Personal progress project- your view/take on it ?

[lizzy12]

I live in the cradle of the restoration (leaving it at that ) and because we have so many visitors I get to meet youth from all around the world. I've met a few from Europe, Australia and many in the US

I was thinking as my Faith Value project I could make a book..or scrapbook of testimonies of youth all across the world.

Each youth who visits my ward would have the opportunity to write here testimonies down, a short bio and I would take their picture ( if they are okay with it.) and put together a book of testimonies from youth across the world.

Maybe I could send a letter to each temple and ask for them to give the letter ( a letter explaining the project) to a local YW's group.

What's your take on this ?

Yay ? Nay ?

I really like the idea....and think it would be interesting reading testimonies of youth from across the world that have similar struggles as I do.

P.S. I posted this in General because I want youth AND adults to show their views :)

[pam]

Thinking from a legal standpoint..I would make sure you have some kind of written agreement that they have given you their permission to use their statements and pictures.

Not sure if really needed but just to cover yourself.

[lizzy12]

Okay. I'll make sure I get a signature or something..maybe a disclaimer on the bottom of the sheet they can fill out :)

[lizzy12]

Anyone else have any comments ?

[Moksha]

Sounds like a good project.

[WmLee]

Lizzy ~ great idea!! I think the visitors would be a great idea but be sure to get a signed agreement from the youth AND a parent IF you plan on publishing this. In your agreement make sure you spell out exactly what you are doing and what circulation you expect. And, if they would like a copy, get an address. That part might cost you a little, but people who have written, their families would love to see it.

Adding their picture is a nice idea, but you might think about, at the end of the testimony, you give credit as “Lizzy, St. Charles, MO” or “Lizzy M, Denver, CO”

Also, writing a testimony might take a little time and families may not have that much time to sit quietly for that. You might want to write up your project, have it printed on nice paper and on it have an email address you have dedicated just for your project. Then they can write it out and email it to you.

You might also think about contacting youth were a temple is being built or was just dedicated, (write to the Stake Presidents in that district) and ask for the youth to write what that temple, that youth celebration, meant to them. With a picture of that temple that might be something others would like to read.

Good luck!

[pam]

I agree with WmLee. Don't put their entire name. Just first name and Initial of last name etc. That way you aren't releasing too much personal information depending on what you plan on doing with this info in the end.

[Wingnut]

They will need parental permission for name/bio as well as a picture. I wouldn't even use a last initial -- just a first name. I also wouldn't encourage sending letters to other temple presidents, but I think it's a great idea to do it within your own parameters. Maybe you could talk with the senior missionary couple in charge over at the visitors' center and see if you could leave the forms there as well. Although WmLee makes a good point about it being time-consuming. It might be useful to make up a contact card for yourself like this:

Hi!

My name is Lizzy. I live in Palmyra, NY – the cradle of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am working on a faith journal for a Personal Progess project. I hope to collect testimonies from youth around the country and around the world and compile them into one volume. It is for my own personal spiritual gain, but I am happy to share it with you if you participate.

If you are willing (and have parental consent), please share the following information either on this form, or by mail or email.

Name (first only): ________________________

Age: ______________

City, State, Country: ________________________________________

Brief testimony:

Picture:

You can email me (including photograph) at [email protected] or mail this back to:

123 Main Street,

Palmyra, NY 00000

If you would like a copy of the final product sent to you, please include your contact information as well. I plan to complete the project by the end of this year. Don’t forget to get permission from your parents!

Thank you very much,

Lizzy

A couple of security notes on this:

Email -- either use your parents' email address(es) or, with their supervision, set up an email account exclusively for this project, with no identifiable information about you.

Mail -- if your family doesn't use a post office box, try to make arrangements with the visitors' center to use their address and have mail set aside for you to pick up once a week.

As a ward YW president, I think this is a fabulous idea for a faith project. I hope you run with it, and get it going full swing before pageant season.

[Hemidakota]

I live in the cradle of the restoration (leaving it at that ) and because we have so many visitors I get to meet youth from all around the world. I've met a few from Europe, Australia and many in the US

I was thinking as my Faith Value project I could make a book..or scrapbook of testimonies of youth all across the world.

Each youth who visits my ward would have the opportunity to write here testimonies down, a short bio and I would take their picture ( if they are okay with it.) and put together a book of testimonies from youth across the world.

Maybe I could send a letter to each temple and ask for them to give the letter ( a letter explaining the project) to a local YW's group.

What's your take on this ?

Yay ? Nay ?

I really like the idea....and think it would be interesting reading testimonies of youth from across the world that have similar struggles as I do.

P.S. I posted this in General because I want youth AND adults to show their views :)

I agree with Pam...Legality is an issue here.

I have already met some special youth and I highly doubt they will share their testimonies to be written of what have occurred in their lives. I am not talking about the same usual statements that I was converted by my parents, friends, or feelings. But those who are already have witnessed Godhead in their lives.

[MormonMama]

I think it's a great idea, but I agree with those who raise the legal issues. Make sure that is covered and I would say go ahead!

[Wingnut]

I have already met some special youth and I highly doubt they will share their testimonies to be written of what have occurred in their lives. I am not talking about the same usual statements that I was converted by my parents, friends, or feelings. But those who are already have witnessed Godhead in their lives.

I don't think Lizzy is necessarily looking for testimonies from youth who have had visions, though I think those that may have (if there be any) would be mature enough to keep those experiences personal and sacred. I think Lizzy is looking for testimonies from everyday LDS youth.

[Hemidakota]

That is part of their testimonies. This is why I know. :)

[lizzy12]

I was thinking a general testimony...maybe including the struggles they have being LDS and how the spirt guides them ect.

I am in the middle of a doing my knowledge project which is a ward cookbook..so first i need to type all the recipies up :)

I also need to look and see what value experiences i have left to do with faith !!

I'm not sure If i can get into it this year. I may have to organize and plan and launch it all next year.

For the end book i was thinking I could see if the temple could put it into the waiting area (they have church magazines and church new's their and a few other books and things) and I can email copies to those who want...

They can print it them selves..ink and paper is expensive...and I'm not exactly rich (yet..) or send money and in return receive it in a nice little binder.

:)

[Hemidakota]

This is a blessing then...

[lizzy12]

why is this a blessing ?

[lizzy12]

bump