Why offer yoga and mindfulness in prisons and jails? What do you need to know to do that most effectively? How can you get involved?

This training answers these questions by diving deep into Prison Yoga Project’s mission, philosophy, and methodology. You'll gain perspective on the history and current state of our criminal justice system, and appreciate why it’s critical that we take a different approach to justice. You’ll learn how yoga and mindfulness contribute to Restorative Justice and effective rehabilitation.

You'll receive an introduction to Prison Yoga Project’s unique approach to trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga. This approach is specifically tailored to maximize the healing benefits for symptoms of trauma and other common mental health issues affecting incarcerated people. You'll explore the pathways and practical considerations for offering these practices in the unique socio-cultural environment of incarceration, including interfacing with staff and prisoners.

Anyone interested in creating a more humane and effective criminal justice system should take this training: therapists, social workers, lawyers, correctional officers, administrators, and, especially, yoga teachers who are ready to take their practice into the realm of service.

This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with Yoga Alliance for RYTs.