bah community are testimony to their efficacy.
18. Funds of Faith are sacred this needs to be a constant awareness.
V.

Guiding principles
1. Social action carried out in the larger context of advancement of civilization that ensures
material and spiritual prosperity for the entire human race teachings of Faith will inspire
this civilization, expressed in the sphere of social action application of principles involves
vast process of learning.
2. Consistency needs to be ensured between explicit and implicit conviction, values promoted,
attitudes adopted, methods employed, and ends sought between belief and practice
i. Recognition of the oneness of humanity prevents disunity, isolation, separateness,
competition

ii. Conviction of nobility of human beings protects against prejudice and paternalism
iii. Belief in justice guides resource allocation according to real needs of community
rather than whims of privileged few
iv. Principle of equality of women and men allows women to assume role as
protagonists and benefit from its fruits, and for their experience to be given emphasis
3. Awareness of environment avoids contradictions
i. Draw insights from philosophies, theories, movements, trends current amongst men;
yet remain watchful to not allow the teachings to be bent into conformity
ii. Capacity to measure the value of prevalent approaches, ideas, attitudes, methods in
balance of the Faith enables one to
a. Uncover aggrandizement of self, which lies behind initiatives nominally
termed empowerment
b. Discern development efforts that foist materialistic worldviews
c. Percieve subtle ways which competitiveness and greed are promoted in name
of justice and prosperity
d. Abandon the notion that a fleeting social movement can provide a shortcut to
meaningful change
iii. Ridvn 2010 message, 25 Bahaullahs Revelation calls for profound change at
the level of individual and social structure, the inner life and external conditions the
communitys work is latest stage of Bah endeavor to create nucleus of glorious
civilization enshrined in teachings, the building of which is an enterprise of infinite
complexity and scale, demanding centuries of exertion no shortcuts or formulas
learning occurs and capacity is developed as insights are drawn from Revelation,
knowledge is taped from human race, teachings are applied intelligently to life of
humanity, and questions consulted on.