I’m a new YW president, help with transition

[dvjParticipant]

Hi there,

I was just called and already had the first activity last night with the girls…first aid prep work for camp. Most girls are already 4th year level, so there wasn’t much to keep them interested. They were really attached to the outgoing President, and since the President is leaving the city, they were all feeling very sad. She popped into the church for a bit, and one of the girls became very emotional

What can you tell me on how to make this awkward couple of weeks of transition less so? The previous Presidency had suggested we have a barbq with old and new Presidency, but the ward is having a farewell for her as well..the next day.

Should we go ahead with planning this bbq (which the girls don’t know anything about yet) or should we have a ‘get to know you’ activity just with the new Presidency and do much needed planning of activities for the next 3 to 4 months??

We were thinking including some fun get to know you games.

[Jenny SmithParticipant]

I remember when I was first called as an advisor in the Young Women. Our entire presidency and board were brand new! I can remember being nervous about the girls liking us because they seemed so attached to the outgoing president. After a few weeks, our girls got used to us, and to my surprise, some of the Beehives became attached to ME!!! I’ve been released for several months now, and they still say hello or give me a hug when we see each other in the halls. I just love those girls — they know it — and I think that’s why they become attached to us.

I don’t know what the situation is in your unit (ie, how deep the attachment is to the old leaders), and so I’m not truly capable of offering you sound advice — here are some thoughts, but they are just that: *thoughts*, not inspiration….

A bbq may help ease anxieties for some girls. If the old presidency is careful to talk up the new presidency and help with introducing and helping struggling girls feel comfortable with thier new leaders, a successful outcome is pretty likely. On the other hand, a bbq with released leadership may also make it seem that the old presidency is worried about leaving “thier girls” with a new presidency, or that the new presidency is worried they can’t handle the new calling and have to rely on the old presidency. Rely on the spirit to help you make this decision — your new calling gives you insights that will help you ease the transition.

It almost always takes time to get into a new calling. This month, I am conducting Relief Society for the first time since I was in a BYU ward, and I’m WAY MORE than a little rusty! Our sisters have been very kind, though — even on the day when our announcements included the birthday of a deceased sister (no lie), and this month when we had two June 29ths on the calendar!!!

I’m sure that your Young Women will grow to love you as you bear your testimony and tell them of your sincere love for them. I’ve always heard it’s hard to dislike someone that you know, and as your girls come to know you, they’ll come to love and respect you, too.

Good luck in your new calling, and do let me know what’s working for you!

Jenny

PS – Here are some get to know you activies in the database:

A Shoe About You

Little Girls’ Night

Mormon Clue

Outdoor Cooking Progressive Dinner

Wok and Talk – has a list of Get to Know You Questions that may help you when planning your activity

Hey, and since you’re a new president, don’t forget to share your great activity ideas and handouts (email them to me) to help other leaders!

Jenny

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