How the Church Helps Individuals Build Self-Reliance

Family playing games on the floor.
As children of God, we have a divine origin, nature, and potential. Our eternal purpose is to become like our Father in Heaven, which includes becoming temporally and spiritually self-reliant. Self-reliance allows us to better focus on the Savior’s two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbor.

—President M. Russell Ballard, Liahona (or Ensign), Mar. 2009

Self-Reliance
The principle of self-reliance is both spiritual and temporal. Being self-reliant doesn’t mean that we won’t have needs, but it does ensure that we are doing our part to prepare for spiritual and temporal challenges. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeks to help individuals build self-reliance in several ways, such as:
A Self Reliance Class, Mumbai India.
Self-Reliance Courses
In more than 100 countries, the Church offers free courses that help individuals develop skills and build self-reliance. Some courses are completed individually, but most operate as small groups that focus on combining spiritual principles with practical skills. Subjects include education, employment, and finances, among others.
EnglishConnect - Houston
Projects and Volunteer Work
Throughout the world, the Church supports humanitarian efforts that help individuals meet their immediate needs and move toward self-reliance. Additionally, members of the Church frequently volunteer in their communities to assist with local projects designed to build self-reliance.

Who Is Impacted by This Effort?

Various people gather together. They appear to be in a meeting. They are all gathered together and sit around tables.
Job Seekers
Through employment courses, individuals can learn skills to obtain better work or start a business.
EnglishConnect - Houston
Displaced People
Free English courses are available to individuals who desire to learn the language.
Dominican Republic: Young Women
Prospective Students
The Church provides resources to support prospective students on their path to self-reliance, including courses on education.

How Can I Get Involved?

Building self-reliance starts with you. Here are some ideas to help you build your own self-reliance or help others in your community on their path to self-reliance.

  • Sign up for a self-reliance group in your area.
  • Share your skills by teaching a class in your community.
  • Volunteer for a project that helps others to build self-reliance. If available, find service opportunities at JustServe.org.
See What the Church Did in 2023
Learn more about how the Church furthered its goal to help individuals and families become more self-reliant in the 2023 Caring Summary.
Self-Reliance in 2023