Tag Archives: Religion and Churches

Celebrating the Anniversary of ‘Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health,’ the All-Time Bestselling Book on the Human Mind

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientologists, neighbors and guests gathered at an outdoor auditorium at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles Saturday, May 11. They filled Scientology Churches up and down L. Ron Hubbard Way in East Hollywood for a dinner and awards ceremony to honor top-producing Dianetics auditors and disseminators, celebrate the 74th anniversary of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, and launch the book's diamond anniversary year.

The word Dianetics comes from the Greek dia, meaning "through" and nous, meaning "soul," and is defined as "what the soul is doing to the body." Dianetics is a methodology that can help alleviate unwanted sensations and emotions, irrational fears, and psychosomatic illnesses (illnesses caused or aggravated by mental stress).

Those attending spanned a wide spectrum of interests and experience, from those new to Dianetics, to local Scientologists, and those in Los Angeles to study Dianetics and Scientology from across the country and beyond. There were those currently experiencing the miracles of Dianetics, those studying Dianetics, and those practicing Dianetics. But all were moved by the testimonials shared by those using Dianetics to help themselves and others overcome their limitations and achieve their full potential.

"Dianetics is an adventure," wrote L. Ron Hubbard in his introduction to the book. "It is an exploration into Terra Incognita, the human mind, that vast hitherto unknown realm half an inch back of our foreheads." And although it has firmly established itself as the most widely read and influential book ever written about the mind, Dianetics is as revolutionary to those discovering it today as it was in May 1950, when 50,000 copies of the book rolled off the presses, selling out immediately and propelling the book onto the New York Times best-seller list where it remained for 26 consecutive weeks.

Now available in 50 languages, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health is accessible to the wide range of cultures and ethnicities living in Los Angeles and to over 90 percent of the world's population.

L. Ron Hubbard always intended Dianetics for use, and in 2009, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, made it possible for anyone to learn and use the technology with the release of How to Use Dianetics: 32 films in 17 languages containing 4 1/2 hours of visual instruction in Dianetics principles and procedures. The book and these films form the basis of the new Hubbard Dianetics Seminar, available at any Scientology Mission or Church in the world. And with the use of the book and these films, within hours, anyone can begin their own adventure and help another do so too.

With the launch of the Scientology Network, the reach of Dianetics has skyrocketed, with Dianetics programming reaching 240 countries and territories in 17 languages, broadcast on Direct TV channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse, and streaming at Scientology.tv, through mobile apps, Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Find the nearest Scientology Church, Mission or Dianetics group through the Scientology locator on Scientology.org.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

https://www.dianetics.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/Dt9SyNpirdo?si=lyzNzqLEikkpSg-1

https://www.scientology.tv/films-on-scientology-principles/dianetics-introduction.html

Scientologists, neighbors and guests gathered at an outdoor auditorium at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles Saturday, May 11. They filled Scientology Churches up and down L. Ron Hubbard Way in East Hollywood for a dinner and awards ceremony to honor top-producing Dianetics auditors and disseminators, celebrate the 74th anniversary of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, and launch the book's diamond anniversary year.

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

New South Wales Sikh Motorcycle Club Promotes Peace, Equality and Human Rights at an Annual Festival

COFFS HARBOUR, New South Wales /ScoopCloud/ -- Every April, Sikh communities around the world celebrate the Sikh faith festival of Vaisakhi with a procession known as Nagar Kirtan. The event not only brings the Sikh community together but also promotes Sikh beliefs and community activism to the wider society. Human rights and social justice are central to Sikh beliefs. The religion holds that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and must be treated with respect and equality. This is why the Singhs Social Motorcycle Club of Australia (Singhs SMC) joined forces with United for Human Rights New South Wales, a human rights campaign supported by the Church of Scientology, to raise awareness of an important human rights issue affecting Australians.

Gurū Nānak (1469-1539), founder of Sikhism, was centuries ahead of his time. He embraced human rights, advocated the principle of human equality across caste and religion, and called on Sikhs to be active in promoting this.

At this year's Nagar Kirtan in Coffs Harbour, a city on the north coast of New South Wales, Singhs SMC promoted the importance of ending domestic violence. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in six women, 15 and older, have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner.

United for Human Rights volunteers walked along the procession route with volunteers and club members who adopted the United for Human Rights campaign as a program that can help them achieve their own purpose of promoting human decency and respect.

Volunteers from United for Human Rights NSW handed out booklets that raise awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some 3,500 local residents gathered for the festival.

Singhs SMC's support of human rights at the Coffs Harbour Nagar Kirtan was "a powerful testament to the spirit of unity, compassion, and activism of the Sikh community and its collective commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society," said a representative of United for Human Rights NSW.

United for Human Rights and its initiative for young people, Youth for Human Rights International, are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide its educational materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders, and anyone wishing to educate youth or adults on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program is inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's belief that "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

For more information visit the United for Human Rights website, watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network or watch episodes of Voices for Humanity to see how changemakers of all faiths, traditions and cultures use United for Human Rights and other Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs to extend help and uplift their communities.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

MULTIMEDIA:

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

VIDEO:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

Every April, Sikh communities around the world celebrate the Sikh faith festival of Vaisakhi with a procession known as Nagar Kirtan. The religion holds that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and must be treated with respect and equality. This is why the Singhs Social Motorcycle Club of Australia (Singhs SMC) joined forces with United for Human Rights New South Wales, a human rights campaign supported by the Church of Scientology, to raise awareness of an important human rights issue affecting Australians.

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

Voices for Humanity Chronicles a Massive Movement Against Drug Abuse Led by Salomon and Lucy Dabbah

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 anti-drug activists Lucy and Salomon Dabbah on May 15, 2024.

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

Mexico is in an existential battle against drugs. With drug cartels preying on children as young as eight and entire neighborhoods falling under cartel control, the very future of Mexican society is threatened.

Recognizing that education will empower children to not fall prey to drug lords, Lucy and Salomon Dabbah started a movement to teach youth across the State of Mexico the truth about the devastating effects of drugs. Today, the program they introduced, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World's Truth About Drugs, is implemented in schools and civic institutions across the state and has educated millions on the dangers of drugs.

ABOUT LUCY AND SALOMON DABBAH

Lucy and Salomon Dabbah both grew up in Mexico City. Over 50 years ago they met, and married shortly after-and since then, they have done everything in life together. The tragic drug overdose death of a friend's son inspired their commitment to educate Mexican youth on the consequences of drug use. Lucy and Salomon decided it was up to them to help kids stay off drugs by educating them on the true dangers drugs pose. Together they started a chapter of Drug-Free World. Now, thanks to this tireless work, their drug education program is part of the official curriculum in all schools across the State of Mexico.

Today, Lucy and Salomon Dabbah lead Foundation for a Drug-Free World Mexico.

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/lucy-and-salomon-dabbah.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 activists Lucy and Salomon Dabbah on May 15, 2024.

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

Meet a Scientologist Shakes Things Up with Brazilian Belly Dancer Serena Ramzy

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 on classical Egyptian dance performer Serena Ramzy, premiering May 14, 2024.

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

Serena Ramzy is a Brazilian-born belly dancer who is introducing the ancient art form to a new generation of dancers. With a deep knowledge of classical Egyptian dance, she has become a popular international performer and teacher, sharing her love and appreciation of belly dancing with audiences and students around the world.

ABOUT SERENA RAMZY

Serena Ramzy was born in São Paolo, Brazil, to an Italian Portuguese family as the youngest of five siblings. As a child, she took up ballet, displaying prodigious talent that won her a highly coveted scholarship to the São Paolo City Ballet. After a knee injury abruptly ended her dreams of becoming a ballerina, her sister introduced her to belly dancing. Serena not only found its low-impact nature allowed her to continue dancing, but she also developed a passion for studying, performing, choreographing and teaching classical Egyptian dance - ultimately helping to keep the art form flourishing worldwide. Crucial to Serena's being able to share her appreciation and knowledge was overcoming her anxiety about speaking in front of groups. She credits the skills she learned on the introductory Scientology course Success through Communication, which enabled her to comfortably express herself. With a professional career now spanning more than three decades, Serena continues to inspire passion in students worldwide and serve as an ambassador of an acclaimed ancient form of dance.

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/meet-a-scientologist/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/serena-ramzy.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 on classical Egyptian dance performer Serena Ramzy, premiering May 14, 2024. MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

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

Mentors Honor L. Ron Hubbard for Helping Them Help At-Risk Youth Take the Path to a Better Life

HARLEM, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- In the Bronx, where the violent crime rate is the highest of the five boroughs of New York City, TBS New Direction, a Bronx-based mentoring and youth interventionist nonprofit, is addressing the root of the problem. Joined by religious leaders and community activists from the Bronx and Harlem, TBS New Direction leaders and members gathered at the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center to honor L. Ron Hubbard for his common-sense guide to better living, The Way to Happiness. The group uses the book to build character and expand young people's ability to succeed without resorting to crime. To express their appreciation, they awarded honorary membership to L. Ron Hubbard, along with a Black Spades Jacket, which they presented to a representative of the Church of Scientology.

"I am honored to extend L. Ron Hubbard our heartfelt recognition for his extraordinary contributions to humanity through The Way to Happiness," said Mr. Marion "Tiny" Frampton, founder of TBS New Direction at the presentation.

TBS New Direction programs include gun and gang violence prevention, public safety activities, job development and training, community outreach and mobilization and social intervention. For the past several years, the nonprofit has been using The Way to Happiness to help youth learn the importance of moral values and discover their own goodness and values.

TBS New Direction takes its name from The Black Spades, a street gang that began in the Bronx in the 1960s. The Black Spades' original purpose was to fight racism, violence, bigotry and crime, and to counter the rapid spread of heroin throughout the community. By the 1970s, however, when the original leadership stepped down, the gang lost its bearings and ultimately became one of the most dangerous gangs in New York.

In 2019, a corps of The Black Spades founding members created the nonprofit TBS New Direction to accomplish the group's original purpose through mentoring at-risk youth.

The Church of Scientology Harlem and its Community Center are dedicated to working side by side with groups of all denominations and providing an array of civic programs and humanitarian initiatives to strengthen and unite the community.

For more information on the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center and its programs, watch Destination Scientology: Harlem. And to see how changemakers from all faiths, cultures and nations use The Way to Happiness to uplift their communities, watch episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.humanrights.com

MULTIMEDIA:

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-way-to-happiness.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/common-sense-for-life.html

In the Bronx, where the violent crime rate is the highest of the five boroughs of New York City, TBS New Direction, a Bronx-based mentoring and youth interventionist nonprofit, is addressing the root of the problem. Joined by religious leaders and community activists from the Bronx and Harlem, TBS New Direction leaders and members gathered at the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center to honor L. Ron Hubbard for his common-sense guide to better living, The Way to Happiness.

