Board Member

Overview

Volunteering on the Yoga Alliance Board of Directors is a profound opportunity to shape the future of yoga through collective stewardship, integrity, and service. This role goes beyond traditional governance; it's a practice of presence, equity, inquiry, and bold leadership. Our boards are a collaborative team of thoughtful, mission-driven individuals who make wise decisions through healthy discourse and a deep commitment to shared yogic values.

Core Responsibilities

Uphold and evolve the mission, vision, and values of Yoga Alliance and Yoga Alliance Foundation

Provide strategic vision to maintain the relevance and sustainability of our work

Review, shape, and approve policies and programs, informed by Yoga Alliance’s six-year strategic plan

Approve the annual budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management.

Understand key financial documents and ensure adequate resources for the organization.

Annual participation in CEO performance survey

Provide guidance and counsel, while preserving boundaries between governance and management.

Represent and promote the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Cultivate relationships to strengthen advocacy, community-building and resource development as needed.

Expectations of Conduct

Abide by fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and accountability.

Compliance with state/federal laws, bylaws, and board policies

Disclose and actively manage conflicts of interest.

Practice graciousness, curiosity and trust in boardroom discourse.

Embrace healthy dissent to surface wisdom and strengthen decisions.

Acknowledge and mitigate personal and collective biases in decision-making.

Maintain confidentiality and only speak on behalf of the boards when authorized.

Use designated channels of communication and inquiry.

Prepare for meetings, review materials in the board portal, and participate fully.

Engage in organizational development and stay informed on relevant issues.

Board Members Pledge

To act with integrity, diligence, and care

To show up with curiosity, compassion, and respect

To speak honestly and support collective decisions once made

To govern with presence, purpose and unwavering commitment to Yoga

Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to Yoga Alliance’s mission, values and strategic direction

Prior board leadership experience, ideally in an officer role for a nonprofit of a comparable size

Financial literacy, including understanding budgets and statements

Passion for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging

Global knowledge and perspective

Expertise in advocacy and/or government relations (for the 501c6 board only)

Experience with large-scale technology platforms

Expertise in coalition or community building

Terms & Time Commitment

Length of Term: Three (3) years, renewable for a second term if in good standing

Start of Service: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028

Meetings: Attendance required at

Two (2) extended weekend board meetings per year (from Wednesday-Sunday)

One (1) standing committee meeting (monthly)

Engage: Board training, self-evaluation, and peer accountability

Support: Future recruitment, orientation, and mentorship of new directors

Time Commitment: Estimated 6-10 hours/month averaged with in-person board meetings, committee meetings, and material review between meetings

What Yoga Alliance provides to board members:

Robust onboarding, orientation and ongoing governance education

Transparent communication and access to relevant information

Timely delivery of meeting materials and financials

Directors and Officers insurance including indemnification

Reimbursement for reasonable board-related travel expenses to meetings

Respect for your time, knowledgeability, and individuality

Service opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

At Yoga Alliance, we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our collective wisdom and enhance our ability to serve the global yoga community. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.