It’s one of the most common frustrations we hear from leaders: “Why don’t the youth show up with more energy or interest?” But the better question might be: What culture have we created around contribution? When youth feel ownership, their energy changes. When they see their ideas valued, their effort increases. And when they’re trusted to lead, they begin to show up with purpose.

Creating a culture of contribution isn’t about assigning tasks. It’s about building identity.

Start with Leadership, Not Logistics Instead of planning every youth night for them, begin asking: “What role can each youth play in leading this?” Maybe it’s a prayer, a devotional, bringing supplies, greeting at the door, or running the opening game. Even small assignments make a difference. Every act of leadership—even informal ones—contributes to youth spiritual growth activities and helps teens internalize that they matter.

Use a Contribution Rotation Develop a simple monthly rotation that guarantees each young man or young woman has a turn to lead something—no matter how small. This helps avoid favoritism and ensures quiet or less confident youth don’t slip through the cracks. Over time, youth see their presence as part of the program, not just attendees of it.

Celebrate Contribution, Not Just Attendance Too often we’re just glad they came. But if that’s our benchmark, we miss the bigger picture. Celebrate when a youth takes initiative, helps someone else, or tries something new. Share these moments aloud, send a text to the family, or post a photo with a caption like: “Tonight, Jacob stepped up to lead our service project planning. Watching these youth take the lead is everything.”

Stake Youth Activities Can Build This Culture Too Stake and multistake youth events offer great opportunities to let youth collaborate across wards. Use these settings to form planning committees of youth from different units. Have them brainstorm mutual activity ideas or organize a spiritual strength activity that reflects shared testimonies. This increases buy-in and breaks down barriers between groups.

The Forged in Faith Advantage Our LDS youth leadership ideas are built with contribution at the core. Every module in the Forged in Faith program includes a leadership prompt or planning tool designed to guide teens toward purposeful participation. We don’t just talk about youth ministry ideas—we equip leaders with real steps to empower teens to act.

Creating a culture of contribution takes time—but it’s worth every step. Because when youth feel seen, trusted, and needed, they show up differently. They show up with purpose.