How to get started as a Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialist

[AZ Prepper]

What has your ward/stake done to help your Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialists get started and better fulfill their callings?

Please share your thoughts, ideas, etc.

[Carinslp]

Unfortunately, there is no "job description". But, I see this as a plus. Talk with your Relief Society Presidency and your Ward Temporal/Spiritual Committee to see what their vision is for the ward. I have been the "food storage queen" in my ward for 4 years. I have done several things.

The first year and a half I taught classes on a variety of subjects. I did extensive research on each subject, learned how to "do" whatever the class required and taught it. I put my class (powerpoint, spreadsheet, word document etc) on a CD as they are less expensive than paper and gave them out at the class. I certainly used books, but the internet was a wonderful resource that lead me to many helpful sites etc. I always give credit to the main resource in my documents.

I have done group purchases with the permission of my RS President and the Bishop. This went well for about 1.5 years, and then interest really fell off. I would like to think that it was because we all were prepared, but I know better.

We have done the intial questionaire on a 5th sunday. We tried to do a follow-up the next year, but the response was too small to use as a gauge.

I have written a page to be included in the ward newsletter each month.

I have sent out emails about purchasing opportunities in the area and classes in the area.

Beginning last year, with the permission of my RS president and Bishop, I have a blog that I put information on classes, purchasing opportunities, and small little tutorials on various subjects. I have found the blog to be the best mode for many of our RS members. There are also Priesthood members who subscribe as well. I do not identify our ward by name nor do I put individuals names in the blog as I believe that people deserve privacy.

My most current project is the monthly bookmark. Each bookmark has a suggested item for the member family to stock up on each week. The idea is that we should/do read either our RS manual or scriptures and need a bookmark. If you interface with it throughout the week, you are more likely to stock up on it. I have been pleasantly surprised by the response to this very simple method and several wards who have learned about it are following suit. This bookmark program is focused on long-term storage, not the 3 month supply.

Anyway, with the input from your ward leaders, who know the needs of you ward, and plenty of prayer; you can be very creative and do many things to keep preparedness and food storage on the minds of your ward members. Intially, I was a little "underwhelmed" when I was called. Now, I am hopeful that I won't be released as I am really enjoying all that I learn and can teach others.

Good luck!

[Holyhabanero]

Carin brings up so me good points. Checking with your Bishop on his vision of preparedness is a good place to start. Also, there should be a high councilman and member of the stake presidency called to supervise the preparedness efforts in your stake. They would be a great resource as well.

[Family2care4]

Would you mind posting your ward survey? I am looking for ideas to gather information about our ward member's talents, tools, storage and readiness.