Latter-day Saints who contribute in their community simply to better it frequently find unexpected blessings of both greater capacity and increased opportunity to serve. Almost every ward or branch has members like the following who have tasted the joy that comes through service, acting alone or in cooperation with others.
Here's A Story of Someone Who Got Involved
Helping Youth Make a Difference
Jeff Walker of the Green Valley Ward, Las Vegas Nevada Green Valley Stake, found that it only takes one concerned individual to make a difference but that continual motivating efforts are needed to help a program succeed.
In spring 1997, 15-year-old Jeff Walker represented Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada, at a press conference featuring members of the class of 2000. The purpose was to discuss what it meant to be a member of this class and what students projected their world would be like in the next century.
Jeff, who had been elected Green Valley’s sophomore class president for the 1997–98 year, realized that the class of 2000 might well receive more media and public attention than any previous group of graduates, saying, “I felt very uncomfortable with the idea of our class being takers of attention without having made a significant contribution to society.”
Consequently, he developed a training program for community involvement to take to other sophomore class leaders in southern Nevada. The purpose of his program, “2000 Tomorrows,” was to unite all participating classes in an effort to make positive changes in their communities.
The training program showed youth leaders step by step how to assess community needs, develop service projects, and involve as many classmates as possible. A banquet was scheduled for the end of the school year, when a panel of civic and business leaders presented a trophy to one of the schools.
Throughout the year, Jeff called participating class presidents monthly to encourage and assist them with their projects. “I’ve learned that it’s really hard to motivate people,” he says. Of the 15 schools that agreed to participate, 7 followed through, and 6,000 students took part. Cimarron High School in Las Vegas won the trophy for involvement. Students there volunteered at local junior high schools throughout the year, making presentations about teen pregnancy, peer pressure, and related issues, as well as helping younger students prepare for high school.
For 1998–99, the Nevada state student council became involved, and schools throughout the state were invited to participate. A primary requirement for a service project is that at least one member of the class of 2000 be involved in spearheading the project.
“Community service is a hard thing for many people to fit into their schedules, but they’ve got to ask themselves if they really are ‘too busy,’ ” Jeff says. “Service does affect people’s lives, and I saw our project really help some people and change them for the better.”
Jeff Walker of the Green Valley Ward, Las Vegas Nevada Green Valley Stake, found that it only takes one concerned individual to make a difference but that continual motivating efforts are needed to help a program succeed.
In spring 1997, 15-year-old Jeff Walker represented Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada, at a press conference featuring members of the class of 2000. The purpose was to discuss what it meant to be a member of this class and what students projected their world would be like in the next century.
Jeff, who had been elected Green Valley’s sophomore class president for the 1997–98 year, realized that the class of 2000 might well receive more media and public attention than any previous group of graduates, saying, “I felt very uncomfortable with the idea of our class being takers of attention without having made a significant contribution to society.”
Consequently, he developed a training program for community involvement to take to other sophomore class leaders in southern Nevada. The purpose of his program, “2000 Tomorrows,” was to unite all participating classes in an effort to make positive changes in their communities.
The training program showed youth leaders step by step how to assess community needs, develop service projects, and involve as many classmates as possible. A banquet was scheduled for the end of the school year, when a panel of civic and business leaders presented a trophy to one of the schools.
Throughout the year, Jeff called participating class presidents monthly to encourage and assist them with their projects. “I’ve learned that it’s really hard to motivate people,” he says. Of the 15 schools that agreed to participate, 7 followed through, and 6,000 students took part. Cimarron High School in Las Vegas won the trophy for involvement. Students there volunteered at local junior high schools throughout the year, making presentations about teen pregnancy, peer pressure, and related issues, as well as helping younger students prepare for high school.
For 1998–99, the Nevada state student council became involved, and schools throughout the state were invited to participate. A primary requirement for a service project is that at least one member of the class of 2000 be involved in spearheading the project.
“Community service is a hard thing for many people to fit into their schedules, but they’ve got to ask themselves if they really are ‘too busy,’ ” Jeff says. “Service does affect people’s lives, and I saw our project really help some people and change them for the better.”
Community Service: Teachings of the Prophets and Apostles
The First Presidency
“We wish to reiterate the divine counsel that members ‘should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness’ (D&C 58:27) while using gospel principles as a guide and while cooperating with other like-minded individuals.
“Through such wise participation as citizens, we are then in better compliance with this scripture: ‘Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and … he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them’ (D&C 134:1).
“Therefore, as in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are wise, good, and honest (see D&C 98:10).
“Thus, we strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment, including involvement in the political party of their choice” (First Presidency letter, 15 Jan. 1998).
The Prophet Joseph Smith
“A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 174).
President Brigham Young
“Let every man and woman be industrious, prudent, and economical in their acts and feelings, and while gathering to themselves, let each one strive to identify his or her interests with the interests of this community, with those of their neighbor and neighborhood, let them seek their happiness and welfare in that of all” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 303).
