Primary-Service-initiative
Primary children participate in service projects.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which serves children ages 3 to 11, has a rich legacy of children serving other children since the Primary was organized on August 25, 1878.
For many decades, Primary children donated pennies to help support the care of children at Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah.
Primary Service Initiative
For many decades, Primary children donated pennies to help support the care of children at Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah. Beginning in 2025, Primaries worldwide are invited to participate in an annual service project.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Beginning in 2025, the Primary General Presidency invites all Primaries to organize an annual service project that will allow this legacy to continue.
“We hope this worldwide effort will help children realize they are an important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and can contribute in meaningful ways,” said a statement from the Primary presidency. “As the children serve, they will grow in their love for the Savior and feel joy as they share His love with others.”
“We are excited to see how children throughout the world make a difference in their communities and share the joy the gospel brings,” said the Primary presidency.
The Church will gather and share global stories of service throughout this year. Latter-day Saints are invited to submit stories, videos, drawings and photos through the “Friend” magazine. Ward and branch leaders are also invited to submit stories to unit histories through the online unit history tool.
For more information and answers to questions, see the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions: Primary Service Initiative
Q: When should we organize our service activity? Any time during the year?
A: Yes. This activity is meant to commemorate the organization of Primary in August 1878, but local Primaries are invited to plan a service activity any time during the year that is appropriate for local circumstances.
Q: Is it okay to coordinate this service activity with a larger service effort in my community or country?
A: Yes. We hope that coordination will happen whenever it is practical and that these service activities can be opportunities for children to invite their friends, family and ward members to participate with them.
Q: What if my Primary is very small or we don’t have enough participating children for a big service project?
A: Any act of service makes a difference. You are invited to participate even with one or two children.
Q: Can this service project take the place of my ward’s/branch’s Primary activity for the month?
A: Yes. You are invited to respond to this invitation in a way that fits local needs, schedules and capacity.
Q: How should we fund this activity?
A: This service activity should be paid for by the ward budget. In addition, there are many ways to serve by sharing time, knowledge, skills and love.
Q: What resources are available to help plan our activity?
A: JustServe.org can be a valuable resource in planning volunteer opportunities for the children you serve. If JustServe is not available in your area, you can reference these resources: https://www.justserve.org/Primary.
Q: Should this activity be held on a ward/branch or stake level, or can we participate as Primary classes or activity groups?
A: Plan a service activity that best fits your local needs and circumstances. You are encouraged to serve together in an organized way, but the size of the group can be determined by local needs.
Q: Can we invite parents and older siblings of Primary children to participate?
A: Yes. The service activity should be driven by and focused on children, but participants are encouraged to invite others (including those who are not members of the Church) to join.
Q: Can the service activity be organized in collaboration with a local non-profit organization?
A: Yes. You are encouraged to work with local organizations to identify needs and service opportunities in your area.
Q: How can I best involve children in the planning and execution of our service project?
A: You can ask children for help brainstorming ideas, seek feedback on what kind of service would feel meaningful to them, and involve them as much as possible in the planning process and at the activity. Help them feel ownership in this opportunity to serve as the Savior would.
