Learn

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What will we do in this group?

Time:Set the timer to 60 minutes for the Learn section.

Read:To understand the purpose of this self-reliance group, turn to the inside front cover of this workbook and read the introduction.

We are here to help each other get education and improve our work. We also have a larger goal: to become self-reliant so we can better serve others.

“Education for Self-Reliance” (No video? Read page 18.)

Discuss:What did you learn or feel from the video?

Read:Let’s take turns and read these statements:

1. We want to be self-reliant.

2. But we don’t have the skills right now to get a good job or build a good business.

3. So, we need education or training to improve our skills.

4. These skills will lead us to better work and more income.

5. And more income plus more faith will help us become more self-reliant!

Discuss:Is this a good summary of why we are here?

Read:We will answer the following questions each week in our group.

Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6
What type of work will help me become self-reliant?	What education will qualify me for my work?	How will I pay for my education?	Should I apply for a Perpetual Education Fund loan?	How will I succeed in the classroom?	How will I succeed outside the classroom?

Discuss:Why do you think we start this week by choosing the work we want before we decide on the education we need?

Read:The goal of education is to get a good job. During the first six weeks we will learn about education. In weeks 7–12 we will learn about how to find a good job and be successful at it:

Week 7	Week 8	Week 9	Week 10	Week 11	Week 12
How do I find the right job opportunities?	How do I present myself with convincing power?	How do I access the “hidden” job market?	How do I stand out as the clear choice?	How do I accelerate my job search?	How do I excel on the job and continue to succeed?

Read:Working together, we will answer these questions and succeed!

What do I have to offer?

Read:Let’s see how we will work together as a group.

“‘Go and Do’ Learning” (No video? Read page 20.)

Discuss:We will be helping each other to “go and do.” What was important in that video? How is this approach to learning different from standard classes at school or church?

Practice:Divide into smaller teams of three people. Move your chairs to face each other, and do the following activity.

1. Briefly introduce yourself—your name and family. Tell about an accomplishment. For example: “I was given a service award at work,” or “I served a mission,” or “I raised three children.”

2. Now, the other two should quickly tell you what abilities were needed for that accomplishment. If you said, “I served a mission,” the others could say, “Then you are courageous, a hard worker, a leader and teacher, and good with people.”

3. Repeat this for each person.

4. Get back together with the whole group. Share some things group members have accomplished and some of their abilities.

Read:All the skills and abilities we have are part of the Lord’s storehouse. Read the scripture on the right.

“That every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’ s storehouse … every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19

Discuss:How can our group work together to help each other?

Practice:Let’s do our first action as a group. Let’s take five minutes and decide what our group will be called.

Write group name below:

What future work should I choose?

Read:During this week, we will decide what kind of work we can do to become more self-reliant. Then, we will come back and report.

The following question and action of the week will guide our discussion and commitments.

Read:QUESTION OF THE WEEK—What type of work will help me become self-reliant?

ACTION OF THE WEEK—Explore my future work options, learn about jobs from other people, and prepare a work plan.

Practice:Write the amount of income you need each month to be self-reliant (from the self-reliance assessment in My Path):

I need amount each month to be self–reliant.

The My Path booklet can help you make these decisions.

Read:Now, what work do we want in the future that will provide this amount of income?

“The PEF Preferred Lists” (No video? Read page 21.)

Practice:The facilitator should give each group member a copy of the Preferred Jobs List.

1. Turn your chair to face another group member. Together, look through the Preferred Jobs List that the facilitator gave you.

2. Now answer these questions:

   • What jobs catch your attention? Do any seem to match your strengths or experiences?

   • Which jobs pay best?

   • Which ones require more education?

   • How could this list help you?

Read:Once we have an idea about what jobs will meet our income needs, and which are in high demand, we need to learn more about the options and make a choice. A “work plan” will help us decide on our future job or business.

Read:During the week, we will be creating a work plan (see page 24). This practice will help us learn how to do that, step by step!

Practice:Turn your chair to another group member and do this practice together.

Step 1. Read the two examples. Then, just for practice, write one type of work you are considering in the blank box under “Your Example.” On the next line, write names of people you could ask about that type of work.

MY WORK PLAN: WHAT WORK COULD HELP ME BECOME SELF-RELIANT?
	Example 1	Example 2	Your Example
List three types of work you will consider.	Auto Mechanic	Medical Technology Operator

WHO KNOWS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF WORK?
List 3–5 people to speak with about each job.	Miguel, mechanic friend Roberto, car salesman Carlos, my uncle	Naomi, works at hospital Dorine, nurse Susy, computer expert

Step 2. Read the questions and examples below. Fill in the boxes for “Your Example.” For this practice, you may need to guess.

