Author Archives: Church of Scientology International

Scientology Network Shares Vital Information on International Overdose Awareness Day

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On International Overdose Awareness Day, a full day of drug-prevention programming on the Scientology Network provides solutions at the grassroots level. The Church of Scientology International invites parents, educators and civic and community leaders wishing to make a difference about the drug overdose crisis to see how leaders in the field of drug prevention are making an impact on this urgent issue.

Beginning at 5:30 a.m. EDT on International Overdose Awareness Day, Scientology Network is airing shows on how leaders in the field of drug prevention are making a difference, using the Truth About Drugs materials of Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

"Voices for Humanity" episodes feature drug prevention heroes from across the globe:

* Michael DeLeon, founder of Steered Straight nonprofit, travels across the U.S. educating millions of people about the danger of drugs.

* Darren Tessitore has reached an estimated 3.1 million students with the truth about drugs through partnership with driver education groups.

* Meghan Fialkoff leads a corps of drug prevention volunteers educating inner-city schoolchildren in New York on the dangers of drugs.

* Former El Salvadoran Air Force Officer Hugo Angulo Rogel reaches youth in his country's schools with his popular anti-drug program.

* Maite Marques, a former drug addict, who lived on the streets in the Philippines before turning her life around, became an inspirational leading voice in the battle to educate the country's youth on the devastating effects of street drugs.

* The Jive Aces, U.K.'s No.1 Jive & Swing band, promote a drug-free lifestyle through their high-energy shows and music and their unrelenting commitment to community service and helping others.

* Vasu Yajnik started a movement to combat the culture of drug use in India.

* Dr. Beatriz Villarreal made it her life's mission to combat drug abuse in the Latino community of San Diego, California, by educating families on the dangers of drugs.

* Vlastimil Špalek has taken on the drug culture in his native Czech Republic, the largest producer of crystal meth in Europe.

* Ingrida Lingyte has created a drug prevention movement throughout Colombia to educate youth on the dangers of drugs.

* Barry Paul fights against the culture of drugs and violence that has destroyed many families in his native Kenya.

* Carmen Margro, a former drug addict, now brings hope to entire communities by leading a movement in South Africa to provide information on the devastating effects of drugs.

* Khai Aziz, a legendary punk rock musician in Malaysia uses his celebrity to take on the drug culture and educate at-risk youth throughout his country

Programming also includes Foundation for a Drug-Free World's youth-friendly public service announcements that dispel pro-drug myths about the most commonly abused drugs.

Also airing is the award-winning feature-length Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Learn how to use the Truth About Drugs program to save lives. Visit the Scientology Network on International Overdose Awareness Day.

The Scientology Network debuted March 12, 2018. Since launched with a welcome by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

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Caption: A full day of drug prevention programming on the Scientology Network on International Overdose Awareness Day.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, a full day of drug-prevention programming on the Scientology Network provides solutions at the grassroots level. The Church of Scientology International invites parents, educators and civic and community leaders wishing to make a difference about the drug overdose crisis to see how leaders in the field of drug prevention are making an impact on this urgent issue.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Church of Scientology Reaches Out to Help Turn the Tide on Overdose Awareness Day

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- With the CDC reporting overdose deaths up 30 percent in 2020, the Church of Scientology International reaches out with vital information anyone may use to take effective action at home and in their communities. Effective drug education is more urgent now than ever. Because the best time to end drug abuse is before it begins.

Scientology Churches around the world are marking International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, by providing one of the most important deterrents to drug abuse, addiction and overdose: The Truth.

"We have been in the forefront of drug education for more than three decades," says Fabio Amicarelli, Director of Humanitarian Programs of the Church of Scientology International. "The results of the Truth About Drugs campaign of Foundation for a Drug-Free World confirm that when young people are presented with the unvarnished facts about what drugs are and what drugs do they are far more likely to reject them on their own."

Drug education and prevention work. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime states, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

To empower anyone wishing to take effective action to help reverse this devastating crisis, Scientology Churches are scheduling drug prevention open houses where anyone may learn how to use this campaign, receive booklets and videos, and request training on how to deliver the entire program. The Church of Scientology provides its award-winning Truth About Drugs resources free of charge to educators, parents, school resource officers, nonprofits and community leaders.

The Truth About Drugs initiative:

* Is available in 20 languages in 96 countries.

* Its public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary have aired on 850 TV stations.

* More than 395,000 people have enrolled on the free online drug education eCourse on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website at www.drugfreeworld.org.

* The Foundation has reached some 13 million students through more than 30,000 schools, institutions and groups that use the Truth About Drugs curriculum.

Scientology Network will mark International Overdose Awareness Day with a full day of relevant programming-a marathon dedicated to raising awareness on the true dangers of drugs to reverse the rising tide of drug overdoses. This will include episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity illustrating how dedicated activists use the Truth About Drugs campaign to create a sea change in their communities.

To make these materials available to anyone wishing to tackle the drug crisis, the Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center in Los Angeles, California, produces and ships out Truth About Drugs booklets, DVDs and education packages free of charge to parents, educators, law enforcement, community groups and nonprofits.

For more information, contact the nearest Church of Scientology. To access all Truth About Drugs materials and enroll on free eCourses available in 20 languages, visit the Foundation for Drug-Free World website. And tune in August 31 to the Scientology Network for a full day of drug prevention programming, available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and streaming at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

The Founder of Scientology is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

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*Caption: Truth About Drugs initiative at Times Square, New York.

