ABOUT LRP

1. Goals and Action Plan for 2024-2025

The JAINA Long Range Planning (LRP) Committee is committed to expanding the reach and impact of Jain values globally by following the 4E’s framework:

  1. Energize – Strengthen Jain organizations by providing strategic tools and mobilizing resources. The Jain Leadership Forum 2024 in Chicago convened over 150 Jain leaders to discuss leadership, strategy, and project implementation.
  2. Expand – Increase awareness and practice of Jain values among Jains in North America. This includes the distribution of Jain Path books to Young Jains of America (YJA), and supporting initiatives like the Jain Museum in Pune.
  3. Evolve – Modernize Jain practices for youth and young adults. The Jain Way of Life (JWOL) initiatives introduce practical Jain living to the next generation.
  4. Engage – Promote Jain principles among non-Jains through interfaith dialogues, academic collaborations, and global events like Ahimsa Day and Forgiveness Day.

Action Plan:

  • Leadership Development: Organize leadership forums and mentorship programs to cultivate Jain leaders.
  • Community Engagement: Conduct a North American Jain Population Survey to understand community needs.
  • Operational Efficiency: Enhance JAINA’s resource allocation and leadership training for JAINA directors.
  • Strategic Projects: Oversee 15-25 Jain projects focusing on diet, volunteerism, technology, and education.
  • Cultural and Educational Outreach: Expand partnerships with educational institutions and media.
  • Global Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with international organizations for Jain philosophy advocacy.

The committee’s 2024-2025 plan bridges tradition with modernity, ensuring Jain values continue to thrive globally.

2. List the Committee’s Accomplishments Since January 2024

  1. Jain Leadership Forum 2024: Hosted in Chicago with 150+ Jain leaders, leading to 30 projects, of which 15 are nearing completion.
  2. Jain Museum Support: Provided critical input for Phase 3 of the Jain Museum in Pune, refining content with Dr. Abhay Firodia’s team.
  3. Jain Path Book Distribution: 1,000+ copies distributed to YJA to educate youth on Jainism.
  4. Jain Population Survey: Piloted in Boston, with plans to expand across North America.
  5. Leadership & Youth Engagement: Hosted mentorship programs for future Jain leaders, engaging 400+ attendees across multiple events.
  6. Branding of Jainism Initiative: Developed tools for consistent Jain messaging and community awareness.
  7. Parliament of World Religions Representation: Delivered two presentations on Jain principles at this prestigious global event.
  8. Jain Leadership Engagement: Contacted every Jain center president and JAINA director for input on Jainism’s future.
  9. Workshops & Resource Development: Created JWOL books, Jain Elevator Speech, and branding materials to streamline Jain outreach.
  10. Strategic Funding: $65,000+ allocated for 30 Jain projects, 15 completed through Jain Leadership Forum funding.

These accomplishments demonstrate the committee’s commitment to Jainism’s growth and influence worldwide.

3. Major Milestones Achieved by the Previous Committee (2023-2024) & Continuation Plan

Major Achievements (2023-2024):

  1. Rahul Kapoor Jain Lecture Series: Engaged 1,000+ Jains across U.S. cities.
  2. Jain Leadership Conference: Hosted 250+ attendees at JCNC, shaping Jain leadership strategy.
  3. Jain Path Book Development: Created Jain Journey Reflection Sheets to help Jains assess personal growth.
  4. Jain Museum Collaboration: Partnered with Firodia Trust to develop Jain Way of Life exhibits.
  5. Youth Engagement: Initiated leadership training with YJA and Jain Connect.
  6. Cultural Representation: Represented Jain values at the World Cultural Festival in Washington, D.C.
  7. North American Jain Population Survey: Laid the groundwork for data-driven Jain community insights

Continuation Plan (2024-2025):

  • Host Jain Leadership Forum 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Expand Branding of Jainism across all Jain centers with $100K+ in annual funding.
  • Complete and distribute the Jain Way of Life Book.
  • Conduct a Jain Student Survey with Harvard Law School on vegetarian/vegan options in schools.
  • Strengthen interfaith collaborations through Ahimsa advocacy.

4. Innovative Ideas & Initiatives Implemented

  1. Digital Self-Reflection Tools: Developed Jain Journey Reflection Sheet & “Are You Happy?” self-assessment app.
    • Modernized Educational Materials: Created JWOL Books & Elevator Speech Cards to simplify Jain teachings.
      • Strategic Community Outreach: Rahul Kapoor Jain workshops expanded Jain leadership impact.
        • Global Partnerships: Collaborated with Firodia Trust (Jain Museum) & Parliament of World Religions.
          • Efficient Leadership Forums: Jain Leadership Forum produced 30 new projects, tracking accountability for impact.

          These innovations optimize resources & expand Jainism’s reach globally.

          5. Initiatives & Practices to Influence Future Committees

          1. Sustainable Leadership Development: Jain Leadership Forum creates a replicable model for future leaders.
            • Enhanced Communication & Digital Engagement: Jain Journey Reflection Sheet & mobile self-assessment tools increase accessibility.
              • Expanded Youth Participation: Jain Path is distributed widely to engage younger generations.
                • Interfaith & Institutional Collaborations: Partnerships with Firodia Trust & Harvard Law School expand Jain visibility.
                  • Data-Driven Planning: Jain Population Survey ensures community programs are tailored to actual needs.

                    These initiatives ensure a seamless transition for future committees.

                    6. Demonstrating Leadership & Fostering Teamwork

                    1. Visionary Planning: Jain Leadership Forum 2024 shaped strategic Jain initiatives.
                      • Cross-Committee Collaboration: Worked with YJA, Jain centers & interfaith groups.
                        • Effective Resource Management: Utilized local Jain centers & sponsorships to optimize costs.
                          • Mentorship & Youth Engagement: Created leadership training pathways for future Jain leaders.
                            • Transparency & Accountability: Regular updates & progress tracking for all projects.

                              By integrating leadership, teamwork, and strategic vision, the committee strengthened Jainism’s global impact.