Tag Archives: Religion and Churches

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Florida Volunteers Honored for Exposing Crimes and Protecting the People of Florida from Abuse in the Field of Mental Health

CLEARWATER, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hundreds gathered for a banquet to applaud the many accomplishments of Citizens Commission on Human Rights Florida volunteers and present awards to individuals for their stellar work on behalf of the people of the state and beyond. Organized by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization at the iconic Fort Harrison auditorium, the lavish banquet was an elegant and heartfelt tribute to the commitment, courage and hard work of the executives and volunteers of the nonprofit.

For decades, CCHR has worked to restore rights and dignity to the field of mental health by exposing crimes and enacting protections, including:

* Helping to pass legislation that requires informed consent before ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) can be administered. ECT is documented to cause brain damage and long-term memory loss. Prior to the legislation CCHR helped push through, those labeled 'mentally ill' could be forced to receive ECT in Florida without their consent. ECT administers up to 460 volts of electricity to a patient's brain.

* Exposing gross patient abuse at Anclote Manor Psychiatric Hospital. Judges gave delinquent teenage boys two choices: face prosecution for felonies resulting in a permanent record or be committed to Anclote Manor Psychiatric Hospital to receive treatment. CCHR investigated the hospital and exposed gross violations of the rights and safety of the children, including the use of insulin shock and wrapping patients in freezing sheets. CCHR held public demonstrations depicting the abuses that were leaked to CCHR by patients and staff, amassing public attention and outrage that ultimately led to the facility's closure.

* Executing a public information campaign to help parents protect their children from involuntary psychiatric commitment. CCHR organized workshops where experts on the Baker Act, the notorious Florida law that enables involuntary commitment, trained attorneys and patient advocates on how to get people released from facilities where they are held against their will.

CCHR also educates the community on the history, practices and crimes of psychiatry with its Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum at the group's Clearwater headquarters at 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater, Florida.

CCHR Florida President Diane Stein is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network. CCHR's work to protect children from arbitrary and forced commitment is also the subject of a Voices for Humanity episode featuring Florida-based attorney Justin Drach.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights was cofounded in 1969 by professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology. With international headquarters in Los Angeles, California, CCHR is a global human rights advocacy network of some 180 chapters across more than 30 nations. CCHR Commissioners include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, legislators, government officials, educators and civil rights representatives. CCHR is inspired by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's commitment to abolishing any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

https://www.cchrflorida.org/

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/diane-stein.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/justin-drach.html

Hundreds gathered for a banquet to applaud the many accomplishments of Citizens Commission on Human Rights Florida volunteers and present awards to individuals for their stellar work on behalf of the people of the state and beyond. Organized by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization at the iconic Fort Harrison auditorium, the lavish banquet was an elegant and heartfelt tribute to the commitment, courage and hard work of the executives and volunteers of the nonprofit.

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

Communication Bridges Differences at the 9th Annual Interfaith Solidarity March

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Scientologists, and members of other faiths and beliefs or none affirmed their commitment to interfaith dialogue in June at the 9th Annual Interfaith Solidarity March in Los Angeles. The driving force behind the march and the movement is Dr. Arik Greenberg, founder and president of the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice (IRTPJ), which sponsors the annual activity. Rev. Olivia McDuff of the Church of Scientology International, who served as master of ceremonies, acknowledged Dr. Greenburg for his commitment to bringing the Los Angeles interfaith community together in the name of freedom of worship or belief while rejecting all efforts to foment conflict and hatred among faiths.

Marchers gathered at St. Basil Catholic for a rally before taking off down Wilshire Blvd. to promote their cause. "Step outside your comfort zone," was the challenge delivered by IRTPJ board member Mohammed Khan. He urged those marching to seek out and walk with someone they didn't already know - someone of another faith than their own - and to learn something about that person and from that person: What they are concerned about, what is important to them. That is the best way to break down walls and gain understanding, he said.

As in other marches, a megaphone-wielding leader urged those participating to shout slogans. But in this march, the message was one of uniting, not protest, with the purpose of encouraging all Angelenos to work together for peace.

Understanding among diverse communities is particularly important when there are false narratives in circulation. Aziza Hasan, Executive Director of New Ground: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change, spoke of just how insidious false information can be. She shared her story of the intense backlash she and other Muslims experienced after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

"As Americans and Muslims, we were upset and grieving along with everyone else," she said, but because of their faith and ethnicity, Muslims became the target. She described how her interfaith colleagues "made a human chain around us...they were there for us when it mattered." They demanded people treat Muslim Americans with respect. The support she received from people of various faiths bolstered her and affirmed the importance of the interfaith movement.

At the end of the march, Father Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, moderated a panel discussion on the crisis in Gaza and Israel.

Fr. Smith explained why he is not working for "tolerance." Tolerance implies putting up with someone or something. "We're certainly much beyond merely putting up with other religions," he said "and we should allow ourselves to be open to other faiths. Allow them to nurture us as we nurture and encourage them."

Although no consensus was reached with the panel discussion, Fr. Smith was not discouraged. "We don't always agree. But we must not let our disagreements prevent us from working together for the greater good," he said.

The Los Angeles Interfaith March for Peace and Justice coalition is the largest coalition of interfaith marches in the world. The Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace, and Justice serves as the coalition's international lead. Dr. Greenburg's mission for the march is "to promote religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and education about religions of the world as a pathway to world peace."

That message may be more relevant today than ever before.

From its beginnings, the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others' religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than 70 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

The Church publishes its religious freedom blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.

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 or Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/religious-freedom/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/YFDBLZl_9xw?si=YZLxuOo1FpUzgqhc

Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Scientologists, and members of other faiths and beliefs or none affirmed their commitment to interfaith dialogue in June at the 9th Annual Interfaith Solidarity March in Los Angeles. Rev. Olivia McDuff of the Church of Scientology International, who served as master of ceremonies, acknowledged Dr. Greenburg for his commitment to bringing the Los Angeles interfaith community together.

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

Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief Hosted by Church of Scientology of Rome Points to Solutions for Strengthening This Right Internationally

ROME, Italy /ScoopCloud/ -- University professors, government officials, parliamentarians and religious representatives gathered at the Church of Scientology in Rome last month for an international conference on freedom of religion or belief in Italy, throughout Europe and the world.

Entitled Freedom of Belief and Religious Recognition: Current State and Perspectives, the conference was organized in collaboration with the Observatory of Religious Entities, Ecclesiastical Patrimony, and Nonprofit Organizations of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli of Naples, Italy.

Some European Union member states have drawn criticism for neglecting freedom of religion or belief within their borders. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reports that this neglect includes "restrictions on religious clothing, ritual slaughter, and so-called 'sects,' along with laws that target Muslims [and] impact Jews...." It documents that "individuals from religious minority groups, particularly Jews and Muslims, reportedly are increasingly choosing to emigrate."

It was against this backdrop that the conference took place.

"Freedom of religion and respect for the beliefs of others are fundamental principles of the Church of Scientology as affirmed in the Creed of the Church of Scientology by Founder L. Ron Hubbard," said Lina Pirotta, representative of the Church of Scientology in Italy, in her welcome address to conference participants.

The conference consisted of two international round tables and a series of panel discussions hosted by experts in the field of religion who explored different aspects of religious freedom and the importance of protecting this right with emphasis on the nations of the European Union.

The first panel brought together Senator Lorena Rios Cuéllar, former director of religious affairs for the Colombian government; Professor José Daniel Pelayo Olmedo, deputy director general for coordination and promotion of religious freedom of the Spanish government; and Dr. Gary Vachicouras, from the Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Orthodox Theology in Geneva. Panelists described the current situation regarding freedom of religion in Colombia, Spain and Greece.

A secular state, Colombia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion individually and collectively. In Spain, there are 26,000 religious groups registered in the Register of Religious Bodies. Dr. Vachicouras emphasized that by making the principle of freedom of belief a priority or standard, many conflicts and problems arising from plurality can be resolved.

The second panel included U.S. attorney and constitutional expert Austin Hepworth; Prof. Juan Ferreiro Galguera, professor of church law at the University of Oviedo, Spain; and Prof. Vincent Berger, former jurisconsult at the European Court of Human Rights.

Austin Hepworth described how the principle of religious freedom is applied in the United States, including a mention of the 1948 U.S.-Italy Friendship Treaty, which established a relationship between the two countries based on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for religious and human rights.

Prof. Ferreiro Galguera emphasized the difference between a secular state such as Spain, which respects and cooperates with religious communities, and secularist states such as France, which interfere with these rights. He emphasized that a state's tolerance of a religious denomination is not a substitute for the full religious recognition of that faith.

Professor Berger described remedies for limitations of religious freedom and problems of intolerance offered by the European Court of Human Rights when traditional channels fail.

The conference also included a discussion and analysis of religious freedom in Italy. Speakers included Maria D'Arienzo, professor of ecclesiastical, canonical, and confessional law at the University Federico II of Naples; Gianfranco Macrì, professor of intercultural law at the University of Salerno; and Francesco Sorvillo, associate professor of at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli.

Their consensus was that Italy's current constitutional views on religious freedom are dated. Adopted in 1929, when Italy was still a kingdom, the law predates Italy's republican democracy and the pluralism in Italy today.

The second section of this panel featured Dr. Marco Respinti, editor-in-chief of Bitterwinter.org and the Journal of CESNUR; Dr. Nader Akkad, religious affairs advisor of the Grand Mosque of Rome; and Mother Anastasia, legal advisor of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese.

