Sharing insights into how cooperation and consultation lead to vibrant neighbourhoods

A podcast released by the Baha’i World News Service explores how individuals and groups of families across Australia are working together to foster stronger and more cohesive neighbourhoods where everyone’s input is valued and each soul is empowered to take charge of their own affairs and to contribute to their community. Below are some of the insights from the conversation.

A group of young people gather together for a simple games night in a Brisbane neighbourhood. It’s an ideal space for connection, but also to delve into more elevated topics. They’re asked about some of the challenges they see in their school. “They said vaping and bullying are the two main ones, and the implications of bullying have been mental health issues,” says Hossein Jaberi Khormouji. 

When the mothers in the community learn that the school’s efforts at combating bullying are proving ineffective, they consult and create ‘Healthy Minds’ conversation nights. The gatherings attracted 40 to 50 people beyond the immediate group of families, bringing together young people and parents to study spiritual principles and consult on solutions. 

“They’re not pretending this is the cure for all,” Hossein explains, “but the discussions provide a space where families can actually talk about challenges.” 

The above is just one example of how individuals and groups of families across Australia are implementing spiritual principles to material problems, gathering in spaces to consult, reflect and act in order to address concerns and issues in the broader community while valuing the diverse insights and experiences that every individual has to offer. 

Hari Remala, who serves in a Baha’i agency at the local level, says while society traditionally shaped us in a “manner that is quite individualistic”, the culture was changing. 

“We’re recognising that a lot can be achieved when people cooperate together and work together and learn to consult,” he says. 

“For example, in these conversations occuring amongst different groups in a neighbourhood, it is really about how are we applying spiritual teachings to our lives.” 

Hari added that a characteristic of many Australian communities was that they were always learning.  

“It’s a community that’s dynamic. It’s learning. It’s moving. It’s growing. And it’s not static. It’s a small group of people taking care of their own affairs but it’s one that looks outward, that brings people into the conversation.” 

“People are learning together, sharing their insights, reflecting and then also in the pattern of community life there are spaces for the whole community to come together and to really evaluate how have we been moving towards the vision that we have of spiritually and materially prosperous neighbourhoods.” 

Shirrine Rohanian, who also serves in a local Bahá’í agency, says many neighbourhoods are propelling forward thanks to the efforts of those who may previously not have thought themselves capable. 

“Often in Australian society, one may think ‘oh, I can’t do this for my community’ or they might not feel empowered,” Shirrine says. “But then in neighbourhoods where we’re seeing strong program[s] for spiritual education for children or a strong junior youth program, we start to see also parents take steps that maybe they wouldn’t take in the past. 

“When there’s an opportunity for a community to advance together spiritually, they can start to think about how they come together in other spaces to speak more about the material using spiritual principles. So then you start to see this vibrancy in a community.” 

“I think when there’s this deeper sense of purpose fostered, we start to see communities take charge or take ownership of their social environment.” 

Member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, Vahid Saberi, reflected on the quotation from ‘Abdul-Baha, the son of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, which states that our lives should be as a candle, giving of its light at all times: 

“So this is this commitment that really we are here for that purpose,” Dr Saberi said. “That’s the cause of serving the well-being of humanity. That’s also what drives a lot of not just the Baha’is but those who share this vision of humanity.” 
 
Watch the full podcast below: