Totally Awesome Youth Program

A TOTALLY AWESOME YOUTH PROGRAM “Satan, our enemy, is making an all-out assault upon righteousness. His wellmarshaled forces are legion. Our children and youth are the targets of his main thrust. They are everywhere subjected to wicked and vicious propaganda. Every place they turn, they are buffeted with evil, cunningly devised to deceive and to destroy every sacred thing and every righteous principle . . . If our children are to be sufficiently strengthened to stand against this satanic onslaught, they must be taught and trained in the home (and church), as the Lord has directed.”

Pres. Marion G. Romney, Improvement Era June 1969

“O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.” Alma 37:35 “And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.” Alma 38:2 The responsibility to care and attend to the youth has been placed directly in the hands of parents and bishoprics. As leaders we decide whether a young person’s life is saved or lost. It’s an awesome responsibility given to us by the Lord. Fortunately, the Lord has also prescribed a totally awesome program to bless our youth.

Our responsibility to establish the youth program as prescribed by the church has never been as urgent as now. The drug menace is spreading, unwanted pregnancies are on the rise giving way to premature marriages, pornography is easily accessible, gangs are proliferating resulting to teen-age deaths, and the disintegration of the family unit. We must do everything we can to save our young people. The future of the church and the nation is in their very hands. We must teach our youth leadership skills so that they can assume their rightful leadership role in the future.

I am sharing with you many ideas to rouse your mind with the numerous possibilities that can be used to fortify the youth. You only have to read the Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women handbooks often to find many ideas to further improve even an excellent youth program you are currently running. This is one church program where many truly exciting ideas have been included. Young people have varying needs and you must always be discerning of those needs. Almost all the time, you meet those needs through prayerful consideration and careful planning. You will be blessed with inspiring ideas to enhance this program to address the unique challenges you encounter in your localities. The Lord is mindful of your awesome task.

Youth Program

Parents of Youth Parents have primary responsibility for their children’s spiritual welfare. (D&C 68: 25-28) Many parents want to be good parents but sometimes just don’t know how. When their children enter the teen-age phase, most parents also experience their own mid-life crisis. It’s not enough that we strengthen our young people. We must strengthen the parent first who has the most important responsibility and influence over their own children. We should concentrate much of our efforts on strengthening parents who then can strengthen their own children. It’s the more natural order.

“Righteous, caring, and involved parents can have an enormous influence for good on their children. A Church study indicates that the factor that has by far the greatest effect on the private religious life of our youth and upon their achievement of the desired outcomes is home religious observance. The home and family influence is much more significant than that exercised by peer groups or by program participation. In fact, the influence of the home, whether it be positive or negative, is overwhelming.” Elder Dean L. Larsen Organize parent seminars, workshops, and firesides. Teach parents how to handle relationships with teen-agers.

Invite parents, ward or stake leaders, who seem to be able to get along with their teen-age children well to share their positive experiences. Psychologists and guidance counselors both in the church and community can be very helpful in helping parents recognize the normal turbulent stage that teen-agers are experiencing. Teen-agers need to understand as well the crisis their parents are going through. Parents and teen-agers then can have a mutual appreciation of their respective challenges. Teach parents how to build relationships with their teen-agers. You would be surprised that many parents don’t really know.

Organize special classes and give access to publications. Distribute to parents reading materials that have been purposely published by the church on this subject. The local distribution catalog has them available on order. Hold a special class for parents of youth during the week to discuss the contents of these reading materials during Mutual nights while waiting for their children. Organize the Family Relations class in Sunday school for parents of young people.

Invite parents to youth activities. Have parents attend and observe Mutual night activities. Better yet if you can have them participate in some activities. Hold regular parent-child activities on Mutual nights. The ‘Activity Book’ has plenty of ideas. They need to see the benefits of the program themselves. This can give them increased incentive to encourage their children to participate in youth programs.

Hold simultaneous activities for youth and adults. While young people are participating in Mutual night, parents can have their own activities as well. This is especially helpful when there are security issues with children going home alone after mutual activities.

Parent interviews with youth. Teach parents that they should conduct their own interviews with their teen-agers.

Interviews are not the exclusive domain of priesthood leaders. In truth, it’s the parent’s foremost responsibility, church leaders only come second. Conduct workshops how these interviews are conducted with their children. Role plays and simulations are best.

Hold a special orientation seminar for parents on youth programs. You can do this for one hour after all the Sunday services have been conducted or another time more appropriate. Stake leaders may be invited to also speak.

Parents need to understand their responsibility for their sons Aaronic Priesthood ‘Duty to God’ and their daughters Young Women ‘Personal Progress’ programs.

Teach parents how to hold family home evening, family scripture study, and family council. We simply assume that parents already know how to do this. It’s a deadly assumption and one that can cause more loss of young people in the church. Lectures combined with workshops are ideal.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Bishopric “Bishops, stay close to both your young men and young women. Give much attention to the youth program in your ward. Be as concerned about the young women’s activities and classes, their campouts and socials, their firesides and conferences as you are the young men’s.

Spend the necessary time (and it takes time) in personal interviews with the youth. Talk with them regularly about their goals and aspirations, their challenges and their personal worthiness. Be a bishop who really cares about each of the young men and young women in his ward.”

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Bishopric and other ward leaders extend valuable support to parents of young people in carrying out their responsibilities. The Lord has placed this responsibility on the bishopric by doctrine (D&C 107:15) as the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood. This is doctrine, not policy. This has a very serious implication. Each member of the bishopric must recognize the sacred responsibility that the Lord has placed on your shoulders.

Bishopric is responsible for youth program. As the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, God has given you the mandate to be primarily responsible in watching over and nurturing young men and young women. Advisers such as the YM/YW presidencies provide support. Therefore, bishopric should take direct and active role in the implementation of the program and use youth leaders to assist them.

Bishopric always present or represented. The bishopric must show special interest and concern to young people. It starts with ensuring that you attend and participate in all their activities, if possible. If that’s not realistic, then ensure that a member of the bishopric is always present in their activities.

Good role models. As the bishopric, you are and should be the youth’s best role models.

You should be exemplary in your conduct, diligent in performing your priesthood duties, punctual in your meetings, lead the home teaching, properly attired when performing your callings among others. The youth look up to you and they will follow what they see you do. Your behavior and attitude will have strong imprints in their minds and will determine the kind of leaders they will become.

Stay close to the youth. This means conducting youth interviews regularly, giving them encouragement and appreciation, and attending all their activities. Have fun with them.

Mingle in their midst. Be a young person again.

Sell the benefits of the program. Be the spokesperson of youth programs. Always accentuate the benefits to all members – especially to parents, youth, and youth advisers. Advertise the program often. Go out of your way inviting less-active youth to participate in the program. Sell, sell, and sell.

Hold regular stewardship interviews with youth leaders. Give counsel, motivation, and appreciation to youth leaders. Require an accounting of their stewardship. Interviews keep the momentum of the work. When you don’t hold or decide to stop interviews, you will notice leadership enthusiasm decreasing and programs will begin to fail.