Mother Anastasia spoke of the hardships resulting from 13 years of efforts to obtain recognition in Italy for the Romanian Orthodox Church. Dr. Respinti described the impact of media on religion and how media outlets perceive religiosity. Dr. Akkad emphasized the importance of dialogue among members of different faiths.

The overriding consensus that emerged from the conference was the need for greater attention to religious freedom and measures to protect this freedom for individuals and organizations in Europe and throughout the world.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/religious-freedom/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/YFDBLZl_9xw?si=YZLxuOo1FpUzgqhc

https://www.scientology.tv/films/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology-5565f7

University professors, government officials, parliamentarians and religious representatives gathered at the Church of Scientology in Rome last month for an international conference on freedom of religion or belief in Italy, throughout Europe and the world.

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

Latinx Festival on L. Ron Hubbard Way Celebrates Diversity, Community, Friendship and Empowerment

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Southern California and the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles held a cultural diversity week to celebrate the rich history, culture and many contributions of those who hail from or trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

A wide range of groups provided the music and dance of home. Among them:

* The Nicaraguan folkloric ballet Flor De Pino

* The Mexican Misantla Folkloric group

* The Chinelo dancers, performing traditional costumed dances of Morelos

* Los Voladores, the flying dancers of Veracruz

* Mexican and South American ranchero singers

* Contemporary Latin pop groups

The Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club, led by its president Martin Cruz, sponsored and produced nine days of diverse community activities spanning two weekends to celebrate the cultures and traditions of Los Angeles-based Latin American communities.

"We are very grateful to the Church of Scientology for helping us make this happen," said Cruz, who said he was inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's words in the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health: "Man, in affinity with Man, survives. And that survival is pleasure."

The length and breadth of L. Ron Hubbard Way in East Hollywood was filled with artisanal booths displaying arts, crafts, handmade soaps, organic coffee, clothing, and delicious traditional foods and beverages. The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles plans many more family-friendly activities throughout the summer.

An Ideal Scientology Organization, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles is designed to provide ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community - a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. It was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network, available on DIRECTV channel 320 and streaming at Scientology.tv, through mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo?si=t8Z2Vl9j20FaegOf

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/inside-a-church.html

The Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Southern California and the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles held a cultural diversity week to celebrate the rich history, culture and many contributions of those who hail from or trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

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

Meet a Scientologist Cultivates a Growing Interest in Constructing Greenhouses With Ray Pound

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring building entrepreneur Ray Pound, on June 18, 2024.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Ray Pound builds extraordinary greenhouses. Starting with only a few employees, his company now constructs massive and innovative structures that help growers grow the food that feeds the nation and the world, and his buildings have helped save entire species of trees from extinction.

ABOUT RAY POUND

A native of Berkeley, California, Ray's passion for building sparked when one childhood Christmas he received a construction kit. By age 12, he was already working construction jobs, building fences and repainting walls in his neighborhood. Clever and creative, Ray was a self-professed introvert and "almost paralyzed socially." But after enrolling in the Communication Course at a Church of Scientology, he found himself becoming more outgoing and happy.

Soon after, he met the girl of his dreams, got married, and went into the greenhouse business with his brother. His venture into building greenhouses started when he realized he could do a better job of it than the companies he'd hired to do the construction. The company he founded, Ag-Con Inc., has now built over a thousand greenhouses. And by designing and building special greenhouses that protect against deadly infestations, he's helped keep California citrus trees from going extinct.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas, and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/ray-pound.html

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring building entrepreneur Ray Pound, on June 18, 2024.

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

Church of Scientology Los Angeles Launches a Summer of Fun for the Entire Community

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- June 2024 began with the launch of a month-long calendar of street festivals on L. Ron Hubbard Way, hosted by the Church of Scientology for residents and visitors to East Hollywood.

Opening weekend included food trucks, artisanal booths and a 'Kidz Zone' featuring water slides, a bouncy house and carnival games. Local musicians and folkloric dancers representing regions throughout Latin America delighted audiences.

Day after day, family fun has included live entertainment, a community marketplace, and events and activities to make the summer special for local children.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is a popular spot year-round for local families to celebrate special events and holidays free of charge: 4th of July, Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. The Church hosts ethnic, art, and cultural fairs and open house events throughout the year. And it organizes forums to address humanitarian and social betterment issues affecting the community.

L. Ron Hubbard Way, formerly a stretch of Berendo Street, was renamed and dedicated in 1996 after extensive work to make it a model street, including repaving it with 150,000 bricks. Home to the Church of Scientology Los Angeles and other Scientology Churches and facilities, it is the nexus of Scientology activities in Los Angeles and stands in appreciation and respect for Mr. Hubbard: author, humanitarian, Scientology Founder, and the inspiration for the many humanitarian and social betterment programs the Church of Scientology supports.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is an Ideal Scientology Organization, configured to service Scientologists in their ascent to spiritual freedom and serve as a home for the entire community, a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations.

An episode of Inside Scientology featuring the Church of Scientology Los Angeles was part of the special when Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige launched the Scientology Network in 2018. This episode is available at Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

For more information about upcoming community events at the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, call (323) 953-3200 or visit the Church of Scientology Los Angeles Eventbrite page.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo?si=t8Z2Vl9j20FaegOf

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/inside-a-church.html

June 2024 began with the launch of a month-long calendar of street festivals on L. Ron Hubbard Way, hosted by the Church of Scientology for residents and visitors to East Hollywood. Opening weekend included food trucks, artisanal booths and a 'Kidz Zone' featuring water slides, a bouncy house and carnival games.

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

Volunteers Promote Drug-Free Living at the Annual Xtrail Lavaux Race in Lausanne

LAUSANNE, Switzerland /ScoopCloud/ -- Combining a love of sports with a commitment to help, volunteers from the Dites Non à la Drogue, Oui à la Vie (Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life) Association competed in the 5, 10, and 20 km Xtrail Lavaux races in May. The races are organized and produced by the Jeune Chambre, the local Junior Chamber of Commerce, to provide a way for people to run for a good cause while promoting the region. There are races for all ages and abilities. Runners race through the meandering paths of local terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva. This chapter of Dites Non à la Drogue is an affiliate of Foundation for a Drug-Free World supported by the Church of Scientology Lausanne.

Dites Non à la Drogue volunteers are a familiar sight at this and other local races. Wearing their signature teal T-shirts, they set a living example of the benefits of active, drug-free living.

Volunteers are particularly concerned about the country's growing problem of crack cocaine.

"Since 2022, Switzerland has experienced a flood of concentrated and cheap cocaine," according to Addiction Switzerland's deputy director. "Part of this product is sold as crack. People can be seen openly taking drugs in several cantons. Geneva is the hardest hit."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World's Truth About Cocaine booklet describes the drug as "one of the most dangerous drugs known to man," because "once a person begins taking the drug, it has proven almost impossible to become free of its grip physically and mentally."

This shows the importance of youth knowing the truth about drugs. With this knowledge, they are far less likely to experiment with these substances.

Scientology Churches and Scientologists support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, whose materials are provided free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement, and individuals and institutions in the private sector. Their support is inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's research, finding that "the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

To learn more, take the free drug education course on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website, watch the Drug-Free World public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary on the Scientology Network, and episodes of Voices for Humanity to see the program in action. The Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and streams at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps, and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Drug-Free World website, or contact the nearest Church of Scientology.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

https://www.scientology-lausanne.org/

https://nonaladrogue.ch/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-truth-about-drugs.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/they-said-they-lied.html

Combining a love of sports with a commitment to help, volunteers from the Dites Non à la Drogue, Oui à la Vie (Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life) Association competed in the 5, 10, and 20 km Xtrail Lavaux races in May. This chapter of Dites Non à la Drogue is an affiliate of Foundation for a Drug-Free World supported by the Church of Scientology Lausanne.

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

‘The Trouble With Wolves’ Brings Apex Predator’s Plight to Documentary Showcase

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the documentary "The Trouble With Wolves."

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

The Trouble With Wolves recounts the story of wolves being reintroduced in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park. After being hunted to near extinction, the wolves' reintroduction sees them prospering and growing in numbers. But their success ignites a bitter clash between conservationists and ranchers, who stand to lose livestock as well as their livelihoods.

Directed by Collin Monda, The Trouble With Wolves tells how the iconic species, once exterminated from the lower 48 states, made a triumphant return to Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding areas. A favorite for sightseers and environmentalists, the return of the wolf is hailed as "the greatest animal conservation success in human history." However, the impact on those affected monetarily by the wolves' return brings unexpected complications resulting in heated confrontations and a search for yet more solutions.

ABOUT COLLIN MONDA

Collin Monda is an award-winning director and filmmaker from the Pacific Northwest. The Trouble With Wolves is Collin's debut feature documentary and the spark of a personal passion for coexistence in all forms. Five years in the making, and with the goal of showing a truly balanced point of view, Collin followed the truth to the center of the divide to create this story about the iconic apex predator.

ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.

For more information, visit Scientology.tv/docs.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/about.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/the-trouble-with-wolves/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/the-trouble-with-wolves/film-maker.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/the-trouble-with-wolves/videos/trailer.html

Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the documentary "The Trouble With Wolves."

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

Church of Scientology’s Documentary ‘Operation: Do Something About It’ Wins Platinum at Viddy Awards

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Media Productions' original documentary "Operation: Do Something About It" won Platinum in the 2024 Viddy Awards, the international competition recognizing excellence in video production and communication.

