Dear Beloved
June 18th marks Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s birthday, which is now officially NBT’s FOUNDER’S DAY! While many words have been written about the life and works of Dr. Teer, the sentiment captured by most of them can perhaps be summed up in the simple phrase, “Timeless service with an undaunted commitment to giving back” Dr. Teer would often say, “Come back, Give back, It's time to take care of our own!” In the spirit of Dr, Teer, we have decided to celebrate Founder’s Day by giving back to you with this keepsake candle.

To give nurturance to the works of Dr. Teer’s life, to celebrate her birthday and to honor her as an esteemed ancestor, we at NBT have created this quiet ritual. This is an opportunity for you to join with us in the spirit of Dr, Teer and NBT’s 41 years of service and once more give back for the continual progress of a people. This ritual is an opportunity for all of us to think about our own ancestor’s sacrifice and gifts and to proudly acknowledge what each of us has been able to accomplish with the start that we were given.
Thank you for your support in helping NBT Keep Soul Alive!

PREPARATION
1. Prepare a flat surface in a room in which you spend time
2. Place a white cloth on the surface that you have created
3. Place a candle in a non-flammable container on the cloth. Fill a container with water and place it next to the candle
4. Stand a copy of this card up next to the candle and place a small sheet of paper and your favorite writing instrument next to it
5. Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, relax and disengage from the rest of your busy day
6. Think of an amount that you can comfortably donate to NBT to support the continuance of the work that Dr. Teer began. Write that number down on the piece of paper. Relax, breathe and take your time
7. Dip your finger in the water and sprinkle a libation on the white cloth
8. Light your candle and as you gaze at the flame, begin your meditation

GIVING THANKS
Relax, breathe and take your time. Think about all the generations in your family and call the names that you can remember thank them and thank them again for what they did knowingly and unknowingly to make you life possible. When you are ready…

GIVING HONOR
Taka a deep breathe. Close your eyes. Give honor to the highest within you. Celebrate your ability to stretch beyond your own means to accomplish great things. Celebrate your ability to do well and your ability to do good at the same time. Celebrate as if it was your birthday and you were throwing yourself a party! When you are ready…

GIVING BACK
1. Open your eyes and notice how the flame is flickering! Look at the “comfortable” number you wrote on the piece of paper. Cross it out and write a number that represents a stretch. Write a check, make a pledge, donate online. This gift represents your birthday wish for Barbara’s ongoing vision through the work of NBT. When you are ready!
2. Make a birthday wish for yourself, your family and your community. Blow out your candle and call it done!
3. Ashé, Ashé, Ashé