With the CDC reporting overdose deaths up 30 percent in 2020, the Church of Scientology International reaches out with vital information anyone may use to take effective action at home and in their communities. Effective drug education is more urgent now than ever. Because the best time to end drug abuse is before it begins.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

On World Humanitarian Day, Scientology Salutes Those Who Help in Times of Need

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- World Humanitarian Day, August 19, "recognizes the efforts of aid workers who put their lives on the line to help affected people during times of global crisis." With the number and severity of natural disasters escalating and a pandemic that continues to surge, World Humanitarian Day takes on entirely new dimensions. The past 18 months have truly put the dedication and resources of humanitarians to the test. The Church of Scientology International extends thanks to:

* Healthcare workers who have put their own and their families' lives at risk to save the lives of others

* Firefighters battling the worst fire season on record in Turkey, Greece, Siberia and across the Western United States

* Organizations and individuals who tackle food insecurity in COVID-19 hot spots and disaster zones across the globe

* And the millions of men and women who reach out to those in need with personal service, acts of kindness, and who donate the funds that support victims and first responders.

"We salute the many organizations and groups our Volunteer Ministers partner with to bring indiscriminate help to those in need," says Olivia McDuff from the Public Affairs Office of the Church of Scientology International.

Traditionally, World Humanitarian Day is a time when Scientology Churches honor Volunteer Ministers who serve in their communities in times of disaster and throughout the year. And this has been an unprecedented era of help. Since the pandemic began, Scientology Volunteer Ministers teams responded to tornados in the Czech Republic and Nashville, Tennessee; earthquakes in Croatia, Pakistan and most recently Haiti; hurricanes in Costa Rica and Guatemala; fires in Greece, Sardinia, Oregon and Northern California; floods in Germany, Belgium and Greece; an oil spill in Israel, and a volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

But the main thrust of Volunteer Ministers has been helping their communities get through the pandemic safe and well.

On March 13, 2020, the birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, reminded Scientologists of a maxim coined by Mr. Hubbard: "An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure..." Mr. Miscavige set the tone of the Church's response to the pandemic: "Well, how about a ton of prevention so as not to require an ounce of cure?"

To protect Scientology Churches, staff, parishioners and their communities, the Church researched and compiled authoritative and effective guidelines for dealing with such an outbreak and distilled them into a series of illustrated booklets written in simple, direct language anyone can understand.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers distributed more than 7.5 million copies of these booklets in 189 cities on six continents. They provided these booklets to essential businesses for their customers and to neighbors throughout their communities to ensure they understand how to protect themselves and their families.

Scientologists set up and manned helplines in Milan, Italy; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Sacramento, California. In cities across the world, Scientology Volunteer Ministers worked with other nonprofits to provide needed medical equipment, food, prescriptions and clothing to the vulnerable in their communities. They set up and contributed to food distribution drives, and helped at COVID-19 testing and vaccination stations.

The Church also researched and implemented the most effective decontaminant system available and provided training in its use to Scientology Churches worldwide. In addition to using this to protect their own Churches, Scientologists reached out in their communities with help:

* In Aruba, the Freewinds Scientology religious retreat, in coordination with the Aruba Fire Brigade, sanitized churches, public facilities and every school in the country. They were recognized for contributing to Aruba's being able to reopen its borders to tourism.

* The Freewinds also worked with Volunteer Ministers in Mexico, where a team of Scientologists was honored for sanitizing churches including the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destination in the world.

* The Volunteer Ministers from the ship trained teams from Scientology Churches and Missions in Colombia, Ecuador and Panama, who took on sanitizing houses of worship in their communities.

* Scientologists in Birmingham, England, also worked with the city's religious community to ensure the safety of parishioners, as did Scientologists in so many other locations, including Padua, Italy; Sydney, Australia; and Stuttgart, Germany.

But nowhere was the contribution of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers more vital and appreciated than in South Africa. Their work is documented in a series of videos on the Scientology website. To date, South African Volunteer Ministers have sanitized 2.9 million square feet of healthcare centers, orphanages, police and fire stations, transportation hubs, buses, and minibus taxis. They have distributed 1 million Stay Well booklets in English, Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho. They have trained some 12,000 people on Scientology Volunteer Ministers courses. In all, they have contributed more than a million volunteer hours to help their country through these challenging times.

In creating the program in the mid-1970s, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that a Volunteer Minister "helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others... A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

With the events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige called on Scientologists to redouble their efforts to aid their fellow man. He issued a directive entitled "The Wake-Up Call," which has inspired exponential growth within the Volunteer Minister movement.

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*Caption: South African Scientology Volunteer Ministers work with local fire departments, sanitizing ambulances to ensure the safety of first responders and patients.

World Humanitarian Day, August 19, "recognizes the efforts of aid workers who put their lives on the line to help affected people during times of global crisis." With the number and severity of natural disasters escalating and a pandemic that continues to surge, World Humanitarian Day takes on entirely new dimensions. The Church of Scientology International extends thanks to numerous orgs.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Extending the Broad Reach of Scientology-Sponsored Humanitarian Initiatives

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Church of Scientology has long sponsored programs for the betterment of their communities and the world at large. These focus on eradicating social ills: from drug abuse and addiction to rampant violation of human rights and the lack of a moral compass that breeds corruption and crime. The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center is the engine behind the broad reach of these humanitarian campaigns, including the Church's international response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 185,000-square-foot facility, the Scientology Dissemination and Distribution Center houses manufacturing, distribution and administration and is entirely operated by Church staff.

