Returning Peace Corps Volunteers Helped To Chart A New Course

About Mark

Job Title: Founder, Donate Yoga
Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA
Website: https://DonateYoga.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donateyoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonateYoga/

Mark Gregory is an RYT 500/E-RYT 200, IMBA, RPCV, certified Health Coach, and was recently accepted into Naropa University’s Master in Religious Studies Concentration in Yoga Studies program.

His organization, Donate Yoga, is tasked with making yoga and wellness accessible to every body, regardless of finances, location, or ability. It connects community groups desiring access to yoga with Donate Yoga ambassadors who love to share yoga with those in need.

To fund these projects, the organization also hosts 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification programs.

What Are The Key Elements of Planning Successful Retreats?

Timeline planning • Selecting your venue • Itinerary & program design • Sustainability considerations • Marketing • Financials & profitability • Legal forms & liabilities • Insurance

How Has COVID-19 Impacted Your Business?

We had to cancel our in-person yoga teacher training running from May to August 2020. This has greatly affected our revenue stream. Additionally, we are finding less people able to donate to our cause. As a result, we’ve moved our programs online.

In What Ways Has This Changed Your Perspective?

Even in light of the financial challenges we face due to COVID-19, we decided to offer 17 full scholarships to evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers. We wanted to give back to these brave souls who were on the ground helping impoverished communities around the world and suddenly found themselves being sent home, direct into quarantine. Our group is wonderful and diverse, and we are learning and growing everyday together!

What’s Your Current Business Outlook?

Our new online yoga teacher training has widened our network, bringing many people together from across the country.

Several of my yoga teacher friends are teaching portions of the training remotely to our students. By offering this free YTT we are supporting our goal to share yoga and spread peace. Our students are very motivated to share yoga with communities in need ASAP!

We feel the operational shifts we’ve made will allow us to continue our mission of making yoga and wellness accessible to all.