D. External and Internal Messaging

Communication councils deliver key messages to internal and external audiences. For priesthood leaders to guide these communications, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the key audiences and channels. Here are some examples of audiences and applications.

Examples

• External Audiences: media representatives; faith, government, and community leaders; members of the public

  • Responding to media requests and, with priesthood adviser approval, proactively suggesting stories about the Church and its members.

  • Clarifying misperceptions and seeking to help people understand the Church, its doctrine, and its practices.

  • Communicating the Church’s position on critical moral and social issues, involving priesthood leaders as appropriate.

  • Responding professionally and respectfully to negative feedback and criticism toward the Church.

  • Treating everyone with Christlike understanding.

  • Communicating about local growth of the Church, as well as significant milestones and leadership changes.

  • Supporting outreach and service opportunities related to humanitarian and temple and family history activities.

  • Providing messaging assistance in response to a crisis.

  • Coordinating with ward mission leaders and missionaries on public social media efforts.

  • Assisting in sending correspondence to community leaders, including congratulations, condolences, and letters of gratitude.

  • Maintaining meetinghouse data for online listings and responding to reviews.

• Internal Audiences: members of the Church

  • Sharing official Church statements and invitations to participate in Church events and campaigns.

  • Promoting community outreach events.

  • Supporting leaders in effectively communicating about service opportunities, temple and family history activities, and special devotionals.

  • Training members to share their beliefs online.

  • Updating online listings for meetinghouses and other properties.

Common Channels

• Print or broadcast media

• Public-facing social media channels sponsored by the communication council

• Email distribution through the Leader and Clerk Resources tool

• Entry in a stake newsletter

• Printed materials, such as banners, flyers, or posters