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. 

2019 Year in Review – Tennessee United for Human Rights

2019 saw the expansion of Tennessee United for Human Rights, carrying out the work of the international organization United for Human Rights in the Southeast United States.

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. In 2019, the organization has taken great strides to provide help to people of all ages so they may understand their basic human rights.

Volunteers began the year by participating at the annual convocation for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Tennessee State University Gentry Center. They distributed the What are Human Rights? Booklets, spoke to community and religious leaders about the human rights education curriculum and how to help people with this knowledge.

Next, the group held an event to educate the community on human rights for International Mandela Day and announced the winners of the youth for human rights summer arts contest: Anna B. (5), Harper P. (5), Jazzelyn L. (11) and Norah H (11). Each of them received a prize for their human rights

artwork.

In September, the chapter organized a large event for International Day of Peace centered on the theme of religious freedom. The theme was “Speak Your Peace,” and featured a multicultural, multi-faith community of people who spoke to peace on a universal level.

Next month the group had a special service on International Religious Freedom Day where students were educated on their human rights, with a special focus on freedom of thought. Then, to close out the year, 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.

TnUHR is planning to begin 2020 with several events to continue promoting human rights. “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.

Church of Scientology to Host 5th Annual International Friendship Day Celebration

Friendship Day takes place each year at the Church of Scientology in Nashville.

The Church of Scientology Nashville will host its fifth annual Friendship Day open house at the end of July, with participation from the diverse population that makes up the ever growing city.

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 whole point of our open house is to bring a diverse group of people together and demonstrate 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 Church of Scientology will partner 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.”

This year’s Friendship Day theme is “Disagreeing without being disagreeable,” which was the title of a news segment featuring the dialogue leader of the day, Kalinda Fisher, who founded The Great Reset over a year ago. The event is set for July 30^th from 4-6pm in the Church of Scientology’s community hall, 1130 8^th Avenue South, Nashville. 

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

Tennessee United for Human Rights Educating Youth During Summer Program

Tennessee United for Human Rights is working with an organization promoting peace to educate youth during it summer program.

In order for human rights to be upheld and protected, they must be known. That is why Tennessee United for Human Rights focuses on educating people on their basic rights. This summer, volunteers are teaching the 30 basic human rights to youth involved in the Peace Ambassador summer program.

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) was formed as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 2015 to provide education and materials to Tennesseans. Since that time, the Tennessee chapter of the international non-profit United for Human Rights has delivered seminars, participated in events and raised awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights across the state.

United for Human Rights provides materials that visualize the complete history of human rights, break down of the individual points of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and show how people can protect themselves with this knowledge.  

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. 2018 marks the 70^th anniversary of the document and the 10^th anniversary of United for Human Rights’ formation. For more information about United for Human Rights, go to www.humanrights.com.

Tennessee United for Human Rights Stands Against Racism

Tennessee United for Human Rights was proud to stand with other advocates at the annual Stand Against Racism event in Nashville.

Organizers for Tennessee United for Human Rights point out that Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” As such, they made it a point to stand with human rights advocates, organizations and citizens to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities during the YWCA’s annual Stand Against Racism event.

In order for human rights to be upheld and protected, they must be known. That is why Tennessee United for Human Rights’ main purpose is to educate people on their basic rights.

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) was formed as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 2015 to provide education and materials to Tennesseans. Since that time, the Tennessee chapter of the international non-profit United for Human Rights has delivered seminars, participated in events and raised awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights across the state.

During the Stand Against Racism, TUHR volunteers distributed human rights educational materials, newsletters and booklets.

United for Human Rights provides materials that visualize the complete history of human rights, break down of the individual points of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and show how people can protect themselves with this knowledge.  

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. 2018 marks the 70^th anniversary of the document and the 10^th anniversary of United for Human Rights’ formation. For more information about United for Human Rights, go to www.humanrights.com.

Spreading The Way to Happiness to the People of Honduras

Retired army veteran Jason Martin recently visited La Ceiba, Honduras, where he was able to distribute copies of The Way to Happiness to those in need.

Retired army veteran Jason Martin traveled from Nashville, Tenn., to Honduras as part of a missionary team. What started as a trip to complete construction on a house for missionaries, doctors and advisors soon turned into something even more meaningful. “I decided as part of that, I wanted to share The Way to Happiness with the locals who live in very poverty-stricken circumstances.”