The Center generates materials for the more than 11,000 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups worldwide, enabling these organizations to meet the growing demand for Scientology services and programs. Here, Church magazines are printed in 17 languages on a custom-built 121-ton web press that automatically switches print jobs from one language to another without stopping or even slowing down.

A string of industry awards attests to the quality of its products, including 11 print excellence Awards for 2020-2021 from the PIASC, the largest printing industry association in America.

The Center produces all educational materials for Church-sponsored humanitarian programs and provides these free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement and institutions in the private sector. The in-house cost to produce materials is about 10 percent of what the Church previously paid commercial printers. All of this is made possible by the generous donations of Scientologists from across the world.

In March 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center became essential to the Church's international response.

In a message two days after the pandemic was declared, on March 13, 2020, the birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, Mr. David Miscavige ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, reminded Scientologists of a maxim coined by Mr. Hubbard: "An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure." And he set the tone of the Church's response to the pandemic: "Well, how about a ton of prevention so as not to require an ounce of cure?"

To protect Scientology Churches, staff, parishioners and their communities, the Church compiled the most authoritative and effective guidelines for dealing with such an outbreak and distilled them into a series of illustrated booklets written in simple, direct language anyone can understand.

The booklets and dozens of informational videos were published on the Scientology How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center, where they can be viewed or downloaded free of charge.

Meanwhile, the Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center fired up its presses, running them 24/7, and produced 17,500 booklets an hour in 21 languages.

The plan was for Volunteer Ministers from every Scientology Church and Mission to distribute these booklets in their communities. To ensure they could do so safely, the Dissemination and Distribution Center produced more than 35,000 pieces of Volunteer Minister protective gear and shipped these out with the booklets.

Then Volunteer Ministers carried out this educational campaign in their communities to help neighbors understand how to stay well. They handed out more than 7.5 million booklets to essential businesses for their customers and door-to-door in their neighborhoods.

The Center is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network. Inside the Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center shows how the Church fused cutting-edge technology with its own organizational policy to bring purpose and dedication to manufacturing, creating a massive, modern, state-of-the-art phenomenon of printing, publishing and manufacturing technology.

This episode is available on the Scientology Network at DIRECTV 320. It can also be streamed at Scientology.tv and through satellite television, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Media Queries: mediarelations@churchofscientology.net

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Caption: Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center.

The Church of Scientology has long sponsored programs for the betterment of their communities and the world at large. These focus on eradicating social ills: from drug abuse and addiction to rampant violation of human rights and the lack of a moral compass that breeds corruption and crime.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Churches of Scientology Promote Community Partnership on National Night Out

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientologists across America took a stand against drug abuse and crime August 3 by joining local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations to make National Night Out 2021 special for their communities. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and raises awareness about crime and drug prevention. The Church of Scientology International has backed this initiative for more than three decades.

Scientologists took part in events ranging from neighborhood barbecues, live concerts and family fun days hosted by their Church of Scientology to helping organize neighborhood events and providing drug and crime prevention materials to those attending.

"We support this initiative and its purpose of making neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live," says Fabio Amicarelli, Director of Humanitarian Programs of the Church of Scientology International.

The numbers show a clear relationship between drug use and crime:

* 21 percent of those sentenced in state prisons and local jails are incarcerated for crimes committed to obtain drugs or money for drugs.

* Drugs are a factor in almost 40 percent of those jailed or imprisoned for property crimes.

* 14 percent of those incarcerated for violent crimes report they committed their most serious offenses for drug-related reasons.

Scientology Churches sponsor chapters of Foundation for a Drug-Free World and the Foundation's award-winning Truth About Drugs initiative. They also provide drug education specialist training and work with local educators, police, churches and nonprofits to reach youth on this vital subject.

And in a direct address to crime, they use The Way to Happiness, the common-sense moral code written by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. With it, they assist community crime prevention efforts and provide police and correctional officers with tools to help inmates and ex-offenders become ethical and productive members of their communities.

Examples of the use and success of these programs are documented in the original television series Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

Learn more about "The Way to Happiness" at: https://www.thewaytohappiness.org/

For more information, contact
Church of Scientology International Media Relations
mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
(323) 960-3500

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*Caption: Presenting police and firefighters with certificates of appreciation at National Night Out event at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles.

Scientologists across America took a stand against drug abuse and crime August 3 by joining local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations to make National Night Out 2021 special for their communities. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and raises awareness about crime and drug prevention.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

For World Friendship Day, the Church of Scientology Shares the Key to Lasting Relationships

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes "friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals" and seeks to "inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."

In observing this UN Day, Scientologists share two precepts from "The Way to Happiness," the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, that hold the key to lasting friendships:

* "Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you," and

* "Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you."

"Among many peoples in many lands for many ages there have been versions of what is called 'The Golden Rule,'" wrote Mr. Hubbard. "The philosophic question concerning wrongdoing, the argument of what is wrong is answered at once on a personal basis: Would you not like that to happen to you? No? Then it must be a harmful action and, from society's viewpoint, a wrong action. It can awaken social consciousness. It can then let one work out what one should do and what one should not do."

As to the second and positive version of the rule, "One can get into a lot of conflicting opinions and confusions about what 'good behavior' might be," Mr. Hubbard wrote. "If one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues. Just figure out how you would want people to treat you."

The full text of these precepts, available on the website of The Way to Happiness Foundation, provide know-how for an individual wishing to implement the guidelines personally or take them up with others to help them salvage or enhance interpersonal relationships.

