The 2023 youth theme has been announced by the Young Women and Young Men general presidencies.
According to a notice sent to local leaders on Sept. 6, the youth theme chosen for 2023 is “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Parents and youth leaders are encouraged to teach principles from the theme at home and at church throughout the year, the notice states. The theme can be used as a topic for sacrament meeting talks given by youth and can provide focus for youth activities, including camps, youth conferences and devotionals. The theme will be emphasized during For the Strength of Youth conferences worldwide.
Music, videos, art and other resources for the 2023 youth theme will be available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, on social media channels, and in the For the Strength of Youth magazine. An email will be sent to leaders later this year when these resources are available.
“We commend you for your diligent efforts in helping the youth embrace this year’s theme from Proverbs 3:5-6,” the Young Women and Young Men general presidencies wrote in the notice. “Youth in your stewardships are being blessed by your teachings and leadership at home, in Church meetings, and at activities based on this theme.”
Previous youth themes
The 2022 youth theme is “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In the less-than-ideal circumstances that characterized the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps one thing youth worldwide have learned is that “life is sometimes an unexpected journey,” Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon told the Church News in January.
“If I’m going to trust anyone in my life, it’s usually because I have a great relationship with them,” President Cordon said. “So I hope this year, as youth do so well, that they can create an enhanced understanding of who the Savior is.”
The 2021 youth theme “A Great Work” came from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33: “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
The youth theme for 2020 was “Go and do” from 1 Nephi 3:7: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
How are youth themes decided?
The annual youth theme is usually determined a few years in advance, but every year and especially for 2022, “I think we’ve seen the inspiration,” said Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, told the Church News in January.
Sister Craig described the counsel in Proverbs as “a timely message,” pointing out that many of President Russell M. Nelson’s recent teachings — including moving mountains with faith and letting God prevail — are about trusting in the Lord.
In August 2019, the Church News asked the Young Men and Young Women general presidencies how youth themes are decided.
Then-Young Men General President Stephen W. Owen said: “We usually have some proposed scriptures, and then after counseling together, we go back to our presidencies and ponder. We let the Spirit guide us, and then we come back. It’s been amazing to me — and I think to all of us that have been involved in this — to see how the Spirit comes in and resonates for us what we’re supposed to do. … It really starts with a counseling session with the presidencies thinking: ‘What are the needs of the youth?’”
Read more about how Church leaders decided on the 2020 youth theme.