During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, 500 Young Single Adults (ages 18 to 30) from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Perth for their annual convention. The convention drew Mormon young adults from Western Australia and South Australia, though some participants came from further afield.
At a time of year when many of their peers were following the social norms of more self-centred fun and good times, these young people were attending workshops designed to foster life skills which will enable them to meet the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
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The YSA’s (as this age group is called in the Church) attended workshops, devotionals, games and a dance using the excellent facilities at the university. Participants also had the opportunity to experience some of Perth’s great venues including a day at Rottnest Island, a Gala New Years Eve Ball at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and a visit to Kings Park.
The conference workshops focused on the development of personal attributes such as teamwork, leadership skills, interpersonal relationships, goal setting, career development and community service. These workshops were all designed to help the young people be more self-reliant, an attribute the Church teaches to all members in a world where, especially young people, seem to rely on an attitude of entitlement.
Callan Brookes, an attendee from Melbourne, said what he liked best about the event was, “It focused on areas of spirituality, such as learning to become an advocate for and future leader of the Church. I thought,” he said, “it was going to be all about the social aspects (of being a YSA) and the parties, but this was much, much better”.
Jessie-Rae Clark from Perth said that, “It was one of the best YSA conventions I’ve ever attended. All the activities were top quality and had a lot of thought and love put into them. Usually I would pick and choose the activities I went to, but I felt the need to go to every activity. I had a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out).
“There was a good balance of the social interaction with other YSA but there were a lot of spiritual elements to the activities, which was sometimes lacking in conventions I had previously attended.
“I met a lot of great people and the convention was really inspiring and pushed me to make 2015 better than the year before. Perth, I feel, has set a new benchmark for YSA conventions to come.”
Elder Peter Meurs, an Area Seventy who supervises the Church in western and southern Australia, commented on the convention and said, “The commitment and values being demonstrated by our YSA attending the 2014 convention is encouraging and wonderful to see.”
According to a quote from the Church’s website, ldschurch.org, concerning the YSA, it states, “During this time in their lives, young single adults often make their most important life decisions, including marriage, education, career, friendships, Church activity, and their relationship with Heavenly Father and the Saviour.”
Organised by the Church, YSA conventions are annual events held in rotation throughout the capital cities of Australia. Similar conventions are held overseas in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, South America, South Africa and Asia.
President Thomas S Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ, said, “We do live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behoves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, for a variety of reasons, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared.” Nov. Ensign 2014.
Church Video about Young Single Adults/ May 2010 Henry B. Eyring