Young Women leaders are women of faith who help each young woman come unto Christ. To be an effective Young Women leader:

• Talk to your priesthood leaders about your responsibility.
• Read the handbooks and guidebooks that have been given to you.
• Develop caring relationships with each young woman and foster friendships among young women.
• Involve young women in meaningful activities that provide practical application of gospel principles.
• Nourish each young woman, helping her learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Encourage each young woman to apply in her family the gospel principles she learns in classes and activities.

(See "Young Women," section 4 of Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 211.)

Personal Preparation

"To help young women grow spiritually, leaders should prepare themselves spiritually. As they draw close to the Lord through prayer, scripture study, and obedience to His commandments, they are better able to bring the Spirit of the Lord into their teaching of gospel principles and their association with young women" ("Young Women," 211).

Example

"As we consider the importance of our personal example, do you and I discern areas where we need to improve? Is the Holy Ghost inspiring our minds and softening our hearts and encouraging us to do and to become better? As priesthood and auxiliary leaders, are we focusing our efforts on strengthening marriage and the home?"
(David A. Bednar, "Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan," Ensign, June 2006, 86–87).

Power of the Spirit

Conduct all lessons and activities under the power of the Spirit. When the Spirit is present, "teachers and class members . . . feel the Spirit testify and give personal revelation to them. They also are strengthened in their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, their love for each other, and their commitment to live the gospel" ("Gospel Teaching and Leadership," section 16 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 300).

Seek Answers to Questions

As questions arise about your calling and about how to help your young women, seek answers in the scriptures and in Church handbooks and guidebooks. (See a list of Church-produced materials that can help you in your Young Women leadership calling.)

Reach Out to Each Young Woman

For counsel on how to retain young women in activity, view the following videos:

• "Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul"
• "The Fernando Araujo Story"