2023 Year in Review: Drug-Free Tennessee Reflects on a Year of Achievements

2023 saw the expansion of Drug-Free Tennessee, carrying out the work of the international organization, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, in the Southeast United States.

 

As we approach the end of another year, Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT), the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug Free World, takes pride in reflecting upon a year filled with impactful initiatives and achievements in the pursuit of a drug-free society.

 

Throughout the year, DFT has been unwavering in its commitment to education and outreach. The implementation of comprehensive drug prevention programs in communities across the state has empowered individuals to make informed, positive choices regarding substance abuse.

 

Key accomplishments include:

 

Open Houses: Drug-Free Tennessee proudly hosted several open house events to educate the community on the dangers of drug abuse, with video presentations, free information and keynote speakers who spoke from the heart about drug prevention and education.

 

Community Gatherings: Volunteers were able to participate in many community events such as National Night Out Against Crime, where they distributed hundreds of copies of the Truth About Drugs booklet to reach people where they are with information they need.

 

Sports Camps: This year, DFT was able to support national football legends who hold summer camps for youth. During these camps, volunteers helped kids pledge to be drug-free while they got active learning what it takes to train to be a pro football star. Each participant was able to leave with a backpack full of information so they can make informed choices.

 

Julie Brinker, Drug-Free Tennessee spokesperson, said, “We are proud of the strides we've made this year in our mission to create a drug-free community. Our dedicated team, committed partners, and the communities we serve have played an integral role in these achievements. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the well-being of all.”

 

Drug-Free Tennessee distributes the Truth About Drugs booklet, which cover all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer. To learn more or to order booklets, visit drugfreetn.org.

 

 

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Church of Scientology Nashville Spreads Warmth and Welcome During Holidays 2023

 

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

 

Over 11,000 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups exist across 167 nations, according to ScientologyNews.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.

 

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, churches, like most places, were forced to limit numbers to keep in social distancing measures since 2020. But now, with restrictions lifted, the Church of Scientology Nashville is again happy to welcome the community to celebrate the joys of the holiday season with friends and loved ones.

 

Pastor of the Nashville Church, Rev. Brian Fesler, says, “Our church captures the spirit of the holidays. We bring people together to celebrate and plan the year ahead, and everyone is welcome here throughout the season.”

 

The Nashville church 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.

 

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.

 

The Church annually celebrates New Year’s Eve with a large-scale event that all parishioners and members of the community are invited to attend. It is at this event that the church reviews the accomplishments for the year and sets the course for the year to come.

 

This past decade has seen incredible expansion for the Scientology religion, with the total assets and property holdings of the Church of Scientology internationally having more than doubled since 2004.

The combined size of Church premises increased from nearly 5.6 million square feet in 2004 to 12.1 million square feet in 2010, and the Church has acquired more than 70 buildings since 2004 in major population centers around the world. The number of people newly introduced to Scientology and starting on training or counseling per week exceeds 26 times any previous week in history.

 

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

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee Working on Crime Reduction

 The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, the local chapter of the international organization The Way to Happiness Foundation, is reaching out to neighbors to help reduce crime.  

 

 

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 and all of Tennessee.

 

Since 2009, volunteers have taken to the streets and parks of Nashville to distribute booklets to help people learn the concepts contained within the common-sense moral code and uplift communities. There was a brief pause on this during the Covid-19 pandemic, but volunteers have been back at it again with safety and health precautions in place.

 

Most recently, volunteers distributed dozens upon dozens of the booklet to neighbors during community events in a suburb of Nashville.

 

Mr. Hubbard begins the book with these words: “Your survival is important to me.” He goes on to say, “You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others. The happiness or unhappiness of others you could name is important to you. Without too much trouble, using this book, you can help them survive and lead happier lives.”

 

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.

 

 

Church of Scientology Announces Peace Day Concert

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Tennessee United for Human Rights will hold its annual Nashville Celebration of International Day of Peace in September. Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) has held an event for International Day of Peace for many 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 past Peace Day events, a different human right has been the focus. Past themes have included religious diversity, human trafficking awareness, and domestic violence education. This year the theme will be freedom of expression, as is stated on the Universal Declaration for Human Rights: “Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

 

“Each year we focus on a human rights issue that needs to be brought to light. This year we will bring together the community for a concert focused on freedom of expression,” 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 September 23rd in the Nashville Church of Scientology community hall. For more information, visit tnuhr.org.

