175 years ago this year, Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society for female church members in Nauvoo in 1842. His wife, Emma Smith, was named as president. The society’s mission was to look after the poor.

This article highlights Church resources you may wish to refer to as you consider the great work of the Relief Society and prepare to teach your family about it or plan commemorative activities in your ward.

• Read the purposes of Relief Society.
• Learn more about the Relief Society at reliefsociety.lds.org.
• Read Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society.

As you consider activities in your ward, remember that it’s not so much about celebrating the milestone of 175 years, but more about celebrating who we are and what our purpose is.

The Church News article “Relief Society to Celebrate 175 Years in 2017” provides the following ideas to consider:

• Eternal identity: Reread President Nelson’s talk, “A Plea to My Sisters” and make a personal goal.
• Increase faith: Memorize“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” or write your testimony or conversion story.
• Strengthen individuals, families and homes: Take a family name to the temple or help someone else make temple covenants.
• Work in unity to help those in need: Seek refugees to serve through IWasAStranger.lds.org.
• Great history of female discipleship: Reread Daughters in My Kingdom, looking for specific principles or examples of women whose stories inspire you.
• All sisters belong to Relief Society: Reach out to a sister working in Young Women or Primary.

Read additional ideas on how to focus on our purpose.

Watch the video Relief Society—An Enduring Legacy created several years ago. (Download this video)