A cluster is a small geographic area, identified for the purposes of the current development of the community. The word cluster is used both for the area itself, and also to identify the human resource potential in that area. There are close to 17,000 Baha’i clusters worldwide.[1] For those who are unfamiliar with the term cluster, they most closely resemble the “counties” that exist in many countries in the world. Cluster Reflection meetings are an important part of Baha’i community life. The purpose of a reflection meeting is to not only celebrate community accomplishments, but to analyze our challenges and learn from both. They also serve as a means to deliberate on the affairs of a community and as such, all members of the respective community are encouraged to participate.
Clusters serve many functions in the Bahá’í world; most importantly they divide regions into manageable sections, and act as a measure of progress, defining future goals. However, other results proceed from the banding together in clusters. Bahá’ís from isolated or smaller communities are able to identify with, work with and participate in activities with Bahá’ís from a wider area. These are some of the community activities that are taking place within clusters around the world.
Devotional meetings spring up naturally in a community where a conversation about the spiritual dimension of human existence is growing. In diverse settings, Bahá’ís and their friends and families unite with one another in prayer. There are no rituals; no one individual has any special role. Meetings consist largely of reading prayers and passages from the Bahá’í sacred texts,as well as other sacred texts, in an informal yet respectful atmosphere.
Baha’i communities put a strong emphasis on educating children in moral and thoughtful living. We also work to empower young people to take ownership over their lives and their communities. Together these classes help form the bedrock for a more successful life of service and worship.
We also frequently host study classes that anyone can join who is interested in learning more about our religion in a structured format. There are formal institute classes, but also ad-hoc deepenings and study sessions on many subjects.
Contact us to find out more about activities near you, we would love to meet you!