JAINA STUDENTS GUIDANCE COMMITTEE
Guidelines for Committee Chair,
Jain Centers, Guiding Families and Students
To make the JAINA Students Guiding Committee more accessible and hassle free in their work, JAINA has made some guidelines to follow by the Committee, local Jain Centers, Guiding Family and Students.
JAINA Guidelines for Chairperson and Committee
Ø JAINA Students Guiding Committee Chairperson shall coordinate with JAINA India Foundation (JIF)
· Obtain list of students coming to North America
· Alphabetize the student list: State wise, within each state University wise, student’s last name
Ø Appoint Regional Directors
Ø Distribute list per state to Regional Directors and local Jain center’s President
Ø Provide guidance and direction for the mission
Ø Maintain past students’ database
JAINA Guidelines for Regional Directors
Ø Reach out to local Jain centers and its members to REGISTER as Guiding Family on JAINA’s website
Ø Appoint guiding family for each student and provide guidance as needed
Ø Invite students to Jain center, community gatherings, assimilate them in the community
Ø Give ride, encourage volunteering, provide Jain food during Paryushan/Jain Festivals
JAINA Guidelines for Guiding Family
Why you SHOULD REGISTER with JAINA? What does a guiding student mean and how can you help?
Ø Register under JAINA so we have a structured database and can expedite the help to student in need
Ø Timing is of an essence, Pandemic made us realized that
Ø You will be the first person they’ll come in contact with, initially you’ll be their guide and mentor for life
Ø Students and their family will remember your support
Ø It’s a volunteer work to give back to the community
Ø Help when you can, as much as you can, in whatever ways you can
Following are some of the suggestions for a Guiding Family:
Ø Reach out to the student and their family in India, give assurance – “Main Hoon Na”
Ø Prepare student for the upcoming trip in your city
Ø Arrange airport ride as needed
Ø Provide accommodation for few days, if needed
Ø Help with initial shopping, settling in their dorm/apt.
Ø Collect donated household items and distribute amongst students
Ø Assimilate them in the local community, invite them to the social events
Ø Stay in touch, invite them occasionally, host student’s gathering
Ø Drop off groceries (not for free) occasionally, esp. during first winter
Ø Drop off extra food from parties, wedding, etc.
Ø Be a mentor when they’re homesick
Ø Be their emergency contact in times of need
Ø Provide / collect / sponsor small student loan (not bank loans) for students from financially challenging background or in dire needs
JAINA Guidelines for Students
Ø Register with JAINA India Foundation / JAINA USA
Ø Join and be active in local Jain center’s events and volunteer when you can
Ø Regional Director will assign a guiding family for you
Ø Residing with guiding family is short-term and temporary
· Respect their privacy
· Be careful & gentle with their home and belongings
· Adjust to their priorities and house rules
· Be appreciative and helpful
· Always maintain cleanliness
Ø Stay active with local Indian community
Ø When you need any help, first reach out to your:
(1) University (2) Guiding Family (3) Local Jain Center (4) JAINA
Ø If you move out of State, update everyone
Ø With successful carrier give back to the community with your time, expertise, guidance & money
Pallavi Dedhia, Chairwoman
JAINA Students Guidance Committee