Putting these and the other 19 precepts of "The Way to Happiness" into action has everything to do with the purpose of International Friendship Day, because, as Mr. Hubbard points out:

"Aside from personal benefit, one can take a hand, no matter how small, in beginning a new era for human relations.

"The pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore."

Scientology Churches mark International Friendship Day with open house events and forums where they share successful application of "The Way to Happiness" in addressing issues of importance to the community. They also reach out with "The Way to Happiness" information stands and distribution events to share the booklet and its wealth of knowledge.

An interactive timeline on the Scientology website documents how the Church of Scientology Kansas City and local community activists used "The Way to Happiness" in Peace Rides, based on the effectiveness of Peace Rides in Los Angeles. The KC team distributed "The Way to Happiness" to promote a climate of unity and peace, counter violence and reverse the city's climbing homicide rate. In honor of the event, Kansas City rapper and recording artist Kodde One wrote the anthem "Hold Yo' Head High" to help spread the booklet's message of brotherhood throughout the city.

Other examples of the impact of "The Way to Happiness" are featured on the Scientology Network in episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity, which spotlights the work of humanitarians using the booklet to address societal needs.

These episodes include the work of:

* Rev. Father Teddy Sichinga, who uses "The Way to Happiness" to empower poverty-stricken farmers and villagers in Zambia;

* Diana Pedroni, who in partnership with the director of National Prevention and Citizen Security in the Dominican Republic, distributed the booklet throughout the country resulting in a 21 percent drop in crime;

* Rosalba and José Cordero and their Social Development and Recovery of Values Association, who not only educate young people with these precepts in schools, they also bring the program to inmates across Mexico's entire prison system resulting in 99 percent of their graduates living lives free of crime.

Those using "The Way to Happiness" in their communities share rave reviews of its effectiveness:

"I firmly believe that "The Way to Happiness" can change the perspective of many people to life and difficult situations that arise in it," writes the coordinator of social rehabilitation and rehabilitation center for young offenders.

"Extremely motivating and inspiring. Moreover, in this world of intolerance and violence, the messages of peace and sharing can bring about a change in the world," wrote a teacher.

"Two precepts really took my daughter's interest," wrote a parent. "'Be Industrious' and 'Flourish and Prosper.' She never looked back after that and has since carried a seemingly unkillable momentum and spirit about life. I have no doubt what started her turnaround. It was 'The Way to Happiness'."

For more information on "The Way to Happiness," contact your local Church of Scientology or visit the website of The Way to Happiness Foundation.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@churchofscientology.net

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Caption: Scientology Churches hold open house events and forums featuring "The Way to Happiness" and its application in society.

The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes "friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals" and seeks to "inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

On Mandela Day, Scientology Churches Honor Madiba’s Legacy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Protecting the most basic human right of all, the right to life, South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to serve Mandela's beloved country.

Mandela Day commemorates the birthday of Nelson Mandela "in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom." Its message: "Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better." It is this very purpose that has inspired South African Scientology Volunteer Ministers every day since the pandemic began. The Church of Scientology International features their work in a series of videos on an interactive timeline on the Scientology website.

With a Level 4 lockdown in place in the country to counter the third wave of COVID-19, Scientology Volunteer Ministers of South Africa marked Mandela Day 2021 by suiting up and heading out for yet another day of service.

In response to the pandemic, since March 2020, these volunteers have:

* Provided more than 1.1 million hours of service to their communities

* Sanitized well over a million vehicles including taxis, ambulances, buses, fire trucks and police cars

* Sanitized some 66,000 buildings, including orphanages, senior residences, schools, shelters and other facilities housing essential services.

The volunteers also provide educational booklets to help people understand how to keep themselves and their families safe by applying effective protocols. These booklets, available to read or download from the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center on the Scientology website, are published in 21 languages including Zulu, Sotha and Xhosa-the native languages of nearly half the nation. South African Volunteer Ministers have handed out more than a million copies of Stay Well booklets.

One of the stories featured on the interactive timeline on the Scientology website quotes an executive in the railroad sector.

"In my entire career life, I have not actually been contacted by someone who wants to assist government," she said. Some 300,000 people travel through the Johannesburg station daily and although their crews disinfect and clean, they have not been able to decontaminate them. When this executive heard that the Scientology volunteers offered to do this, she thought "Is this for real?" And she rushed to the station to see for herself and was amazed to see them performing this service free of charge.

"You do things with discipline, with commitment and with precision," said another transportation executive. "That's what I've learned from each one of you. The passion-it will remain with me."

"You guys came in here to help us," said the SAPS (South African Police Service) colonel in charge of a Johannesburg precinct in one of the videos. "You guys take care of our foot soldiers by sterilizing our vehicles. This is what we call police-community partnership. It sends a message to everyone."

The volunteers also clean and sanitize orphanages and homes for the elderly and train caregivers on how to protect themselves and those under their charge. One caregiver described his dilemma: although it puts him at risk to come to work, he sets his concerns aside because those in his facility need his help. He is grateful that the Volunteer Ministers disinfected the home and made sure the staff and their beneficiaries learned how to care for themselves.

Mandela Day emphasizes empowering others to serve, and here too the Volunteer Ministers excel. By training others on the skills of the Volunteer Minister, they have impacted the lives of more than 11,000 South Africans who have taken part in Scientology Tools for Life seminars and courses.

When she started learning the 19 Tools for Life Courses, a school principal didn't want to stop until she finished them all. "They are related to my everyday life and living," she said.

A bishop from Pretoria said this knowledge is the key to eradicating poverty and hunger.

