Jr. Young Buddhists Association
What is the Jr. Young Buddhists Association (Jr. YBA)?
The Jr. Young Buddhists Association is a middle and high school level social and service organization associated with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (the overseeing organization for many of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples and organizations in Hawaii).
The youth organize service projects, assist with temple activities, meet other youth from across the world, and develop essential skills needed for their future.
Who can join?
Anyone can join the Jr. YBA, even if you're not a member of a temple!
Age range: 7th grade to one year after high school graduation
Have fun!
Jr.YBA is filled with fun events and members always make long lasting memories.
This past year our district (Oahu), went to the zoo, travelled to Hilo, went rollerskating, and attended multiple bon dances.
Learn About Buddhism!
In Jr. YBA, our activities are centered around the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist community.
By joining Jr.YBA, you'll have unique opportunities to learn from various ministers, advisors, and other peers.
You'll get to attend Buddhist services and Buddhist education events.
Develop essential skills for the future!
With the variety of positions and opportunities in Jr. YBA, members have the chance to MC services, chair meetings, participate in parliamentary processes, plan entire events, and so much more.
The Jr. YBA annual statewide convention gives members the opportunity to voice their opinions and make decisions on annual budgets, resolutions, and nominations.
Give back to the community!
One of the main functions of the Jr.YBA is to assist the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist community.
In the past, service projects have included helping with concessions at annual bon dances, cleaning temple facilities, and helping with temple events.
Food!
An added perk to Jr. YBA is the ono food we get to cook, share, and eat!
Temple services are always followed by food, family, and friends. As a member of Jr. YBA, you get to visit different temples, and try so many kinds of foods!
Every October we fundraise by selling baked goods, like chocolate chip cookies shown in the picture.
Travel!
There are also plenty opportunities to travel in Jr. YBA. Meetings and events may be in different towns, or on different islands!
Our annual conventions switch islands every year, providing an awesome and fun opportunity to travel and meet new people. Last year's convention was on the Big Island where we stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian.
How are we organized?
Jr. YBA members are divided into 5 regional districts; Kauai, Oahu, Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaii. These districts are called Uniteds.
The Mililani Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is part of the United of Oahu.
The statewide governing body of the Jr. YBA is called the Hawaii Federation of Jr. Young Buddhists Associations.
Interested?
Contact the Jr. Young Buddhist Association below.
If you are interested in learning more about or joining the Jr.Young Buddhists Association, please fill out the contact form below or email us directly.
Contact: Arynn Ishikawa [email protected]