Inviting the Youth Into the Battle | A How I Lead Interview with Brooke Petersen and Thomas Sitterud

Brooke Petersen lives in Cleveland, Utah, a rural town south of Price. Her husband, Hans, commutes to West Valley City, Utah, where he practices pediatric dentistry. Brooke and Hans have five children, and Brooke enjoys working in the yard. She currently serves in the Church as the stake young women president of the Huntington Utah Stake.

Thomas Sitterud also lives in Cleveland with his wife and three children. He served a mission to Vladivostok, Russia, and then studied Russian at Brigham Young University. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and specializes in estate planning. Thomas currently serves as stake Young Men president and stake high councilor. His previous service includes bishopric counselor and elders quorum president.

Highlights

03:10 Introduction to Brooke and Thomas and their stake callings

07:20 Stake activities for the youth that they are preparing for

08:20 Stake young women president is Brooke’s first leadership calling. Even though she was intimidated she has been able to have lots of support and shares a fresh perspective.

12:10 Brooke shares the dynamic between her and the ward young women presidencies and how she works with them.

15:20 Thomas shares his perspective on working with the wards as stake young men president.

17:50 Focus on the what. Trying to get to know each girl better by attending youth sporting events and things they are involved with and sending out birthday cards to every girl in the stake.

24:00 Thomas shares what they do as stake leaders to help connect with the one.

27:20 Feeling supported by local leaders. Don’t tell people how important they are to you but show them how important they are to you by your actions and giving them your time.

29:40 Let the youth lead. Let them be a support to the ward just like the youth in Helaman’s army.

32:20 Brooke shares ways that they invite the youth to participate and lead. Giving the youth opportunities to speak with the high council on the third Sunday.

36:30 Getting youth involved at younger ages. Sometimes they have more enthusiasm for leadership roles.

39:30 Final thoughts on leadership.

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