YJA Convention 2010 07 New Brunswick NJ Ninth

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

Page 26

High School / College Sessions
How to Talk So People Will Listen
The key to success is the ability of those within the family or organization to work together and to communicate with compassion, clarity and integrity. Huge amounts of time and energy are often wasted because of relationship difficulties of one sort or another - unclear direction and responsibilities, needs not being met, misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts, lack of support, etc. At the heart of resolving these difficulties is the ability to stay connected to your own and others humanity whilst communicating. Our practical step-by-step nonviolent communication process will enable youth leaders to connect with each other and communicate with compassion as well as effectiveness.
Hema Pokharna - Hema Pokharna, Ph.D. is a researcher at the University of Chicago and a director of Journeys of Life, a program to promote health, wholeness and disease prevention. "Journeys of Life" evolved from Dr. Pokharna's quest for inner peace and harmony in the western environment, for which she emigrated from India for advanced Biochemistry studies in 1985. She believes that the body, mind, and soul are integral elements of the human condition, and that spiritual health and wholeness should be an integral part in health promotion programming. The consequences of disconnectedness on physical and spiritual health can be devastating. However, people can learn skills in life that lead to connectedness at three levels, connecting with self, connecting with others, and connecting with a larger meaning or purpose. Dr. Hema Pokharna's program includes different ways to live, learn, and share the principles of reverence and respect for life.
Individual Changes: Global Impact
This session establishes and reinforces the vital connections between fully plant-based diets and countering several global crises, to include environmental devastation, declining public health, and massive exploitation of animals. A review of the fundamental principles of Jainism in an expanded light can help energize transformations that are essential for today's world. Examples of personal and larger Jain community efforts and their integration into growing, progressive, and grass-roots movements will be explored.
Saurabh Dalal - Saurabh Dalal enjoys being involved in outreach, education, and greater advocacy of sustainable plant-based diets and Ahinsa as compelling solutions to many global problems. Saurabh serves as Deputy Chair of the International Vegetarian Union (www.ivu.org) and President of the Vegetarian Society of DC (www.vsdc.org). He works in various capacities with many other like-minded non-profit groups and has been active in the Jain community on the local, continental, and international levels. He holds graduate degrees in Physics and Engineering, takes part in several professional and technical societies, and explores ways of integrating sound science into related areas of interest.
26
YJA CONVENTION 2010 I New Brunswick