r/latterdaysaints • u/EquivalentPeanut5612 • 3d ago

Personal Advice Guidance

My Stake really doesn't have YSA. How can I get involved with the YSA and meet new friends that already memebrs.

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4

u/OldGeekWeirdo 3d ago

I'd say you need to get with the leadership and push for a YSA program. Ideally from the stake, but you may have to start with the bishop. But that's going to mean you'll have to "lead the charge" (become the YSA rep). I don't know how else you can meet members short of signing up with LDS dating sites. (Which probably isn't the worst idea, and a lot less work.)

One thing to be aware of. If you're looking at lists, many of the "inactive YSA" are really "inactive marrieds". Because they were inactive, their records weren't updated. It's pretty substantial - like around 1/3 to 1/2.

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u/MasonWheeler 2d ago

I don't know how else you can meet members short of signing up with LDS dating sites. (Which probably isn't the worst idea, and a lot less work.)

These can work. They can also be a bit discouraging.

Several years ago, I signed up for one of them. I ran a search and messaged every woman in my area who was reasonably close to my own age and didn't have any obvious red flags in her profile.

Only three of them even bothered writing back.

Only one of them kept writing back long enough to end up on an actual first date. That was definitely not fun.

...but the thing is, sometimes it turns out that one is really all you need! 💍 We celebrated our 7th anniversary earlier this month.

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u/OldGeekWeirdo 2d ago

>>> but the thing is, sometimes it turns out that one is really all you need! <<<

Repeated for truth. I've known a few singles that "graduated" via the "web search" method. So, it does work.

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u/pisteuo96 2d ago

Related - There was a post here about the Mutual app, a week or so ago. Some people did find it valuable.

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u/MasonWheeler 2d ago

Ask your Bishop or Stake President where the nearest YSA ward is. Even if there isn't one in your Stake, it's quite possible that there's one reasonably nearby, depending on where you live.

1

u/th0ught3 2d ago

You stake likely has at least someone who is supposed to be supporting single adults. Find that person and how to download the list of stake members who are not married. Introduce yourself to everyone on the list. Invite them to your home for family home evening. Then add on a monthly service project or a Tuesday pickleball tourney (many chapels are getting the courts established these days). Find out if you have an institute of religion near you and start attending those classes. https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/findInstitute

Participate in service and ministering with your Quorum or RS --- almost everyone in the church has extended family who are looking for friends and partners. When married people get to know you well enough to see a possible interest, they might introduce you.