Elder James E. Talmage
“The Master associated love for God with love for fellowman; and surely love comprises duty, and duty means effort and action. See Matt. 22:35–40. A very large part of the course of education provided in the school of mortality is attained through association with our kind and the righteous observance of duty in community life. We are not here to be recluses nor to hold ourselves aloof from public service, but to live in a state of mutual helpfulness and effective cooperation” (Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 525).
Elder John A. Widtsoe
“No man can selfishly stand aside and say, ‘I am sufficient unto myself; in the community I have no interest; though I obey its laws, I do not serve it.’ A man must obey the laws of and vigorously serve the community. Every act of man’s life must relate itself to the good of other men” (A Rational Theology as Taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [1965], 160).
President Harold B. Lee
“We must urge all members as individuals to become involved in public issues within and without political parties. … One of the things that is wrong with politics [is that we] have been staying away from our district meetings where the delegates to conventions are made. When, too late, we see the wrong people on the ticket, then we get in and do some foolish things that cause enemies to the Church. …
If we were in it at the beginning and were studying the issues and the people, active in our own parties, we would be far more influential” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 363).
“We ought to teach our people now to come out and exercise their franchise. Whatever the country they live in, be sure they become active in politics as individuals but not as a Church group” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, 366).
“The reason why we get into the hands of autocrats in politics is because many of us criticize and stay home and don’t go to our district meetings. And we don’t allow ourselves to become candidates, or representatives to vote for those who will represent us in the nation, or the county, or the state” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, 367).
President Ezra Taft Benson
“Let us seek to take an active part in our local, state, and national affairs. We are commanded by the Lord to do so. It is as binding on us as any of the Lord’s commandments” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 675).
“We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens … we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: ‘Honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil’ ” (D&C 98:10) (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 683).
“The most dangerous threat of all comes from the disinterested—that great group of otherwise intelligent people who shrug off any responsibility for public affairs” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 628).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
“To worship the Lord is to stand valiantly in the cause of truth and righteousness, to let our influence for good be felt in civic, cultural, educational, and governmental fields, and to support those laws and principles which further the Lord’s interests on earth” (Doctrines of the Restoration, ed. Mark L. McConkie [1989], 372).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“A person could get so caught up in making civic contributions to his community that he could lose his family. By the same token, one cannot readily save his family in an environment in decay. Thus we have obligations to contribute to the civic betterment of the communities in which we live” (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book, ed. Cory H. Maxwell [1997], 59).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
“Citizens … should be practitioners of civic virtue in their conduct toward government. They should be ever willing to fulfill the duties of citizenship. This includes compulsory duties like military service and the numerous voluntary actions they must take if they are to preserve the principle of limited government through citizen self-reliance” (“The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” Ensign, Feb. 1992, 74).
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Now, I want to say to you, and I say it with a plea in my heart, get involved. Get involved on the side of righteousness and truth and decency and sobriety and virtue. You, and others like you, are the great hope of this world. …
“The problem with most of us is that we are afraid. We want to do the right thing, but we are troubled by fears and the world drifts about us. …
“ ‘Be not afraid, only believe.’ I commend to you these wonderful words of the Lord as you think of your responsibilities and opportunities” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 128–29).
“Let us not forget that we believe in being benevolent and in doing good to all men. I am convinced that we can teach our children effectively enough that we need not fear that they will lose their faith while being friendly and considerate with those who do not subscribe to the doctrine of this Church. Let us reach out to those in our community who are not of our faith. Let us be good neighbors, kind and generous and gracious. Let us be involved in good community causes. There may be situations where, with serious moral issues involved, we cannot bend on matters of principle. But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. We can acknowledge the sincerity of those whose positions we cannot accept. We can speak of principles rather than personalities.
“In those causes which enhance the environment of the community, and which are designed for the blessing of all of its citizens, let us step forward and be helpful. An attitude of self-righteousness is unbecoming a Latter-day Saint.
“… Teach those for whom you are responsible the importance of good civic manners. Encourage them to become involved, remembering in public deliberations that the quiet voice of substantive reasoning is more persuasive than the noisy, screaming voice of protest. In accepting such responsibilities our people will bless their communities, their families, and the Church” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 131).
The First Presidency
“We wish to reiterate the divine counsel that members ‘should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness’ (D&C 58:27) while using gospel principles as a guide and while cooperating with other like-minded individuals.
“Through such wise participation as citizens, we are then in better compliance with this scripture: ‘Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and … he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them’ (D&C 134:1).
“Therefore, as in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are wise, good, and honest (see D&C 98:10).
“Thus, we strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment, including involvement in the political party of their choice” (First Presidency letter, 15 Jan. 1998).
The Prophet Joseph Smith
“A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 174).
