Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Tour Dismas House

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 at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

During the COVID outbreak, the meetings shifted from in person gatherings to virtual zoom meetings once a month. The last meeting of this nature took place in May on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

On June 9^th RCC Nashville members are planning their first in person gathering to take place as a tour of Dismas House, which has the mission to “foster community awareness and understanding of the challenges and obstacles formerly incarcerated men face upon reentry by providing a system for personal transformation and growth as they transition back into society,” according to its website. Dismas House is committed to ensuring the safety of RCC members in addition to their residents. They are keeping up with current recommendations concerning social distance and proper cleaning and sanitizing. With their new space they are able to spread guests out, and also have disposable masks and gloves available.

“We’re very excited to be able to tour Dismas House for our very first in-person gathering since the COVID-19 outbreak,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the RCC Nashville chapter, “We will continue to encourage members to stay home if they feel safer, while we are shifting to in-person gatherings that maintain social distancing guidelines.”

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 Resources from the Stay Well Online Center

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response are known for helping communities during times of emergency.

The Church’s Volunteer Minister Corps are usually seen wearing bright yellow shirts sporting the unique Scientology Eight-Pointed Cross. This is a unique time wherein most cities and states are encouraging people to stay safer inside their homes and only go out for essential needs. Therefore, it was important for the church to do help, but in more of a virtual way to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Church of Scientology International created the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center at scientology.org/staywell. According to the website, “An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. This resource center was created to provide basic information about what you can do to help keep yourself and others well. All materials, including booklets and signage, are downloadable. We encourage you to use and share this information with others. Even though we are all keeping our distance, we are all in this together.”

Videos and downloadable resources on How to Keep Yourself and Others Well are available on the website. There are now 9 videos dedicated to helping prevent the spread of illness and keep everyone safe and healthy. Videos on the resource center include Why Prevention is Important, How to Wear Face Masks, How to Use Gloves, and the newest video Leaving & Returning Home.

These videos include helpful common sense guidelines including washing hands, avoiding hand-to-face contact, limiting the sharing of personal items, avoiding ill individuals and more.

On the Scientology.org/StayWell page, a booklet is available for digital download, and there are many more tips including how to properly put on a mask and how to properly sanitize. “By following the guidelines and precautions in this booklet, you can help prevent the spread of illness and maintain a healthy environment.”

“These tips are very helpful to the community right now,” says Julie Brinker who oversees Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “By using this information we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and help many people stay healthy.”

For more information or to learn more, visit Scientology.org/StayWell.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold First In-Person Meeting Since COVID Outbreak in June

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 at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

During the COVID outbreak, the meetings shifted from in person gatherings to virtual zoom meetings once a month. The last meeting of this nature took place in May on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

On June 9^th RCC Nashville members are planning their first in person gathering to take place as a tour of Dismas House, which has the mission to “foster community awareness and understanding of the challenges and obstacles formerly incarcerated men face upon reentry by providing a system for personal transformation and growth as they transition back into society,” according to its website. Dismas House is committed to ensuring the safety of RCC members in addition to their residents. They are keeping up with current recommendations concerning social distance and proper cleaning and sanitizing. With their new space they are able to spread guests out, and also have disposable masks and gloves available.

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.

Scientology Nashville Volunteer Ministers Reach Out to Help People Stay Well

As Nashville moves further into its phased reopening plan, a team of volunteers is making sure people understand best practices for prevention.

As local residents work with the city to safely move through the phased reopening of Nashville businesses and music venues, Scientology Volunteer Ministers are ensuring neighbors and community leaders have what they need to stay well.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Nashville are busy getting out a booklet called How to Keep Yourself & Others Well to friends and neighbors.

Nashville has recorded 4,500 COVID-19 cases, and the state of Tennessee has recorded over 18,000. As new facilities open, it is vital that people understand and use prevention. The booklet points out that although most people know that viruses spread, what they often don’t realize is that contagion is possible during “incubation periods”—before the person shows symptoms or realizes he is sick. That is why it is so important that safety precautions stay in place at all times to reduce the risk of spreading disease.

By implementing the basic guidelines in this booklet, people can enjoy the relaxed regulations while still taking an active role in ensuring the health of their friends, families, and those they meet on the street, in stores and at work.

Nashville Volunteer Ministers are always active alongside the many other proud residents of The Volunteer State during times of distress, from the 2010 Flood to the most recent tornadoes that passed through Nashville just this March.

Prevention is important. The Church of Scientology has created its How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center online to prevent the spread of illness and help people keep themselves and others well. With the motto “an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure,” the website includes information on how viruses and bacteria spread, how to properly wash your hands, the proper use of masks and gloves, social distancing tips, how to clean and sanitize your home, and what to do if you become sick or have symptoms.

The website is now available in 20 languages and is offered as a public service by the Church of Scientology. For more information, visit Scientology.org/StayWell.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds Virtual Meeting, Inspires Leaders

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 at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

In early May, RCC Nashville held its second virtual zoom meeting on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

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. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

“Spread A Smile” Music Video Surpasses 10 Million YouTube Views

Grammy Award-winning legends Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Mark Isham and David Campbell have a digital milestone to smile about.

