Joint Youth Programs between the Ward and Branch shar youth programs

[BrianEdwards]

I read the numbers a bit differently, that the current requirements for the rest of the world, are being raised a bit for most categories, and the USA/Canada numbers are being lowered a bit to meet the new worldwide requirements.

There was no suggestion of combining youth programs (or any other programs). The letter states that previously there was no minimum standard (either USA/Canada, or rest-of-the-world) for the number of what it terms "participating adults" or "participating youth". And the new worldwide requirement is "100 participating adults" and "20 (recommended) participating youth". My expectation is the Church studied this carefully, and if they suggest that 20 participating youth is the lower threshold for a new ward being created, then they anticipate that 20 participating youth is enough for a standalone youth program.

[lajackson]

Did this announcement suggest that youth programs be combined?

No. It was only about the division of wards and stakes, which may be recommended and considered using smaller numbers (in the U.S. and Canada). Beginning next year, the requirements for the division of stakes will be the same worldwide. International standards have been increased slightly, and U.S./Canada standards have been lowered to meet the new international standards. The announcement was in the Church News today. It describes a letter from the First Presidency also dated today (November 30, 2023), so it may not be in the Newsroom, but should be in the Official Communication Library for those with access.

I think things will stay the same as they are now. Many wards will be able to maintain youth programs within their wards. Many will need to combine forces with other units, as is done now.