Leaders

Leader Resources

We are our brother’s keeper.

“ A religion that cannot save a man temporally

does not have power to save him spiritually “ Bruce R McConkie

While the primary responsibility for employment lies with the individual, they are not alone. Covenant responsibility has been given to all members to be aware of and to assist each other in challenging times.

We can assist job seekers with networking opportunities, experience and encouragement.

LDS Employment Services at ldsjobs.org has some resources to support Elders Quorum and Relief Society leaders

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“I am satisfied, my brethren, that there is enough of expertise, of knowledge, of strength, of concern in every priesthood quorum to assist the troubled members of that quorum if these resources are properly administered” (Ensign, Nov 77, p85).

References and Resources

A Call to Action Bishop Edgley

His Way of Helping the Needy President Uchtdorf

Roles and Considerations

Actions Available to Leaders

Initial Steps for Employment Specialist’s

Surviving Unemployment

Additional Internet Resources

From the Presidents of the Church

Quotes from the Brethren Slide Show

Providing in the Lords Way

A Leaders Guide to Welfare Church Publication

Back

A Call to Action

Bishop Richard C Edgley

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/this-is-your-phone-call?lang=eng

Excerpts of Bishop Edgley’s Conference talk :

Tonight, I wish to speak of another challenge to which we have opportunities to respond, and brethren, this is your phone call . This challenge is not one of natural causes; however, its effects are real and are being felt globally. And while we are optimistic about the future, we continue—as we have for decades to espouse the fundamental principle that we are our brother’s keeper.

The unemployment and financial wakes of this storm are splashing over every stake and every ward throughout the Church. I suspect they have been felt in some way by each of us, whether personally - through members of our families or extended families - or through someone we know.

Brethren, there is no organization better able to respond to the challenges of humanity than the priesthood of the Most High God. We have the organization. Stake presidents, bishops, elders quorum presidents, and high priests group leaders - we now call upon you to mobilize our priesthood quorums in response to the employment and financial challenges facing our members. Consider this your personal phone call. Now is the time to rally around, lift up, and help the families in our quorums who may be in distress.

Opportunities abound, and yours is the opportunity and responsibility of marshaling the Lord’s resources. Among our quorum members, you will likely find those who know of job openings and others who are skilled at writing résumés or assisting in interview preparation. Regardless of titles or skills, you will find a brotherhood committed to bear one another’s burdens.

Bishops, the sisters have a role in this effort. Because of the economy, many mothers are finding it necessary to make budget and other living adjustments. Some are even finding it necessary to leave the home to find work. The Relief Society sisters, with their specially endowed, compassionate hearts, can help. They can help identify the needy. They can teach. They can babysit, console, comfort, and encourage. They can make a difference.

Now, let me say a few words to those of you who are currently unemployed. The responsibility for finding employment or improving your employment rests with you. Continued guidance comes from the Lord through regular fasting and prayer. Your quorum leaders, bishops, specialists, and employment resource center staff will help in your efforts. We fear, however, that often priesthood leaders are unaware of your situation. Speak up! Let them know you are looking for work. And bishops and priesthood leaders, rise up and let the brotherhood of the priesthood engage themselves in the wonderful opportunity to truly be a quorum, a brotherhood, a brother’s keeper.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, while a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:

“… It is the obligation of the priesthood quorum to set in motion those forces and facilities which will equip the needy member to provide on a continuing basis for himself and his family.”

Video Clip Bishop Edgley’s Talk

Back

Providing in the Lord’s Way

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/providing-in-the-lords-way?lang=eng

The welfare principles of the Church are not simply good ideas; they are revealed truths from God—they are His way of helping the needy… Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Excerpts from President Uchtdorf’s talk …

At the Root of Our Faith

I believe that in the Lord’s plan, our commitment to welfare principles should be at the very root of our faith and devotion to Him. … Since the beginning of time, our Heavenly Father has spoken with great clarity on this subject: from the gentle plea, … “Remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, …”;

The Temporal and Spiritual Are Bound Together

The two great commandments—to love God and our neighbor—are a joining of the temporal and the spiritual…. In other words, our personal, family, and Church priorities must begin here. Like two sides of a coin, the temporal and spiritual are inseparable.

The Giver of all life has proclaimed, “All things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal. In a similar way, our spiritual progress is inseparably bound together with the temporal service we give to others.

The Lord’s Way

There are many good people and organizations in the world that are trying to meet the pressing needs of the poor and needy everywhere. We are grateful for this, but the Lord’s way of caring for the needy is different from the world’s way. The Lord has said, “It must needs be done in mine own way.; He is also concerned about our eternal progression. For this reason, the Lord’s way has always included self-reliance and service to our neighbor in addition to caring for the poor.

By following the Lord’s way, … [members have] also developed self-reliance, alleviated suffering, and grew in love and unity as they served each other.

We Are All Enlisted

This very hour there are many members of the Church who are suffering. They are hungry, stretched financially, and struggling with all manner of physical, emotional, and spiritual distress.