Home to the Greatest Snow on Earth, Destination: Scientology, Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /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 Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13, 2024.

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

ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, SALT LAKE CITY

Standing amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake City is home to some of the best skiing in the world and a place where community bonds are cherished. The Church of Scientology works with all faiths to help build a brighter future for all Salt Lakers.

The picturesque mountain town, founded by pioneers in the 1840s in the name of religious freedom, is open to all faiths. In this episode, viewers are invited into the Church of Scientology, located just one mile from the city center on iconic South Temple Street. Beyond Salt Lake's religious significance, viewers will also quickly see how the city earned its slogan, "The Greatest Snow on Earth," and why it draws skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond the stunning vistas and world-class ski resorts, Salt Lake City is home to the Sundance Film Festival, the largest and most prestigious independent film festival in America. The Church of Scientology helps keep the pioneering spirit of the city alive by working with a number of government and community organizations to envision and collaboratively build a better world.

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/news/

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/salt-lake-city.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/clips/salt-lake-city-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 Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13, 2024.

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

Mental Health Awareness Month: Exhibit Raises Awareness of the Danger of Electroshock and Other Harmful Psychiatric Practices

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Those seeking help, beware, warns Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a mental health industry watchdog. For Mental Health Awareness Month, the group marched through the streets of New York to raise awareness about coercive mental health practices including forced institutionalization and the use of electroshock (ECT) - even on children. Strategically timed to coincide with the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual convention in the city, CCHR also brought its Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit to New York. Due to its popularity, the exhibit has been extended through May 12 at 37 Union Square West in Manhattan.

CCHR denounces ECT as an outdated and brain-damaging procedure. The group demanded the APA take immediate action to implement the joint Guidance on Mental Health, Human Rights and Legislation issued in October 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit contains vital information documenting psychiatric practices that put health, safety - even life - at risk. In addition to evidence compiled on psychiatry's continued use of involuntary commitment and shock treatment, exhibit panels also document the danger of highly addictive drugs prescribed to children whose side effects include violence and suicide.

The Exhibit is open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. through May 12. Admission is free.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology, inspired by visionary and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who believed that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.

For more information, visit the website of CCHR or watch CCHR documentaries on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

VIDEO:

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

Those seeking help, beware, warns Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a mental health industry watchdog. For Mental Health Awareness Month, the group marched through the streets of New York to raise awareness about coercive mental health practices including forced institutionalization and the use of electroshock (ECT) - even on children. Strategically timed to coincide with the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual convention in the city, CCHR also brought its Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit to New York.

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

Celebrating the 74th Anniversary of L. Ron Hubbard’s ‘Dianetics’: The Exciting Adventure Continues

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Untold millions have benefited from L. Ron Hubbard's perennially best-selling "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" since it was first published on May 9, 1950. As the book's diamond jubilee year begins, "Dianetics" is still startling and new to anyone reading and using it for the first time. And the reason is simple. As Mr. Hubbard stated at the beginning of the book, "Dianetics is an adventure. It is an exploration into Terra Incognita, the human mind, that vast hitherto unknown realm half an inch back of our foreheads." And with the Dianetics Seminar available at Scientology Churches and Missions the world over, it is easier than ever before to experience that adventure.

Amy, who was looking for something that could "heal the soul," responded to the Scientology Super Bowl ad suggesting she should satisfy her curiosity by simply walking into a Church of Scientology. She took part in a Dianetics seminar, where people new to the subject partner with another person to learn the basics of Dianetics and use it with each other.

"I was nervous at first," she says. "But I followed the instructions, and that made me feel more comfortable and confident." She felt "really in tune" with the woman she was helping.

Then, when it was her turn, Amy says, "I was able to address an incident that happened when I was 17 years old. Instead of avoiding it, I felt all the emotions and pain as if it were happening now. I expressed emotions in session that I never allowed myself to feel, and I realized that this really works. And now that incident has been erased. I am no longer afraid to talk about it." And the incident no longer has any hold over her.

For Bikash, before he began the Dianetics Seminar he felt as though he was "at the end of the line. I sometimes hated myself. I had a lot of problems that I just didn't know how to deal with."

This took a toll on his marriage. "I couldn't explain how I felt," he says, describing his relationship with his wife as "a real roller coaster."

"The Dianetics Seminar made me more effective in controlling my emotions and solving the issues I faced," he says.

Before using Dianetics, the way he would deal with a situation "used to make me feel just horrible," he says. "But now, I can look at that same situation, and while it hasn't changed, how I view it has changed." And bottom line, "I am so much happier."

Warren had no idea he still had grief about his grandmother. "I was honestly surprised that I cried, but it was a great feeling to release my emotions on that," he says. "I felt a great weight lift off me." He can now talk about his grandmother "without experiencing the pain of her loss."

But Warren also says it was gratifying to help guide the man he was partnered with, using Dianetics procedure, "so he could feel relief."

Before her Dianetics Seminar, Cristina used to think "everything bad that happened was my fault." Now she knows that's not true "and I don't feel guilty anymore."

The publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health on May 9, 1950, unleashed "a full-scale explosion," as newspapers of the day described it.

When Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health rolled off the presses 74 years ago, the book soared onto the New York Times bestseller list, where it remained for 26 consecutive weeks. Publishers Weekly described Dianetics as "perhaps the best-selling non-Christian book of all time in the West" and awarded it the prestigious Century Award for appearing more than 100 weeks on its bestseller list. It is unquestionably the most popular book ever published on the human mind.

Dianetics now spans every culture, across every continent, in more than 50 languages.

The Dianetics Seminar is based on the book and a set of 32 films called How to Use Dianetics. Available in 17 languages, the films provide more than four hours of visual instruction in Dianetics principles and procedures. The films and the book can be purchased at any Scientology Church of Mission, most bookstores, and through Dianetics.org.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.dianetics.org

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/Dt9SyNpirdo?si=Qy6EhkcrmK7WlPR7

https://www.scientology.tv/films-on-scientology-principles/dianetics-introduction.html

Untold millions have benefited from L. Ron Hubbard's perennially best-selling "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" since it was first published on May 9, 1950. As the book's diamond jubilee year begins, "Dianetics" is still startling and new to anyone reading and using it for the first time. And the reason is simple. As Mr. Hubbard stated at the beginning of the book, "Dianetics is an adventure. It is an exploration into Terra Incognita, the human mind, that vast hitherto unknown realm half an inch back of our foreheads." And with the Dianetics Seminar available at Scientology Churches and Missions the world over, it is easier than ever before to experience that adventure.

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

Protect Yourself and Your Family: Visit ‘Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit’ in New York. Learn the Facts and Fight Back

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit," open now through May 9 at 37 Union Square West in Manhattan, is not for the faint of heart. But it provides vital information to avoid or survive coercive psychiatric practices that infringe against human rights. The exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights, shows how these practices put health, safety - even life - at risk.

Learn the truth about psychiatry, including its continued use of involuntary commitment and shock treatment.

Discover the danger of highly addictive drugs that are prescribed to children despite their side effects that include violence and suicide.

The Exhibit reveals the statistical relationship between soaring suicide rates among veterans and school shootings and the prescription of psychiatric drugs.

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit takes visitors through the history of psychiatry, from its dark beginnings at the Bethlehem Royal Hospital, known as Bedlam, which has inspired numerous horror books and films. It continues with psychiatry's endorsement of "eugenics," the pseudoscience that promoted "improving" the human race through selective breeding and sterilization. It includes stark footage and testimony showing that psychiatrists were the architects of Hitler's "final solution."

The Exhibit is open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. through May 9. Admission is free.

CCHR is a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Thomas Szasz, inspired by visionary and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who believed that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.

For more information, visit the website of CCHR or watch CCHR documentaries on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

VIDEO:

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

"Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit," open now through May 9 at 37 Union Square West in Manhattan, is not for the faint of heart. But it provides vital information to avoid or survive coercive psychiatric practices that infringe against human rights. The exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights, shows how these practices put health, safety - even life - at risk.

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

Former Addict Dedicates Himself to Paying Help Forward With Foundation for a Drug-Free World

VALENCIA, Spain /ScoopCloud/ -- No stranger to drug abuse and its toll, Alfredo Riaño, who heads the chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World in Valencia, Spain, shares his own story to help kids avoid the ordeal of addiction that he eventually escaped from. And he trains educators, law enforcement and other community partners who share his passion to reach youth with the truth about drugs before they fall prey to the dwindling spiral of drug abuse and addiction.

At first, life was a party, or so it seemed. When Riaño finished his military service, he found himself the perfect job, working as a PR for an alcohol company that sold to bars and clubs. Nights were a procession of discos and parties.

Then he discovered cocaine. Drugs were easy to come by in the circles he traveled. Night after night he'd get home around 4 a.m. after an entire gram of cocaine and a liter of gin. But the high he felt when he first tried the drug evaded him as he attempted to recreate the sensation by ingesting ever-increasing amounts. "The more I consumed, the worse I felt," he says. "I felt neurotic, unhappy, depressed."

Then he tried supplementing the cocaine with methamphetamine. "I was a human waste," he says. The final straw came with LSD. "It completely destroyed my life."

Riaño's luck only turned when a friend invited him to visit the Church of Scientology and introduced him to technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to free people from drugs. The friend also helped Riaño take stock of his life and his goals and set a new, ethical course for the future.

Drug-free and sober since then, Riaño has been paying forward the help he received by reaching out with Foundation for a Drug-Free World Valencia and its Truth About Drugs initiative, the drug education and prevention campaign supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists. In addition to bringing the campaign to the classroom, Riaño trains educators, law enforcement and community groups so they too can reach youth with this vital information.

A natural showman, Riaño makes his drug prevention presentations fun. The youth-friendly booklets and videos of the Foundation's Truth About Drugs initiative make it easy to involve young people in the lessons. He invites their participation by having them create skits. His classes not only make a lasting impression, they also give young people the opportunity to examine their attitudes about drugs and alcohol at a critical time in their lives.

Studies show that the earlier youth begin abusing drugs, the greater the risk of lifelong dependency. Adolescent drug use is also tied to academic difficulties, health-related problems, poor peer relationships, and crime.

After his lessons, he has the classes fill out anonymous surveys, in which quite a few admit that they smoke marijuana, but now say they have decided never to smoke it again. More than 80 percent say they never understood what drugs really were before, but now they do. They often comment that what they thought about drugs before was based on false information. And they feel more confident now about explaining the truth about drugs to friends and siblings.

"Many of them come to tell me that I have changed their lives," says Riaño.

One teacher told Riaño that after his presentation, parents started calling, saying their children arrived home excited and told them all about what they had learned.

"A principal told me he had never seen anything like this. The entire class of 60 students spent an hour and a half totally attentive," he says. A 16-year-old girl told him she was going home to have a very serious talk with her mother. She decided to help her stop drinking because she realized that it was destroying her life. One boy came up to Riaño at the end of the class and said "I am at a point in my life where I was hesitating about whether to continue with sports or start going out drinking at night. Thanks to this class I have absolutely no doubt. I will continue with sports."

