My Nonprofit Reviews
kyczy
Review for The Art of Yoga Project, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Most of the girls really appreciated our work with them. The breath work, the meditation, the circle discussions of readings from recovery meditation books, and the yoga nidra - guided relaxation seemed to benefit the girls and I quite enjoyed it. The training and preparation of volunteers was quite sketchy in the beginning.. there is opportunity to make community with the volunteers by giving written or oral guidance for the process of getting security clearance, how and when to meet, how to prepare the room and getting a list of rules for the detention center (no newspapers, cameras, candles / lighters etc.) I always feels bad to make mistake. The connection with the girls who wanted what we were bringing was invigorating and gratifying. I am always grateful for where I have come and am glad to share how I got here.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
none
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Again- the volunteer coordination, advisement and reinforcement could have been better. Many of us have so little time and know what and how in a clear concise manner really helps. The girls respond well to organized presentations. Finally we grooved.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the faces on the girls when they felt they had accomplished - a pose, a breath practice, complete relaxation.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind. The volunteers I worked with were awesome.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
bring consistent classes ( at least bi weekly ) with artists and authors, who could also be paid, and then publish the works of each 6 month class. But the girls have to WORK for it, with participation and good behaviour - no "gimmees"
Ways to make it better...
the practice had stayed in YOGA and not so much in gymnastics. I would really have loved to continue the Yamas and Niyamas into the yoga day - bringing the concepts into the physical practice and the meditation.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The limited space at the facilities and the lack of consistency. We had a VERY SUCCESSFUL period where one of the counselors joined the practice (giving it value) since then the counselors have not joined and even talk during class.
One thing I'd also say is that...
We need yoga for adults in recovery as well. This population, by necessity due to its age, will remember this experience, but may need to suffer MORE before they can RECOVER. We need to follow up with programs in jails and other centers.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