Operation: Do Something About It tells the story of how the Church of Scientology harnessed its state-of-the-art facilities, rallied its worldwide network of volunteers and mobilized the largest humanitarian effort in its history to bring hope, help and compassion in the wake of the pandemic and ensuing worldwide lockdown.

In total, Scientology Media Productions was honored with 14 Viddy Awards, including 7 Platinum and 7 Gold in the 2024 competition.

Watch the documentary at Scientology.TV/DoSomething or on the Scientology Network App.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. 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. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.Scientology.tv/

VIDEO:

Scientology.TV/DoSomething

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

Scientology Media Productions' original documentary "Operation: Do Something About It" won Platinum in the 2024 Viddy Awards, the international competition recognizing excellence in video production and communication.

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

Meet a Scientologist Illuminates Africa’s Stars with Nic Roux

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring producer and director Nic Roux, premiering on June 11, 2024.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Nic Roux is a South African video producer, director and production company owner whose work capturing the magic of Africa's musical talents has helped propel them onto the world stage. Counting some of Africa's biggest superstar musicians as clients, his incredibly prolific output includes multiple award-winning music videos that have redefined the music video genre in Africa.

ABOUT NIC ROUX

Nic Roux is a native of South Africa whose turbulent early family life set him adrift from his sense of self and led to over a decade of illicit drug use. With the tools of Scientology, he discovered the will and discipline to quit drugs for good and began building a remarkable career in video production. Using his studies in marketing and media as his foundation, he applied his philosophy, that an artist's purpose is to communicate, and founded the production company Molotov Cocktail. Nic Roux's illustrious career includes a long-standing reputation for impeccable creative instincts, a solution-oriented approach to projects, and excellence in directing and producing over 500 music videos, TV specials and corporate videos.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas, and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/clips/nic-roux-trailer.html

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring producer and director Nic Roux, premiering on June 11, 2024.

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

Drug-Free World and the Church of Scientology Denmark Set Their Sights on ‘Winning the Race’ for a Drug-Free Country

COPENHAGEN, Denmark /ScoopCloud/ -- As record numbers, including Denmark's King Frederik, Queen Mary and their family, raced through the heart of Copenhagen in May on the city's annual Royal Run, Drug-Free World volunteers from the Church of Scientology of Denmark cheered them on while promoting active, drug-free living. They handed out thousands of fact-based Truth About Drugs educational booklets to runners and fans.

The volunteers were enthusiastic about the results they accomplished that day.

"We had so much positive feedback," said the campaign coordinator. "We handed a booklet to a teacher, who came back to talk to the volunteer and asked for 50 copies to give to her teenage students. Two others stopped their car to ask the volunteers for booklets to give to their friends who use drugs. Parents took the booklets and immediately started reading them to their children. So many people came by to thank us for what we are doing. There were stories like this throughout the day."

Although Denmark has fewer drug problems than many European countries, according to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), young people throughout the continent "now have access to an increasingly wide range of substances and are using them in combination with alcohol." What's more, Euronews reports Danish teens as young as 12 are experimenting with and getting hooked on highly addictive and dangerous painkillers.

Drug-Free World volunteers are "racing" to reach youth before the dealers do. Young people presented with the facts about drugs are far more likely not to use them. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, states: "For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as a primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to anyone wishing to take action to address this urgent issue.

For more information or for Foundation's free online drug education course, visit drugfreeworld.org/course/.

The Scientology Network's original series, Voices for Humanity, shows the Truth About Drugs campaign in action with short documentaries that introduce changemakers of all faiths, cultures and nations who use this and other humanitarian programs to better their communities and society. To learn more about the Church of Scientology of Denmark, visit their website or watch Destination: Scientology-Copenhagen on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://en.scientology-denmark.org/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/copenhagen.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-truth-about-drugs.html

As record numbers, including Denmark's King Frederik, Queen Mary and their family, raced through the heart of Copenhagen in May on the city's annual Royal Run, Drug-Free World volunteers from the Church of Scientology of Denmark cheered them on while promoting active, drug-free living. They handed out thousands of fact-based Truth About Drugs educational booklets to runners and fans.

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

Voices for Humanity Goes the Extra Mile to Battle Drug Abuse With Gergő Németh

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic changemakers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring Hungarian anti-drug activist Gergő Németh, premiering June 12, 2024.

VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Hungary is a nation with millions of drug users. Cheap synthetic drugs flooding into the country are just the latest enticements endangering its youth. Gergő Németh is taking bold and decisive action to counter the proliferation of drugs and halt their destructive impact on Hungary by educating his nation on the true dangers of drugs. He began his activism by distributing anti-drug booklets on the streets of Budapest. He expanded that to include an annual 2,000 km, 42-day marathon around the country with the sole purpose of empowering people with the truth about drugs. Garnering massive media coverage, it is the biggest sports-based anti-drug event in Europe.

ABOUT GERGŐ NÉMETH

Gergő Németh is a native of Budapest, Hungary. As a child he experienced the devastating effects of his father's substance abuse. To protect Gergő, his mother left her husband and raised her son alone, instilling in him the importance of keeping a positive outlook in life. As a young adult, seeing friends succumb to substance abuse and descending down the same path as his father, he was inspired to lead a life of activism. Then, after discovering the Drug-Free World educational resources, Gergő set out to teach his country the truth about drugs.

Gergő Németh is the executive director of Foundation for a Drug-Free World Hungary.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/clips/gergo-nemeth-trailer.html

Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic changemakers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring Hungarian anti-drug activist Gergő Németh, premiering June 12, 2024.

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

Scientology Media Productions Scores Victory at Viddy Awards

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Media Productions was honored with 14 Viddy Awards, including 7 Platinum, in the 2024 international awards competition honoring video excellence in the digital world.

Scientology Media Productions is a state-of-the-art multimedia communications center located in the heart of Hollywood and home to Scientology Network. Airing 24/7, the station launched in 2018 and has been viewed by millions in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

Now in its sixth season, the network's original programming continues to be recognized for creative excellence and has been lauded for its diverse, compelling content and exceptional production quality.

The productions in the Broadcast/Cable/Subscription TV and Commercials categories honored are as follows:

PLATINUM AWARD WINNERS

* Operation: Do Something About It - Programs | Documentary

* Destination: Scientology, Bogotá - Programs | Cultural

* Voices for Humanity: Marshall Faulk - Programs | Social Responsibility

* Voices for Humanity: Lance Dyer - Programs | Social Responsibility

* Meet a Scientologist: Christopher Hill - Programs | Automotive

* Meet a Scientologist: Marni Atherton - Programs | Food & Beverage

* Meet a Scientologist: Armando Siracusano and Gabriella Comis - Programs | Food & Beverage

GOLD AWARD WINNERS

* "Decide for Yourself" Scientology ad - Web Commercials | Nonprofit

* Destination: Scientology, Johannesburg - Programs | Cultural

* Meet a Scientologist: Cristal Logothetis - Programs | Nonprofit

* Meet a Scientologist: Colm O'Halloran - Programs | Sports

* Meet a Scientologist: Guy Taylor - Programs | Sports

* Meet a Scientologist: Matt Brown - Programs | Entertainment

* Meet a Scientologist: Satinder Chawla - Programs | Entertainment

See more award-winning content at Scientology.tv.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. 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. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.Scientology.tv/

VIDEO:

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

Scientology Media Productions was honored with 14 Viddy Awards, including 7 Platinum, in the 2024 international awards competition honoring video excellence in the digital world.

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

Meet a Scientologist Creates With ‘Design Goddess’ Yuli Fu

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring interior designer Yuli Fu.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Yuli Fu is a Taiwan-based architectural designer and entrepreneur elevating the art of interior design. Her innovative designs incorporate the best of European styles into residential and commercial spaces, winning her over 40 prestigious international awards and earning her the title of "The Design Goddess of Taiwan."

ABOUT YULI FU

A native of Taiwan, Yuli Fu studied fashion design to learn how to make the kinds of clothes she wanted but couldn't afford to buy. Later, she pursued a career in interior design, starting work as an assistant in a small design firm. After taking on projects of her own, she went on to start her company, Yuli Design.

Recognizing she lacked the skills to successfully manage, Yuli studied L. Ron Hubbard's Administrative Technology, which she credits for helping her become a successful executive. Her newfound business acumen, coupled with her commitment to a high standard of aesthetic excellence and environmentally-conscious design, have garnered her international acclaim and made her a sought-after lecturer for design students internationally. Yuli's innovative interiors have been recognized with the prestigious iF Design Award and A' Design Award, amongst many others.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/yuli-fu.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/clips/yuli-fu-trailer.html

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring interior designer Yuli Fu. MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

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

Voices for Humanity Unites Canada’s Diverse Cultures Through Human Rights Education With Nicole Crellin

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring human rights advocate Nicole Crellin.

VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

The Canadian population is among the most multicultural in the world, with over 250 ethnicities and one of the largest immigrant populations per capita. But with such diversity comes racial prejudice, which fuels another hate crime every three hours on average. Human rights advocate Nicole Crellin tirelessly spreads the message of human rights throughout Canada and has been honored for helping to reduce tensions between ethnicities.