Conduct interview with parents. Pay particular attention to parents of young people. Many such parents also have ward callings where you hold stewardship interviews.

Use it as an opportunity to have them account for their children.

Use the budget for youth activities wisely. Ensure that youth activities are not just fun but also faith-promoting experiences. Most activities need not be expensive but it does need to be creative. The ‘Activity Book’ is a valuable resource. Use it. The ward activities committee can also be asked to assist.

Focus on a manageable number of youth and their parents to reactivate. Prayerfully consider a few young men and young women where reactivation efforts could be concentrated. Use the full force of quorums, classes, advisers, home and visiting teachers to create massive impact.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Mature Men and Women as Youth Leaders When parents are sometimes remiss in their responsibilities despite all our teaching and encouragement, the youth leaders fill the gap. Consider calling an exemplary couple with teen-agers to lead your youth group. It is important to call young men and young women advisers who are mature and serve as good role models with youth. Their personalities must be outgoing, friendly, and approachable. They must be likable to young people in order to be effective. If possible, avoid calling young single adults as youth advisers unless it can’t be helped. When you call the right people, your job is half-done.

“The most successful program of complete youth fitness ever known to man was described in fourteen words. They are the words of the beloved disciple Luke in the New Testament. He uses just one sentence to cover a period of eighteen years—the eighteen years in which the Savior of the world, after returning to Nazareth from Jerusalem, prepared Himself for His public life: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

There is the ideal of any program of youth fitness, to help our youth increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. It covers everything—physical fitness, mental fitness, social fitness, emotional fitness, and spiritual fitness.”

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, ‘So Shall Ye Reap.’

A Well-Balanced Activity Program It is so easy to conduct activities that seem to be the easiest to do and what brings a lot of fun. Our common inclination is to just run sports programs. While these activities certainly have their place in our programs, however, our youth need to establish a strong spiritual foundation during this crucial stage of their life. Please resist the temptation of just providing fun but also activities that build them spiritually. We should fortify them with spiritual strength.

Weekly Mutual Night Activities Know that young people have two things they can’t go without - friends and activities. Wherever these two things are available they will be there. If it’s not available in church they will look for it outside of the church. Mutual activities cater to these indispensable needs of young people. Therefore, mutual nights are indispensable in youth programs. It is preferably held mid-week, between Tuesday to Thursday, not on a Saturday. The reason for this is you want young people to have wholesome church activities evenly spread throughout the week for best effect. For example, Sundays are for gospel instruction, Wednesdays are for mutual and Fridays for home study Seminary. They need to be busy with spiritually uplifting activities. If your youth activities are too far apart, you leave a good chance for young people to turn towards non-church activities.

Sunday Gospel Instruction Some young people come only on Sundays for sometimes valid reasons. Sunday gospel instruction is the highlight of their week. The youth Sunday school, Sunday quorum, and Sunday class instruction are also important. As a bishopric, you should observe the teaching quality the quorums and classes you oversee. This gives you firsthand information to be able to give inputs to the Teacher Improvement coordinator for suggested improvements.

Regular Youth Interviews Conduct youth interviews regularly. Have your ward executive secretary and ward clerk prepare the CMIS list for distribution to all bishopric members. Remind the bishopric counselors and youth of their interview schedule. Create all kinds of flexibility to ensure it happens. Make this a regular part of your agenda in bishop’s youth committee, Aaronic Priesthood committee and stewardship interviews with young men and young women advisers. Visit young people in their homes and conduct the interviews there if that’s what it takes.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Most young people complain that adults just don’t understand them. Parents too often nag their children and do not give them opportunity to express their feelings. Your interview with the young people are often more effective than parents because you are detached from the parent-child issues. You are apt to listen more and hopefully understand the young person better. This is why your interview is sometimes more crucial than that of the parents. Hold it without fail.

Do it more often when you perceive it’s needed. Even an informal chat for five minutes will do wonders.

Aaronic Priesthood “Fulfilling Our Duty to God” & Young Women “Personal Progress” Programs Ensure that parents understand the elements of this program and the responsibility of implementing it being placed in their hands. Progress of individual young men and young women should be checked at least monthly by youth leaders. Designate a certain Sunday during the month where youth are required to present their booklets with corresponding accomplishments to their advisers. Give it high priority during youth annual and semi-annual interviews.

For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet Ensure that each young man and young woman has a personal copy of this pamphlet. Discuss the standards during Sunday Evening discussion regularly with youth and parents. Go over it when conducting youth interviews. Parents should be familiar with it as well. If possible, give parents copies too. Challenge youth to have their copies in their wallets. Check if they carry it with them on a random basis. Bishopric and youth leaders must set the example of carrying their personal copies also.

Seminary Call your most effective teacher to teach seminary. The teacher’s appeal is a factor to seminary attendance.

Seminary to have the most desirable result should be held daily. You should do everything possible to meet this ideal.

Perhaps it is possible to hold it at the local public high school where there is a convergence of youth members. It could be held at a member’s home where many young people closely reside. If this is not viable, a weekly seminary class will suffice. Seminary is supervised by CES but it also helps if you observe seminary class periodically.

Temple Activities If you are within the Metro Manila area especially stakes within the thirty kilometer radius of the temple, you can consider having regular temple activities for youth. If you are really close, you can even schedule a monthly temple activity. Temple proxy baptism activity is a good way of teaching young people to learn to love temple work. The temple experience also provides them the much needed spiritual experience so lacking in their lives.

Sunday Evening Discussion Conducting a regular Sunday evening discussion provides youth, parents and yourselves opportunity for dialogue.

Provide topics that are relevant to young people such as, career choices, dating, family relationships, etc. It is a time for discussion not lectures and monologues. Make sure that you have discussion topics prepared and questions that can launch meaningful interaction. This should be held at least quarterly. If you can, holding it monthly is most beneficial.

Reactivation Efforts While they are young, it’s best to inculcate in their minds their sacred duty of ‘watching over the flock.’ Adult members find it difficult to go out home or visiting teaching because as converts this is a new concept to them. Let’s raise a generation of young people who are taught to love the work of shepherding. It’s not enough to tell them to exert reactivation efforts. It is more effective if the bishopric schedule reactivation efforts and lead the way. Designate certain Sundays or weekdays where young people can work together towards reactivating and fellowshipping other young people.

The guerilla home teaching concept can be applied to young people with the same magnificent results.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Missionary Work Involve young people in missionary work. In coordination with the ward mission leader and full-time missionaries, give youth actual proselytizing experience. During correlation meetings, assign youth to work with missionaries in a given week. Rotate the assignments so as to give every active young person a chance. One-day or oneweek mission programs have great impact on the lives of young people. Aaronic Priesthood holders could also be assigned to perform baptisms of new converts and young women encouraged to participate in baptismal services.

