Getting Started

Maximum Time: 20 Minutes

Have an opening prayer.

Introduce yourselves. Each of you take one minute to share your name and something about you.

Welcome to our self-reliance group!

Read:

We will work together as a group to help each other start and grow our businesses. We also have a larger goal: to become more self-reliant so we can better serve others.

How does this work?

Read:

Self-reliance groups function like a council. There is no teacher or expert. Instead, we follow the materials as they are written. With the guidance of the Spirit, we will help each other as follows:

• Contribute equally to discussions and activities. No one, especially the facilitator, should dominate the conversation.

• Love and support each other. Show interest, ask questions, and learn about each other. Show respect for feelings, creating a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing.

• Keep ideas confidential.

• Share positive and relevant comments.

• Make and keep commitments.

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught, “There is no problem in the family, ward, or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord’s way by counseling—really counseling—with one another” (Counseling with Our Councils, rev. ed. [2012], 4).

Watch:

“My Self-Reliance Group,” available at srs.lds.org/videos.

Discuss:

What have you learned from other councils that will help ensure that we have an effective group?

Without a teacher, how will we know what to do?

Read:

It’s easy. Simply follow the materials. There are six steps to each chapter in your workbook:

Report:Discuss the progress you made during the week on your commitments.

My Foundation:Review a gospel principle that will lead to greater spiritual self-reliance.

Learn:Learn practical skills that will lead to greater temporal self-reliance.

Ponder:Listen for the Holy Ghost to offer inspiration.

Commit:Promise to act on commitments during the week that will help you progress.

Act:Practice what you learned.

How to use this workbook

When you see these prompts, follow these directions:
Read	Watch	Discuss	Ponder	Activity
One person reads aloud for the whole group.	The whole group watches the video.	Group members share thoughts for two to four minutes.	Individuals quietly consider, meditate, and write.	Group members work individually or with others for the specified time.

Note

• The facilitator and the designated timekeeper are responsible to help the group stay within the recommended time for each section or activity.

• Be sure to make time for the “Ponder” section toward the end of each chapter. As group members ponder during this time, they can seek and receive guidance from the Holy Ghost.