Adaptive Yoga Assistant - Duluth, MN

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Help adults with physical or cognitive disabilities experience the benefits of yoga by practicing mind-body concepts and practical exercises. Volunteers help participants experience a variety of yoga poses by adapting the poses to the participant’s abilities.

All classes are taught by certified adaptive yoga instructors through True North Adaptive Yoga, a partnership with Courage Kenny Northland, Duluth YMCA, Miller Dwan Foundation, and the College of St. Scholastica. Each class also includes an intentional social/community focus to foster relationships and fun.

"The fact that if I am not able to do one limb, someone is there ready to help me with it! It is unbelievable!"- Adaptive Yoga participant

"I can only hope that my time and energy is as meaningful to the yoga students as their presence and spirit are to me." ~Adaptive Yoga volunteer

Responsibilities:

• Assist by providing gentle adjustments to participants to enhance their self-awareness and mind-body connection
• Assist with transferring participants to the floor as needed, training provided. Participants will be in a chair, on the floor or some combination of both
• Assist instructor with set-up, take-down, and use of yoga props such as blankets, blocks and belts to support different bodies and enhance the experience of the yoga postures

Qualifications:

• Basic experience and familiarity with yoga (preferred)
• Ability to be attentive, positive, and project a calm demeanor
• Must be 16 years of age or older
• COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine verification is required for all volunteers

Benefits:

• Gain experience working and communicating with adults with disabilities
• Feel good knowing you are helping people improve their physical and mental well-being through yoga practice and community
• Meet other volunteers and become a part of the yoga community

Time Commitment: one 6-8 week session (one class per week), plus new volunteer orientation/training if needed. Volunteers can volunteer for just one session, or year-round as works with their schedule.

Training: General CKRI online orientation (new volunteers only) and yoga-specific volunteer training before the first class. Annual Required Training for CKRI volunteers as assigned.

Locations/Days: offered year-round seasonally in four 6-8 week sessions

Winter 2023 Session Dates: January 30 - March 6

• Mondays, 10:30-12:00 am, Peace Church, 1111 N 11th Ave E
• Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 pm, Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center, Miller Hill Mall, Hermantown

Contact: Beth Jennings, Coordinator of Volunteers - Sports & Recreation, Courage Kenny Northland, 218-726-4834, Elizabeth.jennings@allina.com