Why Latter-day Saint Women Should Be Involved in Public Service

06 Apr Why Latter-day Saint Women Should Be Involved in Public Service

Public service is one of the most meaningful ways to bless the people around you — and Latter-day Saint women are already doing it every single day. In homes, congregations, and communities across the country, these women are organizing, leading, advocating, and serving. The question is: are we channeling those gifts into the public sphere?

Too often, the answer is no. And that needs to change.

Public Service Is More Than Politics

When many people hear “politics,” they picture gridlock, negativity, and social media arguments. It is easy to want no part of that. But public service is broader than partisan battles. It is school boards making decisions about your children’s education. It is city councils determining how your neighborhood grows. It is commissions shaping the parks, water systems, and roads your family depends on every day.

These decisions will be made whether Latter-day Saint women are at the table or not. The real question is: who do you want making them?

Church Leaders Have Spoken Clearly

Our leaders have not been silent on this. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has explicitly encouraged both men and women to seek and hold public office:

“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, including involvement in the political party of their choice.”

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— The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This is not a suggestion for someone else. It is an invitation — extended to you.

President Russell M. Nelson has also called on women specifically to step forward:

“We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith. We need…women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly.”

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— President Russell M. Nelson

You Are Already Prepared

Women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spend their lives building the exact skills public service demands: articulating beliefs, gathering support, including others, solving problems, and leading through complexity. You may not have called it leadership training — but that is exactly what it has been.

“As women of God, we know our divine nature and no one can take that away…God expects women to speak up. He expects us to use our God-given talents, and he expects us to make a difference in our community.”

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— Debby Lauret, Orem City Council

You do not need a law degree or a political science background to serve on your city council or run for your school board. You need to understand your community, care about its people, and be willing to show up. You already do all of that.

The Community Needs Your Voice

Every community benefits when its leaders reflect the people who live there. Latter-day Saint women bring a perspective rooted in faith, service, and a genuine desire to strengthen families and neighborhoods. That perspective is underrepresented in public life — and communities are poorer for it.

Choosing to run for office, serve on a board, or step into any form of public service is not a distraction from your values. It is an expression of them.

Take the Next Step

If you are ready to explore how you can get involved in public service, Project Elect is here to help. We connect Latter-day Saint women with the training, mentorship, and resources they need to lead with confidence.

Learn more and join our community at projectelectwomen.org, or fill out our JOIN US form to get started today.