YJA | Elections

Applications for the 2023-2024 Executive Board are now open! Applications for Co-Chair are due on July 5th at 11:59 PM PT. Applications for Directors are due on July 9th at 11:59 PM PT. Applications for Regional Coordinators are due on July 16th at 11:59 PM PT.

Please make sure to read, download, and complete the respective position application below before submitting the application at the following link. If you have any questions, please reach out to elections@yja.org.

If you would like to find other ways to be involved, stay on the lookout for Local Representative, Committee, Project Team, and Convention Committee applications later this year.

The YJA Executive Board is composed of sixteen Jain youth from across North America: two Co-Chairs, eight Directors, and six Regional Coordinators - all between the ages of 16 and 29. A new YJA Executive Board is elected every year.

Below you will find a list of all the Executive Board positions along with their position descriptions.

Co-Chair

Represent YJA externally, set our mission and vision for the year, and lead the Executive Board in executing their projects, initiatives, and events.

Director of Education

Develop and maintain Jain education platforms and projects, and support the Executive Board in incorporating education into their initiatives.

Director of Events

Work with Regional Coordinators, Chairs, and Directors to plan and execute YJA national, regional, and local events via in-person and virtual settings while strengthening relationships with Jain Centers.

Director of Finance

Overseeing and nurturing the financial growth of YJA, developing budgets, maintaining and documenting finances.

Director of Fundraising

Lead all major fundraising efforts by developing fundraising strategies, encouraging YJA youth to help fundraise, and reaching out to donors (individuals and Sanghs) while strengthening relationships with alumni, youth, and donors.

Dir. of Project Development

Develop new YJA projects, manage and support Directors and Project Teams, and lead organizational documentation, logistics, and goal-setting.

Director of Publications

Share the voice of the broader Jain community through YJA’s various publications, such as the Young Minds magazine, articles on YJA’s Medium page, and the bi-weekly YJA newsletter.

Director of Public Relations

Develop public relation plans for events and campaigns, create and post content on YJA social media accounts, and coordinate external communications while ensuring brand consistency.

Director of Technology

Maintain YJA’s tech infrastructure and support other board members in their tech-related initiatives while also developing new and creative ways for the organization to implement new technologies.

Regional Coordinator

Engage YJA members in their region through planning local and regional events, managing a team of Local Representatives, and actively connecting with local Jain Centers.

Why Apply for Board?

Joining YJA board allowed me to find a community of people that I love spending time with and to give back! Beyond challenging myself, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a creative and passionate group that I’ve made lifelong memories with. I’d recommend anyone who is interested to run because you’ll be surprised to meet the best people and how much you learn.
- Aarvi Shah
Director of Public Relations, 2022 - 2023

I ran for board because I wanted to become more involved with the Jain community on a national level and give back. Attending retreats and the Convention left me with forever friends, but being on board has left me with experiences I have learned so much from and will never forget. It has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences in my life. If anyone's even debating it I always say to just apply because you will not regret it!
- Deesha Ajmera
Director of Education, 2021-2022

I applied to board to give back to my community & to become more connected to Jainism. Coming from a small Sangh I was able to find a community and even found a second family. Being on board has taught me so ]much and has truly shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences are once in a lifetime and I am so grateful for the amazing people, friends, and impact I have been able to make.
- Madhvi Shah
Director of Events, 2022 - 2023

I ran for board because I remember feeling nervous to attend my first YJA event, the 2017 Northeast Retreat, when I was only 14 years old. I had so much fun throughout the event and everyone was so welcoming. After attending more events throughout the years I knew I wanted to give back to the YJA community and help give youth in our Jain community a similar experience. I am so grateful for my YJA family and this opportunity to be on the board to collaborate with other board members to create engaging events and initiatives. Being on board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I have been able to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually in many ways while building amazing friendships.
- Nishi Shah
Northeast Regional Coordinator, 2022-2023

I ran for board because I loved attending YJA conventions, and wanted to give back. It was an awesome privilege to work with and learn from some of the best and most motivated Jains across the country, and my time on board is something that challenged and fundamentally changed me. Anyone who wants to really test their mettle and grow as a person while also giving back to the community should run, no question about it.
- Shikhar Shah
Mid-West RC, 2013-2014

I decided to run for board after attending the last YJA convention. I knew I wanted to be a part of YJA board because of my passion for giving back to the community, and how YJA provides an amazing platform to create a strong impact. YJA has provided me the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills, create lasting friendships, and bring out-of-the-box ideas to life. This experience has been one of a kind and I have learned so much from this past year. If you’re thinking about applying for board, you definitely should - you will not regret it!
- Vanshika Shah
Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator, 2022 - 2023

What are the prerequisites for applying?

To apply for any position, you must be 16 years of age by July 31, 2023 and must not turn 30 years of age until after September 15, 2024. Position-specific requirements are listed below:

Co-Chair:
(a) Are on the then current Executive Board; OR
(b) Have served at least one prior full term on the Executive Board as detailed above; OR
(c) Have served as YJA Convention Co-Chair.

Director of Project Development:
(a) Are on the then current Executive Board; OR
(b) Have served one prior full term on the Executive Board; OR
(c) Have served as a recognized Local Representative, Subcommittee, Project Team, or Convention Committee member with a letter of recommendation from a then current Executive Board member.

Regional Coordinator and All Director Positions:
(a) Are a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age (as of July 31, 2023); OR
(b) Are a minimum of sixteen (16) years of age (as of July 31, 2023) and have either:
(i) Served as a recognized Local Representative, Subcommittee, Project Team, or Convention Committee member with a letter of recommendation from a then current Executive Board member; OR
(ii) Submit, with their application, a letter of recommendation from a member of the executive committee from their local Jain center.

When are applications due?

Applications for Co-Chair are due on July 5th at 11:59 PM PT. Applications for Directors are due on July 9th at 11:59 PM PT. Applications for Regional Coordinators are due on July 16th at 11:59 PM PT. There are no exceptions for late applications.

What is the overall election process?

After submitting your application, the Executive Board will review it on a rolling basis. Based on your application, you may be selected for a 30 to 45 minute phone interview. After all interviews have been completed, the Executive Board will vote on all interviewees based on position.

When will I hear back from you?

Applicants who receive interviews should expect to receive an email to schedule an interview time between their application submission date and August 15th. Interviewees should expect to hear back about whether or not they have been elected by September 15th. All dates are subject to change.

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Elections Committee by emailing elections@yja.org if you have any questions about your application, the interview process, the timeline, etc.

What other ways can I get involved with YJA if I am not elected to the Executive Board?

We have a number of other ways for you to get involved! In September, applications for Local Representatives (who work closely with the Regional Coordinators) and Director Committees (helping Directors execute various projects) will be open. If you are interested in joining one of our Project Teams, please email projects@yja.org.

When does the term of the 2023-2024 Executive Board begin and end?

The anticipated term start date is September 25, 2023 and the anticipated end date is September 25, 2024.