“The transition from youth to womanhood is a defining time in the lives of young women. We desire that every young woman successfully make this transition and prepare for her future responsibilities as a faithful woman, wife, and mother, and in her opportunities to serve within the Church.”
     —First Presidency letter, March 19, 2003

The following resources are available to help parents, Young Women leaders, and Relief Society leaders strengthen and guide young women.

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• "Helping Young Women with the Transition into Womanhood; Monthly Joint Opening Exercises of Young Women and Relief Society", First Presidency letter, February 23, 2007. This letter was sent to priesthood leaders for discussion with Young Women and Relief Society leaders in ward council meetings. The second page lists seven suggestions to help leaders as they develop plans to help young women with the transition into womanhood including monthly combined opening exercises.
  
  
• "Helping Young Women with the Transition into Womanhood," First Presidency letter, March 19, 2003
  This letter was sent to priesthood leaders for discussion with Young Women and Relief Society leaders in ward council meetings. The second page lists six suggestions to help leaders as they develop plans to help young women with the transition into womanhood.
  
  
• "Embracing Sisterhood: Helping Young Women Successfully Transition into Relief Society"
  This talk, presented by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin at the spring 2003 open house workshops, provides examples and ideas for implementing the suggestions listed in the March 2003 First Presidency letter.
  
  
• "Striving Together"
  In this talk presented at the spring 2003 open house workshops, Sister Susan W. Tanner offers counsel and encouragement to help Young Women and Relief Society leaders work together.
  
  
• One-Page Summary
  This document lists the specific recommendations from the March 2003 First Presidency letter and provides a brief explanation of each item.
  
  
• "Eighteen-Year-Old Young Women," Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 214

Additional Resources . . . 

• “Your Next Step,” New Era, August 2004, 10
• LaRene Porter Gaunt, “Welcome to Relief Society,” Liahona, August 2004, 29
• LaRene Porter Gaunt, “Welcome to Relief Society,” Ensign, August 2004, 15