So I’ve recently decided to actually apply for the RYT (registered mark) — so that I’m super official. I did some research and found that Yoga Alliance seems to be the only nationally recognized registrar for instructors and schools.
And yet, (understanding they’re non-profit), the organization has proved to be unhelpful and unprofessional. I’ve tried to follow up on my application — by calling (no one answers), by e-mailing (no one responds), and even asking others (no one I’ve found has had a good experience).
So what’s the deal? Not only have I failed to get a human being on the phone for the past 2 weeks, but even when I try and leave a voicemail the mailbox is “full.” To top it off – I had to fax in my application – they should have integrated paypal into their site ages ago!
Their board of directors literally says “we’re here to serve you” — so, hello, is anyone out there?
It is clear the Yoga Alliance is going through major changes. When asked about problems there and charges of racism and discrimination by John Matthews the new President and CEO and Lynn Bushnell President of the board on there face book page, they deleted it the page. When Brian Castellani of Yoganomics® asked Lynn Bushnell about charges of corrupt practices she did not respond. The Yoga Alliance was asked about what should be public records based on the fact they are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. How do we know that Yoga Alliance registration is valid do they do due diligence? Inside the company via email it was reported to management and the board that a third of it’s members do not comply with Yoga Alliance standards after initial registration by keeping up with continuing education the staff that reported it was fired and trump up charges were made up about some of them. If the purpose it to assure the public that registered teachers continue to keep current why do they register teachers who do not comply. The practices at the Yoga Alliance office have what should be confidential information such as credit card information and checking account information unprotected around the office and puts registrants in jeopardy of identity theft. The new staff does not validate that the registrants have been certified by checking teacher certificates against school certificates as was the practice by the former Yoga Alliance staff. Is it time for a registering organization that uphold the principles of yoga in all that they do?
Eliza,
I could not agree with you more. We have had to follow-up on our RYT, E-RYT and RYS applications numerous times. They are unprofessional and scattered but have no problem with taking your money as soon as it hits their mailbox. It is frustrating as we rely on them to process our paperwork so we can serve students, clients and teacher trainees. Yes, we exercise our yoga patience but when you get NOTHING of a response it is very challenging. We’re with ya!
Kelli
Just wondering how this ended up. I had good responses from them in the past (5-6 years ago) and today when I called I found them quite friendly and helpful.
Matt
Hi Matt — They were completely unhelpful and unresponsive but in the end I did get a registry card and listing on the site – however, I still wonder whether they’re justified in charging such a high fee for very little service.
It seems as if they are getting their act together a bit with better email communication and a faster response. We finally got our RYS but I still have concerns with the amount of teachers they certify as we have had several teachers substitute at our studio and after the teaching of one class I would never invite them back as they did not have the skills nor technical knowledge to be a good instructor according to our studio’s standards. It is issues like that that cause me great concern about their standards and oversight of the field.
It’s like a major federation of yoga master, teacher, mentors all over the world. it’s like a recognition if you pass the RYG.
Kelli I totally agree! I have worked with teachers in various studios and first hand know of their yoga education (or lack their of) and am surprised to find their yoga alliance status. It is this lack of standard and oversight that has kept me from applying with them even after my numerous trainings because I do not find them to be credible or professional.