A pastor from Mmametlhake said the Scientology courses completely changed how she counsels her congregation because now she can listen and once she understands what is bothering them, she has a spiritual toolkit she can empower them with.

A pastor from Pretoria admitted that he thought he "knew it all," but he now sees he didn't. "These courses helped me be a better person," he said.

The Church of Scientology response to the pandemic has been global and is illustrated by more than 1,200 images and 14 videos at 20/21: A Look Behind & A Look Ahead on the Scientology website. The interactive timeline including all videos may be viewed in 17 languages.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-1970s. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces.

For more information, visit https://www.scientology.org/2021/.

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*Caption: Since the pandemic began, Scientology Volunteer Ministers of South Africa have provided more than 1.1 million hours of service to their communities

Protecting the most basic human right of all, the right to life, South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to serve Mandela's beloved country. Mandela Day commemorates the birthday of Nelson Mandela "in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Free Online Scientology Courses in 18 Languages Can Help Mentors Equip Youth for Success

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- For UN World Youth Skills Day, celebrated July 15, the Church of Scientology International provides skills training resources for mentors, nonprofits and community programs to help youth improve their ability to learn new skills and survive in today's competitive and challenging world. These are available free of charge on the Scientology website at Scientology.org/courses.

According to the United Nations, youth employment fell 8.7 percent in 2020, and "young people aged 15-24 have been even more severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis than adults." This underscores the importance of World Youth Skills Day, celebrated annually since 2014.

In alignment with the purpose of this UN day, to "celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship," the Church of Scientology International shares this free training. Available in 18 languages, these courses are based on technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to improve the quality of life.

Youth face different challenges in developing countries than those living in centers of commerce and industry, but no matter the culture or environment, these are basic skills to help youth succeed.

Each is introduced with a brief video that previews the skills covered in the course.

They can be viewed on the Scientology website, Scientology.org/courses, and the Scientology Network at Scentology.tv.

There are 19 courses in all on the Scientology website, but those that relate most to forwarding the goals of World Youth Skills Day cover:
* How to learn, understand and successfully apply the skills of any subject
* The exact formula of successful communication and how to vastly improve the ability to communicate with anyone
* Tools for the workplace to help overcome exhaustion and regain enthusiasm for work
* How to set targets and achieve goals
* How to organize any activity for success
* Precise formulas to follow to improve conditions in any aspect of work or life
* How to discover the real reason behind failure and turn it around
* The key to gaining support from others for ideas and endeavors

Students move through courses at their own pace. Course materials are also integrated within the online course, and all are available free of charge. Anyone needing assistance with course assignments is welcome to contact the online course supervisor using a "Need help?" button.

"The Tools for the Workplace course was a great experience," wrote one student on completion of the course. "It was certainly a powerful read. It helped me realize that I could very easily overcome confusion, and better familiarize myself with and utilize any kind of machine or object I may be working with."

The Communication Course helped another student learn to "look for signs in other people that say they don't understand, and how to communicate properly so they will understand... So many people think that if they're talking, they're communicating, but there's so much more to it."

"Now I have much more understanding of my working environment and I can also help others," said yet another student.

Each of these courses on Scientology.org is based on technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard for bringing about positive change in the conditions of an individual's life. None of these courses depend on beliefs or faith. In Scientology, the emphasis is squarely on an exact application of its principles toward the improvement of one's life and the world in which we live.

The founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

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*VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp0TJ4aKck0

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0714s2p-cos-youth-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: For World Youth Skills Day, the Church of Scientology offers free online training to those helping youth learn the skills they need to succeed.

For UN World Youth Skills Day, celebrated July 15, the Church of Scientology International provides skills training resources for mentors, nonprofits and community programs to help youth improve their ability to learn new skills and survive in today's competitive and challenging world. These are available free of charge on the Scientology website at Scientology.org/courses.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Celebrating Freedom and the Founding of the Church of Scientology in the Nation’s Capital July 4, 1955

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Established July 4, by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, D.C., holds a unique place in the history of the Scientology religion. It was inaugurated blocks from the White House and served as the first fully formed center of Scientology training and religious counseling and the first international administrative headquarters for the burgeoning religion, according to the Church of Scientology International.

Located at 1812 19th St NW, just over a mile from the White House, it was from his office on the second floor that Mr. Hubbard served as Executive Director and coordinated its activities and churches on five continents.

In dedicating the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, D.C. in 2012, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, highlighted "freedom" as essential element in Scientology Scripture and made it clear that Mr. Hubbard selected that date and location for inaugurating the new international headquarters quite deliberately. "Just as this nation was founded upon the principles of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, so too those principles are woven into the very fabric of our Scripture," he said.

Mr. Miscavige pointed out that the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, whose adoption is celebrated on Independence Day, are incorporated in the Creed of the Church of Scientology, published in 1954. The Creed affirms:

That all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights.

That all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance.

That all men have inalienable rights to their own defense.

That all men have inalienable rights to conceive, choose, assist or support their own organizations, churches and governments.

That all men have inalienable rights to think freely, to talk freely, to write freely their own opinions and to counter or utter or write upon the opinions of others.

And that no agency less than God has the power to suspend or set aside these rights, overtly or covertly.

The full text of the Creed is available in a video on the Scientology Network, as is a three-part series chronicling in Mr. Hubbard's own voice, his life and discoveries.

In an essay published in August 1954, L. Ron Hubbard wrote:

"We are extending to you the precious gift of freedom and immortality-factually, honestly.

