Grand Opening Speech
Mr. Gregory L. Smith, the Director of Partnership Management of the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross
Introduction
The Way to Happiness is actually reversing the factors that make war and inhumanity possible.
But when it comes to humanitarian aid in those lands torn by violence and natural disaster, there are few organizations as well known and respected for their leadership as the Red Cross.
The movement is celebrating is 140 years of service, and is now represented in more than 160 member societies worldwide.
Our next speaker is the Director of Partnership Management for the American National Red Cross, and so helps fill the needs of millions seeking assistance and relief in more than 50 nations every year.
He is a veteran of the US Air Force, comes with more than a decade of experience as a disaster services volunteer, and now is part of the executive management team for the world's largest humanitarian relief organization.
From San Francisco earthquakes to Tropical Storm Allison in Texas, he has worked hands-on in the worst of places and times.
Today, he comes to us with a story of a crisis that continues to unfold.
It's been described as a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions and it affects millions of children in the Philippines.
To tell you that story, please welcome Mr. Gregory L. Smith.
Speech
Thank you very much.
I am very pleased to speak to you this evening from the American National Red Cross on behalf of our sister Society, the Philippines National Red Cross.
I feel the kindred spirit of a volunteer speaking to a movement of volunteers working in a very noble cause.
We share an affinity as it relates to noble causes.
You were there in Oklahoma City, on that day in April, 1995, when terrorists struck the Murrah Federal Building.
You were there in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe in the wake of last year's floods.
You have helped organize many successful blood drives in times of urgent need, in America, Canada, Venezuela, Britain and elsewhere.
And you were there at Ground Zero in the wake of 9/11, helping to bring calm to a traumatized city.
I know those efforts were deeply appreciated and there are no words to adequately praise such a sincere sense of care and responsibility for your fellow man.
But there's another place where your efforts have meant so much.
The Philippines National Red Cross was introduced to The Way to Happiness by artists and activists David and Kelly Pomeranz and by the Executive Director of this foundation, Miss Joni Ginsburg.
The Foundation provided more than 40,000 copies of The Way to Happiness, which the Philippines National Red Cross then distributed both in the southern provinces affected by internal conflict and in the urban areas of Manila and Quizon City.
In either case these children — the 'street children' — are caught up in the worst of circumstances, suffering from mental and physical abuse, hunger and illiteracy.
Of even greater concern is that many of these children even become child soldiers, taking part in the civil unrest and violence.
Into this setting, the Philippines National Red Cross introduced The Way to Happiness as part of its humanitarian mandate.
The results have been tangible and significant.
During a Philippines National Red Cross training session in Central Min-Duh-Now, copies of the book were distributed to all attendees. Both Muslim and Christian participants agreed that The Way to Happiness could facilitate the realization of peace between warring factions.
In fact, one Muslim participant said,
"The booklet teaches us how to give honor and respect, but equally important is that this book shows us how to reach out to our brothers who fight us."
Each week, a team conducts life skills training for street children in Metro Manila.
These programs now use The Way to Happiness through all Philippine Red Cross learning centers.
The book was also implemented in 80 primary and secondary schools, from 42 districts.
Not only are we seeing mutual respect and a newfound interest in education, but street fighting has become almost non-existent wherever the book and its precepts are used.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and development of the most vulnerable will be a continuing challenge to the Philippine National Red Cross.
The demands are overwhelming, the resources required are considerable.
It takes will and tools commensurate to the magnitude of the task.
The Way to Happiness is just such a tool.
The work of this Foundation in bringing this tool to the Philippines has been tireless and your dedication and motives are absolutely selfless.
To you and to the author of this book, L. Ron Hubbard, the Philippines National Red Cross extends their deepest thanks and the hope that this partnership may only grow, so that everyone may learn and live by these precepts.
Thank you very much.
