"There is something reassuring about standing for something, and knowing what we stand for. For men or women who are true to themselves and to the virtues and standards they have personally adopted, it is not difficult to be true to others. Those who are committed to, and have patterned their lives after, the Higher Power need not rely on public opinion, which is often blatantly skewed." (Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, Random House Times Books, New York, p. xxiv.)

When we think of those who take a stand for their beliefs, images coming to our minds usually are of men and women who sacrificed great things — even their lives in some cases — for great causes: religious beliefs, freedom and justice, to name a few.

Many young people also take stands for their beliefs. Although their stands usually do not put them in harm's way, their actions often are courageous and noble. From time to time, the Church News features young men and young women who are "standing for something" and who know what they stand for. Following are three examples:

Young Women in the Olathe Kansas Stake did not want to follow the dictates of the fashion industry. Because stylish modest clothing, particularly formal or party wear, is often hard to find in stores, they began a campaign to persuade retailers to offer more choices. They put together a formal presentation to buyers in a local store of a national chain, displaying picture boards of modest dresses.

The Kansas City Star wrote about their efforts and wire services picked up the story. Reporters and interviewers called from newspapers, radio and television stations from around the world. These young women took a stand for something.

One summed up why they took a stand: "The prophet has told us over and over to dress modestly, and if we're not going to follow him, then who do we follow?" (See Church News, April 28, 2001, p. 6.)

Latter-day Saint teens in Long Beach, Calif., were disappointed to learn that their high school prom had been scheduled for a Sunday evening. When they weighed in the balance the joys of attending the dance at the cost of breaking the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, most decided that "it just didn't feel right" to attend.

With help from parents and Church leaders, they organized their own dance, held on a Friday evening. Was it disappointing to miss out on the school's prom? Yes. But, they said, "we wanted to do the right thing." A bishop said that "they proved you can have fun and not have to be part of the crowd." (See Church News, June 16, 2001, p. 6.)

A 17-year-old young woman in the Harrison Ward, Springfield Missouri South Stake, demonstrated that one person — even if that person happens to be a teenager — can make a difference. She embarked on a campaign to persuade Hollywood producers to make more G-rated films.

For her Laurel project, she drafted a letter with an attached petition, urging others to support family movies, to request "more good, wholesome, family entertainment."

The young woman never imagined the response the letter would bring. Thousands of people from throughout the nation signed the petition. "I guess you can never tell what will happen," the young woman said. "I am trying to make a difference. I hope I can." (See Church News, Nov. 21, 1998, p. 4.)

These exemplary young people have tens of thousands of counterparts, young women and young men who know what they stand for and who are willing to take a stand on issues that really matter to them. May we follow their examples.