2020 Year in Review – Citizens Commission on Human Rights, Nashville Chapter

 

2020 saw many changes to the way nonprofit organizations operate, and Citizens Commission on Human Rights, Nashville Chapter, was no different in that regard.

 

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) Nashville Chapter began the year with a special panel discussion on Safety During Worship held in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January where chapter members and the community confronted a serious topic: religious persecution, hate crimes and safety.

 

Following this, with stay-at-home orders being issued across the country in March, CCHR held events virtually for the remainder of the year.

 

This included a virtual message put out by the group for World Mental Health Day to help remind people to seek help if they’ve been abused by those practicing mental health, and on Veterans Day to salute veterans and them, their friends and family to be vigilant about education on mental health issues especially those affecting them.   

 

A Board Member of CCHR Nashville said, “CCHR volunteers know that there is much more work to be done. People are getting hurt every day at the hands of psychiatrists. They must be brought to account for their actions.” Those who have experienced abuse are encouraged to visit cchrnashville.org and fill out the “report abuse” form.

 

CCHR is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious mental health industry watchdog whose mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health.  It works to ensure patient and consumer protections are enacted and upheld as there is rampant abuse in the field of mental health.  In this role, CCHR has helped to enact more than 150 laws protecting individuals from abusive or coercive mental health practices since it was formed five decades ago. For more information on CCHR, visit cchrnashville.org.

2020 Year in Review - The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee

 

2020 saw many changes to the way nonprofit organizations operate, and The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee was no different in that regard.

 

The Way to Happiness, a book written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1980s, is comprised of 21 precepts, each one predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness are attainable. In the three decades since it was authored, more than 115 million copies of the book passed hand to hand, thus inspiring the international movement which is spreading throughout Nashville, TN.

 

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee (TWTH-TN) remained active virtually throughout the year, spreading positive audio-visual messages, and even issuing a virtual challenge for International Friendship Day 2020 with photos on social media of friends sharing the hashtag #Friendship2020.

 

Volunteers took part in a free concert in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., distributing booklets to those attending and others walking through the park. And to close out the year, volunteers showed the award winning public service announcements on their social media to help people see and understand the concepts and describe how they can be used to uplift communities.

 

TWTH-TN is making a true impact across Tennessee and reaching other parts of the world. To learn more about the program, or to order copies of The Way to Happiness booklet, visit twthtn.org.

2020 Year in Review – Tennessee United for Human Rights

 

2020 was an interesting year that showed resilience and innovation to keep certain activities moving forward. Tennessee United for Human Rights was able to continue carrying out the work of the international organization United for Human Rights in the Southeast United States virtually.

 

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TnUHR) was formed as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 2015 to educate Tennesseans on the basic principles and foundations of human rights. Five years later, in 2020, the organization has taken great strides to provide help to people of all ages so they may understand their basic human rights. And this year has taken a virtual turn.

 

Much of the year was spent educating people on their human rights online through audio-visual presentations and public service announcements online.

 

The group reminisced on International Religious Freedom Day where students are typically educated on their human rights, with a special focus on freedom of thought.

 

Closing out the year as always, TnUHR was a co-organizer for the annual Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day, a spectacular event which showcased human rights leaders for their work and uplifted others. This year the event was fully held online on Zoom and live streamed on Facebook where it can still be viewed: https://www.facebook.com/tennesseehumanrights/videos/704354210509464.

 

“The time for true human rights education is now,” says Julie Brinker, spokesperson for Tennessee  United for Human Rights, “we’ve come far over the past few years but there is still more work to be done so that each and every person has a voice and human rights can be a reality for all.”

 

TnUHR is the local chapter of United for Human Rights (UHR), an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind. United for Human Rights was founded on the Declaration’s 60th anniversary, in the face of continued worldwide abuses which violate the spirit, intent and Articles of this charter of all human rights, the first such document ever ratified by the community of nations. For more information about United for Human Rights, go to humanrights.com. For more information on the Tennessee chapter, visit tnuhr.org.

2020 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council, Nashville Chapter

 

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization working to promote peace and fellowship while spreading the good news.

