As an organization dedicated to sharing the tools of yoga and meditation with youth involved with or impacted by the carceral system in the Greater New Orleans area,
we aim to disrupt the cycle of incarceration that disproportionately impacts young Black men and women
We are committed to the ongoing anti-racist education of our team members, so that we as individuals, and we as an organization, can continue to examine and address the ways in which we, directly and indirectly, inflict harm.
Our youth yoga curriculum integrates yoga practices with evidence-based interventions to support youth in building resilience and in the management of traumatic experiences. Our curriculum aims to empower youth with accessible and effective tools to regulate their emotions and connect to their personal values and strengths.
Our curriculum is unique in significant ways. It was
built with student feedback
in design sessions and integrates evidence-based practices to aid with the development of healthy behavioral skills within the context of a yoga class. YEAH! YOGA programming
utilizes a trauma-informed lens centered on resilience.
Healing Focused Yoga is more inclusive and resists the tendency to overemphasize trauma. Yoga postures and breathing techniques are shared with mindfulness practices
informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). We support youth in managing traumatic experiences, including the trauma of incarceration as well as other adverse childhood experiences.
Support to develop this theory of change, to update our survey tool, and to develop our logo and brand generously provided by the Laureus New Orleans Sport For Good Coalition with ongoing programmatic support from Laureus USA.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which oppressive systems are dismantled, where trauma, poverty, and Blackness are not criminalized, and in which all youth are empowered with resources and opportunities to realize their human potential regardless of their social location (including, but not limited to: race, socioeconomic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or involvement with the criminal legal system).
We envision youth that are empowered and self-actualized, that believe in their capacity to achieve their dreams and are supported in doing so. We envision youth leaders that have agency, are leaders in their communities, and are able to leave their unique mark on the world.
YOUTH SAFEGUARDING
YEAH! YOGA acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and youth and is committed to safeguarding practices that reflect statutory responsibilities, Federal and State government guidance and that comply with best practices and State of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services requirements. Click here to learn more about our Youth Safeguarding Policy or to report an incident.