Project Name/Idea: Extraordinary Communications: Investing in Relationships to multiply our (Jain) impact in the World

Project Name: Non-violent communications & interfaith dialogue

Your Name: Hema Pokharna

Team Members:

Manda Pokharna (sister)

1. What Vision2020 Gap are you filling?

Building (harmonious) relationships/bridges between Jains and other faiths

2.  What problem are you solving?

Conflict, disconnects, violence, lack of understanding amongst other faiths, communication failures

3.  Why are you solving it?

1.     Giving Jains a tool to speak compassionately

2.     Jains can act as mediators and hosts in interfaith dialogues

4.  What is your solution?

A tool to communication compassionately and build relationships through non-violent communications. There is a specific book/process called “Non Violent Communication” which is written by Marshall Rosenberg and practiced internationally. I have been using and teaching non-violent communication for the past 15 years, and want to extend this knowledge to other Jains.

5.  Who is your target audience? Where is it applicable?

·        Pathshalas, schools, colleges, families, couples – the goal is to create a harmony and provide people with concrete tools to achieve harmony and conflict resolution, anger management, etc.

·        Develop an “attitude of gratitude”

6.  Has a related problem been solved? Where? By Who? Can you partner with someone?

Hema has mediated several conflicts around the world using this methodology. Jains generally believe and practice non-violence in their daily lives, however lack a formal process to go about solving more complex problems. This model can be used by Jains to be more effective in harmony of Jain principles.

7.  Resources Needed

Progress to date: Over 200 workshops have been conducted to mostly non-Jains, and a small number of Jains, and the workshop attendees have actively used the methodology. However, the challenge now is to make it available for practice to Jains, with adequate training.

Ideas for future: Team to create CDs, books, web pages, brochures. Solicit feedback from business coaches who can help enhance the delivery process.

Vision: Go to every Jain centre and teach it, but teach it in a way that maintains the practice.

nPeople / Volunteers:  

Business coaches with marketing expertise, someone who is willing to go through Non-Violence Communication certification so they can continue the process and teach once the demand increases.

nConsultants / Suppliers / Services: (Example: Web, publishing, brochure, etc.)

Curriculum, booklets, examples relevant to age groups, guide mentors who will help take off; Referees

nFinancial: How much $ you will require

-         Travel & time compensation (create a Fund or Trust)

-         Create material

8. What type of talent do you need?  Do you have the right team?  Are you the right leader?

-         Business planners with marketing expertise; regular coaches who can provide feedback and understand the dynamics who understand and can mentor into the future.

-         Visionary/Mentor who sees the importance of NVC

9.  How will you create awareness and promote the project?

- see above

10.  How will get the funding?

- JAINA, workshop fees (allows for self sustenance), grants, etc.

11.  What are the first 100 day, 200 day, 300 day milestones? How will the product be sustained?

A proposal for JAINA has already been submitted. A group of people who can see the value in this is required.

Kellogg Conference Peer Comments