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Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression Action Plan

Dear Modo Yoga Bloor West Community,

At MYBW, we passionately recognize that black, indigenous, people of colour, LGBTTQQIAAP+ and Trans Lives Matter, and that systemic white supremacy must be dismantled. We acknowledge that BIPOC in Canada and around the world have been subjected to hundreds of years of ingrained racism and oppression. While we continue to work to become an actively anti-racist space, we feel it is important to be clear about where we stand on this matter. Silence on these issues cannot be tolerated, nor can well-meaning statements without an action plan.

Humbly, we are learning on a deeper level that it is not effective enough to be anti-racist in thought—we must more be anti-racist in our actions. Although we acknowledge it is impossible to ‘not be racist’ (as racist attitudes are indoctrinated into all of us from birth whether we’re aware of them or not), we are committed to lifelong learning and unlearning, deep humility, and sustained action. We acknowledge that the broader yoga community is dominated by whiteness and white supremacy, making these environments subject to racial biases. We commit to breaking down those biases by being even more proactive in educating and diversifying our community and staff.

We aim to have a plan finalized with actions to:

– Make our studio a place where BIPOC feel even more welcome and valued.

– Continue to maintain financially accessible classes to all people, including BIPOC (as no one is turned away from our studio due to finances, nor ever has been)

– Provide our students and staff with ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression education (both in talks, workshops, and our Lending Library literature)

– Further amplification of BIPOC voices through our social media and community partnerships

– Continue to direct our Karma events and fundraising to organizations run by and for Black & Indigenous communities, and collaborate with them to make help yoga more accessible to their communities. (See all our Karma Partners + Partnerships page)

– Be a safe space for allies to come and learn

This is a living project that will grow and evolve with us. Please check here for future updates. Love, Don, Meg, and the entire MYBW Family. 

 

 

HEALING FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: SPECIAL CLASSES COMING SOON…

We at MYBW have always understood the importance of yoga in one’s healing journey. We also understand that everyone walks through life differently, and experiences triumphs and traumas uniquely. We have begun working with members of our community to host-specific, intimate classes for vulnerable and marginalized people. Join us in a safe space to heal and grow alongside individuals with shared experiences. More than a yoga studio, MYBW has always been a place for personal transformation first. Every person entering the space will; in one way or another, contribute to social and societal change that benefits us all. The COVID shutdown has further determined the importance of MYBW within our broader community. The emboldening global shift to fight racism has urged MYBW to dive deeper into our role of inspiring personal and collective growth. Our space is intended to bring more diversification while supporting marginalized groups in our community. MYBW’s Mission Statement relates to the unearthing of deeper value in every person’s life, and these classes are meant to further that mission. We offer them with the intention of connection and your feedback around how we might create more of this, is always welcomed.

HEALING FOR BIPOC 

A class by, for, and led by BIPOC. This class is presented with the intention to provide a safe space to bond over collective trauma and come together to heal. We understand that the current climate can become overwhelming, frustrating and isolating as a minority. We will channel all of those feelings and process them together to foster unity, strength and optimism. Come as you are, for BIPOC individuals specifically. 

HEALING FOR LGBTQ2S+

A welcoming class for all members of the LGBTTQQIAAP+ community. Join us for a unique class celebrating and encouraging being unapologetically you. This class will be hosted by a member of the community. The studio will be open before and after the class exclusively to folks in the LGBTTQQIAAP+ community for a truly safe experience. 

The cultural, societal, and spiritual costs that continue to be paid by Indigenous Peoples is a pain that, in some way we all carry upon this land. In the spirit of acknowledgment and healing for these losses, Indigenous peoples practice for free at Modo Yoga Bloor West, no questions asked. We wish to express recognition, respect and seek restoration with the original stewards of the land upon which we live and practice our yoga, specifically the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy aka the Six Nations of the Grand Confederacy, the traditional territory of the Wendat and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Want to redeem? Drop by the studio to redeem if you wish to make yoga a regular part of your life.
1. Create an account.
2. Come into the studio 20-30 minutes before class begins and we will grant your pass in person. Those who benefit from this offering are welcome to make a donation to our karma cause of the month if you feel moved to do so. 

 

RESOURCES

WHAT WE’RE READING / RECOMMENDING:

 

BIPOC EDUCATORS + ORGANIZATIONS TO FOLLOW (on Instagram)
  • @showingupforracialjustice
  • @iamrachelrickett (Spiritual Activism 101 webinar)
  • @rachel.cargle (Free 30-day course!)
  • @thegreatunlearn
  • @theloveandfoundation
  • @blklivesmatter
  • @naacp
  • @decolonizingtherapy
  • @ckyourprivilege
  • @ohhappydani
  • @officialmillenialblack
  • @blackandembodied
  • @blackvisionscollective
  • @nowhitesaviours
  • @thebodyisnotanapology