SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Below you will find information about the overall flow of the retreat and the session descriptions

OCT 27 – FRIDAY AFTERNOON – EVENING:

Welcome to the YJP Retreat 2017 and to San Jose, CA! Greet your friends as they arrive, get settled in and connect with fellow participants through a series of ice breakers and other fun activities.

FRIDAY NIGHT: 8:15P - MIDNIGHT: GARBA

LATE NIGHT: MIDNIGHT - 1A: ICE CREAM SOCIAL

OCT 28 – SATURDAY MORNING - AFTERNOON

General Theme: SELF

These sessions will focus on getting to know ourselves and each other at a deeper level. You play an integral part for those that you impact around you. You are an influencer in many communities. There are nearly 30,000 Jain Professionals across North America. Imagine you were supported by (and were able to support) a network of your peers that share similar values. We will engage an in inquiry that will turn the lens inward and outward.

Speaker: Nipun Mehta

9:45A - 10:15A: Opening Keynote

Nipun Mehta is a veteran speaker at many JAINA and YJA events, we are proud to host him for the very first time! Due to his extensive knowledge, experience in countless countries, and creating a volunteer team that entails tens of thousands of "do gooders" worldwide, you will be left moved and inspired by his journey.

Facilitated by: Parth Savla, Pari Shah

10:15A – 10:35A [Session 1]: Mirrors & Windows

All of the experiences we have cultivated throughout our lives create "lenses" through which we experience ourselves and others. Through this Group Activity participants will fosters connection amongst each other and create the experience of "being seen" and "seeing" others on a deeper level by dissolving these lenses.

10:35A - 11:00A [Session 2]: Jain Professionals and Jainism Today

A deeper look at where we are as a Jain Professionals demographic in North America. Based on research done in previous years, we will begin on our journey to discover what it we envision our Jain Professional community to be and the role we want it to play in the larger world.

Take Aways:

1. A snapshot of the Jain Professional demographic in North America.
2. The challenges and opportunities we face as the Young Jain Professional Community.
3. Co-create ways in which we can meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the future.

Speaker: Zoe Novic

11:00A - 12:00P [Session 3]: Jainism & Veganism

“I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer,” said Ellen DeGeneres. For Zoe, the journey to becoming a vegan started when she was in high school. She shares her journey into veganism and living a more conscious life.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON – EVENING

General Theme: COMMUNITY

“Attention is the new economy. It is the world’s most valuable resource. You shape hearts and minds only with attention.” So said Fox Networks President of advanced advertising Joe Marchese at Cannes Festival of Creativity. Coupled with intention, makes a mighty combination. The two are fashioned more effectively when we have the proper mentors in our lives.

These sessions will transition to interpersonal and professional topics. There will be an opportunity to join a Mentorship Track of programming which is split into 3 sections:

Facilitated by: Parth Savla, Pari Shah

1P - 3:00P [Session 4a]: MENTORSHIP TRACK (details below)

1p – 1:30p: The Value of Mentorship

1:30p – 2p: 3 Parallel Mini Panels with the following themes:

• Mini Panel 1: Creating a Work Life Balance by Parth Savla
• Mini Panel 2: Interviewing 101 by Dhaval Shah
• Mini Panel 3: Aligning Passion with Purpose by Shaleen Shah

2p – 2:45p: Mentorship Break Outs

• 15 mins each where you are given the opportunity to mentor someone or be menteed by someone
• 3 break outs

2:45p – 3p: Reflections

• Group sharing about learnings

In Parallel:

Speaker: Nivisha Mehta: NonProfit Consultant

1P – 2P: [Session 4b]: The Value of Giving Back

“You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,” said Winston Churchill. Volunteering and “giving back” can provide deep satisfaction. This session focuses on the value of service and how it can enrichen your life while making a difference for the world around you.

What You Will Learn:

1. The ability to market yourself.
2. Ways to translate your desire for service into a profession.
3. Develop a Non Profit career path.

Speaker: Pravin Madhani: Entrepreneur

2P – 3P: [Session 4c]: Entrepreneurship: How to Start Successful Startups

This is an interactive session where you learn first hand from an entrepreneur what it takes to establish and run a successful business.

