Manual

The 2018 Edition of the Manual clarifies the role of Bahá’í Centers in the Five Year Plan. Other topics covered in the manual include community readiness, organization and processes, planning and feasibility, selecting location and property, fundraising, financing, legal considerations, construction and renovation, operations and maintenance, and environmental considerations. The appendix also includes new proposed forms for a community's use.
(To search the PDF file, click on the binoculars at the top of the PDF browser window.) [PDF 4.4MB]

If you have difficulty downloading the manual, please contact info@bahaicenterassistance.org

Emergency Operations Planning Manual for Local Spiritual Assemblies

The Emergency Operations Plan Manual was prepared by the Bahá’í Center Assistance Board includes information from federal several sources including FEMA, and reflects consultation with staff at the Bahá’í National Center including Assembly Development and the Department of Public Safety. It has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
The major feature of the Manual is a full template form that can be easily customized by Local Spiritual Assemblies for their own communities. The Manual includes the process suggested for the use and update of their plans.
Please feel free to contact the Bahá’í Center Assistance with any questions as you develop your plans.
[ PDF 1.2MB]

Emergency Operations Planning Webinar

Link to video

101 Uses of Bahá’í Centers

BCA has compiled a list of 101 possible uses for a Bahá’í Center. Perhaps this list would have ideas that you may find useful in pursuing your community's goals.
[ PDF 224KB]

Emembership Property Database Tutorial

This recorded tutorial reviews the history and importance of the database as well as how to create and update data on LSA leased and owned Bahá’í properties. The link is available here.

Rental of a Bahá’í Facility

[PDF 49.5KB]

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of questions addressing concerns shared by a broad range of Bahá’í communities with Centers and their answers.
[ PDF 23.9KB]

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned is a series of case studies that present experiences of local communities.
Insurance for Activities Away from the Center Download
Size of a Center Download
Raising Funds for a Center Download
Naming a Bahá’í Center Download
Bahá’í Center Insurance Download

Power Point Presentations

Two PowerPoint presentations may be used to explain BCA and key points to consider before leasing or purchasing a center.

2018 BCA Treasurer Forum Presentation: Managing Bahá’í Centers Through Good Times and Bad
[ View as online presentation] [PDF 19.3MB]

Start Up and Temporary Facilities