YOGA POD TUCSON CODE OF CONDUCT

Updated August 4, 2024

YOGA POD TUCSON CODE OF CONDUCT TOPICS:

CODE OF CONDUCT PURPOSE STATEMENT
DEFINITIONS
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH/CONTINUING EDUCATION
YPT STAFF/GUEST RELATIONSHIPS
INTEGRITY
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
INTER-PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
YOGA EQUITY

YOGA POD TUCSON ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY TOPICS:

ANTI-HARASSMENT PURPOSE STATEMENT
DEFINITIONS
ANTI-HARASSMENT SITUATIONS ADDRESSED
HARASSMENT AGAINST INDIVIDUALS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
STAFF/GUEST ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
GUEST/GUEST CONFLICTS AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS
STALKING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT
VIOLATION OF ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES
ANTI-RETALIATION
GRIEVANCE PROCESS

YOGA POD TUCSON CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT PURPOSE STATEMENT Our Code of Conduct is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by our yoga teachers, staff, and community. Its primary goal is the welfare and protection of our students, teachers, staff, yoga community, and the public. It articulates the principled standards that our teachers, staff, students, potential students, teacher trainees, and the larger Yoga Pod Tucson community must follow. The Code of Conduct is intended to elevate the professionalism and integrity of Yoga Pod Tucson by adopting uniform standards for behavior yet recognizing the diversity of the many traditions of the teaching and practice of yoga.

DEFINITIONS

YPT: Yoga Pod Tucson
The Program: Any classes, events, trainings offered by YPT
YPT Staff: Teachers and all other staff members at YPT, including independent contractors
Guests: Students, potential students, teacher trainees, and the larger YPT community

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH/CONTINUING EDUCATION

YPT Staff shall maintain and improve their professional knowledge and competence, strive for professional excellence through regular assessment of their personal and professional strengths and weaknesses, and through continued education and training. YPT Staff shall stay current with new developments in yoga through practice and study.

YPT STAFF/GUEST RELATIONSHIPS

All YPT Staff and Guests shall maintain professional and respectful relationships with each other.

Recognizing that the teacher-student relationship involves a power imbalance, teachers shall avoid any relationship that exploits the student in any way, benefits the teacher personally, impairs professional judgment, or compromises the integrity of their teaching. The relationship between a yoga teacher and a student is based on trust. To establish and maintain that trust, teachers must be polite, considerate, and honest in their interactions with their students.

YPT Staff shall practice good communication with Guests. YPT Staff shall listen attentively to Guests, respect their point of view, beliefs and culture, and must not allow their beliefs and values to adversely influence their relationship with Guests. YPT Staff shall avoid imposing their personal beliefs on Guests. If a mutually consenting relationship begins to develop between YPT Staff and a Guest, the YPT Staff shall advise the YPT Executive Director.

Respectful Communication and Boundaries: All interactions within the Yoga Pod Tucson community must be conducted with mutual respect and professionalism. Disrespectful or abusive language and behavior, including harassment will not be tolerated. Guests must respect the boundaries set by YPT Staff. Requests that go beyond the scope of The Program, such as personal favors or logistical arrangements, shall not be directed to YPT Staff.

Commitment To Community Values: All YPT Staff and Guests shall align with the values and ethos of Yoga Pod Tucson. Relationships between YPT Staff and Guests should be based on mutual respect and integrity. Those who exhibit behavior inconsistent with our core values, such as respect, integrity, and inclusivity, may be asked to leave The Program.

Conflict Resolution: In the event of conflicts, YPT Staff and/or Guests shall resolve issues through respectful dialogue. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter should be escalated to the YPT Executive Director.

INTEGRITY

YPT Staff shall uphold the highest of moral standards. YPT Staff shall strive to ensure that their intentions, actions, and speech are based on honesty, compassion, selflessness, trustworthiness, and transparency. YPT Staff recognize that the process of learning is never complete, and they shall avoid portraying themselves as “enlightened” or “spiritually advanced.” YPT Staff shall cultivate an attitude of humility in their teaching and strive to serve Guests and the broader yoga community with integrity and compassion.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Our studio does not engage in the unauthorized practice of medicine. YPT Staff shall represent their qualifications honestly and provide only the services they are qualified and certified to perform. YPT Staff shall not give medical advice. YPT Staff shall not recommend treatment, diagnose a condition, or suggest that a Guest disregard medical advice. YPT Staff shall refer Guests to the Guest’s own professional care team.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Our studio maintains commercially reasonable policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality of all private information disclosed by YPT Staff and Guests. YPT Staff shall respect and protect the welfare of all Guests. YPT Staff shall keep all personal information disclosed by Guests strictly confidential.

Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Information: Yoga Pod Tucson is committed to protecting the privacy of YPT Staff and Guests. Sharing personal contact information, or attendance in The Program, without consent is strictly prohibited. This includes using the YPT community network for personal requests not related to The Program.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

YPT is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and productive environment for all YPT Staff and Guests in The Program. To maintain the highest standards of integrity and community welfare, we reserve the right to review the suitability of all YPT Staff and Guests in The Program. If at any point during consideration of or participation in The Program it is determined that YPT Staff or Guest behavior, attitude, or participation is inconsistent with the values and standards of YPT, or if the YPT Staff or Guest is deemed not to be a fit for The Program, YPT reserves the right to withdraw the YPT Staff or Guest from The Program. In such cases, YPT will provide the YPT Staff or Guest with an appropriate explanation and, if appropriate, offer guidance on alternative paths they may pursue. This decision will be made with careful consideration and in the best interest of both the individual and the community.

INTER-PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

YPT Staff are part of the health and well-being community and shall strive to develop and maintain relationships within the community for the benefit of Guests and their own professional development. YPT Staff shall conduct themselves in an honorable manner in their relations with their fellow yoga teachers and other wellness practitioners. YPT Staff shall work to build the unity of their community by embracing diversity, collaboration and commitment to the benefit of all. YPT Staff shall practice tolerance and acceptance toward other yoga teachers, schools and traditions. YPT Staff shall not openly criticize practices followed by other yoga schools or teachers. However, YPT Staff recognize that differences of opinion are to be expected, and they may be discussed in a sensitive and compassionate manner. If criticism must be made, it shall be done with fairness, discretion and with a focus on the facts.

ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

Our studio does not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements or advertisements concerning: (i) the training, experience, or competence of YPT Staff; (ii) the academic degrees or credentials of YPT Staff; (iii) our institutional or association affiliations; (iv) our services, including classes, workshops, and teacher trainings; (v) the scientific or clinical basis for or results or degree of success of, our services; (vi) our fees; (vii) unusual or unique abilities of YPT Staff involving sensationalism or exaggeration; or (viii) any intent to exploit a Guest’s fears, anxieties or emotions, or to create unjustified claims of results. YPT Staff shall accurately represent their professional qualifications and certifications along with their affiliations with any organization(s). Announcements and brochures promoting classes or workshops shall be clear, accurate, and thoughtfully presented. These principles are designed to uphold the quality of our teachings and shall follow legal guidelines for appropriate representation of our services.

YOGA EQUITY

Our studio does not discriminate against or refuse services to any individual, regardless of their membership in a protected class. YPT Staff shall welcome, accept, and support all Guests regardless of their membership in a protected class. YPT Staff shall emphasize the importance of learning, teaching, and practicing yoga honestly, which means promoting equity, reducing harm, honoring and leveraging cultural differences, and fostering diversity and inclusion in all areas of yoga while honoring the integrity of yoga’s cultural and historical roots.

YOGA POD TUCSON ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

ANTI-HARASSMENT PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of our Anti-Harassment Policy is to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. This policy aims to prevent and address any form of harassment, ensuring that everyone can participate in our programs and activities without fear of discrimination, intimidation, or harm. By clearly defining unacceptable behaviors and outlining the procedures for addressing grievances, we commit to maintaining a supportive atmosphere where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

DEFINITIONS

YPT: Yoga Pod Tucson
The Program: Any classes, events, trainings offered by YPT
YPT Staff: Teachers and all other staff members at YPT, including independent contractors
Guests: Students, potential students, teacher trainees, and the larger YPT community

Harassment is a legal term that means unwelcome verbal and non-verbal conduct directed against any individual, regardless of their membership in a protected class.
Sexual harassment is a legal term that means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written, or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Sexual misconduct is a non-legal term used informally to describe a broad range of behaviors which may or may not involve harassment.
Stalking is a legal term that involves a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, harassment, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. This can include physical stalking, as well as online stalking (cyberstalking).
Online Harassment is a non-legal term used informally to refer to the use of digital platforms, such as social media, email, text messages, or other online means, to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone.