Riaño appoints students as Drug-Free Valencia ambassadors and encourages them to share the Truth About Drugs materials with others.

He has recently extended his campaign to the military and is training a corps of volunteers to expand its impact.

For more information, visit the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website, watch the Truth About Drugs documentary and Truth About Drugs public service announcements on the Scientology Network, or visit the nearest Scientology Church to learn more about the campaign and join or create a Drug-Free World chapter in your community.

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

No stranger to drug abuse and its toll, Alfredo Riaño, who heads the chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World in Valencia, Spain, shares his own story to help kids avoid the ordeal of addiction that he eventually escaped from. And he trains educators, law enforcement and other community partners who share his passion to reach youth with the truth about drugs before they fall prey to the dwindling spiral of drug abuse and addiction.

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

Human Rights Group Demands the American Psychiatric Association Ban ECT and End All Harmful and Coercive Practices

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Midtown Manhattan reverberated with angry voices chanting "Stop the Torture-Ban ECT" as a phalanx of protesters from Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) made their way from Times Square to the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at Jacob Javits Convention Center. Their demands: The American Psychiatric Association must end coercive practices.

CCHR called on the American Psychiatric Association to issue a formal position statement condemning the use of coercive psychiatric practices. The group demanded the APA take immediate action to implement the joint Guidance on Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation issued in October 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The guidance states: "Coercive practices in mental health care violate the right to be protected from torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment." The WHO pointed out that "ECT without consent violates the right to physical and mental integrity and may constitute torture and ill-treatment." It also clarifies that informed consent requires that those "offered ECT should also be made aware of all its risks and potential short- and long-term harmful effects, such as memory loss and brain damage." And it states ECT on children "should be prohibited through legislation."

It further takes aim against involuntary commitment. And it points out that "people who are most marginalized - for example, those from a low socioeconomic or educational background, or those who belong to a minority - are often denied the few protections mental health legislation may provide for."

Rather than take the lead in confronting these issues, and despite repeated demands from CCHR that they do so, the APA has failed to take action.

"While other associations have taken steps to denounce coercion, the APA's silence persists," said CCHR International President Jan Eastgate. "Urgent action is needed to uphold fundamental human rights in the mental health system and to prohibit practices tantamount to torture."

Learn more about psychiatry's crimes and violations of human rights at the world-renowned Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Expo.

The visually spectacular exhibit opened Sunday, May 5, at 37 Union Square West, one block west of Park Avenue at 17th Street, and will continue through May 10. It features displays with graphic archival and current footage, interviews with medical experts, and moving accounts from victims of psychiatric abuse.

CCHR is a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology, inspired by visionary and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who believed that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.

For more information, visit the website of CCHR or watch CCHR documentaries on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

VIDEO:

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

Midtown Manhattan reverberated with angry voices chanting "Stop the Torture-Ban ECT" as a phalanx of protesters from Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) made their way from Times Square to the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at Jacob Javits Convention Center. Their demands: The American Psychiatric Association must end coercive practices.

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

Church of Scientology Hosts Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble: Young Actors Present Blow-Away Performance of Their PG Version of ‘Grease’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- An ensemble of 22 kids proved "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay" with their high-energy rendition of Grease [PG] at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles last week, produced and directed by Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble Founder and Executive Director Dr. Melanie Andrews.

The young artists channeled the spirit and enthusiasm of the 1950s and the movie's famous cast while adding their own swagger and unique style.

Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble (ICSE) is a subsidiary of the InnerCity Performing Arts nonprofit. It introduces at-risk students to the world of theater.

In addition to renditions of Shakespeare classics, including Twelfth Night, Othello and Taming of the Shrew the ensemble has also performed such Broadway musicals as For Colored Girls and Positive Secrets.

ICSE was in rehearsal for their production of Romeo and Juliette just as the pandemic hit. In the true spirit of "the show must go on" they transitioned to the internet. Dr. Andrews decided to run the rehearsals online via Zoom. They recorded the show live, with backdrops and costumes, and this unique production is available on YouTube.

Dr. Andrews is dedicated to ensuring inner-city kids have the opportunity to learn, perform, and be introduced to Shakespeare and the world theater. The Church of Scientology Los Angeles shares her passion for providing opportunity to all young Angelenos. Inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's belief that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream," the Church sponsors a chapter of Youth for Human Rights and supports programs that promote the freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 and the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community as covered in Article 27.

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. The Church 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.

For more information, visit the website of the Church of Scientology Los Angeles.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

MULTIMEDIA

VIDEO:

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

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

An ensemble of 22 kids proved "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay" with their high-energy rendition of Grease [PG] at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles last week, produced and directed by Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble Founder and Executive Director Dr. Melanie Andrews.

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

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Demands the European Psychiatric Association Bring an End to Coercive Psychiatry

BUDAPEST, Hungary /ScoopCloud/ -- In the aftermath of the UN and World Health Organization guidance directing that psychiatry cease its coercive practices in the field of mental health, the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Congress in Budapest in April 2024 attempted damage control. They adopted the motto "Mental Health: Open and Inclusive" but took no action to eradicate the inhumane and damaging practices that pervade the industry. Their arrival sparked protest: a march and the launch of an exhibition to expose psychiatric violations, organized by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, the mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

The march through the city center, accompanied by a police escort, ended at the Congress venue, the Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center. This was followed by the opening of the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, which vividly presents psychiatry's crimes. As the exhibit is compiled from documents, footage, and evidence collected over the course of more than 50 years of advocacy and investigation, organizers advised those arriving that it was not for the faint of heart.

Those who toured learned about how psychiatrists developed inhumane so-called treatments such as brain surgery and shock treatment. They saw the role psychiatry played in destroying the lives and careers of many world-famous artists. They discovered how psychiatrists were the architects of Hitler's final solution. "This material does not only concern people treated in psychiatric hospitals," said János Dobos, president of the Citizens Committee on Human Rights Hungary, in opening the exhibit. "It shows the extent to which psychiatry and its influence pervade nearly every area of life today and the profound and often harmful consequences this has for society. It is in the interest and duty of all of us to act against this."

The exhibit, first shown to the general public with great success in the United States, has since traveled to major cities throughout Europe. Since it presents a wide range of psychiatric abuses and the impact of psychiatry on society with unprecedented thoroughness, in many cases through the raw reality of documentary recordings, those under the age of 16 were required to be accompanied by an adult.

CCHR is inspired by visionary and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who believed that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.

The work of CCHR Hungary and János Dobos and their fight against corruption in the psychiatric industry in his country is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

VIDEO:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/janos-dobos-klara-hidvegi.html

In the aftermath of the UN and World Health Organization guidance directing that psychiatry cease its coercive practices in the field of mental health, the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Congress in Budapest in April 2024 attempted damage control. Their arrival sparked protest: a march and the launch of an exhibition to expose psychiatric violations, organized by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, the mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

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

Compton Kids Learn the Truth About Drugs Thanks to the Compton Unified School District and its Partnership With Foundation for a Drug-Free World

COMPTON, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On average, 22 adolescents ages 14 to 18 died of overdose in the U.S. every week in 2022. Each was a tragedy. Reaching youth with effective drug prevention can save young lives. Looking for a program that would get through to kids on this vital subject, Compton Unified School District (CUSD) decided to partner with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. They began using its Truth About Drugs curriculum last summer. And the results proved they were right.

The school district selected this program because it aligns with what local educators know from personal experience: Kids don't want to be told what to do, but they will listen to information.

A Kennedy Elementary School sixth-grade teacher told the Foundation why she finds the program "extremely effective," especially with kids her students' age. Many of her pupils have experienced drug-related problems at home. They are also exposed to false information on the subject from their friends, family members and social media.

"It's important that we discuss these things in the classroom," she says. "I tell them at the beginning of every class, 'it is not my job to tell you not to do drugs. That's the decision that you are going to ultimately make. My job is to give you the facts and the truth about drugs.'"

A sixth-grader spoke of how the program gave her a way to deal with a dilemma. She saw that with drugs she was faced with making choices that would affect her for the rest of her life: "If you choose drugs, it's going to lead to a very bad life," she said. And she saw that by not using drugs, she would have a much better chance to do well in school and have the kind of life she wants.

At another Compton elementary school, the principal brought Drug-Free World Executive Director Jessica Hochman and some of the program's volunteers into a classroom to see the program in action. The teacher had students highlight what they thought was most important in the Truth About Marijuana booklet. They were engaged and involved, and they paired up to discuss what they learned.

"Our objective with the Truth About Drugs program is to empower kids with factual information so that they can make their own decisions," said Hochman. "We're not going to tell them to 'Just say no.' We believe that it's up to us and their parents and teachers to provide them with the truth so they can decide for themselves not to use harmful substances."

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is 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 Truth About Drugs program is the largest and most comprehensive nongovernmental drug education and prevention program of its kind. Overseen by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the program is used by teachers, school counselors, drug education specialists and law enforcement officers around the world. And its drug-free message reaches millions of people each year. Thanks to the support of Scientology Churches and Scientologists the Foundation can provide these materials free of charge to schools, civic groups, governments, law enforcement, and individuals and institutions in the private sector.

Watch the campaign in action on Voices for Humanity - short documentaries introducing change makers from all faiths, cultures and nations.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

https://www.compton.k12.ca.us/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/PkQmLViLKJI?si=fKnEVLyuHK7wQtYq

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

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

On average, 22 adolescents ages 14 to 18 died of overdose in the U.S. every week in 2022. Each was a tragedy. Reaching youth with effective drug prevention can save young lives. Looking for a program that would get through to kids on this vital subject, Compton Unified School District (CUSD) decided to partner with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. They began using its Truth About Drugs curriculum last summer. And the results proved they were right.

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

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exhibit in South African Township Exposes Racism and Abuse in the Psychiatric Industry

DIEPSLOOT, South Africa /ScoopCloud/ -- Citizens Commission on Human Rights South Africa brought the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit to Diepsloot, a densely populated township in Gauteng, South Africa. The exhibit, held April 19 to 26, educated officials, business owners, members of African royalty and residents on human rights abuse, racism and harmful practices that pervade psychiatry, including its role in promoting racism.

Like many South African townships, Diepsloot suffers from poverty and substandard living conditions. The townships were the product of apartheid, the political system implemented in 1948 and continued until ended by the election of 1994. Townships were part of the government's solution to enforcing racial segregation. But few visiting the exhibit were aware of psychiatry's role in apartheid. Many were shocked to learn that psychiatry was behind the pseudoscience known as "eugenics" that promoted "improving" the human race through selective breeding and sterilization.

