Contributed
by: Kathleen Shaw GShaw41276@aol.com Paint a New Beginning was the theme we used for our New
Beginnings program this week. It was a terrific way to introduce the new Personal Progress
materials to the girls. The invitation information was written on paint stir
sticks. I made 2 large posters cut in the shape of paint pallets--one titled
"Paint a New Beginning" and the other "Add Color to your Life through
Personal Progress". The pallets had 7 large paint platters for the 7 Young Women
Values. We had 2 ladders draped with plastic drip cloths and up the steps of each the
ladder were 7 #10 cans that had construction paper drips around the top and the cans were
stuffed lightly with matching tissue paper coming out the top for the YW values. Our
refreshment table had overlapping value-colored material with a lace overlay to soften the
colors. Our printed program also followed the painting theme.
The outline for the assigned parts for the girls came directly from the YW Handbook. One
counselor gave a talk on Personal Progress, another on Young Women in Excellence and I
spoke on the Standard for the Strength of the Youth. A member of the bishopric gave the
closing remarks.
It was a successful evening and we feel the parents and girls caught the vision of the
recent changes in the program
Contributed by: Debra asdlane@worldnet.att.net
We just had our New Beginnings last night. Our theme
was the "Paint a New Beginning".
Used the idea for decorating, and talks were 1a YW about PP, 2 a parent talking about
their role in PP followed by a short skit, and 3 a leader about
our part in PP. The leader talked about how the girls are clay , the Savior is the
sculptor and parents and leaders are his hands or tools to help shape
them. She used a few pictures of clay pots with different uses and designs on them.
We also used the YW Value Stick poem (also from this list ) to tie in with the color
theme.
Refreshments were a triffle and 7up with a frozen ring of cranberry juice, which gave the
drink a pretty pale color and light flavor.
Below is the skit
Daughter: Mom, I'm getting panicked about my festival piece. I've been working on it
forever, and I need to finish writing two original poems for my
English class, and Sister Leonard keeps bugging me about Personal Progress. I can't figure
out how I'm supposed to have time for all this.
Mom: I feel that way too sometimes. There are times I feel pressured because of my
responsibilities with work, church, and home. Maybe we could figure out a way to simplify
Personal Progress. Why don't you get two pieces of paper and something to write with.
Daughter: Here Mom. She hands paper and pencil to Mother.
Mom: Why don't you write down three areas you'd like to improve in, and I'll write down
three areas I think need help. Then let's compare and see what we come up with together.
Daughter: Ok, if you think this will help.
Mom and daughter write down on their lists for a few moments. then they look up to see if
each other is done.
Mom: So......what did you come up with?
Daughter: First, I definitely need to practice the piano and flute more. Plus, my room
needs to be cleaned more often, and I'd like to be more organized and make sure my
homework gets turned in every day. So what do you have?
Mom: The first thing I have down is piano too. I know we've talked about practicing
before. I have cleaning your room down too, but the third thing on my list is writing
letters to your brother while he's on his mission. Lets look at your Personal Progress
book and figure out how we can work this out.
Daughter: I know if I worked out a regular schedule of practice, I could get my festival
piece ready. I could use this to pass off Knowledge if I played the piece at a Wednesday
YW activity.
Mom: Ok,....which value would work with keeping your room clean?
Daughter: Well...The Lord said his house is a house of order, I think it might apply to
Divine Nature, and I think working on organizing my homework, and making sure everything
gets turned in could work with Choice and Accountability.
Mom: How about writing your brother on a regular basis? If you decided to work on that,
which value do you think it would apply to?
Daughter: Maybe it could be Good Works or Faith. What do you think?
Mom: I'm sure writing to your brother would build you faith and testimony, but it would
also be a service to him. I think you'd be the best judge of which value you'd like it to
count towards. You decide.
Daughter: Thanks mom! I already feel less pressured. I guess Personal Progress can work
with me and goals I have.
Mom: Why don't we look through your Personal Progress book and figure out when you'd like
to complete your goals.
Contributed by: Lillian in N. CA Stillvnu@AOL.COM
We did the "Painting a New Beginnings"
There is some info in the archives about ladders and drop cloths for decorations
but we skipped that and just went with empty paint cans with tissue paper to dress up the
tables. It was really cute and colorful. We set up chairs for the parents and
decided to forget setting them around tables (just added expense for tablecloths and
table decorations, etc).
We had long tables set-up with the value color tablecloths. We asked the girls
to each do a display on one of the values (we have a small YW) The
girls explained why they chose what the chose for their display and how it applied to the
value.
We had each member of the presidency speak on the new program - Mutual nights - with
opening exercises (why it is important to be on time!) Camp - upcoming info etc.
FSOY - exciting new changes and PP - why the change, why the changes are exciting
and how to get started.
We sang Christy Hixson new song "I will Stand" to end the night.
It was simple yet effective and easy setup/cleanup.
Personal Progress
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