The Way to Happiness Sees Smiles Abounding During Friendship Day

 

The Church of Scientology Nashville and The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee held the annual Friendship Day Celebration for 2021.

 

The Church of Scientology again opened its doors to the diverse community of Nashville for Friendship Day at the church’s sixth celebration of the day.  This year, the church featured youth voices with a panel discussion, and other activities for young people.

 

Children and parents alike enjoyed a fresh-faced panel discussion of 7-9 year olds discussing important topics on how to be a good friend, and how this leads to a happier life.

 

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.”

 

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

In 2019, The Way to Happiness held its inaugural event to observe World Happiness Day. This year, volunteers plan to ring in the occasion with an event to acknowledge the work of a local neighborhood that is working to end violence. The Way to Happiness Association wants this event to bring people together who care about all people, so they can connect and do bigger things. The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.

The Way to Happiness is filled with twenty-one precepts based on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. The book begins with a message under the heading Why I Gave You This Book: “Your survival is important to me.”

When copies of this book are widely distributed in communities, crime rates plummet. According to TheWaytoHappiness.org, “We live in a world of increasing immorality and rising criminality. Anyone who has had to rely upon the good will and honesty of others—police, insurance companies, merchants or banks, in particular—have experienced the harm resulting from the lowering levels of morality. The Way to Happiness was written to fill this moral vacuum in society.”

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.”

The World Happiness Day in Nashville is set for March 14, at noon, and will take place in the community hall of the Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Ave South, Nashville, Tenn.

For more information on The Way to Happiness Association, its upcoming events or if you would like to participate, visit twthtn.org. 

Youth Voices Create a Brighter Future at Church of Scientology Nashville

The Church of Scientology Nashville with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee observed World Happiness Day with a special youth presentation from a diverse group of Nashville children.

“Youth Voices: Creating a Brighter Future” was the program title for the inaugural event to observe World Happiness Day at the Church of Scientology Nashville. Sponsored by The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee and The Way to Happiness Kids Club of Nashville, the program included words from young people, ages ranging from five to thirteen years old, who spoke about how to make a brighter future.

Anna B., who is just five years old, opened the program by welcoming all attendees and said, “I’m glad you all are here.” This was followed by two six year old speakers, the first thanking the church for welcoming everyone, and the second speaking about how all people should work together for a better future. Jazzy L., 11 years old, invited all children to join The Way to Happiness Kids Club. Then it came time for the panel discussion with thirteen year old, Yusuf L., 9 year old Omaran L., and 10 year old Celia S. They each answered questions posed to them about how to set a good example and remain true to themselves despite those who may try to suppress them. The event was concluded with an group photo of all children present that afternoon.

The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book The Way To Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The Way to Happiness is filled with twenty-one precepts based on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. One of these precepts is “Love and Help Children,” which showcases how children are the future. Each child attending the event was given a poster with each precept drawn out; and the parents were each given their own copy of The Way to Happiness booklet.

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, 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.

Church of Scientology Says Drug Abuse Can Only Be Prevented By Working Together

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held a breakfast meeting on drug prevention for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

“When it comes to preventing drug abuse, we can only make great strides if we all work together,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT).

Aiming for an international society free of drug abuse, the United Nations named June 26th as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. So on this day, the Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held “Drug Abuse: Preventing It Together,” beginning with a breakfast at 8:00 am.

During the event, speakers who have been on the drug-prevention battlefield spoke about current issues, and valuable resources to help others live drug-free. One captain with Metro Nashville Police brought the statistic that so far in 2018, there have been 98 drug overdose deaths in Davidson County alone. “But even just one would be too much,” he said.

All of those around the table agreed that a community-wide effort is needed, with all shoulders to the wheel and everyone concerned helping. “Drug abuse is preventable, if we all come together and help. We all have resources and we all have needs, let’s work together in this fight,” said Rev. Fesler.

In 1987, the United Nations established the International Day with resolution 42/112. Their very next resolution, 42/113 stated that the UN General Assembly, “…Taking into account the need to reaffirm the effectiveness of human, moral and spiritual values for preventing the consumption of narcotic drugs, at the national and international levels, through information, guidance and educational activities… Calls upon the Governments of countries facing problems of drug abuse, particularly those most seriously affected, as part of their national strategy, to take the necessary measures to reduce significantly the illicit demand for drugs and psychotropic substances with the aim of creating in society a deep respect for its own health, fitness and well-being and to provide appropriate information and advice for all sectors of their communities with regard to drug abuse, its harmful effects and the way in which appropriate community action can be promoted.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which is based in Los Angeles and has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. Rev. Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org.

Church of Scientology to Host Breakfast on Drug Prevention

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, is hosting a breakfast on drug prevention on International Day Against Drug Abuse.

