Children from the Phoenix Latin community recently attended a two-day workshop at the Church of Scientology of Phoenix, where they learned practical principles for leading moral and responsible lives through the book The Way to Happiness. The program, delivered by volunteers from the church, introduced participants to the precepts contained in The Way to Happiness, a nonreligious guide to better living written by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.
Through interactive discussions and activities, the children explored concepts such as caring for oneself, respecting others, telling the truth, setting a good example, and contributing positively to their communities. The workshop was organized in partnership with Salud en Balance (Health in Balance), a community organization founded by educator and advocate Teresa Sosa to empower underserved youth and families through education, leadership development, and community engagement.
The workshop comes at a time when many communities seek effective ways to provide positive guidance for young people. According to crime statistics, Phoenix recorded nearly 39,000 property crimes and more than 13,000 violent crimes in a recent year, with overall crime rates exceeding state and national averages. Additionally, juvenile detention admissions in Maricopa County increased from 1,705 in 2023 to 2,300 in 2025. These figures highlight the need for proactive measures to steer youth toward responsible behavior.
After becoming acquainted with The Way to Happiness and learning about its success in youth programs worldwide, Ms. Sosa saw it as a valuable resource for the families she serves. She partnered with volunteers from the Church of Scientology of Phoenix to make the workshop available to local children. Guided by L. Ron Hubbard's statement, "Today's children will become tomorrow's civilization," participants spent the two-day program discussing how everyday decisions affect themselves, their families, and their communities. The children actively engaged in group exercises and conversations designed to help them understand how simple acts of honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility can contribute to happier, more successful lives.
"The principles in The Way to Happiness are practical and easy for young people to understand," said a workshop volunteer. "When children learn to make responsible choices and treat others with respect, they become better equipped to succeed in school, at home, and in their communities." This initiative reflects the Church of Scientology's broader humanitarian efforts to promote education, character development, and community harmony through common-sense moral principles.
The Way to Happiness has been translated into more than 110 languages and distributed in tens of millions of copies worldwide. Its 21 precepts provide practical guidance intended to help people of any culture, religion, or background live happier lives. For more information, visit the The Way to Happiness online website.
