Young Women from around the world share how they can "arise and shine forth" in 2012

Strength of Youth Media Trailer 2012: Arise and Shine Forth

Collection of video and music resources centered on the 2012 mutual theme for YM and YW that will be available online in mid-December with copies of DVDs sent to units in early 2012

YOUTH THEME 2012: Arise and Shine Forth

Strength of Youth Media 2012: Arise and Shine Forth is a collection of video and music resources centered on the 2012 mutual theme for young men and young women that will be available online in mid-December, with copies of DVDs sent to units in early 2012.

The mutual theme—“Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5)—comes from a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Far West, Missouri, in 1838. It was addressed to the presiding officers of the Church at the time, but as the Mutual theme it applies to youth ages 12 to 18 throughout the Church.

“When young women join us at age 12, they are given a necklace with a torch on it to remind them to arise and shine forth,” said Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president. “This will happen as they serve others, as they live the standards found in the new For the Strength of Youth booklet, and as they remain worthy of a temple recommend and use it to do the work for those who did not receive the gospel in this life.”

Young Men general president David L. Beck said the same is true of young men throughout the Church: “Christ is our light. His light shines through us as we arise and follow Him,” he said. “We invite the young men to arise and shine forth by fulfilling their sacred priesthood duty to invite all to come unto Christ.”

Church leaders indicate the theme may be used to enrich Mutual opening exercises, as the topic for sacrament meeting talks by youth, and to provide focus for youth activities such as camp and devotionals. It may also be used as the focus of special cultural events and other dance, music, and drama activities.

Church leaders suggest that local youth leaders introduce the theme by using the new online resources or DVD.

Youth.lds.org will launch the online materials, which will include downloadable graphics centered on the theme that youth leaders can use to create posters and T-shirts for youth conferences.

More free downloadable songs and sheet music, much of it co-written and sung by youth, will be added throughout the year. All sections of the DVD will also be available online.

The DVD contains a collection of 15 videos, ranging from three to six minutes in length, that tell the stories of youth from Brazil, Dominican Republic, North America, and Philippines. It also includes a music video of the 2012 Mutual theme song, “Arise.”

In one video, teenager Hector talks about his conversion to the gospel after reading the Book of Mormon for the first time and praying about it. Sixteen people have joined the Church because of his example.

“The videos are simple examples of individuals sharing their testimony or reaching out to another person,” said project manager Chad Strang. “We didn’t want youth to feel like arising and shining forth means they have to do these huge, unobtainable things. We wanted them to know that it’s through simple and small acts of kindness and love that they can express who they are as children of God.”

Sister Dalton said this resource will help young women realize that they are not alone. “Be confident,” she said. “This is your moment to arise and shine and be a light to the nations.”

The DVD will also include three short messages from Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Sister Dalton, and Brother Beck.

“The purpose is to provide leaders, parents, and youth with rich media sources on the annual Mutual theme that they can use in a variety of lessons and activities,” said Ray D. Robinson, director of music and cultural arts for the Priesthood Department.

Brother Beck emphasized that the online materials and DVD may be used to supplement family home evenings, quorum meetings, classes, youth conferences, bishops’ youth discussions, and other youth activities throughout the year.

“We especially encourage youth, parents, advisers, and leaders to freely share these inspiring stories with those who need Christ in their life,” he said. “Using online technology is a powerful way for our youth to arise and shine forth.”

The resources will be available in Cantonese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Additional support materials will be available in the New Era and Liahona magazines at the beginning of 2012.

• YOUTH

O8! O8! O8!

Young Women

Evening In Excellence

It was wonderful to participate in 08's Evening in Excellence this past week.  The young women and young women leaders reminded each of us about the importance of the Young Women Values and how applying them, in our daily lives, is a blessing beyond compare.  We love seeing all the Value Projects the young women and young women leaders have accomplished.  We were so pleased to see all the wonderful projects the 08 young women have completed (see photos below):

The talent and blessing of Music in our lives

Sharing the Gift of Dance with Others

Being True to Ones Self is a Gift, in and of, Itself

A Knowledge of our Individual Worth Helps to Bless 

Our Lives and The Lives of Others

Learning from the Faith & Strength found in the Book of Mormon 

And Our Sisters Around Us

(pictures coming soon)

It was so great to see all the love and support these young women receive from their family, leaders, and friends.

Thank You O8 for a great Evening In Excellence

We Love You!!!!

2012 Young Women Lesson Schedule...

Is now posted on the Stake Young Women Calendar.  To access it go to: 

lds.org, Tools, Calendar, Sign In, On the LEFT side of screen select a month, subscribe Calendars by scrolling down and select Stake Young Women (dark blue).  Note we will be using Young Women Manual 1 in 2012.  Thank You sisters! 

Merry Christmas!!! We Love YOu!!!!

Stake YW Presidency

Temple Blessings In El Salvador

Youth share their testimony and experience of El Salvador's first Temple

Provo UT Wasatch Stake 

Current Events

*A New Eagle Mountain 12th YW Presidency*

We are excited and grateful to welcome the new Eagle Mountain 12th Young Women Presidency to the stake.  When you see them please give them your love and support.  Love you sisters!