WHAT QUESTIONS WILL I ASK THESE PEOPLE?
	Example 1 (Auto Mechanic)	Example 2 (Medical Technology Operator)	Your Example
How much income could I expect each month when I start? How much monthly income could I expect after working for a year?	Starting salary: 3500 After one year: 4500	Starting salary: 4200 After one year: 5000
How do I qualify for each type of work?	Mechanical school, 8 months 1 year experience Know someone, have contacts	Med tech school, 2.5 years 1.5 years experience Pass math, science classes
Are there local schools?	Yes	Yes
Is there a growing demand for this type of work?	Slow growth, medium demand	Fast growth, high demand
What is the cost to get started?	6000 for tools	4000 for certification exam

Step 3. Read the examples and then summarize your answers in the third column. Remember, this is just practice. We will gather more accurate information this week. When you have finished, get back with the larger group.

WHICH WORK SEEMS BEST TO PROVIDE INCOME AND MATCH MY STRENGTHS AND SKILLS?
	Example 1 (Auto Mechanic)	Example 2 (Medical Technology Operator)	Your Example
What have I learned about these options? Which seems best for me?	Less school, less cost, just enough income to meet needs, less demand.	More time to qualify, more school, more cost, better income, high demand.

Read:After gathering information this week we will need to make decisions. We can pray and read our patriarchal blessings to help us. Remember: (1) We start with how much income we need to be self-reliant. (2) Then we choose the work we want in the future that will provide that income. (3) After that, we can decide on the education or training that will qualify us for that work.

How will I present my work plan?

Read:Next week, we will present our work plans out loud to the group. So let’s watch this example and then practice.

“My Work Plan in Three Minutes” (No video? Read page 22.)

Practice:Stand up and get with someone you have not practiced with today. Present this example work plan (on pages 7–9) as if it were yours. Follow the examples in the video. If you do not have some of the information, just use your imagination.

1. Take one minute to tell about your work choices and who you asked about the jobs.

2. Take one minute to share answers to the questions you asked.

3. Take one minute to tell which of these example work options you would choose and explain why.

4. Then take two minutes to ask for feedback from the other person. Ask: How can I make my work plan better? How could I present it more effectively?

5. Switch roles and let the other person make the presentation.

Discuss:With the whole group, talk about how you will gather information during the week and how you will present your work plans next week. Ask questions and share ideas.

Read:During the week, gather information and put it in the work plan on the next page. Talk to as many people as you can. Ask many questions! If you need more space to write, you can use an additional work plan on page 24.

MY WORK PLAN: WHAT WORK COULD HELP ME BECOME SELF-RELIANT?
List three types of work you will consider.

WHO KNOWS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF WORK?
List 3–5 people to speak with about each job.

WHAT QUESTIONS WILL I ASK THESE PEOPLE?
How much income could I expect each month when I start? How much monthly income could I expect after working for a year?
How do I qualify for each type of work?
Are there local schools?
Is there a growing demand for this type of work?
What is the cost to get started?
Other questions?

WHICH WORK SEEMS BEST TO PROVIDE INCOME AND MATCH MY STRENGTHS AND SKILLS?
What have I learned about these options? Which seems best for me?

How can I manage my finances wisely?

Read: Being self-reliant includes spending less than we earn and having money in savings. Savings can help us meet unexpected expenses or help provide for ourselves and our families when our income is lower than we expect. As a part of this group, we commit to saving every week, even a coin or two.

Discuss: In some areas, it is a good idea to save money in a bank. In other areas, it is not a good idea, such as when a country has high inflation or when banks are unstable. Are conditions good for saving in a bank in your area? Which banks offer the best rates for savings?

Read: Another part of being self-reliant is being free from personal debt. Personal loans are used to spend more than we are able to pay. Prophets have counseled us to avoid personal debt, and as we become more self-reliant we will reduce and eliminate personal debt (though business debt may be wise in some cases).

Medical emergencies often cause major financial burdens. Insurance and government healthcare programs can often help protect against these burdens. Signing up for insurance or a government medical program can be an important part of our path to self-reliance.

Discuss: Some types of insurance (such as health insurance and life insurance) are more available and more helpful than other types of insurance. Some insurance providers are good and some are dishonest. What are the best insurance options in your area?

Why does the Lord want us to be self-reliant?

Discuss: Why does the Lord want us to be self-reliant?

Read: Read the quote on the right.

“To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 16

Discuss:How can our efforts to get a job serve a “holy purpose,” as Elder Christofferson said?

Read:The Lord has the power to help us become self-reliant. He has said, “Behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles” (2 Nephi 27:23). As we dedicate, or consecrate, our efforts to succeed in our job to the holy purpose of becoming self-reliant, the Lord will guide us through inspiration. As we show our faith by listening for and obeying His promptings, the Lord will do His miracles and make more out of our efforts than we could ever do for ourselves.

How can I prepare to get a PEF loan?

If you and your family do not have the means, and you cannot access other local financial resources, you may qualify for a PEF loan to help pay for your education. Your work plan can also help you prepare for a PEF loan. If you think you may need a PEF loan, answer these questions as you develop your work plan and keep this information for your PEF application.

MY WORK PLAN: WHAT WORK COULD HELP ME BECOME SELF-RELIANT?
Current Work
Hours you work per week (all jobs):
Work title(s):
Income per month:

Future Work (must be on the SRS Preferred Jobs List or an exception must be requested)
Future work title:
Estimated income per month (after completing program):