PERSONALANDFAMILYSELF-RELIANCE PLAN

What is Self-Reliance?

A process by which we learn to turn to the Lord and

receive His guidance, strength and intervention as we get to work to meet our

spiritual and temporal needs, and challenges of life.

Why does the Lord want me to become Self-Reliant?•The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be Self-Reliant and independent. – Church Handbook of Instruction

•We have been given intelligence and agency, and are held accountable for how we act for ourselves. - D&C 93:26-38

• For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures…For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. – D&C 104:13,17

What is my role in becoming Self-Reliant?1. Find your answers for you through the

Spirit

“You are a beloved, precious child of God, and are entitled to the Light of Christin your life… You can find answers for direction and challenges in your life… TheLord truly does care, and is the key to help you in every situation in your life.” – Elder M. Russell Ballard

“The spirit of God is given to every man.” - Moroni 7:16

Pray and Fast“Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.” -Alma 34:27

“…and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” - Alma 7:12

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” - D&C 6:36

What is my role in becoming Self-Reliant? 2. As Directed by the Spirit, write down your:

Needs• Your plans as to how you will satisfy them

• Life’s Goals• Long Range, Intermediate and Short Term• Share your goals and plans with trusted mentors

for their wisdom and guidance

•Visualize yourself achieving your goals

What is my role in becoming Self-Reliant?

3. Work

“…work is a fundamental truth in the gospel plan.”

– Church Handbook of Instruction

“To become self-reliant, a person must work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort. It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity….As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities” and are “better able to care for others in need”. - Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

“Six Days shall thou labour.” - Exodus 20:9

“Thou shalt not be idle…” -D&C 42:42

“… under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, (members) will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life.” – Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

Do what you can with what

you have, however limited.

What is the Church’s role in helping me become Self-Reliant?

What is the Church’s role in helping me become Self-Reliant?

“We teach correct doctrine and principles to help members help themselves.”

– President Marion G. Romney

What is the Church’s role in helping me become Self-Reliant?

“…the Church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families.” – Elder M.

Russell Ballard

What is the Church’s role in helping me become Self-Reliant?

“God doesn’t forsake us, but he doesn’t do for us what we can do for ourselves.”

– President Marion G. Romney

Requesting Financial Help from the Bishop

Those who request help from the Bishop, may be asked to come up with a Self-Reliance Plan using the Self-Reliance Packet.

Brother of Jared

Joseph’s First Vision

How did help come for these two Prophets?

•Both had a NEED

•Both went to the SCRIPTURES

•Both developed a PLAN

•Both took ACTION

•Both PRAYED

YOUR Self-Reliance Pattern:•Determine what your NEEDS are

•Identify what YOU are going to do to solve your problem(s)

•Identify available resources•Personal resources•Family Contributions•Government and Community assistance and programs•Contributions from friends•Church

Fast Offerings•Funds collected from Fast Offerings are sacred, and are used to sustain life •Food•Clothing•Shelter

Fast Offering funds are NOT to:•Maintain lifestyles•Pay off fines •Satisfy legal obligations•Pay off debts•Pay for things you had the ability to pay but didn’t because your money went to non-essential or careless spending•Compensate for your choosing not to seek and/or obtain work •Compensate for your lack of effort in becoming Self-Reliant

Whatever limited financial help is provided, it is only temporary, and only in rare, emergency situations AFTER all of your primary resources have been exhausted AND your honest, consistent efforts at becoming Self-Reliance haven’t provided the needed results yet.

Qualification for temporary emergency assistant from the Church will come in large part by demonstrating your honest efforts to become Self-Reliant, and paying back through service opportunities and/or future contributions as determined by the Bishop.

Work with those assigned by the Bishop to help you if you are struggling in your efforts to become Self Reliant

Self- Reliance Packet

•Read the instruction page, and follow the process.

Self- Reliance Packet

•Budgeting

•Review income / expenses•Prayerfully consider between wants and needs•Receive counsel from Self- Reliance Mentors•Be Accountable -Keep track, and learn about spending patterns

Self- Reliance Packet

•Questionnaire

•Most basic survival plan•Place to start, and expand from there based on your needs and goals• Constantly work to accomplish your goals, and improve on your plan

Self- Reliance Packet

• Expectations & Commitment

•Review of Self Reliance Principles, and concisely summarizes your responsibilities and the church’s responsibilities

Self- Reliance Packet

•Employment

•Write a goal as to the type of job you will have by a specified date.

Example: “I will receive at least one job offer, and begin working full-time as a cashier by August 1 paying $10.00 or more per hour.”

If Unemployed :

• Plan and research at night for the companies you will approach•Daily plan a minimum of 5 face-to-face contacts with hiring managers • Continuously improve your approach as to:•Why I would be a great employee for this employer?, and• How my employment will help the employer be better off with me?• (Consider your past successes, and translate those into how you will help your future employer)

• Look for work full-time – 8 hours a day until employed• Take whatever job is offered, and improve from there•Make work a top priority – adjust your personal life around work

“The Bishop may send Home & Visiting teachers to you, but the solutions will come from the Lord & YOU acting on the promptings of the Holy Ghost.” – Bishop David Heslington