Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This makes a big difference administratively and means that we’re able to process your reports quicker. Do not attach your reports as PDFs or as a link to a Google Doc. 

Yes.

Depending on the assignment, you can use different strategies to meet the word requirement.  For reports where you are describing what you observed or did, you can include more descriptions, expand on what you were thinking at the time, or go more into what you took out of the experience.  For Bible studies, try to find questions on the topic that you can’t give a ready answer to, then find the answer and write about that.  If you’re ever really stuck, call the SSI office, and we’ll try to help you find something more to write about.

No.  If you’ve sent in the form, you can start sending us reports right away.

Anyone can fill it out as long as the mentor is the one signing the form.

At least 10 minutes.  This can include Q&A time.

Yes, but make sure you have some sort of visual material like a video that you show. Brochures should be available by the end of September.  You can request brochures here.

By all means.  If your library is a member of MELCAT, you should be able to acquire all of these books if you plan ahead.

Reading a book with which you don’t necessarily agree will only serve to enlighten you on the opposing viewpoint.  This is a great opportunity for you to practice your critical thinking skills.  In your report you can definitely explain what parts of the book you disagree with and why.  

That the Bible is the Word of God (inspiration) and it is error free (inerrancy).

Try visiting your county courthouse’s website or calling your county clerk’s office to find a court schedule. Google the name of your county with “courthouse” or “county clerk’s office” to find this information. This will help you plan for time and inform you of the topic of each trial. If you can’t find a schedule or docket in your local court, expand your search to nearby counties. If possible, plan on going at a time when multiple trials are being held so that if one is cancelled, you’ll have a backup plan.

Any hearing held in a real courthouse with a real judge (or official referee of the courts) counts.  It can be over a misdemeanor or a civil suit or any other kind of judicial hearing where the public is invited.

The longer you can spend shadowing someone, the more you will learn from the experience, but you are not required to spend the whole day shadowing, just long enough to have a good sense of what that person does.

No, you should only write one report to cover for both experiences.

Ask the following questions:
Does this person live or work within an hour of me?
Does this person lead people or is this person is a position of authority?
Do I already have a close relationship with this person?

If your answers were yes, yes, and no, then this local leader qualifies to be shadowed or interviewed.

Yes.  In fact it’s a great way to save yourself time.  If you are creative, you can find ways to accomplish many of the assignments simultaneously.

Yes, just remember that the letter should be about issues relevant to your community.

No, you just need to write and send it to complete the requirement.

Yes, but if you are not going to be working under the same person over the different days, make sure to make copies of your verification form and have them signed to confirm that you did work those hours.

Yes, as long as both have been approved from Headquarters.