FAQs: Complimentary Subscription Program
Q. What is the purpose of this initiative?
A. As the Universal House of Justice continues to emphasize the importance of the education of children, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided to distribute Brilliant Star magazine for free to every registered child in the United States between the ages of 7 and 12. As a bimonthly publication of the National Spiritual Assembly, Brilliant Star helps to develop children’s spiritual nature and reinforce their Bahá’í identity, and it encourages the exploration of Bahá’í teachings and history. Brilliant Star complements the Bahá’í education that children receive at home and in children’s classes, building a strong foundation that will help kids mature into active and service-oriented Bahá’í pre-youth, youth, and adults.
Q. Will my paid subscription automatically be canceled?
A. Your paid subscription will not be canceled unless you request it. Therefore, if you have a paid subscription and a Bahá'í child between the ages of 7 and 12, you will receive two i ssues of Brilliant Star unless you request a change. Perhaps you know a child who falls outside of the age group of 7-12 years, or a child who is not a registered Bahá’í. You may wish to retain your paid subscription and give it to this child. In such cases, you may also wish to contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service at the address below to change the name and address of the recipient so that it will be sent to them directly. You can also find out how many issues are left in the subscription. Regardless, paid subscriptions will not be canceled without a request. Submit your request or make changes to the delivery through:
Baha'i Subscriber Service
415 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091-2844 U.S.
Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1.800.999.9019
Phone: 847.425.7950
Fax: 847.425.7951
E-mail: subscription@usbnc.org
Q. What happens to the remaining issues and fees on my paid Brilliant Star subscription?
A. You have three options:
- You may contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service at BDS, by phone, fax, e-mail, or mail and request that your subscription(s) be canceled and the balance of your payment refunded.
- You may chose to retain your current subscription exactly as it is and give it to a child in your household outside of the 7-12 age range.
- You may retain the current subscription and contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service to change the recipient’s name and/or “ship to” address in order to give the remaining subscription to a child outside of your household.
Q. How do I register my child?
A. Use the Child Registration card for children ages 0 to 14. Due to the need for a signature from a parent or legal guardian, the only way to register children is through the use of the cards. They are available through your Local Spiritual Assembly or the Membership and Records Office of the Bahá’í National Center (is-membership@usbnc.org or 847.733.3437).
Q. My child is not between the ages of 7 and 12 years. Should I still register her/him?
A. Yes, one of the National Spiritual Assembly’s goals for the Five Year Plan is to register all children and encourage their participation in the Bahá’í Faith.
Q. My child is not between the ages of 7 and 12 years. How can I obtain a Brilliant Star subscription for her/him?
A. You may subscribe online, or contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service at the address above. The current subscription rates are:
- Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)
- International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years)
- Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)
Q. Is Brilliant Star appropriate to give to children who are not Bahá'ís?
A. Yes. Brilliant Star is produced with respect for readers of all cultural backgrounds and major world faiths. It is widely used for teaching and sharing the basic principles of the Bahá’í Faith, and addresses universal themes and virtues.
Q. How do children who are not registered Bahá’ís receive Brilliant Star?
A. By purchasing subscriptions, which are not limited to Bahá’ís. Anyone can order a subscription to Brilliant Star.
Q. My 6-year-old child is already registered. When she/he turns seven years old next year, will I have to request a free subscription?
A. No, the next issue after your child turns 7 will automatically be sent to the child’s address.
Q. When my child turns 13, will the free subscription end?
A. Yes, but you may order a paid subscription through Bahá’í Subscriber Service.
Q. Some of my children are between the ages of 7 and 12, and some are not. What should I do?
A. We suggest you register all of your children as Bahá’ís, if you have not already done so. Each child between the ages of 7 and 12 will receive their own free copies automatically. Subscriptions can be purchased for those children who do not fall within the stated age range, but who wish to receive their own copy of the magazine.
Q. Why are children ages 7–12 selected for this program?
A. Brilliant Star’s content is ideally suited for children ages 8–12, one of the most crucial periods in children’s spiritual development. Identifying a specific audience is a critical component of successful children’s publishing. This initiative includes 7-year-olds because, with their ability to read, they can begin to comprehend and enjoy many features in Brilliant Star.
