Supporting God's Work
Members, missionaries, and friends of the Church can use EnglishConnect to live the gospel, invite others to receive the gospel, and care for those in need.
The purpose of EnglishConnect is to help individuals expand their opportunities through developing English skills in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth.
Increased English proficiency can improve opportunities for service, employment, and education. Learners who complete EnglishConnect 3 will be better prepared to earn a degree through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
6 Steps to Starting a Group
1. Counsel with priesthood leaders on vision and goals
Priesthood leaders and self-reliance specialists should work together to decide what levels of EnglishConnect to offer, and what type of group will fit their needs best. You can search QuickReg to find if there is already a group available in your area.
Search QuickReg
2. Call and train teachers
You will need at least one teacher for every level and time, and two for groups with minors. Make sure there is a welfare and self-reliance specialist to coordinate the program and register the groups in QuickReg.
3. Provide materials
Digital and print materials are available for learners, teachers, and leaders. Every participant should have access to the resources that fit their role.
4. Decide on location and frequency
Next, decide the location and frequency of the group. It may be helpful to schedule the event on the building calendar.
5. Register in QuickReg
QuickReg is the official Church registration tool for self-reliance and EnglishConnect 1 and 2 groups. In QuickReg you can create and manage groups and invite participants. Participants can find groups and self-register, among other benefits. It only takes a few minutes to set up your group in QuickReg.
6. Invite and welcome participants
With your groups set up, you can start to invite learners to participate. Use approved EnglishConnect awareness materials to do so.
Helping Learners Stay Engaged
Build a lasting EnglishConnect group by helping learners:
Feel that they belong
“EnglishConnect has been a valuable experience for me. I believe that EnglishConnect can be a blessing in the lives of many people. It can provide a sense of community and belonging, a way to strengthen our faith, and a platform for personal growth and development.”
- Samson Obaji, Nigeria
- Make a plan for inviting and welcoming new learners
- Communicate a constant invitation to return if they miss a conversation group
- Give learners opportunities to mentor each other
Use English in conversation groups and at home
“The weekly gatherings were my favorite part of this program. It was a pleasure to meet the other learners and missionaries. We enjoyed spending time together and sharing our thoughts. I improved my English skills by participating in the gatherings.”
- Monika Elimable, Haiti
- Speak English with the participants
- Spend the majority of time in communication practice activities
- Encourage learners to practice English daily
Know where to go next and how to get there
“Before EnglishConnect, I didn't know how to reach my student, professional, and personal goals. Now I have a plan to achieve them. I am progressing toward my life goals with EnglishConnect as I am improving my English.”
- Sergio Alvarez, United States
- Talk about the next EnglishConnect level frequently
- Invite BYU-Pathway EnglishConnect missionaries to visit your group and help learners prepare for EC3.
- Help learners set goals and make plans
- Teach how to evaluate effectively
How this could look
Here’s an example of what notes from a stake or ward council could look like to get started.
EnglishConnect in the Clark Farms Stake
Our purpose:
Use EnglishConnect to help members of the stake deepen their discipleship and expand their self-reliance opportunities by learning English through study and faith.
Program offerings:
EnglishConnect 1 and 2
Group meeting details:
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., San Antonio Church building, Relief Society room
Actions:
Call teachers
- Sister Torres and Mendoza, EnglishConnect 1
- Brother Castillo and Morales, EnglishConnect 2
Assign program coordinator
- Sister Mendoza - self-reliance specialist
Create communications plan
- Informational meeting, November 15
- Include in ward bulletins and ward social media channels
- Email reminders
Order materials
- Twenty classroom copies of learner manual
- Twenty individual copies of learner workbooks