Brethren, please do not think that this is someone else’s responsibility. It is mine, and it is yours. We are all enlisted. “All” means all—every Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood holder, rich and poor, in every nation. In the Lord’s plan, there is something everyone can contribute. …, the Lord has placed His priesthood and its organization at our doorsteps in every nation …. And, right by its side, He has placed the Relief Society. …You men of Zion, you priesthood holders, …open your eyes, use your priesthood, and go to work in the Lord’s way.

The Greatest Organization on Earth

During the Great Depression, Harold B. Lee, was asked to find an answer to the oppressive poverty, sorrow, and hunger that were so widespread …

“it was as though the Lord had said ‘I have given you the greatest organization there is … the priesthood organization. … put the priesthood to work.’”

Familiarize yourself with … the Church wide welfare plan, seek to apply [this] to the needs of those within your stewardship.

I give you a promise: if you will follow this pattern, you will receive specific guidance as to the who, what, when, and where of providing in the Lord’s way.

The Blessings of Providing in the Lord’s Way

Whether we are rich or poor, … we all need each other, for it is in sacrificing our time, talents, and resources that our spirits mature and become refined.

The temporal is intertwined with the spiritual. God has given us this mortal experience and the temporal challenges as a laboratory where we can grow into the beings Heavenly Father wants us to become. May we understand the great duty and blessing that come from following and providing in the Lord’s way…

Roles and Considerations

Covenant responsibility has been given to all members to be aware of and to assist each other in challenging times.

Awareness

Personal visits focus on the Priesthood and Relief Society providing coordination, personal counseling, encouragement, and support.

Members

Participate directly by supplying networking leads and acting as Job Coaches.

Financial Issues

Detailed awareness and response lie solely with the Bishop or Branch President.

Technical Assistance

Assistance and expertise lie with the unit Employment Specialist, with backup from the Stake Self Reliance employment group.

Professional Support

Extensive high-grade classes and services are available from the Regional Employment Center and regional support personnel.

Stake Responsibility

Local leaders receive the charge for calling and training specialists as part of facilitating the Stake Self Reliance program.

Actions Available to Leaders

Quorum Leader or President

· Meet in home

· Ascertain wants, needs, career aspirations

· Contact weekly

· Meet with quorum committee

· Seek recommendations

· Ask committee to assist · Call a job coach

· Work with the Ward Employment Specialist

Organization Committee

· Identify job openings and contacts

· Contact weekly

· Weekly job search email to all quorum members

· Recommend a Job Coach

Bishop

· Ascertain immediate financial needs

· Support work of the quorum leaders

· Discuss needs in Ward Council meeting

· Approve a Job Coach

· Develop a career data base of employed members to support local employment challenges

· Make assignments to insure division of labor

Ward/Branch Employment Specialist

· Support work of the quorum leaders

· Train the job seeker on job search skills

· Train the Job Coach

· Help find job openings

· Maintain a weekly report on progress of all job seekers

· Work with ward priesthood committees and welfare committees

· Coordinate for support from the stake

Job Coach

· Receive training from the Ward Employment Specialist

· Support work of the quorum leaders

· Review job seeker’s weekly plan

· Encourage job seeker with goal achievement

Home Teachers

· Help find job openings

· Provide encouragement and spiritual strengthening

· Report on temporal needs to the quorum leader

Ward Council

· Evaluate overall success

· Provide input on resources and options

· Support the Bishop and quorum leaders with ward employment plans

Initial Steps for Employment Specialists

The following briefly summarizes the possible activities of an Employment Specialist:

Meet with the job seeker.

Take the time to assess the following:

· Their last position and responsibilities

· Why currently unemployed or otherwise challenged

· Impediments to employment

· Their immediate needs, personal desires

· Begin to define career goals / professional objectives

Introduce the job seeker to www.ldsjobs.org

· Assist with signing in. If they have not previously signed into a Church website, help them create an account.

· Help fill out all areas under the “My Goals” tab

· Demonstrate basic functionality of all top bar tabs

· Reinforce how ward, stake and region use ldsjobs.org to provide assistance and coordination

Conduct detailed job search on www.ldsjobs.org.

Help the job seeker do the following:

· Find suitable jobs leads using keywords

· Utilize the links associated with each job for details of the job and qualifications

· Manage named job searches to include notifications and e-mails Additional Sources for Employment

Conduct detailed job search on www.indeed.com.

Help the job seeker do the following:

· Find suitable jobs, utilizing distance and salary

· Utilize the links associated with each job

Use your public library

Access www.referenceusa.com to accomplish the following

· Check previous companies worked at for jobs in that company

· Look for previous companies’ competitors within the field.

· Create a master list of all companies within a career field to potentially contact.

