Considerations
Given the Public Affairs Core Purpose, members called to public affairs callings should be comfortable and able to interact professionally and articulately with opinion leaders in government, academics, other religions, business, and the media. Their primary function will be to help build and nurture strategic relationships with these opinion leaders. Building these relationships takes time and patience.
A brother or sister called to be a director of a key city public affairs council should be an experienced member, preferably with a professional background in communications or management. He or she should be called for an extended period of time and not have other demanding Church callings.
Checklist
It is suggested that the priesthood leader do the following prior to extending the calling:
As the calling is extended:
- Provide a copy of the appropriate subsection of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 (Public Affairs, section 15).
- Encourage the individual to study this Web site.
- Share local priesthood objectives and priesthood leaders’ assessment of local issues faced by the Church.
- Explain expectations for what should be accomplished by the individual.
- Provide the name and contact information of the director of public affairs and/or priesthood adviser from whom the newly called member will receive direction, training, and support.
- Share information about days, times, and locations of public affairs council meetings.
- Explain that public affairs callings do not require a sustaining vote and that all public affairs council members are set apart.
When extending the calling of director of public affairs:
- Cover the points in the checklist above.
- Review public affairs council budget and disbursement procedures.
- If the calling is issued by the priesthood adviser, establish a schedule for regular one-on-one accountability interviews.
Serving in the Church
