YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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Gabriel Figueroa
Gabriel Figueroa is an assistant editor and staff writer for American Vegan Magazine (formerly called Ahimsa). Though raised in a Catholic family, Gabriel was drawn to learn about Jainism from his very first exposure to it. After studying Jain philosophy for some time, Gabriel realized that Jainism offered something very unique, unlike anything to which he had been previously exposed. He made a conscious decision to follow its principles and teachings - in its true essence, to become a Jain, which he has been for over six years. He has studied Philosophy and Asian Studies extensively through the University of Texas at Austin. Most of his education about Jainism, however, has come from his own private studies, practical experience, and interaction with others from the Jain community. Gabriel Figueroa works in the retail marketing of new hardware and software technologies within the Central Texas region. He enjoys meditation, reading all sorts of books, writing, and meeting new friends. He has been a vegetarian since 1989 and a vegan since 1990.
Jain Association of Young Adults (LA).
The Los Angeles Youth Group has members who currently are or where a part of Jain Center Youth Council CYC) in Southern California. JCYC is also known to be the pathshala class held in Southern California. After being schooled by JCYC, UCSD Freshman Bansari Shah and UCLA Freshman Pinita Shah are ready to share ways they have learned to incorporate Jainism in their daily lives.
Jain Center of Greater Boston
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The Jain Center of Greater Boston youth group has been together for many years.
Some of our group's major accomplishments include presenting the workshop Tic-Tac-Toe and the Three Jewels session at YJA convention in L.A. in 2000 as well as at JAINA in 2001. Some activities that we have done in the past are performing in cultural programs, participating in the Walk for Hunger, and feeding the homeless. In addition, the youth group has performed in our local Mahavira Jayanti and Diwali functions and played a huge role in our Pratistha this past June.
Our motivation not only comes from our long lasting friendship, but also from our aspiration to learn more about our culture. Teamwork and our own opinions sometimes inspire us to present to large groups of people or to help others. Our motivation for the YJA convention 2002 in New Jersey was a combined effort. We enjoy and love representing Boston when we present as well as gaining from the experience that comes with going to the conventions.
Jain Fellowship of Houston
The Jain Fellowship of Houston is the official name of the Jain youth group in Houston, Texas. Several young Jains who felt that there was a need for an official organization founded it. The Jain Fellowship has nearly fifty members. The Jain Fellowship has been in existence for several years, however with each year new changes are made to improve the overall organization.
This past year, we have changed our focus to making improvements and being more involved within our community at the temple. JFH performed the YJA play on 2600ch birthday of Mahavir. We have taken an active role in the temple renovation and provide regular cleaning of the deraser. Several new ideas have been brought up for the next year. Some possibilities include
organizing a YJA South Regional Convention as well as having a Banquet.