FUNDamentals

From the Editor
The Green Issue (Summer '07)
How, you might be thinking, do the Baha'i Funds relate to environmental concerns? In almost too many ways to count. Navigating our material and spiritual worlds takes vision, planning, sacrifice, and inspired mindfulness of one's goals. As we'll see this applies to everything from investing to recycling to Fund participation. So, without further ado, the FUNDamentals Team is happy to announce the summer issue of FUNDamentals, where you can:

• Envision and plan for your future through long term investing
• Thrill to the environmentally (and prayer) friendly cooling system going into the House of Worship this summer.
• Learn how your contributions to the National Fund directly support inter/national efforts to reverse climate change (and what all the hubbub is about)
• Think about how we might all be a part of the problem and the solution to climate change and what we can do about it
• See the beautiful restoration work at the House of Worship
• Look for a job!

We hope you enjoy this issue, and look forward to your comments and questions!

Keep an eye out for the Fall issue of FUNDamentals, The ABCs of Investing.

Oh, one last thing - we added a new feature where you can double-click on any word and get a definition. Enjoy!

Spiritual Financial Planning
The Power of Long Term Saving, Or, Seeing the End in the Beginning
Sustainability, environmental or financial, is all about thinking for the long term. Investing is no different. In this second installment, Lindsey shines a light on the long term power of saving and what happens when you see the end in the beginning.

Where Does It Go?
Staying Cool, and Green, for a Thousand Years

This summer a savings bank was established in the lower level of our House of Worship. Instead of storing money, this bank stores thermal energy in the form of ice. That's right - ice. Bob Armbruster, head of the restoration team, enlightens us...

The Needs of the Age
Environmental Sustainability, the Faith, and the Funds - An Interview with Peter Adriance

The FUNDamentals Team wanted to go to the source, so to speak, to learn about the Baha'i community's involvement in environmental sustainability. That led us to Peter Adriance, NGO Liaison for the Office of External Affairs in D.C. Here he runs down what climate change is all about, what Baha'is are doing about it, and how contributions from the Baha'i community make this work possible.

From the Field
It's Not Easy Being Green
Anne Gillette, 28, explores what being green means today - the challenges, opportunities, and virtues involved. Anne currently works for the State of California promoting the use of alternative sources of energy.

Where Does It Go?
Recent House of Worship Restoration
Check out our photo album with images of some of the most recent restoration at the House of Worship. Click here or click on the photo to view the album. These beautiful pictures were taken by Liza Falconer, 28, from Evanston, IL.