PrintHere is what I did and what works. You don’t have to be so publicized after you have at least 3 successful enrichments because from that point on, the sisters and their word of mouth just snowballs.
I had sisters planning vacations around enrichment nights and coming up to me and telling me how sorry they were because they were going to miss enrichment.
Publicity is key. However, if you advertise and advertise and get your sisters out there, but if you have nothing to offer them or feed them spiritually they will not come back.
The 3 rules that worked when I first got this calling and which continue to work today are: you have to make it worth their time to leave their busy schedules and families, you don’t need to be pulled away to another meeting, and come back drained or regretful that you even left the house.
Publicity
- Advertise it everywhere. Have it in the bulletins, RS letter, the Sunday before have the bishop and the Elder’s Quorum President and the HP announce it. The support of the bishop encouraging husbands to let their wives be able to come out is incredible. If enrichment was on the 19th, change out the hymn numbers in sacrament. Talk with the chorister and ask her to choose a song with the number 19 in it, as a reminder to the sisters. I had the number 19 everywhere: water fountain bathroom doors, bathroom stalls, even in the men’s room, Bishop’s door, yw, primary, mothers lounge, and car windows. It costs a bit for paper, but you don’t have to do it EVERY time, but I do suggest the first 3 to 4 months. Then, if you notice numbers dropping start it up again.
I used to give candy handouts and paper handouts every week prior to enrichment. That becomes exhausting and COSTLY. I definitely make sure I have a handout the week of enrichment.
Give food handouts to the men. I have done catchy songs or parody’s for our Enrichment nights, and those were always fun and memorable!! I need to do that for the ward I am in now. They were fun and the sisters ate it up!!
I used to hang the moon for enrichment. Now, I just hang myself. *smile*, no its not that bad, but I’m hanging something I just don’t know what. I have had this calling for 2 years and it is really a demanding calling (if it is done right). It is very selfless too. I have not had the opportunity to enjoy an enrichment meeting because of the prep before, during and after.
You get a week to relax then you have to worry about the following month. This is why I say it is crucial to be spiritually in tune because you really need that added support and comfort.
My rules are:
Touch them from the minute they walk into the doors. You have a poster or a sign or something relating to the theme of your night. If you notice every enrichment night I have posted there was something at the front entrance. This is also where they sign for the early bird. So, there you have already set the theme and the mood.
Advertising and coming up with a theme or something that will peek their interests. I treat these women just as if they were YW. (we are just a little older and still like to have fun) but we have so much more to be responsible with. The advertising and theme will only snag them.
Touch them spiritually and emotionally, – When you are in tuned with the spirit on how to plan your enrichment night and whom to ask, then you leave it in the hands of your teachers. Each time when I have had the spirit and listened to whom should lead a class, the sisters have been so touched. THIS keeps them coming back for more, and leaves them with a feeling of satisfaction and educated and glad they came out.
WE are in a new ward and the dynamics are different. I just got set apart after holding this calling for 5 months. Being blessed with the keys have helped but I really need to pull my life together spiritually so I can better serve the sisters. I trying to spiritually serve myself and my family let alone 70 sisters. So, feeling a little drained and I think that is where my spark isn’t as bright. (So, take care of your spiritual needs and you will know that things will be ok.)
Touch them physically- It is important to find a good food committee. Put your budget money here and then to decorations. Food or tasters tables are important. Don’t just grab a bag of oreos and dump them on the table or leave them in their package. Presentation is everything. Sometimes this is women’s only night out. Make it memorable and special. Touch their palette or touch them through sight. An ordinary cake looks so much more delicious when it is adorned with flowers. (pansies and roses are safe) and edible too. If you are going to use packaged cookies put them on nice platters.
PRESENTATION is key. It not only lends to saying, someone took a little more time on me, but it opens up conversations. Having something with a little more care leads to sisters lingering a little longer. This will meet everyone’s needs to socialize and want to connect with others.
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