United for Human Rights Plans Day of Peace in Nashville

Human rights advocates agree that, sixty years after its issue, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is still more a dream than reality, according to humanrights.com. So it is that an international organization is bringing human rights to life through a series of events, audiovisual presentations, forums, concerts and more.

United for Human Rights is a non-profit organization, formed on the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to provide human rights resources and educational materials to all sectors of society. Its Tennessee chapter is creating a series of events to mark “Peace Day” in Nashville, Tennessee on September 21^st.

According to internationaldayofpeace.org, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

In Nashville, the first event will take place in the afternoon at 4:00 pm and will be a panel discussion on “Exposing the Hidden World of Human Trafficking.” It will bring together organizations that work day in and day out on eradicating the problem, including panelists Clemmie Greenlee, Founder of the Nashville Peacemakers; Melody Fowler-Green, Director of the Metro Human Relations Commission; Allasone Lita G., CEO and Founder of All Is One; and Gabrielle Thompson, Executive Director of Free for Life International.  Assistant District Attorney Tammy Meade will moderate. The panel discussion will take place in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology on 8^th Ave South.

Meanwhile in East Nashville, a Peace Day concert will take place at the Pavilion East. At 6pm free refreshments will be given out while messages of human rights are presented on screen, at 6:45pm there will be an interfaith prayer for peace, at 7pm American songwriting icon Melanie Safka performs, and at 8pm gospel artist T-Ran Gilbert takes the stage and closes out the evening.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology and coordinator of the United for Human Rights chapter in Tennessee says, “The purpose of these events is to inspire peace and educate people about their basic rights. Human rights are based on the principle of respect for the individual and they are called human rights because they are universal.”

For more information about the events on Peace Day or to find out more about United for Human Rights, visit nashvillehumanrights.org.

Drug-Free South is Making Drugs a Bad Deal

The Drug-Free South initiative is hosting a conference during Red Ribbon Week to showcase tools for use in drug prevention and education. It will take place October 28^th in the afternoon and is titled “Fight Back: Make Drugs a Bad Deal.”

Hosted by the Church of Scientology, which actively supports drug education and prevention initiatives, the seminar will provide vital tools to help parents, teachers and youth understand the dangers of addiction and how to remain healthy.

During the seminar, attendees will hear from police, advocates and government workers who are working every day to bring an end to the demand for drugs across Tennessee.

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

The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a Drug-Free America, according to redribbon.org.

Drug-Free South has participated in the campaign since 2009 by distributing copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets, which help young people understand what drugs are and how they affect the user, visiting school classrooms to deliver a seminar to students, and getting the Drug-Free World public service announcements played on television.

Drug-Free South is the Tennessee Chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW). FDFW provides the Truth About Drugs booklets, the “They Said, They Lied” public service announcements, and the 100-minute documentary, The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories which all work together to provide students the facts on drugs. For more information, visit drugfreesouth.org.

Church of Scientology Announces Vital Seminar for World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day began in 1992 to raise public awareness of mental health issues, according to the World Health Organization. Taking issue with psychiatric harm in the name of help, the Nashville Church of Scientology will hold a seminar to provide parents and educators with tools to protect children from abusive treatment.

This seminar, called “Protecting Your Children’s Mental Health in a System Gone Wrong,” will take place October 8, 2015. The event will feature the Nashville Chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights and take place in the community hall of the Church of Scientology.

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) was co-founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus Dr. Thomas Szasz at a time when patients were being warehoused in institutions and stripped of all constitutional, civil and human rights, according to CCHR.org. It was established to bring dignity and human rights back to the field of mental health.

According to a Scientology religious code, Scientologists pledge “to expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health,” and thereby bring about an atmosphere of safety and security to mental healing. Members work with CCHR to help accomplish this goal.

CCHR Nashville announced the October 8 event with the message: “Hear from experts in law and healthcare who will help you understand how to protect your children from abuses in the mental health field.” CCHR is also encouraging friends and family of loved ones who have been abused by mental health practitioners to attend and speak with CCHR representatives.

The event takes place Oct 8^th at 1130 8th Avenue South in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit scientology-ccnashville.org/cchr.

World Humanitarian Day Recognized by Nashville Church of Scientology

A special event took place in Nashville recently for World Humanitarian Day. It was a special tribute to community, faith-based and non-profit leaders who were recognized for their efforts with an educational seminar on how to organize projects for success.

