Sister Celine Stake Reliance Specialist

Upcoming Self Reliance Groups:

• Members of the Canyon View Stake, we are hoping to begin self-reliance classes soon. In the mean time, you can learn more about the classes and the self reliance program on the Self-Reliance Website. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/group-members?lang=eng

• Fall 2021 Group Invitation

• Fall 2021 Facilitator Training

Self-Reliance Initiative Description for Bishops and Ward Councils

Link to LDS Self-Reliance site

The Self-Reliance Initiative offers individuals or couples the opportunity to join a group who meets together to learn practical skills, discuss gospel principles, share experiences, and help one another to act on principles of self-reliance in one of four areas of their choosing:

• Personal Finance Text - Fall 2021 Course Information

• Find a Better Job - Fall 2021 Course Information

• Education for Better Work

• Starting and Growing My Business

• Emotional Resilience Text - Fall 2021 Course Information

• Life Skills

Self-Reliance groups are small, action-oriented councils who meet once a week for 12 weeks. They are not lead by a teacher but are directed by a facilitator. The facilitator is not a subject expert, but a group member who has been asked to organize and guide the group as they work through the interactive materials. Groups are typically between 6-12 members. Group members will be encouraged to counsel and support one another while they keep commitments to take action. Groups tend to develop strong friendships and feel God’s love as they work together.

The materials are designed to create a learning process and discussions that connect spiritual principles together with temporal decisions and actions guided by personal inspiration from the Lord. Groups will come to better understand how to receive the blessings of the Lord as they practice the principles discussed.

Bishop's/Ward Council's Invitation

We (bishopric and ward council) have prayerfully considered those who could 1) benefit from participating in a self-reliance group; and/or 2) help strengthen others with their time and talents by being a group member (or facilitator). In this process, your name(s) came to mind.

Let me share with you some of the promises and commitments involved,

"The Lord has declared, "It is my purpose to provide for my saints." (D&C 104:15). This revelation is a promise from the Lord that He is ready to extend to you the blessings of self-reliance. As you diligently study and apply these principals, you will be blessed with greater hope, peace, and progress. The program will help you learn and put into practice principals of faith, education, hard work, and trust in the Lord that will better enable you to receive the temporal blessings promised by the Lord for you.

The level of weekly commitment outside of the groups varies depending on your needs. For example, if you take Personal Finances, you might spend time working on a budget and counseling with your spouse and family. If you are looking for a job, you might spend significantly more time each day looking for job opportunities, submitting resumes and interviewing.

So, you can see it will vary depending on what you feel you might need (if bishop or council member wants to suggest a topic, they can encourage individuals or couples to attend a specific group).

If there is a stake devotional, tell them, "At the devotional (orientation) you will be given more information and an opportunity to decide which group is best for you. Group meeting days and times will be discussed at that event, however groups are most often held on (direction from Stake)."

Do you feel you (and your family) might benefit from participating?

Would you be willing to accept this invitation to participate?

Invitations are extended as the Stake Self-Reliance Committee organizes and announces a stake devotional OR when a ward feels that there is a need, they can put together a group of at least 4-6 members. Members of the ward counsel could use this program to support its members, and may consider attending with the ward member being invited or in need.

Note: The Self-Reliance Initiative is intended to be a set of tools that can be flexibly used in many ways to meet a range of member needs around employment, education, small business and personal finances. Your Stake or Ward Self-Reliance Specialist can assist you with options as you identify needs in your ward. Additional resources are available through the local Self-Reliance Resource Center to assist and support leaders, individuals and families as they work together to achieve greater self-reliance.

Course Descriptions

Find a Better Job

For those who are looking for work or a better job. Group members will learn to identify opportunities, network, present themselves professionally, and prepare for job interviews. They will also set goals for contacts and interviews.

Personal Finances

For those who want better control over their finances. Group members will learn how to eliminate debt, protect against financial hardship, and invest for the future. They will create a financial plan and follow a budget. Spouses are encouraged to attend together.

Education for Better Work

For those who need additional education or training to get a job. Group members will research, create, and present career and education plans. They will also spend time each week practicing skills that will help them be more effective learners.

Starting and Growing My Business

For those who already have a business or resources to start a business. Group members learn traits and skills of successful small business owners. They practice record keeping, marketing, and cash management. They will talk with business owners, customers, and suppliers and develop plans to grow their business.

Emotional Resilience:

Covers topics like healthy thinking patterns, managing our body and emotions, managing stress and anxiety, understanding sadness and depression, overcoming anger, managing addictive behaviors, building healthy relationships, strengthening others and moving forward in faith.

Life Skills

For older youth and young single adults, Life Skills for Self-Reliance contains the most applicable content from three self-reliance manuals (Personal Finances, Find a Better Job, and Education for Better Work). This group helps participants research career and education opportunities, find and obtain employment, and learn how to manage their money. It will prepare them for missions, future education, military service, and work after high school. This manual also includes the booklet My Foundation for Self-Reliance..

To organize a group in your ward, please contact the stake self reliance specialist for materials, training and registration,

Tony Pellegrini pellegrini@suu.edu 435-559-1054