Jain Digest 1995 04

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

Page 38

Inside REPORT.
North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; Montreal, Quebec, Los An- group activities (past and present) in North America. Upcoming geles, California: Phoenix, Arizona; San Francisco, California; issues of YJA publications, such as Young Minds and the YJA Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Washington, DC.
portion of Jain Digest-Fresh Ideas, will be composed and Each of these cities will be adopting different national published by the youth in Cincinnati. In addition, youth groups projects to work on in the next five months. These projects are in Boston, Charlotte, Los Angeles, and Montreal will be workdescribed below and the city chosen for
- Membership REPORT.ing with the Chicago youth by provideach project is listed as well. In San
ing as much help as possible in setting Francisco, the youth will publish a mem- One of the main goals of YJA for this year is up panels, exhibits, seminars, etc. for bership roster of all YJA members with to concentrate on extablishing a sound
the JAINA Convention in July 1995. relationship with existing youth groups and complete educational and professional help foster new groups. YJA is only as
Overall, with FosterFocus, YJA information. The youth group in Phoe- strong as each of its local youth groups. We will be able to develop powerful youth nix will set up a community project for encourage all youths (14-29 years) of your
groups across North America, which in communities to fillout a YJA membership all youth groups by establishing it within
turn will be making an impact across form, if they haven't done so already. This their city and then expanding to nearby form will be used to complete a membership the continent with the various projects cities and youth groups on a national
roster, which will be published later this year. they will be working on. In the end, level. A list of recommended lecturers Last year we recieved membership forms
solid youth groups will be independfrom about 1,500 youth by the years end. and books on Jainism for youth to access This roster will serve as an essential tool in
ently running in several Jain Societies | will be compiled by the youth group in increasing communications and the sharing ensuring the strength of YJA and Washington, DC. The Jain Youth Group of ideas among the youth. Please send in
Jainism into the future. If you have any your forms as soon as possible. of Central/South New Jersey will be set
questions, comments or suggestions, ting up a book drive to collect used/old
or would like to get involved in a project, textbooks from across North America from grade school to please contact Pamit Surana at (305) 386-8960 or Samir Mehta college for shipment and distribution in India. For display at the at (713) 277-5401. - by Pavin Zaveri upcoming JAINA Convention in Chicago, the youth in Tulsa
For more information please contact:
Pavan Zaveri (512) 505-0810 will compile a YJA Scrapbook of articles and pictures of youth
Samir Mehta (512) 505-0860
Pamit Surana (305) 386-8960 class. "Huh?" was a sentiment shared by many that day. However, course, we hope to provide a place for Jain students to discuss their through class participation and some trial and error, we soon experiences. Most importantly, however, we want all students to gained a clear idea of the level at which to teach. Since then, leave with a clear understanding of Jain philosophy and the ability presentations have proved informative and discussions, very stimu- to discuss contemporary issues in its context. As each week passes, lating. During week six, we were treated to a special slide Kristi and I find our roles as discussion leaders fading faster and presentation on Jain art and architecture by Robert del Bonta, faster - the students are able lead discussions and field questions curator of the Jain art exhibit at the San Francisco Asian American with confidence and enthusiasm. By week 14, we hope that our Museum of Art. Since week seven, all of our class discussions are roles fade completely. If so, we will know for certain that our goals being led entirely by the students themselves.
have been achieved.
If you are interested knowing more about the course or
starting your own, please contact Mintu Turakhia at 510-548Every time a student asks a question, leads a discussion, or 6120 or mintu@uclink2.berkeley.edu. His advice: "it's much dozes off while we discuss anu vratas and gunavratas, I wonder if easier to do than you think."
Editors: we will fulfill our goals and expectations. First, by having such as
YJA Public Relations Director: Seema Bhimani
Bhavin Nicholas Shah
Seema Bhimani
36 Jain Education Intemational
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