 

The longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), has chapters across the country that meet regularly and promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website. In Nashville, the RCC Chapter meets every month to promote its ideals through conversations and learn from their peers about specific communications techniques to help in their professional development. “People of faith have influence,” says Board Member of the Nashville Chapter, Julie Brinker, who also does community relations with the Church of Scientology, “We all need to step out and speak up because the good news, of which there is an abundance, tends to be overshadowed.”

 

The chapter had a busy year, even with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the chapter held its meetings as usual, virtually.

 

The first meeting of the year was a Daybreak Discussion at the Cookery Restaurant in Nashville where members met over coffee to network. This was followed in February with a meeting called Podcasting for Your Brand with Jamie Dunham, the Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. In March, the meeting had to be cancelled due to the unexpected tornadoes that came through Nashville the night before the meeting was set to take place. Then in April, things shifted virtually with the COVID-19 pandemic surging and resulting in Stay at Home Orders throughout the country. The first virtual meeting was a discussion between members on “How do we as faith leaders keep our communities accurately informed about COVID-19?”

 

In May, it was a virtual meeting with Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications teaching "Presentation Skills for Leaders" with special focus on how to present your best self on Zoom. In June, with Stay at Home orders lifting, a small group of RCC members were able to visit Dismas House with social distancing and masks in place. Dismas House is a 501(c)(3) transitional re-entry program for individuals recently released from incarceration. July had members meeting virtually once again, with members hearing from Aisha Lbhalla, Founder of the Muslim Women's Council. Aisha answered questions on "What are some things racism has taught her?" and "What would she tell a non-Black person that wants to become Anti-racist?"  

 

In August, the presentation was from Free for Life International, a non-profit organization with the mission to identify, assist, and restore life to the victims and survivors of human trafficking. Their vision, while simply stated, is bold, "freedom for all." The September meeting was with Melanie Barnett, Community Development Director for Room In The Inn. In October, RCC members heard from special guest David Crumm of ReadTheSpirit Weekly online magazine. And in November, RCC members discussed the presidential election and its results.

 

RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Hindus and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Recaps the Year, Plans 2021

 

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 December meeting took place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for all events this year. RCC Nashville President, Rev. Brian Fesler, lead the discussion about 2020 and what RCC members can look forward to in the year ahead.

 

“It’s always good to look back on the year and decide how to best move forward,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “and while 2020 has been a year like no other, our end of year meeting style remains the same—except that it won’t be in person.” 

 

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.

 

Tennessee Human Rights Day Spreads Hope During Virtual Event

 

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day took place on December 10^th virtually.

 

Tennesseans gather each year on December 10th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. This year is quite different, as the event was held virtually. During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards went to human rights champions in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.

 

The Rising Advocate Award went to Nashville’s 2020 Youth Poet Laureate, Alora Young; and members of the group Teens 4 Equality who organized the 10,000 person protest this summer in support of African American rights.

 

The Outstanding Service Award went to Rev. Becca Stevens, who is founder and president of Thistle Farms and has served as the chaplain at St. Augustine Chapel for more than 20 years; and Dr. James Hildreth, the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health sciences center.

 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr., a civil rights activist and veteran of the Freedom Riders; and Rev. V. H. “Sonnye” Dixon, the lead pastor at Hobson UMC, known as a passionate advocate for public education, a champion of human and civil rights for all people, and a person unafraid to speak truth to power in political, social, education and religious communities.

 

The theme for Human Rights Day this year was “Our Shared Humanity: Rooted in Hope,” and brought people together in an uplifting celebration of the good that has come out of a year filled with chaos. Rashad thaPoet did an incredible performance piece around this theme, which was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Beverly Watts of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Panel members were former Commission Chair Jocelyn Wurzburg and past Human Rights Rising Advocate Awardee Justin Jones.

 

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

 

“This year more than any before we have a need to acknowledge the goodness in mankind. Human Rights Day gives us a chance to do that, while also recharging our batteries for the year to come,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville. “The day centers around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and implementing the articles in that document are the best chance we have for human survival.”