*Spanish Fork 21st Evening In Excellence*

We are so blessed each time we are invited to attend your Evening In Excellence events.  We like to thank Spanish Fork 21st for inviting us to theirs.  We we all uplifted and strengthened as they reminded us of the importance of building our lives upon the strength of the Young Women Values.  

The young women in this ward are working on accomplishing amazing things in their lives and they shared this by displaying their various Value Projects that evening.  

                                              

Thank you Spanish Fork YW for reminding us of the excellence that come into our lives as we faithfully live by the young women values.

December 2011 Announcements

Seminary Registration 2012-2013:  

Our stake YM presidency will be contacting all YW Presidents to collect this information.  Please be prepared with the information required to get all our eligible YW registered and enrolled in Seminary for the 2012-2013 school year.

Upcoming Multi-Stake Dance:

This will be held Dec. 19th more information to come.  Please remember to remind the YW, eligible to attend this event, that the dress standard is Sunday Dress that follows the standards found in the "For Strength of Youth" pamphlet.  Be advised that dress standards will be enforced and anyone not dressed appropriately, including the friends they invite, will be asked to change into the appropriate attire in order to participate in this event.

Missionary Prep & SYL Committee Meeting:

Both these meetings are cancelled for this month because the 4th Sunday is Christmas and we want everyone to enjoy the holiday with their beautiful and wonderful families.


Updated YW Presidency Contact Info:
With all the changes throughout this year, please will you follow up with us to make sure we have all the current info for your YW presidencies, secretaries, and young women advisors please.


Thank you so much for all you do to serve the beautiful young women of the Provo UT Wasatch Stake.  May the Lord's blessings always be with you.


We Love You,
Stake young women presidency

Leadership Training Library

To ALL the Wonderful Young Women Leaders of the Provo UT Wasatch Stake, Please make the time to review the New Leadership Training Library on the lds.org site.  This is a magnificent tool to assist each of you in fulfilling and magnifying your callings as leaders to the beautiful Young Women of our Stake.  


We have been blessed by the trainings included in this resource and we know it will do the same for you, as you all go forth to serve, within the realms of your responsibilities.  We LOVE YOU!!! Always Remember --  "YES WE CAN!!!!"

Book of Mormon Challenge: Yes WE Can!!!!

Let us courageously take up the challenge to faithfully read the Book of Mormon for 20 minutes each and everyday. Will you join us in this exciting charge to accept and act upon this challenge? Yes WE Can!!!

Can one large youth event, filled with the Spirit, change the world? Our response, as a Young Women general presidency, is a resounding, "YES!"

Drake Busath

Sister Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency

Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has spoken clearly and consistently concerning his hope that the youth of the Church have the opportunity to participate in large youth events. He has made reference to the importance of youth cultural events in general conference repeatedly.

In speaking about an event he attended in Twin Falls, Idaho, he said that he had been "uplifted and edified." He boldly concluded, "I am an advocate for such events. They enable our youth to participate in something they truly find unforgettable. The friendships they form and the memories they make will be theirs forever" ("Welcome to Conference," Ensign, November 2008).

Priesthood and youth leaders around the world have responded to President Monson's prophetic request. You don't need a temple dedication to hold a large youth event. Celebrations have been held around the world. There is far more to be learned in a cultural celebration than merely learning dance steps and musical numbers.

Mike Terry, Deseret News

Hundreds of LDS youth perform at the Arise Youth Spectacular at Stewart Stadium at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, for the performance on July 17, 2010.

When youth participate in a youth celebration or large cultural event, they are a part of a miracle. Their testimonies are strengthened. They know that they are not alone in their commitment to live the gospel. Together they feel the joy of being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Develop talents

Our Heavenly Father has given us talents and we are instructed to develop and share our talents with others as illustrated in Christ's parable of the talents (Matthew 25). Youth love to perform and parents love to cheer their youth on in happy ways. Leaders must be prayerful in order to find those individuals the Lord would want to be included in utilizing their talents. This may include those who are not members of our faith.

Such an individual was Spenser Kalnin who was a part of the "California Dreamin' " dance festival in Redlands, Calif. A local band with a talented director was found. The band practiced each week at the meetinghouse. Individual relationships were built and strengthened and many people developed genuine friendships with Spenser. Over the next year, he was invited to attend young adult activities and eventually to attend Sunday meetings. Last year Spenser was baptized and the entire chapel was filled with his supportive friends.

Nurture creativity

In 2009, Elder Donald J. Keyes, an Area Seventy in the Utah North Area, felt impressed to act upon President Monson's request. Eighteen months later, the youth spectacular, entitled, "Arise" was ready.

More than 30 stakes were divided into three regions and the creativity began. During their performance the youth used costumes and props to represent the plan of salvation. I doubt there has ever been a more creative presentation given to illustrate the blessed opportunity which is ours, as God's children, to come to Earth and gain a physical body.

