May Consultant Training- Ward Plans and Organization

Ward Plans are the basis for all Temple and Family History Work in our ward.  Here's a short 3 minute video from RootsTech which explains Ward Plans.

Elder Renlund's 2019 RootsTech instruction clarifying of leadership responsibilities in the ward.

Link to his comments complete with slides. 

From the Handbook of Instructions, see Section 25.2.6 for more details.

"Each ward should have a simple temple and family history plan. This plan helps ward members, including children and youth, participate in family history work and prepare to worship in the temple as often as their circumstances allow.
"The elders quorum and Relief Society presidents help the ward council develop the plan. The ward temple and family history leader also helps. In developing the plan, they:

• Consider available needs and resources.
• Identify actions to take during the year.
• Determine how to implement the plan and make assignments accordingly.

"Examples of what the plan might include are listed below:

• Help members build their family trees on FamilySearch.org or with the FamilySearch Tree app (see 25.4.2).
• Involve new and returning members, youth, and children in family history work.
• Help specific members prepare to receive temple ordinances.

"The bishop reviews and approves the plan. Members of the ward council take the lead in implementing it. They report on progress in ward council meetings. They also update the plan as needed."

Other practical tips.

• Ideally the Ward Council should develop the plan.  But the committee might do well to make suggestions of possible areas of focus. 
• Make sure the whole ward knows the plan, so everyone can participate in it.
• It would be helpful if there are specific tasks for the Ward consultants to accomplish.  
• Suggested to have meaningful measurable goals.  Not just generalities or abstract ideas.   More concrete and measurable to see the progress. 
• Think outside the normal genealogical box.   Not just research based or temple attendance.   What else strengthens family relationships and our eternal covenants and connections?
• Could include goals for specific age groups or organizational goals.
• Could include specific ward activities, sponsored and supported by organizations, to get the whole ward involved.   Some wards are doing family history linger longers.  Some are using the 5th Sunday lessons for family history ideas.  Some are doing ward activities.  Some have family history talks presented on a regular basic in their sacrament meetings.  
• Plans can be changed as needed throughout the year or at least have an annual review. 

Sample Ward Plans

Ward Organization

Top Ten Websites or Tips

What is a 2nd cousin twice removed?  Free Family Relationship Chart

Help us advertise your summer youth program.  Flyers available for your buildings.  Or download from our google drive. 

Piecing Together Your Ancestor's Life Using Newspapers- interview by Lisa Louise Cooke

Presenting the Family History Guide to Wards and Stakes - by the Family History Guide

Do you know BYU-I Pathways offers a Family History Research Certificate?  Check it out here. 

Information about the BYU-I Pathways certificate by presented by Family History Guide. 

Honoring Mothers and Women in Genealogy- videos done by FamilySearch or posted here on  RootsTech scroll down to see this section

April DNA Days presentations by FamilySearch on RootsTech scroll down to see this section

News Story- DNA Reunion Project is using DNA to reunite Holocaust survivors and families

Crossing the Border: Finding your Immigrant Ancestor by James Tanner