Our young women are amazing." "They have talents, unlimited enthusiasm and energy, and they are compassionate and caring. They want to be of service. They need to know they are valued and essential in the work of salvation."
Each person should know he or she is needed. "Every young woman in the Church should feel valued, have opportunities to serve and feel that she has something of worth to contribute to this work."
Young men have Aaronic Priesthood duties clearly described in the Doctrine and Covenants, she said. It "may be less obvious" to young women in the Church that from the time they are baptized, they "have covenant responsibilities 'to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [they] may be in, even until death' " (Mosiah 18:9).
When young women serve in callings within their wards and branches, they have the opportunity to fulfill those responsibilities.
"Just as our Aaronic Priesthood holders have been invited to labor with their fathers and other men of the Mechizedek Priesthood, our young women can be called upon to provide service and minister to the needs of ward members with their mothers or other exemplary sisters. They are capable, eager and willing to do so much more than merely attend church on Sundays."
"I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you'll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship."
