I'm the city manager of Tremonton, Utah, and, thus, am asked by various groups for service ideas. I suggest the following in selecting and planning a project:

- Realize that Church councils are tremendous tools. When you have a council, you have the eyes and ears of the members of the council. These members spawn ideas and collectively see the needs. When you add prayer and the sensitivity of doing the will of Heavenly Father, you'll then find that councils become more powerful.- Ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of your volunteers and what their resources are. If you take this audit, you'll know the types of projects they're capable of doing. Then you can ask the question, "Do those strengths match a need in the community?"

- Look at the resources of the people you're serving and the volunteers. These resources include tools, skills and talents. In other words, some community organizations you'll serve don't have budgets for tools and other resources. Does your volunteer group have the budget and necessary skills? In choosing a project, those two things are most important or it's just a dream.

- Ask community officials about their budget, goals and objectives. Then you can match a project with their goals and budget.

- Make sure the volunteers will be responsible and accountable. What I've seen as a city manager that's frightening about volunteer projects is so many volunteers walk away. Ensure there's a structure set up so volunteers have responsibility and accountability. In other words, make a plan. That's a good way to get community officials to buy your project idea.

- Be realistic about the number of people you'll need. If you overwhelm the project, you'll see people only visiting. Make it worth the volunteers' while.

Concerning selecting a project, I've seen two types: the silent, unseen projects; and the projects that show outwardly. For example, fix-up projects, such as painting park benches, show up. But there are so many things that don't show up, such as reading to children and taking elderly people to activities and for car rides. There's all kinds of silent service that maybe you can't see, but is badly needed. Maybe you and God are the only ones who know, but that's all who needs to know.

In addition, there's the project of inviting someone into a project. Involve the less-active and those who are not LDS. Let them know you want to be a part of their community - with no other motive than expressing love. - Rich Woodworth, Tremonton, Utah

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What we did:

Including others

Logan Square Ward is located in an ethnically diverse neighborhood in the inner city of Chicago, Ill. Like most large cities, our city has more than its share of gang problems, poverty and unemployment. In response to the Church's "call to service," our ward decided to reach out to the homeless and battered women's shelters in the area and donate baby quilts.

On Wednesday, March 21, we hosted the first of three "quilting bees' in which our overall goal was to tie 150 baby quilts. In the hopes of combining our service project with the missionary effort, we have invited all ward members, our non-LDS friends and missionary investigators to participate. In addition, we have invited the neighborhood newspapers and local politicians to drop by. We foresee this wonderful opportunity to perform community service opening many more doors to the missionary effort in Logan Square. - Toni Miller, Chicago, Ill.

Promote unity

We have a small city government here. We approached the city officials for ideas for service projects. Among many possibilities are helping with a new city baseball diamond. In addition, the Forest Service has been contacted for projects working on trails and roads, etc., in the forest areas near where we live. Also, we have approached a local resort ranch for service ideas.

It seems that in more populated areas, there is more awareness of need. But in a small area, you have to assertively pursue government officials to receive and develop ideas. But you must do it in a polite way. Just keep in close contact and remind them that you're there and willing. Don't give up.

Also, visit with other church leaders, and let them know about the service project. Here, some church leaders have responded in a positive way. In your areas, include leaders from other churches in the project and promote community unity.

If you have community government leaders who are not LDS, let them know you want to help and have a positive impact in the community. Be sincere. - Bishop Lance D. Skinner, Thayne, Wyo.

In own backyard

To choose and plan for a July 19 service project, I suggest the following:

- Start by looking in your own backyard. Ask members of the ward who are in owners' associations, PTAs, civic organizations, clubs or on sports teams to listen for and look at situations that seem to be challenges for these groups or individuals. If these challenges or projects require mostly physical manpower, then consider these as viable service projects.

The activities committee chairperson or the ward public affairs liaison are probably the best people to compile the needs list.

- Recommend several identifiable needs to the ward council meeting. Decide the following: "Can our ward realistically handle the project?" "Do we have the manpower/finances needed?" "Can all ward members contribute in some way?" If the answers are in the affirmative, then ask: "Will we make a positive impact with our neighbors?" "Can we complete the task?" "Are there opportunities to build long-lasting bridges of friendship?" Remember, you are serving in the community as friends, neighbors and citizens.

- Assign a project committee, make assignments, enthusiastically prepare the ward, fulfill the task. Most of all, have fun! Be sure to have an evaluation meeting following the project and plan another as soon as feasible. The spirit of service is very powerful and once it has permeated your ward, the members will be anxiously awaiting the next project.

No matter what service opportunity the ward chooses, the elements should be well planned and most of all in harmony with the gospel. - Nancy Eppert, community relations specialist, Independence, Mo.

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How to checklist:

1 Make wise use of Church councils; seek guidance through prayer.

2 Ascertain resources of volunteers; be organized.

3 Approach local officials for ideas; match your resources with their objectives, budget.

4 Be realistic, don't over-plan; make project worthwhile.

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WRITE TO US:

June 7 "How to encourage reverence during Primary."

June 14 "How to help children, youth suffering from clinical depression."

June 21 "How to observe the Sabbath when your job requires you to work."

June 28 "How to curb the amount of television time in the home."

July 5 "How to positively influence the lives of children who are not your own."

July 12 "How to adjust to a new culture when serving a mission in a foreign country."

- Also interested in letters on these topics: "How to help young people show respect for authority in school," "How to be emotionally self-reliant," "How to place people above tasks."

Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, send fax to (801) 237-2121 or use internet E-mail: forum@desnews.com. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.