All public affairs work is priesthood directed.

Under the direction of the priesthood, the public affairs program moves forward in accordance with divinely set procedures. Your priesthood leader is schooled in these procedures and is, therefore, vital to a successful and inspired program.

In the priesthood session of the April 2002 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley said the following about the priesthood:

“God has bestowed upon us a gift most precious and wonderful. It carries with it the authority to govern the Church, to administer in its affairs, to speak with authority in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to act as His dedicated servants” ("Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2002, 59).

Work closely with your priesthood leader (adviser). Ensure that your local priesthood leaders' objectives and their knowledge of local issues are at the center of your council’s annual plan. (See Building Relationships with Opinion Leaders.)