Martin distributed sixty copies of The Way to Happiness booklet to those who could read, then took things a step further by setting up a small group for those who could not read to have the precepts read to them by others. The group would then discuss the precepts with one another so all would achieve full understanding of what was contained therein.

The Way to Happiness was written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1980s, and since then has sparked a global movement. It has been passed hand to hand to a wide variety of cultures and peoples.

According to thewaytohappiness.org, “This code of conduct can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind.” In the three decades since it was authored, 100 million copies of the booklet have been passed hand to hand. For more information about The Way to Happiness, visit thewaytohappiness.org. 

2015 Year in Review – A New Era for Human Rights in Tennessee

2015 saw the formation of Tennessee United for Human Rights, to carry out the work of the international organization United for Human Rights in the Southeast United States.

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TUHR) was formed as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 2015 to educate Tennesseans on the basic principles and foundations of human rights. It started in style, spreading fliers and booklets at events for International Day of Peace, at the Peace Day concert in the Pavilion East as well as at a human trafficking forum hosted by the Nashville Church of Scientology.

Several artists performed at the Peace Day concert, including the legendary Melanie Safka, a musician with a heart for human rights since her appearance at Woodstock in 1969. Following the concert, Melanie signed on as President of Tennessee United for Human Rights and has been spreading its message at every opportunity.

Next, the Executive Director of TUHR, John Pantermuehl, delivered a presentation on artist rights as human rights at the Artists Music Guild annual convention. This seminar provided the complete history of human rights, a breakdown of the individual points of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that protect artists, and how artists can protect themselves with this knowledge. 

To close out the year, TUHR 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.

TUHR is planning to begin 2016 with several events to continue promoting human rights, especially during and around the MLK celebration and during Black History Month.

TUHR 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, according to humanrights.com.

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 www.humanrights.com.

Tennessee Chapter of The Way to Happiness Foundation Wants Happiness for All

The Tennessee chapter of The Way to Happiness Foundation observed International Day of Happiness on March 20^th by spreading its message to those who need it most.

According to NeighborhoodScout.com in 2013, Edgehill neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee was the 18th most dangerous neighborhood in America. The website claims that a resident of the neighborhood had a 1 in 14 chance of being a victim of a crime over the period of one year. For that reason, the Tennessee chapter of The Way to Happiness decided to distribute copies of the “The Way To Happiness” booklet in the neighborhood on the United Nations International Day of Happiness.

Volunteers passed out more than 250 booklets in the heart of Edgehill, where government provides housing for a low income population. NeighborhoodScout.com also reports that, “…[Edgehill] has an income lower than 96.4% of U.S. neighborhoods.”

The Way to Happiness Foundation, based in Los Angeles with chapters across the world, was formed to forward the booklet of the same name written by L. Ron Hubbard, which details 21 precepts that are predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others.

According to thewaytohappiness.org, “This code of conduct can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind.”

The Way to Happiness aims at giving people back a sense of what is right and wrong in a way that is easy to understand. In the two decades since it was authored, some 80 million copies of the book passed hand to hand. It’s been found uniformly that where this booklet is distributed en masse, the crime rate of the area plummets. For more information, visit thewaytohappiness.org.

Seminar About the Mind Interests Artists at Nashville Church of Scientology

Owen York is an artist with a special mission: “My dream is to bring art back from the dead, by bringing the artist back to life.” This past weekend, he delivered a seminar on the mind to fellow artists. 

The Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, began his research into the mind when he was in his teen years. Through his travels and discoveries, he compiled the best-selling self-help book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and published it in 1950. Since that time, people from all walks of life have discovered the tools within and used them to help better their lives. Owen York is a Nashville fine artist who believes these tools are of great importance to artists and wants to help others improve their lives.

This past weekend, York delivered his seminar “What You Need to Know About the Mind As an Artist” to a crowd at the Nashville Church of Scientology.  “Artists uplift society,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the church. “Our founder knew that artists influence others and that this could be positive or negative. If artists have are doing well spiritually, they can uplift people and the society will flourish.”

York’s artistic style speaks for itself. His originals, commissions and portraitures have sold nationwide and internationally. He specializes in acrylics & watercolors and his influences include Impressionism, Rock & Roll and commercial Illustration. He has a degree in Illustration from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

At the seminar, York discussed how to reach one's full potential as an artist, why artists are different from other people, and why it is imperative for artists to know how the mind works.

