Guidance for Social Action

Values are of little use if they are not put into practice. Among the current priorities of the Bahá'í community around the world, beyond building the capacity in their own communities, are engaging in social action and participating in public discourse.

Youth are particularly motivated to engage in social action. The Bahá'í World Centre prepared in 2020 a useful compilation of guidance from the Bahá'í writings and institutions on the Bahá'í principles and approaches to social action. The contents of this compilation have been divided into eighteen presentations, with each followed by a case study of a Bahá'í-inspired social action somewhere in the world. These can be used as class materials or for individual study by youth and adults.

Concepts and Principles

Social and Economic Development in the Bahá'í Teachings
Collective Maturity and an Ever-Advancing Civilisation
Oneness and Justice
The Role of Knowledge in Social Action

The Nature of Bahá'í Social and Economic Development

Coherence Between Material and Spiritual Dimensions of Existence
Capacity Building, Participation and Organic Growth
Development Projects
Emergence of Social Action
Community Development and Movement of Populations

Methods and Approaches

Learning and Systematic Action
Consultation and Collaboration
Utilising Material Means

Themes for Social and Economic Development

Social Action in Education
Economic Principles for Social Action
Social Action and the Economic System
Agriculture for Social Action
Social Action for Health
Arts, Media, and Technology for Social Action

See also the materials for youth on public discourse.