Build confidence

Large events are inclusive in an ever-increasing exclusive world. Youth are invited to participate and make the personal commitment that they will attend the practices, learn their parts, contribute in meaningful ways, follow their leaders and be a friend to all.

At the Twin Falls, Idaho, celebration, "Living Water," this was continually illustrated. In one of the dances a young woman joyfully danced in her position on the front row. Not a step was missed. Because of her bright smile and excellent dancing, the fact that she had a prosthetic leg could have gone undetected. How fortunate that she could be included. Her strength, character and testimony were evident to all who observed her.

Improve communication

In a variety of ways and means, communication is essential to a successful event. A web site, e-mails, monthly council meetings, and the support and direction from all the priesthood leaders make a tremendous difference. Youth participation in the counseling process is an ideal leadership training opportunity. Norman Oklahoma Stake President Robert C. Keyes shared that their area priesthood council experienced greater unity and understanding because of the opportunity to gather and discuss the celebration, "Weaving the Tapestry of Faith in the Heartland." This increased love and unity has blessed many in innumerable ways.

Learn cooperation

When youth dance together they learn the importance of looking people in the eye, smiling and anticipating another's actions and moves. They learn that their individual performance matters. Their actions and commitment affect the entire group. The life lesson of learning to work with others carries over into daily application and blesses individuals beyond the conclusion of the event.

Strengthen testimony

Above all, gratitude for the opportunity to gather with other youth fortifies each participant to hold true to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Experiences with the Spirit strengthen each testimony and bless families. It is our great privilege to do as Sister Elaine S. Dalton teaches, "if there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we [provide] these things" (Articles of Faith 1:13).

In 1985, all of the youth of Southern California participated in a magnificent dance festival. At the time, Thomas Smith was a recent convert to the Church. Family members questioned Tom's decision to join the Church. Tom's bishop encouraged him to participate in the festival and, unbeknownst to Tom, also invited his parents to attend with him. Tom was one of the 10,000-plus youth who entered the field of the Rose Bowl Stadium to dance, sing and perform. Late that night, filled with the excitement of the evening, Tom arrived home. He was surprised to see his father waiting for him. Tom joyfully recounted his experience saying, "Dad, it was just great." His father responded, "I know, I was there. Any church that will provide such an experience for their youth is one I will support." Thomas Smith went on to serve a mission, marry in the temple, establish a gospel-centered home and he is currently serving as the president of the Murrieta California Stake. President Smith's entire family joined the Church, one by one.

Can one large youth event, filled with the Spirit, change the world? The answer is, "Yes!"

Call for Music and Audio 

 

The Church has invited members to submit high-quality music and other audio files to create.lds.org, for use onMormon Channel Radio and in other Church media products. Members can participate by submitting their files to Get Involved: Audio or Get Involved: Music.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT Katie Tran-Lam Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (202) 747-7236 ktranlam@apiasf.org     APIASF ANNOUNCES APPLICATION FOR 2012-2013 SCHOLARSHIP CYCLE Scholarship Program Helps to Increase Success and Degree Attainment Among Underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander Students Washington, D.C., October 6, 2011-The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), the nation's the nation's largest nonprofit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), announced today that it is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 scholarship cycle. Scholarships will provide the critical scholarship support that many AAPI students need to pursue higher education and access to APIASF's programs and services. During the 2011 - 2012 scholarship cycle, APIASF awarded more than $1.2 million to over 500 students in 43 states and students in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and American Samoa. APIASF also welcomed its new cohort of Gates Millennium Scholars who hailed from across the country and Pacific Islands.   According to a 2010 report produced through a partnership between APIASF and the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE), there are many ethnicities within the AAPI community that have been traditionally underserved with lower than average educational attainment rates. Additionally, many are experiencing rates of poverty higher than the national average with some ranking among the lowest in the nation. The APIASF scholarship program helps address this critical need by providing direct scholarship support to hundreds of AAPI students from across the country, the U.S. Territories, and the Freely Associated States. "There is a significant need within the AAPI community for organizations like APIASF that can provide the financial resources that students need to access higher education, the programmatic support to help them navigate the system, and the leadership development opportunities to help them successfully transition into their careers," said APIASF President & Executive Director Neil Horikoshi. "Our goal is to see that all AAPI students have access to higher education and resources that cultivate their academic, personal and professional success regardless of their ethnicity, national origin or financial means." Since 2003, APIASF has provided a critical bridge to higher education by distributing more than $50 million in scholarships to deserving AAPI students through our two scholarship programs. In addition to the APIASF scholarship program, APIASF manages the Gates Millennium Scholars/Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For details about APIASF's scholarship programs or to apply, visit APIASF's Web site atwww.apiasf.org. Also, follow APIASF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/apiasf) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/apiasf). Applications are due on January 13, 2012. # # # About APIASF Based in Washington, D.C., the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the nation's largest non-profit organization devoted solely to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Since 2003, APIASF has provided a critical bridge to higher education for APIA students across the country by distributing more than $50 million in scholarships to students. APIASF manages two scholarship programs: APIASF's general scholarship and the Gates Millennium Scholars/Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.