Comments on: Baha’is on Hatfield streets – reflections a week on

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:46:50 +0000

You’re right, Barney. In the States we didn’t get it right for some time and we don’t always get it right now. But we are learning fast. I think you are going to find a slightly different set of responsive populations.

And, we always discuss extensively with the prospective door-to-door teachers that we are not simply trying to count numbers. We are engaging real human beings in relationships that we will have to sustain. We are after quality of interaction, not quantity.

By: Barney

Barney — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:26:13 +0000

We are still learning what the receptive neighbourhoods and populations are likely to be in the UK (and not just in England). Until we try things out we won’t be able to learn. We are applying the ARC pattern: Action, Reflection, Consultation – leading on, of course, to further action.

I don’t suppose you in the US got it right from the outset – and you probably don’t get it right a hundred per cent of the time now. We are all learning – and the UK has to learn what works here.

Believe me, we are being systematic.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:23:32 +0000

One of the preparatory steps the Baha’is in England will need to take is determining what constitutes a “receptive neighborhood” in your country. Door-to-door teaching should definitely not be done everywhere. It works when carried out in neighborhoods that have a receptivity to unannounced guests with a message to share.

In the U.S., we lo0k for distinct characteristics: low income, immigrant, many children playing outside. And we look for specific populations: African-American, Hispanic, immigrant, and Iranians. A possible receptive neighborhood receives a visit from a single team which does a test knock at a few doors to determine response rate. If the response is good, then we schedule door-to-door teaching in that area as part of the expansion phase of our program of growth.

The key is to be systematic and to recognize that some neighborhoods will not have a positive response and should not be the focus of this kind of teaching.

By: Barney

Barney — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:14:12 +0000

Thanks, Jim, Thelma and Ron, for your comments. I would certainly do this again, but only after a great deal of prayer and preparation. Mind you, I’m not the best at this – I feel more at home in external affairs-type surroundings – but I feel I need more practice at this kind of direct teaching.

By: thelma

thelma — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:39:10 +0000

Full of admiration for your efforts in Hatfield. Mole Valley could use you too!
T & R

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:42:24 +0000

Barney, Your pieces on the “Hatfield experience” are extremely valuable and inspiring. It brought my mind back to our experience some months back in Coventry when we spent some afternoon moments together on the streets of Coventry. There is no doubt in my mind and heart that the element of prayer and spiritual preparation is key to all advancement in this process!

By: Barney

Barney — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:16:41 +0000

Good questions, Pauline. I’m sure a lot will depend on where in the world we do this kind of thing. Only time will tell, but we have to give it a go. Would I do it again? Yes – but only after lots of prayer.

By: Pauline

Pauline — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:49:14 +0000

This is interesting. It would be really good to hear what happens in the long term. Does this lead to interest in the Faith or hostility towards it? I suppose it may depend on what society you live in.