World Humanitarian Day, as the UN describes it, “…is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others.” The day was created by the UN General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

The day is also special because it causes people to stop and think about the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.

As a humanitarian simply means “someone who cares about and is actively working to help other people,” members of the Church of Scientology were glad to host an inspiring and uplifting seminar tailored for these people.  

Organizational leader Paul Silovsky delivered the workshop. He is an international consultant for physical therapy and other healthcare small businesses and a faculty member of Hands-On Seminars and Survival Strategies International.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from attendees. One attendee said, “This was so helpful. I’m about to launch a non-profit, and this gave me so much that I can use as I form it.” Others found they could put the information to use with groups they are already part of.

Humanitarian and Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it.” For more information on the church or its upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Nashville Church of Scientology Holds Tribute to World Humanitarian Day

What is World Humanitarian Day? The UN describes it like this: “World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others.” The day was created by the UN General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

The day is also special because it causes people to stop and think about the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.

What makes a humanitarian a humanitarian? The word itself simply means “someone who cares about and is actively working to help other people.”

The Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville exists to uplift people and provide help. That is why the Church is hosting a special workshop on World Humanitarian Day aimed at non-profits and faith-based leaders to help them in their work. 

Organizational leader Paul Silovsky will deliver the workshop. He is an international consultant for physical therapy and other healthcare small businesses and a faculty member of Hands-On Seminars and Survival Strategies International.

Humanitarian and Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it.” Anyone trying to help others is welcome to attend this important seminar in the Church of Scientology’s community hall on August 19. For more information or to reserve a seat, visit scientology-ccnashville.org or call the church at 615-687-4600. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Announces New Series of Breakfast Meetings

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council has announced a new series of meetings, beginning in September.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) was formed in the 1920s to promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website.  As such, the RCC is the oldest interfaith communications organization in the United States. In Nashville, the RCC Chapter is shifting the style of meetings to maintain the organization’s historic integrity while adjusting to 21^st century ideals.

Beginning in September, Nashville’s RCC meetings will consist of more open dialogue and communication among members about hot topics and current events. This shift comes after the organization’s executive committee did a survey of members and found that they were looking for more participation.

According to the President of the Nashville Chapter, Rev. Brian Fesler who also Pastors the Nashville Church of Scientology, the chapter meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of the month over breakfast. “The concept for these meetings will be to bring diverse people together to dialogue about hot topics and how we can unite to bring more inspiration and good news to the world,” he said.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, and more. For more information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Church of Scientology to Hold Special Congress on Ability

The Church of Scientology is known for its tools to help improve one’s life.  Some of these tools will be presented in a large gathering Aug 29-30.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville is hosting a two-day seminar later this month called the Ability Congress.  Humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who founded the Scientology religion first began bringing Scientologists and non-Scientologists together in the early 1950s to present his breakthrough materials about the essential components of life.  These meetings became known as “congresses,” from that word’s original meaning as an “assembly” or “coming together.”  Contained in Mr. Hubbard’s congress lectures are milestone discoveries about the spirit and the handling of life.

“A congress is open to everyone and anyone seeking to improve their lives,” says Pastor of the Church, Rev. Brian Fesler. “This congress is pertinent especially to people looking to help groups and organizations they are part of.”

The Ability Congress specifically addresses concerns about forging groups and organizations—even uniting nations. The congress will be filled with lectures as well as practical exercises designed to help the attendees increase their spiritual ability and improve the world around them.

Fesler continued, “Mr. Hubbard delivered these lectures in the formative years of Scientology.  They were well-attended and very popular because they unveiled major achievements and helped attendees learn valuable, life-changing skills.”  

The event will last all day Saturday Aug 29, and Sunday Aug 30, at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8^th Ave S, Nashville TN.  For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

Artlightenment Festival Announces Call for Artist Submissions

Artlightenment takes place in November at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville and organizers have just announced the call for visual art and films.

Each November, the Artlightenment Art and Film Festival dazzles Music City with a bright and modern mix of aesthetics.  It boasts a rich display of fashion, sculpture, paintings, photography as well as a fully-fledged film festival. It’s a fresh, eclectic mixture of popular art forms. 

Now in its seventh year, Artlightenment continues to grow and change while inviting even greater participation from the city. Even Nashville’s celebrity photographer, Raeanne Rubenstein, has become involved and allowed her photography to be viewed.

