The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC served as a hub for community programs throughout 2025, hosting open houses, public seminars, and trainings while supporting outreach across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The year marked the church's 70th anniversary, commemorated with historic tours and a community gathering at the Fraser Mansion. In recognition of this milestone, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton presented the church with a United States flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing its decades of civic engagement.
Public education initiatives formed a core part of the year's activities. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World expanded its reach through events like distributing 956 Truth About Drugs booklets at Audi Field during an international soccer match and hosting an International Anti-Drug Day Open House near the White House. The organization also engaged educators at conventions, such as the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Convention and the Society of Health and Physical Educators Maryland Convention, distributing materials including the Truth About Drugs resources. A major focus was the "Truth About Marijuana" open house during Red Ribbon Week, featuring prevention expert Will Jones III addressing marijuana marketing and THC potency.
Human rights education saw sustained action through programs tied to international observances. The church hosted a Mandela Day Open House focusing on human rights abuses affecting local youth and families, introducing visitors to United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights educational tools. For the International Day of Peace, Youth for Human Rights DC organized a Peace Walk starting at the Lincoln Memorial, followed by an open house at the church. A Human Rights Day open house in December featured exhibits on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and film screenings linking dignity to practical action.
The Way to Happiness initiative promoted ethics-based solutions through events like a World Environment Day Open House connecting environmental stewardship to personal responsibility and a World Kindness Day Open House highlighting kindness as a force for community improvement. The campaign distributed hundreds of thousands of The Way to Happiness booklets across Washington, DC, reinforcing a values-based approach to daily living.
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) advanced mental health human rights awareness, highlighting the passage of Maryland's Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act of 2025. CCHR presented its "Industry of Death" exhibit at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference and hosted a World Mental Health Day Open House discussing coercive practices and informed consent. The documentary Prescription for Violence: Psychiatry's Deadly Side Effects premiered on Scientology Network, expanding public education on the topic.
Practical assistance was provided by Scientology Volunteer Ministers, who set up a yellow tent near the U.S. Capitol to offer help and life tools to tourists and residents. Cultural programs included hosting the Washington International Piano Arts Council's 25th Annual Piano Tournament and community premieres for Scientology Network series. Personal growth initiatives featured seminars on topics like "The Power of the Subconscious Mind" and the launch of a Dianetics mobile outreach truck providing free stress tests across DC.
Looking ahead to 2026, the church plans to expand prevention education on emerging threats like fentanyl, deepen human rights education partnerships with schools and civic groups, and extend The Way to Happiness distribution into structured engagements. CCHR will continue legislative advocacy, while mobile help units and cultural events will strengthen community connections. External Affairs Director Chas Smith emphasized the ongoing commitment, stating that the message for 2026 is clear: "Something can be done about it—and we intend to do more."
