Teaching for Equity provided financial support, business-building resources, and community connection for yoga teachers serving for little or no pay in communities experiencing marginalization.

The Teaching for Equity program is evolving.

We are currently integrating Teaching for Equity with other initiatives that have a shared purpose: supporting yoga in more places, spaces, and communities, taught by teachers who have a wide range of lived experience, with robust supports to grow and thrive as yoga professionals.

Stay tuned for a forthcoming update with more details.

Who Teaching for Equity Supported

Social Impact programming places special focus on communities who have historically had less access to the practice of yoga, including, but not limited to:

  • LGBTQQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and "+" to recognize the limitless sexual orientations and gender identities used by people)
  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
  • Economically marginalized / Persons living in poverty
  • Persons living with disabilities / Differently-abled Persons
  • Other communities facing barriers or experiencing marginalization (examples include: limited geographic access to services, persons living as refugees, internally displaced persons, persons experiencing homelessness, incarcerated persons, and other under-resourced communities)

What Teaching for Equity Provided

In addition to amplifying participating teachers’ work and the importance of their service, Teaching for Equity teachers also received continuous support that promotes long-term emotional and mental wellbeing, helping them to maintain their work well beyond the end of their program.

Hear from Past Participants

It was great to build a strong rapport with so many people around the globe and consistency in my teaching. It helped keep my community connected and many students have shared they feel encouraged by my work. Physically, emotionally, physiologically—I feel positive growth happening in me each day."

– Namurembe Rita Brown
 Kenya, 2021 Participant

Teaching for Equity has been one of the highlights of my yoga career. It gifted me an opportunity to extend the services of yoga to my community. As a helping professional, I am committed to the well-being of people, and TFE allowed me to further serve people. Thank you."

– Tina Fitts
  USA, 2022 Participant

Implementing Partners

The Teaching for Equity application and selection process was run by Ivy Child International, a global nonprofit that partners with education and care systems to enhance well-being through innovative and culturally responsive programs.

Synergy Yoga, a wellness organization based in Peru, Kenya and the U.S., that focuses on international community empowerment through the healing arts.

The Yoga Alliance Foundation leverages yoga for social impact and fosters an expansive, accessible, and equitable yoga community. Contributions help to build individual and community wellness for a healthier and more compassionate world.

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