YJA | Local Representative

To find the Local Representative closest to you, visit your Region page!

Local Representatives (LRs) are any youth age 14-29 who volunteer to assist Regional Coordinators (RCs) and members of the Executive Board with activities in their local temples or around their region. Serving as an LR is an excellent way to build valuable leadership skills and stay involved with YJA, and also a great stepping stone towards holding an Executive Board position.

Between planning and attending local events and collaborating on region-wide efforts, you can anticipate spending anywhere between 5-10 hours a month on LR duties. We rely on LRs to encourage local Jain youth to attend YJA events and to be liaisons to sangh leadership. LRs are vital to truly reaching youth in all communities big and small across the YJA regions!

LRs can also choose to work with other members of the Executive Board by joining their Subcommittees - they might write educational content, help plan webinars, develop graphics and media for Public Relations use, or help to keep the website updated.

LR Spotlights

Regional events depend on our LRs, who are always going above and beyond to bring YJA to you. Each month, we spotlight one LR from each region. Meet them and hear more about why they love being a part of YJA!

Ayush Jain

Mid-Atlantic

"I envision a future YJA reaching out to more young Jains in the future, such as those who do not have access to a temple or Jain community where they live."

Bansari Shah

Mid-West

"YJA has provided me with a new outlook on Jainism, endless leadership roles, and, most importantly, another family."

Rohin Kapadia

South

"YJA allows people to build true long lasting relationships with people from across the country and I am grateful for all of the people I have met."

Mihir Shah

Southeast

"I can see YJA empowering our generation to make a difference in the world using the Jain principles and values we have come to embrace throughout our lives."

Pranay Patni

West

"YJA has taught me how to be Jain in this country. YJA created a platform where the youth of this country could come together and discuss why these beliefs existed, and what we could do to best abide by them given the environment we were growing up in."

Yash Shah

Northeast

"I love the weekly group discussions and the involvement on each member to plan and execute events year-round. I am sure that Young Jains of America will never get old."

Become a Local Representative!

If you’re interested in being an LR, let us know! For additional information, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit one of our region pages to contact one of our current LRs.

Sign Me Up!

I had just moved to Texas and I’m so glad I decided to be an LR! Not only did I make some of the best friends ever, but I finally understood what all my East Coast friends were bragging about when they said how much fun YJA is. I loved how YJA focused on fun, but also on giving back and doing community service. Can’t wait for next year!

Samir from Southeast Region

Becoming a part of the YJA family as an LR has not only enriched my understanding of Jainism, but also exposed me to the perspectives of others. My YJA experience has provided me with life long friends and a constantly evolving network. Choosing to be an LR is my simple way of giving back to the community which in return has enhanced my leadership qualities.

Mohana from Mid-Atlantic Region

Being an LR helped me learn about YJA, outside of the convention year. I loved helping plan events and making new friends! It’s really awesome being able to help out such a great organization while having so much fun.

Anuj from Mid-West Region