The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee Marks International Friendship Day with Dialogue

International Day of Friendship was created to inspire peace and bridge building. At the beginning of August, The Way to Happiness Association is holding a large event with a diverse crowd to dialogue for the occasion.  

Terror attacks on London Bridge, hate crimes on innocent people leaving mosques after Ramadan services, and even attacks in New York’s Times Square during a crowded lunchtime — this is not the news people need to hear on a daily basis. Yet, this is the case in the world today.

To combat events like these, the The Way to Happiness Association will be holding an event with dialogue and activity aimed at raising awareness and friendship among even the most diverse peoples for International Day of Friendship, an observance dignified in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day was created with the idea that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities,” according to un.org.

The resolution emphasizes that young people, as future leaders, can be brought together in activities with different cultures. This promotes international understanding and respect for diversity.

The Way to Happiness is holding the third annual observance in Nashville on August 1st to help people learn about those with whom they might not otherwise associate. The event will be held in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church says, “This event is needed. There are too many problems arising from basic misunderstanding that could be cleared up with honest and open communication.”

The Way to Happiness is a community betterment program that the Church of Scientology is involved with, as it is based on the book of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard.  The program is predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness are attainable. Several concepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship. Among them, “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want them to Treat You.”

For more information on The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, visit twthtn.org.