"You are a spirit. You are your own soul. You are not mortal. You can be free."

In that same essay, he credits America with having "kept wide the doorway" for this accomplishment "by retaining religious freedom."

To learn more about L. Ron Hubbard and the Scientology religion, visit the Scientology website or learn about the beliefs and practices of the religion on the Scientology Network. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV platforms.

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*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0706s2p-cos-washdc-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Founding Church of Scientology, Washington, D.C., established at 1812 19th St NW July 4, 1955, by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard

Established July 4, by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, D.C., holds a unique place in the history of the Scientology religion. It was inaugurated blocks from the White House and served as the first fully formed center of Scientology training and religious counseling.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Why the Church of Scientology and Scientologists Support Drug Prevention

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- This weekend on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and throughout the year, the Church of Scientology International and Scientologists help youth make the self-determined decision to live drug-free. Why? Because drug prevention works. And it saves young lives.

After a year marked by soaring drug overdose and drug-related violent crime, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime chose a theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, June 26, that resonates with Scientologists who live the motto throughout the year-Share Facts on Drugs: Save Lives.

Scientology Churches provide drug education specialist training, sponsor chapters of Foundation for a Drug-Free World, and work with local educators, police, churches and nonprofits to reach youth on this vital subject.

One teacher who uses the program shared why he recommends the Foundation for a Drug-Free World's Truth About Drugs program to anyone wishing to help kids on this urgent subject. "Exposure to this program could be the one thing that prevents them from traveling the road to addiction."

Another, who has used Drug-Free World materials as part of her curriculum for years, describes them as "a powerful tool to inform students and teachers of the dangers of drug use and abuse."

A police officer told the Foundation, "I teach a course on street drugs and drug-free education as part of my law enforcement/criminal justice program to high school juniors and seniors," and he wants to spread the word and to be listed as a Drug-Free World chapter.

On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking campaign website, the UN "invites everyone to do their part, by taking a firm stance against misinformation and unreliable sources; while committing to sharing only the real science-backed data on drugs and save lives."

The award-winning Truth About Drugs initiative:

* Is available in 26 languages in 96 countries.

* Its public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary air on 850 TV stations.

* More than 135,000 people have completed the free online drug education eCourse on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website at www.drugfreeworld.org.

* The Foundation has reached some 13 million students through more than 30,000 schools, institutions and groups that use the Truth About Drugs curriculum.

To make these materials available to anyone wishing to tackle the drug crisis, the Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center in Los Angeles, California, produces and ships out Truth About Drugs booklets, DVDs and education packages free of charge to parents, educators, law enforcement, community groups and nonprofits.

In honor of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Scientology Network featured a full day of drug prevention films and documentaries. Scientology Churches held drug prevention open houses. And Scientologists, working with drug-prevention advocates in their communities, took part in rallies and set up drug information stands to make this vital information broadly available.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

For more information, visit the Scientology Network or the Scientology Newsroom: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0628s2p-cos-prev-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Churches of Scientology and Scientologists support Foundation for a Drug-Free World and promote drug education and prevention in their communities throughout the year.

This weekend on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and throughout the year, the Church of Scientology International and Scientologists help youth make the self-determined decision to live drug-free. Why? Because drug prevention works. And it saves young lives.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Honored for Their Help at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mexico Scientologists and their families were honored for their service to Catholic church officials and parishioners with a special Mass at the Iglesia Santa Maria de Guadalupe Capuchinas, part of the complex of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

According to the Church of Scientology International, as Mexico began to open up, these volunteers took on the task of sanitizing and decontaminating places of worship so those wishing to practice their faith could do so in safety.

Most years, some 20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica, most of them in December to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. The Basilica is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. But in December 2020, with Mexico's mounting cases of COVID-19 and one of the highest rates of coronavirus casualties internationally, the church took the unprecedented step of shutting the doors of the Basilica to prevent the spread of the virus.

To Mexico's Scientology Volunteer Ministers, veterans of disaster response missions at home and abroad, the pandemic was a completely different kind of catastrophe to those they were used to dealing with-one requiring prevention. Nonetheless, because of the insight of Church leadership, they were well prepared to help.

Even before the pandemic was declared, thanks to the foresight of ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, and in keeping with the maxim of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that "an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure," the Church researched the most effective prevention methods and distilled them into a series of illustrated booklets and public service announcements presented in simple, direct language anyone can understand. These were made available in 21 languages on the Scientology.org Stay Well Prevention Resource Center. The Church also researched the best methods of sanitization and made these available to Scientology Churches, Missions and Scientology Volunteer Ministers around the world.

Catholic and evangelical religious leaders who have worked on interfaith programs with The Freewinds, the Scientology religious retreat in the Caribbean, reached out to the ship for help to make their churches safe. The Freewinds arranged for trained Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Mexico City to respond to their needs. The Volunteer Ministers took on sanitizing the Basilica and other Mexican churches to ensure that parishioners could worship in safety.

At the special Mass, a representative of the cardinal attended in appreciation of the Church of Scientology and the work of the Volunteer Ministers in sanitizing the Basilica and churches throughout the city and the State of Mexico. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers trained church representatives in how to sanitize the chapel, and after the Mass, they presented the priest with a full kit containing all the equipment and materials needed to continue the sanitizing of the church.

An interactive timeline on the Scientology website, 20/21: A Look Behind & A Look Ahead, presents an overview of the work of Scientology Churches, staff and parishioners who helped their communities and entire countries deal with the pandemic.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

For more information, visit the Scientology website - https://www.scientology.org/ - or the Scientology TV network - https://www.scientology.tv/.

