September 28, 2001

To: General Authorities and the following leaders in the United States and Canada: Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents

Dear Brethren:

Strengthening Youth

In January 2000, we introduced an Aaronic Priesthood Achievement program in areas outside the United States and Canada where Scouting was not available. The purpose of the program is to help young men prepare for the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage, and fatherhood. This program has now been adapted for use in the United States and Canada to include the important role of Scouting in the development of young men. The name has been changed to Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God.

Three guidebooks–Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God for deacons, teachers, and priests–explain the program. Young men who complete the requirements outlined in all of these guidebooks will receive the Duty to God Award.

We also announce a new simplified Young Women Personal Progress book and a revised For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. These materials have been updated to help youth develop greater faith and courage in today's world. In addition, we announce a Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth to help parents and leaders strengthen our youth. This guidebook also outlines the important and supportive role of Mutual.

We desire all young men to strive to earn the Eagle Scout and Duty to God Awards. We desire all young women to strive to earn the Young Womanhood Recognition. As youth work on these goals, they will develop skills and attributes that will lead them to the temple and prepare them for a lifetime of service to their families and the Lord.

Copies of these materials will be sent to each stake for distribution to wards by December 2001, for implementation in January 2002.

Faithfully your brethren,

Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust

The First Presidency