Philly Schools Do Yoga

Website

www.danahotyoga.com

How would you cultivate a deeper relationship with the community you’d like to serve?

Philly Schools Do Yoga (PSDY) empowers underserved youth to be agents of grassroots social change in their communities through self-discovery facilitated by yoga in schools. PSDY uses the mindful physical practice of yoga to encourage and facilitate physical health and peace in the classroom, on the playground, and in homes. Currently working with schools of West Philadelphia, PSDY instructors offer sessions that incorporate the physical practice of yoga, yoga-based games and songs, calm breathing techniques, and activities and discussions on ethical relationships and internal development, assisting children in achieving non-judgement, non-violence, improved social skills, self-esteem, stress management, strength, flexibility and breathing techniques (30% of target student population has asthma). With support from GOODmaker, PSDY will organize and facilitate a series of day-long yoga retreats for students and their families, of whom about 35% have cycled through homelessness.

How would you use the $1,000 to turn your idea into a reality?

With an investment from GOOD, PSDY will plan, market, and facilitate several yoga retreats for students, families, and faculty of partner schools in Phila. The retreats will include yoga practice, meditation, healthy fresh meals, yoga-based games, breathing activities, healthy living discussions, and separate forums for children and parents. Certified professionals—including adult yoga instructors, child yoga instructors and nutritional consultants—will be provided by Dana Hot Yoga. The goal of these retreats is for the children, parents, school faculty, and yoga instructors to use yoga as a tool to connect as a community while being empowered to personal practices of non-violence/non-bullying, nutrition, and overall health and wellness.

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