 

All information regarding the event can be found on the website www.tnuhrg.org. 

 

Tennessee Human Rights Day Committee Prepares for Virtual Event

 

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place on December 10^th at 6pm virtually.

 

Tennesseans gather each year on December 10th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. This year will be quite different, as the event will be held virtually. 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 Rising Advocate Award will go to Nashville’s 2020 Youth Poet Laureate, Alora Young; and members of the group Teens 4 Equality who organized the 10,000 person protest this summer in support of African American rights.

 

The Outstanding Service Award will go to Rev. Becca Stevens, who is founder and president of Thistle Farms and has served as the chaplain at St. Augustine Chapel for more than 20 years; and Dr. James Hildreth, the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health sciences center.

 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards are going to Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr., a civil rights activist and veteran of the Freedom Riders; and Rev. V. H. “Sonnye” Dixon, the lead pastor at Hobson UMC, known as a passionate advocate for public education, a champion of human and civil rights for all people, and a person unafraid to speak truth to power in political, social, education and religious communities.

 

The theme for Human Rights Day this year is “Our Shared Humanity: Rooted in Hope,” and will bring people together in an uplifting celebration of the good that has come out of a year filled with chaos. Rashad the Poet will do a performance piece around this theme, which will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Beverly Watts of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Panel members will be former Commission Chair Jocelyn Wurzburg and past Human Rights Rising Advocate Awardee Justin Jones.

 

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

 

“This year more than any before we have a need to acknowledge the goodness in mankind. Human Rights Day gives us a chance to do that, while also recharging our batteries for the year to come,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville. “The day centers around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and implementing the articles in that document are the best chance we have for human survival.”

 

All information regarding the event can be found on the website www.nashvillehumanrights.org. 

 

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Release Numbers of People Helped in Middle Tennessee During Covid-19

 

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response is always active in times of disaster. This has not changed with the unseen enemy of COVID-19.

 

Jennifer, a Scientology Volunteer Minister in Nashville, is always willing to help people. During times of disaster, she springs into action. With how COVID-19 has utterly changed the ways of life for people as we know it, she took action when called upon to help with food delivery for those unable to leave their homes during this pandemic.

 

Jennifer takes the words of L. Ron Hubbard to heart: “A Volunteer Minister is a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

 

“Every little bit helps,” says Jennifer. “Any help is appreciated and everyone can find some way to help. I consider it an honor to give my time and help to ease another’s load in their time of need.”

 

Working with the Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Jennifer has been able to deliver groceries every week since March in the Middle Tennessee region, and there’s not sign of stopping. “I’ll be out every day that I’m needed,” she said, “I get the call, and I’m there.”

 

Recently, she’s even recruited other volunteers to help share the load and get more food to those in need.

 

All told, Jennifer and her team have traveled more than 3,000 miles delivering 500 bags of groceries to 230 households.

 

The Volunteer Ministers (VM) program was launched more than thirty years ago, in response to an appeal by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Noting a tremendous downturn in the level of ethics and morality in society, and a consequent increase in drugs and crime, Mr. Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a VOLUNTEER MINISTER and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

 

For more information about the Church of Scientology Disaster Response or Volunteer Ministers, visit volunteerministers.org.

Tennessee Human Rights Day Committee Announces 2020 Award Recipients

 

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place on December 10^th at 6pm virtually.

 

Tennesseans typically gather each year on December 10^th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. This year will of course be quite different, and the committee has decided to hold the event virtually.  During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards will go to human rights champions in these categories: Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.

 

The Outstanding Service Award will go to Rev. Becca Stevens, who is founder and president of Thistle Farms, has served as the chaplain at St. Augustine Chapel for more than 20 years; and Dr. James Hildreth, the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health sciences center.

 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards are going to Ernest "Rip" Patton Jr., is a civil rights activist and veteran of the Freedom Riders; and Rev. V. H. “Sonnye” Dixon, the lead pastor at Hobson UMC,  is known as a passionate advocate for public education, a champion of human and civil rights for all people, and a person unafraid to speak truth to power in political, social, education and religious communities.