German psychiatrist Eugen Fischer (1874-1967) experimented on native people in concentration camps on Shark Island in a German colony that is now part of Namibia. His macabre "research" included decapitating victims and sending their skulls to Germany so psychiatrists could study so-called "inferior races."

Fischer recommended outlawing interracial marriage, which was adopted in 1912 throughout African German colonies. It was these same false psychiatric theories that gave the government of South Africa the "legitimacy" it needed to implement apartheid.

The exhibit also raised awareness of the dangers of drugging children with substances whose side effects are known to increase violence and suicidality.

CCHR aims to educate parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals throughout South Africa. Concerned visitors included ward councilors, police officials, pastors, and community leaders. Many pledged their support of CCHR's efforts with 98 signing up to volunteer for the local CCHR chapter. Victims shared their own experiences of abuse in the mental health field and expressed relief that CCHR is taking action to help.

CCHR South Africa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to investigating and exposing human rights violations in the mental health field. Its work is inspired by visionary and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who believed that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.

For more information visit the website of Citizens Commission on Human Rights or watch a series of documentaries on the Scientology Network:

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death

Therapy or Torture: The Truth About Electroshock

The Marketing of Madness

Or contact the nearest Scientology Church or Mission to find or begin a new chapter of CCHR.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights was cofounded in 1969 by professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology. With headquarters in Los Angeles, California, CCHR International guides 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.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

VIDEO:

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

Citizens Commission on Human Rights South Africa brought the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit to Diepsloot, a densely populated township in Gauteng, South Africa. The exhibit, held April 19 to 26, educated officials, business owners, members of African royalty and residents on human rights abuse, racism and harmful practices that pervade psychiatry, including its role in promoting racism.

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

Life Exhibition Celebrates 33 Years of Introducing Visitors to Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard Who Has Touched the Lives of Millions World Over

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Millions from across the country and around the world visit Hollywood each year, and among the district's unique attractions is the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition which celebrated its 33rd anniversary this month. The museum presents the panorama of Mr. Hubbard's extraordinary life. With expertise in so many varied disciplines, he has been described as a man who lived 20 lifetimes in the span of one. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most published works by one author, and his groundbreaking discoveries on the mind, spirit and life form the Scripture of Scientology - the world's youngest major religion.

In honor of this anniversary, Exhibition Manager Chelsea Garcia was featured in The Author's Quill podcast with United Public Radio's Joe Montaldo.

It is only fitting that the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is located just a block from the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, as Mr. Hubbard was a leading light of American pulp fiction, a screenwriter in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and a creative visionary.

The museum at 6331 Hollywood Blvd. was dedicated April 21, 1991. Spotlights and fireworks lit the night sky over the Hollywood Walk of Fame as California State Senator David Roberti helped cut the ribbon, describing the exhibition as "a fitting tribute to Mr. Hubbard who has given not only to our state, not only to our country, but to the world itself the gift of better understanding."

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the exhibition's anniversary and its participation in the life of the community, stating, "In keeping with our mission to promote and enhance the business, cultural and civic well-being of Hollywood, we would like to express our appreciation for everything you do to contribute to the safety, beauty and esprit of our unique community."

This is in no small part due to the Exhibition's support and contribution to Scientology-supported humanitarian initiatives, including the Foundation for a Drug-Free World's drug education and prevention campaigns; United for Human Rights, which raises awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, on call throughout the year to provide help and support in times of disaster great or small.

Exhibition staff also help organize and produce Hollywood's annual Faith & Blue activities - a collaboration of the Los Angeles Police Department, local churches, and scores of community partners to promote a safer, stronger, more just and more unified community. And they follow this with year-round distribution of The Way to Happiness, Mr. Hubbard's common-sense moral code that can be used by people of all faiths and none.

Personal guided tours of the exhibition take visitors through dozens of displays covering Mr. Hubbard's early accomplishments, his travels to faraway lands, his career as a writer, and his groundbreaking research that led to his publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and his founding of the Scientology religion.

The exhibition occupies the ground floor and mezzanine of the Hollywood Guarantee Building, recognized as a historic landmark in 1979. With 12 stories, it was one of the tallest buildings in Los Angeles when it opened in 1923. Charlie Chaplin invested in the building's construction and owned an office on the 2nd floor. All historic elements of the exhibition spaces were meticulously restored, down to the intricate ceilings and their gold leaf designs.

To schedule a tour of the Exhibition call (323) 960-3511 or email exhibition@lronhubbard.org.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.lronhubbard.org

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

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/l-ron-hubbard-in-his-own-voice/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/l-ron-hubbard-in-his-own-voice/trail-of-discovery.html

https://youtu.be/dziK04-9qqQ?si=gmycXoJci6Ra_jjl

Millions from across the country and around the world visit Hollywood each year, and among the district's unique attractions is the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition which celebrated its 33rd anniversary this month. The museum presents the panorama of Mr. Hubbard's extraordinary life. With expertise in so many varied disciplines, he has been described as a man who lived 20 lifetimes in the span of one.

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

‘It Takes a Community to Protect Kids From the Harmful Effects of Drugs,’ Say the Volunteers of Say No to Drugs Puglia

BARLETTA, Italy /ScoopCloud/ -- A group known as Say No to Drugs (Dico No Alla Droga) has been active in drug prevention for more than 15 years throughout Puglia, the region that forms the heel of the boot of Italy. Joined by a corps of volunteers from the Church of Scientology Mission of Barletta, they contacted businesses and briefed individuals on the Truth About Drugs campaign to help kids decide to live an active, drug-free life.

Wearing their signature teal T-shirts and caps, they loaded up with sets of drug education booklets and brought them to popular shops in the city center to ensure youth have the information they need to make the self-determined decision to live drug-free.

Shop owners and clerks were eager to display sets of Truth About Drugs materials on their counters for customers to take. They even wore the Truth About Drugs T-shirts and caps to help the volunteers promote the campaign and encouraged customers to take copies of the booklets to read and share with others.

Say No to Drugs Puglia also provides local schools with drug education booklets, DVDs and a curriculum teachers can use to engage children on this vital subject. Many local schools use these materials for drug education classes, beginning in the sixth grade, when kids typically have their first contact with substances such as alcohol and marijuana.

Schools ask them for additional drug information materials to hand out to kids for carrying out research and group projects. And the Say No to Drugs team frequently holds drug prevention lectures and conferences to educate anyone willing to take action to help youth decide to live drug-free.

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. The Truth About Drugs program is inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's research, 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 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 Scientology Church or Mission.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

http://www.barletta.scientologymissions.org/

https://www.facebook.com/diconoalladroga.puglia/

VIDEO:

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

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

A group known as Say No to Drugs (Dico No Alla Droga) has been active in drug prevention for more than 15 years throughout Puglia, the region that forms the heel of the boot of Italy. Joined by a corps of volunteers from the Church of Scientology Mission of Barletta, they contacted businesses and briefed individuals on the Truth About Drugs campaign to help kids decide to live an active, drug-free life.

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

Casting Off the Caste System and its Stigma: Empowering the Forgotten Indigenous People of India with Human Rights

ODISHA, India /ScoopCloud/ -- In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" - the lowest of India's four castes and members of the country's indigenous tribes who suffer the same indignities - the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." The word means "oppressed," "broken" or "crushed." He chose this term to raise awareness of the rampant violations of the dignity and rights of these people and to create change. United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

Although the caste system was officially banned shortly after India won its independence in 1947, it is still very much a degrading and very painful fact of life for 25 percent of its people.

In Odisha on the southeast coast of India, nearly 23 percent of the state's 46 million residents are members of indigenous tribes, known as the Adivasi, who continue to suffer privation, degradation and exclusion.

Birendra Oraon is director of United for Human Rights Odisha and its program for young people, Youth for Human Rights. Growing up in Odisha's Koraput Tribal District, Oraon was one of 14 children raised in a straw hut without electricity or water. He is keenly aware of the injustice suffered by his people.

Oraon remembers finding the website of United for Human Rights (UHR). "I was immediately impressed by their commitment to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and their dedication to creating a world where peace, unity, and solidarity are experienced by all," he says.

He decided to create a UHR chapter, seeing it as "a movement to educate and empower people to understand and exercise their rights."

Some 25 percent of India's 1.44 billion people are disenfranchised members of indigenous tribes and members of the country's lowest caste. After studying the United for Human Rights materials, Oraon realized that raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the key to empowering them and reversing the degradation that began more than 3,000 years ago when the caste system began.

Oraon and his team bring the program to schools and villages, hold human rights awareness marches and petition drives, and inform people who never knew they had rights that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights applies to them just as it does to any other person.

To spread the knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights throughout the country, he created an initiative called "Training the Trainers for Transformation." His goal is to reach every household by training thousands of individuals who will use the United for Human Rights materials to deliver human rights education in schools, communities and businesses. Those they train will also take on training other trainers who will train others, thus creating a chain reaction of human rights education and awareness.

In addition to its educational initiative, UHR Odisha works with community partners to provide education, healthcare, and vocational training to underserved people.

His group has conducted 37 workshops to train community leaders, evangelists, pastors, elected officials and college students as trainers who, in turn, have reached many thousands more.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide these materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders and anyone wishing to educate others on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network. Or watch episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity featuring change-makers of all faiths, cultures, and nations who extend help to their communities through this and other Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

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

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/6XXGF_V8_7M?si=1TVqrUEhH4weS416

In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

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

Celebrating Earth Day With a Venice Beach Cleanup and a Call for Greater Environmental Responsibility

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

Despite its glitzy exterior, Venice has a darker side. Although there are fewer homeless in Venice since a major push to clean out encampments in 2023, and while it's a great place for tourists and locals to spend an afternoon, Venice Beach is one of the L.A. neighborhoods where visitors and locals are urged to avoid walking or taking public transportation after the sun goes down. And they are advised to "keep their wallets close and their friends closer."

What makes a city or neighborhood dangerous? And is there anything one person can do to improve this and uplift their environment?

The Hollywood Village believes there is. Each month following their cleanups, they reach out to others one-on-one with The Way to Happiness - the common-sense moral code written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

This guide to better living is used by people of all cultures or creeds. It not only encourages individuals to embrace its practical moral compass, it also calls on them to set a good example and encourage others to improve the quality of their lives by understanding and using the book's 21 precepts, one of which is "Safeguard and Improve Your Environment."

So on Saturday, April 20, volunteers honored Earth Day with a cleanup of Venice Beach and promoted taking greater responsibility for the environment and contributing to a better quality of life by reaching out to hundreds of locals and visitors with The Way to Happiness and encouraging shops and restaurants to take copies to share with their clients and customers.

Hollywood Village monthly cleanups are a partnership between the Church of Scientology, The Way to Happiness Foundation and the Los Angeles Police Department. It is a community coalition of people of all faiths, ideologies and backgrounds, working together to take greater responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhood while making Hollywood, and in this case Venice Beach, beautiful, safe and clean and a great place to live and work in.