ABOUT NICOLE CRELLIN

Nicole Crellin was born on a family farm in Alexandria, Ontario, Canada, on the border of French and English-speaking provinces. Her father would transcend the prevailing bigotry of the time and become the first French-speaking mayor of their township. Nicole, growing up with a passion for helping others, studied education at the University of Ottawa and, after graduation, became a teacher. In 1975, she met Mr. John Peters Humphrey, the principal author of the first draft of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a fact Nicole would not learn until thirty years later. It was then, troubled by the alarming rise in racial bigotry targeting Indigenous peoples and immigrants, that she learned of the Universal Declaration and joined Youth for Human Rights International. Nicole and her team have reached millions of Canadians of virtually every nationality, while her steadfast dedication to raising human rights awareness has earned her the Peace Ambassador Award.

Nicole Crellin serves as Director of Youth for Human Rights, Ontario, Canada.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. 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. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:
https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

MULTIMEDIA:
https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/nicole-crellin.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/clips/nicole-crellin-trailer.html

Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring human rights advocate Nicole Crellin. VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

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

Church of Scientology Los Angeles Memorial Day Event Launches a Season of Programs for the East Hollywood Community

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hundreds of local families gathered in May on L. Ron Hubbard Way, joining the Church of Scientology Los Angeles for the first of a series of summer festivals for the East Hollywood community. Memorial Day is set aside to honor fallen U.S. military service members. A 22-year veteran Marine colonel spoke of the meaning of Memorial Day and led the crowd in the National Moment of Remembrance. This was followed by a moving rendition of Taps - the bugle call played at U.S. military funerals since the Civil War. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran shared his views on the importance of this day and how service to the country includes involvement in the health of the community.

Memorial Day also signals the start of the summer season, and Church spaces were transformed into a family fun day, complete with face painting, patriotic arts and crafts, a water slide, a bouncy castle, mural painting, and donut-eating contests. There was traditional BBQ and entertainment, including an Americana concert, a performance by indie rock band WWD HAN and a magic show.

Susanna Kaneer, public affairs director for the Scientology Churches of Greater Los Angeles, said, "We host open house events, seminars and family fun days throughout the year in keeping with these words of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard: 'A community that pulls together can make a better society for all.'"

The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles is an Ideal Scientology Organization, designed to provide ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community - a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. It was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network, available on DIRECTV channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse, and streaming at Scientology.tv, through mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

The Memorial Day celebration at the Church of Scientology was the first of a series of community events that will roll out all summer. For more information call (323) 953-3200 or visit www.eventbrite.com/o/church-of-scientology-of-los-angeles-18047143844.

LEARN MORE:

https://scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/Ytyyswo10kk?si=o578f4hELK-HLDJw

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/inside-a-church.html

Hundreds of local families gathered in May on L. Ron Hubbard Way, joining the Church of Scientology Los Angeles for the first of a series of summer festivals for the East Hollywood community. Memorial Day is set aside to honor fallen U.S. military service members.

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

Rallying With The Way to Happiness and its Message of Human Understanding and Peace to Help Avert Predicted Riots During South Africa’s Elections

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa /ScoopCloud/ -- A diverse and eclectic team of volunteers mobilized on election day, May 29, at Castle Kyalami, Scientology headquarters for Africa. More than 400 joined the initiative to promote a fair and peaceful election with the precepts of The Way to Happiness, the nonreligious common-sense guide to better living written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. They wanted to do their part to back up officials, police, churches and other nonprofits that were working to ensure a peaceful election and keep the democratic process working.

In addition to Scientologists who gathered to carry out the project, teams included pastors, bishops, archbishops, and members of diverse denominations. They were joined by influencers, prominent community leaders, concerned businesspeople, and UN International Ambassadors for Peace. Each volunteer collected sets of The Way to Happiness booklets as they headed out to 80 polling stations across the country. They delivered more than 66,000 copies, presenting each booklet personally to individuals and encouraging them to pass them on to others to share the message of peace and empowerment.

Volunteers described the response to The Way to Happiness as "transformational" - both for themselves and those receiving the booklets.

Many read the booklet while waiting in line at their polling place and returned to the volunteers to ask for more copies for family and friends.

Seeing the book's potential, some asked to establish partnerships. A mining executive asked for a presentation on how he could use The Way to Happiness in his company.

Local shops joined the movement, taking boxes of The Way to Happiness and personally handing them to customers and staff. Taxi drivers took copies to hand to passengers.

Several people who volunteered with the program for the first time that day expressed their delight at seeing the book's impact on those receiving it.

A TV station interviewed one of the campaign organizers. The reporter was taken aback to learn that the volunteers were doing this to ensure happy and safe elections. He realized the campaign promotes human understanding, tolerance, social cohesion, and a positive personal outlook for the future.

One pastor, who was serving as an external expert in cross-checking election results, expressed how moved he was by the program. This is exactly the kind of practical initiative every church needs for its congregation, he said.

All concerned were thrilled to learn that despite apprehension that riots might erupt at the polls, the voting was peaceful. Not a single act of violence was reported. They were proud to have done their part and contributed to bringing this about along with people of goodwill across the nation.

The future still holds many challenges, including how South Africa will deal with the election results, in which no party won a majority. But the campaign brought home to many that there is every reason to be optimistic - that it is in their hands to fulfill Mandela's vision of a democratic and free society in which all persons can live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

In the first chapter of The Way to Happiness, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "You are important to other people. You are listened to. You can influence others. The happiness or unhappiness of others you could name is important to you. Without too much trouble, using this book, you can help them survive and lead happier lives. While no one can guarantee that anyone else can be happy, their chances of survival and happiness can be improved. And with theirs, yours will be."

The Way to Happiness fills the moral vacuum in an increasingly materialistic society. It contains 21 basic principles that guide one to a better quality of life. This code of conduct can be followed by anyone of any race, color, or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind.

To learn more about how changemakers of all nationalities and faiths use The Way to Happiness to uplift society, watch episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.thewaytohappiness.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/FN34zm5375Y?si=FoKnEtWhU-UwqhvB

A diverse and eclectic team of volunteers mobilized on election day, May 29, at Castle Kyalami, Scientology headquarters for Africa. More than 400 joined the initiative to promote a fair and peaceful election with the precepts of The Way to Happiness, the nonreligious common-sense guide to better living written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

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

Take an Enchanted Journey to a Magic Kingdom on Destination: Scientology, Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Orlando, Florida.

ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, ORLANDO

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, enchants some 60 million people who visit from across the globe every year. It is an equally magical place to live for the residents who keep the city and its thriving tourist industry running. And Orlando's Church of Scientology works to uplift the entire community, helping to make "The City Beautiful" a wondrous destination for creating treasured memories.

The Church's home is an expansive four-story structure situated on nearly four acres along the shores of Lake Ellenor, just minutes from places like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios and many more. After taking viewers on a tour of the local attractions, the episode explores the captivating history of Orlando and how it transformed into the Magic Kingdom it is today. Viewers will also discover the role the Church's humanitarian outreach programs and interfaith events play in building a more compassionate, vibrant and magical Orlando.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology-orlando.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/clips/orlando-trailer.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/orlando.html

Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Orlando, Florida.

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

Athlete Uses His Own Life as an Example to Help Kids Decide to Live Drug-Free

PRAGUE, Czech Republic /ScoopCloud/ -- Lukáš Bechyně is no stranger to challenging situations. At 19, he qualified to compete as a pole vaulter in the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Championships. But after an injury sidelined him, he began to experiment with drugs, and that nearly defeated him. Now, as executive director of the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Association of the Czech Republic, an affiliate of Foundation for a Drug-Free World, he is engaged in another kind of competition - reaching Czech youth with the truth about drugs before they begin to experiment with harmful substances.

He began with an occasional drink, but soon segued into marijuana. By the time his injury healed, weekend partying had become what he looked forward to most in life. At his first techno party, a friend offered him ecstasy. Then another suggested he try crystal meth.

"It was a trap," he says.

Drugs assumed greater and greater importance in his life. He didn't like school, argued often with his parents and girlfriend, started experiencing mood swings and developed health problems, including liver pain.

"I decided to quit using drugs after a party where I combined several types of drugs," he says. "I couldn't control my body. I couldn't see anything. I was feeling terribly sick and was literally dying. I felt like it was really over and I wanted to die."

The next day, Bechyně stopped cold turkey. Thanks to his years in competitive sports, he was able to withdraw from drugs by simply forcing himself to endure the physical discomfort, fatigue and pain to achieve the goal.

"My girlfriend and I both decided to stop using drugs and going to parties. It wasn't easy," he says. "Most of our friends were into parties and drugs at that time. I struggled for about a year. My friends would offer me drugs for free. But I'd made up my mind."

Some time later, he was introduced to the Say No to Drugs - Say Yes to Life Association of the Czech Republic by an athlete who was cycling and running through the country to reach kids with the truth about drugs. This sports initiative was called the Cyclo-Run for a Drug-Free Czech Republic.

"I decided to support it," he says. "I remember the first Truth About Drugs lecture I attended on the Cyclo-Run, watching the public service announcements through my own tears and learning many important things about drugs that I'd never known."

At the lecture, Bechyně realized so much about himself: Why he took drugs, what they did to him, how drugs really work.

"Many things in my past drug life suddenly made sense to me," he says. "I decided to be a lecturer because I wanted to help children decide not to take drugs, and I could use my own bad experiences for something good."

He attended a Say No to Drugs training seminar for police, social workers, and lecturers and delivered his first anti-drug lecture at the elementary school in the town where he grew up.

"Since I started helping and delivering drug education, my life has turned 180 degrees in the right direction," he says. "I have personally trained more than 25,000 children."

In 2012 Bechyně agreed to be executive director of Say No to Drugs-Say Yes to Life Czech Republic.

