JAINA Convention 2005 07 JCNC

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 96

JAINA
JAINA Long Range Planning Committee has identified
requirements to focus on four key domains: strengthen our organization; strengthen our
numbers;
2005
maintain and
update jain practices; and impact trends and create
awareness.
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JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA)
Members from four Jain Centers (Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington) met at the First Jain Convention organized in Los Angeles in 1981 to discuss and agree upon a concept to form a central umbrella organization. The founding of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) was formalized at the Second Jain Convention held in New York in 1983. JAINA is a federation of over 65 Jain organizations with a mandate to foster friendship and unity amongst Jains living in USA and Canada without any distinction based on sect, language or religion. Over the years, JAINA has successfully accomplished its main objectives to:
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❖ Promote Jain religious and educational activities
Execute and manage major relief and humanitarian projects worldwide ❖ Promote vegetarianism and non-violence
Liaise with government and interfaith organizations to foster mutual awareness and understanding
In 2004, a Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) was tasked to define a vision and a strategy for JAINA over the next 25 years by critically understanding the current status and developing trends that influence the Jain Way Of Life (JWOL) in North America. Major considerations include - demographics, attrition of young Jains, changing lifestyle trends, mix marriages, relationships with non-Jain and nonreligious organizations, public relations, and an optimal organization to carryout the mission.
PLANNING PROCESS AND FINDINGS
To gauge an understanding of current issues and concerns, LRPC interviewed over 200 Jain religious leaders, scholars, dignitaries, organizational leaders and community members (JAINA, Jain Centers, Young Jains of America, and Young Jain Professionals) and surveyed various groups on the Internet. Questions about Jainism, philosophy and beliefs (Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Anekantvad), practices (rituals, festivals), lifestyles (diets, vegetarianism, marriages), education, and an organizational structure were designed to seek an open and constructive feedback. Additionally, LRPC also reviewed how non-Jain organizations (Jewish, Swaminarayan, and others) face and respond to similar challenges. Major findings identified following opportunities:
Focus on mix-marriage couples and encourage them to live a JWOL ✦ Jain college students lose touch and may never come back to Jain community * Develop and support a strong central organization (JAINA)
✰ Standardize Jain education
❖ Support traditions but make rituals more relevant
Promote non-violent lifestyle
Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment