Message from the Executive Director

Its hard to believe that a year has passed since we started and at the same time, we cant believe that weve accomplished so much in only a year. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and look forward to hearing back from you about your own visit to Washington to see the National Affairs Office or to find out how we can work together. Call or email the office today at 202-667-6404 or email publicaffairs-us@churchofscientology.net. Best, Beth Akiyama Executive Director

In this issue
Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Celebrates One-Year Anniversary National Affairs Office Concert Features Music Dedicated To Human Rights

Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Actress Jenna Elfman with Executive Director of the National Affairs Office Beth Akiyama and U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown at the first anniversary celebration. Government officials, diplomats and community leaders joined the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the dedication of their office at the Fraser Mansion in Washington, D.C. Special guests included U.S. Members of Congress, foreign ambassadors, congressional staff, dignitaries and numerous representatives of non-governmental organizations. Helping to host the celebration was actress Jenna Elfman, Golden Globe Winner and recipient of the Howard University Goodwill Ambassador Award for her work in the field of human rights and criminal rehabilitation and reform. Ms. Elfman spoke of the humanitarian programs the Church of Scientology supports. When you reach to help someone you want to actually see results, she said. Thats what is unique about these social betterment programs. Every time they are implemented, effective change happens, conditions improve in society, people get better.

Former U.S. Congressman Dan Burton addresses other distinguished guests at the first anniversary of the opening of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office. As a hub for disseminating these programs internationally, the National Affairs Office has worked with dozens of Congressional offices, embassies, U.S. State Department desks and nonprofit groups since its dedication on September 12, 2012, to bring the public and private sector together to effect change. It has hosted more than 100 workshops, forums and seminars on issues including human trafficking and other human rights abuses, illicit drugs, recidivism, energy reform and illiteracy.

Public Affairs Director Bari Berger with two of the ambassadors who attended the National Affairs Office First Anniversary Celebration. The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office makes its Fraser Mansion facility available to nonprofit groups to meet on issues ranging from civil rights and immigration reform to criminal justice, drug prevention and, of course, religious freedom. The office also partners with embassies to provide unique cultural and humanitarian events.

A violinist who has performed at Presidential inaugurations reprises his performance at the opening of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in 2012 by performing his own composition on the occasion of the National Affairs Offices first anniversary.

National Affairs Office Concert Features Music Dedicated To Human Rights

Gondwana Dawn concert at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Leading members of the diplomatic community, federal officals and community leaders shared an evening of music dedicated to human rights at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, D.C. The concert featured Gondwana Dawn, a group whose music fuses African and Indian song, rhythm and melody from the rich heritage of African spirituality and sacred Indian belief. Gondwana is the name geologists have given to the prehistoric continent which combined the land masses of Africa and India before they split asunder. The Gondwana Dawn project combines the artistry of a two-time Grammy winner Robin Hogarth from South Africa and an internationally acclaimed Indian classical vocalist Sumitra Guha.

Gondwana Dawn performs in Chestnut Hall at the National Affairs Office An African ambassador spoke at the concert and described Gondwana Dawns unique blend of music as based in values, human rights and humanity.. It is in the diversity that we affirm our individual identities.

From left to right: Deputy Director Sylvia Stanard, Public Affairs Director Bari Berger, two-time Grammy Award recipient Robin Hogarth from South Africa, the African ambassador, internationally acclaimed Indian classical vocalist Sumitra Guha and Social Reform Secretary Jesse Morrow. In welcoming the performers to the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, Social Reform Secretary Jesse Morrow paid tribute to another characteristic that India and Africa have in common: Their dedication to human rights. Jesse Morrow spoke of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela and their monumental contributions to human rights. He presented an overview of the human rights initiative sponsored by the Church of Scientology that educates people on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The D.C. National Aairs Oce is looking for a few good people to join us in this exciting new game. Lots of work, lots of fun, lots of products, lots of incredible comm lines, lots of theta. If that sounds like something youd be interested in or if you know of anyone who might be interested in playing this amazing game please contact: Lee Holzinger at leeholzinger@churchofscientology.net or 202-667-6404