Fundraiser started to fund yoga programs in Decorah schools

(Photo courtesy of Parker Deen)

A group of parents, educators and Decorah community members have launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise money to create yoga videos and posters for use in the Decorah Community School District.

The project is part of a larger effort to promote mental health among Decorah's youth, which is one of the goals of the DCSD Wellness Committee. "There are already several teachers who incorporate yoga or "brain breaks" in their classrooms," says Tabita Green, one of the sponsors of the project and a DCSD Wellness Committee member. "Our goal with this project is to make yoga accessible to more teachers and students in our community."

There are many physical and mental health benefits that come from incorporating yoga in the classroom, including flexibility, a calm mind, improved self-esteem, and increased focus. It is also a great way to help students relax before taking an important test or giving a presentation. "The teachers we have talked to are excited about the possibility of having these resources available," says Green. The yoga videos will be available online, so teachers throughout the region can use them.

The Indiegogo campaign is called "Yoga in the Classroom" and runs through Friday, October 23rd.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and interested community members are encouraged to learn more and contribute at http://igg.me/at/yoga-in-the-classroom.

"If we can raise the funds, we plan to deliver the yoga videos and posters to Decorah teachers and students in December," Green concludes. "Think of it as a mental health booster."