 

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.

 

Church of Scientology Nashville Educates Young People on Nelson Mandela

 The Church of Scientology with Tennessee United for Human Rights held a special event for Nelson Mandela in observance of what would have been his 105th birthday. 

The Church of Scientology with Tennessee United for Human Rights held an event to mark the 105th birthday of Nelson Mandela with an educational portion for young children who created artwork based on what they learned. The artwork they created will be available to see on TNUHR.org, the Tennessee United for Human Rights website.  

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. The Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.” According to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf on the adoption of his day by the United Nations, his hope was that it would “bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity.”

To kick things off at the educational event, a short video was shown of Nelson Mandela's biography aimed at young people. The video also showed some of his legacy, and helped the youth attending learn what Mandela stood for. 

Nelson Mandela once said, “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build,” and according to representatives of Tennessee United for Human Rights, “In observance of Mandela Day and recognition of Nelson Mandela, Tennessee United for Human Rights (TnUHR) is introducing a new generation to the importance and relevance of Mr. Mandela’s work.” 

Tennessee United for Human Rights 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 comprises individuals and groups who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind, according to humanrights.com. Its purpose is to provide human rights educational resources and activities that inform, assist and unite youth, educators, organizations, and governmental bodies in disseminating and adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at every level of society.

For more information about United for Human Rights, go to www.humanrights.com, and for more information about the Mandela Day event, visit tnuhr.org.

Church of Scientology Nashville Holds Educational and Creative Open House for Mandela Day

 The Church of Scientology with Tennessee United for Human Rights is having a special event for Nelson Mandela in observance of what would have been his 105th birthday.

 

 

The Church of Scientology with Tennessee United for Human Rights is holding an event to mark the 105th birthday of Nelson Mandela with an educational portion for young children who will then be asked to create a picture based on what they learn about him. The artwork they create will be available to see on TNUHR.org, the Tennessee United for Human Rights website.  

 

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. The Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.” According to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf on the adoption of his day by the United Nations, his hope was that it would “bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity.”

 

Nelson Mandela once said, “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build,” and according to representatives of Tennessee United for Human Rights, “In observance of Mandela Day and recognition of Nelson Mandela, Tennessee United for Human Rights (TnUHR) is introducing a new generation to the importance and relevance of Mr. Mandela’s work.”

 

Event organizers will show youth who Nelson Mandela was, what he was known for, when the critical events of his life happened, and how we can build on his legacy.

 

Tennessee United for Human Rights 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 comprises individuals and groups who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind, according to humanrights.com. Its purpose is to provide human rights educational resources and activities that inform, assist and unite youth, educators, organizations, and governmental bodies in disseminating and adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at every level of society.

 

For more information about United for Human Rights, go to www.humanrights.com, and for more information about the Mandela Day event, visit tnuhr.org.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee Holds International Day Against Drug Abuse Workshop 2023

 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in Tennessee, drug overdose deaths involving opioids totaled 1,307 in 2018 (a rate of 19.9). Deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (mainly fentanyl and fentanyl analogs) increased from 590 (a rate of 9.3) in 2017 to 827 (a rate of 12.8) in 2018.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee has long warned youth and adults alike on the dangers of drug abuse. This week, DFT reminded all to keep activities drug-free so they stay safe and healthy. To this end, the group held an educational seminar for teachers and those who work with young people to help them understand how to use the education kit from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. If you missed out, more info is available at drugfreeworld.org.

 

Those attending were treated to a presentation about the anti-drug materials, were able to see how they can be put to use, and were offered as many as they could carry.

 

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking occurs on June 26 each year and was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee has audio-visual messages and videos aimed at helping people steer clear of drug abuse and addiction. The organization has also long offered learning resources and free materials to all educators wanting to help people learn the truth about drugs. Resources are available free of charge through drugfreeworld.org, including the downloadable Truth About Drugs booklet, which covers all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer.

 

DFW also has a range of award-winning Public Service Announcements and an award winning feature length documentary detailing the dangers of drugs and addiction. To learn more or to order booklets or view the videos, visit drugfreetn.org and drugfreeworld.org.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Learn the Promise and Perils of AI

 

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.