Organize Sports Teams Youth are very interested with sports. Have an ongoing sports program in the ward either organized by your youth sports specialists or with assistance of the ward activities committee. Invest in sports equipment including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, darts, chess, and scrabble. Designate another evening other than Mutual night where they can participate and compete in a ward tournament.

Organize a basketball, volleyball, and table tennis teams both for young men and young women. Call adults who have some understanding of these sports as coaches. Use sports to intentionally recruit for more students in seminary, fellowship new converts, and reactivate the less active. Subsidize sports uniforms.

Young people love to wear sports uniforms.

Service Projects Service opportunities help young people increase self-esteem and self-confidence. It must be a major part of our youth programs. We must continually encourage our young people to find meaningful ways to serve. Inquire about service projects accomplished during youth interviews. During bishopric youth committee meetings challenge youth to propose monthly service project ideas. Help them find opportunities as well. Some very popular ideas include cleaning the meetinghouse, babysitting for mothers, helping the elderly and widows in the upkeep of their homes and surroundings, compassionate service to the poor and needy members, and volunteer work in the community.

Ward Youth Conference Youth conferences are usually held yearly on a stake level. Consider holding your own ward youth conference also once a year. It need not be the usual two-day or three-day events conducted by the stake. Even an overnight camp will create excitement for young people. It need not incur a large expense. Use it to recruit new students to seminary, fellowship new converts, and reactivate less-active youth. You can also use it as *incentive program to youth when they have accomplished major goals that you mutually choose together. Involve youth in the planning activities to deliberately teach leadership skills. Organize temporary youth committees with adult advisers coaching them along the way. However, adults must avoid doing everything for young people. This should be an experience that youth will find full of spiritual learning. (*See Quarterly Bonanza Activity) Missionary Savings Program “Piso Para sa Mission Ko” is a program that’s usually started in the Primary and should be continued throughout their teen-age years. This can be most effective by coordinating with parents to open a savings bank account with their son or daughter purposely for a mission. You can follow-through by being periodically presented with the savings passbook.

Assuming the child starts saving one peso a day from age eight to age nineteen for young men, the total savings at the time is P4,015. A young woman leaves at age 21 so she could have saved P4,745. You might say the amount is small and it is. However, it is the habit of delayed gratification that you would have developed in each young person. You can initiate a missionary savings program that might be more ambitious and with more outstanding results.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Encourage Entrepreneurship The world has turned into a knowledge-based economy with the emergence of information technology. There are very few jobs that offer lifetime security. Our youth have to be smarter in order to compete with so many others for jobs that are becoming in short supply. You can encourage young people to learn technical skills which can help them become self-employed. Entrepreneurship or operating a business seems to be a practical option with the down trend of traditional sources of employment.

Teach Financial Literacy Money is earned, saved, invested or wasted. Being smart with money is no longer optional. The ability to manage money has now become a matter of survival. Unfortunately, money management skills are not taught at home or in school. You may consider a program which can help youth learn principles of financial management. Of course, the missionary savings program is a good start. In consultation and coordination with parents, youth could be better prepared to meet the financial realities of the future.

“It is our job to help youth prepare to make the weighty decisions so that when challenges come, they will choose wisely. Because we know that they have their agency and that there is “opposition in all things”, our objective is to help them take upon themselves “the whole armour of God” so that they will be able to withstand “the fiery darts of the adversary” with “the sword of the Spirit” and the shield of faith and to endure to the end….

Elder Robert D. Hales, Teaching by Faith, Liahona, September 2003.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING Preparing Agenda for Mutual Night Teach how to prepare agenda for Mutual night activities. Here’s how you might teach it.

“Let me teach you how to prepare an agenda for Mutual. Who presides in these meetings? That’s right a member of the bishopric. Who conducts these meetings? Priests and Laurels can take turns. Let’s write the Bishop’s name as presiding officer and then your name as the person conducting.”

“Now, you get to choose an opening hymn. Let’s go over the hymnbook. What is your choice? Shall the Youth of Zion Falter is a good choice. Please write that down as our opening hymn. Now, who would you like to offer the opening prayer?”

“During your planning meeting you can assign some young people to render musical numbers – solo, duet, trio or quartet. Who would you like to ask to present a musical number for next week’s Mutual? Who would you like to assign speakers? Let’s ask them and if they agree, you may write their names down.”

“Now we are done with the opening exercises. If you have separate activities, then you give them information where to proceed. Now if you have combined activities, you can also indicate that in the program and write the name of the person in-charge.”

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

“Let’s assume that the activities are done. So let’s choose a closing hymn? What do you choose? Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel is a good choice. Please write that down. Finally, you choose who gives the closing prayer and write that down also. Well, very good. Now you already know how to prepare an agenda for Mutual. How did you find it?

Now that I have shown you how to do it, do you think you can prepare next week’s agenda on your own? Show it to me and I will tell you how you did. Here’s another blank form.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Ward Young Men & Young Women Organization Mutual Night Planning Worksheet Date: _______________

Time: ________________ Opening Exercises

Presiding: ____________________________________________________________ Conducting: __________________________________________________________ Opening Hymn: ________________________________________________________ Opening Prayer: ________________________________________________________ Music: (Musical Numbers) ______________________________________________________________________ Talks: 1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________

Class or Quorum Activity ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Practice or Social Activity ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Closing Exercises Closing Hymn: __________________________________________________________ Closing Prayer: __________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Conducting Mutual Night.

Teach how to conduct combined Mutual night activities. Here’s a sample script. Have the youth memorize the script and take turns in simulating conducting Mutual. We are not only teaching conducting procedures, we are also teaching them how to be comfortable with English. After they have learned the basics, they may use their own words.

Conducting Mutual Night I. Opening exercises Welcome brothers and sisters to our Mutual Night opening exercises.

Presiding over this meeting is ___________________________. (Member of the bishopric) My name is _____________________ and I am conducting under his direction.

I would like to acknowledge ______________________________. (Names of visitors) I would like to make the following announcements _____________________.

We will begin by singing hymn no. ____________________________________.

Our chorister is _______________________ and our pianist is ______________.

After which, _______________________________ will give the opening prayer.

II. Program We shall now have a special musical number to be rendered by _________________________.

We shall now be favored by a special talent presentation by ____________________________.

After the presentation, our speakers are as follows: 1. ____________________________________ 2. ____________________________________ I would like to thank everyone who has participated in our opening exercises.

We shall now proceed to our respective activities. [Or in case it’s a combined activity: We shall now proceed to our activity. I would like to give the time to _______________.]

III. Closing exercises Our closing hymn is found in hymn no. ___________________________.

The closing prayer will be given by ______________________________.

Reminders: Stand straight. Your hands to your side. Look at your audience in the eye.

