Young Women General Presidency Members Instruct YW Leaders at Auxiliary Trainings
Contributed By By Marianne Holman, Church News staff writer, and Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News assistant editor
Young Women General Presidency: Mary N. Cook, Elaine S. Dalton, and Ann M. Dibb
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Young women leaders throughout the area met with members of the general Young Women presidency on March 27 and 28, 2012, to receive instruction during the annual auxiliary training meetings.
“The standards haven’t changed, but the world has,” said Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president. She encouraged the leaders to “change the world” through being a good example of living a virtuous life.
“Your callings aren’t random,” she said, speaking in the Conference Center Theater. “The way you look, dress, and smile will affect these young women ... just by being with them and teaching them the joy of being a woman and living the gospel. ... We have to be modest. We have to be vigilant. We need to teach by example and great love.”
Sister Dalton spoke of the importance of teaching young women how to repent so they can live with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
It is that companionship that will help the young women “survive and thrive in enemy territory,” she said.
Counselors in the Young Women general presidency, Mary N. Cook and Ann M. Dibb, spoke of the importance of “letting Laurels lead.” The counselors used Young Women camp—which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year—as an example of an opportunity to let Laurels lead, but said there are constant opportunities for the leaders to distribute responsibilities, allowing the young women to be involved.
“Let them lead outside of camp,” Sister Cook said. “We have opportunities like New Beginnings, class activities, presidency meetings, lessons. ... They can do it, and they love to do it. We must have high expectations for them. They are really amazing.”
Leaders in the Young Women organization also focused on the many resources—websites, articles, videos, manuals, and the revised version of For the Strength of Youth—that are available for leaders to look to for ideas and help.
