A Call For Local Chapters of IAYT Presented By: Victor Dubin ERYT 500

Evolution of an Idea  Inspired at 2008 SYTAR  Contacted John Kepner to Help with Using Online Database  Defining Local  Used Database to Find Local IAYT Members  Sent Out to Approx. 50  2 Yes, 2 No, 1 Maybe  No Show

Sample Letter Dear Colleague, You are invited to attend the first local chapter meeting of IAYT in our area! This is an opportunity for us to connect with each other as fellow IAYT members, discuss issues in Yoga Therapy and yoga research that are specific to our area, and develop a grassroots organization that will help to shape the future of IAYT and our profession. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others that you know who may be interested in this meeting. I got your information from the IAYT website data base of members. If you do not wish to be contacted about future events of this nature please let me know. Thanks. When: Saturday, August 9, 2008, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Where: Om Room School of Yoga, 300 Natural Bridges Drive, Santa Cruz, Hosted By: Victor Dubin ERYT500 and IAYT Member Contact: Looking forward to meeting you and moving forward together. Victor

Issues  Definitions of Local Vary  More Zips Than a Fly Factory  Cut And Paste to Each Individual  Group Tracking Difficult  In Order to Send Reminders, Need to Go Through Whole Process Again  No Shows

Using the IAYT Website Database to Locate Local Members  At click on “find” button  On search page enter zip Enter 5 digits for very specific or 3 or 4 digits for broader pool Click on “Search” button  If members listed on member list page click on “click here to send ”  If no members found go back and enter less zip digits  In “Send ” window cut and paste your pre- drafted letter, enter your contact info. and click “Submit” button

Solutions  Start a Small Informal Group First  Virtual May Be More Viable Than In Person (listserve)  Set a Meeting Schedule (Quarterly, Monthly, Whatever)  Can IAYT Website Be Set Up to Send a Confirmation to the Sender’s re: Which Member Was Contacted?  Publish Meetings On IAYT Website?  Publish Meetings in IAYT Newsletter?  Ask for RSVP Regardless of Interest to Generate a Personally Held Local Specific Database  Once Meetings Are Successful Get Support From National IAYT

How to Start a Local Chapter  Define Local  Find Colleagues Who Want to Help  Plan at Least 2 Dates Into the Future  Write A Brief Contact  Use IAYT Database to Find Local Members and Send  Track Responses  Send Reminders to Respondents  Plan Meeting  Publish Meeting Results on Your Website and Share With IAYT  Breathe

From Local to State  Connecting Local Groups  Addressing State Issues  Confronting Legal Issues  Lobbying

Breathe.