Smile and enjoy your experience.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Planning Mutual Night Activities. Here’s a format to teach youth how to plan separate or combined activities.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Ward Young Men & Young Women Organization Mutual Night Activity Planning Worksheet Date of Activity: __________________

Time of Activity: ____________________

Write the spiritual or temporal need you have identified? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Write the ‘priesthood purpose’ or ‘young women area of focus’ that could meet the need? _________________________________________________________________________________ Write the name of the activity you have identified in the Activity Book can be used to meet the need? _________________________________________________________________________________ Or an activity you have formulated ____________________________________________________ List the names of everyone who can help [parents, advisers, priesthood leaders, youth, and others] _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ List all materials you need and those assigned to bring. Proposed budget if applicable: __________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Write how you plan to do it. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ After the activity, evaluate. Why was the activity a success? [good points] How did it meet our needs? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ What would you have done differently? [areas of improvement] How can it be improved next time? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Bishopric Youth Committee This meeting is to give youth opportunity to learn how work in councils. Teach youth conducting procedures for meetings. Prepare a script if necessary or at least rehearse it with conducting officer.

Teach how to prepare agenda for BYC. In certain occasions, the priests’ quorum assistants or the Laurel class president take turns conducting this meeting.

“Let me teach you how to prepare an agenda for Bishopric Youth committee. Who presides in these meetings?

That’s right a member of the bishopric. Who conducts these meetings? The Priests quorum assistant or Laurel class president can also take turns. Let’s write the Bishop’s name as presiding officer and then your name as the person conducting. Now, who would you like to offer the opening prayer? It’s is also appropriate to have a spiritual thought. Who would you like to assign to do that? Alright, let’s put their names down.”

“Let’s now consider what might be included in the agenda of a BYC meeting. Let’s go over the handbook. It says we can identify needs and interests of individuals. Can you think of needs and interests of young people you know?

During the meeting we can discuss how to meet those needs. We can also plan and report fellowshipping efforts. Are you aware of such efforts? Well, we can put that down and have the committee members report any of their activities. We can also discuss combined activities and evaluate past activities. Prior to the meeting you can ask quorum and class presidents to submit agenda they would like included in the meeting. Finally, let’s assign somebody to offer the closing prayer. ”

Bishopric Youth Committee Agenda Presiding: ________________________________________ Conducting: ______________________________________ Opening Prayer: ___________________________________ Spiritual Thought: _________________________________ Committee business: ______________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Other items: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Closing Prayer: __________________________________

Functioning Quorums and Classes The youth have to be prepared to serve as future leaders. See to it that quorum and class presidencies are organized and more importantly, functioning. Many quorum and class presidencies are only organized (looks good on paper) but not functioning. The purpose of these presidencies is to teach them basic leadership functions.

Ensure that presidency meetings are held at least monthly. Bishoprics and advisers must personally attend in most of these meetings. Demonstrate how to prepare agenda and have them observe you conduct these meetings initially. Let them practice the skills while you observe and coach. Do not stop until the skills are learned.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Teach how to prepare quorum or class presidency meeting agenda. Let me give you a scenario. You are the bishopric counselor overseeing the teacher’s quorum. You are with the quorum adviser to teach fundamental meeting procedures.

“We are meeting this afternoon to learn how to prepare an agenda and how to conduct a quorum presidency meeting. I will show you first how it is done and then I will ask you to try it later.”

“Who presides in your quorum meeting? That’s right; it’s the teacher’s quorum president. Even if I am and your adviser is present, you being the president still preside. In the priests quorum meeting who presides? It’s the bishop because he is the president of the priests’ quorum. Now, let’s write your name down as the presiding officer. Who would you like to conduct? Yourself, your first and second counselor may conduct. Let’s write your counselor’s name as conducting. Who would you like to offer the prayer? One of you could also do that or one of us. It would be nice to have a scriptural thought. Who would you like to assign to do that? Alright, let’s put his name down also.”

“Let’s now consider what points you would like to discuss in your presidency meeting. What are some concerns or issues pertaining to your quorum that you think you need to talk about? Let’s go over the handbook. Let’s find out what are some items we can talk about.”

“The handbook says we can talk about quorum members’ needs and how to meet them. Would you like that? We can also use this time to plan mutual activities. We can also give assignments, shall we do that? Since I am here, I would like to have fifteen minutes for leadership training. Is that okay with you? Let’s all write them down now as our quorum business (a) discuss quorum members individually (b) plan future mutual activities (c) give assignments and report on assignments previously given (d) leadership training. How does that look like to you? Let’s leave other items blank and see if there is anything more we need to discuss before we conclude.”

“Once we have discussed our agenda, it’s time to close the meeting. Who would you like to offer the closing prayer? Let’s write that down in the agenda as well. Congratulations, we are done. Do you have any questions?”

Quorum or Class Presidency Meeting Agenda Presiding: ________________________________________ Conducting: ______________________________________ Opening Prayer: ___________________________________ Spiritual Thought: _________________________________ Review Minutes of the Previous Meeting Quorum or Class business: _________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Other items: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Closing Prayer: __________________________________ You may also want to use a longer version. I have given two sample formats. They can be used for all young men quorums and young women class presidencies.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Deacon’s Quorum Presidency Meeting Date: _________________

Time: ____________________

I. OPENING EXERCISES Presiding : _____________________________________ Conducting : ___________________________________ Welcome & Acknowledgement: _______________________________________________________________________________ Opening Hymn: ___________________________________________ Invocation: _______________________________________________ Spiritual Thought: _________________________________________ Announcements: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ II. QUORUM BUSINESS Reading of Last Meeting’s Minutes by Quorum Secretary Review and Reporting of Last Meeting’s Assignments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEW AGENDA: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ New Assignments: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ III. CLOSING EXERCISES Quorum Adviser’s Time Appreciation & Closing by Quorum President Closing Hymn:_______________________________________________________ Benediction: _____________________________ Birthday Celebrants for Month (Schedule for Bishopric Interview): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Attendance: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Laurel Class Presidency Meeting Date: _________________

Time: _____________________

I. OPENING EXERCISES Presiding : _____________________________________ Conducting : ___________________________________ Welcome & Acknowledgement: ________________________________________________________________________________ Opening Hymn: ___________________________________________ Invocation: _______________________________________________ Spiritual Thought: _________________________________________ Announcements: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ II. CLASS BUSINESS Reading of Last Meeting’s Minutes by Class Secretary Review and Reporting of Last Meeting’s Assignments: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEW AGENDA: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ New Assignments: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ III. CLOSING EXERCISES Class Adviser’s Time Appreciation & Closing by Class President Closing Hymn:_____________________________________________________________ Benediction: _______________________________________________________________ Birthday Celebrants for Month (Schedule for Bishopric Interview): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Attendance: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

14

Youth Program

Teach how to conduct quorum or class presidency meetings. I have included a sample script for the conducting officer to follow. Let’s say it’s the Laurel class presidency meeting. One of her counselors is conducting. This is how the meeting will be conducted.

Welcome to the Laurel Class Presidency meeting.

