Social Justice Initiatives + Community Outreach

We at The Shala recognize that white privilege and white supremacy have shaped the contemporary field of Yoga, and that there is a significant lack of representation across the global Yoga community and within our own local Yoga community. 

We believe all people who wish to access the teachings and benefits of Yoga should be able to do so without fear of exclusion, alienation, or rejection, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religion, or culture.

We practice Yoga to develop awareness and make the unconscious conscious. The processes inherent to social change and social justice require personal transformation in service of the collective; we cannot participate in ensuring justice and dignity for all without examining our own conditioned biases and assumptions. 

With intention and discipline, we are committed to holding ourselves and one another accountable, and to the work of fostering a safe, responsive culture of growth and learning. This is a long and challenging journey, but we endeavor to do this together as a community. We welcome your feedback and ideas as we navigate and course-correct.

 

action items: how we are addressing systemic inequities

  • Community outreach
  • Fundraising for BIPOC scholarships
  • BIPOC scholarships for teacher trainees, mentorships, Buddhist Studies
  • Professional development for our teaching staff with an emphasis on race, racism, white supremacy, and cultural appropriation in the field of Yoga 
  • Interactive workshops focused on justice and privilege
  • Engaging in ongoing conversations regarding studio policies and teaching practices with staff and teachers
  • Developing a Diversity Working Committee and an Accountability Process/Ethics Committee 
  • Examining exclusionary language, images, and other messaging in our studios and on our promotional materials, website, and social media accounts
  • Partnering with organizations dedicated to human rights, all forms of justice, and reparations

racial justice education

in our last two 200/300-hour teacher trainings, kate johnson has provided her services as a social change and racial justice educator. working from her background in contemplative practice, kate has helped shala teachers, teacher trainees, and students think critically about power and privilege, cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, and how to make the worlds of yoga and meditation more equitable and inclusive.

fundraising

Donate to our Racial Justice Initiative and help ensure access for more students. These are long-term projects which will require consistent effort, assessment, and reflection. Your direct support is welcomed! Any amount is appreciated. 

One Love Community Fridge

Barbara and Kristin are proud volunteers for One Love Community Fridge. One Love works to eradicate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition by servicing community fridges across Brooklyn and Manhattan, providing access to free, fresh, nutritious food. The 501(c)3 nonprofit partners with farmers, community gardens, and others who share in its values to work toward a more sustainable and equitable world.  “I’m a firm believer that small, consistent actions can lead to big changes,” Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, founder of One Love
 
 

Election Series: Meditation + Action

Election Series: Meditation & Acton
With Ai-jen Poo, George Goehl, Sharon Salzberg, & Kate Johnson
Hosted by Barbara Verrochi & Kristin Leigh of The Shala Yoga

A three part series that combines meditation, Buddhist philosophy and action. Each session will explore how to remain steady, empowered and action-oriented throughout the upcoming election and beyond.

Videos

August 25, 2024: Grounding in Our Agency: Ai-jen Poo, George

Meditation and reflections on staying connected to our own sense of agency and our collective agency to shape the future, how we can help turn the tide on the widespread feeling of powerlessness of this time. 

September 15, 2024:  Holding Many Truths 

Meditation and reflections on how we hold the complexity and the many truths of this time at once, moving from the usual binaries – good/bad, right/wrong – to what’s the next best step to have a positive impact in the world. 

October 6, 2024:  Practicing Hope

Meditation and reflections on channeling (and spreading) hope in times of anxiety, chaos and despair, exploring where we find hope, how we stay hopeful, and how we inspire hope in others.

 

Free Yoga in Fort Greene Park

The Shala Yoga has partnered with Fort Greene Park Conservatory since 2019 offering free yoga on Saturdays from 11:00 to 12:00pm.