According to his website, owenyork.com, he has been involved in the arts “literally since Day 1.” As a child, he was recognized for his visual arts abilities, but was also a skilled writer & musician, playing the piano & saxophone and winning contests for young authors. At a young age, he was invited into a special program for the gifted, limited to a handful of those who excelled in the arts. He has also worked as an actor for TV, commercial, film & radio for stations including The History Channel, HSN and The Weather Channel. Despite these adventures in the various arts, York is a fine artist at heart.

To find out more about the Church of Scientology’s seminars, call 615-687-4600. For more information about Owen York or his artwork, visit owenyork.com.

Church of Scientology Hosts Special Service for Father’s Day

The Nashville Church of Scientology will be hosting a special Sunday Service in honor of Father’s Day.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville is planning a special service for Father’s Day on June 15^th this year to celebrate and acknowledge all fathers, stepdads and grandpas. The reason behind this is Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s writings on “Honor and Help Your Parents” found in his common sense moral guide The Way to Happiness. 

Hubbard wrote: “…one must remember that they are the only parents one has. And as such, no matter what, one should honor them and help them.”

“Sunday Service is a time to reflect on one’s actions and see how we can do better,” says Pastor of the Church, Rev. Brian Fesler. So the service will focus on tools one can use to better relationships with others, with special note for family members.

“Scientology means ‘knowing how to know,’” according to the church’s website, “Scientology is all about learning to do things to improve conditions in your own life and in particular in the lives of others.  An active Scientologist is not only considered to be someone who attends a Scientology church or studies Scientology, but rather someone who actively uses the insights and knowledge that Scientology gives them to make a real, positive difference in the lives of others.”

For more information about Scientology, visit the website, scientology.org. For more information about events and happenings, call the church at 615-687-4600.  

The Scientology Christening – A Magical Affair

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville recently welcomed one of its newest arrivals with a Scientology Christening ceremony this month.

Annalise Bella Brinker, affectionately known as “Anna” to her family, was born to Jesse and Julie Brinker in August of 2013. Both Jesse and Julie are religious volunteers at the Nashville Church of Scientology, where Jesse oversees personnel and Julie is the community relations director.

According to scientology.org, “The Scientology religion includes a ceremony to celebrate new parenthood and introduce a newborn to the world. The Scientology naming ceremony has a further importance for members of the religion. Scientologists recognize the immortality of the spiritual being as a fundamental belief and it follows that in starting a new life, a being can experience disorientation. It is therefore important to orient newborns to a new family and surroundings and bring them into communication with their family.”

In the Scientology naming ceremony, a child formally receives his or her new identity, is introduced to their parents and godparents and resoundingly welcomed to the congregation.

The naming ceremony also reminds parents and godparents of their responsibilities, not the least of which is to impart their own hard-won experience and to provide guidance, while allowing for the child to choose her own path in life.

The founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote: “A good, stable adult with love and tolerance in his heart is about the best therapy a child can have.” 

The Brinkers will remain in Davidson county, and plan to continue answering their call to improve the world in which all denominations live.

For more information on Scientology practices, visit www.scientology.org. 

Church of Scientology Community News: Safe Haven Re-Opens Its Doors

The Nashville Church of Scientology supports the good works of others. Today’s highlight: the upcoming grand re-opening of the Safe Haven Family Shelter.

“Family homelessness: It’s not what you think,” are words that pop up, along with ads, on the website for Safe Haven, a shelter-to-housing program in South Nashville. With 28 years experience in changing the field of family homelessness with its proactive programs, Safe Haven will soon double its capacity and spread that help even further.

Safe Haven is planning a Grand Re-Opening for mid-Summer to celebrate the much anticipated expansion project of the shelter on 3^rd Avenue South.  Not even a year after the ground breaking ceremony on October 2, 2012, Safe Haven will be ready to open its recently renovated doors to residents before school is back in session.

“Expanding and renovating will help us keep more families together while ensuring their dignity and empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Executive Director Joyce Lavery.

Safe Haven houses an average of 38 families, including 57 children, each year. After the renovation, the shelter will be able to serve at least 100 families, including more than 150 children, annually. The program has demonstrated success for nearly three decades, with almost 85 percent of Safe Haven’s residents departing from the shelter with stable employment and secured housing.

Safe Haven is a unique shelter-to-housing program in Middle Tennessee that accepts the entire homeless family. The staff works to keep families together and provide comprehensive services that empower them to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Safe Haven Family Shelter’s comprehensive approach is one of service and compassion. More information can be found at www.safehaven.org.