Nashville, TN—The Church of Scientology Nashville is pleased to announce a new milestone for the brand new music video “Spread a Smile,” which features Grammy Award-winning music legends teaming up to help spread a smile and stay well.  

“Spread a Smile,” a modern-day “WE ARE THE WORLD,” has now hit over 10 million YouTube views, generating an international following across more than 100 nations.

This uniquely inspired collaboration comprises an ensemble filming from their homes around the world. Artists participated from New York, Los Angeles, London, Bogotá, Milan, Melbourne, Cape Town and more than a dozen other cities across Europe and the United States.

“Spread a Smile” tells viewers that, even if you’re stuck at home, you can lift the world up by spreading positivity. It’s a message harmonized throughout the video by Smash Mouth’s Greg Camp, radio and television personality Kerri Kasem, Australian icon Kate Ceberano, Chilean singer-songwriter Alberto Plaza, Argentine star Diego Verdaguer, Israeli guitarist extraordinaire David Broza, Cuban-born bass virtuoso Carlitos Del Puerto, Idols South Africa star Tebogo Louw and Colombian actor-comedian Andrés López.

Written and produced by Scientology Media Productions, “Spread a Smile” is about the power of togetherness, even in a time when we’re all apart. The video further raises awareness about basic prevention and wellness resources available at the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center. The center provides materials, including PSAs, booklets and signage—all downloadable for free online at Scientology.org/StayWell.

Even though we are all keeping our distance, we are all in this together.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Scientology.org/StayWell

EMBED THE VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/dXXWNgRfV-0

#StayWell

________________

Scientology Media Productions, located in Hollywood, California, is home to the Scientology Network. Broadcasting 24/7 from the studio, Scientology Network is available at DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed live in 17 languages at scientology.tv as well as streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, YouTube and mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. Since launching in March 2018, the network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide.
           

Nashville Actress Turned Mask-Maker Donates Hundreds of Designer Masks to Frontlines Heroes

Like many, Elisabeth Donaldson—a successful actress, photographer, stylist and Scientologist—found her life turned upside down in a matter of hours once COVID-19 hit.

“I went from ‘living the dream,’ with two feature films in the works, to my entire industry shutting down,” she said.

After recovering from the shock, Donaldson began searching for what she could do. Donaldson’s mother, an award-winning quilter, had recently posted an online tutorial on how to make face masks. Donaldson had been sewing since she could remember, even dragging her mother to the fabric store as a child so she could make a skirt for her stuffed hippo.

Donaldson pulled out fabric from her garage, hit the sewing machine and posted a photo of her first on social media: a mask bursting with sunflowers, announcing she was making the protective item for those who needed it. She expected to get about 20 requests in all. She got about 400—in the first few days.

Donaldson stayed up around the clock to fulfill the orders and donated a mask for every one she sold. Soon she was furnishing local hospitals and first responders with the trendy piece of protective gear, using special superhero-patterned fabric for these humanitarians on the frontlines.

“I pick a hospital and drop off masks at their front door or provide them to Salvation Army workers who are helping the homeless,” Donaldson says, who has now donated hundreds of her creations with the help of her friend, Sally Harvey Anderson. “These are the people putting their lives on the line to care for the most at-risk populations or those who already have COVID-19, so it’s incredibly satisfying to be able to provide them some calm and peace of mind and to bring them comfort and health. It’s taking a situation that could otherwise make you feel scared and strange and turning it into something that can be potentially beautiful.”

While Donaldson has gotten orders from North Dakota to Philadelphia, those who live in Nashville are invited to drop by Donaldson’s front porch to pick up their masks to ease the burden on the post office. There, Donaldson also provides the “How to Keep Yourself & Others Well” booklet, which lays out with clarity the vital basics on a broad range of prevention measures, including how to put on and take off a mask and gloves. The booklet, one of a set of informational booklets downloadable for free on the online How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center, was created as a public service by the Church of Scientology.

“The way that you manage any crisis is you learn what you need to learn to stay safe, and you do what you can to stay productive and on top of it,” says Donaldson through the chatter of her sewing machine, as she describes spending her mid-April birthday making masks. 

Donaldson attributes her ability to rebound and adapt to Scientology. “Scientology gives you tools to help you recover quickly. What I’ve learned is that life never stops being hard, but the more you can assist yourself to become stronger and better equipped, the more you can deal with the difficulties of life in an intelligent way,” she says. “If you have a system that helps you deal with failure so you know how to get on top of a negative situation, you’re just always going to be able to win.”

Donaldson feels she is one of many in Nashville stepping up, getting things done, and making it happen. “This is why this is my home,” she says. “This is a community filled with people who are always going to help each other.”

“That’s what started it all is I just wanted to be helpful—to do something that was useful. Fortunately, it became extraordinarily useful, and was able to help me, help my friends and the community all at the same time.”

Donaldson’s contribution, she says, is making health and safety a bit more approachable, aesthetic, comfortable and something that feels good, that people can be proud of.

“I feel really lucky,” she says. “I keep thinking ‘I’m so lucky I can sew.’”