Organizers of the 2015 event have just released the call for art submissions. Visual artists may request space at the festival through an online form at artlightenment.com. Additionally, founder of Artlightenment, Robyn Morshead, has teamed up with FilmFreeway so filmmakers are able to submit films to the festival at no charge. On the Artlightenment Facebook Page, she writes, “Here is your chance to submit your films for free. Please go to www.filmfreeway.com and use the code ART9200. Get your entry in now before the festival fills up.”

According to the Artlightenment website, the festival was created from Morshead’s dream to help artists by giving them a festival dedicated to no other cause than the art itself. “This is a festival about them, the artists, and what they have to say,” says Morshead.

Artlightenment’s schedule this year begins at 6pm on November 7^th.  The art display will be up one week prior to the film and fashion portion, which will be Nov 12-14^th. The complete schedule can be seen at artlightenment.com.

The Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville is the festival host each year, in accordance with Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision to help all artists. All are invited. For more information, visit artlightenment.com.

Nashville Church of Scientology to Hold Special Workshop for Humanitarians

The Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville exists to uplift the leaders in society. Among those are the selfless individuals who give of themselves without thought of recompense: humanitarians. Later this month, the Church will host a special workshop designed to help them do their work more effectively.

The workshop will take place on the United Nations World Humanitarian Day and will be given by organizational leader, Paul Silovsky. Silovsky is an international consultant for physical therapy and other healthcare small businesses and a faculty member of Hands-On Seminars and Survival Strategies International. With his understanding of organizational prosperity, he wants to help those who work every day to help their fellow man: humanitarians.

According to worldhumanitarianday.org, the day was created to “commemorate all people who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the world.”

Humanitarian and Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it.”

Anyone trying to help others is welcome to attend this important seminar in the Church of Scientology’s community hall on August 19^th. For more information or to reserve a seat, visit scientology-ccnashville.org or call the church at 615-687-4600. 

Drug-Free South Working to Make the Community Safer

In the last month, there have been nearly five hundred crimes reported by the Nashville police department just in the Edgehill neighborhood alone. In response, the Drug-Free South is ramping up its efforts to promote healthy living and a drug-free way of life. The group took part in National Night Out Against Crime, working with community members and police to put an end to rampant crime and drug violations.

Night Out Against Crime is meant to stop crime before it starts. It was designed to heighten awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to natw.org.

This year marks the 32nd annual event held to combat drug use and prevent crime.  This is the 7^th year that Drug-Free South has participated in the Nashville festivities. Neighborhoods frequently celebrate with a mix of food, dancing, information booths and crime forums to help promote safer living. And this year was no different.

Gathering in the community room at Gernert Studio apartments, several policemen, firemen, pastors and government men met with Edgehill residents to talk positive strategies that will bring about change for the neighborhood. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for the Drug-Free South, was among those on the panel and shared information about the Truth About Drugs materials and how community members can benefit from using these materials.

Fesler showed the Truth About Drugs booklets, educator curriculum and more, and shared that these materials are available free of charge. “These materials are meant to be spread around and used by anyone and everyone. Law enforcement can arrest after it happens--we need to work together to prevent it,” he said.     

For more information on National Night Out, visit natw.org.  For more information on Drug-Free South or to order materials, visit drugfreesouth.org.

Nashville Church of Scientology Honors Friendship By Breaking Down Stereotypes

In light of recent news of violence in Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis, not to mention across the country, the Nashville Church of Scientology brought together several different groups to hash out stereotypes and bring people together for honest conversations. The occasion: International Day of Friendship.

Led by a Christian Minister, the dialogue focused on unearthing the reason behind racism and how to look at our fellows with a more positive view.

The Church of Scientology’s community hall was packed with a wide variety of people in an intentionally diverse mix. Attending the event were businessmen and women, non-profit leaders, former gang members, police officers, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians of varying denominations, African Americans, Asian Americans, Caucasians, Latinos and more.  

The dialogue took place on a day when friendship is celebrated across the world. “We hope that those attending took away the positive message to respect others regardless of skin color, religion or any other reason to think someone is different or should be cast aside,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology.

International Day of Friendship is an observance that was dignified in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly with the idea that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities,” according to un.org.

The Church of Scientology hosted the event as part of an ongoing effort to reach out to the community through its community betterment program, The Way to Happiness. Based on the book of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard, the program 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 are attainable. Several concepts 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.