State closures and social distancing have forced many organizations to unexpectedly pivot and scramble to stay relevant and afloat. Local businesses, nonprofits, artists and independent contractors have lost work and COVID-19 has led to unpredictability, closures and fear. Yoga 4 Change has collaborated with multiple individuals and businesses in an effort to close the gap of uncertainty by encouraging community and teamwork. Examples of this include providing financial compensation to yoga teachers for YouTube content, partnership fundraisers with local businesses and collaborative social media sales with artists to positively impact the community as a whole, increase individual morale and help sustain employment.
Founded in Jacksonville, FL in 2014, Yoga 4 Change (Y4C) has expanded to three regions; South Florida, Tampa Bay and Central Florida (Orlando). In the past, Y4C has collaborated with local businesses to build awareness, community and create mutually beneficial relationships. This collaborative model has recently translated across the state. On May 5th, Y4C partnered with Burrito Gallery and Tatts & Tacos to bring a virtual yoga class and contactless dinner delivery service to Jacksonville and South Florida. “Our partnership [with Yoga 4 Change] has been fun and innovative. They continually look for unique ways to help us grow our business while continuing to spread their awesome message. Our most recent in-store promotion contributed tremendously to the re-opening of our restaurants and the ‘celebration’ of Cinco de Mayo,” says Martin Bekkedal, Vice President of Operations at Burrito Gallery.
For the months of March and April, Y4C partnered with long standing collaborator Southern Roots Filling Station (SRFS). The partnership contributed to the sale of 500 ‘Blisscuits’. “It’s been a pleasure to work with some of the most passionate individuals in the city and across the state,” says Yoga 4 Change Director of Development, Breanna Tivvis, “Our main focus has always been to create lifelong partnerships that are mutually beneficial and uplifting.” After acquiring funding from a donor in early April, Yoga 4 Change offered the opportunity for 60 Y4C teachers and 40 non-Y4C teachers to submit yoga videos for YouTube content. With all yoga studios and gyms in Florida being closed, Y4C was able to financially compensate teachers and/or studios for their talents.
During a time where the nation is adhering to social distancing, Yoga 4 Change expanded outside of partnering with restaurants and yoga teachers, and worked with artists to sell artwork and jewelry using social media as a platform. Thus far, Y4C has had two successful partnerships with artists resulting in sold out work and financial compensation for all parties involved. “The foundation of Yoga 4 Change was built on community” said Founder and Executive Director, Kathryn Thomas, “There was no question that when small businesses were financially impacted by COVID-19, Yoga 4 Change wanted to do everything we could to remain communal, transparent and driven to do our part to give back. These businesses, teachers, artists and studios have been supporters of us when we needed them, and by working together all of us feel the benefit in some way .”
If you are interested in partnership opportunities, please email Director of Development, Breanna Tivvis, at btivvis@y4c.org for more information. To learn more about Yoga 4 Change, visit www.y4c.org.
