CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Tennesseans will gather on December 10^th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards will go to human rights champions in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.

The planning committee for the event has just announced that nominations are now open and may be submitted at www.nashvillehumanrights.org/nominations. Nominations will close on September 30^th at 11:59 pm.  

Past award recipients have included Rev. Bill Barnes, John Seigenthaler, Rosetta Miller Perry, Avi Poster, Remziya Suleyman, Justin Jones and others. The complete list of honorees can be found at www.nashvillehumanrights.org/past-award-recipients/

A committee of human rights organizations, nonprofits, and advocates, including the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, United Nations Association, Amnesty International, Tennessee United for Human Rights, the Church of Scientology, and others, work together each year to plan the event.

“Human Rights Day gives the community a chance to acknowledge advocates and leaders while also learning more about what human rights really mean for all people,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville.

The event will also have speakers, entertainment and various exhibits from human rights organizations. All information regarding the event can be found on the website www.nashvillehumanrights.org.  

Church of Scientology to Host Fifth Annual Peace Day Event

The Tennessee chapter of United for Human Rights (TNUHR) will have a large inter-religious, multicultural event for International Peace Day.

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Tennessee United for Human Rights will hold the fifth annual Nashville Celebration of International Day of Peace on September 19, from 5:00-7:00pm, with a large number of religious and cultural leaders, each bringing words of peace from their respective traditions and backgrounds. The event is being dubbed “Religious Freedom in the Bible Belt.”

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) has held an event for International Day of Peace for the past four years, each with a different theme related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. TUHR promotes human rights education as a way to combat ignorance and increase awareness.  During each of the past Peace Day events, a different human right has been the focus.

“Each year we focus on a human rights issue that needs to be brought to light. This year we are proud to bring together a multicultural, multi-faith community of people who can speak to peace on a universal level,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator of the Tennessee United for Human Rights program.

International Day of Peace was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The Peace Day event will be held on September 19^th at 5:00 pm in the Nashville Church of Scientology community hall.

TNUHR is a chapter of the international organization United for Human Rights, formed on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to provide human rights resources and educational materials to all sectors of society. For more information about Peace Day or to register, visit nashvillepeace.eventbrite.com, and to find out more about Tennessee United for Human Rights, visit tnuhr.org. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Tour Islamic Center of Tennessee

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities. The next meeting will take place in September at the Islamic Center of Tennessee, where RCC members will receive a tour and hear the history of the Muslim community in the area.

“It’s always special when a faith tradition opens their doors to help others learn more about them,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “Prejudice cannot live when you understand your fellows, and understanding comes from looking for yourself.”  

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.