 

The theme for Human Rights Day this year is “Our Shared Humanity: Rooted in Hope,” and will bring people together in an uplifting celebration of the good that has come out of a year filled with chaos. A panel incorporating this theme will be moderated by Beverly Watts of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Panel members will be former Commission Chair Jocelyn Wurzburg and past Human Rights Rising Advocate Awardee Justin Jones.

 

A committee of human rights organizations, nonprofits, and advocates, including the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Scarritt Bennett Center, 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.

 

All information regarding the event can be found on the website www.nashvillehumanrights.org. 

 

 

Church of Scientology Nashville Looks Forward to the Holidays

 

Scientologists believe in spreading the warmth and joy of the holiday season to the community and beyond.

 

More than 10,000 Scientology Churches, missions, related organizations and affiliated groups minister to millions in 165 countries, according to Scientology.org. Because of this worldwide diversity, Scientologists come from a wide variety of faiths and cultural traditions. But no matter their background, they, like most people, gather with loved ones to enjoy the warmth of friends and family and celebrate the joy of the holiday season.

 

This year, the holidays will look different for everyone, but the Nashville Church wants to remind the community that the spirit of the holiday will live on all the same.

 

The Nashville church usually hosts an annual potluck for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as other community events including holiday shows and festivities, the annual Human Rights Day celebration, open houses and other community get-togethers. This year, these events will take place in more of a virtual setting with events shared online and videos on the scientology.tv website with get-togethers being limited.

 

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard honored the great religious leaders of the past for the wisdom they brought to the world, writing that Scientology shares “the goals set for Man by Christ, which are wisdom, good health and immortality.” It is in this spirit that Scientologists celebrate the holiday season, whether they observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other religious or cultural tradition.

 

This past decade has seen explosive expansion for the religion, with over 70 new Churches of Scientology in global cities—from Orlando to Perth, Dublin to Detroit and Kansas City to Johannesburg. More Church openings are planned in the next 12 months for cities across North America, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. This decade further saw the inauguration of the Church’s global communications headquarters, Scientology Media Productions. The studio subsequently launched its own television channel, broadcasting in 17 languages across 24 time zones: Scientology Network—available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and streaming online at scientology.tv.

 

For more information about Scientology, visit www.scientology.org.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council To Hold End of Year Meeting to Recap the Year, Look Ahead

 

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 December meeting will take place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for all events this year. RCC Nashville President, Rev. Brian Fesler, will lead the discussion about 2020 and what RCC members can look forward to in the year ahead.

 

“It’s always good to look back on the year and decide how to best move forward,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “and while 2020 has been a year like no other, our end of year meeting style remains the same—except that it won’t be in person.”  

 

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.

 

Tennessee United For Human Rights Reminds Everyone to Spread Peace

 

Tennessee United for Human Rights wants to lift up all people to bring about change and justice in the world.

 

Tennessee United For Human Rights is passionate about helping people learn their basic rights to spread peace and justice into a world racked with confusion and hostility. “During the most difficult of times, we are spreading positive messages to let people know their basic human rights,” says Julie Brinker, a spokesperson for TnUHR. “Human Rights are universal and belong to every human being regardless of religion, race or national origin.”

 

The organization is offering free resources online to educate people on basic human rights using award-winning audio visual messages and downloadable materials.

 

TnUHR was formed as a nonprofit public benefit corporation in 2015 to educate Tennesseans on the basic principles and foundations of human rights. It is the local chapter of United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who actively forward the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all mankind.

 

TnUHR regularly holds events on the topics of peace, justice and human rights. During 2020, in-person events are suspended, but virtual events remain as a way to bring people together. The organization is currently co-organizing Human Rights Day to take place in early December online.

 

United for Human Rights was founded on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first such document ever ratified by the community of nations. Then as now, continued worldwide human rights abuses violate the spirit, intent and articles of this charter. United for Human Rights is committed to advancing human rights through education. An understanding of the 30 rights enshrined in the document is the first step to bringing about their broad implementation.

 

For more information on basic human rights, visit TnUHR.org.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds Virtual Dialogue About the Election

 

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 to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities. Due to the onset of COVID-19, RCC members have been meeting virtually, for the most part, since March.

