As 1953 opened with the news of the Baháʼí Ten Year Crusade, a program to expand the presence of the religion especially in Africa. Austin was a member of the United States International Teaching Committee reporting on progress started previously, followed by appearing at a World Religion Day observance in Wilmington, Delaware, with coverage by WDEL-TV as it was then called. In February the Baháʼís held a conference in Uganda including Austin, as a representative of the US National Baháʼí Assembly. Austin undertook her Baháʼí pilgrimage. American newspaper coverage of Austin's travels to Africa and Europe mentioned her in March, while she returned in April to Cincinnati marking the centenary year of the declaration at Ridván of Baháʼu'lláh, founder of the religion, and the dedication of the House of Worship in Chicago. Austin returned to Cincinnati again in June, chair of the African Committee by September, and into September Austin herself resigned to pioneer to promote the religion requiring another by-election. Ultimately five members resigned to move over seas to promote the religion - Elsie Austin, Dorothy Baker, Matthew Bullock, W. Kenneth Christian and Mamie Seto - and they were replaced by Lawrence Hautz, Charles Wolcott, Charlotte Linfoot, Robert McLaughlin and Margery McCormick.