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Caption: Scientology Volunteer Ministers were honored with a special Mass in the chapel of the former convent of the Capuchinas, part of the complex of churches and facilities in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mexico Scientologists and their families were honored for their service to Catholic church officials and parishioners with a special Mass at the Iglesia Santa Maria de Guadalupe Capuchinas, part of the complex of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Scientology Volunteer Ministers: Help to an Island in Need

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- For 16 days, a team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers from Florida, arranged by the Freewinds, the Church of Scientology religious retreat, came to the aid of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers St. Vincent Disaster Response, now completed, brought relief to thousands of residents in need of help, announces the Church of Scientology International.

When La Soufrière Volcano erupted, engulfing the island with pyroclastic flows, volcanic ash and rock, it created a humanitarian crisis. Upwards of 16,000 residents who evacuated and thousands more who remained in the red and orange zones were without fresh water, power, and food.

"It's like a desert, it's desolate, it's apocalyptic," said Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Unable to cope with the humanitarian effort needed without substantial assistance, he reached out for help, saying, "We are really at the midnight hour of need."

The Freewinds, the Church of Scientology religious retreat and humanitarian ship in the Caribbean, immediately responded to the call for help. The ship sent a 40-foot container to Kingstown, the capital, chief port, and main commercial center of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. And to help ensure these and other urgently needed supplies reached those in need, the Freewinds arranged a team of volunteers.

Smoke continued to billow from the summit of La Soufrière as the team of Florida-based Scientology Volunteer Ministers landed in St. Vincent. Everything was grey: The sky, the streets, the hillsides. Ash overwhelmed the islands.

On arriving, these Scientologists, veterans of numerous disaster response missions, immediately coordinated their activities with other nonprofits.

"Working with the Red Cross, we brought support to the leeward side of the island-the first relief they received since the eruptions," said the leader of the La Soufrière Scientology Volunteer Ministers Response Team. That day, they handed out six pallets of water in gallon jugs, 36 tool kits that included shovels, hammers and crowbars, 300 hygiene kits, blankets, and some 600 masks.

Coordinating with the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), the Scientology Volunteer Ministers found that although supplies were pouring in to the island, they had to be organized for distribution. The Scientologists worked in the warehouse, making it possible for four tons of supplies to reach those who needed them.

The Scientologists were surprised to find that despite the warm weather of the island, one of the most needed items was blankets. "Their mattresses were so covered with ash that clean blankets were the only way to have something to sleep on," said the lead Volunteer Minister.

To reach the north of the island, the Scientology team rented a motorboat. In the towns of Owia and Fancy, the Volunteer Ministers distributed water and supplies to the residents who had stayed. The towns were not only blanketed in ash, they had also been battered by rocks of all sizes from pebbles to boulders that collapsed roofs and tore up the roads.

In Georgetown, residents told the Scientology Volunteer Ministers that in the month since the volcano erupted, theirs was the first aid to reach them.

In all, the volunteers distributed more than 22 tons of supplies including enough food for 7,000 meals. And they let the Vincentians know that they had not been forgotten.

"They have a special hand signal here," said the lead Scientology Volunteer Minister. "It's a closed fist with the thumb out to the side. It means 'respect.' Pretty much everywhere we drove, people were making this sign for us, shouting 'thank you for what you are doing, thank you for being here.'" The Scientology Volunteer Ministers want to share that thanks to those who made it all possible by donating goods and funds to help the island recover.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. Learn more: https://www.volunteerministers.org/.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

L. Ron Hubbard is the Founder of the Scientology Religion and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Scientology Volunteer Ministers distribute urgently needed supplies to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For 16 days, a team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers from Florida, arranged by the Freewinds, the Church of Scientology religious retreat, came to the aid of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Bridge Publications, Publisher of the Works of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, Wins Manufacturing Leadership Award

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ — The Manufacturing Leadership Council of the National Association of Manufacturers presented Bridge Publications Inc., publisher of the nonfiction works of author and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, with their coveted ML100 Award at a Virtual Awards Gala to honor manufacturing excellence, announced the Church of Scientology International today.

Mr. Hubbard’s books and lectures of Dianetics and Scientology stand as the largest body of information ever assembled on the mind, spirit and life. And in a year where COVID-19 cut people off from friends, family and life as they knew it, Bridge Publications made it possible for Scientologists and thousands new to the religion to continue or embark on a journey of spiritual growth despite restrictions.

Manufacturing Leadership Council’s decision to present its awards gala remotely this year underscores the unique challenges the general public and manufacturers in particular faced from the COVID-19 pandemic. To recognize companies that submitted projects directly tied to pandemic recovery and response, the Council originated the “Creators Respond Honor Roll.” So, for 2021, not only did Bridge Publications Inc. win its 12th Manufacturing Leadership ML100 Award, the organization was also featured on the honor roll for its project: “Bridge Manufacturing-International Response.”

“With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries published restrictions that closed churches of all denominations,” says Camila Gonzales, Bridge Publications Director of Public Relations. “Fortunately, Bridge Publications and all Scientology Churches have an Extension Course program. We were an integral part of making it possible for thousands of Scientologists to progress through their studies despite stay-at-home orders. And many thousands more who were interested or curious and new to Scientology had the opportunity to learn and benefit from Mr. Hubbard’s wisdom in the comfort of their homes.”

