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.

2019 Year in Review - The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee

2019 saw the expansion of The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, the local chapter of The Way To Happiness Foundation.

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) began the year with a youth-centered event for World Happiness Day, where a panel of young leaders spoke about how to deal with key issues to make the city a better place. It was dubbed “Youth Voices” and had participants ranging in age from 5 to 13 years old.

Next, volunteers organized a cleanup for Earth Day, continuing their “Green it Up” tradition by collecting bottles and other litter from Chandler Road in Hermitage.

In May, TWTH-TN traveled to the American Jail Association (AJA) 38th annual conference and jail expo which took place in Louisville, Kentucky. Volunteers were able to share information and resources to those who work directly in the jail systems across the United States during the expo.

In June, the month began with an event for World Environment Day where the Nashville Horticulturist was brought in to speak about proper tree care with young and old attendees. Volunteers next participated in local events celebrating Father’s Day, where they distribute booklets and speak with people about why it is important to “Honor and Help Your Parents,” as one of the precepts in the booklet mandates.

For International Friendship Day, TWTH-TN worked with the Nashville Church of Scientology to organize a large event to bring people together. A diverse crowd joined together to learn about one another and forge true friendships by taking part in guided dialogue.

Volunteers took part in the National Night Out Against Crime, distributing booklets to those taking to the streets in support of a crime-free community. And to close out the year, volunteers showed the award winning public service announcements to a neighborhood association to help them understand the concepts and describe how they can be used to uplift their neighborhood.

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. 

2018 Year in Review - The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee

2018 saw the expansion of The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, the local chapter of The Way To Happiness Foundation.

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.

Volunteers for The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee (TWTH-TN) began the year by visiting neighbors and resource centers in the Nashville area and telling them about the guide for better living, describing it as “spreading magic.” Following that, volunteers took part in a large event for peace and distributed hundreds of booklets.

To observe World Environment Day, the chapter held a conference on sustainable fashion. The conference began with a keynote speech on sustainable fashion by Elisabeth Donaldson of 365 Days of Thrift. She covered why thrifting is important for sustainability and the facts of how the fashion industry harms the environment. This was followed by an Eco Conscious Panel discussion with Homesteading Hero Janelle Hillman, high style thrift blogger Audrey Rhodes, and CEO of New Frontier Tiny Homes David Lattimer. Following the panel discussion was a fashion show featuring all thrifted clothing, arranged by stylist and thrift blogger Tori Beth.

Next, TWTH-TN was at a local Father’s Day celebration distributing booklets and speaking with people about why it is important to “Honor and Help Your Parents,” as one of the precepts in the booklet mandates.

For International Friendship Day, TWTH-TN worked with the Nashville Church of Scientology to organize a large event to bring people together. A diverse crowd joined together to learn about one another and forge true friendships by taking part in guided dialogue.

Volunteers took part in the National Night Out Against Crime, distributing booklets to those taking to the streets in support of a crime-free community. They were then invited to a “Back In School” event to help spread positive messages to young people.

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.

Religion Communicators Council Hears About Good Works By Good People

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization which meets monthly to learn from one another and explore new ways to promulgate religious messages.

In October, the Nashville Religion Communicators Council (RCC) heard from the Nashville Rescue Mission and Salvation Army.  Topic of the day was “Putting Faith Into Action.” Both ministries shared the values of bringing the faith to the people in such a way that makes lives better each day.

Lynn Bogle, with Nashville Rescue Mission, stressed the importance of reconnecting people with God. The Nashville Rescue Mission serves the homeless, addicts and broken families by serving meals, providing shelter, restoring life and helping people get back on their feet. Bogle made it clear that anyone can end up at the Mission after just a couple of bad choices in life.

Gerald Brown, with Salvation Army, presented a video about the Salvation Army which demonstrated the motto: Doing the Most Good. The army "provides soup, soap and salvation," but truly encompasses a myriad of activities to the benefit of children, men and women.

President of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, Rev. Brian Fesler said, “I’m always encouraging my parishioners to get out and be active in the community... and people like this just prove it’s all worthwhile.”

Both organizations provide shelter for those without homes, and both give out meals to the hungry.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) hears regularly from such organizations to learn how they act out their faith. Fesler went on to say, “We will continue to bring these important topics to the forefront at coming meetings. This is the kind of good news that we share as religious communicators.”

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