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Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

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

On Volunteer Recognition Day, the Church of Scientology Nashville Thanks Volunteers Everywhere Whose Help Makes Life Better for Us All

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Help is a central concept of the Scientology religion. In a lecture delivered by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1958, he said, "the biggest right there is, is not the right to vote, is not the right to freedom of speech or press or religion or anything else. The biggest right there is in human rights is the right to help."

This concept is not only part of Church Scripture but is also in the very structure of Scientology Churches, with their coordination and support of humanitarian and social betterment programs. It is echoed in the Code of a Scientologist, which calls on members to "support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights."

The Church of Scientology Nashville marked this year's Volunteer Recognition Day and National Volunteer Week by acknowledging its own volunteers and volunteers everywhere who devote their time and efforts in service to others.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community," said Julie Brinker, Public Relations Officer of the Nashville Scientology Church. "Their dedication and selflessness uplift society and inspire others to make a difference."

Among the various humanitarian and social betterment groups the Church supports is Tennessee United for Human Rights - the local chapter of United for Human Rights International. Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology, serves on the planning committee of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and the Church has hosted the Commission's recent annual International Human Rights Day Celebrations, marking the UN's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Church also hosts community open house events for other national and international days including a World Happiness Day open house, cohosted by the local chapter of The Way to Happiness Foundation, another in honor of World Civil Defense Day in coordination with the Church's Volunteer Ministers, and yet another marking International Day Against Drug Abuse, cohosted by Drug-Free Tennessee, the local chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

This month, the Church celebrated 39 years in Nashville and the 2009 dedication of its new home by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige. The following year, the Church, located at 1130 8th Avenue South, took top honors in the City of Nashville's 35th Annual Preservation Awards for meeting all safety standards with its restoration of its new facility while preserving the beauty and grace of the original 1898 building.

An Ideal Scientology Organization, the Church of Scientology Nashville realizes Mr. Hubbard's vision that all Churches of Scientology not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom, but they also serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations.

For more information or to participate in humanitarian and social betterment programs supported by the Church of Scientology, visit the Church of Scientology Nashville or the nearest Scientology Church, or watch episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network to see how activists of diverse cultures, creeds and nationalities use these campaigns to create change in their communities and nations.

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

https://www.scientology-ccnashville.org

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https://www.humanrights.com/

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/6XXGF_V8_7M?si=QLt2pIQZwcbAudPm

Help is a central concept of the Scientology religion. In a lecture delivered by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1958, he said, "the biggest right there is, is not the right to vote, is not the right to freedom of speech or press or religion or anything else. The biggest right there is in human rights is the right to help."

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

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exhibit: Reveals Shocking Abuse and Cold Hard Facts About Psychiatry Today

SYDNEY, Australia /ScoopCloud/ -- The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, was held at Embassy Conference Centre on George Street in Sydney as one of the first phases of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death 2024 World Tour. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is an international mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

A chilling exhibit on the violation of human rights in the psychiatric industry, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death highlights little-known facts about potentially harmful side effects of psychiatric drugs, restraint, seclusion and electroshock and their use without informed consent - even on children.

Despite dozens of psychiatric drug warnings issued by the Australian Government, 44.4 million prescriptions were dispensed for mental health-related medications (both subsidized and under co-payment) in Australia, to 4.7 million Australians according to the 2021/22 report and 1,371,095 New South Wales (NSW) adults and children consumed these drugs that year.

The NSW exhibit raised awareness of continued abuse in the psychiatric industry despite UN and WHO guidelines of October 2023 calling for an end to coercive psychiatry.

One such abuse is electroshock (ECT). This is the application of hundreds of volts of electricity applied to the head, creating the equivalent of a grand mal seizure. It can cause brain damage, heart attacks, memory loss - even death.

United Nations and World Health Organization guidance called electroshock an "irreversible intervention," and stated, "ECT is not recommended for children, and this should be prohibited through legislation." Yet Medicare continues to fund ECT in Australia. What's more, there is no ban in place to prevent the use of ECT on children. It can also be forcibly given to involuntarily detained NSW patients without their consent.

In 2021/22 there were 804 Tribunal Hearings in NSW to consider application of forced ECT on involuntary patients, nearly 90 percent of which were approved. These hearings included five applications to give ECT to girls under age 16, three of which were approved.

Those touring the exhibit were encouraged to sign a petition calling for a ban on the use of electroshock in the state.

This exhibit features 10 display panels incorporating audio-visual presentations depicting key concerns and topics of human rights abuses in the mental health system with statements from psychiatrists, doctors, lawyers, legal and human rights experts, and victims of psychiatric brutalities.

CCHR NSW states: "With NSW's record spending on mental health reaching a staggering $2.9 billion in 2022/23, (up more than 52% since 2017/18) psychiatry is not being held accountable to produce results. If the NSW mental health system were working, the numbers of children and adults needing assistance would be decreasing as people got better. Instead, the lives of vulnerable children and adults are continually being placed at risk with electroshock, psychiatric restraint and potentially dangerous psychiatric drugs which can be forced on patients, potentially setting up patients for life and a recurring revenue stream for psychiatry with poor and harmful results."

In addition to exposing abuse, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit provides practical guidance for lawmakers, doctors, lawyers, human rights advocates, parents and the general public to take action to help protect themselves, their families and others from rampant abuse in the mental health system as well as advocate for changes to bring dignity and human rights to the field of mental health.

The work of Citizens Commission on Human Rights is inspired by visionary, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who urged Scientologists to expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health, help clean up and keep clean the field of mental health, and bring about an atmosphere of safety and security in the field of mental health by eradicating its abuses and brutality.

For more information, visit the website of CCHR NSW Australia National Office.

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https://cchr.org.au/

https://www.cchr.org

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https://cchr.org.au/videos

VIDEO:

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

The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, was held at Embassy Conference Centre on George Street in Sydney as one of the first phases of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Psychiatry: An Industry of Death 2024 World Tour. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is an international mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

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

Church of Scientology Seattle Community Open House Looks Into the Fentanyl Crisis: Washington Has the Fastest Rising Overdose Rate in the Country

SEATTLE, Wash., and LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Public Health Seattle King County reports 1,060 overdose deaths involving fentanyl in 2023 - up nearly 50 percent from 2022. For World Health Day 2024, Seattle's Church of Scientology invited a representative of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to shed light on the crisis.

Marcus L. Picket, DEA Community Outreach Specialist, presented "One Pill Can Kill," a DEA campaign to raise public awareness. He presented startling statistics on the fentanyl crisis:

* In 2023, the DEA seized more than 79.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills.

* The DEA also seized 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.

* The 2023 seizures equate to more than 376.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

* Of the seized pills containing fentanyl, seven out of 10 of those tested contained potentially deadly quantities of the drug.

* Poisoning deaths (including poisoning by fentanyl-laced pills) are the leading killer of Americans age 18 to 45.

"We have a task ahead of us," said Dave Scattergood, Northwest representative of Foundation for a Drug-Free World whose Seattle chapter cohosted the open house. "The way we do this is by getting our free educational materials into the hands of youth and those who interact with them such as educators and counselors."

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has long designated prevention as a critical component of effective drug policy, stating "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs." But in the throes of the fentanyl crisis, the role of prevention becomes paramount, says Drug-Free World International Executive Director Jessica Hochman.

"It's time to realize prevention is the only viable solution to the overdose crisis," says Hochman. "Fentanyl has changed the dynamic of drug abuse. The solution is to educate youth, so they don't start taking drugs in the first place. Help them gain confidence that they are doing the right thing in not taking drugs, period."

Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that looks at the crisis of drug abuse through the lens of prevention. Its drug prevention materials are designed to empower young people through information. Their goal is to help youth make their own informed decisions about drugs.

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

To see the impact of Drug-Free World's educational materials, watch public service announcements and The Truth About Drugs-Real People, Real Stories documentary on the Scientology Network, or watch episodes of Voices for Humanity to learn how activists of diverse cultures, creeds and nationalities use this campaign to create change in their communities and nations.

The Church of Scientology Seattle is an Ideal Scientology Organization, dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010. Ideal Scientology Churches realize Mr. Hubbard's intention to provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom and serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to uplift people of all denominations.

The Church of Scientology Seattle and its Drug-Free World chapter encourage anyone wishing to contribute to solving this crisis to visit the Church at 300 West Harrison Street or their nearest Church of Scientology, or take the free online drug education course on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.scientology-seattle.org

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

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Public Health Seattle King County reports 1,060 overdose deaths involving fentanyl in 2023 - up nearly 50 percent from 2022. For World Health Day 2024, Seattle's Church of Scientology invited a representative of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to shed light on the crisis.

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

Psychiatry and Human Rights: The Past, Present and Future

FLORENCE, Italy /ScoopCloud/ -- Forced treatment, threats, restraints, crippling sedation: Despite past reforms, the horrors of the past are still stark facts of life for those caught in Italy's mental health system. This was the theme of a demonstration at the 2024 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society in Florence. Both events were organized by Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

CCHR brought their protest to the 2024 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society in Florence to demand attendees take responsibility for ending psychiatric abuse. They insisted the congress take action to ensure full compliance with UN and WHO guidance issued in October 2023 to end coercive practices in the field of mental health.

Hundreds demonstrated in the heart of the city to press home these demands. Among those attending the demonstrations were two psychiatrists who were warned by congress organizers to ignore the protest, but they wanted CCHR to know that they agree that there is too much coercion in psychiatry.

The march was followed by the opening of the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit, sponsored by the Municipality of Florence April 5 to 9 at the historic Duomo Auditorium.

Among the visitors to the exhibit was a nurse who told CCHR volunteers it is very important to let people know that physical restraints are a human rights abuse and that in her work, she sees drugs prescribed for dubious diagnoses. A student thanked CCHR for educating him on the danger of psychotropic drugs. Visitors were shocked to learn Italian children are still being prescribed drugs with black box labels (labels that warn users of the danger of administering these drugs to children and youths). A nurse went through the exhibit and then shared her own experience with psychiatry: She had been castigated for refusing to assist a psychiatrist in performing electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) on a patient.

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit and a film by the same name document the origins of psychiatry from the infamous Bedlam asylum in the Middle Ages to psychiatry's popularizing eugenics - a pseudoscience that held that people of "inferior" races should be eliminated. It reveals how psychiatrists were the men behind Hitler, creating the system for implementing the "final solution." And it brings the industry's history to the present day, where millions of children are placed on mind-altering drugs simply for exhibiting normal childhood behavior. Mental health professionals, survivors and their family members give harrowing accounts of the multiple abuses perpetrated on them and an unsuspecting public in the form of mass-drugging of children and adults, forced institutionalization and torturous electroshock treatment for the sake of profit.