"I've done many TV and radio shows, I have the Drug-Free World logo on my athletic uniforms when I perform pole vault exhibitions in town squares. I deliver lectures, organize events, and I lead our Cyclo-Run team along with my colleague Vlastimil Špalek, my wife and other key players. My purpose is very simple: to help children with drug education to allow them to make the informed decision not to take drugs. My goal is to have drug-free kids in a drug-free society."

Say No to Drugs Czech Republic is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and uses its Truth About Drug materials to help young people achieve their goals and their full potential by helping them make the firm decision to live drug-free.

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as a primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to drug educators worldwide.

The Cyclo-Run for a Drug-Free Czech Republic is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network. Voices for Humanity is an original series of short documentaries introducing changemakers from all faiths, cultures and nations as they extend help to their communities through Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

The Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. Since launching, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-truth-about-drugs.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/they-said-they-lied.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/vlastimil-spalek.html

Lukáš Bechyně is no stranger to challenging situations. At 19, he qualified to compete as a pole vaulter in the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Championships. But after an injury sidelined him, he began to experiment with drugs, and that nearly defeated him. Now, as executive director of the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Association of the Czech Republic, an affiliate of Foundation for a Drug-Free World, he is engaged in another kind of competition - reaching Czech youth with the truth about drugs before they begin to experiment with harmful substances.

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

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Honored for Their Help in the Aftermath of Last Year’s Devastating Floods

FORLI, Italy /ScoopCloud/ -- On the anniversary of the May 2023 Emilia-Romagna floods, Forlì Mayor Gian Luca Zattini held an event to express his city's gratitude to the many volunteers who responded to help the region recover from the unprecedented disaster. Proud of their contribution, the Volunteer Ministers of the Scientology Churches of Italy were among those honored by the mayor and officials of several cities in the province of Forlì-Cesena.

In May 2023, rainfall inundated the region. Rivers overflowed, triggering landslides across Emilia-Romagna, displacing some 1,000 residents. Homes, businesses and agricultural land across the region suffered severe water damage, contributing to an estimated €8.8 billion in damage and economic loss. The one bright spot was the outpouring of help from the voluntary disaster response community.

Flood response is arduous but vital work: digging homes and businesses out of the mud, removing debris, shoring up damaged walls, removing and drying out carpets and furniture, disposing of flooring and walls contaminated with mold.

For weeks, Volunteer Ministers served in the region, taking on these tasks and distributing food, water and supplies. But they also provided the unique spiritual assistance they are known for.

Volunteer Ministers are trained to administer assists, techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that help people overcome the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma. They used these techniques to help victims overcome fear, anguish, and hopelessness and restore peace of mind, making it easier for those who lost so much to deal with immediate challenges and plan for the future.

After the celebration to honor those who responded to the disaster in 2023, the Volunteer Ministers were invited to set up their signature yellow tents in Piazza Saffi, the main plaza of the city, to introduce residents and those attending the celebration from nearby cities to the Scientology Tools for Life. These are 19 free online courses that provide Scientology technology for bettering life's challenges, including relationship difficulties and overcoming barriers to setting and achieving goals.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service, developed in the mid-1970s. In an essay announcing the program, Mr. Hubbard wrote: "If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance."

Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

Inspired by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, who called on Scientologists to redouble their efforts to aid their fellow man in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Volunteer Ministers of Italy formed Pro.Civi.Co.S, the Civil Defense Volunteers of the Scientology Community, which was entered into the registry of the National Department of Civil Defense the following year. Over the past two decades, Pro.Civi.Co.S and the Volunteer Ministers of Italy have responded to disasters at home and abroad, including the L'Aquila and Amatrice earthquakes in Italy, the South Asian tsunami of 2004, the Haiti earthquake of 2010, the 2019 Albania earthquake, and the 2020 Croatia earthquake.

Throughout the pandemic, they established and ran help lines, provided assistance to healthcare workers, saw to the needs of their communities, and sanitized churches, mosques, and other houses of worship, making it possible for them to safely serve their congregations. Their work is featured in the new feature-length film Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.volunteerministers.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.volunteerministers.org/training/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/operation-do-something-about-it.html

https://youtu.be/Su1NKhyhIp8?si=LnIsxvJD8A47C7QI

On the anniversary of the May 2023 Emilia-Romagna floods, Forlì Mayor Gian Luca Zattini held an event to express his city's gratitude to the many volunteers who responded to help the region recover from the unprecedented disaster. Proud of their contribution, the Volunteer Ministers of the Scientology Churches of Italy were among those honored by the mayor and officials of several cities in the province of Forlì-Cesena.

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

Destination: Scientology, Brussels – Religious Freedom in the Capital of Europe

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Brussels, Belgium.

DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, BRUSSELS

Brussels is the home of the European Union, and therefore a 21st-century world power center. Beyond its role as de facto capital of Europe, the city is brimming with old-world charm, stunning Art Nouveau architecture and tempting chocolate and waffle shops on nearly every street corner.

Located on the city's famed Waterloo Boulevard, amid world-renowned monuments and shops, is the 88,000-square-foot Church of Scientology for the European Communities. This Destination: Scientology episode imparts to viewers the city's remarkable history and provides a glimpse of its modern-day attractions - from the Tomorrowland Festival to the biennial Flower Carpet Event, when the entire Grand-Place is covered with a breathtaking half-million flowers.

Viewers will also learn about Brussels' distinction as the center of the fight for religious freedom in Europe. In the 1990s, an anti-religious movement ignited across the continent, seeking to criminalize religious beliefs and ban certain faiths. The Church of Scientology fought a 20-year legal battle, ultimately prevailing and setting a powerful legal precedent in the fight against religious persecution throughout the European Union. In turn, today the Brussels Church is a hub of interfaith unity and a catalyst for peace.

About The Scientology Network:

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology-europe.be/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/brussels.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/clips/brussels-trailer.html

Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Brussels, Belgium. DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

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

Join Religious Leaders and the LA Community on June 2 for the 9th Annual Interfaith Solidarity March Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Join the Interfaith Solidarity March organized by the Institute for Religious Tolerance Peace & Justice (IRTPJ) in partnership with dozens of marches around the world. Let us walk together to affirm freedom, diversity, and respect among individuals, nations, ethnicities, and religions, as we learn to live in peace. This significant event aims to foster unity, peace, and understanding among different faith communities while addressing pressing issues in Gaza and Israel.

Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024

Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Starting Location at 1 p.m. St. Basil Roman Catholic Church, 3611 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Ending Location approximately 3:30 p.m. The Islamic Center of Southern California, 434 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020

***Parking: 425 Shatto Place parking lot behind the ICSC or St. Basil's lot***

OUR MARCH PILLARS:

* We are united in rejecting hatred and oppression in the name of religion and in supporting freedom of worship or belief.

* We are united in stamping out bigotry and violence of every sort, and in support of the right to live peacefully.

* We are united in affirming the role that the interfaith community must play in safeguarding the health and safety of all people.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Interfaith Solidarity March

* Start Time: 1 p.m.

* Starting Location: St. Basil Roman Catholic Church, 3611 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010

* Route: The march will proceed from St. Basil Roman Catholic Church, with stops at Robert F. Kennedy Inspiration Park (3384 Wilshire Blvd.) and Immanuel Presbyterian Church (3300 Wilshire Blvd.), to The Islamic Center of Southern California.

* Participants: Faith leaders, community members, and activists from diverse religious backgrounds.

Panel Discussion on the Crisis in Gaza and Israel

Start Time: 3:30 p.m. (approximately)

Ending Location: The Islamic Center of Southern California, S. 434 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Panelists:

* Dr. Sarah Emanuel - Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University

* Tariq Habash - Human Rights Advocate; former Biden administration's political appointee

* Aziza Hasan - Executive Director of NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change

* Rabbi Joshua Hoffman - President and CEO, Academy of Jewish Religion CA

* Rabbi Micah Miller - Assistant Director, Israel Education, Jewish Federation Los Angeles

* Hedab Tarifi - Community Leader and Activist

Moderator:

* Father Alexei Smith - Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Purpose: This event aims to promote interfaith solidarity and engage in meaningful dialogue about the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. It provides a platform for diverse voices to share insights and advocate for peace and justice.

Media Opportunities:

* Interview opportunities with panelists and key organizers.

* Photo and video opportunities during the march and panel discussion.

* Coverage of speeches and interactive sessions.

Please RSVP: InterfaithMarchLA@gmail.com to confirm attendance and arrange interviews with specific participants.

For more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-solidarity-march-la-2024-tickets-899558191767?aff=oddtdtcreator or

https://www.instituteforreligioustolerance.org/new-events/2024/4/14/9th-annual-interfaith-solidarity-march-los-angeles

Or contact Melissa Crandall (Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice Director of Operations) at (818) 469-4362 or interfaithmarchla@gmail.com

Join us in a powerful display of unity and a collective call for peace and justice.

Produced by the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice. The Interfaith Solidarity March LA is a flagship partner of the Interfaith March for Peace & Justice, the world's largest coalition of interfaith marches.

LEARN MORE:

InterfaithMarchLA2024.eventbrite.com

https://www.instituteforreligioustolerance.org/new-events/2024/4/14/9th-annual-interfaith-solidarity-march-los-angeles

VIDEO

https://youtu.be/j-uf4AqmQcU?si=2InTh0QqKdh9rk2t

Join the Interfaith Solidarity March organized by the Institute for Religious Tolerance Peace & Justice (IRTPJ) in partnership with dozens of marches around the world. Let us walk together to affirm freedom, diversity, and respect among individuals, nations, ethnicities, and religions, as we learn to live in peace. This significant event aims to foster unity, peace, and understanding among different faith communities while addressing pressing issues in Gaza and Israel.

