The Baha'i-inspired Tahirih Justice Center, known for its human rights work, has received recognition of another kind: The 10-year-old organization recently was given the 2007 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.

The award reflects the "diligent efforts of Tahirih's management and staff in applying Baha'i principles of decision-making and management best practices," says Layli Miller-Muro, the center's founder and executive director, and a lifelong Baha'i.

Based in Falls Church, Va., the Tahirih Justice Center provides pro bono legal services, and social and medical service referrals to immigrant women and girls who are fleeing from gender-based violence and persecution.

Layli Miller-MuroTahirih was founded on the Baha'i belief that for society to progress, there must be equality between men and women. Tahirih promotes legal and social justice for women and girls as a critical step in making that equality a reality.

In bestowing the $10,000 cash grant, the Washington Post awards committee commended Tahirih for its extensive use of pro bono attorneys, thoughtful and strategic short- and long-term planning across the organization, organizational sensitivity to staff workload and burnout potential, and mindful engagement in the struggle to encourage cultural sensitivity.

Informing these practices is consultation, a process of communication that Tahirih -- and Baha'is -- use to arrive at decisions in a fair way. With courtesy and sincerity, participants express their thoughts, which the group takes into consideration in reaching the best conclusion.

Ms. Miller-Muro says using consultation allows Tahirih management to focus on established goals and outcomes while being flexible in a "very fluid working environment."

Perhaps Tahirih's most treasured Baha'i principle is conducting work in a spirit of service - i.e., treating people with compassion and respect.

"Employees don't have to be Baha'is to work here," says Ms. Miller-Muro, noting that only three of Tahirih's 18 staff members belong to the Faith. "But they have to believe in the Baha'i core values."

That hasn't presented a problem: "Some people come to work for us,” she says, “in part because of our Baha'i-inspired nature.”