PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Margaret D. Nadauld: It is our joyful responsibility to teach and prepare young women! Sister Nadauld expressed gratitude and love to YW leaders. "Ours is a sacred trust - to assist parents to teach and prepare young women to make and keep sacred covenants.

"President Hinckley - A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth: Sister Nadauld referred to the video of President Hinckley's fireside for youth (New Era and Ensign, Jan. 2001 and the Church website). In a mighty campaign, our prophet has raised the standard of the Lord in these days. Every bishop in the Church should have received a video of the fireside and accompanying guidebook explaining how to use the video.

1. PREPARE THEIR MINDS (See President's Message): The Savior was a teacher - not an executive. YW leaders have the opportunity every Sunday to prepare the minds of young women. YW leaders are teachers (example, conduct, one-on-one contact with young women). Good teachers seek the Spirit - we are most effective when we teach with the Spirit. Good teachers study and use the scriptures every lesson: (emphasize daily scripture study, use scriptures every lesson - don't just read partial scriptures, encourage young women to add their additional insights, include words from latter-day prophets).

The First Presidency is very concerned about the youth. As leaders of youth - "step up your concern a couple of notches." Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk (BYU, March 13, 2001) "Here Am I, Send Me" (get a copy - memorize!). Good teachers testify of the truth. The youth living on the earth today stood true and faithful in the pre-existence. When YW leaders bear testimony of the Savior, it "rings true" to their understanding. Help youth "remember" what they once knew and believed.

2. STRENGTHEN THEM (See President's Message): Personal Progress - Include fathers as well as mothers. Encourage them to be involved in their daughters' progress. Draw close to and involve the parents, families of young women. Encourage families in scripture study, devotionals, Family Home Evening. Young women can be a strong influence for good on other youth. Provide missionary experiences for young women.

3. ERECT SMALL FORTS, OR PLACES OF RESORT (See President's Message):
Mutual and other activities are opportunities to put into practical application (experience) those principles taught in Sunday lessons. Mutual opening exercises (see President's Message). Recently, several Church committees were organized and assigned to study what the Church can do to strengthen the youth. The committee found one significant thing: Have good Mutuals! Don't just plan "one time" activities for Mutual. Plan meaningful activities - they must be improved! Use class presidencies in planning, participating in Mutual activities. She emphasized once again the importance of holding Mutual at the same time, same day, each week. Use adult common sense in planning all activities - safety, use wisdom.

The power and influence of good music, hymns. Many hymns teach the same principles that President Hinckley taught: Have youth find and sing hymns that reinforce the 6 B's (Choose the Right, Be Thou Humble, True to the Truth, Sweet Hour of Prayer, etc.)

4. BUILD UP WALLS OF STONE TO ENCIRLE THEM ABOUT (See President's Message): Foremost in your minds should be how to strengthen families. Prophet's words will strengthen young women. Consider ways to help young women internalize these principles. (See New Era poster, March 2001).

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