Students Concerned About on Campus Religious Solicitors and Rumors of Sex Trafficking - University at Buffalo

We read the below article by The Spectrum - The Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo - about Religious Solicitation on UB campus and we felt the need to write about this topic again.

http://www.ubspectrum.com/article/2018/09/students-concerned-over-on-campus-religious-solicitors-sex-trafficking-rumors

We have received many past complaints from people in many different cities about the groups World Mission Society Church of God, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both of which mentioned in the article as soliciting on UB Campus.

Religious solicitation and predatory group activity is a huge problem on and around college campuses and they purposely target vulnerable, impressionable, unsuspecting young minds. Students, faculty and parents need more information about these topics so they can make informed, educated decisions about the groups and associations they consider getting involved with. 

Information to Critically Think with.

Our website (which is in the process of being overhauled and updated) provides much of our materials in pdf format, but we also have printed handouts and brochures free to students, parents etc.

Here is the link where you can print and share some of these materials.

https://www.familiesagainstcultteachings.org/Cult-Education/Fact-sheets/

Here are some of the red flags to be aware of when being approached by groups and or individuals.

If you think you or someone you know is involved in a predatory / controlling group or situation and need help and more information Or If you would like our handouts to share with friends, fellow students or parents and faculty feel free to email us at Support@FamiliesAgainstCultTeachings.org or call our toll free # at 877-360-FACT (3228)

We are here to help educate and empower any way we can.

You can learn more on our Facebook page https://business.facebook.com/FACT501c3/ and Twitter @FightCults 

Thank you,

The FACT Team

Complaint Filed Against: Mastery in Transformational Training

One of the many complaints we've received recently. 

"Mitt - Mastery in Transformational Training

Where: Marina Del Rey is headquarters and they do trainings at hotels like 4 points Sheraton at lax

Leader(s):

Please describe the cult activity: they use every brainwashing technique, fear guilt and pressure from family and they popped my wifes tires and disabled her car when she tried to leave .

Involvement with group: If yes, please explain.

1) When did you/they get involved & for how long?
Mom and grandma since before it started in a different program called life spring
2) How did you/they get involved? How were you/they directly recruited?
My grandma pressured her paid for it and said just go its paid for
3) Are there other family members involved?

4) Has their been a disconnection of relationship(s) with family, old friends?
Yes mom keeps calling the cops and social services
5) What are the circumstances currently?
No contact with them now

Impact from group: My wife could and should be the one to explain

Is there anything else that we should know or you would like to tell us: I have done research and found some things that have not yet been reported and how they scrypt and trick people to go down a path they subjects think they chose"

If you have any direct experience with this group, feel free to share with us.


Thank you,

The FACT Team

Author Renee Linnell, "The Burn Zone: A Memoir, Talks About Her Time in a Cult

Renee Linnell, Author of "The Burn Zone: A Memoir, opens up about her time and experience in a cult and her thoughts about it all.

Watch her video interview with BOLD: https://youtu.be/L3QXKlKE1sc

Thanks for sharing this with us Renee and we hope to catch up with you soon for an interview chat.

Thank you,

The FACT Team

Never Be Afraid to Question People and Their Motives

Many people who are caught up in high control, high demand groups and or relations are often conditioned to not question things.
  
Always be wary of anyone who tries to prevent you from questioning. Protect your freedom and autonomy.  Learn to recognize common recruitment tactics and situations.

• People who are excessively or inappropriately friendly; there are few genuine instant friendships.
• People who are very persistent in trying to get you to join, and won’t take no for answer.
• People with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops.
• People who demand secrecy from you.
• People who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not interested in joining.
• People with simplistic answers or solutions to complex world problems.
• People who try to play on your guilt; you don’t always have to reciprocate a kindness, especially when it may have been a way to manipulate you.
• People who are vague or evasive. If they are hiding something, it’s usually because they don’t want you to know the real answer.
• People who claim to be just like you, so you feel you have a lot in common.
• People who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems, especially when they know little about you.
• People, who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help you achieve enlightenment or show the road to happiness.
• People who always seem happy
• People who claim they or their group is really special, even the most special.
• People who promise quick solutions to difficult problems.
• People who put down reason and critical thinking, and tell you not to ask questions about the group – just open your mind to it. 

Shambhala Denies All Allegations of Misconduct

Shambhalas letter of Denial to the community 

 

"Dear Community -

 

We are writing to you in the wake of today’s release of more allegations of misconduct and criminal behavior regarding the Sakyong and board members that were released in Buddhist Project Sunshine Phase 3.

 

We want to be clear to you, our community, that based on the information provided, Shambhala, the Sakyong and the four Board members named in these allegations categorically deny the substance of the allegations, which are not only unfounded, but are each based on speculative and unsubstantiated claims.  The publication of such salacious and defamatory information is grossly irresponsible.

 

Over the past six months, Shambhala has made it clear that we take any claims of misconduct extremely seriously. We invite and encourage anyone with a claim of harm to bring such claims forward through one of the three channels we have opened.  Our focus remains on the appropriate healing and rebuilding of our community, especially as we move through this leadership transition.

 

There are three ways to report a claim of harm:
 

• Third-Party Investigation: Claims of sexual assault or misconduct by any teacher or leader in the Shambhala community can be raised directly to the independent investigator, Selina Bath, of Wickwire Holm. Ms. Bath can be reached by e-mail or phone at (902) 482-7030.
   
• Care and Conduct Process:  Shambhala’s Care and Conduct policy exists to address cases of harm within the community and provide a path forward for all parties when a complaint has been brought against a Shambhala office holder. Click here to contact the International Care and Conduct panel.
   
• An Olive Branch: An Olive Branch will serve as a neutral third-party to receive stories of harm and provide victim advocacy services. In the coming weeks, they will open a Listening Post where stories can be brought forward. Questions about this work may be directed to Katheryn Wiedman, Co-Director of An Olive Branch and Project Director, by e-mail.

 

Further, we are disappointed to learn of the continued attempts to discredit the integrity of Wickwire Holm’s independent investigation and the work of An Olive Branch, both neutral and independent third-party organizations working to provide services to those who have felt harmed in the community.

• For questions about the investigation and Shambhala’s relationship to Wickwire Holm, please refer to the community e-mail that was sent on August 11, 2018 which includes a statement from Wickwire Holm.
  
  
  
• To read about An Olive Branch’s complete scope of work, please refer to the community e-mail that was sent on July 20, 2018 to the community by An Olive Branch.

From the beginning of this process in February, our intent has always been to promptly and thoroughly investigate all claims by anyone who has felt harmed within the Shambhala community, to effectively remedy all claims that are substantiated, and to create a strong and healthy sangha.

As always, we welcome your feedback, questions and concerns at kalapacouncil@shambhala.org.

We also invite you to contact the Transition Task Force with questions or suggestions about the leadership transition process at transitiontaskforce@shambhala.org.

With appreciation,

The Outgoing Kalapa Council
Josh Silberstein, Chair
Jane Arthur
David Brown
Wendy Friedman
Jesse Grimes
Mitchell Levy
Adam Lobel
Robert Reichner
Christoph Schönherr"


The FACT Team