Presiding over this meeting is _________________________________.

I am conducting this meeting under her direction.

The opening prayer will be given by ____________________________.

After which, ________________________ will share a spiritual thought.

Let’s now discuss our class agenda.

I would like to turn the time to our Laurel class president.

Let’s review the minutes of the previous meeting and follow-up on the assignments given at the time. I would appreciate a report.

[President facilitates discussion. Secretary records highlights of meetings.

Assignments are given and recorded.] Let us now give the time to our class adviser.

Thank you for attending this meeting and your wonderful contributions.

In our next presidency meeting, ______________________ is given the assignment for spiritual thought.

The closing prayer will be offered by ___________________________.

Temporary Committees You can organize temporary committees in most major activities you hold. Such activities will include youth conferences, dance socials, speech festivals, roadshows, combined activities and many others. This is one of your best opportunities to teach leadership skills to our young people. It requires your patience in teaching and modeling to them what is expected and the discipline to restrain ourselves from interfering too much.

In a youth conference you can have a youth temporary committee called consisting of a Priest as the chairman, a Laurel as the first vice-chairperson and another Priest as second vice-chairperson and a Laurel to act as secretary. Of course a Laurel may lead this committee as well. This committee will plan, coordinate, and implement all conference activities under the supervision of the YM/YW presidencies. Sub-committees should also be organized to plan and implement various parts of the program say a sports committee, sunrise service committee, clean-up committee, meal committee are some examples. Active and less-active youth should be involved in these committees.

The YM/YW presidents may act as advisers to the overall youth committee. Their counselors and secretaries may also act as advisers in the sub-committees to provide training and supervision. During the conference the committees can hold brief meetings to coordinate activities and later evaluate the quality of activities already conducted. You teach, you observe, you coach, and watch them lead. If you do your job right, this is one of the most gratifying experiences you will ever have as a youth leader.

This same concept can be applied when planning combined young men and young women activities involving multiple activities and coordination. You can have a three–person temporary committee plan dance socials, or a speech competition. Another set of three young persons will be organized to plan for another major activity. Give everybody a chance to be part of a committee. Once the activity is completed the committee is automatically dissolved. They will love it, you will love it, and they will love you.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

15

Youth Program

Sunday Evening Discussion.

Teach how to plan agenda and conduct Sunday Evening Discussion. This is the same concept as preparing agenda and conducting Mutual night. Sunday evening discussions are terrific opportunities to teach and guide the youth through life’s turbulent path.

You can help youth prepare for Sunday Evening discussion by providing an agenda format like this. Rotate the assignment to prepare and conduct among the young men and young women. Deacons and Beehives may be taught how to do this so they can also gain early experience. Have them make the assignments to complete the agenda. Teach conducting procedures and have them rehearse with you while you coach.

Opening remarks may be given by bishopric counselor, member of the YM/YW presidencies, and other advisers.

Discussion may be assigned to other adult leaders or someone particularly effective in facilitating discussions. A musical number will enhance the spirit of the program. As much as possible, youth should be assigned to give prayers, lead music, and accompany hymn singing. Of course the bishop gives the concluding remarks. Once the program is ready, require the conducting officer to show it to the bishop for modifications and then approval. Give generous praise for a job well done.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Ward Young Men & Young Women Organization SUNDAY EVENING DISCUSSION Planning Worksheet Date: ___________________

Time: ________________

Presiding: _____________________________________________________ Conducting: ___________________________________________________ Opening Hymn: ________________________________________________ Opening Prayer: ________________________________________________ Pianist: ______________________ Chorister: _______________________ Opening Remarks: ______________________________________________ Discussion Leader: ______________________________________________ Topic: ________________________________________________________ Musical Number: _______________________________________________ Concluding Remarks: ____________________________________________ Closing Hymn: _________________________________________________ Closing Prayer: _________________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

16

Youth Program

Sample Monthly Youth Program Calendar Sun

Mon

1

Tue

2

FHE

7 Youth Interviews Gather Fast Offering Reactivation Hometeach

14 Bishop’s Youth Committee

8

Youth Interviews

3

Thu

4

Mutual Night

9

10

11

Mutual Night

FHE

Fri

15

16

17

18

Class & Quorum Presidency Meetings

FHE

6

Seminary

YM/YW Sports Tournament

12

13

Seminary

YM/YW Sports Tournament

19

20

Seminary

Community Service YM/YW Sports Tournament

Mutual Night

22

23

FHE

Reactivation Hometeach

28

29

APriesthood Committee

FHE

24

Sat

5

YM/YW Presidency Meetings

Missionary Work

21

Wed

26

27

Mutual Night

25

Seminary

YM/YW Presidency Meetings

Temple Proxy Baptism

YM/YW Sports Tournament

30

Sunday Evening Discussion

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

17

Youth Program

My Personal Experience After I was released as stake president in February 2001, my wife and I were immediately called to be the Ward YM/YW President in the Paranaque 4th ward. We welcomed our call and one that we expected and anticipated with excitement. Two of our own children were already in the youth organization.

Our youth program consisted of the following activities: Seminary Class was conducted every Wednesday by a husband and wife team, Rommel and Gloria Fajardo who were both returned missionaries. Mel and I served in the stake presidency together. The class took around two hours. Sometimes it was already late so the couple used their vehicle to transport the youth to their respective homes. The ward seminary program produced the stake’s fastest scripture chasers at the time.

Mutual Night was held on Fridays along with the Ward night. The ward night was a simultaneous activity with adults that we suggested which was conducted by Mel. The youth went home from the activities with their parents.

Bishopric Youth Committee met every second Sunday of the month. We met with the quorum and class presidencies to discuss possible agenda items prior to the meeting. They brought their own list and presented it to the bishop during discussion.

Aaronic Priesthood Committee met every second Wednesday of the month. It was a great experience to sit with the quorum presidents to discuss priesthood matters. We later moved this on Sundays.

Bishopric taught Aaronic Priesthood quorums on third Sundays. Upon consultation with the bishop they took the assignment of teaching the quorums once a month. The young men presidency attended their respective Priesthood classes. We returned later to meet with the young men if a quorum presidency meeting was to be conducted.

Reactivation Visits were scheduled every second and fourth Sunday of the month where we would meet first in the chapel for a brief motivational meeting. We separated in pairs to visit the homes of youth. Sometimes we visited in groups, young men, and young women together. We returned to the chapel after two hours to report our visits.

Quorum and Class presidency meetings were held simultaneously. Out of these meetings we raised issues and concerns that were later discussed in the Bishopric youth committee. Quorum and class presidents presented the issues at the committee meetings.

Youth Interviews were scheduled during the first Sunday of the month. During quorum and class meetings we discussed the birthday celebrants for the month to ensure the interviews were conducted. The ward executive secretary made the reminder to the bishopric and the young people.