 

The June meeting which was held with others across the nation virtually was about the promise and perils of Artificial Intelligence. “It’s a hot topic, generating lots of headlines and heated debates – generative AI. Whether you view it as a great resource that may give the tech industry a much-needed boost, are concerned how AI might impact the future of the workforce, or – like the majority of folks – fall somewhere in the middle, there’s plenty to be learned about this new technology. Communicators especially need to consider how, when and to what extent to use AI,” according to the religioncommunicators.org website.

 

The discussion was led by Aaron Kwittken, founder & CEO of PRophet, an AI-driven platform. During the session, Kwittken discussed the potential of generative AI tools such as Jasper and DALL-E that have attracted ample attention lately, with emphasis on OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Launched in late November and free and open to the public, ChatGPT holds the distinction of being the world’s most sophisticated chatbot.  His presentation will cover how this tech may impact communication, drawbacks and a forecast of things to come.

 

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.

Church of Scientology to Hold 8th Annual International Friendship Day Celebration

 The Church of Scientology Nashville is set to hold its eighth annual Friendship Day open house at the end of July, with participation from the diverse population that makes up the ever growing city.

 

“We love bringing a diverse group of people together and demonstrating the power of friendship,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology. “Most of life’s problems come from our basic misunderstanding of each other—a misunderstanding of intentions—getting along with one another starts with getting to know each other.”

 

The International Day of Friendship was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 in the belief that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

 

The Church of Scientology partners in this effort with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, which provides a community betterment program based on the book The Way to Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative is 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 is attainable. Several precepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship, among them “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want Them to Treat You.”

 

Last year the International Friendship Day theme was “sharing the human spirit through friendship.” The theme for 2023 has not yet been announced by the United Nations. Though the Nashville event always embodies the spirit of the day with dialogue between those of all faith traditions.   

 

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs or upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee Will Hold Educational Workshop for Teachers June 2023

 Drug-Free Tennessee has a mission to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse.

 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in Tennessee, drug overdose deaths involving opioids totaled 1,307 in 2018 (a rate of 19.9). Deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (mainly fentanyl and fentanyl analogs) increased from 590 (a rate of 9.3) in 2017 to 827 (a rate of 12.8) in 2018.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee has long warned youth and adults alike on the dangers of drug abuse. During the summer, DFT is reminding parents to help their kids with drug-free activities so they stay safe and healthy. To this end, the group is having an educational seminar for teachers and those who work with young people at the end of June to help them understand how to use the education kit from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. For more information or to attend the workshop, email info@drugfreetn.org.

 

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking occurs on June 26 each year and was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee has audio-visual messages and videos aimed at helping people steer clear of drug abuse and addiction. The organization has also long offered virtual learning resources and free materials to all educators wanting to help people learn the truth about drugs. Resources are available free of charge through drugfreeworld.org, including the downloadable Truth About Drugs booklet, which covers all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer. DFW also has a range of award winning Public Service Announcements and an award winning feature length documentary detailing the dangers of drugs and addiction. To learn more or to order booklets or view the videos, visit drugfreetn.org and drugfreeworld.org.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Holds Event for the International Day of Protest Against Electroshock

 The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Nashville (CCHR Nashville) held a special event in May near the anniversary of the International Day Against Electroshock.

 

The Nashville Chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR Nashville) held a special event to brief volunteers on Nashville news near the anniversary of the International Day of Protest Against Electroshock.

 

CCHR is known as an advocate for human rights, especially as relates to patients’ rights in the field of mental health. Per the international CCHR website, cchr.org, “CCHR has long fought to restore basic inalienable human rights to the field of mental health, including, but not limited to, full informed consent regarding the medical legitimacy of psychiatric diagnosis, the risks of psychiatric treatments, the right to all available medical alternatives and the right to refuse any treatment considered harmful.”

 

The International Day of Protest Against Electroshock began in 2015 when ECT survivors and supporters around the world staged coordinated protests against the practice of psychiatric electroshock treatment, according to ectjustice.com. The protests were originated by electroshock survivor and MindFreedom Ireland co-founder, Mary Maddock, who said, “Electroshock is a barbaric assault on the individual.  As a young mother after the birth of my daughter, I was subjected to 16 sessions of it and suffered permanent memory loss as a result. I have spoken to many others who have received it both in Ireland and abroad and all have received permanent brain damage.  MindFreedom Ireland is calling for the total abolition of electroshock.”

