INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to purpose-driven organizations and passionate leaders and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Sara Downey Robinson is the Founder / President of Rise Up Yoga Inc. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and learn more at www.rise-up-yoga.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Rise Up Yoga supports under served communities in the Denver-metro area by bringing trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to low-income schools. We do this through combining STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) with our specific sense-based mindfulness curriculum. Our program supports scholars in learning and makes the benefits of yoga applicable in life and academia. Additionally, we provide free yoga to other populations that can benefit.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
We want to provide the scientifically-proven benefits of mindfulness, meditation and yoga to populations who would not receive it otherwise.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We are expanding to our second school this year to serve up to 800 scholars. We’ve introduced alternative narratives into our program to help kids see themselves represented in different ways. Additionally, we’re making math and science fun in a different way, by infusing yoga into it. In our populations outside of the school we are greeted with gratitude that shows us immediately what our impact is.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
My son and husband are my driving forces. My husband is the best human being I’ve ever met and continues to support me in all I do. Furthermore, I want my son to see a role model that makes a difference in the world without disrupting communities, but instead working within cultural parameters to serve. Between the two of them I have plenty of reasons to keep going every single day.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
I want the organization to long outlive me. I want the benefits of yoga and mindfulness accessible to anyone despite their circumstances. I want to help create a more peaceful and compassionate world one simple breath at a time.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We need long-term supporters to make our ultimate vision a reality. More teachers need to be trained in our specific curriculum and to our standards. We need sustainable solutions to funding our operational costs so we can grow and expand and ensure years of service.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
The biggest challenge has been fundraising. We are so lucky to have schools ready and willing to have the program in their buildings, but finding the funds to execute these projects has been a real struggle.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
If you believe in what you are doing, do not give up. It is hard. As in HARD. But also so very worth it. We’ve found clever ways to make something out of nearly nothing and that is the sort of grit and determination you’ll need. But again, it is completely worth the work.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
You can donate on our website at rise-up-yoga.com.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations serves those who serve others. We help purpose-driven companies and nonprofits tell their stories and get the attention they deserve for the impact they make by securing press coverage, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership opportunities.