New Relief Society Handbook Distributed

A new, revised Relief Society Handbook was scheduled to be mailed in March to stake, ward, and branch priesthood leaders for distribution to local Relief Society presidencies.

The handbook was last revised in 1983. The new handbook includes guidelines to help the Relief Society assist in bringing souls to Christ, according to Barbara W. Winder, Relief Society general president.

To accomplish this goal the handbook describes the Relief Society and its approved policies, and helps Relief Society leaders become aware of their responsibilities.

The new handbook features special helps for Relief Society presidents. It includes a brief history of the Relief Society, as well as guidelines for small units, guidelines for family needs visits, and suggestions on how to help sisters with special problems.

There are recommendations for helping handicapped sisters, those in nursing homes, and sisters in the military. Guidelines are also given for Relief Societies held on college campuses.

The handbook offers some effective leadership principles, including planning with a purpose, delegating, and problem solving. It also contains suggested agendas for stake leadership meetings and ward Relief Society board meetings.

Sister Winder notes that it is not necessary for ward Relief Society board members to have copies of the handbook. Pages concerning their responsibilities may be duplicated locally for their use.