The Way to Happiness Foundation International Opens Global Headquarters

Representatives from 21 nations celebrate the power of a common-sense moral code in calming the seas of violence

More than 6,000 guests thronged the intersection of Broadway and Maryland in the heart of Glendale October 4, 2003, to mark the grand opening of The Way to Happiness Foundation’s new international headquarters and to celebrate the power of the book that is turning violence to peace everywhere it is used. The book is The Way to Happiness, the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard in 1980.

With streets closed in both directions for 24 hours to accommodate the entertainment stage, booths and activities, a mid-afternoon, pre-ceremony community festival featured Nancy Cartwright (the Voice of Bart Simpson), actresses Lynsey Bartilson and Marisol Nichols, and dancers and performers reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community.

When Dr. Joni Ginsberg (right), executive director of The Way to Happiness Foundation International, took the stage, she told the audience of The Way to Happiness and its achievements, and her aim for its future: “What began with one man’s humanity and compassion, and one simple but powerful book, is now reflected in 61 million copies in 43 languages, distributed across 92 nations and endorsed by more than 2,000 civic organizations and governments. ...

“And from this day forward, through our efforts it will increase manifold. For if a single book can salvage a family or a cell block, then we do not have to imagine what will happen when we place The Way to Happiness in every business, every community, every home. Our commitment is to make it happen.”

The opening ceremonies were marked by speeches from those who have seen miracles brought to troubled communities worldwide by The Way to Happiness. Alfred Tsetsane, head of training for the South African Ministry of Correctional Services, told of the impact on their 94 percent criminal recidivism rate: “Not one of those who has done The Way to Happiness program, and been released from prison, has since returned.

Georgetown, Guyana, Mayor Hamilton Green told the audience: “This is one medicine that the doctors and the chemists cannot put a label on, ‘be careful of an overdose.’ Your Way to Happiness is an appropriate prescription — let us have it dispensed in generous doses throughout the world.”