The Self-Reliance Initiative has four individual groups that members may join.  Groups use the booklet "My Foundation for Self-Reliance" to help individuals learn and live doctrinal principles that lead to spiritual and temporal self-reliance. Each week a different group member takes a turn being the facilitator. The facilitator does not teach the principle to the group. Instead, he or she follows the material and encourages all to participate. In addition to My Foundation, each group uses a booklet specifically tailored for their group's area of focus.  Click here for an online version of "My Foundation for Self-Reliance" or open the pdf versions available in English or Spanish at the bottom of this page.
 
Starting and Growing a Business
This self-reliance group helps members learn to make wise business decisions as they start or grow a business. The goal of the group is to help members with their businesses and to help them act in greater obedience and faith in the Lord so they may receive His promised blessings of temporal and spiritual self-reliance. Members practice key business principles for self-employment such as record keeping, marketing, and cash management  The booklet "Starting and Growing My Business" is a key part of the process.  Click here for an online version or open the pdf versions below in English or Spanish.

Personal Finances
Members in this self-reliance group learn how to eliminate debt, protect against financial hardship, and invest in the future. They create a financial plan and follow a budget. Spouses are encouraged to attend together.  The group is designed for members who want better control over their finances.  The booklet "Personal Finances for Self-Reliance" is used by the group.  Click here for an online version or open the pdf versions available in English or Spanish at the bottom of the page.

Find a Better Job
This self-reliance group is designed for members who are looking for work or a better job. Group members learn to identify opportunities, network, present themselves professionally, and prepare for job interviews. They also set goals for contacts and interviews.  The booklet "Find a Better Job for Self-Reliance" is used by the group.  Click here for an online version or open the pdf versions available in English or Spanish at the bottom of the page.

Education for Better Work for Self-Reliance
Members who need additional education or training to get a job or get a better job should join this group. Group members research, create, and present career and education plans. They also spend time each week practicing skills that will help them be more effective learners.  The booklet "Education for Better Work for Self-Reliance" is used by the group.  Click here for an online version or open the pdf versions available in English or Spanish at the bottom of the page.

Many Church members are not self-reliant and lack the ability to “provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family." Helping people to become self-reliant is part of the work of salvation.  The Church helps individuals become self-reliant through a process that is guided by those who hold priesthood keys. This approach invites individual commitment and is supported by mentoring, group facilitation, and published resources.  Based on the success experienced overseas with the Perpetual Education Fund, in 2017 the church launched a new Self-Reliance Initiative to help members worldwide become self-reliant.  Members typically start on the path to self-reliance by attending a devotional. During the devotional, members learn the doctrinal importance of self-reliance, assess their current level of self-reliance, determine the skills needed to become more temporally self-reliant, and choose a self-reliance group that will help them gain new skills. By joining a group, each participant becomes part of a small council. A group typically consists of 8 to 12 individuals and meets for two hours each week for 12 weeks.  The My Path to Self-Reliance workbook facilitates this process (pdf version available below in English or Spanish). 

See the "Self-Reliance Leader Guide" for more information.  Click on the link to open the guide online or open the below pdf versions in English or Spanish.