President Brigham Young
“Let every man and woman be industrious, prudent, and economical in their acts and feelings, and while gathering to themselves, let each one strive to identify his or her interests with the interests of this community, with those of their neighbor and neighborhood, let them seek their happiness and welfare in that of all” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 303).
Elder James E. Talmage
“The Master associated love for God with love for fellowman; and surely love comprises duty, and duty means effort and action. See Matt. 22:35–40. A very large part of the course of education provided in the school of mortality is attained through association with our kind and the righteous observance of duty in community life. We are not here to be recluses nor to hold ourselves aloof from public service, but to live in a state of mutual helpfulness and effective cooperation” (Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 525).
Elder John A. Widtsoe
“No man can selfishly stand aside and say, ‘I am sufficient unto myself; in the community I have no interest; though I obey its laws, I do not serve it.’ A man must obey the laws of and vigorously serve the community. Every act of man’s life must relate itself to the good of other men” (A Rational Theology as Taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [1965], 160).
President Harold B. Lee
“We must urge all members as individuals to become involved in public issues within and without political parties. … One of the things that is wrong with politics [is that we] have been staying away from our district meetings where the delegates to conventions are made. When, too late, we see the wrong people on the ticket, then we get in and do some foolish things that cause enemies to the Church. …
If we were in it at the beginning and were studying the issues and the people, active in our own parties, we would be far more influential” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 363).
“We ought to teach our people now to come out and exercise their franchise. Whatever the country they live in, be sure they become active in politics as individuals but not as a Church group” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, 366).
“The reason why we get into the hands of autocrats in politics is because many of us criticize and stay home and don’t go to our district meetings. And we don’t allow ourselves to become candidates, or representatives to vote for those who will represent us in the nation, or the county, or the state” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, 367).
President Ezra Taft Benson
“Let us seek to take an active part in our local, state, and national affairs. We are commanded by the Lord to do so. It is as binding on us as any of the Lord’s commandments” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 675).
“We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens … we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: ‘Honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil’ ” (D&C 98:10) (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 683).
“The most dangerous threat of all comes from the disinterested—that great group of otherwise intelligent people who shrug off any responsibility for public affairs” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 628).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
“To worship the Lord is to stand valiantly in the cause of truth and righteousness, to let our influence for good be felt in civic, cultural, educational, and governmental fields, and to support those laws and principles which further the Lord’s interests on earth” (Doctrines of the Restoration, ed. Mark L. McConkie [1989], 372).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“A person could get so caught up in making civic contributions to his community that he could lose his family. By the same token, one cannot readily save his family in an environment in decay. Thus we have obligations to contribute to the civic betterment of the communities in which we live” (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book, ed. Cory H. Maxwell [1997], 59).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
“Citizens … should be practitioners of civic virtue in their conduct toward government. They should be ever willing to fulfill the duties of citizenship. This includes compulsory duties like military service and the numerous voluntary actions they must take if they are to preserve the principle of limited government through citizen self-reliance” (“The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” Ensign, Feb. 1992, 74).
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Now, I want to say to you, and I say it with a plea in my heart, get involved. Get involved on the side of righteousness and truth and decency and sobriety and virtue. You, and others like you, are the great hope of this world. …
“The problem with most of us is that we are afraid. We want to do the right thing, but we are troubled by fears and the world drifts about us. …
“ ‘Be not afraid, only believe.’ I commend to you these wonderful words of the Lord as you think of your responsibilities and opportunities” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 128–29).
“Let us not forget that we believe in being benevolent and in doing good to all men. I am convinced that we can teach our children effectively enough that we need not fear that they will lose their faith while being friendly and considerate with those who do not subscribe to the doctrine of this Church. Let us reach out to those in our community who are not of our faith. Let us be good neighbors, kind and generous and gracious. Let us be involved in good community causes. There may be situations where, with serious moral issues involved, we cannot bend on matters of principle. But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. We can acknowledge the sincerity of those whose positions we cannot accept. We can speak of principles rather than personalities.
“In those causes which enhance the environment of the community, and which are designed for the blessing of all of its citizens, let us step forward and be helpful. An attitude of self-righteousness is unbecoming a Latter-day Saint.
“… Teach those for whom you are responsible the importance of good civic manners. Encourage them to become involved, remembering in public deliberations that the quiet voice of substantive reasoning is more persuasive than the noisy, screaming voice of protest. In accepting such responsibilities our people will bless their communities, their families, and the Church” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 131).
1 comment:
I am very interested in learning more about Jeff Walkers training program for community involvement. Sherrill Graff istmpnv@aol.com 293-1386 if you can pass on my contact information I'd love to have him contact me. I have a group that I'm working with that needs help planning and caring out similar service projects.
I have been in YW's, and helped with Eagle projects, but this has been my biggest challenge yet. Thanks in advance for the help.
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