This Work is Never Done
The following letter is written by members of JAG Productions here in WRJ. I thought it important to share the thoughts of local community members around the issue of how we can best support anti-racism in the upper valley. You can read the original letter at the link below, posted on JAG's website.
A Statement in Response to the Murder of George Floyd
The murder of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery —and countless others—is part of a long history of anti-black state-sanctioned violence in the United States. This violence is woven into the fabric of our nation through structural attacks on Black, Indigenous, POC and LGBTQ members of our society. We must actively work to end it.
We support and stand with the courageous community of Black artists, staff, supporters, audiences and students who have made JAG a space where people gather to better understand our world and bear witness to a new vision. JAG Productions was founded to tell the powerful, beautiful and important stories of Black lives in this country. We support and stand with the protesters demanding justice. We condemn those who overlook the systemic anti-black violence, and are quick to dismiss anger as a response to democide.
We invite all people and institutions in Vermont and the Upper Valley to commit to antiracism by taking the following steps:
Stand in solidarity with Black people and communities of color.
Listen to what is needed, and take action to address injustice.
Question the histories, practices, and patterns that reinforce institutionalized oppression and inequity.
Commit to creating space that actively combats racism, bigotry, and violence.
Examine and acknowledge missteps in doing this work, accepting this is a lifelong process. Hold ourselves to a standard that accepts this work is never done.
Share resources to amplify the voices of Black and POC artists, activists and organizations already fighting for justice.
Call on white people in our communities to acknowledge the way they benefit from white supremacy in all its forms.
Call on our elected officials to address violence perpetrated against Black bodies and communities of color.
In addition to the George Floyd Memorial, Minneapolis Community Bail Fund, Minnesota Freedom Fund and other national organizations doing this tremendous work, we encourage you to materially support our local anti-racist organizations by donating to:
Black Lives Matter of Greater Burlington
Black lives matter. Black stories matter. Black voices matter. Black art matters. To those already doing this work, we thank you for leading the way. We send comfort to those in our community who are experiencing this trauma personally.
We will not stay silent.
If you share this letter, please attribute the source: www.jagproductionsvt.com
A Note of Thanks, to all of you.
I've not had much time to take stock and catch my breath since pivoting to an online platform. But I'd like to do just that in order to say
THANK YOU!!!
...for showing up, for coming to class, for the ongoing support and love. Though I don't know when we will re-open again to in-person teaching, I have paid and will continue to pay rent on the wrj space, though it's a month to month nailbiter at times. Your support of Upper Valley Yoga—and other local businesses—is how you support the local economy and ensure that we will continue. Because you show up, we can continue to do the same. The other teachers and I are working really hard to ensure that we continue to provide high quality teaching in the virtual realm, until the time we can meet regularly again in person.
Love,
Leslie
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WHAT'S NEW
Our New Look
New logo, new website... Let us know what you think!
Video on Demand
Unlimited Pass Holders with auto-renew membership now have access to video on demand. Dozens of high resolution classes (video and audio) are available through the UVY vimeo channel; everything from gentle hatha to challenging flow classes, hatha classes for every level, SATYA, short practices and more. Access through Yoga Now on the website. Members: didn't get the password that was emailed out? Get in touch and we'll let you know. Password changes each month.
Thursdays
Thursdays have shifted to summer mode: Leslie's pm flow class runs 5–6 pm, and the SATYA class is 6:15–7 pm. Pam teaches yin class on Thursday evenings, 5:30–6:45 pm
POP UP YOGA!
See below for more info. We are taking this week by week; please join us—weather permitting—for in person, outside yoga with Katie, this Sunday, 5 pm. See events listing below for more info. You have to sign up to learn the location (super stealthy!). In this way we can ensure social distancing protocol and all of our safety.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Small business owner? Independent contractor?
Still waiting for unemployment to kick in?
We feel you; we've got you and encourage you to utilize these options to tap into your yoga practice for much needed de-stressing:
Karma Fund for free classes if you need, for as long as the funds hold out.
Get in touch.
Community Kindness pass lets you drop into any livestream class for only $10. This pass will remain available through June.