What You Will Learn:

1. How to overcome business hurdles
2. How to succeed in the competitive market
3. That failures are inevitable

Equality 2.0

Facilitated by: Tim Huls and Pari Shah

3P – 4P [Session 5a]: Gender Norms and Dynamics

This interactive session will peel back the layers of issues related to gender norms within the South Asian community and beyond. Gender dynamics are the ways in which men and women are treated or are taught to behave differently in society, either with their own gender or with each other. These can either be behaviors which society doesn't question, are hidden within society or society may even be against changing. Using elements of interactive theater we will peel back the layers of certain realities such as sexual assault, LGBTQ issues, and many more aspects.

What You Will Learn:

1. The construction of gender dynamics within our society.
2. The prevalence of realities such as sexual abuse.
3. The impact on both women and men in our culture.
4. Practical strategies to identify and safe guard against experiences of marginalization and abuse.

In Parallel:

Speaker: Shaleen Shah: Founder of Luvin' Arms Animal Sanctuary

3P – 4P: [Session 5b]: Jainism & Animal Rights

“Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved,” once said Dr. Jane Goodall. This aptly describes Shaleen's journey of ahimsa and advocacy of animal rights through founding Luvin' Arms Animal Sanctuary. Learn what you can do live a more healthy, mindful, and conscious life through deeper understanding of animal rights.

What You Will Learn:

1. How to translate your desire for service into a profession.
2. Advancing in the non-profit world.
3. Learning how to advocate for animal rights and implementing those strategies in your daily life.

Panel Discussion: Valeri Bocage, Riana Shah, Shobha Vora, Ami Shah, Komal Shah

4P – 5P: [Session 6]: Women’s Empowerment

If we want to see meaningful change, both men and women are implicated. In this panel discussion, leaders who have worked tirelessly in there advocacy for shifting the conventional paradigm of thought will share their journey and lead us through a discussion which explores actions towards these shifts.

What You Will Learn:

1. The different barriers of the social construction of gender in everyday life.
2. Practical strategies to implement equality in the workplace.
3. New language to convey what is true for you and stand up for equality in your conversations.

Speaker: Dilip Saraf

5P – 6:15P [Session 7]: Discovering Your Inner Genius – Professional Advancement

Professional coaching brings many wonderful benefits: fresh perspectives on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence. Join this exclusive session with LinkedIn’s #1 Career Coach where he will facilitate your journey in discovering the genius within.

Below are just a few of the benefits of having a coach support you in your life.

What You Will Learn:

1. Strategies to "nail that interview".
2. Overcoming obstacles in your professional path (whether you are just beginning your career, you want to make a vertical move, or change your career entirely).
3. Discovering and leveraging the "inner genius" for professional growth.

SATURDAY NIGHT

8:00P – 11:30P: WHODUNNIT AND HALLOWEEN BALL PARTY!

OCT 29 – SUNDAY MORNING – AFTERNOON:

General Theme: WORLD

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with this one wild and precious life?” asked Mary Oliver.

These sessions will be the focused on the impact that you can make in the larger world around you.

Facilitator: Paulo Cabezas

9:00A - 10:00A [Session 8]: Building Communication Through Dance

Through the rhythms and movements of Salsa, you will guided through the basics, while breaking down barriers, strengthening relationships and improving communication skills. Join Paulo Cabezas, as he leads us through an energizing experience!

What You Will Learn:

1. Learn the basics of dancing salsa.
2. How dance can Increase your self esteem and confidence through mastering new skills
3. How dancing fosters communication, self confidence and self expression.

Facilitator: YJP Retreat Team

10:00A – 11:00A [Session 9]: SERVICE ACTIVITY

We will be making blankets to donate to local charities.

Speaker: Prem Jain

11:00A - 11:45P: Closing Keynote

Having spent a lifetime of service on a global level, Prem Jain will share his journey as an Executive Vice President of Cisco, Founder of INSIEME, Founder of JAINA, Philanthropist in bringing Jain Studies to Universities across the US...to name just a few of his accolades. You will be left moved and inspired to follow your passion and make an impact in the larger world.