The work of Citizens Commission on Human Rights is inspired by visionary, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who urged Scientologists to expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health, help clean up and keep clean the field of mental health, and bring about an atmosphere of safety and security in the field of mental health by eradicating its abuses and brutality.

For more information, visit the CCHR website or watch the film Psychiatry: An Industry of Death on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.cchr.org/documentaries/

VIDEO:

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

Forced treatment, threats, restraints, crippling sedation: Despite past reforms, the horrors of the past are still stark facts of life for those caught in Italy's mental health system. This was the theme of a demonstration at the 2024 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society in Florence. Both events were organized by Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology.

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

An Evening of Joy and Celebration as the Church of Scientology Hosts a Chaand Raat Festival, the ‘Night of the Moon,’ on L. Ron Hubbard Way

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Some 1,500 guests from the Los Angeles Bangladeshi community gathered on L. Ron Hubbard Way for their annual Chaand Raat celebration. On the eve of Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, Muslims in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrate Chaand Raat. The term means "The Night of the Moon" in Urdu and it signals the sighting of the crescent moon that ends a month of prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection.

Chaand Raat is celebrated in Southern Asia with massive street festivals, food and music. And the celebration on L. Ron Hubbard Way, true to this tradition, was filled with booths offering authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, henna tattoo stations and artisan shops displaying traditional clothing and jewelry.

Music, conversations and laughter filled the street, creating a bright holiday atmosphere late into the night.

Los Angeles is a county of great cultural diversity, with residents from some 140 nationalities speaking more than 80 different languages, including an estimated 20,000 Bangladeshi.

L.A. Scientologists believe in the importance of preserving and honoring the languages, traditions and heritage of the many cultures that call Los Angeles home. One reason they host events like this is to support the human rights of these communities including Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits." The festival also supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as enshrined in article 18.

Scientology Churches and Scientologists support human rights initiatives. They are inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream." In appreciation of this legacy, Bangladeshi community leaders presented a representative of the Church of Scientology with an acknowledgment of Mr. Hubbard for his respect for diversity and the rights and cultures of all people.

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.

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

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https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo?si=iXXXaq8KxiXXA98j

Some 1,500 guests from the Los Angeles Bangladeshi community gathered on L. Ron Hubbard Way for their annual Chaand Raat celebration. On the eve of Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, Muslims in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrate Chaand Raat. The term means "The Night of the Moon" in Urdu and it signals the sighting of the crescent moon that ends a month of prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection.

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

Can We Reverse Record Overdose Deaths? Foundation for a Drug-Free World Says ‘Yes’ and the Key Is Prevention

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- This year's Rx and Illicit Drug Summit highlighted a grim fact of life: "Overdoses and deaths involving synthetic opioids have reached record rates, and every community across our nation is feeling the impact." According to the CDC, more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 10 states studied tested positive for fentanyl. It's time to slam the pedal down on prevention, says Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

"It's time to realize prevention is the only viable solution to the overdose crises," says Drug-Free World Executive Director Jessica Hochman. "Fentanyl has changed the dynamic of drug abuse." The CDC reports that more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 10 states studied tested positive for fentanyl. A 2022 New York Times exposé pointed out "an alarming" portion of overdose deaths among youth came from "counterfeit pills tainted with fentanyl that teenagers and young adults bought over social media."

"The solution is to educate youth so they don't start taking drugs in the first place," says Hochman. "Empower them with confidence that they are doing the right thing in not taking drugs, period."

With more than 4,000 attending the 4-day Rx and Illicit Drug Summit for 2024 in Atlanta, Drug-Free World reached out with a booth to provide their drug education materials and curriculum free of charge to anyone wishing to take effective action.

Based on Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's research finding "the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs," Scientology Churches and Scientologists support 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.

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.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

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https://www.drugfreeworld.org/news/

VIDEO:

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

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

This year's Rx and Illicit Drug Summit highlighted a grim fact of life: "Overdoses and deaths involving synthetic opioids have reached record rates, and every community across our nation is feeling the impact." According to the CDC, more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 10 states studied tested positive for fentanyl. It's time to slam the pedal down on prevention, says Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

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

Bringing Solace and Help in the Aftermath of a Violent Act of Terror

MUNICH, Germany /ScoopCloud/ -- In July 2016, an armed shooter killed nine and injured 16, leaving Munich reeling. A team of volunteers from The Way to Happiness Association sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Munich literally took matters into their own hands. They began giving copies of The Way to Happiness to people one-on-one, beginning with those living or working in the district where the shootings took place.

July 2016 also saw terrorist attacks in Ansbach and Wuerzburg, and in December another in Berlin. The movement to share The Way to Happiness quickly spread throughout the country, adopted by other Scientology Churches and their The Way to Happiness groups.

The Way to Happiness is a common-sense guide to better living written by author, humanitarian, and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Its 21 precepts provide a roadmap to a better, kinder, happier way of life. These volunteers turned to the booklet, knowing it has been used to bring calm to entire regions in turbulent times. Wherever they went, volunteers kept copies of the booklet with them in many different languages. Whether riding in a subway or tram, or stopping for a coffee, they shared the booklet with those they met. Following the directions in the first pages of the book, they contacted people, handed them a booklet with their own name written on the cover, and gave them a copy to read and others to hand to people they knew who could also benefit from reading it.

Hundreds of thousands of booklets have since been passed hand to hand in Germany.

A sampling of the stories they heard from those they reached out to with The Way to Happiness illustrates the power of this activity.

A volunteer handed a booklet to a woman who was on her way to visit friends in Switzerland. On her return to Munich, the woman told him that when she arrived, her friend "was very sad, her self-confidence was gone. She was really depressed. Then I read to her from the booklet. 'This booklet was meant especially for me,'" my friend told me." By the end of the visit, the friend was no longer hopeless. When she cried now, it was from happiness, in appreciation of what her friend had shared with her.

A volunteer received a letter from a person he'd give the booklet to. "I was very surprised by the content of the booklet as I had never read so much wisdom with such remarkable clarity," the man wrote. He asked the volunteer for 10 copies in German and Polish and five in English so he could pass them on to his friends.

"I wanted to give the booklet to a young man," said one of the volunteers, "but he told me 'You gave that to me before.' I asked, 'What did you like best?' and he was beaming when he answered 'That you don't have to worry if you play by the rules.'"

Another told the volunteer that he has his booklet at home and he reads it again and again to refresh himself on the concepts and apply them. He described what he learned from The Way to Happiness as "essential."

A woman wanted to help a friend who had given up after years of battling cancer. She gave The Way to Happiness to her friend, who paid her a surprise visit a few days later, her entire appearance changed. "This is the most beautiful book," the friend told her. "I totally changed my viewpoint. I decided to survive!"

A security officer at a shopping mall in Stuttgart told the volunteer that thefts in the mall had declined since they began distributing The Way to Happiness in the area.

In the first chapter of the booklet, Mr. Hubbard writes:

True joy and happiness are valuable.

If one does not survive, no joy and no happiness are obtainable.

Trying to survive in a chaotic, dishonest and generally immoral society is difficult.

Any individual or group seeks to obtain from life what pleasure and freedom from pain that they can....

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.

It is in your power to point the way to a less dangerous and happier life.

Pass it on!

For more information, visit The Way to Happiness Foundation website to read the full text of the booklet online. Watch The Way to Happiness book on film on the Scientology Network. Or visit the nearest Scientology Church to open or become a volunteer of a local The Way to Happiness group.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.thewaytohappiness.org

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

https://www.xn--scientology-mnchen-y6b.de/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-way-to-happiness.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/common-sense-for-life.html

In July 2016, an armed shooter killed nine and injured 16, leaving Munich reeling. A team of volunteers from The Way to Happiness Association sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Munich literally took matters into their own hands. They began giving copies of The Way to Happiness to people one-on-one, beginning with those living or working in the district where the shootings took place.

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

United for Human Rights Brings Its Cutting-Edge Program and Technology to the National School Boards Association Conference 2024

NEW ORLEANS, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- United for Human Rights brought its youth-friendly human rights program to NSBA24 - National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference for 2024 in New Orleans April 6 to 8. The purpose of NSBA is "to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community." So how does human rights education relate to this endeavor?

"Human rights education is essential," says United for Human Rights Coordinator Emma Sims.

A recent article in the Washington Post found nearly 200 incidents of suicides by children bullied at school. "Parents whose bullied children end their lives are seeking to hold schools accountable. More and more are filing suit... 'It's a wake-up call to schools around the country that unless you protect our children, you will be in the same position'" said an attorney representing one of these families.

"There could be no more important issue than to guarantee the safety of our children at school," says Sims. "When youth learn their rights as laid out by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they realize that bullying isn't just a personal problem. It's a violation of their rights. We know of many instances where youth who have completed this curriculum take responsibility for the safety of their classmates. Those who would earlier simply stand by and watch while their classmates are bullied take action personally or alert their teachers or school resource officers to get help with what's going on.

"But educators or administrators are often balked by budget cuts or simply lack the time to design a compelling curriculum that will get through to kids about human rights and their importance."

This was a key reason United for Human Rights organized a booth at NSBA24 - to inform school board members that the United for Human Rights educator package is available to them free of charge. Included in the package:

* An Educator's Guide

* The Story of Human Rights, a powerful film that defines human rights for anyone

* 24 copies of The Story of Human Rights booklet

* Discussion questions

* Assignments that require application of theory

* Glossary of terms, references to print and online resources

"Bullying and discrimination are a brutal fact of life in our schools. When young people are educated on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they realize these antisocial behaviors are not simply something that is an inevitable fact of life. UHR is motivated by the belief that despite myriad human rights abuses in the world today, if youth truly understood the 30 rights enshrined in this United Nations document and insisted on their own rights and the rights of others, we could create a sea change in society in a single generation," says Sims.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders and anyone wishing to educate youth on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

"The best way to achieve this," says Sims, "is through education."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://humanrights.com

https://youthforhumanrights.org

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

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.humanrights.com/course/

VIDEO:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

United for Human Rights brought its youth-friendly human rights program to NSBA24 - National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference for 2024 in New Orleans April 6 to 8. The purpose of NSBA is "to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community." So how does human rights education relate to this endeavor?

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

Honoring the 100th Anniversary of L. Ron Hubbard Becoming the Nation’s Youngest Eagle Scout

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- L. Ron Hubbard joined the Boy Scouts in Tacoma, Washington, in 1923, in the early years of Scouting, a movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1910. By the spring of 1924, Ron had not only earned an impressive 21 badges, he also led Washington, D.C., Troop 10 to victory in the Washington Post-sponsored Scout Advancement Competition and was one of four youths to represent Scouting at President Calvin Coolidge's Presidential Celebration of National Boys' Week. Five days later, two weeks after celebrating his 13th birthday, L. Ron Hubbard became the nation's youngest Eagle Scout.