Sunday Evening Discussion was held every third Sunday of the month. We rotated among the youth who would prepare the agenda, make the assignments, and conduct the meeting. I would search for New Era articles for appropriate topics for youth. The internet was very valuable in this regard. I conducted the discussion portion. Our young people filled most of the assignments in the program including a special musical number. The bishop always concluded the program with his remarks. The parents beamed with pleasure as they watched their children conduct and participate in the program.

Temple Proxy Baptism every last Friday of the month along with our ward temple night was conducted monthly.

Since they needed limited-use recommends, the bishopric had frequent opportunity to discuss worthiness issues with the youth. Relief Society brought the food that was shared after the activities.

Missionary Work was arranged by the ward mission leader and the young men rotated themselves almost every Sunday with one or two companionships. Teachers and priests spent as much as five hours on Sunday afternoons and loved it. Unfortunately I had not initiated a missionary savings program. I just thought of it while writing this article.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Parents Orientation on the Duty to God and Personal Progress programs was conducted on a Sunday with the bishopric and stake youth leaders. We distributed copies of the booklets and discussed the most significant aspects of the program to parents.

Seminary Super Wednesdays. Since our seminary class was held only once a week, we suggested to our seminary teachers if we could hold a Seminary Super Wednesday (after the idea of the Super Saturday) at the ward level once a month. After the seminary class, we conducted a special activity for the youth. In the stake, we lumped Super Saturdays with a special youth activity afterwards.

Seminary during school break. April and May are two months during the year where high school students take a school and seminary break. Since seminary in our ward was held every Wednesday we suggested to the teachers to continue the midweek meeting and use it as gospel discussion time. The youth need more activities during school break not less. Seminary teacher was still responsible while resource speakers from the stake and the ward could be invited occasionally to speak to the students. This was intended to keep the activities on Wednesdays and Fridays going.

Annual Planning Session. With all our youth especially quorum and class presidencies, we planned and calendared activities of the next six months. We made all the assignments for the opening exercises and planned using the Activity Book all our future combined and separate activities. We prepared special food and served it after the session.

During the stake’s Annual Roadshow Presentation, the youth planned, organized, and executed their script with minimal adult supervision. They garnered 4th place in the event including the Best Actress award. They could have improved their winning chances if adults were allowed to make their inputs. But we resisted the temptation in order to give them a valuable experience of doing it by themselves. We were proud observers.

We involved them in Service Projects. We helped the adult males clean-up an adjacent property to the meetinghouse as our community service. Another was when our youth along with our own children participated by performing at the Insular Auditorium for a fund raising event. The funds were for poor children who could not pay tuition fees for acting, dancing, and singing lessons in my home province. They also got involved in the construction of a modest home initiated by the high priests to a very poor family where two of the children are also in the youth program.

During the stake’s annual One Week Mission program (which I started with our previous stake presidency) we held a ‘farewell fireside’ for all our so-called ‘departing missionaries.’ Each ‘missionary’ needed P500 for meals, transportation, and other expenses throughout the week. Most youth raised the money themselves. We raised the money from willing donors for a few who could not afford. Other families donated food and brought them to the meetinghouse or we assigned families to sponsor certain meals during the day. The money and food donors were elated to be able to help.

One week later, we held a ‘homecoming fireside’ for our so-called ‘returned missionaries.’ I taught the youth to sing “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” for their special musical number that they sang at the fireside. We prepared missionary certificates and gave each a souvenir they could keep. It was at this point that Bishop Victorio A. Collado gave us his personal commendation as “running the best youth program in the world.” It was of course an overstatement but we knew the bishop was sincere and we felt good being given appreciation.

We had a limited Sports Program. We couldn’t have a full-fledged sports program because we were housed in a rented facility until the chapel could be constructed. I was fortunate that my first counselor was a karate expert. We added Saturday nights for martial arts with the young men. We called this the “Saturday Warriors Club.” We were severely limited in this area because we didn’t have the facilities but this didn’t stop us from initiating sports activities. We utilized other venues within the locality.

Gathering Fast Offering contributions. Although this was basically the deacons’ job, we involved all of our ten young men. Instead of going from house to house, we gave them the donor forms in the blue envelopes to be handed to the members when they arrived in church during first Sundays. They collected them back right after Priesthood and Relief Society classes.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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Youth Program

Reciting “Aaronic Priesthood Purposes” and D&C 4. Since our young men did not have anything to recite like the young women, we required them to memorize and recite the Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and D&C 4. We recited them to each other before the start of the priesthood classes. We also required the priests to memorize the Sacrament prayer.

Learning English. One of the things I instituted was for the young people to learn to speak in English. I required them to speak in English in our classes no matter how simple the sentences were. If they could not really speak it, they may choose to speak Filipino. Whatever they choose, I encourage them not to mix the two languages as much as possible.

Going the extra mile. We also brought six youth and two single adults along with our three kids to take up acting and voice lessons at the Center for Arts Foundation in Quezon City. We particularly involved a teen-age sister who was a recent convert as a fellowshipping strategy. Since she couldn’t afford the workshop fee, we invited one of our generous members to sponsor her. They were more than glad to do it. My wife drove from Paranaque to Quezon City usually through heavy traffic every weekend for three months.

Since it was usually late at night by the time they returned, the kids were brought to their homes. The classes culminated in an acting and musical recital at the Music Museum.

Almost half of the members of the ward came to the recital.

In July 2002 we decided to establish a more elaborate incentive program to our young people by introducing the “Quarterly Bonanza Activity.” We envisioned this project to encourage active participation in all major activities of the youth program. There were concerns expressed that we might discriminate the less-active. We decided that their requirements would be commensurate to their understanding. After weighing all the pros and cons it was unanimously agreed with the bishopric that this was a program worth trying. Also with their approval, it was decided that we would have a major activity at the end of the quarter to all those who have qualified.

We identified all the areas where we wanted to encourage the young men and young men to participate. We selected eight areas namely: weekly attendance to seminary class, attendance during mutual night activities, regular attendance to our monthly Sunday evening discussion, accomplishment of goals and projects within the “Duty to God” and “Personal Progress” programs, monthly temple proxy baptism, weekly Sunday class or quorum instruction, our reactivation visits twice a month and at the time, our savings program (or mission savings program) for the forthcoming youth conference.

We presented this program to the youth during the bishopric youth committee meeting to test their reaction. They responded very positively and even contributed some modifications to enhance it. We only wanted 70% accomplishment rate but they insisted that the active youth should have a passing rate of 80%. With the assistance of the quorum and class presidents the orientation of the program was made to the other youth. We were happy that everyone accepted the idea enthusiastically. We also coordinated with the seminary teachers, home teaching companions, and others who needed to know about it.

We printed two copies of the “Quarterly Bonanza Activity” form. One was given to the young person and another we kept as youth leaders. Every Sunday just prior to our classes, we went through the categories and checked their corresponding activities. We made simultaneous marks in the forms, their copy and ours. They also submitted to us the money that they saved and noted how much they have already raised week after week in their individual forms. We later gave this money back to them when the annual youth conference was held. We only had around twenty five young people active out of thirty five potential. (If you want to use this idea in helping them to save for a mission, opening a savings account would be more ideal. Then you may ask to check on the passbook periodically).

