Washington, D.C. — August 19, 2025 — The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. hosted a World Humanitarian Day Open House highlighting the global work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs), one of the world’s largest independent relief forces.

The program featured an overview of the Volunteer Minister initiative, launched in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who defined a Volunteer Minister as “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

Since its inception, the program has trained hundreds of thousands of individuals to use Scientology fundamentals to alleviate physical, mental, and spiritual suffering. VMs have responded to every major disaster since 9/11—whether at Ground Zero in New York, the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, or countless other crises around the world.

Wearing their signature bright yellow shirts, Volunteer Ministers have provided aid in more than 180 nations, partnering with over 1,100 organizations and agencies including fire departments, police forces, and national Red Cross offices. Their work extends beyond disaster relief, addressing day-to-day challenges such as family conflicts, workplace difficulties, learning struggles, and recovery from illness or injury.

Special guest speaker Sue Taylor from the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office spoke about the Churches of Scientology Disaster Response and emphasized that what Volunteer Ministers provide is a unique form of spiritual care. She referenced the book Lighting Our Way, created through the collaboration of many different religions, which reached a unified agreement that spiritual care is an essential part of disaster response and recovery.

Guests at the Open House were introduced to the Scientology Handbook—the central training manual for VMs—and the award-winning Scientology: Tools for Life films, which illustrate practical solutions to everyday problems. Visitors also learned about the 19 free online courses available in 19 languages at www.volunteerministers.org, where more than 100,000 lessons are completed annually.

“This Open House not only celebrated World Humanitarian Day but also showed how anyone can be part of a global movement to bring effective help wherever and whenever it is needed,” said event host Chas Smith. “The hallmark of a Volunteer Minister is the belief that something can be done about it.”

Attendees were invited to explore the Volunteer Minister Public Information Center, sign up for courses, or schedule on-site training sessions for local organizations.

About the Scientology Volunteer Ministers

The Volunteer Ministers program was created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Today, Volunteer Ministers serve in communities across the globe and have answered the call at every major disaster for more than three decades. Their motto is: “Something can be done about it.”

Contact:

Chas Smith

External Affairs Director

[email protected]