 

The November virtual meeting took place one week after election day, and RCC members will gathered to dialogue about it. Questions posed to RCC members by President of the Nashville Chapter, Rev. Brian Fesler, led to an array of meaningful and deep conversations about how faith, belief and one’s work all coincide. Rev. Fesler posed questions in such a way that RCC members did not need to reveal their political party or stance on issues, but rather how they would handle various situations from their position as a person of faith and religious communicator.  Rev. Fesler, who pastors the Nashville Church of Scientology, wanted everyone to feel open about communicating their beliefs in a non-judgmental zone so they could uplift one another.

 

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.

 

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Salutes Veterans, Encourages Education

 

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Nashville (CCHR Nashville) continues to work to spread information on basic rights related to mental health.

 

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights Nashville Chapter (CCHR Nashville) is saluting veterans on Veterans Day and encouraging them along with their friends and family to visit cchrnashville.org to learn another epidemic affecting them.

 

Veterans Day marks the end of World War I, the armistice with Germany that officially began 99 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the name was changed in 1954. It is a day to honor American veterans of all wars. But while Americans pay their respects to those who died in battle, there is another source of casualty decimating the ranks of the American military today.

 

It is not a secret: 23 soldiers and veterans commit suicide every day. In fact, according to Freedom Magazine, there is “an astounding military suicide every 65 minutes. More soldiers on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan have committed suicide than died in battle.” But the military continues to entrust the resolution to those complicit in creating it, according to Lt. Col. Bart Billings, Clinical Psychologist U.S. Army Reserve, Ret. “We have never drugged our troops to this extent and the current increase in suicides is not a coincidence,” he says.

 

Is there a cause and effect relationship? Lt. Col. Billings believes there is. “Why hasn’t psychiatry in the military been relieved of command of Mental Health Services?” he asks. “In any other command position in the military, there would have been a change in leadership.”

 

The Freedom article reveals that military prescriptions for psychotropic drugs soared 475 percent from 2002 to 2014 to an astonishing 18 million annually.

 

Fred A. Baughman Jr., a San Diego-based neurologist and outspoken critic of psychiatric practices with more than 40 years of professional experience, believes that the majority of active-duty and veteran suicides can be traced to the rampant prescribing of antipsychotics and antidepressants.

 

For many years, Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) has lobbied for veterans rights including informed consent and treatment alternatives to psychiatric medication.

 

To raise awareness of this urgent situation, CCHR produced the documentary The Hidden Enemy: Inside Psychiatry’s Covert Agenda and uses the film to educate congressional staff, veteran groups and active servicemen and officers.

 

CCHR has long been an advocate for human rights, especially as relates to patients’ rights in the field of mental health. CCHR is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious mental health watchdog. Its mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. CCHR receives reports about abuses in the field of mental health and is especially interested in situations where persons experienced abuse or damage due to a false diagnosis or unwanted and harmful psychiatric treatments, such as psychiatric drugs, electroshock (ECT) and electronic or magnetic brain stimulation (TMS). CCHR is often able to assist with filing complaints, and can work with a person’s attorney to further investigate the case. To contact CCHR Nashville for more information, visit cchrnashville.org.  

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Plans Discourse After Election

 

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.

 

Due to the onset of COVID-19, RCC members have been meeting virtually, for the most part, since March.

 

The November meeting will take place one week after election day, and RCC members will gather virtually to discuss it.

 

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.

Tennessee United For Human Rights Shares Online Materials

 

Tennessee United for Human Rights wants to lift up all people to bring about change and justice in the world.

The organization is offering free resources online to educate people on basic human rights using award-winning audio visual messages and downloadable materials.

“During the most difficult of times, we are spreading positive messages to let people know their basic human rights,” says Julie Brinker, a spokesperson for TnUHR. “Human Rights are universal and belong to every human being regardless of religion, race or national origin.”

TnUHR was formed as a nonprofit public benefit corporation in 2015 to educate Tennesseans on the basic principles and foundations of human rights. It is the local chapter of United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who actively forward the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all mankind.

