YIP - Events
Part of the benefit of having an Alliance between YIP Groups is we can easily come together for Events. These Events are usually setup on Facebook as Events with Invitations to Members. Several are for all of YIP Groups, some are at a Local Group level and some are Community focused but held by YIP Members with an open door to YIP friends! Here are some of the events in the past to provide ideas for new groups.
YIP - STATE & LOCAL GROUP ANNUAL KICKOFF PARTIES - Each year YIP-Oklahoma (and some Local Groups will have their own) has had a gathering to celebrate the beginning of a new Spring - Summer Season. This event included all of the groups and usually occurred Mid-April. This is not a "do yoga" event, but one that is family friendly with food, drink, entertainment, good music and usually fire pit discussions. We believe getting to know each other personally allows us to create a more supportive Yoga Community.
LOCAL GROUP MONTHLY POST-YOGA DINNER GATHERINGS - Some groups like to meet for dinner on a weekday night once a month after yoga. The gatherings give us all a chance to take a deep breath and relax with good friends and learn how each of us are doing. For example, this became a tradition in Norman where the group goes went for a Wednesday Burger Nght where the restaurant had both beef and vegetarian burger options!
LOCAL GROUP YIP-ROADTRIP DAYS - On some days a Local Group may cancel their regular session and have members go on a YIP-Roadtrip to a sister group. For example, YIP-Norman visited YIP-Moore in their first month and had brunch together at Himalayas Indian Buffet! Fun times were had by all with great company and tasty food.
LOCAL GROUP MONTHLY SATURDAY BRUNCH GATHERINGS - Some groups like to meet after yoga on Saturdays to have brunch together. A restaurant location with vegan options is usually chosen. The Norman Group rotates between The Earth and Old School Bagel Cafe, both of which are walking distance from Lion's Park where the group meets.
COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHTS - Some groups like to gather for Movie Nights where families can gather and watch a movie together. In the first year of YIP, YIP Founder Stephanie Starling invited Norman's group to meet with others in the community one day every month over Summer for Miyasaki Movies.
LOCAL GROUP ANNUAL PHOTO DAY - Some groups hold a Photo Day where one or more photographers volunteer their time to take photos of individual members upon request and of the group doing a yoga session where all participants are aware it is Photo Day and come with that expectation.
LOCAL GROUP VOLUNTEER GUEST INSTRUCTORS - Some groups treat having Guest Instructors as an Event and others do not as it is up to each group. In January 2015, we ended our "We don't teach yoga" rule by voting to start inviting guest instructors to Yoga in the Park. Each group sets their own rules, but for most groups the Guest Instructors do not have to be Alliance Certified. YIP wants a diversity of styles, so expect maybe even a session or two on subjects such as meditation. Event notices - if sent - should make it clear the style of yoga that will be taught.
YIP - STATE and LOCAL GROUP ANNUAL FALL CELEBRATIONS - The Fall Celebration gives us a chance to reflect on the warm season and the progress made. A slide show pictorial is shown for fun taking photos submitted as well as Photo Day ones to visually remember our journey together. Volunteers should be recognized for their awesome contributions of time and leadership they have provided. Good food, beverages, music and more hallmark the event.
