“Class officers care for each class member. They help her feel needed and loved. They pray for her, spend time with her, and become genuine friends. . . . Class officers have a special responsibility to friendship new class members, less-active members, and members who have disabilities or other special needs” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 218–19).

“Efforts to minister . . . should be guided by an understanding that each member needs three things:

1. Friendship. Genuine friendship helps members feel loved and welcome.
2. Church responsibilities. Fulfilling the responsibilities of Church callings and assignments helps members grow spiritually and strengthen their commitment to the Lord and His Church.
3. ‘Nourish[ing] by the good word of God’ (Moroni 6:4). Personal study of the scriptures, as well as teaching in family and Church settings, helps members increase their understanding and strengthen their testimonies of the gospel” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 308).

Ideas for leaders:

• Ask the secretary to write down the names of any less-active members. As a group, try to determine why they don’t participate with the class.
• Have class leaders decide on two specific things that might be done for each less-active member to show they really care about her.

Additional Helps

• Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13; 18:15–16; 84:106
• “Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul” (video)
• “The Fernando Araujo Story” (video), (see also Mervyn B. Arnold, “Strengthen Thy Brethren,” Ensign, May 2004, 46–48)
• “Class Presidency Meeting” (video)

Discussion questions for possible use with referenced videos:

“Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul” (retention)
President Thomas S. Monson shares a message to leaders of young women on retention.

• How can we compare the sugar beets in this story to young women?
• What lessons is President Monson teaching that apply to your young women?

“The Fernando Araujo Story” (activation)
In the April 2004 general conference, Elder Mervyn Arnold told the touching story of how Brother Marques, a dedicated youth leader, gave extra effort and love to activate a young man, his younger brother in the gospel. He did it the Savior’s way.

• Where did Brother Marques take Fernando Araujo?
• What is your responsibility as a member of a class presidency?

“Class Presidency Meeting”
As you join this class presidency meeting, make note of what is happening in the lives of the class presidency members.

• What leadership qualities and tasks are they learning?
• How do the young women show their love for other girls in their class?
• How is Mutual planned around the needs of individuals in the class?