March 25, 2024, marked this golden anniversary as an Eagle Scout. Representatives of the Church of Scientology received an array of awards and acknowledgments on his behalf in recognition of this accomplishment and his life of service, including:

* A letter of recognition from the President of the National Eagle Scout Association honoring the centennial of L. Ron Hubbard becoming a Scout

* A Pacific Harbors Council certificate of recognition and a trail named in his honor at Camp Thunderbird

* A letter of recognition from the Boy Scouts of America executive director

* A certificate from the U.S. House of Representatives

Mr. Hubbard was also recognized by the U.S. Forest Service (Olympic National Forest) in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, for photographs he took as a Scout on his Kodak Autographic Model camera when he led hikes from Camp Parsons into the wilderness areas of Olympic National Forest.

He was also part of a team of 13 Eagle Scouts from western Washington state who built Eagle Trail on Mt. Rainier in 1924 - one of the first trails built by Eagle Scouts for the National Park Service, a tradition that continues today.

"Of all the various information which became important to me," wrote Mr. Hubbard, "such as photography, woodlore, signaling and many other subjects, the basis of it was laid in Scouting. I am very indebted to a great many, very fine men who gave their time and attention to a restless, boisterous and extremely active boy and teenager, and I must have tried their patience many times but I never heard of it from them."

In its 2015 Collector's Edition, Smithsonian Magazine featured L. Ron Hubbard as one of the 100 most significant Americans of all time and among the 11 most influential religious figures in American history.

Described as a man who lived 20 lifetimes in the span of one, he was a best-selling author who holds the Guinness World Record for the most published works by one author. His extraordinary discoveries on the human mind and spirit led to his founding Scientology-the world's youngest major religion and the only major religion with the voice of its Founder intact, recorded in public lectures delivered over the course of a quarter-century.

L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice is a Scientology Network original series of autobiographical vignettes of Mr. Hubbard in his own words and his own voice. Watch it on the Scientology Network on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse, and streaming at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps, and via the Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV platforms. Since launching with an introduction by Mr. David Miscavige in March 2018, the Scientology Network has been viewed in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Scientology Network launches its new season Monday, April 15.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://lronhubbard.org

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.scientology.tv/series/l-ron-hubbard-in-his-own-voice/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/l-ron-hubbard-in-his-own-voice/trail-of-discovery.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VaMOa5Hh7E

L. Ron Hubbard joined the Boy Scouts in Tacoma, Washington, in 1923, in the early years of Scouting, a movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1910. By the spring of 1924, Ron had not only earned an impressive 21 badges, he also led Washington, D.C., Troop 10 to victory in the Washington Post-sponsored Scout Advancement Competition and was one of four youths to represent Scouting at President Calvin Coolidge's Presidential Celebration of National Boys' Week. Five days later, two weeks after celebrating his 13th birthday, L. Ron Hubbard became the nation's youngest Eagle Scout.

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

L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition Announces a New Display of the Royal Bestowal for Mr. Hubbard From His Royal Highness Sultan Tomas Cabili Jr.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition in Hollywood, California, proudly announces a new permanent display featuring the royal bestowal of Datu and a Kris sword, presented by HRH Sultan Tomas Cabili Jr. and HRH Sultana Remedios Pastor of Mindanao, Philippines, on the anniversary of Mr. Hubbard's birthday.

Datu is a title of chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs among indigenous peoples in the Philippines, particularly in the predominantly Muslim islands of Mindanao and Sulu and the archipelago of Palawan. The Kris sword is a talisman symbolizing power, authority, and heroism, bestowed as part of a Datu ceremony.

Sultan Cabili conferred the honorary title on the anniversary of L. Ron Hubbard's birthday, March 13th, 2024, at the Polo Club in Manila, stating "L. Ron Hubbard's contributions to humanity are immeasurable, and his legacy transcends borders. It is with great honor that I bestow upon him the title of Datu, in recognition of his remarkable achievements."

The sultan was first introduced to the work of L. Ron Hubbard through a peace initiative featuring Mr. Hubbard's nonreligious common-sense moral code, The Way to Happiness. When thousands of police and military throughout the country were trained on the booklet's precepts and their application, as featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology network, officers learned to respect the culture and beliefs of the many communities and cultures of the Philippines and to work harmoniously with them. The Sultan is committed to promoting the universal values of this book to foster positive change and build a more peaceful world.

Following the ceremony in Manila, HRH Sultan Tomas Cabili Jr. and HRH Sultana Remedios Pastor traveled to Los Angeles to present the decree and Kris sword to the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition on Hollywood Boulevard.

"We are deeply honored to receive the royal bestowal of Datu and Kris sword from HRH Sultan Thomas Cabili Jr.," said Ms. Chelsea Garcia, director of the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. "This underscores Mr. Hubbard's global impact and enduring legacy. L. Ron Hubbard often spoke of his travels and exploration of the cultures and spiritual traditions of the Orient including the Philippines, which had a profound influence on his life and research and ultimately on his founding of the Scientology religion. So, this Datu bestowal and Kris sword, with their spiritual legacy, are a fitting addition to the many awards and recognitions for Mr. Hubbard that we have on display in the Exhibition."

All are invited to visit the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition in Hollywood. Millions of lives have been touched by the man known as "Ron" to his many friends, yet many know little about him beyond his name and the value of his works. L. Ron Hubbard has been aptly described as "a man ahead of his time, defying any simple categorization." Fully professional in more than 29 different fields, his life was one of constant adventure.

The L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition won the prestigious Hollywood Legacy Award in 1995. Unique among museums and exhibits, in more than 30 displays it features the life and works of only one man.

Included are many of the artifacts that served Mr. Hubbard through his far-flung travels, the various awards and proclamations he received, and informative films about his philosophy and the humanitarian programs he inspired. The L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is located one block from the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine in the historic Hollywood Guarantee Building at 6331 Hollywood Boulevard.

Schedule a tour any day between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. by email at exhibition@lronhubbard.org or call (323) 960-3511. Tours are by appointment only.

For more information about the L. Ron Hubbard visit www.lronhubbard.org.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://hollywoodpartnership.com/go/l-ron-hubbard-life-exhibition

https://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/15485

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/jorge-perez-de-tagle.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/l-ron-hubbard-in-his-own-voice/trail-of-discovery.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VaMOa5Hh7E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrj3fH1_SSw

L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition in Hollywood, California, proudly announces a new permanent display featuring the royal bestowal of Datu and a Kris sword, presented by HRH Sultan Tomas Cabili Jr. and HRH Sultana Remedios Pastor of Mindanao, Philippines, on the anniversary of Mr. Hubbard's birthday.

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

United for Human Rights: A Vibrant Addition to the Spirit and Dynamic of SXSW EDU Conference and Festival

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- SXSW EDU is an educator conference in Austin, Texas, "designed for the brightest minds in education to change the future of teaching and learning." United for Human Rights set up a booth at the conference, where human rights was a recurring topic in presentations, conferences and workshops. Educators, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society from across the U.S. around the globe visited the booth to learn about the program, order its materials and educator's guide, and receive help putting the program into use in the classrooms, their communities and countries. The truth is, the importance of raising awareness of human rights cannot be overstated.

We live in an era of human rights violations that rival any earlier time: More people are enslaved today than were sold into bondage over 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade. According to the World Bank, 648 million people live in extreme poverty. Some 78 million children have no access to school and an estimated 2 billion people, a quarter of humanity, are affected by violent conflict or war. How does human rights education fit into this equation? The UHR program is based on the belief that the UN had the answer, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). But the UDHR will only be as effective as it is known, understood and implemented.

Educators who already use the United for Human Rights (URH) curriculum visited the booth to share why they use and appreciate the materials. Not only do the booklets and videos capture student attention, they also make a difference in the way youth treat the subject in their personal lives. Bullying, hate speech, hate crimes, assault, and gun violence are all too common in schools. One educator shared how the students who attend her classes based on the UHR curriculum become outspoken advocates of the rights of others, even pulling out their copy of the What Are Human Rights booklet to show kids how they are violating the rights of others by their actions.

Stellar examples of humanitarians who use this program are featured in episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network:

* In South Africa, human rights activist Glory Matipile uses the URH program for young people, Youth for Human Rights, to educate youth and help protect them from being lured into jobs that are human trafficking traps.

* Growing up in Nepal, where domestic violence and forced child labor were a normal way of life, Rahul KC discovered Youth for Human Rights when he was 12. He has since educated thousands on human rights, and used these materials to speak truth to power, helping change Nepal's constitution to include protection and promotion of human rights.

* In Costa Rica, Braulio Vargas made it his personal mission to help his country counter poverty and protect youth from trafficking by helping pass a bill that mandates educating every child in the country on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"It is so gratifying to hear about the difference our program is making," says Emma Sims, Human Rights Coordinator at United for Human Rights. "We are committed to getting these materials into the hands of educators and students everywhere."

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

"The best way to achieve this," says Sims, "is through education."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology-austin.org/how-we-help/

VIDEO:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

SXSW EDU is an educator conference in Austin, Texas, "designed for the brightest minds in education to change the future of teaching and learning." United for Human Rights set up a booth at the conference, where human rights was a recurring topic in presentations, conferences and workshops. Educators, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society from across the U.S. around the globe visited the booth to learn about the program.

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

Scientology Empowerment Seminar Ignites Passion in the Hearts of South African Educators

MIDRAND, South Africa /ScoopCloud/ -- In South Africa, a country where effective education is key to reversing centuries of neglect and oppression, Scientology Volunteer Ministers Educator Empowerment Seminars aim to create significant change.

"I had actually given up as a teacher and found no joy in my profession anymore," admitted an educator who attended a recent Volunteer Ministers Empowerment Seminar at Castle Kyalami in Midrand, South Africa. "I am conscious enough to admit that I was just teaching for the sake of teaching and that I was actually not helping anyone. After seeing the Tools for Life, I have rekindled my purpose as a teacher and I now know what I need to do. You have no idea how much you have done for me."

In November 2023, a Harvard University report, "Growth Through Inclusion in South Africa," highlighted the country's struggle to match the optimism of its post-apartheid era with results. "Income per capita has been falling for over a decade," it states. "Unemployment at over 33 percent is the world's highest, and youth unemployment exceeds 60 percent. Poverty has risen to 55.5 percent based on the national poverty line."

Whatever other factors contribute to these stark findings, effective education is vital to reversing these conditions and fostering personal and social change. That is what makes these Volunteer Ministers Empowerment Seminars so important.

"This is the most comprehensive set of life skills I have ever come across," said one of the educators on completing the seminar. "This will be incredibly beneficial to the education sector. I am so glad I came here."

"I have spent years studying how to be a better educator for my students," said an attendee who is pursuing a master's degree in education. "Everything I ever needed is in the Tools for Life."

"This is the best workshop I have ever attended period," said another.