The primary goal of the project Bridge submitted to the Manufacturing Leadership Council was to provide Extension Course study materials. Despite the pandemic, this made it possible for Scientologists to continue their spiritual progress through the study of Dianetics and Scientology books and lectures. It also enabled those interested in finding out about Scientology to do so despite government restrictions and regulations closing houses of worship, including Scientology Churches and Missions in many countries, for the better part of the year.

“As soon as the pandemic struck, our Churches reached out to Scientologists and encouraged them to take advantage of their time at home by studying Extension Courses,” says Gonzalez.

Bridge Publications contacted suppliers to arrange raw materials as orders for Extension Course packs began flooding in. Where Bridge would normally produce an average of 1,500 Extension Course Packs per month, this rapidly increased to 7,000 per month, with individuals from 69 countries requesting Extension Course packs in 17 languages.

Through their in-house digital printing and full binding facility, they shipped study materials to the homes of those ordering directly from Bridge and those placing orders through local Scientology Churches, Missions and groups. Bridge has a longstanding policy of shipping within 24 hours of any order, and despite the spike in demand, they managed to continue to fill Extension Course orders on time.

Those studying these courses report that progressing on Extension Courses helped them make it through the pandemic. They found themselves able to cope and thrive when everything else seemed to be shutting down.

“When I make my Extension Course a part of my daily and weekly life, everything starts to require a lot less effort,” wrote one Extension Course student. “It is like oxygen for me as a spiritual being,” wrote another. “I’m finding answers to questions I’ve had my whole life,” was another person’s feedback on the value of the Extension Course.

The second goal of “Bridge Manufacturing – International Response” was to help those living and working in their community, City of Commerce, California.

In response to the pandemic, the Church of Scientology compiled and produced educational booklets to help people understand the best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The Church of Scientology International Dissemination and Distribution Center, also located in Commerce, produced more than 7.5 million copies of these booklets.

“This is our home,” says Gonzalez, “and it was very important to our staff to be able to help local residents and those working nearby make it through the pandemic safe and well.”

Throughout May and June 2020, Bridge staff went door-to-door in the neighborhood providing booklets to residents. They also placed boxes of booklets on the counters of 281 essential businesses, and police and fire departments, where customers or visitors were invited to take copies for themselves and their friends and families.

“All our staff members are very proud of winning this ML100 award and especially for our being included in the Manufacturing Leadership Creators Respond Honor Roll,” says Gonzalez.

Manufacturing Leadership Council is a division of the National Association of Manufacturers, which developed the Manufacturing Leadership Awards to honor manufacturing companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Award winners are selected by a panel of expert judges.

Prior to the release of the Dianetics and Scientology Basics Books and Lectures in early 2007, under the direction of Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Bridge Publications was established in the world’s largest exclusively digital print house-a 276,000-square-foot facility stretching a full city block. All facilities, from administrative offices to manufacturing and distribution, are located under the same roof. The operation is dedicated to making L. Ron Hubbard’s works accessible everywhere.

For more information on Bridge Publications visit their website at https://www.bridgepub.com/ or watch Inside Scientology: Bridge Publications on the Scientology Network, available on DIRECTV Channel 320, https://www.scientology.tv/, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Media queries: mediarelations@churchofscientology.net

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*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Eae3ZomZAYE

*PHOTO 1: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0603s2p-cos-bridge-award-300dpi.jpg

Caption: ML100 trophy and plaque.

*PHOTO 2: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0603s2p-cos-bridgepub-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Gluing and folding station at Bridge Publications.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council of the National Association of Manufacturers presented Bridge Publications Inc., publisher of the nonfiction works of author and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, with their coveted ML100 Award at a Virtual Awards Gala to honor manufacturing excellence, announced the Church of Scientology International today.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

‘Restore Our Earth’ is the Theme of Earth Day 2021 and the Passion and Way of Life of Scientologist Peter Vajda

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's "Meet a Scientologist" television series celebrates the work of agricultural engineer Peter Vajda, the Church of Scientology International announced today. For Vajda, this year's Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," is a passion and way of life as it focuses attention on regenerating the world's ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking.

"With the population growing and productive farmland decreasing, this is a race to save future generations," Vajda says in his "Meet a Scientologist" episode that can be viewed on the Scientology Network.

In speaking of the reason this theme was selected, Kathleen Rogers, president and CEO of Earthday.org states, "Our soils are in horrendous shape, worldwide, not just in the U.S. We're looking at global, catastrophic misuse of our soils."

Agriculture depends on friendly bacteria. Without these microscopic organisms, crops can't grow. Each year, we lose 75 billion tons of fertile soil, says Vajda, who points out that at this rate we will run out of fertile soil in another 60 years.

His company, Phylazonit, organically grows good bacteria to restore the soil so it can support life again.

Learn how the innovative work of this ardent environmentalist is reversing this crisis in his native Hungary and across the globe. Watch Vajda's episode of "Meet a Scientologist" on the Scientology Network.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network can be streamed on Scientology.tv and is available through satellite television, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

The Scientology Network was launched in March 2018 by Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. It has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

Learn more at:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/peter-vajda.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/scientology-media-productions.html

https://www.scientology.tv/apps/

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*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0421s2p-peter-vajda-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Peter Vajda has dedicated his life to reverting a blight that threatens the future of mankind: the loss of viable farmland due to pesticides and chemicals that destroy the soil.

Scientology Network's "Meet a Scientologist" television series celebrates the work of agricultural engineer Peter Vajda, the Church of Scientology International announced today. For Vajda, this year's Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," is a passion and way of life as it focuses attention on regenerating the world's ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/