The new Youth and Children program has been announced. At least, they’re giving us a little more information. We still have much to look forward to. But don’t regard this just for youth and children. It’s good for adults too.

The way I understand, the program is more for individual goal setting in specific areas. There’s no doubt, everyone responds better when the goal serves the interest of the individual. But there is room for group goals as well, so that sisterhood and brotherhood develop. I like that idea too.

Because we are focusing on being a Home-centered, church-supported church, this involves learning as a family. Where family is unsupportive, the church steps in as the support system. When goals are set up, on a personal basis, the family can circle around the campfire and everyone can be involved and therefore grow.

That is the ultimate goal: To grow—spiritually.

I can’t help wishing this was the attitude in Relief Society. But maybe it still can be. Technically speaking, there is no more monthly activity. In fact, it doesn’t even have a name. Sisters are so traditional they just keep doing the same thing. But things have changed. Maybe it’s time we help each other reach worthy goals? Those who have similar desires can work together in true sisterhood.

When speaking to a group of sisters, I like to invite them to imagine a small group of women working toward something together—typically a service of some kind. As others see their good works they want to join in too. The small group grows larger and larger until it includes the entire ward Relief Society. Then that spreads throughout the stake and every sister in the stake has joined in full participation. It doesn’t stop there. Entire stakes of additional sisters want to join until this army of sisters works arm in arm performing service (fighting against abortion and child slavery, pornography, supplying needs for immigrants, becoming scripture scholars, or emergency storage specialists, etc., etc., etc.). This would be a force to be reckoned with. A large cohesive group on fire with the gospel. Isn’t that something that just sets our hearts thumping? This is the potential of this youth program and it’s the potential everyone has in joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Maybe we can all climb aboard the wagon train, circle around things of true value, and make the appropriate spiritual changes in our lives—together.

As always, these things take time to incorporate as we work out the details and feel confident enough to move forward. But as leaders and as parents, let’s not be afraid to jump in either. Get the gist of the program, pray hard over it, and jump in and join hands!