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Flow and Grow Kids Yoga -- Committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Creating a Kinder World

by Lara Hocheiser June 16, 2020 2 min read

By Lara Hocheiser, Flow and Grow Kids Yoga Founder and Director, and Kathryn Boland, Flow and Grow Kids Yoga Social Media Manager and Content Contributor

Our core values are representation, inclusion, and diversity. Have you ever noticed the racial diversity we intentionally depict in our illustrations? We want all children to see themselves in our work. We get lots of love and appreciation for these illustrations. It is one of the ways we support inclusion, self-love for all children, and loving kindness for all.

Representation and inclusion goes far beyond our imagery; we "walk the walk", so to speak. We offer our classes, trainings, and professional development initiatives in a variety of settings: private and independent schools, public schools, daycares and preschools, colleges, and more. We are intentional and precise about where we place our professional instructors, working to find the best match of community and instructor.

Considering economic aspects of these complex issues, we act in a spirit of generosity; we offer various payment options for our trainings and other programs -- including flexible payment plans, work-study, assistance with obtaining grants, and occasional scholarships. No one is turned away because of financial reasons.

Our community is also diverse, racially and in many other ways. We are athletes, dancers, traditional yogis, activists, students, early childhood specialists, educators, parents, and more -- young and older, Black and white, male and female, from around the US. We collaborate closely, in the strong belief that a diversity of perspectives makes our work stronger and more effective.

Sirad Abdilahi, Flow and Grow Kids Yoga Content Editor, is heavily involved in activism and art for social justice in the Boston area. Lara Hocheiser, our Founder and Director, attended an online poetry reading and communal gathering for racial justice and healing, wherein Ms. Abdilahi read a passionate, nuanced poem. We stand together in this work of creating a more peaceful, more compassionate world -- class by class, student by student, training by training.

We stand with hurting populations who have suffered from racial violence, racial injustice, and police brutality. We are on the front lines of education -- helping students, administrators, and educators embrace the yoga philosophy (non-violence, non-stealing, truthfulness, and non-attachment). We teach children, parents, caregivers, and educators how to put a pause between impulse and action. How can we stop violence? We must learn to pause and look inward.

At the same time, we know that we have room to grow. We want to learn and do better -- for children, those who care for them, teachers who take our trainings, and the larger communities we touch. What more would you like to see from us? We are listening. Email lara@flowandgrowkidsyoga.com with any feedback. We receive what you have to say with humility and gratitude. Than you for being committed to the journey of this work with us.