Look for career options at www.ajb.dni.us

· Explore career options

· Salary ranges

· Job market trends

Encourage the job seeker

They should interact with their leaders keeping them up to date

· Inquire about selecting or being assigned a Job Coach

· Get help with Me-In-30 Seconds, resume, interviewing, networking

· Refer to www.goldenemployment.blogspot.com for job searching resources

When sufficient resume development and job search experience has been obtained, recommend participation in a My Path group To Find a Better Job and consider appropriate classes at the Regional Employment Center.

Surviving Unemployment

Adapted from lds.org

https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/articles/surviving-unemployment?lang=eng

Prepare for the Future

Even ideal employees may find themselves needing to find new employment. This is an opportunity to rely on the Lord, grow, and be strengthened. Express your gratitude in prayer for all you have been given. Heavenly Father and his Son have promised, ‘All these things shall give [you] experience, and shall be for [your] good’

Increase your Faith in the Lord

It is common for job seekers to experience a roller coaster of emotions during times of unemployment. However, when they lack faith in the Lord’s desire and power to bless them, they deliberately decline the blessings they are praying to receive.

The following suggestions will help you turn your faith in Jesus Christ into action:

· Seek a priesthood blessing.

· Pay an honest tithe.

· Organize a family fast, and pray daily.

· Study your patriarchal blessing.

· Attend the temple as frequently as possible.

· Fulfill your calling.

· Dress each day for an interview, even if you do not have one scheduled.

Ask for Help in Finding a Job

Job seekers may spend time looking for jobs online. However, most people find jobs through word-of-mouth referrals and contacting companies directly. The following suggestions will help you find others who can help:

· Talk with family, friends, acquaintances, and others about your job search.

· Update your reference list and ensure they understand your situation.

· Seek counsel from your bishop, as well as quorum and Relief Society leaders, home and visiting teachers, and ward or stake employment specialists.

· Obtain a Bishop’s Authorization for Services form, contact a LDS employment resource center or self-reliance center, and visit www.ldsjobs.org.

· Identify and ask someone to be your job coach or mentor.

· Work an 8 hour day at finding a job, strive to make 10 employment-related contacts, 2 face-to-face meetings per day, and record your daily activities.

Live within Your Means

Regardless of your current skills or unemployment benefits you might receive; it is best to prepare for long-term unemployment. Most job searches take longer than expected. Start by identifying ways to increase income and decrease spending.

Identify Sources for Increasing Income

· Find temporary employment.

· File for unemployment and other available government benefits.

· Start self-employment (for example, music lessons, yard care services …).

· Sell unnecessary items.

Discover Ways to Decrease Expenses

· Use public transportation and consolidate errands.

· Suspend memberships, such as additional phone lines or cable television.

· Request a modified repayment schedule or lower interest rates from creditors.

· Give handmade gifts or gifts of time rather than purchased gifts.

· Conserve utilities - raise or lower your thermostat by several degrees

· Shop with a list and coupons, and supplement shopping with food storage.

· Reduce eating out or purchasing of prepared foods.

· Mend clothes and make do with what you have.

Resources to be considered: Essential Church Leadership Instruction

Articles:

Employment Assistance: Readily Available!

The church offers effective ways for improving employment opportunities between job seekers and church leaders in the Stake. In addition to the employment specialist, there are Priesthood and Relief Society leaders, Welfare Council Committee, home teachers, visiting teachers within each church unit identified as the Circle of Caring and Barriers to the Circle of Caring.

Need Employment Help?

Whenever you or assigned families have an employment concern, there are resources to help. Contact your Priesthood or Relief Society leader for referral to your unit’s Employment Specialist. The church has a comprehensive employment program. Golden Stake Employment Specialists are available for interactive advice most Thursdays at 8 PM using Internet conferencing. Suggest your church leader join you on-line to maximize your benefits. Contact your church leader for an invitation to join this interactive weekly employment meeting. For a view of employment assistance for the Job Seeker, click here.

Leaders and Employment

Local leaders watch over the members and seek to be aware of their challenges. Should any member become un-employed or otherwise unable to meet their family responsibilities, the Priesthood and Relief Society have resources available for assistance. If you find yourself challenged with employment needs, please see your local leaders for assistance. For an overview of employment assistance for church leaders, click here and click here.

24/7 Self-Paced Employment Training Readily Available!

Do any of these questions come across your mind?

· Are you unemployed and needing to improve your job seeking abilities?

· As a Church leader, are you fluent in guiding your challenged members who need employment assistance?

· Are you looking to upgrade your present job?

· Are you underemployed and need to obtain a better job to eliminate having to work so many part-time jobs?

· Please you visit goldenemloyment.blogspot.com and you will be pleased to learn that it is 100% compliant with 24/7 self-paced employment training for:

· Developing dynamic resumes,

· 30-second summaries,

· Effective networking,

· Interviewing techniques and much more.

here.

The Prophets Speak!

The Brethren have given specific and sound counsel over many decades relating the responsibility of the Priesthood to be concerned and care for the temporal welfare of the members.

Leaders should be aware of the needs of each member, active or otherwise and utilize the Priesthood for their rescue. Selected quotes on the subject available here.