Yoga Freedom Project
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The Yoga Freedom Project is a January 2012 initiative to raise awareness and funding to put an end to sex trafficking! Off The Mat NYC is partnering up with the Somaly Mam Foundation to create a global yoga movement in January 2012 to raise awareness and funding to help bring an end to sex trafficking. CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPCOMING YOGA FREEDOM PROJECT EVENTS. The Yoga Freedom Project was created by individuals from the yoga community who learned about Somaly’s work, joined the PROJECT FUTURES global team of volunteers, and created a project that could generate support through their own talents and interests. This month-long initiative will culminate in a workshop and celebration in New York City. January 2012, Yogis, teachers and studios worldwide will unite their voices as one voice, binding the global yoga community in solidarity and taking action against modern-day slavery in the first annual Yoga Freedom Project. We are looking for leaders, wherever you live, to: - organize events and classes in your area, - join the fundraising campaign, and - be a voice for the victims and survivors and an advocate for a world free from slavery. During this month, raise awareness about this critical issue and funds for the SMF by sharing stories of survivors, statistical information and facts about the work that is being done in Southeast Asia to combat trafficking. You will have the opportunity to offer knowledge and powerful stories that can change mentalities, inspire action, and shape the future. By collecting donations, you will help SMF to continue their life-giving work in Southeast Asia and throughout the globe. The movement will culminate with an event on January 31st: Yoga For Freedom, a workshop and celebration with the following superstar yoga teachers: Alan Finger | Elena Brower | Dana Flynn | Dharma Mittra | Cyndi Lee | Tricia Donegan | Jodie Rufty | Sierra Bender | Suzanne Sterling Tickets available NOW at: yfp2011.eventbrite.com Join the YFP Mailing List here. Together, we can create a world that we are proud to call our home.
Six ways your studio can get involved with Yoga Freedom Project in January 2012: 1. CREATE AN INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING PAGE “Join the team” on Crowdrise: click here for the Yoga Freedom Project team. 2. HOST DONATION-BASED CLASSES This could be an ongoing class or a one-time event. Create an online donation page, or write a check to The Somaly Mam Foundation attn: Yoga Freedom Project PO Box 4569 New York, NY 10163 3. SELL BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY MADE BY SURVIVORS OF TRAFFICKING IN CAMBODIA. If you live in New York, you can email empowerment@somaly.org to place your order and pick it up locally. Items available from SMF’s Empowerment Store include gorgeous silk necklaces (below left) and the Akun "thank you" bracelets (below right).
You can sell these at your studio boutique with %100 of the proceeds going to the Somaly Mam Foundation, and toward the support of victim services, empowerment programs, and eradication of modern-day slavery. 4. SELL SOMALY MAM’S INSPIRING MEMOIR, ROAD OF LOST INNOCENCE. We also encourage readers to ‘Pass It On’ once they’ve read it, to raise awareness in their own networks of friends and family. Contact Off the Mat NYC for books, or order online. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Somaly Mam Foundation, and toward the support of victim services, empowerment programs, and eradication of modern-day slavery. We also encourage readers to Pass It On once they’ve read the story, raising awareness in their own networks of friends and family. Contact Off the Mat NYC for books. 5. SET UP A DONATION BOX at the yoga studio’s front desk for people to donate to SMF throughout the month. We can supply a box to you if you need one. At the end of the month you will submit a check or online payment for the amount you have collected. Contact Off the Mat NYC for more information. 6. HANG POSTERS ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN (available for download on the PROJECT FUTURES global website) in your studio, office, or community For all of these action items, email offthematnyc@gmail.com (subject: Yoga Freedom Project) to get started. Please let us know how you would like to participate in this month-long fundraiser or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and uniting with you for the important cause! Namaste, Heather Snyder Off the Mat Into the World NYC Regional Leader Yoga Freedom Project Coordinator |