Youth for Human Rights Petitions the Ontario Legislative Assembly To Require Human Rights Education Throughout the Province

TORONTO, Ontario /ScoopCloud/ -- "Despite Canada's public image as a human rights promoter," Nicole Crellin realized, "there were human rights violations hidden under the social veneer." That's why she took on being the director of United for Human Rights Canada. Crellin, who is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity that premieres on the Scientology Network Wednesday, June 5, says, "As a teacher, I saw that human rights education was the only weapon that one could use to really raise awareness. Only in that way can we have a society where there's peace and tolerance that exists for everyone."

Crellin led a delegation in May to present a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly. The volunteers, members of Youth for Human Rights, the United for Human Rights program for young people, had collected thousands of signatures on a petition calling for mandatory human rights education throughout the province.

The Association for Canadian Studies released a survey in December 2023, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The survey found only 32 percent of respondents ages 18 to 34 agreed with the statement: "Everyone is born with an equal opportunity to succeed in Canada."

According to Human Rights Watch, among the most pressing violations of human rights in Canada are:

* Systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples

* Violence against Indigenous women

* Mistreatment and detention of those seeking refugee protection in Canada

* Failure to exercise meaningful oversight of Canadian extractive companies operating abroad

To this, another online resource serving professions in the human rights sector adds:

* Religious freedom and tolerance, citing the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to review Quebec's controversial Bill 21 that bans civil servants, teachers and police officers in Quebec from wearing religious symbols when providing or receiving government services.

For more than a decade, Crellin has spearheaded the campaign to educate millions across the nation using educational materials produced by United for Human Rights. United for Human Rights is a nonprofit, international education program sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists worldwide. Its aim is to create a sea change by teaching young people everywhere their inalienable rights, thus creating a generation of leaders who will demand full implementation of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United for Human Rights is inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/nicole-crellin.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/voices-for-humanity/clips/nicole-crellin-trailer.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.htm

"Despite Canada's public image as a human rights promoter," Nicole Crellin realized, "there were human rights violations hidden under the social veneer." That's why she took on being the director of United for Human Rights Canada. Crellin, who is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity that premieres on the Scientology Network Wednesday, June 5, says, "As a teacher, I saw that human rights education was the only weapon that one could use to really raise awareness.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

The 12th Zaragoza Awards Pay Tribute to the Courage, Achievements and Heritage of the Los Angeles Mexican Community

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The 12th Zaragoza Awards was hosted by the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood for a celebration of Cinco de Mayo organized by Mr. Pedro Ramos, president of the L.A.-based nonprofit UPEXT, Union de Poblanos en el Exterior (Union of People from Puebla Living Abroad).

Cinco de Mayo is a day of pride and unity, honoring the Mexican community's rich cultural traditions and its enduring spirit of resilience against adversity. It holds a special significance for those hailing from the state of Puebla. The award takes its name from General Ignacio Zaragoza, who secured Mexico's future by leading 2,000 Mexican soldiers to victory against 6,000 invading French troops at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of tenacity and courage - a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance that characterizes the Mexican-American community.

The celebration included a performance of the play Cinco de Mayo-an American Tradition by Dr. David Hayes-Bautista.

The Zaragoza Awards ceremony honored Mexican Americans selected for their leadership and outstanding service in the fields of immigration, public service, communications, education, business, sports and culture. Each awardee succeeded despite great challenges in the courageous spirit of General Zaragoza.

UPEXT is dedicated to helping the Los Angeles Mexican migrant community face and prevail over the many challenges of living far from home. They contend with a different language and culture and often face economic hardships, and limited access to healthcare and education. UPEXT is also dedicated to reuniting families. It has brought together more than 550 families by helping secure visitor visas for parents and grandparents who, in many cases, have not seen their children or grandchildren for decades. It also organizes programs to assist with social services and to promote pride in the culture and heritage of Puebla.

Scientology Churches of Los Angeles, including the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles, and the Church of Scientology of the Valley, work with UPEXT and Mr. Ramos in support of the human rights, culture and values of the Los Angeles Latinx communities. The Church is deeply committed to the rights of all, inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientology.cc

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/Ytyyswo10kk?si=27n9KNK2IIjrTukk

The 12th Zaragoza Awards was hosted by the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood for a celebration of Cinco de Mayo organized by Mr. Pedro Ramos, president of the L.A.-based nonprofit UPEXT, Union de Poblanos en el Exterior (Union of People from Puebla Living Abroad).

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

Voices for Humanity Is Rockin’ the Truth About Drugs with Dave Scattergood

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring anti-drug activist Dave Scattergood, premiering May 29, 2024.

VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Washington was the first state to legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use. In the aftermath of that legislation, drug-related crimes, drug overdose deaths and suicides (where toxicology tests indicated marijuana use) soared. Dave Scattergood understood clearly the tragedies that awaited young people who were not made aware of the true dangers of drugs. In turn, he partnered with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, delivering the truth about drugs to help reverse the trend ushered in with the legalization of cannabis. Dave has been honored for his work educating over 300,000 people in the Seattle area on the devastating impact of drugs.

ABOUT DAVE SCATTERGOOD

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Dave Scattergood discovered his passion for drumming at a young age. He went on to play in rock bands during the heyday of Seattle's grunge scene. While he sidestepped drug use, he witnessed the devastating impact it had on some of Seattle's brightest talents. Later, after the tragedies accelerated with legalization of recreational marijuana, he grew concerned about his own kids being misled down the path of drug use. It was a "call-to-arms moment," and he fought back by partnering with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and educating kids on the real dangers of drugs. Today, Dave works with schools, government and civic institutions to bring the Truth About Drugs to Seattle's youth.

Dave Scattergood is the coordinator for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World in Washington.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. 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. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/dave-scattergood.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/clips/dave-scattergood-trailer.html

Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring anti-drug activist Dave Scattergood, premiering May 29, 2024.

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

Church of Scientology Debuts New Online Hub for Global Public Service Campaigns

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Church of Scientology is proud to announce the launch of Let's better the world, a new website dedicated to spreading awareness about crucial social issues through a collection of award-winning Public Service Announcements. The innovative platform hosts a comprehensive array of proven nonprofit campaigns that effectively curb drug abuse, instill tolerance, raise awareness of human rights and uplift morality across communities far and wide.

The newly unveiled website serves as a central portal for local broadcast, outdoor and print media outlets, offering them access to a diverse range of impactful and high-quality PSAs for Drug-Free World, United for Human Rights, The Way to Happiness, Citizens Commission on Human Rights and Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

Key features of the Let's better the world website include:

* Extensive Campaign Library: Users can browse through an extensive library of public service ads, covering a wide spectrum of important causes. All PSAs are instantly accessible in the most widely accepted broadcast- and print-ready formats.

* Free Usage: All campaigns hosted on Let's better the world are available to use for free by all online and traditional media outlets.

* Timeless Content: Unlike traditional advertising and other PSAs, the campaigns on Let's better the world have no expiration date, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness for years to come.

* Global Accessibility: To maximize reach and impact, the Let's better the world website will be made available in 17 languages, enabling worldwide usage and dissemination of critical messages.

In an era marked by increasing social consciousness, the Church of Scientology remains committed to harnessing the power of media to drive positive change. With the launch of Let's better the world, the Church seeks to inspire action, foster dialogue and ultimately contribute to a more informed and educated world.

For more information and to explore the library of PSAs, visit LetsBetterTheWorld.org.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.letsbettertheworld.org/

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

The Church of Scientology is proud to announce the launch of Let's better the world, a new website dedicated to spreading awareness about crucial social issues through a collection of award-winning Public Service Announcements. The innovative platform hosts a comprehensive array of proven nonprofit campaigns that effectively curb drug abuse, instill tolerance, raise awareness of human rights and uplift morality across communities far and wide.

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

Meet a Scientologist Showcases Top Brass With Virtuoso Trombonist Gianluca Scipioni

LOS ANGHELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring professional classical trombonist Gianluca Scipioni, premiering May 28, 2024.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Gianluca Scipioni is a professional trombone player whose love for classical music shines through every note he plays. As principal trombonist for the esteemed Royal Theatre in Turin, Italy, and as part of one of the most successful brass quintets in the world, Gomalan Brass, his trombone regularly rings out from the stages of prestigious Italian and European concert halls.

ABOUT GIANLUCA SCIPIONI

A native of Rome, Gianluca Scipioni's mother enrolled him in music school at the age of nine. But it wasn't until high school that he discovered the instrument that would inspire him to pursue a career in music - the trombone. Forgoing college to study with some of the world's leading brass virtuosi, he turned professional in his early 20s, performing with the RAI National Symphony Orchestra and at the Teatro alla Scalla. But his dream of finding a permanent home with an orchestra was, he felt, unrealized due to a persistent case of "audition nerves." And despite nailing his audition to become principal trombonist with the Royal Theatre in Turin, he still had unexplained fears about his future.

After reading "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" and receiving Dianetics counseling, he conquered his fears, going on to achieve success and stability.

With his newfound courage, he expanded his career by joining fellow world-class brass players to form Gomalan Brass, an Italian brass quintet that mixes virtuosity with humor. Their immensely entertaining and innovative renditions of classical pieces have introduced new generations to the genre.

