IWA Ideas

IWA Ideas

IWA IDEAS!

I have created this page to help IWA members share ideas and links!

The Institute Women’s Association is an organization for young single adult women attending an institute of religion. It is administered through the Church Educational System -also known as the CES- of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church Board of Education and the Commissioner of education oversee and direct CES.

All young single adult women ages 18 through 30 who are enrolled in a class at the institute of religion may become members, regardless of religious affiliation. Each chapter member must adhere to the standards of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. IWA is founded on ideals which are in harmony with the values and gospel principles of the Church.

IWA meets many needs young single adult women have during this critical decision-making time of their lives, as it:

1. Provides support from a small circle of good friends.

2. Offers close association with a caring advisor who serves as a role model.

3. Allows sharing of spiritual experiences.

4. Renders opportunities to learn leadership skills, to receive training, and to serve others.

5. Reaches across ward and stake boundaries.

IWA does not replace ward or branch activities.

The purpose of IWA is for young single adult women to join together in a united sisterhood to help each other come unto Christ, prepare to make and keep sacred temple covenants, and find joy in being faithful women of God.

Our guiding principle is to “be of good cheer.” President Gordon B. Hinkley has said: “Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, of the testimony you carry in your heart concerning things divine.

In Doctrine and Covenants 68:6, it states: “Wherefore be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the Living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.”

In Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18, it states: Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye as not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.”

For more information on the LDS church, please click here!

The Four Ideals of IWA

SPIRITUALITY

The ideal of spirituality is represented by the lighted lamp. It is a symbol of an inner light that radiates from the countenance of those who live the gospel truths and trust in the Lord. Through prayer, scripture study, and living gospel principles, we become spiritually secure, have the comforting influence of the spirit, and understand the making and keeping of priesthood covenants.

President Spencer W. Kimball stated that “Much of the major growth that is coming to the church in the last days…will happen to the degree that the women of the church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that (they) are seen as distinct and different –in happy ways- from the women of the world….”

“Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.”

SISTERHOOD

The ideal of sisterhood is represented by the outstretched hand. The Savior’s example reminds us to reach out with our hands and lift each other up. In some of the most sacred and tender teachings before the crucifixion, the Savior invited his disciples to love others as much as He loved them. As we show our love and develop unity, others are drawn to us and want to become part of our circle of sisterhood.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said “ How wonderful it is…when we gather together in circles of friendship large or small with shared gospel values. Sharing is like gathering around conversational bonfires that grow warm and bright against the horizon. You will find the memories of these bonfires will achieve a lastingness-not of what you wore or of whom you dated or of what the menu was-but, rather, because of the shared expressions of love and testimony.

SCHOLARSHIP

The ideal of scholarship is represented by the quill pen. It is a reminder that as we value knowledge we will strive to continue learning, expand our capabilities, and share that knowledge to benefit others throughout our lifetimes. Though we are encouraged to develop our talents and study many fields of interest, our understanding of the gospel must be at the center of all we learn.

President Hinkley reminds us that “ Heavenly Father wants you to train up our minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your lives. As you do so and perform honorably and with excellence, you will bring honor to the Church, for you will be regarded as a man or woman of integrity and ability and conscientious workmanship.

And last but certainly not least, we have the ideal of service.

SERVICE

The ideal of service is represented by the heart. As the heart gives life to the body, so service gives life to the soul. When we serve with all our hearts,, we not only lift others’ burdens we also lift our own.

In Matthew 10:39, it says: “I have is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems into a fresher perspective.

Our Pledge

I am a woman of God. I strive daily to be all that he wants me to be. I pledge to seek spiritual strength, increase bonds of sisterhood, foster lifelong scholarship, and render Christlike service. I honor priesthood covenants and faithfully strive for the blessings of the temple. I find joy in womanhood and nobility in motherhood.