When necessary, the director of public affairs can help the priesthood adviser organize or reorganize the public affairs council by prayerfully proposing and reviewing with him the names and backgrounds of Latter-day Saints who could be recommended as council members.

Although professional experience is not necessary to serve effectively on a public affairs council, background in writing, journalism, sales and marketing, advertising, community relations, or public relations can be very helpful. Experience in business and management is helpful as well.

Given the Public Affairs Core Purpose, members called to public affairs callings should be relatively comfortable interacting professionally and articulately with opinion leaders in government, academics, other religions, business, and the media. Council members’ primary function is to build and nurture relationships between such opinion leaders and local priesthood leaders. Remember that building relationships takes time and patience.

For a clear understanding of the responsibilities of each council member, consult the Public Affairs Callings section of this Web site. This section includes descriptions of callings for council members, including the community/opinion leader relations assistant and media relations assistant.