Approach service in your community with no thought of any particular benefit or personal opportunity except to make your city or area better.

Assess your own talents, abilities, interests, and time, then volunteer to serve where you believe you can make a contribution.

If you don’t know where to begin, investigate opportunities that will allow you to fill a need. In most areas there will be an agency or organization that maintains a list of service opportunities. Newspapers and schools may also offer information about needs that can be filled. Ask friends in other churches about the service projects they are involved in.

Give your support to an existing program where there is already an organization in place to meet a need. Go to service clubs or the city government and ask if there is some way you can help with a particular problem; if they know of no existing program, you may want to consider starting one.

When you enter into any community service activity, expect to meet good people and make new friends﻿—and you will. Expect to find people who share at least some of your values﻿—and you will.

Focus on the beliefs or attitudes and practices you have in common with others who serve in the community, not on differences. Whatever they may feel or express about Latter-day Saint beliefs or practices, let them see your desire is to make the community better.

Let your works prove your commitment; let your consistent, dedicated service speak for itself. Be patient if it takes time to build credibility, to prove you’re not there simply to do missionary work.

Reach beyond your friendships in the ward or branch when you socialize and serve. Help dissipate untrue impressions that Latter-day Saints are a closed society and do not enjoy friendships outside the Church.

Remember, “be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). One kind word, one friendly handshake can go a long way toward bringing about good.

Learn to express disagreement with civility when principles require you to express a different perspective; yet maintain your ability to work with people on the basis of principles that you agree upon.

If you are concerned about taking time away from your family, find ways to involve them in service with you. They will be blessed by it just as you are.

Be a regular volunteer if possible. If it is not possible, be willing to contribute whatever you can. Even a little bit will help.

Support your spouse in community service. His or her contribution can be greatly enhanced by your cooperation, and those who support are serving too.