Policies and Announcements

The following items appeared in the October 1982 Bulletin.

Young Women Advancement. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have authorized a change in the policy regarding the transition of young women within the Young Women organization. A girl is enrolled in Young Women at the time of her twelfth birthday and becomes a member of the Beehive class (ages twelve through thirteen). Heretofore young women have advanced as class groups at the beginning of the curriculum year. Beginning immediately, a young woman will advance from the Beehive class to the Mia Maid class (ages fourteen through fifteen) at the time of her fourteenth birthday and from the Mia Maid class to the Laurel class (ages sixteen through seventeen) at the time of her sixteenth birthday. Advancement from Primary to Young Women and from Young Women to Relief Society will continue under the presently approved policies.

Young Women Organizational Structure. The ward Young Women presidency gives leadership to the ward Young Women program under the direction of the bishopric.

The ward Young Women organization consists of a Young Women president, two counselors, a secretary, and advisers as needed.

Where the number of girls is large enough and the extent of class activities requires it, class advisers may be called. The Laurel adviser reports to the president, the Mia Maid adviser to the first counselor, and the Beehive adviser to the second counselor. The members of the Young Women presidency may serve as class advisers in addition to their presidency assignments in those instances where separate advisers are not needed.

The ward Young Women presidency also works closely with and is assisted by class presidencies and by homemaking, cultural arts, physical activities, and camp specialists assigned through the activities committee (see Activities Committee Handbook, PBAC0012).

In small units where limited leadership is available, a Young Women president may serve with one counselor or without counselors or class advisers.