What is the purpose of young women?
The Young Women organization helps young women make and keep sacred covenants and deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Handbook11.1.1
How does the Young Women Them Help Young Women?
The Young Women theme can help each young woman understand her divine identity and become converted to Jesus Christ.
Handbook 11.1.2
When is the young women’s theme used?
Young women and their leaders repeat the theme at the beginning of Sunday meetings and at other Young Women gatherings.
Handbook 11.1.2
When do young women become members of a class?
Beginning in January of the year when they turn 12.
Handbook Section 11.1.3
How are young women classes organized?
By age groups
Handbook Section 11.1.3
May a class include more than one group?
Yes
Handbook Section 11.1.3
When do young women progress to a new class?
In January of the year they turn the age of the new class.
Handbook Section 11.1.3
Who decides how classes are organized?
Bishops and adult leaders prayerfully decide.
Handbook Section 11.1.3
Which class should have a President?
Each class, regardless of size should have a President.
Handbook Section 11.1.3
Should class presidents have counselors?
Yes, when possible.
Handbook Section 11.1.3
What are the class names?
Unified name of “Young Women”
Handbook Section 11.1.3
What is the youths responsibility in the work of salvation?
Class presidencies supported by leaders participate in the work of salvation.
Handbook 1.2
How do we participate in the Work of Salvation?
As we come unto Christ and help others do the same we participate in the work of salvation.
Handbook 1.2
What does the work of salvation focus on?
The work of salvation focuses on four divinely appointed responsibilities. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Caring for Those in Need, Inviting All to Receive the Gospel, and Uniting Families for Eternity
Handbook1.2.1-1.2.4
What are the Roles of Parents and Teachers?
Parents are responsible for teaching their children the gospel. The bishopric, young women leaders, and class presidencies support parents. Parents and leaders strive to be good examples and mentor the youth.
Handbook11.2.1.1
Who plans Sundays?
Class presidencies supported by leaders, plan Sunday meetings
Handbook11.2.1.2
When are class meetings held?
Second and fourth Sundays for 50-minutes
Handbook11.2.1.2
Who conducts the class meeting?
A member of the class presidency conducts, leads the class in reciting the theme, and counseling together.
Handbook11.2.1.2
Who teaches the gospel instruction?
Class presidencies counsel with adult leaders about who should teach.
Handbook11.2.1.2
How do we track attendance?
If the ward has more than one young woman class do they meet separate?
Yes, however they can meet together if there’s a special need.
Handbook11.2.1.2
Who should plan and lead church activities?
Class presidencies supported by adult leaders.
Handbook11.2.1.3
What is the purpose of service and activities?
Activities should help accomplish the work of salvation, build testimonies, strengthen families, foster unity, and bless others. They should be balanced in four areas or personal growth: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual.
Handbook11.2.1.3
When are activities held?
Activities are held weekly
Handbook11.2.1.3
Can young women and young men combine for activities?
Yes, some service and activities should include both young women and young men,
Handbook11.2.1.3
What are the Safety Policies and Guidelines for activities
Leaders ensure that the following safety policies and guidelines are observed in all Church activities.
See Handbook 20.7
How many adult leaders are needed at Church-sponsored activities attended by Youth?
At least two adults.
Handbook11.2.1.3
What are the annual activities?
Young women may participate in the following each year:
- “New Year Kickoff”: a meeting for youth and parents near the beginning of the year, it can be held with young women and young men, It is planned by the assistants to the bishop in the priests quorum, and oldest class presidency members. Young women turning 12 may receive their emblems at this time.
- Young Women Camp
- A Ward or Stake Conference for FSY
- One Activity emphasizing the For Strength of Youth; could include young women, young men, and parents.
Handbook11.2.1.3
What are the age requirements?
Age 12: Overnight camp with parents approval: January of the year they turn.
Age 14:Dances, Youth Conference, and FSY: January of the year they turn
Dating: at least 16. See For the Strength of Youth for additional information
Handbook11.2.1.3
How do we pay for activities?
Using the ward budget
Handbook11.2.1.3
How can we see how much money is in the budget?
LDS website under Your Calling.
Can we have a fundraiser?
The bishop may authorize one fundraiser activity each year.
Handbook 20.6.5
How is the budget determined?
By the number of young women in the ward.
Handbook 11.2.1.3
Do leaders track the young women’s goals or progress?
No. Parents and leaders may suggest goals, but they allow them to seek their own inspiration about what goals to pursue.
Handbook 11.2.1.4
How many goals should youth complete each year?
Youth are encouraged to complete two goals per year. See Children Youth and Family
Handbook11.2.1.4
How often should young women serve others?
Young women should have regular opportunities to serve.
Handbook11.2.2
When do young women receive ministering assignments?
Beginning in January of the year they turn 14.
Handbook 11.2.2.1 and 21.2.2
What is the young women’s responsibility in sharing the gospel?
- Stand as witnesses at all times, and in all places, and in all things.
- Set a good example as disciples of Christ
- Share their testimony, minister to less active members
- Invite friends to attend church or youth activities.
- Invite friends to participate in the Children and Youth program.
Handbook11.2.3
How can parents and leaders best prepare young women to share the gospel?
Encourage young women to gain a personal testimony, provide opportunities to serve, provide opportunities to teach.
Handbook11.2.3
How can parents and leaders best support young women who would like to serve a mission?
