Kamál, 11 Núr (Light), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
Effective social action serves to enrich participation in the discourses of society, just as the insights gained from engaging in certain discourses can help to clarify the concepts that shape social action. At the level of the cluster, involvement in public discourse can range from an act as simple as introducing Bahá’í ideas into everyday conversation to more formal activities such as the preparation of articles and attendance at gatherings, dedicated to themes of social concern—climate change and the environment, governance and human rights, to mention a few. It entails, as well, meaningful interactions with civic groups and local organizations in villages and neighbourhoods. — Universal House of Justice [1]
Question for Consideration
How can one apply the general call for Bahá’í s to “render service to the world of humanity” while focusing on the aim of an ongoing series of global plans for “the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures” to social endeavors in eldercare? [2]
Perplexity Computer Response
The Dual Mode: Community Building and Social Action
The global plans identify “two interconnected, mutually reinforcing areas of activity: involvement in social action and participation in the prevalent discourses of society”. [3] Eldercare work can inhabit both simultaneously. At the level of social action, it involves direct engagement with the needs and contributions of older adults. At the level of discourse participation, it involves contributing to public conversations about what aging means, what justice requires for older populations, and what models of care honor the full humanity of elders — a discourse in which the Bahá’í International Community has already been actively engaged at the UN and EU levels. [4] [5] [6]
Footnotes
[1] Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2010 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/766744757
[2] Perplexity Computer. “The Society-Building Framework: Where Eldercare Fits” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 14, 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/7136fb50-4676-4fcd-8695-c2ee4ec4d94f
[3] Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 2010 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/977686651
[4] Baha’i International Community Brussels Staff. “A European strategy for the elderly: The irreplaceable role of community life.” Bahá’í International Community, November 29, 2023. https://www.bic.org/statements/european-strategy-elderly-irreplaceable-role-community-life
[5] International Environment Forum Staff. “Community Social Action.” International Environment Forum. https://iefworld.org/cmpcommunityaction
[6] Bahá’í International Community Brussels Staff. “BIC Brussels: Reimagining the elderly’s role in society.” Bahá’í International Community, December 6, 2023. https://www.bic.org/news/bic-brussels-reimagining-elderlys-role-society
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá The Promulgation of Universal Peace | Bahá’í Reference Library.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 