ANTI-HARASSMENT SITUATIONS ADDRESSED

Harassment Against Individuals
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
Romantic Relationships
Guest Conflicts
Stalking and Online Harassment

HARASSMENT AGAINST INDIVIDUALS

We do not permit YPT Staff or Guests to harass any other person for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, written, and physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for any individual, regardless of their membership in a protected class such as age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other basis proscribed by law.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

We do not tolerate sexual harassment in our community. Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, written, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwanted and unnecessary physical contact; offensive remarks (including unwelcome comments about appearance); unsolicited and unwanted outreach; obscene jokes or other inappropriate use of sexually offensive language; the display in the studio of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and unwelcome sexual advances by YPT Staff or Guests. Non-physical gesture, behavior, unnecessary physical contact, written communication, verbal suggestion, or innuendo may constitute sexual harassment. We prohibit sexual misconduct in our studio. Sexual misconduct is any unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance including requests for sexual favors, sexual touching, and verbal, visual, or physical conduct that creates a sexually hostile environment in the studio or in The Program.

GUEST/GUEST CONFLICTS AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS
We recognize that conflicts between Guests may arise. While we strive to maintain a safe and welcoming environment, we cannot mediate personal disputes between Guests. Guests are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally, regardless of personal disputes, and should not engage in behavior that disrupts the studio environment, The Program, or the comfort of other Guests and YPT Staff.

Protective Orders YPT respects the legal processes and personal safety concerns of all Guests. That being said, it is not the responsibility of YPT to enforce protective orders within the studio or The Program. Guests with protective orders must take personal responsibility to manage their safety and inform legal authorities if they need assistance.

Our Approach:

Respecting Privacy: We will maintain the privacy of all YPT Staff and Guests. With the exception of an emergency contact, we will not disclose information about attendance to any other person.
Maintaining a Safe Environment: All YPT Staff and Guests are expected to adhere to our anti-harassment policy.
Personal Responsibility: Guests with protective orders should take necessary precautions and contact legal authorities for assistance if needed.

If you have a protective order and need to discuss specific concerns, please contact the Executive Director to explore how we can support your safety within the scope of our policies.

STALKING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT

We do not permit stalking or online harassment by YPT Staff or Guests. This includes behaviors that cause fear, intimidation, or substantial emotional distress to any individual, regardless of their membership in a protected class.

Examples of Stalking:

Repeatedly following YPT Staff or Guests or showing up at their home, workplace, or other locations.
Monitoring YPT Staff or Guest activities, whether in person or through surveillance.
Sending unwanted gifts, letters, cards, or emails to YPT Staff or Guests.

Examples of Online Harassment:

Sending threatening or intimidating messages via email, text, or social media, to YPT Staff or Guest.
Posting harmful or defamatory statements about YPT Staff or Guests online.
Using social media to track YPT Staff or Guest activities or whereabouts.

VIOLATION OF ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES

Any violation of our anti-harassment policies will result in the loss of privileges at the studio and in The Program.

ANTI-RETALIATION

We prohibit retaliation against anyone for reporting a violation of our Code of Conduct, Anti-Harassment, or other policies, or for participating in an investigation relating to a violation of our Code of Conduct, Anti-Harassment, or other policies.

GRIEVANCE PROCESS-REPORTING OF POLICY VIOLATIONS

We encourage anyone who has been the subject of sexual misconduct or any other action that violates our policies and Code of Conduct to report the incident to our Executive Director and Director of Cultural Excellence (henceforth referred to as the “reviewing body”). The report should contain the following information:

Your full name;
Your email and phone number;
The name of the person who the grievance is against;
A description of the alleged policy violation;
The date and location of the policy violation;
Names and contact information of any witnesses with first-hand knowledge of the situation; and,
Any other credible evidence that is available to support the grievance.

In the interest of fairness and privacy, all reports must be made by the person who has personally experienced the misconduct. We will not investigate a matter based upon a third-party report of misconduct. All reports must be made in good faith based on information the person reporting the incident reasonably believes to be accurate. We may request additional information from the person reporting the incident throughout the course of review of the report. We will take appropriate action to ensure compliance with our policies. The reviewing body will impose any sanctions that it feels are fair, just, and reasonable under all circumstances. We will not allow anyone to retaliate against any person for making a report in good faith or providing information in connection with an investigation into an alleged violation.

Any information provided during a grievance report review will be treated on a confidential basis. Similarly, any actions that are taken in response to the report will also be confidential. The reporting body will advise the reporter upon conclusion of the misconduct investigation.

For more information about our code of conduct, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e-mail at hello@tucsonyogapod.com or by mail using the details provided below:

4280 N Campbell Ave, Suite 130
Tucson, AZ 85718