Yoga Class for TMC Students

My name is Jack Murphy, and I am an English teacher at Truman Middle College in Chicago, where I am trying to start a weekly yoga program 

Truman Middle College is an alternative high school in Chicago, Illinois serving students aged 16-21 who have dropped out of high school and are returning to earn their degree. 

100% of TMC students qualify for free lunch
73.4% of the student population is African American
23.8% of the student population is Hispanic
13% of the student population is homeless
91.7% of the student population come from Low-Income families
100% of the student body are Chronically Truant

In addition to this information, a school-wide survey conducted this year found:

40% of the students overall "never" exercise
76% of the female students "never" exercise 
43% of the students feel stressed out "most or all of the time." 
40% say they spend most of their time outside of school working. 

The students at TMC face an incredible amount of obstacles just getting to school every day-- and honestly, there just are not enough lovely things in their lives. The school has no sports teams, no art classes, no physical education, no band or choir,  and few clubs. The staff is extremely dedicated and caring (80% of the students agree or strongly agree TMC has their best interests at heart; 78% say there is at least one adult in the building who "has their back") but with few resources available, and the students often unable to stay even five minutes past the final bell due to their responsibilities outside of school, plus the intense outside pressure imposed upon the school for good "data," there is really only so much that can be done beyond core classes. 

There is an idea in this country that school for students like this should look a certain way: extreme discipline, tons of test-prep, cruelty masquerading as tough love, suffering considered inherently virtuous

I totally reject this.

Truman Middle College students deserve absolutely everything their suburban counterparts receive, and actually more. 

This weekly yoga class will not be something the students have to "earn" with good grades or behavior. It isn't being justified based on how much it will help their test scores. It isn't something for their resume. 

It's just a nice thing that any student who wants it can have. 

How it'll work:

Juliana Provvidenza is a yoga instructor at the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center and has generously agreed to lead this weekly class on a volunteer basis. Juliana possesses a 200-hour Power Vinyasa Certificate from CorePower. For more info on Juliana, you can check out her website: ChillYogi.com.

The class itself will take place at the Truman College gym, across the street from TMC. The class is being held during school hours, so as to be accessible to students who must leave right at the bell for work or childcare. The students will have access to mats and blocks provided by the gym.

If we raise $250, we will be able to purchase 20 yoga journals, 10 blocks, and essential oils. These will help students get the full experience of yoga, as well as create goals and reflect on the experience so that it is more personally meaningful.

If we raise $500, we will also be able to purchase yoga mats for each student to use and ultimately keep, allowing them to continue their practice outside of class, over the summer, and after they graduate. We feel strongly that each student owning their own mat will make this an even more special experience.

Any money we raise beyond that will be used to compensate Juliana for her time and effort. 

Here is the complete rundown on items we would like to purchase and their cost:

21 Mats + shipping for $217
20 Journals + shipping for $141.55
20 blocks (prime shipping) for $50
Essential Oils (prime shipping) for $24.95

This gets us to $433.50. Depending on the final total raised, we would also like to buy

An additional 15 mats: $150
15 yoga straps: $62.85
15 yoga blankets: $134.85
An additional 10 journals: $75
Compensation for Juliana: $150 for 8 sessions

This would bring the final total to $1,005.70

Here are links for each item:
https://www.yogaaccessories.com/yoga-accessories-1-4-inch-extra-thick-deluxe-yoga-mat.html
https://www.yogaaccessories.com/6-foot-d-ring-buckle-cotton-yoga-strap.html
https://www.yogaaccessories.com/traditional-mexican-yoga-blanket.html
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G6REFKM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G35UZYQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.etsy.com/listing/181428425/my-yoga-journal-yoga-is-the-golden-key-5?ref=hp_rv

I will be the one withdrawing these funds and purchasing the items from the above links. The equipment will be delivered to the school. 

This equipment will be stored in the school, except for the mats-- students will have the option to bring these home with them.