Advocacy Alert: It’s Time to Act! File a slip for SB 2348 –to Promote Yoga in IL Schools
March 20, 2023
Yoga Alliance regularly monitors proposed legislation and regulations that may impact the practice of yoga, the yoga community, and/or yoga businesses. Last week, you might have received an email about a new and exciting development in Illinois. It’s time to take action!
In Illinois, a new bill has been proposed that could positively impact the health and well-being of children across the state. Bill SB 2348 would require schools to provide at least 20 minutes of relaxation activities (such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, walking, and others) to enhance the mental and physical health of students.
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WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Mental health conditions among youth are becoming an increasing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Many of them aren’t getting the support they need, but research has proven yoga’s ability to improve individual and communal health and well-being – especially for children.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
As the bill moves through the legislative process, members of the Senate Education Committee are giving the public an opportunity to provide their feedback at a public hearing tomorrow. It’s critical that legislators hear directly from you and the local yoga community! This can be done by filing a witness slip voicing your position on the bill.
HOW DO YOU FILE A WITNESS SLIP?
Submitting a witness slip is easy. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
- Click on the following link: https://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip
- Section I: Identification: Use this section to enter your contact information
- Section 2: Representation: Insert the name of your business or simply put “self”
- Section 3: Position: Select “Proponent”
- Lastly, click the checkbox to agree to the terms and submit the form by clicking "create slip"
Please file a witness slip no later than Tuesday, March 21 at 2 pm CT
WHAT ELSE IS YOGA ALLIANCE DOING?
Yoga Alliance is collaborating with the bill sponsor, as well as yoga professionals, educators, and nonprofit organizations, to advocate for SB 2348. To further demonstrate our commitment and yoga’s health benefits, we sent a letter expressing support to the Chair of the Education Committee.
As Yoga Alliance continues to monitor this legislation, we will keep you up to date and share additional opportunities to submit your points of view to your state legislators. If you have any questions or would like to raise your hand to be a part of our Illinois legislative activities now and in the future, please complete this form.
Thank you for all that you do for the Illinois community.
In service,
Toni Carey
Vice President Strategic Communications
yaadvocacy@yogaalliance.org