Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Our community is talking about getting its first Bahá’í Center. What suggestions does BCA have?

A1. First, the community should read and consult on the National Spiritual Assembly’s letter of November 28, 2007 on the home page of this website. Also the community should read and consult on the first 4-5 chapters of the Local Bahá’í Centers Technical Assistance Manual, which can be downloaded free from this website. The consultation and study of these documents will help a community evaluate whether it has sufficient need for a Center in light of the current plan goals and help to prepare the community for the practical issues involved.

Q2. Several communities may have collaborated to provide resources for a center. Who rents or owns the Center? Who is responsible for the management of the center?

A2. The Center must be rented or owned by the Assembly (or Registered Group) in whose jurisdiction the Center is located. That Assembly is also responsible for the Center’s management. However, frequently a committee which is responsible to this Assembly provides the more detailed Center management. The committee members may come from other nearby communities.

Q3. Our community has saved funds for a future Center but does not expect to have a Center in the near future. What can we do with these funds currently?

A3. These funds can be invested in a way that gives a high level of protection for the principal, such as a certificate of deposit, and provides interest. The funds can also be loaned to the National Spiritual Assembly. Please contact the Office of the Treasurer at 847-733-3472 or finance@usbnc.org for more information. Investments such as stocks or mutual funds are not recommended because of the higher risk of loss of principal.

Q4. Our Assembly is developing a checklist of Center procedures to serve as a reminder for Bahá’ís using the Center. Does BCA have anything that can help?

A4. BCA collects documents about Centers which individual communities are willing to have shared with other communities. We currently have several types of documents, including policies on operations similar to what you are developing. BCA does not give any recommendations about these documents but provides them solely as examples of approaches used by one or more Bahá’í communities. BCA welcomes additional documents to its collection that communities are willing to share.

Q5. What advice can you give us about insuring our Center?

A5. The insurance policy of the National Spiritual Assembly does not cover communities that have a Center, regardless of whether the Center is rented or owned. Each community with a Center must have its own insurance. Also, Bahá’í activities held somewhere other than the Center are not covered by National’s policy. The local community should arrange for liability coverage either on per event basis or have a general policy for such events. More information about insurance is found on the Local Bahá’í Centers Technical Assistance Manual which can be downloaded from the Essential Materials page of this website.

Q6. Will BCA consult with individual communities about specific issues?

A6. Yes. BCA first requires a request from the secretary on behalf of the Assembly or registered group. Go to the Contact Us page on this website for ways to contact BCA.

Q7. What are the backgrounds of BCA members?

A7. BCA members come from throughout the United States. They have many different occupational backgrounds, such as finance, architecture, interior design, construction, facilities management, accounting, organization development, business and computer technology. All have direct experience with Bahá’í Centers. In addition, BCA holds many of its meetings in local Bahá’í Centers to talk with Bahá’ís and tour their Centers.