The attribute and value of Virtue has been added to the Young Women theme. "Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity."

The time has come for the young women of the Church to lead the world in a return to virtue. This is the time to be pure and to qualify for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In the coming year, it is our desire that all young women and their leaders focus on the meaning of virtue, what young women can do to accept and act upon this value, and how this attribute can strengthen young women as they prepare to be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive temple ordinances.

We will distribute through local priesthood leaders and also post online the Personal Progress value experiences and projects associated with this value. We desire all young women to complete and be recognized for completing this value, in addition to the seven values listed in the Personal Progress book. You may want to study the following scriptural references as you contemplate a return to virtue.

"I believe one virtuous young woman led by the Spirit can change the world."

Further Study

• Richard G. Scott, "The Sanctity of Womanhood," New Era, Nov. 2008, 2–5.
• Robert D. Hales, "Modesty," Ensign, Aug. 2008, 34–39.
• Jeffrey R. Holland, "To Young Women," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 28.
• Elaine S. Dalton, "A Return to Virtue," Ensign and Liahona, Nov. 2008, 78–80.
• Elaine S. Dalton, "Stay on the Path," Ensign and Liahona, May 2007, 112–14.
• Elaine S. Dalton, "Look toward Eternity!" Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2006, 31–32.
• New Era, Oct. 2008
• LDS Church News, week ending December 20, 2008.

• Doctrine and Covenants 4:6.
• Doctrine and Covenants 46:33.
• 2 Peter 1:3–8.
• Doctrine and Covenants 121:45–46.
• Doctrine and Covenants 38:24.
• Doctrine and Covenants 49:26–28.
• Topical Guide, "Virtue, Virtuous," 557.

How can I best teach the value of Virtue in my home and to the young women?
What are the promised blessings of living a virtuous life?
What makes the gospel definition of Virtue different from the world's definition?

Additional Instructions for Leaders:

• We invite young women and Young Women leaders to immediately include the addition of Virtue as they repeat the Young Women theme.
  
  
• Virtue will be added to the Personal Progress value experiences and projects. Instructions on how to implement this change in Personal Progress will be forthcoming.
  
  
• Until this new content arrives, young women should continue their work in the current Personal Progress booklet. Those young women who have already received their Young Womanhood Recognition will have the opportunity to complete these new requirements for Virtue.
  
  
• The color associated with this value is gold. The scripture and statement associated with the Young Women value of Virtue will be part of the Personal Progress update and instructions.
  
  
• A revision of the Young Women theme poster and Young Women theme card will be made available in the coming months.

—The Young Women General Presidency