United for Human Rights was founded on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first such document ever ratified by the community of nations. Then as now, continued worldwide human rights abuses violate the spirit, intent and articles of this charter. United for Human Rights is committed to advancing human rights through education. An understanding of the 30 rights enshrined in the document is the first step to bringing about their broad implementation.

 

For more information on basic human rights, visit TnUHR.org.

Human Rights Day Committee Seeks Nominations Until End of October

 

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place on December 10^th at 6pm virtually. The planning committee for the event is now accepting nominations for the prestigious human rights awards.

 

Tennesseans typically gather each year on December 10^th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. This year will of course be quite different, and the committee has decided to hold the event virtually.

 

Even in a virtual setting, many elements will remain the same. During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards will go to human rights champions. This year, many are being asked to submit nominations to www.nashvillehumanrights.org/nominations. The categories will be opened to include even more incredible people, as the committee has decided that what is needed more than anything is to celebrate everyday heroes who have done marvelous work during a chaotic year.

 

Nominations will close on October 31 at 11:59 pm.  

 

Past award recipients have included Rev. Bill Barnes, John Seigenthaler, Rosetta Miller Perry, Avi Poster, Remziya Suleyman, Justin Jones and many more. 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, Scarritt Bennett Center, 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.

 

For more information regarding the event, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.  

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Help People Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

 

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response is always active in times of disaster. This has not changed with the unseen enemy of COVID-19.

 

Jennifer, a Scientology Volunteer Minister in Nashville, is always willing to help people. During times of disaster, she springs into action. With how COVID-19 has utterly changed the ways of life for people as we know it, she took action when called upon to help with food delivery for those unable to leave their homes during this pandemic.

 

Jennifer takes the words of L. Ron Hubbard to heart: “A Volunteer Minister is a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

 

“Every little bit helps,” says Jennifer. “Any help is appreciated and everyone can find some way to help. I consider it an honor to give my time and help to ease another’s load in their time of need.”

 

Working with the Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Jennifer has been able to deliver groceries every week since March in the Middle Tennessee region, and there’s not sign of stopping. “I’ll be out every day that I’m needed,” she said, “I get the call, and I’m there.”

 

Recently, she’s even recruited other volunteers to help share the load and get more food to those in need.

 

The Volunteer Ministers (VM) program was launched more than thirty years ago, in response to an appeal by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Noting a tremendous downturn in the level of ethics and morality in society, and a consequent increase in drugs and crime, Mr. Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a VOLUNTEER MINISTER and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

 

For more information about the Church of Scientology Disaster Response or Volunteer Ministers, visit volunteerministers.org.

Drug-Free South Says Drugs are a Scary Story

 

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing drugs, Drug-Free South is bringing the truth directly to students and the community during Halloween.

 

The week leading up to Halloween is often filled with children frantically deciding what costume to wear or ensuring they have enough bags to fill with candy, but many don’t know that this week is also a time to fight drug abuse and come together with solutions to end addiction. The week is known across the country as Red Ribbon Week, commemorating DEA agent Kiki Camarena, who died in the line of duty in 1985.

Of course, everything looks different in 2020 than in previous years.

“Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country,” according to imdrugfree.com, and it occurs during the last week of October each year. This is the best time to educate young people and help prevent drug abuse.

As it comes right before Halloween, Drug-Free South organizers encourage parents of young children to participate as well, ensuring their children remain healthy and safe during the holiday.

Many online resources are available to parents and teachers virtually: drugfreeworld.org and drugfreegeneration.org are among those websites with downloadable information and programs.

Drug-Free South began observing Red Ribbon Week in Tennessee in 2009 by distributing copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets, which help young people understand what drugs are and how they affect the user, visiting school classrooms to deliver a seminar to students utilizing the documentary The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories, and getting the Drug-Free World public service announcements played on television. Drug-Free South has provided seminars to students in over thirty counties in Tennessee.

Drug-Free South is the Tennessee chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through factual information and interviews with former addicts giving personal perspectives on each of the substances covered. For more information, visit drugfreesouth.org.