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Young Minds
Federation of Jain Associations in North America A Non-Profit Tax Exempt Religious Organization. IRS Code Section 501 (c)(3) El #54-1280028 yja@uts.cc.utexas.edu http://www.utexas.edu/students/yja/
Young Jains of America Holds Second
Biennial Convention
Y
oung Jains of America (YJA) in conjunction with the Jain Center of Northern California held its Second Biennial Convention from July 4-7, 1996, at the Hyatt Regency-Burlingame, California. The theme of the convention was Jainism: Integrating Philosophy and Practice. The purpose of this event was to provide youth, ages 14-30, with a unique forum to explore Jain philosophy and beliefs among a community of youth throughout the continent. The convention showcased enthusiasm from young Jains all over North America and the United Kingdom. There was an obvious display of youth seeking new friendships and a better understanding of the Jain religion and heritage.
PLANNING
Pre-planning for the convention had begun in July 19 by reviewing the applications to host the 1996 YJA Convention. Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Toronto all submitted bids which were analyzed on the basis of site, bud
get, adult support, and local youth. San Francisco was selected as the host city in November 1995. During the next month, a 60 person convention committee was formed and formally called the San Francisco Convention Committee (SFCC). In January 1996, at the YJA Executive Board meeting in San Francisco, California, plans for public relations, fund-raising, programming, registration, scheduling, theme, accommodations, transportation, etc. were developed and discussed. From that point on, the YJA Executive Board and SFCC worked diligently together to provide a forum for youth to exchange Jain philosophy among other youth.
OPENING CEREMONY
The opening ceremonies were held on evening of July 4th in the Grand Ballroom, which was attended by over 600 youths and volunteers, and were indeed an auspicious occasion. were opened by the Namokar (Continued on page 16)
The ceremonies
YJA Sets Goals for Next Year
T
he Executive committee of the Young Jains of America have put together a schedule that will facilitate the mission of YJA: To be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella youth organization for establishing a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth. One of our main concerns for this year is to strengthen the organization at a grass roots level, which will lead to a strong continental organization of young Jains with a wide network. To accomplish this we have put together many ideas, each of which will facilitate our goals.
Membership
By increasing membership, we will be able to spread important updates and news fast and efficient. Our current membership is at around 1,600 members, by the end of this school year we would like that number raised to 2,000 and eventually to 5,000, or about one-third of all Jain youth. One of the ways we wish to do this is to combine our efforts with Boston to create one comprehensive list with updated information.
Publications
One of the easiest way to spread our Jain values and heritage in a contemporary fashion is through Young Minds. We are hoping that improving Young Minds will promote the reading and distribution of Young Minds and hence a stronger continental network. The Web page will begin to be updated, and several new ideas will be introduced.
Jain Education International
Young Jains of America (YJA) is the umbrella youth organization of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). The mission of YJA is to be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella youth organization for establishing a network to share Jain heritage and religion through youth.
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