A person becomes a Baha'i by recognizing Baha'u'llah as the Messenger of God for this age, and by following His laws and teachings and the guidance of the administrative institutions He established for the unification of humankind. Baha'is enjoy the right to vote in Baha'i elections, serve as members of Baha'i administrative institutions and contribute to Baha'i funds. In the United States those who join the Faith sign a declaration card, obtained from a local community, that is sent to the National Baha'i Center for processing.