Castle Kyalami was dedicated on New Year's Day 2019 by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige. Just over a year later, with the pandemic, the castle became the center of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers movement and their crusade to ensure the safety and security of the people of South Africa.

South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers contributed millions of volunteer hours on the front lines throughout the pandemic, working with authorities to curb the spread of the virus.

Since then, the nation's Volunteer Ministers have focused on outreach in every sector of society. They share the technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard for the Volunteer Ministers Program, as contained in the Scientology Tools for Life. More than 26,000 new Volunteer Ministers have completed these 19 courses in South Africa and are using what they have learned to better the lives of friends, families, associates and communities.

It is the educator who empowers future generations, so these Educator Empowerment Seminars stand to create a ripple effect of personal and social betterment that can impact every level of society. In so doing, they will help achieve the vision of L. Ron Hubbard for the future of this country. He believed: "From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization on this planet."

For the full impact of South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers, watch the new feature-length documentary Operation: Do Something About It. Produced by Scientology Media Productions, the film is available on the Scientology Network 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.

Since launching with an introduction by Mr. David Miscavige in March 2018, the Scientology Network has been viewed in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Scientology Network launches its new season Monday, April 15.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.castlekyalami.org.za/

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.youtube.com/@vmafrica

VIDEO:

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

https://www.scientology.tv/new-season-2024/

In South Africa, a country where effective education is key to reversing centuries of neglect and oppression, Scientology Volunteer Ministers Educator Empowerment Seminars aim to create significant change.

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

Thousands Gather for Easter Extravaganza at Church of Scientology in East Grinstead

SAINT HILL, U.K. /ScoopCloud/ -- Some 3,000 children, parents, and grandparents gathered at Saint Hill, the Church of Scientology estate in East Grinstead, for an enormously "egg-citing" Easter Egg Hunt. Families traveled from throughout Sussex, Surrey, and Kent for the fun-filled afternoon.

Greeting the children, the Easter Bunny was joined by popular children's book, cartoon, and film characters, from ⁠Winnie the Pooh and Tigger to ⁠Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Rocky and Marshall, the Paw Patrol, ⁠Queen Poppy, ⁠Pikachu, ⁠Super Mario Bros., ⁠Princess Peaches, ⁠Princess Belle, and Cinderella.

Divided into four groups by age, children raced to collect 35,000 eggs strewn across the Saint Hill grounds. Baskets were topped up on departure, so everyone left with treats to spare.

Throughout the afternoon, nonstop entertainment and family fun included fairground rides from Lenny the Land Train, a petting zoo, donkey rides, bouncy castles, a bungee trampoline, a slippery pole game, sack races, kite flying, face-painting, arts & crafts, and a play area for the little ones. Selfie stations throughout the park and an indoor photo booth helped capture memories of the day.

Peter Rabbit is a favorite of the younger children at the Easter Extravaganza at Saint Hill in the UK.

Visitors expressed their appreciation: "Thank you for making it so special for the kids," said one family. Another noted that event staff made sure that older brothers and sisters didn't prevent younger kids from collecting their share. Whenever this came up, they ran to set out more eggs so there were plenty for the little ones.

Event organizer Mathilde Jensen thanked the many volunteers and the families who traveled from near and far to make the Easter Extravaganza a great success. "You all helped make it such fun."

Look for future community events hosted by Saint Hill at the Saint Hill UK website, or Eventbrite.

Saint Hill is the legendary home of L. Ron Hubbard in the UK. It is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network. The original series provides unprecedented access to the facilities and behind-the-scenes operation of the Church of Scientology in keeping with the words of Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige on launching the network in 2018, that programming would show viewers "who we are, what Scientology is, and what Scientology can do."

For more information, visit the Scientology website or the nearest Church of Scientology.

Some 3,000 children, parents, and grandparents gathered at Saint Hill, the Church of Scientology estate in East Grinstead, for an enormously "egg-citing" Easter Egg Hunt. Families traveled from throughout Sussex, Surrey, and Kent for the fun-filled afternoon. Greeting the children, the Easter Bunny was joined by popular children's book, cartoon, and film characters.

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

Record Crowd Celebrates Easter at Church of Scientology Los Angeles with a 25,000-Egg Hunt

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Despite predictions of rain over Easter weekend, Sunday's annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 proceeded undeterred. Staff and volunteers from the Church of Scientology Los Angeles were prepared no matter the weather, with tents erected in case of a storm. But the afternoon was blessed with blue skies when nearly 7,000 neighbors joined the fun on L. Ron Hubbard Way for the annual Church of Scientology Easter celebration.

Thousands of kids lined up and raced for 25,000 Easter eggs, including 24 "golden" eggs. Those finding "gold" could trade them in for a special Easter basket, a stuffed Easter bunny, and other treats. A separate race was organized for the toddlers, ensuring that every child was a winner.

Throughout the afternoon, children enjoyed a variety of activities and attractions, including:

* A petting zoo

* Face painting

* Egg decorating and arts and crafts booths

* Donut-eating competitions

* All-you-can-eat popcorn and cotton candy

* Food trucks offering L.A.'s favorite treats

* Selfies and portraits with the Easter Bunny

The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles has become a popular holiday spot where East Hollywood families can celebrate special events and holidays free of charge. These include Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, the 4th of July, and the Candy Cane Lane festival throughout the Christmas season, featuring ice skating, real snow, and Santa. The Church hosts ethnic, art, and cultural fairs and open house events throughout the year. And it organizes community forums to address humanitarian and social betterment issues affecting the community.

L. Ron Hubbard Way, formerly a stretch of Berendo Street, was renamed in 1996 and dedicated after extensive work to make it a model street, including repaving it with more than 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 testament to Mr. Hubbard's founding of the world's youngest major religion, and the many humanitarian and social betterment programs he inspired.

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. For more information about upcoming events and activities at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles, visit its website or come for a visit at 4810 Sunset Boulevard on the corner of L. Ron Hubbard Way.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network and was part of the special when Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige launched the network in 2018. The 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, the Scientology Network has been viewed in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Scientology Network launches its new season Monday, April 15.

LEARN MORE:

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

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/new-season-2024/

VIDEO:

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

Despite predictions of rain over Easter weekend, Sunday's annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 proceeded undeterred. Staff and volunteers from the Church of Scientology Los Angeles were prepared no matter the weather, with tents erected in case of a storm. But the afternoon was blessed with blue skies when nearly 7,000 neighbors joined the fun on L. Ron Hubbard Way for the annual Church of Scientology Easter celebration.

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

Church of Scientology Vienna’s ‘Say No to Drugs’ Volunteers Spread Easter Cheer With Their Drug Prevention Initiative

VIENNA, Austria /ScoopCloud/ -- This Easter, the Say No to Drugs volunteers of Vienna extend their wish for a bright, healthy future for local children. They've packed their Easter baskets with copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets to give youngsters the information they need to decide for themselves to live drug-free.

As cherry blossoms and magnolias transform the landscape with their annual message of renewal, the volunteers bring a message of bright futures, free from the ravages of drug abuse and addiction.

Austria fares much better than many other countries when it comes to teen drug abuse. However, in November 2023, the Medical University of Vienna reported a significant increase in addiction cases in Austria, with no signs of decline.

The country serves as a transit point for drug smuggling into Europe, particularly from the Balkans and other neighboring regions. Additionally, domestic drug abuse, especially involving opioids and synthetic drugs like MDMA (ecstasy), remains a concern.

While the Austrian government has implemented measures to combat drug trafficking and support individuals struggling with addiction, the Church emphasizes the importance of prevention. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, "For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social, and crime costs."

The Say No to Drugs initiative is an outreach campaign of the Vienna chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free.

Youth never want to be lectured about what is "good" for them or what they can or cannot do. That's why Drug-Free World materials provide them with facts and personal stories from former addicts to empower young people to make their own informed decisions and live drug-free.

Based on Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's research finding "the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs," Scientology Churches and Scientologists support 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.

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. Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Church of Scientology Vienna 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-vienna.org

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

MULTIMEDIA

https://voicesforhumanity.tv

VIDEO:

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

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

This Easter, the Say No to Drugs volunteers of Vienna extend their wish for a bright, healthy future for local children. They've packed their Easter baskets with copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets to give youngsters the information they need to decide for themselves to live drug-free.

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

Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exposes Dangerous Facts About Psychiatry’s New Celebrity Fad: Ketamine ‘Therapy’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In the wake of the untimely passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry, whose toxicology report revealed elevated levels of ketamine, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles and the Los Angeles chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) hosted a forum and open house to raise awareness of the dangers of so-called ketamine infusion therapy. Hosting the event was Erin Godley from the Los Angeles chapter of CCHR. Dr. Allan Sosin, Founder and Medical Director of the Institute for Progressive Medicine, provided insight into the risk and potential consequences of ketamine use and answered questions posed by those attending.

Matthew Perry's tragic demise has spotlighted the urgent need for public education on the potential risks of off-label use of this drug. Despite his long history of drug abuse, he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy-a procedure that has never been approved by the FDA.

Medscape, an online resource for physicians and healthcare professionals, reports, "The number of ketamine clinics has risen dramatically, with little to no oversight," and "this comes at a time when recreational use of ketamine, known on the street as 'Special K,' is rising, and reports to poison control centers and drug seizures by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are climbing."

According to USA Today, experts such as Dr. Peter Grinspoon of Massachusetts General Hospital have revealed inherent dangers of ketamine therapy, particularly for individuals with a history of substance abuse. Dr. Fahmi Farah, a cardiologist in Fort Worth, Texas, says ketamine is "not a normal drug to be used by a regular person at all." She emphasized ketamine is traditionally used in controlled medical settings such as operating rooms. It is not authorized for treatment of depression, anxiety and drug dependency.

The New York Times reports that while "drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of an opioid, buprenorphine" contributed to Perry's death, the autopsy "ascribed his death primarily to 'the acute effects of ketamine.'"

Citizen's Commission on Human Rights International has called for an inquiry into the risks of ketamine, often dispensed through unregulated ketamine infusion clinics.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights is an international mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology. The Scientology Network airs a series of documentaries produced by Citizens Commission on Human Rights and the original series Voices for Humanity features human rights advocates working with CCHR to protect the rights of individuals from human rights abuse in the field of mental health.

Scientology Network also features a documentary on the Church of Scientology Los Angeles. The L.A. Church was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010 and provides ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations.

Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, Scientologists, the humanitarian initiatives the Church supports and Founder L. Ron Hubbard, and 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.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.cchr.org

https://www.cchrint.org

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.voicesforhumanity.tv

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

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/cchr-documentaries/making-a-killing.html

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

In the wake of the untimely passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry, whose toxicology report revealed elevated levels of ketamine, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles and the Los Angeles chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) hosted a forum and open house to raise awareness of the dangers of so-called ketamine infusion therapy. Hosting the event was Erin Godley from the Los Angeles chapter of CCHR.

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