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"RATE YOURSELF"

On the board write:
5=
4=
3=
2=
1=
0=

Then lead a discussion where the sisters themselves identify the qualities of a perfect Visiting Teacher (#5) and the worst they could imagine, and then filled in the 4,3,2,1, with fitting characteristics.

For instance:

5= Personal contact the first week of every month and has a prepared lesson with handout when appropriate; keeps visits to 20 minutes unless otherwise indicated, phones at least once or twice a month, in addition to a visit; remembers birthdays and other special occasions, reports as soon as a visit is made and informs president of any problems; aware of needs and offers a helping hand.

0= Not aware and doesn't care that she has the calling.  Does not know what sisters are on her list.  Has no intention to serve those sisters in her stewardship, etc.

The point that was made so vividly was that anything above a 0 is doing something, even if not much.  Some of us are at a 5 some months or wherever we are, and there is always room for improvement.  Challenge the sisters to rate themselves each month and set a goal to improve even if it’s one tiny little improvement (such as if they hadn't been Visiting Teaching for months and felt guilty, then perhaps they could write a note to their sisters and tell them they care about them, or a phone call, or talk to the president).

Keep a Visiting Teaching loose leaf notebook.  In this notebook, write messages as the inspiration comes (always have several in advance) and keep ideas for spiritual things, fun things, cute things, and needful things.  It is amazing how we can lead almost any gospel message with the flavor of Visiting Teaching added to it and make it appropriate for this 10 minute lesson.  Some of the subjects you can write as messages to give are:  "Joy vs. Job", "Teaching with the Spirit", "Developing trust", "Attitude of your calling", "Juggling time", "What it means to be a friend".