THE VOLUNTEER MINISTERS
BRINGING HOPE AND HELP
In disaster zones around the world—from tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and fires—the yellow shirts and the yellow tents of Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) have become an iconic symbol of indiscriminate help.
At the site of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre buildings in New York in 2001, Volunteer Ministers were an integral relief force on the ground working to support police and firefighters within hours after the buildings collapsed. Since then, VMs have served at every major disaster site worldwide. After deadly mudslides hit Eastern Uganda, VMs helped train village officials and residents in their rescue and relief technology. In Haiti, Volunteer Ministers helped transport earthquake victims to medical facilities. In Nepal, they helped rebuild devastated villages, comforted children who lost family members and ministered to those whose hope had evaporated.
But the drama of disaster relief is only part of the Volunteer Ministers’ story. They also address systemic problems in local communities where social ills, including homelessness and poverty, have left disenfranchised people struggling to cope.
The VM programme draws on volunteers from both inside and outside Scientology.
Volunteer Ministers are dedicated to assisting others not only in life-saving situations, but also by helping individuals overcome difficulties in their daily lives. This vital programme is helping meet the needs of those throughout the world for whom the yellow shirts of its volunteers are a sign of hope.
“I wish to register my appreciation and recognition of the service rendered by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers in successfully empowering our communities with skills for improved living through the seminars conducted in the 15 districts of Uganda—all toward the aim of enhancing peaceful coexistence.”
SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT, REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
From the Scientology Network
Global Disaster Relief
INDISCRIMINATE HELP
JOINING FORCES WORLDWIDE
On call 24/7 across 120 nations, Scientology Volunteer Ministers are known for being among the first to arrive at disaster zones. Wearing their signature bright yellow shirts, they provide for the most immediate needs, using their organizing skills to establish systems for distributing water, food and first-aid to those in need.
Volunteer Ministers also bring to emergency situations their unique spiritual first-aid, relieving emotional shock and trauma with simple Scientology procedures called assists. In many cases, Volunteer Ministers remain in disaster zones after the immediate crisis to provide training that helps communities to rebuild.
Working with over 1,000 organizations and government agencies, Scientology Volunteer Ministers are true team players who bring their experience and competence and strong dedication to help, whenever and wherever it is most needed.
“Your Church has carried a legacy of help for more than two decades. The 921 earthquake was a disaster of magnitude. Your Church immediately sent volunteers to help handle the disaster. So it came as no surprise that you were presented by the President of Taiwan with the ‘Good citizens, Good deeds’ award for your work on that earthquake.” —National Advisor to the President of Taiwan