 

CCHR Nashville regularly hosts events and meetings with local leaders who give insight into patients’ rights, parents’ rights and more.

 

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.

 

For more information on the open house or to contact CCHR Nashville, visit cchrnashville.org.  

Church of Scientology Announces Cleanup for World Environment Day 2023

 The Church of Scientology, in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, will observe World Environment Day with an event and community cleanup.

 

According to NobodyTrashesTennessee.com, “There are currently more than 88 million pieces of litter on Tennessee state roadways and it costs TDOT more than $23 million to clean it up every year. How do we know? Because we counted, via a pioneering ‘Visible Litter Study.’”

 

“This is exactly what we have to combat,” says Julie Brinker with the Church of Scientology. She is working with the community and has partnered with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee to create a community cleanup for World Environment Day. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

 

The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday morning, June 3^rd starting at 10am. “Our goal is to start with a cleanup for World Environment Day and have it grow to a regular gathering of the community to clean up our neighborhoods,” says Brinker.  

 

The Way to Happiness Association, which is sponsoring the event, was created to promote the book The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The book’s 21 precepts are based on the principle that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. “Your own survival can be threatened by the bad actions of others around you,” he wrote. “You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others.”

 

One way in which one’s own actions and influence can make a significant impact is closely related to the purpose of World Environment Day. In the precept “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” Mr. Hubbard wrote: “The idea that one has a share in the planet and that one can and should help care for it may seem very large and, to some, quite beyond reality. But today what happens on the other side of the world, even so far away, can effect what happens in your own home…. There are many things one can do to help take care of the planet. They begin with the idea that one should. They progress with suggesting to others they should. Man has gotten up to the potential of destroying the planet. He must be pushed on up to the capability and actions of saving it. It is, after all, what we’re standing on.”

 

World Environment Day was set aside by the UN as “the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.”

 

For more information, visit twthtn.org. 

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee Reaches Out to Neighbors

 

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.

 

Since the beginning of 2023, volunteers have taken to the streets and parks of Nashville to continue distributing booklets to help people learn the concepts contained within the common-sense moral code and uplift communities.

 

Most recently, volunteers distributed dozens upon dozens of the booklet to neighbors during community events in a suburb of Nashville, and are already planning the next outing.

 

Mr. Hubbard begins the book with these words: “Your survival is important to me.” He goes on to say, “You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others. The happiness or unhappiness of others you could name is important to you. Without too much trouble, using this book, you can help them survive and lead happier lives.”

 

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.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee Races to Tell Kids the Truth

 Drug-Free Tennessee helps people, especially young people, learn the disastrous effects of drugs before it’s too late. 

 

Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) has been helping people learn the truth about drugs since 2009 with events, seminars, online media and directly contacting people with informational materials. In response to the increase of drug overdoses in Tennessee every year since 2015, DFT has been active in spreading awareness of the deadly consequences of taking drugs.

 

Recently volunteers traveled to Spring Hill, Tennessee to hand out materials to youth, parents and educators at a middle school’s 5K and fun run.

 

Julie Brinker, Drug-Free Tennessee spokesperson, said, “Now more than ever is the time to help our friends and neighbors learn the truth about drugs. They are deadly, and people have a right to know what they are getting into before it’s too late.”

 

Drug-Free Tennessee shares resources in person at events and online at drugfreetn.org with audio-visual messages and videos aimed at helping people steer clear of drug abuse and addiction. The organization has also long offered virtual learning resources and free materials to all educators wanting to help people learn the truth about drugs. Resources are available free of charge through drugfreeworld.org.

 

Drug-Free Tennessee distributes the Truth About Drugs booklet, which cover all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer. DFT also has a range of award winning Public Service Announcements and an award winning feature length documentary detailing the dangers of drugs and addiction. To learn more or to order booklets or view the videos, visit drugfreetn.org and drugfreeworld.org.

The Way to Happiness Association Inspires Kids for Spring Cleaning

 The Way to Happiness Association is observing World Happiness Day (March 20) with a special presentation on how cleanliness and production can bring happiness.