Parents and leaders can help young women prepare by teaching them about the blessings and expectations of missionary work. The bishop and stake presidency may organize a missionary preparation class. This is not held during regular Sunday meetings.
Handbook11.2.3
What resources are used when preparing for a mission?
Missionary Standard for Disciples of Jesus Christ, and Preach My Gospel.
Handbook11.2.3
How can young women help unite families for eternity?
- Honor parents
- Set and example of Christlike living in the home
- Prepare to have their own eternal family
- Have a current temple recommend
- Prepare to receive ordinances including eternal marriage
- Learn about their extended family and ancestors
- Identify ancestors who need work done
- Participate in temple work
- Participate in indexing
- Serve as temple and family history consultants, as called by the bishopric.
Handbook11.2.4
What are the responsibilities of the Bishop?
The bishop’s foremost responsibility is the youth.
Handbook 11.3.1
How often does the bishopric meet with the young women?
They meet with each young woman at least twice a year.
Handbook31.3.1
How often does the bishop meet with the Young Women President?
Regularly
Handbook11.3.1
How often does the bishop and counselors participate in young women meetings and activities?
Regularly
Handbook11.3.1
Who calls and Sets Apart the Young Women President?
The Bishop
Handbook11.3.2
What if a branch doesn’t have a young women president?
The Relief Society president may organize instruction for the young women until a Young Women president is called.
Handbook11.3.2
What are the responsibilities of the Young Women President?
See Adult Leader Responsibilities
Handbook 11.3.2
What are the responsibilities of the Young Women Secretary?
See Adult Leader Responsibilities
Handbook 11.3.3
Should each Young Women class have a class presidency?
Yes, when possible each Young Women class should have a class presidency.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Who recommends young women to serve as class presidents?
The Young Women presidency may recommend young women to serve as class presidents.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Who determines who is called to the young women class presidency?
Members of the bishopric prayerfully counsel together to determine whom to call.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Who extends the call to a young woman to serve as the class president?
A member of the bishopric calls a young woman to serve as a class president.
Before asking a young woman to serve in any of these callings, the bishopric member asks permission from the young woman’s parents.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Who may set apart a member of the class presidency?
After extending these callings, a member of the bishopric presents the young women to their class for sustaining.
The bishop or an assigned counselor sets the young women apart.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Does the Young Women Class Presidency have to be sustained in sacrament?
No,A member of the bishopric announces these callings in sacrament meeting. He does not present them to be sustained.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
Who should orient the class presidency to their responsibilities?
Shortly after class presidencies are set apart, a member of the bishopric should orient them to their responsibilities.As directed by the bishopric, Young Men and Young Women
leaders could also review these resources in a quorum or class presidency meeting.
Handbook 11.3.4.1
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/pdf/children-and-youth/PD60009511/PD60009511_000-Quorum-Class-Training.pdf
Who teaches the class presidency their responsibilities?
Members of the Young Women presidency regularly teach class presidencies about their responsibilities andClass advisers and specialists should actively help
Handbook 11.3.4.1
What is the purpose of youth council?
Strengthen the youth in the ward. Help them participate in the work of salvation and exaltation
Handbook 29.6.6
Who serves in youth council?
- The bishopric.
- One of the bishop’s assistants in the priests quorum and the teachers and deacons quorum presidents.
- The Young Women class presidents (or the entire presidency if the ward has just one Young Women class).
- The Young Women president.
- The bishop may invite other youth leaders or advisers to attend as needed.
Handbook 29.6.6
When do young women attend relief society?
A young woman may join the Relief Society when she is18. By age19, each young woman should be fully participating in Relief Society. In some cases, a young woman may come into Relief Society earlier than her 18th birthday.
Handbook 11.4
Who is responsible for preparing the young women for relief society?
Leaders repeat the training every three years thereafter.
Handbook 11.6.1
What special care can class presidencies give to young women?
Church members are encouraged to follow the Savior’s example of offering hope, understanding, and love to those who have disabilities.
See Handbook 38.8.27
What emblems do youth receive?
See below
What youth emblems do youth receive the year that they turn 12?
- Youth will receive a temple recommend holder from their Bishop during an interview.
- Young men will also receive a ring from their Quorum Presidency
- Young women will also receive a medallion and gem pendant from their class presidency.
See Handbook 38.8.27
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/children-and-youth-emblems?lang=eng
What youth emblems do young women receive the year they turn 18?
- During the year a young man or young woman turns 18
- He or she (with parents, if desired) will have the opportunity to meet with the bishop to discuss his or her progress.
- In this setting, the bishop will present a certificate from the First Presidency, as well as the Children and Youth crystal.
- He gives these emblems of achievement to youth who are trying to become more like the Savior.
Who must complete the children and youth protection training?
All adults who work with youth must complete the children and youth protection training within one month of being sustained
Handbook 11.6.1
When must newly called leaders complete the children and youth protection training?
Within one month of being sustained.
Handbook 11.6.1
How often is children and youth protection training repeated?
Leaders repeat the training every three years thereafter.
Handbook 11.6.1
What are the guidelines for calling, texting, or contacting youth through social media?
- To protect youth and children, leaders should avoid one-on-one situations—including contact through phone, texts, social media
See General Guidelines first presidency letter.
What if a leader sees notices of abuse or neglect?
They should report it to appropriate legal authorities and contact the bishop immediately.
See General Guidelines first presidency letter.
