Jodi Atkinson was born and raised in Utah, and has lived all over the state. She went to college at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, and graduated with an Associates Degree in Science. That was where she met and married her husband, Brian. She then took on her next greatest educational experience as the mother of five children. The family left Utah in 2011 and has since lived in Texas, Illinois, and in the Kansas City, Missouri area for the past seven years. Another adventure awaits, and they will be moving back to St. George this summer. Jodi is excited to go back to college and pursue a degree in Art. She has had many service opportunities within the Church that have enriched her life: Young Women president and advisor, youth Sunday School teacher, Young Women camp director, Primary counselor, Seminary teacher, and stake Young Women president. Jodi currently serves as an enthusiastic Primary teacher.

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Highlights

Jodi emphasizes that youth should not be viewed as problems to be solved but as solutions, advocating for a collaborative approach where youth are actively involved in decision-making through councils. She reflects on her experience, highlighting the need for innovative thinking and adaptability in youth programs and stressing that relationships matter significantly in fostering a supportive environment.

Jodi shares specific examples of how she engaged with youth, such as incorporating their ideas into activities like Young Womens camp and a trek, ensuring they felt heard and valued. Jodi also discusses the importance of ministering and being present in the lives of youth and leaders, which helped build trust and community within the stake, and shares the powerful principle that the Lord does not ask us to serve to deplete us or prove ourselves but to grow and strengthen our connections with Him and others.

05:04 - Jodi's Experience as Stake Young Womens President

05:45 - Unique Demographics of the Shawnee Stake

06:51 - Starting the Calling During COVID

10:40 - Embracing a Clean Slate Mentality

12:27 - The Importance of Youth Councils

16:16 - Letting Youth Lead in Activities

19:43 - Specific Examples of Youth Engagement

22:10 - Trek Experience and Youth Involvement

26:06 - Building Relationships with Youth Leaders

30:01 - Habits for Fostering Relationships

34:52 - The Lord's Purpose in Service

35:10 - Object Lesson on Leadership and Service

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