 

The urge to turn our homes inside out and clean, clean, clean, dates back thousands of years, and according to Country Living, is intertwined with many cultures and religions. The simple truth is also found in human nature. As HowStuffWorks explains, “fewer hours of daylight trigger the release melatonin in our brains, aka hormone that causes sleepiness. We literally don't have the energy to deep clean during colder months. But once the days start getting longer, we're energized by more sunlight and melatonin production subsides. Not to mention all that sunlight streaming through the windows probably makes the dust we'd forgotten about highly visible.”

 

To help promote Spring Cleaning, and how cleanliness and production leads to happiness, The Way to Happiness Association is holding a special presentation for families on March 18^th, also coinciding with World Happiness Day (Mar 20).

 

The Way to Happiness Association was created to promote the book The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The book’s 21 precepts are based on the principle that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. “Your own survival can be threatened by the bad actions of others around you,” he wrote. “You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others.”

 

One way in which one’s own actions and influence can make a significant impact is the precept “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” Mr. Hubbard wrote: “There are many things one can do to help take care of the planet. They begin with the idea that one should. They progress with suggesting to others they should. Man has gotten up to the potential of destroying the planet. He must be pushed on up to the capability and actions of saving it. It is, after all, what we’re standing on.”

 

The Way to Happiness precept for Safeguard and Improve Your Environment will be played during the special presentation to encourage spring cleaning.

 

World Happiness Day occurs each year on March 20^th and is celebrated by the United Nations. According to un.org, “Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world…The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.” For more information on The Way to Happiness Association and its upcoming events, visit twthtn.org.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Learn to Create Games with Faith Values

 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.

 

The March meeting saw the group learn from a research professional on the value of the use of games as a communications tool. “Gaming can be a creative and innovative approach to communication. Leveraging learning from how one faith organization is using gaming to lead congregations through a reflection process to build congregational vitality,” according to a meeting announcement from the Nashville Chapter.

 

The virtual meeting saw members attending from across the country where the group discovered the intricacies to create games with faith values and how to use these in communications.

 

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.

 

Church of Scientology Nashville Shares How to Prepare and Respond to Disaster

 

The Church of Scientology Nashville regularly hosts events to bring attention to vitally important issues affecting the community.

 

World Civil Defense Day, which was created by decision of the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990, and is celebrated every year on the 1st of March. According to ICDO, “This Day… has two main purposes: that of bringing to the attention of the world public the vital importance of Civil Protection and of raising awareness of the preparedness for, and prevention and self-protection measures in the event of accidents or disasters; and that of paying tribute to the efforts, sacrifices and accomplishments of all the national services responsible for the fight against disasters.”

 

Julie Brinker, who oversees community affairs for the Nashville Church of Scientology, explained how it becomes involved during times of disaster. “We have a program called Volunteer Ministers. Anyone of any culture or creed may train as a Volunteer Minister and use these tools to help their families and communities, and all are welcome to do so,” she said. Brinker said volunteerministers.org contains resources one would need to become trained in this technology.  

 

Equipped with effective technology to resolve virtually any difficulty, Volunteer Ministers live by the motto: “No matter the problem, something can be done about it.” Transcending all ethnic, cultural and religious boundaries, the Volunteer Ministers program is there for anyone in need of help.

 

In creating the Volunteer Ministers program, L. Ron 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.”

 

The Civil Defense Day Open House event featured speakers from the Nashville VOAD [Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster], an organization which helps coordinate between groups going into disaster zones. They shared tips for preparing for disaster as well as how to get involved once disaster strikes.

 

To learn more about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

 Drug-Free Tennessee will host a community event for World Health Day as well as participate in fitness events in early April, 2022.

World Health Day is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This year the theme is “Health for All.”

Drug-Free Tennessee will host a fitness fair at the Church of Scientology Nashville during the first week of April, and will also sponsor a 5K run in Franklin, Tennessee. 

The Church of Scientology has long supported the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. The fitness fair which will take place in the Church of Scientology will help people learn about the disastrous effects of drugs, fitness, and what is happening in the local community. 

The general public is invited to attend and organizations requesting booth space should contact info@drugfreetn.org.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the church, said, “You can’t have overall health and wellness with harmful street drugs in your system, and Drug-Free Tennessee is working hard to spread that message around the state.” 

This is the seventh year Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) has worked with the community to celebrate World Health Day.  DFT is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) and the Tennessee chapter provides educational materials free of charge to anyone working on drug prevention. 

For more information on the Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org. For more on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.