Today, he continues to perform with Gomalan Brass and the Royal Theatre, fulfilling his purpose to uplift others through music.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/gianluca-scipioni.html

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring professional classical trombonist Gianluca Scipioni, premiering May 28, 2024.

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

Institute Founder Credits Youth for Human Rights for the Vision That Informs Her Life’s Work

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- From the playgrounds of a ghetto neighborhood in Romania to the halls of the United Nations, Isabelle Vladoiu's journey has been driven by a single compelling force: the pursuit of justice and human dignity. But it was not until she took part a UN Summit organized by United for Human Rights that the underlying theme in her life's work crystallized. This experience ultimately led to her founding the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, a top-rated nonprofit think tank.

Born just after the fall of a totalitarian regime in Romania, Vladoiu's life was overshadowed by the enduring fear of government oppression and the stark inequities of post-communist society. "Raised by my grandparents in the tumultuous aftermath of communism, my childhood was steeped in an environment where fear and suppression were the norms," she says. "My parents, like many during the post-communist era, left Romania to seek work abroad and never returned, a common narrative of family fragmentation and economic desperation."

Moving to Bucharest at 19 to study law with nothing but a scholarship and a dream of a better life, Vladoiu found purpose in supporting humanitarian causes. Then five years later, accepted into a master's program in law at the University of Buffalo, New York, she left Romania to forge a new life in America.

"However, it was in June 2016 that my life took a pivotal turn," she says.

Nearing the completion of her master's degree and deep in bar exam preparation, Vladoiu's undying passion for human rights propelled her to seek a broader platform for her advocacy.

"I applied to represent my new home country at one of the highest forums for human rights dialogue-the Youth for Human Rights International Summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York," she says. "Chosen from thousands of hopefuls, I was one of only 70 young people from across the globe granted the honor to participate in this prestigious event. The opportunity was staggering. At the summit, I stood before an assembly of over 400 attendees, including UN officials, Nobel Prize laureates, and global policy-makers, sharing my journey and the human rights causes close to my heart."

That day, as she spoke of justice and human dignity, Vladoiu realized her participation in this summit marked a striking new beginning - a lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy.

She went on to empower local educators and community leaders in Buffalo to integrate human rights education into their curricula and community programs.

Moving to Washington, D.C., she founded the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) in 2019. She uses the educational materials of United for Human Rights, one of the world's most comprehensive human rights education and public information initiatives.

"The stark statistic that 258 million children worldwide were out of school fueled my resolve. USIDHR was my answer to providing those children with their fundamental human right to education," she says.

With USIDHR, Vladoiu's role evolved dramatically from the grassroots activities that marked her years in Buffalo to engaging at the highest levels of global diplomacy.

"This transition was not just a step up," she says, "it was a leap into a realm where my voice and our mission could resonate on a global stage. Presidents of states began inviting me to their countries, recognizing the impact and potential of USIDHR's initiatives to reshape their societies. Governments from around the world started sending delegates to our training programs, eager for them to absorb the comprehensive human rights education we offered so they could return home to implement meaningful reforms."

Youth for Human Rights continues its work to inspire young human rights advocates to create a fair and equitable world. The next annual Youth Summit at the UN takes place July 18-20, 2024.

The Church of Scientology and Scientologists support United for Human Rights and its program for young people Youth for Human Rights. These nonprofits aim to create a sea change by teaching young people everywhere their inalienable rights, thus creating an entire generation of leaders who will demand full implementation of the 30 UDHR articles. United for Human Rights is inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases

https://usidhr.org/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

From the playgrounds of a ghetto neighborhood in Romania to the halls of the United Nations, Isabelle Vladoiu's journey has been driven by a single compelling force: the pursuit of justice and human dignity. But it was not until she took part a UN Summit organized by United for Human Rights that the underlying theme in her life's work crystallized. This experience ultimately led to her founding the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, a top-rated nonprofit think tank.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Human Rights Group Marches in Protest to Demand RANZCP End Dangerous Coercive Psychiatric Practices as Advised by the World Health Organization and the UN

CANBERRA, Australia /ScoopCloud/ -- Scores of protesters marched on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Annual Congress in Canberra to demand it end its support of electroshock treatment, psychiatric restraints, forced drugging, and involuntary detainment. The protest was organized by Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a mental health industry watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology. CCHR demands a complete ban on coercive and dangerous psychiatric practices, citing their harmful effects on the vulnerable.

Canberrans were invited to attend CCHR's "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit," open daily in Canberra from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through 24 May. The free exhibit exposes the history of psychiatry from its dark beginnings in the Bedlam Psychiatric Hospital in England through to the present, highlighting the grievous harm it causes patients.

At the exhibit's opening, Lloyd Wyles, an Indigenous Australian and retired senior radio producer and broadcaster from Northern Queensland, spoke of psychiatry's role in the white Australia policy and South Africa's apartheid. The exhibit documents how psychiatry fostered racism by inventing and promoting the pseudoscience of "eugenics," resulting in the forced sterilization of Indigenous people and people of color.

Those who do not act to rid society of psychiatry, he said, are just as guilty as the practicing psychiatrist. If we do not take action, we could lose our entire civilization.

Stuart Richardson, a Christian minister from Restitution, Mind, Body and Soul Ministries, also spoke at the Exhibit's opening. He became aware of the dangers of psychiatry when he was detained involuntarily when he was younger. He spoke of letting people know there are alternatives to harmful psychiatric drugs and stressed the importance of finding the real cause of the problem including medical check-ups, diet, sleep and exercise.

RANZCP's support of coercive practices, including the use of ECT, is out of step with the guidelines published by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2023. RANZCP continues to label electroshock as "therapeutic."

Both the WHO and the UN direct practitioners and their professional organizations to inform patients that electroshock is an "irreversible intervention" causing "memory loss and brain damage." They also call for the prohibition of involuntary electroshock and its use on children, stating "International human rights standards clarify that ECT without consent violates the right to physical and mental integrity and may constitute torture and ill-treatment."

LEARN MORE:

https://cchr.org.au/

https://www.cchrint.org

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/cchr-documentaries/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/cchr-documentaries/psychiatry-an-industry-of-death.html

Scores of protesters marched on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Annual Congress in Canberra to demand it end its support of electroshock treatment, psychiatric restraints, forced drugging, and involuntary detainment. The protest was organized by Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a mental health industry watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology. CCHR demands a complete ban on coercive and dangerous psychiatric practices, citing their harmful effects on the vulnerable.

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

Scientology Volunteer Ministers and Their Partners Provide Urgently Needed Help to Victims of the Rio Grande do Sul Disaster

RIO GRANDE DO SUL, Brazil /ScoopCloud/ -- Nearly a month since torrential rains triggered flooding, submerging much of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to help disaster response agencies cope with the unprecedented destruction. While media are reporting 150 people have perished from the flood, those on the ground report the casualty rate is far higher. Many are without water, electricity and basic services. At least 600,000 have been displaced and much of the region is still underwater. Help is urgently needed.

The Church of Scientology Mission of São Paulo is coordinating Volunteer Minister activities in the region. In partnership with the Boy Scouts and civil firefighters, who have trained in Volunteer Minister technology, they are organizing and distributing supplies and providing Scientology assists to those devastated by the crisis. Assists are techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to provide relief from the mental and spiritual factors of trauma and stress, making it possible for victims of disaster to come to terms with their circumstances and take effective action to deal with them.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers international headquarters in Los Angeles flew a team of the legendary Los Topos disaster response specialists from Mexico to Brazil. Los Topos, who have partnered with the Volunteer Ministers on numerous disasters since 2010, is working with Brazilian military and civil defense to search for and rescue victims trapped in their homes and provide needed first aid.

In Mathias Velho, one of the hardest-hit areas, Volunteer Ministers are working alongside local firefighters, organizing donated supplies, food and water, and delivering them by boat to those stranded in flooded areas.

Scoutmaster Marcos Antonio Correia Santos, who is working with the Volunteer Ministers team, describes the region as "a war zone. People don't know what to do," he says. "They are afraid - you can see the fear on their faces."

"The suffering and pain is immense," says a Volunteer Minister who flew in from Guatemala to join the disaster response team. "They are going to need a lot of help."

Anyone wishing to donate time, supplies or equipment or to help those suffering from this crisis is urged to contact the Scientology São Paulo Mission. It is located at Rua Serra De Botucatu 1208 in São Paulo and can be reached at 011 2094-4214.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service, developed by Mr. Hubbard in the mid-1970s. In an essay announcing the program, he wrote: "If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance."

Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

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 program.

Operation: Do Something About It is a feature-length film produced by Scientology Media Productions that documents the Volunteer Ministers' international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is available in 17 languages on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and streams at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.volunteerministers.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.volunteerministers.org/training/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/operation-do-something-about-it.html

https://youtu.be/Su1NKhyhIp8?si=LnIsxvJD8A47C7QI

Nearly a month since torrential rains triggered flooding, submerging much of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to help disaster response agencies cope with the unprecedented destruction. While media are reporting 150 people have perished from the flood, those on the ground report the casualty rate is far higher.

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

Upholding Commerce’s Reputation as a Model City

COMMERCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- City of Commerce, known as the Model City, is home to many diverse businesses. Being mainly industrial, some areas tend to accumulate trash left over from businesses' disposing of waste. Observing debris along the on-ramps leading to the I-710 Freeway, City of Commerce Mayor Mr. Hugo Argumedo decided to do something about it. He partnered with Bridge Publications, the all-digital in-house printing facility for the nonfiction works of author L. Ron Hubbard, and together they organized a cleanup of the Northbound I-710 Washington Blvd. on-ramp. The City of Commerce and Caltrans arranged the tools, safety equipment and trucks.

