"The aim of the leaders of this movement has been to cultivate every gift and grace of true womanhood, recognizing the fact that it is not the outward appearance but the forces which gather within the soul that go to develop the individual" (in Keepers of the Flame, 15–16).

Events:

• 1880 — Sister Taylor begins service as first general president of the YLMIA
• 1889 — First issue of the monthly Young Woman's Journal issued
• 1893 — Tuesday night designated as Mutual night
• 1898 — Traveling Mutual Improvement Association (MIA) libraries are begun
• 1902 — Joint opening exercises are held for young men and young women
• 1904 — Name is changed to Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association

First Counselors:

• Margaret Young Taylor (June 19, 1880–1887)
• Maria Young Dougal (1887–December 6, 1904)

Second Counselor:

• Martha Horne Tingey (June 19, 1880–December 6, 1904)