“When it comes to preventing drug abuse, we all have needs and we all have resources. Let’s come together in this fight,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee.

Aiming for an international society free of drug abuse, the United Nations named June 26th as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. So on this day, the Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, will host “Drug Abuse: Preventing It Together,” beginning with a breakfast at 8:00 am.

During the event, there will be speakers present who have been on the drug-prevention battlefield and can speak to current issues, and valuable resources to help others live drug-free.

In 1987, the United Nations established the International Day with resolution 42/112. Their very next resolution, 42/113 stated that the UN General Assembly, “…Taking into account the need to reaffirm the effectiveness of human, moral and spiritual values for preventing the consumption of narcotic drugs, at the national and international levels, through information, guidance and educational activities… Calls upon the Governments of countries facing problems of drug abuse, particularly those most seriously affected, as part of their national strategy, to take the necessary measures to reduce significantly the illicit demand for drugs and psychotropic substances with the aim of creating in society a deep respect for its own health, fitness and well-being and to provide appropriate information and advice for all sectors of their communities with regard to drug abuse, its harmful effects and the way in which appropriate community action can be promoted.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which is based in Los Angeles and has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org.

Scientology Nashville Red Ribbon Week Focuses on Opioid Crisis

More than 1,600 Tennesseans died in 2016 of drug overdose from opiates, illicit drugs and other medications such as benzodiazepines—a 12 percent increase over the year before.

Although state officials have taken steps to successfully curb opiate prescriptions, there has been an unintended consequence: As prescription pain pills become harder to access, addicts have turned to heroin.

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing drugs, Scientologists partnered with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to local students. The Nashville Church of Scientology held a Red Ribbon Week program in its Public Information Center to reach local youth with their drug-free message and educational materials.

Red Ribbon Week is held the last week of October nationally to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Red Ribbon was adopted as a symbol in 1985 when undercover DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered by a Mexican drug cartel. His death has inspired parents and youth in communities across the country to take action. Their red ribbons signify their commitment to raising awareness of the death and destruction caused by drugs.

“It’s more important than ever to get the truth about drugs to Tennessee youth,” says Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee. “We want students to think of drugs as a bad deal.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) is a secular nonprofit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions to live drug-free.

The Church of Scientology and its members support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World whose Truth About Drugs campaign is one of the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education and prevention initiatives. Thanks to this support, the Foundation provides—free of charge—drug education booklets, videos and educator guides to teachers, mentors and civic and community leaders.

According to the United Nations Office on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, “Every dollar spent on prevention can save governments up to ten dollars in later costs.” For more information visit scientology.org.

Tennessee Scientologist Works to Combat Drug Abuse

Scientologists are standing up against rampant drug abuse, and providing educational materials to prevent an epidemic.

There is a public health crisis in Tennessee: prescription drug abuse. According to a Tennessean article from last month, there are now more opioid prescriptions than there are people in the state, making it the second highest rate of prescriptions per capita in the nation. And if that sounds like bad news, that’s not even the worst of it. Overdose death has gone up 300% over the last two decades, with nearly 1500 deaths in 2015 alone.

That is why Tennessee Scientologist Brian Fesler is working with Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) to prevent drug abuse and educate young people before it is too late.

Fesler, regional coordinator for DFT, said, “We are working to prevent an epidemic, but we will need all shoulders to the wheel if we are going to make an effective change.”  The organization is planning a series of events throughout summer to educate people on the dangers of street drugs. Insiders are calling it a “summer slam on drug abuse.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW), which is based in Los Angeles and has the mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. While FDFW is not a religious organization, many Scientologists support it, as it is a core belief of the Scientology religion to be free of drugs.

Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee and to follow the events throughout the summer, visit drugfreetn.org.

Drug-Free Tennessee Works with Community Leaders to Spread Hope

For International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Drug-Free Tennessee held a roundtable discussion about ending the drug demand in Nashville.

Community leaders, police and clergy sat down together just before International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to talk not just the facts, but solutions.

A member of the Metro Vice Unit was present to give statistics about the current “drugs of choice,” and information related to prescription drug abuse, one of the major fads of today. Clergy and community leaders led discussions of how to reach youth before dealers, and Drug-Free Tennessee shared its many educational materials that can be used by anyone to help young people.

Drug-Free Tennessee is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which provides booklets, videos, brochures, and even an educational curriculum for students designed to give all of the basic facts of how drugs affect the body and mind, common street names and more. The Foundation holds events each year that tie into the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is leading the global campaign to raise awareness about the major challenge that illicit drugs represent to society as a whole, and especially to the young. The goal of the campaign is to mobilize support and inspire people to act against drug use, according to unodc.org.

