Homemaking Activity of interest

[Anonymous UserParticipant]

I've recently received a calling as a RS Activity Coordinator.  I remember in another ward a while back.  They passed a sheet around in RS to check off or write in classes and/or ideas of interest that the sisters were interested in doing and/or having an interest of learning (sewing, cooking, etc.) and a sign up sheet that the sisters would add their name, and their talents next to their name for future use teaching in Homemaking class.  I've been looking for a template sheet (master sheet).  So, I can print and pass around in RS to get these sister's interest sparked and to get them going to Homemaking.  I also need ideas for a Super Saturday.  Is there someplace to go online, to find FREE information, templates or master print out for the activities and holiday's coming up for all types of activities in our church.  I need some major help!!!!!!!!  Thank You, very much!  Truly appreciated! 

[Jenny SmithParticipant]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking for here — a template that includes all activities for the year for the whole church?  Do you mean the calendar at LDS.org?

There is a questionnaire here:

http://www.mormonshare.com/lds-clipart/enrichment-questionnaire

or there is actual form you can get from the clerk's office for the same thing.  it's here:

http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product3_715839595_10557__-1__195648

I am not a fan of interest surveys for RS meetings (no longer homemaking, or enrichment — sigh –). You can read an earlier response to a similar question here:

http://www.mormonshare.com/forum/a-short-form-available-to-pre-assess-sisters-needs-and-interests-for-relief-society-meetings

Interest surveys, in my opinion, are not an effective way to get people excited about activities or to get people to volunteer to help. You will get the STP (Same Three People) and the people who you'd really like to reach out to don't/won't volunteer. Interest surveys also generally fail in determining how many people are likely to attend a given activity.  Everyone is "interested" in gardening, but 4 people will show up for a gardening activity.  If your only goal is to increase attendance, an interest survey isn't the way to do so.

Women will show up for food, for get-to-know-you events, crafts (well, most women — I skip the crafts), and activies during which they have an assignment.  The best way to get people to attend is to ask for help.  Invite them to bring a food item or sewing machine.  Don't have them sign up — ask personally.  Invite them to pray ahead of time.  Invite them to pass out bulletins.  Set up chairs.  Anything.

In this age of easy access to knowledge online, our traditional ideas of homemaking and Enrichment should update.  Women who want to know about canning, google it, and learn it.  Women with an interest in knitting, crocheting, gardening, etc, do the same.  Relief Society should not be trying to meet those needs, imo.  Focus on spiritual experiences and developing relationships.  Strengthening families, handling grief, etc. Activities can have a fun element that you use to get people excited about attendance, but be sure that your focus is spiritual, not merely educational/provident living.

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