The English Department chairman of a middle school in Texas, for example, wrote: “I am continually looking for opportunities with which to motivate my students. I am very pleased to state that your essay contest brought out the best in my students who enthusiastically sought to express their ideas on how to create a better world.
“I received numerous positive comments from parents and other members of our community who became aware of the contest through the enthusiasm displayed by the students. On one occasion, I even had a parent bring the content of the essay to the attention of one of our school board members who shared his thoughts with my school’s principal.
“Simply put, I have engaged my students in numerous writing contests; however, none has generated as much enthusiasm as yours has. Not only have their writing skills improved because of their enthusiasm for the contest, their concept of what is right and good for one another has also been enhanced. Overall, they have become a more mature group of students who now display a greater degree of respect for themselves and others.”
Contest judges – business leaders, police officers, attorneys, bankers and educators – are pleasantly surprised by the depth and maturity of the essays received.
One of them, Captain Michael Chambers of the LAPD Wilshire Division, stated, “It is always interesting to read about what kids believe in. The simple insight you get from their words comes from honest beliefs and values. They are truthful and always write what is in their heart.
“You need to read carefully because you never know what you may learn.”
In addition to institutionally sponsored programs, community- based Way to Happiness chapters operate to improve conditions.
Mike Hoy, a chapter coordinator dedicated to reducing crime in the Pico Union area, reported that his community has improved as a result of distribution of the booklets, and that crime statistics, infamous for being high, have lessened considerably since distribution of the booklets began.
“Last week a gang member came to me on the street and asked for help in getting a job and changing his life,” Hoy said. “He had seen me doing clean-ups and distributing The Way to Happiness for a while and he thought I could help him get off the street.
“I gave him a copy of the booklet and the next day he came back – ‘I liked that book, man!’ He took a dozen more for his friends and I took him for a job – he’s very proud that after several years as a gang-banger he’s getting his life together and straightening out.”
“Similar examples occur every day as a result of groups and volunteers getting copies of The Way to Happiness distributed in their community,” said Glenn Horton. “Strong support for this program could create a complete resurgence of morals and make our society much more livable.”
The Way to Happiness Foundation,
7060 Hollywood Boulevard,
Suite 306,
Los Angeles, CA 90028.
Telephone: (323) 962-7906 or
(800) 255-7906.
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