On a sunny spring morning, volunteers shoveled, picked up and hauled away all the trash from the site. The team collected and disposed of 58 bags of waste, tree branches and a car bumper.

In addition to the mayor and Bridge Publications staff, volunteers included:

* Youth from the Explorer Program of the East L.A. Sheriff's Department

* Members of the City of Commerce Evening Lions Club

* Leader of the El Sabor de Michoacán

* Staff from Golden State Connections

A special acknowledgement to Sgt. Ibarra and his colleague from the East L.A. Sheriff's Department who kept everyone safe.

All involved are thanked for their contribution to keeping Commerce, the Model City, clean.

One of the books published by Bridge is The Way to Happiness, a common-sense moral code that can be used by people of all cultures and creeds to map the way to a happier and better way of life. Precept 12 of the book inspires Bridge volunteers who take part in this and other cleanups: Safeguard and Improve Your Environment.

Bridge Publications is planning more events to help improve Commerce and surrounding areas and encourages others to join. Those wishing to volunteer to help in community outreach events should contact Lucia Winther at (323) 888-6200 or lwinther@bridgepub.com.

Established in 1981, Bridge Publications, Inc. in Commerce, California, is the publisher of the nonfiction works of international best-selling author L. Ron Hubbard. Bridge Publications' award-winning state of the art facility publishes Mr. Hubbard's works for the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.

For more information on Bridge Publications, visit the Bridge website or watch Inside Bridge Publication on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.bridgepub.com/about/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/bridge-publications.html

https://www.thewaytohappiness.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eae3ZomZAYE

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/bridge-publications.html

Observing debris along the on-ramps leading to the I-710 Freeway, City of Commerce Mayor Mr. Hugo Argumedo decided to do something about it. He partnered with Bridge Publications, the all-digital in-house printing facility for the nonfiction works of author L. Ron Hubbard, and together they organized a cleanup of the Northbound I-710 Washington Blvd. on-ramp.

Related link: https://www.bridgepub.com/

Foundation for a Drug-Free World Reaches Out at the 79th Annual National PAL Training Conference to Empower Youth With Effective Drug Education

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports drug overdoses are killing young Americans in unprecedented numbers. To help turn the tide on this epidemic, Foundation for a Drug-Free World reached out to those attending the annual National Police Athletic and Activities League (PAL) Training Conference at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Hotel May 7 - May 10. Drug-Free World volunteers and staff introduced those attending the conference to their acclaimed Truth About Drugs drug education and prevention initiative, which they provide free of charge to anyone wishing to help kids on this urgent subject.

National PAL's mission and activities are based on the conviction that young people, reached early enough, are more likely to become productive adults and agents of positive change.

The Truth About Drugs youth-friendly booklets and videos help accomplish this purpose. They get through to young people, keeping them interested and engaged. The Truth About Drugs documentary drives home the message, as former addicts share harrowing stories of how they were trapped in the dwindling spiral of addiction.

"Truth About Drugs materials can also contribute to PAL's mission to provide youth with leadership opportunities to help others," said Foundation for a Drug-Free World Executive Director Jessica Hochman. "Our program not only helps young people make the firm decision not to experiment with drugs, it also helps them take responsibility for their peers, their siblings - even their parents - and gives them the confidence that they can set an example for others. With your commitment to helping youth and our drug-prevention campaign and free online courses, we can truly save lives."

The Truth About Drugs program is the largest and most comprehensive nongovernmental drug education and prevention program of its kind. It is spearheaded and coordinated by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a secular nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. The program is used by teachers, school counselors, drug education specialists and law enforcement officers around the world. Its drug-free message reaches millions of people each year.

Inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who found drugs to be "the single most destructive element present in our current culture," Scientology Churches and Scientologists support Foundation for a Drug-Free World, making it possible to provide its materials free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement, and individuals and institutions in the private sector.

Visit VoicesforHumanity.tv to watch short documentaries introducing change makers of all faiths, cultures and nations who use this and other Scientology-supported humanitarian programs to better their communities and society.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-truth-about-drugs.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/they-said-they-lied.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports drug overdoses are killing young Americans in unprecedented numbers. To help turn the tide on this epidemic, Foundation for a Drug-Free World reached out to those attending the annual National Police Athletic and Activities League (PAL) Training Conference at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Hotel May 7 - May 10.

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

Scientology Network’s ‘Voices for Humanity’ Brings Hope Back to Paradise With David Lopez

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring Volunteer Minister David Lopez on May 22, 2024.

VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Puerto Rico, a stunning island paradise resplendent with natural beauty, has had to overcome a host of recent sociological and natural calamities - from the collapse of its social services to the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Maria. David Lopez, a Scientology Volunteer Minister, leads far-reaching efforts to provide the people of Puerto Rico with humanitarian and spiritual aid. His work has positively impacted the lives of thousands of his countrymen.

ABOUT DAVID LOPEZ

David Lopez is a Puerto Rican native whose passion for helping others began early when he joined the Cub Scouts, carried on through his tenure with Puerto Rico's Civil Air Patrol and has continued with a lifetime of service to improve the lives of others. The defining test of his commitment and ability to effectively help came in 2017, when Hurricane Maria wrought devastation to every aspect of Puerto Rican life. David led Scientology Volunteer Ministers' relief efforts throughout the island, from its capital city to remote and isolated villages. Volunteer Minister action encompassed everything from delivering crucial lifesaving supplies to clearing downed trees that blocked roads for emergency access vehicles. But beyond the physical damage, there was the emotional and spiritual toll the hurricane took on the Puerto Rican population. Working with his team, David helped uplift his countrymen with the tools from The Scientology Handbook - tools that have now been adopted by Puerto Rican religious leaders and praised by government officials.

David Lopez is the Scientology Volunteer Minister In-Charge of Puerto Rico.

ABOUT THE SCIENTOLOGY NETWORK

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/david-lopez.html

Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring Volunteer Minister David Lopez on May 22, 2024. VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

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

Meet a Scientologist Gets Fired up With World Champion Pizza Maker Scot Cosentino

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring world champion pizza maker Scot Cosentino, on May 21, 2024.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Scot Cosentino went from a struggling student who overcame learning barriers to the founder of the famed Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza in New York City. Now he is an award-winning restaurateur, known for creating some of the most popular pies in the pizza capital of the world.

ABOUT SCOT COSENTINO

Scot Cosentino is a third-generation Italian American, born in North Carolina and raised from the age of two in Brooklyn, New York. Scot's love of pizza began as a child growing up in a neighborhood filled with legendary Italian restaurants. As an adult, he sought to learn the pizza business, but a lifelong struggle with learning prevented him from achieving his goal.

Scot credits L. Ron Hubbard's Study Technology as the turning point in his life and career. After overcoming his barriers to learning, he gained the confidence to pursue his lifelong passion - making pizza. Scot established Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza, the first-ever wood-fired brick oven pizzeria on Staten Island. His innovative and delicious pies have attracted a devoted following of city luminaries, mayors and celebrities. Among Scot's countless awards are his multiple World's Best Pizza trophies from the International Pizza Expo. Fulfilling his mission to help others who share his passion for pizza, Scot established the Pizza School of New York, an exclusive one-on-one training academy that instructs pizza makers from across the globe.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/scot-cosentino.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/clips/scot-cosentino-trailer.html

Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring world champion pizza maker Scot Cosentino, on May 21, 2024.

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

Documentary Showcase Presents ‘Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future’ – The Unsung Heroes Who Changed Professional Hockey Forever

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the documentary "Soul On Ice: Past, Present and Future" on May 17, 2024. DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Soul On Ice: Past, Present and Future tells the seldom-heard story of the first Black hockey players to step onto the ice and their struggle for acceptance that eventually broke the ice for today's professional Black players in the NHL.

Written and directed by Damon Kwame Mason, the documentary chronicles the discrimination faced by Black athletes from the earliest days of organized hockey leagues in North America, to the impact and influence of those who dared to pursue their dreams and break through the color barrier of the sport. Their legacies paved the way for today's Black NHL players and the youth programs that encourage children today of all races to participate and excel in hockey. The film is anchored around the countdown to the NHL draft and one outstanding young Black hockey player's dream of getting his shot at playing in the pro league.

ABOUT DAMON KWAME MASON

Damon Kwame Mason has been working in the Canadian entertainment industry since 1996, beginning his career in television and expanding to radio as an on-air personality. With his expertise in the medium, Mason went on to help launch countless radio stations across Canada and co-hosted with some of the nation's most well-known DJs and stars, such as NHL enforcer Georges Laraque.

Soul On Ice: Past, Present and Future is Mason's feature-length directorial debut. The film won the People's Choice Award for documentary film at the Edmonton International Film Festival.

Mason continues to create culturally vital documentary projects, showcasing diversity, history and the untold stories of those who need to be heard.

In an interview with Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, Mason reflected on the theme of the film:

"We always are told, 'What lesson did you learn?' And I think that's what the film does. It gives you the lesson of, no matter what you're going through, you could always come out of it on top."

ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.

For more information, visit Scientology.tv/docs.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 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 worldwide. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/about.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/soul-on-ice/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/soul-on-ice/videos/inside-look.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/soul-on-ice/videos/teaser.html

Scientology Network's DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the documentary "Soul On Ice: Past, Present and Future" on May 17, 2024.

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