
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, Yoga Alliance Foundation (YAF) in partnership with Ivy Child International introduced an Emergency Relief Fund for yoga professionals suffering economic hardship early in the year. As a follow-on to this work, YAF and Ivy Child are again partnering on a second phase of assistance that invests in recovery: the Eka Recovery Fund — inspired by the Sanskrit word eka, which celebrates unity, equality, and balance.
The Eka Recovery Fund supports yoga professionals in returning to and/or sustaining their work and sponsors activities that facilitate economic recovery, with special attention to fostering an expansive, accessible, and equitable yoga community. This Fund work will begin by focusing on the intersection of economic recovery, yoga service, and community outreach.
Many marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and by the bio-psycho-social impact of stress. They also often face more barriers to yoga, which can serve as a valuable tool for all communities that continue to experience high levels of stress, uncertainty, and social isolation, particularly among those that are hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis.
TEACHING FOR EQUITY
To promote ongoing access to yoga and provide economic recovery support to yoga professionals, the Yoga Alliance Foundation (YAF) in partnership with Ivy Child International is introducing a Teaching for Equity pilot program. This pilot will provide financial support for yoga teachers who are teaching for little or no pay in historically marginalized communities, offering them stipends to teach ten yoga class sessions for free. Teaching for Equity is available to teachers worldwide and expands yoga access in communities that have historically been excluded from the practice. This effort is funded and directed by YAF, with Ivy Child International running the application, selection, and program administration processes.
The nomination process will be open from 12 pm Eastern Time(ET) November 18, 2020 to 11.59 pm(ET) on December 18, 2020
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This program will provide financial support for yoga teachers who are teaching for little or no pay in historically marginalized communities, offering them stipends for ten sessions of yoga classes.
Please refer to the application guidelines elaborated below.
HOW TO APPLY
Yoga teachers can either be nominated or can self-nominate for a competitive selection process.
The application and selection process is administered by strategic partner Ivy Child International, a global nonprofit that partners with systems of education and care to enhance well-being through innovative and culturally responsive programs.
In case of any further queries, please email us on eka@ivychild.org.
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There are a number of ways you could support Ivy Child International in our endeavors to bring mindfulness education to underserved communities.