Jan 24

Jan 24 The RISE Yoga For Youth 2017 Yogathon: 108 Sun Salutations To Bring Yoga And Wellness Education To Under-Served Teens In The Bay Area

PRESS RELEASE FROM RISE YOGA FOR YOUTH

On Saturday, March 18th, 2017 San Francisco Bay Area residents will gather for the fourth annual RISE Yogathon event, organized by RISE Yoga for Youth - a nonprofit that brings Yoga and Wellness Education to under-served teens across the Bay Area. The event will be held at Mission High School in San Francisco, where RISE started its first pilot program in 2012 by serving a group of 20 high school students. Since then, the organization has grown to 14 sites, bringing yoga and wellness programming to over 1,200 students ages 12 – 19.

Teens have been identified as one of the most stressed populations in the US (American Psychological Association, 2013). One in five adolescents living in the United States shows signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). As adolescent anxiety levels and suicides rates reach an all-time high, schools are turning to yoga and mindfulness as a way to provide additional support for students.

The RISE mission is to empower adolescents to be agents of change in the world. Through the physical practice of yoga, wellness education and community building activities, students develop inner resources to respond to challenges in constructive ways. Students who participated in the RISE yoga and wellness program report increased attendance and retention rates, improved academic achievement, and greater success in managing stress (RISE Student Surveys). The RISE curriculum incorporates physical exercise, breath work, discussions and group activities that foster social and emotional learning. Stress management techniques and mindfulness exercises are an integral part of each class. Through RISE Yoga for Youth students learn self-development and self-care skills that help them lead healthier, happier, and more resilient lives.

At the Yogathon well-respected local yoga teachers such as Darren Main, Leila Swenson, Marina Guastucci, Astrud Castillo, Adesina Cash, Brenna Geehan, Martin Scott, and Danni Pomplun will lead attendees in 108 Sun Salutations. There will be live music by Amber Field. In addition to yoga, the event features a silent auction, raffle prizes and snacks. Participants can support the cause by setting up a fundraising page. Proceeds from the event will fund current and new RISE programs in lower-income schools across the Bay Area.