Dear Member,
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard from many yoga community members that businesses and livelihoods such as yours have been turned upside down. We know you and this resilient community are doing all you can to rally—yet in many cases, it is simply impossible to meet the financial needs required to stay open and active. We are in this together, as teachers and schools work through today's unique challenges.
One way Yoga Alliance is working to support you and the community is by advocating for financial relief on Capital Hill. As we approach the eighth month of living with COVID-19 impacts, Congress continues to negotiate the next version of the CARES Act, the first of which expired in July. The passage of this legislation will help provide vital, additional pandemic financial assistance to small businesses and sole proprietors.
Now is not the time to let up, as we anticipate that a relief bill will soon be passed. Last Friday, Yoga Alliance President and CEO Shannon Roche sent a letter to the bipartisan Congressional leadership, urging them to renew COVID-19 relief for unemployed individuals and struggling small businesses. We encourage you to let our elected officials know that these funds are vital for those who need them. To do so, we created an easy way for you to send emails to Congress using our automated Congressional appeal.
Sharing your personal story with your local representatives is one of the most effective ways to advance this necessary legislation. If you have already sent an email, please send another. No effort is too small in making our collective voices heard.
Contact Congress Now
Beyond advocacy, we have implemented many other measures to help yoga teachers and schools adapt to today’s “new normal.” Here are some resources that we hope are of some assistance to you on YourYA.org, our COVID-19 resource site:
- Business documents and forms, such as sample waivers, online learning best practices, cleaning supply lists, and printable signage;
- Guidance on reducing risk for yoga teachers, staff, volunteers, and students;
- A digital events calendar including Continuing Education workshops, Community Sanghas, and Member Connection programming to further your knowledge, practice, and connectedness;
New Member Perks; and
- Detail on important pandemic-related membership updates, including the online learning exemption, which was recently extended through 2021.
Our community is tens of thousands strong. Together, we can weather this crisis. If you have any questions, suggestions, or need additional guidance, please email yaadvocacy@yogaalliance.org. Thank you for your continued efforts to provide high quality, safe, accessible, and equitable yoga, now and always.
Your Yoga Alliance