Rev. Brian Fesler who coordinates Drug-Free Tennessee said, “We are committed to bringing the truth about drugs to everyone.  When youth know what they are really getting into, they have a chance to avoid a lot of pain and suffering.” Fesler says it can’t be done in a day and his organization is committed to working continuously to curb the drug epidemic. “We will go to anyone, anywhere in the region to spread the Truth About Drugs message,” he says, referring to the educational component of the program.

To learn more, order booklets or schedule a visit to your school, group or congregation, visit drugfreetn.org. 

Drug-Free South to Present at Crime Forum for National Night Out

Drug-Free South, a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, has been educating students on the harmful effects of drugs for years. Now they will be presenting their program during a Crime Forum for National Night Out.

National Night Out Against Crime is August 6^th, and this year Drug-Free South will speak at a forum regarding how drugs relate to crime. National Night Out is an event that was created by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities.

Drug-Free South (DFS) has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009 and in just that time, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties.

Brian Fesler, who coordinates DFS, says, “We participate in National Night Out Against Crime each year because drugs lead to crime.  It’s just that simple. And the way out is education.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free.  According to drugfreeworld.org, “no one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

The organization provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Church of Scientology Confronts Education Crisis

Following the March 2013 Faith Day on the Hill at the State Capitol in Tennessee, the Church of Scientology is challenging the community to resolve the problems surrounding education.

At Faith Day on the Hill in March 2013, the Tennessee State Capitol saw leaders from various faiths gather, discuss and make plans for resolving issues in public education, however, that was the last time that group convened. The final segment of Faith Day on the Hill was entitled “After the Benediction, What Then?” and the Church of Scientology has re-issued this as a challenge to other faith leaders.

“We named that segment very carefully,” says Rev. Brian Fesler of the Church of Scientology, a member of the original planning committee for Faith Day. “We wanted to draw attention to action - not just talk.” Fesler says the Church of Scientology is preparing to bring faith and community leaders together again so a solution can be implemented.

Nashville ranks 84th in education amongst the nation’s cities, according to parenting.com. Fesler says his church has a workable solution, and he’s opening the doors to leaders of all faith communities to put it into action. “Education issues cross faith borders—if your child is struggling in school, you’ve got to look where the answers are,” says Fesler.

As early as the 1950s, the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, recognized failings in the educational system. In answer to this crisis, he developed an actual “technology” of learning with which to master any subject. Known as “study technology,” Hubbard’s techniques have found broad application from pre-school through adult learning environments.

Hubbard said, “The end and goal of any society as it addresses the problem of education is to raise the ability, the initiative and the cultural level, and with all of these the survival level of that society.”

“We want to bring this technology to the students in Davidson County,” says Fesler. “I know that if every child in the city knew exactly how to study, they would be able to succeed in life. And our  education system would be the best in the country.”

For more information on study technology, visit www.scientology.org.

Drug-Free South Turning the Tide of Drug Abuse Across Tennessee

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World which educates young people on the harmful effects of drugs.

“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continues to be a major problem in the state of Tennessee,” according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World is making plans to spread its education initiatives even further in the coming months.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter, “It is important to reach youth before drug dealers do,” she says, “and that can only be accomplished by being proactive—going to the schools and teaching them the truth about drugs.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South (DFS) has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state. And Vallieres has no intention of putting on the brakes. “Students who receive these seminars and learn the real truth about drugs are inclined to look and think for themselves, and they decide not to take drugs. That is the true benefit to this program.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. According to drugfreeworld.org, “No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

DFS provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.

Drug-Free South Arms Students Against Drugs

The Foundation for a Drug-Free South, a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, is educating young people on the harmful effects of drugs throughout Tennessee.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “In 2007-2008, Tennessee ranked first among all states for past-year non-medical use of pain relievers among persons age 26 or older. Tennessee also was one of the top ten states for rates in other drug-use categories, including past-month use of illicit drugs other than marijuana among persons age 12 and older.” This is why the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has plans to spread its education initiatives further in the coming months.

Anne Vallieres coordinates the local chapter of the Foundation, Drug-Free South.  “It is no longer difficult for children to get their hands on drugs,” she says, “they are everywhere.  Our purpose is to educate young people on their harmful effects, so they know why they should stay away.”

Vallieres says this program doesn’t just tell a student to say no. “We give them the truth, then they can make up their mind. It becomes their decision to say no.”

Drug-Free South has been educating students in and around Tennessee since 2009. So far, the group has enlightened over 15,000 students across 30 counties in the state.

The Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. According to drugfreeworld.org, “No one, especially a young person, likes to be lectured about what he or she can or cannot do. Thus, we provide the facts that empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place.”

The organization provides a “Truth About Drugs” booklet, an informational pamphlet that details short- and long-term effects of drugs, common street names and myths that a drug dealer might use to make a sale.  The Foundation offers educational materials free of charge to educators and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.

For more information, visit www.drugfreesouth.org.