Church guidance on community service

At one time, I felt the church was so inward and self-focused on its own growth, that it neglected individuals’ role as volunteers in non-Church entities.

Here are a few excerpts that indicate that we can and should give service to the community. In doing so, we are Becoming Good Citizens (as this lesson encourages):

http://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-gospel-doctrine-teachers-manual/lesson-44-being-good-citizens?lang=eng&query=community+service

Quoted in this lesson, from the CHI:

“Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen society morally, economically, and culturally. Members are urged to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families” (Book 2, page 325).

From a First Presidency Letter:

Read the following statement from the First Presidency to Church members:

“We strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment” (First Presidency letter, 15 Jan. 1998).

..the conclusion to the lesson:

Conclusion

Share the following statement by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“In the Church, we often state the couplet, ‘Be in the world but not of the world.’ … Perhaps we should state the couplet … as two separate admonitions. First, ‘Be in the world.’ Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement. Second, ‘Be not of the world.’ Do not follow wrong paths or bend to accommodate or accept what is not right. …

“Members of the Church need to influence more than we are influenced. We should work to stem the tide of sin and evil instead of passively being swept along by it. We each need to help solve the problem rather than avoid or ignore it” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 100–101; or Ensign, May 1989, 80).

Emphasize that as Latter-day Saints we should be good citizens regardless of where we live. Encourage class members to do what they can to support good government and strengthen their communities.