Shilpa Jain's Bio

My YES! Jams
2002 World Jam
2003 World Jam
2004 World Jam
2006 LPSC Jam
2006 World Jam
2007 LPSC Jam
2008 LPSC Jam
2009 LPSC Jam
Anatolia Youth Leadership Jam 2011
Jams Micellaneous
Leveraging Privilege for Social Change Jam 2010
Leveraging Privilege for Social Change Workshops
Middle East Youth Leadership Jam 2008
Middle East Youth Leadership Jam 2009
Middle East Youth Leadership Jam 2010
Middle East Youth Leadership Jam 2011
Sharing Our Gifts and Privileges for a Better World
Tipping Point Network Mini-Jam 2011

Org: Shikshantar
Location: Udaipur
Website

Bio:

Shilpa is currently rooting herself in Oakland/Berkeley, CA, where she serves as the Executive Director of YES! <www.yesworld.org>.  YES! works with social changemakers at the meeting point of internal, interpersonal and systemic change, and aims to co-create a thriving, just and balanced world for all.  Prior to taking on this role, Shilpa spent two years working as the Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds <www.otherworldsarepossible.org> and ten years as a learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development <www.shikshantar.in>, based in Udaipur, India. Shilpa has researched, written numerous books and articles, facilitated workshops and hosted gatherings on topics ranging from globalization, creative expressions, ecology, democratic living, innovative learning and unlearning.  She had been the main coordinator of the Swapathgami (Walkouts-Walkons) Network for five years. She is passionate about dance and music, organic and natural farming, upcycling and zero waste living, asking appreciative questions and being in community. All of her work seeks to uncover ways for people to free themselves from dominating, soul-crushing institutions and to live in greater alignment with their hearts and deepest values, their local communities, and with nature. 

"What makes the Jam special is the deep belief and faith it has in human beings, human connections and the human spirit. It trusts us to learn and grow together, in the times, space and paces we each need. It focuses on linking the personal with the systemic in meaningful ways, so we each can appreciate the whole of each other and the whole of ourselves. There is nothing else like this. The Jam rejuvenated me in mind, body and spirit."

Areas of Focus
social justice, environment, cultural bridge building, peace, learning/unlearning, children and youth, consumption, globalization, conflict resolution, religion/spirituality

Methods Used
direct action, cross-cultural exchange, media, technology, spiritual healing, social entrepreneurship

Regions I Work In
Asia, Middle East, North America