The Young Women Program: Where Girls Grow in Devotion to Jesus Christ
What We Do
Young Women Callings and Resources
What Else Does the Young Women Program Offer?
The Young Women Theme
I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to become like Him. I seek and act upon personal revelation and minister to others in His holy name.
I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places.
As I strive to qualify for exaltation, I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day. With faith, I will strengthen my home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, and receive the ordinances and blessings of the holy temple.
Meet the General Young Women Presidency
Common Questions
What is the history of the Young Women organization?
The Young Women organization has taken many forms over the years, but the first version began on May 27, 1870, when Church President Brigham Young encouraged his daughters to form a “retrenchment” society focused on setting a good example for other young women.
That first society was known as the Young Ladies’ Department, and soon chapters opened around Utah. The focus soon expanded from modesty in dress and actions to an overall program of spiritual, educational, cultural, and social development.
Over time, many of the features of today’s Young Women organization developed. These include summer camps (started in 1910), achievement programs, regional youth conferences, a global religious study curriculum, and more. Read more of the history of the Young Women organization here.
What leadership opportunities are available for girls in Young Women?
Local Young Women organizations group members into classes based on age range, and each of those classes is led by a presidency of girls from the class.
Working under the guidance of adult leaders, they plan activities, minister to the needs of girls in their class, work to help everyone feel included, and coordinate combined events with boys in the Young Men program.
Young women who aren’t in a presidency still have their own opportunities to serve others through becoming a mentor to younger girls at the annual Young Women Camp, offering prayers at church, sharing their thoughts during lessons, giving sermons to the whole congregation, and fulfilling a variety of other assignments such as helping set up for an activity.
How does the Young Women organization support parents in teaching their daughters good values?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes a home centered, church supported approach to gospel learning. That means young women are encouraged to study the scriptures and discuss the gospel with their family or friends outside of church.
For parents of teens, the Church offers resources such as the For the Strength of Youth guide, to help them discuss important principles with their daughters and teach them how to follow Jesus Christ.
How can I get my daughter involved in our local Young Women program?
Young Women organizations are specific to each congregation, so the best way to get started is to reach out to your local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They can let you know when and where activities are in your area and answer any questions you have.
You can find your nearest congregation (known as a ward or branch) by looking up worship services here or requesting contact from the missionaries, who are volunteers from your local congregation that can answer your questions.