Mutual is held on a day or evening other than Sunday or Monday and should, if possible, convene at the same day, time, and place each week. Generally, Mutual should be 1 to 1½ hours in length and is divided into the following parts:

• Opening Exercises (10 to 15 minutes)
• Class Activities (30 to 75 minutes)

Under the direction of the bishopric, the ward Young Men and Young Women presidencies oversee Mutual. They may be assisted by class presidencies, advisers, and specialists. Their plans are approved in bishopric youth committee meetings and/or ward council.


Opening Exercises

A member of the bishopric presides over opening exercises. Members of the class or quorum presidencies, if called, take turns conducting; otherwise, a member of the Young Men or Young Women presidency may conduct. Opening exercises should include a hymn and a prayer and may also include talks, musical selections, practice of new songs, and opportunities for youth to share their talents and testimonies.

Class Activities

Activities can be held with all youth gathered together, with young men and young women meeting separately, or as individual classes or quorums. Mutual activities provide young women an opportunity to:

• Give service.
• Prepare for missionary work and the temple.
• Develop home arts skills.
• Develop cultural awareness and nurture talents.
• Develop physical skills and participate in sports.
• Focus on the specific needs or interests of the young women in the ward or branch.
• Support and involve the family as appropriate.
• Work on Personal Progress.