Strengthening ties between the community and the institutions in Elizabeth

The Baha’i community of Playford, South Australia is learning how to collaborate with government representatives as it strengthens the community-building efforts in its locality. 

In February, South Australian state government Minister for tourism and multicultural affairs Zoe Bettison and Federal member Matt Burnell attended a neighbourhood Ayyam-i-Ha celebration in Elizabeth Vale. The local governing Baha’i body, the Local Spiritual Assembly, said the experience provided valuable learning about hosting public officials and working alongside them to further local educational efforts. 

Ayyam-i-Ha is a Baha’i festival dedicated to generosity, acts of charity and joy. “The celebration remained a genuine community event,” one community member remarked. “The presence of the MPs provided an opportunity to share about the work of the Baha’is of Playford and their efforts to strengthen the neighbourhood in collaboration with local residents.” 

Prior to the celebration, the Local Spiritual Assembly had visited local Members of Parliament to raise awareness about the community-building activities taking place in Playford, particularly in the Elizabeth Vale neighbourhood.  

Activities in the area are focused on nurturing the moral and spiritual capabilities of children, youth and adults, and empowering everyone to advance society. 

“This resonated with the MP … who expressed interest in meeting the friends who are serving at the grassroots level.” 

Around the same time, three youth participating in the Elizabeth activities attended a local Coffee and Chat session hosted by the state MP and shared more details about how they were contributing to the welfare of their community. 

“As Ayyam-i-Ha approached, the Local Spiritual Assembly invited both MPs to attend the community celebration in the neighbourhood and both accepted the invitation.” 

Two community members were appointed to accompany the MPs during the celebration, clarify questions, explain concepts, and introduce the MPs to different members of the community.

“Moving forward, the Local Spiritual Assembly hopes to continue learning how to engage more effectively with local leaders and further strengthen these efforts.”