We were particularly pleased in their progress with the Duty to God and Personal Progress programs. They brought their booklets on the first Sunday of the month and we went through their accomplishments. This was the first time we really saw real and regular progress in this area which pleased everybody. Of course, all other areas of their activities also moved along.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

20

Youth Program

Quarterly Youth Bonanza Activity August-September-October 2002 1.

Weekly Seminary Class August September October

7 4 2

Super Saturday Attendance

Seminary President 14 11 9

21 18 16

1

2

28 25 23

Please encircle dates attended 30 _______________________________

2. Mutual Night Activity August September October 3.

5.

6.

16 20 18

Please encircle dates attended _________________________________ Bishop

18 15 20

Please encircle dates attended _________________________________

AP Duty God & Young Women Personal Progress

Young Men & Young Women President

August September October

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

25 29 27

Identify goals accomplished

Temple Proxy Baptism

Young Men & Young Women President

August September October

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

23 27 25

Sunday Attendance (Quorum or Class) August September October

7.

9 13 11

Sunday Evening Discussion August September October

4.

2 6 4

Young Men & Young Women President

4 1 6

11 8 13

Quorum or Class Adviser 18 15 20

25 22 27

_________________________________ 29

Reactivation/Home teaching August September October

12 9 7

Senior Companion / YM President 26 23 21

8. Mission Savings Program (PISO PARA SA MISSION KO) August September October

31 30 31

_________________________________

Php 31 Php 30 Php 31

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Amount of Savings (show passbook) _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

In order to qualify to participate in the Quarterly Bonanza Activity, I must accomplish 80% of every category required.

Name: __________________________ Signature: _______________________ Date: ____________________________ Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

21

Youth Program

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD ORGANIZATIONAL CHECKLIST This checklist will help you identify the current strengths of your organization. It will also help you pinpoint areas where improvement is required. Fill-out as accurately as possible to evaluate the current status of your organization and identify courses of action for improvement. Use this quarterly for greatest benefit to your organization.

Leadership Yes No Comments/Required Action The Bishop as Priests Quorum president is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor who oversees the Teachers Quorum is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor who oversees the Deacons Quorum is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor assigned to the Young Men organization is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Ward YM President adviser to Priests quorum is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Ward YM 1st counselor adviser to Teachers quorum is functioning and effective [ ] [] ____________________________ [] [] ____________________________ Ward YM 2nd counselor adviser to Deacons is functioning and effective Ward YM Secretary is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Young Men records, reports, and finances are in order [] [] ____________________________ Young Men Presidency is working as a team [] [] ____________________________ Priests quorum assistants called and quorum presidency meets at least monthly [ ] [] ____________________________ Teachers quorum presidency organized and presidency meets at least monthly [ ] [] ____________________________ Deacons quorum presidency organized and presidency meets at least monthly [ ] [] ____________________________ We have read the Young Men handbook in its entirety [] [] ____________________________ Meetings Bishopric Youth Committee meets monthly [] [] ____________________________ Ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee meets monthly [] [] ____________________________ Ward YM Presidency meets twice monthly [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor meets YM Presidency monthly [] [] ____________________________ Priests hold quorum meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly [] [] ____________________________ Teachers hold quorum meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly [] [] ____________________________ Deacons hold quorum meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly [] [] ____________________________ We attend stake YM leadership training [] [] ____________________________ Program We have conducted parents’ orientation on the Duty to God program [] [] ____________________________ Active young men are enrolled and participating in the Duty to God program [] [] ____________________________ Each active young man has a copy of “For the Strength of Youth” [] [] ____________________________ Young men can recite “Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood” and D&C 4 [] [] ____________________________ Young men are enrolled in seminary. How many_______ Potential_______ [] [] ____________________________ We have a missionary savings program [] [] ____________________________ Each young man is interviewed at least twice a year [] [] ____________________________ We have a calendar of activities for at least one quarter [] [] ____________________________ Activities Young Men have been assigned as junior home teachers [] [] ____________________________ Aaronic Priesthood Activities planned with a purpose [] [] ____________________________ Mutual activities are being held weekly [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric is represented during Mutual activities [] [] ____________________________ Separate Aaronic Priesthood activities are being held regularly [] [] ____________________________ Young Men have a reactivation program [] [] ____________________________ We have a balanced activity program [] [] ____________________________ We have service project activities [] [] ____________________________ We have regular temple activities (if applicable) [] [] ____________________________ Young men participate in Sunday Evening Discussion [] [] ____________________________ Ordinances & Ordinations Young men administer the sacrament in proper attire [] [] ____________________________ Young men have been given opportunity to baptize [] [] ____________________________ Young men are being ordained at the proper ages [] [] ____________________________ Young men, especially deacons, gather fast offerings [] [] ____________________________ Quality Teaching Our teachers have all completed “Teaching the Gospel” course [] [] ____________________________ Teachers teach with the spirit, are well-prepared and involve students [] [] ____________________________ Our teachers attend regular teacher improvement classes [] [] ____________________________ Evaluation Conducted by: _________________ Ward:__________________ YM President: __________________ Date: _________ 22 Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

Youth Program

YOUNG WOMEN ORGANIZATIONAL CHECKLIST This checklist will help you identify the current strengths of your organization. It will also help you pinpoint areas where improvement is required. Fill-out as accurately as possible to evaluate the current status of your organization and identify courses of action for improvement. Use this quarterly for greatest benefit to your organization.

Leadership Yes No Comments/Required Action The Bishop oversees the Laurel class is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor who oversees the Mia Maid class is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor who oversees the Beehive class is functioning [] [] ____________________________ Bishopric counselor assigned to the Young Women organization is functioning [ ] [] ____________________________ Ward YW President adviser to Laurels is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Ward YW 1st counselor adviser to Mia Maids is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Ward YW 2nd counselor adviser to Beehives is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Ward YW Secretary is functioning and effective [] [] ____________________________ Young Women records, reports, and finances are in order [] [] ____________________________ Young Women Presidency is working as a team [] [] ____________________________ Laurel class presidency organized and presidency meets at least monthly [] [] ____________________________ Mia Maid class presidency organized and presidency meets at least monthly [] [] ____________________________ Beehive class presidency organized and presidency meets at least monthly [] [] ____________________________ We have read the Young Women handbook in its entirety [] [] ____________________________ Meetings Ward YW Presidency meets twice monthly Bishopric Counselor meets YW Presidency monthly Laurels hold class meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly Mia Maids hold class meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly Beehives hold class meeting and Sunday gospel instruction weekly We conduct ward YW leadership training regularly We attend stake YW leadership training

[] [] [] [] [] [] []

[] [] [] [] [] [] []

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Program We have conducted parents’ orientation on Personal Progress program Active young women enrolled and participating in Personal Progress program Young women are properly honored and recognized in the P Progress program Each active young woman has a copy of “For the Strength of Youth” Young women can recite “Young Women Theme” Young women are enrolled in seminary How many?______ Potential?______ Each young woman is interviewed at least twice a year We have a calendar of activities for at least one quarter

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Activities New Beginnings program have been conducted (or in planning stage) Young Women in Excellence have been held (or in planning stage) Young Women have a reactivation program Young Women Activities are planned with a purpose Mutual activities are being held weekly Bishopric is represented during Mutual activities Separate young women activities are being held regularly We have a balanced activity program (home arts, drama, music, camp, etc.)

