Branch/Group Operations

[jwabraham]

I am currently serving as a Senior Missionary in Francistown Botswana and have been assigned to a branch that included 3 attached groups. There is one computer and one login to MLS. The MLS database includes all members in the branch and groups.
Is there a way to generate some of the standard reports (directory, telephone list, elders quorums, primary, attendance roll) for those at are in one group only? Currently a standard report includes all members in the branch combined with the groups. I don't see a way to create multiple elders quorums either.
I know that I can create custom reports and could assign some members to a 'group' using a custom criterion. The reports are in a list format with attributes that I can add or delete. However I see nothing for attendance or some of the other reports that are organization specific.
Before coming here to serve, I was the Stake Clerk so I have some familiarity with MLS.
Any guidance or suggestions would be appreciated.

[aebrown]

It is possible to split most of the organization classes so that you have a class specific to the group.

• Create a new Elders Quorum by going to Organizations > Elders and then clicking the "Add Quorum" button on the bottom. Then manually move members from the original EQ into the new one for the group.
• You can add a new quorum or class for YM and YW
• But the High Priests is the one priesthood organization that cannot be split this way.
• Similarly, create a new Relief Society by going to Organizations > Relief Society and then clicking the "Add Group" button on the bottom. Then manually move members from the original RS into the new one for the group.
• Primary and Sunday School classes can be split

If you take this approach, you'll be able to print class lists and attendance rolls and track HT and VT for the individual quorums and RS. It would be a lot of manual work, but would have some significant organizational benefits. It wouldn't work for the high priests, but I'm guessing you don't have a lot of those in your branch.

However, this approach won't help you with the overall ward lists such as the Directory of Members, Abbreviated Directory, Telephone & E-mail Directory, etc. I think your idea of using a custom field to identify a member's group/branch and then using custom reports is probably the best approach for such overall lists.

[lajackson]

I think your idea of using a custom field to identify a member's group/branch and then using custom reports is probably the best approach for such overall lists.

In addition to all of the excellent ideas aebrown has suggested, I think this might be a case where you could use geocodes to group the members and provide the lists. It would be a lot easier if you were on District MLS, and perhaps you could work with your district clerk to assist with the basic lists.

Otherwise, I see a lot of custom lists in your future.

[jwabraham]

Excellent suggestions. Geocodes might be easier than custom criterion. I will check them out.