As part of its efforts to build capacity in individuals and to create spaces for learning about the betterment of society, the Institute offers a sequence of annual seminars designed to accompany undergraduate students through four years of university studies. Each seminar is approximately 11 days long.
The purpose of these intensive seminars is to raise the consciousness of youth about the importance of engaging in action and discourse directed towards social change; to develop their capacity to reflect, to analyze, and to learn from action; to explore elements of a conceptual framework for contributing to the advancement of civilization; to provide them with tools to understand and analyze the culture in which they are immersed as well as the content of the university courses they are studying; to help them assume ownership of their education; and to assist them in their efforts to acquire the kind of knowledge that will enable them to live fruitful, productive and meaningful lives.
Throughout the course of the seminars, the students enjoy an atmosphere that is at once serious and joyful, educative and uplifting, disciplined and dynamic. They have the opportunity to learn from their peers, to share their struggles and concerns, and to build and strengthen bonds of unity and friendship that help nourish and recharge their spirit each year.
Year 1
Participants reflect on the nature of the Bahá’í community’s diverse efforts to contribute to the advancement of civilization. They examine concepts essential to a discourse on social action, reflect on the implications of the principle of harmony between science and religion, and explore ways to achieve higher levels of coherence in their lives and collective endeavors. They think about how culture in its broadest sense is communicated and how they can participate in the creation and recreation of a culture that takes into account the material and spiritual dimensions of progress.
Year 2
Participants delve deeper into the question of individual and collective identity. They study the process by which the Bahá’í community has been learning about its own growth in the field of expansion and consolidation, and explore the concept of education and what it means to take ownership of one’s education. They also reflect on the underpinnings of the educational process in which the worldwide Bahá’í community is engaged. Finally, they are asked to think critically about the media systems and messages with which they interact on a daily basis.
Year 3
To enhance their understanding of the conceptual framework that guides the Bahá’í community in its three main areas of endeavor, participants look more closely at social action. They continue their conversation on the principle of harmony between science and religion by studying a text that helps them think about science, its methods, its language, and its role in the advancement of civilization. Finally, they consider the implications of living a materially and spiritually coherent life for the decisions they make about their careers, family life, and meeting their financial needs.
Year 4
In Year Four participants focus on the nature of Bahá’í participation in the discourses of society. Having familiarized themselves with the methods of science, this year they examine more closely the question of religion. A significant portion of the seminar is also dedicated to exploring the characteristics of the individual, the community, and the institutions of society, and the relationships that must bind them together at this time in humanity’s collective history.
Attending the Seminars
Prospective participants are expected to attend for the entirety of the seminar, as consistent attendance has an important impact on the dynamics of the group as well as on each individual’s intellectual and spiritual growth.
Location: Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í (Hyde Dunn Property), Auckland
Eligibility:
Students who have already commenced or will be commencing undergraduate university studies are eligible to apply to attend the seminar. Consideration will also be given to those who are undertaking post-secondary polytechnic courses. Note that the seminars must be completed consecutively, beginning with Year 1 irrespective of the current year at university. Please note that all applications for Year 1 will be reviewed before placement confirmation is sent out. All participants are expected to attend the entire 11 days of the seminar.
Application Process:
Applications are submitted online via this form.
The application deadline for Year 1 is 1 December 2023. All applications are reviewed and you can expect to hear from the coordinating team within two weeks.
The registration deadline for Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4 is 1 December 2023.
The parents of those applicants who attend the seminar and who will be under the age of 18 at the commencement of the seminar will be required to sign indemnity and medical forms before the participant can be enrolled in the seminar.
Fee:
The actual cost of the seminar is $600 per participant for the 11 days of accommodation, meals, field trip costs and materials. There is a minimum fee of $400 per participant if circumstances prevent you from covering the full cost. Please contact your institutions for financial assistance as some subsidisation is available for those individuals who cannot afford all the related costs. Please contact the Local Spiritual Assembly or Auxiliary Board member in your area at least two months prior to the seminars to see if there are loans or partial funding available. We recommend you start saving and fundraising now for the seminar!
If you have any questions please write to [email protected]