Jain Digest 1996 05

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

Page 16

Despite convention, financial strain, YJA continues towards its mission with new programs and activities
Foster Focus is another of YJA's current projects. This "adopt-a-center" program allows youth groups across North America to work on nationally-driven projects. This year, the Atlanta Jain youth group is coordinating an exhibit and poster session for the convention, while the St. Louis youth are compiling the second edition of the YJA Scrapbook.
his team, much of the literature is almost complete. For our local representatives (we have at least one such youth liaison for almost every Jain organization in North America), we plan to distribute a YJA Resource Kit containing information ranging from lists of external organizations to outlines of activities with the youth groups can do. In order to expand our youth network around the world, YJA plans to develop active relationships with international contacts in the United Kingdom, Africa, and India.
If you have access to the internet, then you can find a storehouse of information and the latest news on the YJA Home Page (www.utexas.edu/students/yjal). Our recently redesigned web site features up-todate information on YJA, international, and regional news concerning Jain youths. You can even register as a YJA member on-line. The home page has proven to be a great medium of communication.
Of course, there is still much more YJA would like to accomplish. Future projects include distributing a comprehensive educational binder that outlines that Jainism in a simple, yet thorough and easy-to-read way. Thanks to the work of Dr. Prem Gada and
by Amit Shah, YJA (Midwest) and Mintu Turakhia, YJA (West)
"To establish a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth."
That is the mission of YJA. More specifically, our goal is to: 1) increase interaction among Jain youths across America; 2) give youths an opportunity to explore, learn, and understand Jain philosophy, history, and dharma.
This year's biggest project is the Second Biennial YJA Convention. With 600 participants (up from 425 two years ago), a planning committee of over 60 people, and an operating budget of $150,000, this is quite easily the largest event of its kind. Certainly, this is no easy task, which is why we've established a separate San Francisco Convention Committee (SFCC). Through a collaboration with SFCC and Jain centers and youth groups all across North America, we are certain that we will have an educational and memorable second convention.
Have you previously completed a membership form? Today's Date:
General Information: Last Name:
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Mail form to: Young Jains of America, c/o Shalin Mehta
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Unfortunately, our future projects are dependent on funding. All of our future projects will be difficult to materialize without the help, including financial support, of our strong Jain community. We encourage you to help us out with any donation - no matter how large or small that you are able to provide. A donation form is located on the last Young Minds page of this issue.
By checking this box, I give YJA permission to publish the above information in future YJA directories and membership lists.
If you would like to get involved with YJA, please do not hesitate to contact YJA via telephone or e-mail (see next page). We look forward to hearing from you!
JAIN DIGEST
M.I.
1703 Hunters Run Drive Cockeysville, MD 21030⚫ (410) 771-0251
fill out this form! YJA member? Just Want to become a
May 1996