YOGA TEACHERS

Even as we exceed 2.5 million Covid-19 deaths worldwide, the insidious spread of denial and disinformation continues in certain yoga and wellness circles, along with a cynical backlash that has mischaracterized our field of predominantly independent, local teachers as a hotbed for such harm.

We invite you to join us in this commitment to public health. Let’s reaffirm for our communities that the first priority of our practice is collective care.

As Teachers of Yoga:

-We affirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community.

-With deference to local public health guidelines and scientific consensus around airborne transmission, we pledge to put people before profits in exercising the utmost caution and care around timelines and best practices for teaching in person.

-We will engage in ongoing transparency regarding risks, expectations, and protocols for those who may choose to return to practice in person, while continuing to offer virtually accessible options to the best of our abilities, until vaccine distribution has been sufficient to provide herd immunity.

-We refrain from giving medical advice and, when asked, encourage students to consult with local public health officials and their doctors regarding the vaccine.

-We reject QAnon and all sources of Covid disinformation.

-We hold gratitude for all health care and essential workers for the risks and sacrifices they endure to remain in service to our communities.

-We grieve with those who continue to face profound loss during this crisis, and commit to do all we can to prevent further suffering and loss of loved ones.

-We pledge to do all we can to survive this pandemic, together.

Please sign and share. Thank you for adding your voice!

(Please note: Unfortunately, we are missing many signatures from folks who intended to sign. It appears that a significant number of signatures were removed from the petition. Change. org let us know that signatures will be removed if someone doesn't confirm their email address after signing, or if the email address contains a generic word like admin or info before the @. Thank you for taking the time to confirm after signing!)