We have service project activities We have regular temple activities (if applicable) Young women participate in Sunday evening discussion

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Quality Teaching Our teachers have all completed “Teaching the Gospel” course Teachers teach with the spirit, are well-prepared and involve students Our teachers attend regular teacher improvement classes

[] [] []

[] [] []

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Evaluation Conducted by: _________________ Ward:__________________ YW President: __________________ Date: ________ Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

23

Youth Program

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Young Men Organization Paranaque Philippines Stake

MONTHLY REPORT Paranaque 4th Ward STATISTICS Total YM Enrolled:

Youth Interviews

July 2002

Previous Current 15

Activities (Average)

Total Priests Priests Not-Attending:

6 3

Bishopric Attendance: YM Leaders Attending:

2 1

Total Teachers Teachers Not-Attending:

6 0

Priests Attendance: Teachers Attendance: Deacons Attendance:

3 6 3

Total Deacons: Deacons Not-Attending

3 0

Total YM Attendance:

12

Regular Meetings Held: YM Presidency: 1 Aaronic Priesthood Committee: X Bishop’s Youth Committee: 1 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Schedule of Activities for July 2002

Ist Week

Activity Parent’s Orientation on Youth Programs Launching of the AP Duty to God Program

Date July 7

Sunday

2nd Week 3rd Week

July 12 Friday Annual YM & YW Planning Session July 19 Friday Mutual Night Planning for the Year 2002 4th Week Evening with the Bishop July 21 Sunday Monthly Proxy Baptism July 26 Friday _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Goals & Achievements Deacon’s and Teacher’s quorums already organized with a new set of officers.

Monthly proxy baptism held with Bishopric assisting.

Parent’s Youth Program Orientation held last July 7 with Stake YM & YW presidents participating.

AP Duty to God and YW Personal Progress were presented to parents during the orientation program.

Annual Planning Session held for two hours to prepare for Mutual Night activities up to December 2002.

Youth interviews are now conducted regularly by Bishopric in connection with monthly proxy baptism activity.

Reactivated Joshua Lopez. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Concerns/Challenges/Comments Mutual Night already implemented with success. We will continue to observe if it can be sustained.

Set up Quarterly Bonanza System which is a reward system for youth completing their Duty to God Award and Personal Progress and other related activities. At the end of the quarter, youth who have qualified will participate in a major activity. Please see enclosure.

Counselors cannot attend Mutual Night activities due to school requirements. They participate during Sunday activities. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Submitted by: Randy F. Rubio, Ward YM President Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

20 August 2002 24

Youth Program

AT THE STAKE LEVEL Stake Aaronic Priesthood-Young Women Committee Chairman Stake Presidency counselor chairman of the stake AP committee

Members High Council Advisers to Young Men & Young Women

Members Stake Young Men Presidency & Secretary

Members Stake Young Women Presidency & Secretary

Members Stake Activities Committee Chairman

Temporary Youth Committees Priests and Laurels and other youth with leadership abilities As the handbook has prescribed all stake-sponsored combined activities for young men and young women are to be planned, organized, and implemented with the stake AP-YW committee. Stakes usually have four major youth activities during the year that may include a youth conference, annual roadshow, anniversary celebrations, and sports tournament.

Stake Youth Temporary Committees All major youth activities can be planned and implemented by a stake youth temporary committee. Usually Priests and Laurels are given such opportunities to exercise their leadership capabilities while stake youth leaders and other adults as invited provide supervision.

Youth Conference Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairpersons Youth Secretary Adult Advisers Housing Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Sports Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Workshop Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Food Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Socials Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Devotional Committee Youth Chairperson Youth Vice-Chairperson Youth Secretary Adult Adviser

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

25

Youth Program

Organize a temporary youth committee for every stake youth sponsored activity. Rotate among your pool of Priests and Laurels throughout the stake the leadership responsibilities. Youth committees are beneficial in at least two ways: young people get the leadership experience they need to prepare for future leadership roles and youth leaders are not harassed with doing everything. With young people at the helm, they feel an ownership for these activities which builds increased participation and sustained enthusiasm.

Youth conferences provide youth with lots of opportunities to be involved as the example given in the previous page. Create as many committees as possible to involve as many young people. Have them meet regularly. They can start their preparation as early as six months prior to the conference. While the preparation of the youth conference progresses, the members of the stake youth conference committee can report accomplishments during the regular stake AP-YW committee. The committees are automatically dissolved once the activities are done. A post-evaluation meeting will then be conducted to review strengths and areas where the activity may still be improved. This is a terrific teaching and training experience for everyone. The same concept may be applied for ward youth conference as well. Part of my preparation as a church leader was meaningfully and memorably provided by being involved is these committees when I was young.

Seminary Super Saturdays with a Twist Super Saturdays take as many as four to five hours of stake seminary activities. Why not turn it into “one-day youth conference” that provides spiritual learning, games of fun, talent showcase, and dancing excitement? We did just that after conferring with our stake Young Men and Young Women Presidencies. Here’s how our proposed one-day schedule looked like.

Registration

8:00 a.m.

Welcome Devotional Stake President’s Time Indoor Games Youth mixed into new groups not as wards to help build unity Lunch Break (Pack Lunch)

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon 12:00 noon

Seminary Activities

1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dance Socials & Talent Show Refreshments (Stake budget)

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Our youth leaders made many variations to this concept later. At one time they assigned the ward YM/YW presidencies take turns leading the games. Wards also took turns presenting talents during the socials. At other times they only had the seminary event, talent show, and socials. But we succeeded in converting Super Saturdays not just a seminary event but also a time of fun and dancing. It’s now regularly held in our stake. We attracted a lot of youth to participate and they looked forward to this event. We required the youth to bring an extra pair of good clothes for the socials. Just watch out that many young people sometimes only want to come to the dance. ☺ In our stake, they made the seminary attendance prerequisite to being able to participate in the dance – an honorable incentive.

One-Week Mission Our one-week-mission program began on April 1993 and we have since then implemented it yearly. It has just passed its tenth year mark this year. Please refer to a separate article on implementing such an idea in your stake. Again, the original idea has been modified and enhanced as different leaders took their own perspectives into the program.

Copyright © 2005 Randy F. Rubio All rights reserved “Being Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause”

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