FAQ

How was the TYA born?

The Texas Yoga Association was inspired into creation in mid 2009 by Jennifer Buergermeister after she learned about the consequences some Austin yogis suffered in being regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission. Aware that Houston and other cities were on the target list, Jennifer began assimilating a foundation to stand against regulations. Then, in January 2010, Jenny and many other yoga teachers/studio owners were contacted by the Texas Workforce Commission and given 14 days to respond to their letter to comply as a vocational school or seek exemption. This short time crunch drove the TYA to act as it has so far and developed its plan of action before its launch at the Texas Yoga Conference. The actions taken by the TYA in response to this matter have largely been modeled from Yoga for New York.

What is the objective of the TYA?

The objective of TYA is to form alliances in Texas to join the yoga community all across the State, to work with other States as yoga communities organize, and to stand together as One Yoga. The TYA is an open forum for discussion and action in the interest of the art of yoga and the benefit of the yoga community at large.

The objective sounds very broad, what does it mean?

Yes, the TYA mission is broad. It's as broad as the perspectives of yoga. The TYA is open for its members to pool ideas and resources and collaborate on issues as they are identified by TYA members. Not everyone in a community will always share the same opinion and TYA resources are not limited to the exclusive opinions of the governing board. The TYA needs your ideas and your help to serve this community. The range of TYA actions will grow as the organization grows.

How is the TYA organized?

It is incorporated as a not for profit organization in Texas.

Who comprises the TYA Board of Directors?

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Nydia Darby

Who are the TYA Officers?

Jennifer Buergermeister, President
Roger Rippy, Secretary
Candice Quinn, Treasurer

Are there other advisors to TYA?

Yes

Bob Camp serves as an accountant. We are working with Bob to establish a budget and to define long run fundraising goals and objectives.

Robert Boustany is overseeing the future of yoga standards at a state level.

Yoga studio owners, teachers, yoga advocates, students and people who simply care about the future of yoga across the state have joined the TYA in its mission and can be found on our members section of the website.

Does the TYA have organization By-laws?

Yes, you may review them here.

What are TYA Charters?

For the TYA to serve in a representative capacity, TYA needs to hear from yogis outside of Houston. TYA has established members and charters in Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, and is looking for other areas to form. Charters serve as hubs for understanding the voice of TYA membership in their localities and reporting back to the Board. Each Charter will establish its own meeting times and rules of operation but serve the TYA mission by funneling information to their respective cities as we takes steps toward changing regulation and promoting yoga in Texas.

Can I volunteer to be on a TYA committees?

Yes! The TYA needs your help. The TYA Board will establish committees as membership grows and leadership steps up to form a committee to represent an identified yoga community interest. Please contact us with suggestions and your commitment to become a committee chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How does TYA address possible Conflicts of Interest?

Each member of the board of directors and officer has signed the TYA Conflict of Interest Policy.

Is the Texas 2-Steppin' with Yoga Tour part of the TYA?

No. The Tour is a wholly separate business venture owned and operated by Jennifer Buergermeister. Jennifer intends to promote nationwide unity for the yoga community and yoga advocacy with the Tour, and will donate a percentage of the Tour's revenues to the TYA as a personal financial contribution to the TYA advocacy fund. The Tour will not be funded in any way by the TYA.

How does the Yoga Tour relate to the TYA?

They are different entities though they share a common founder.  The Texas 2-Steppin' with Yoga Tour and the OneYogaUSA movement are for-profit organizations, owned by Jennifer Buergermeister, founder of the TYA. The tour is a private entity and mission of Jennyoga and separate from TYA.  Jennifer's plan is to raise awareness and funds for the TYA with mini-conferences in cities in Texas and other states.  It is her personal contribution to helping people to stand against regulation in Texas and to change the law.  Jenny has been traveling at her own expense to various states to meet with the representatives there, encouraging those states to create their own associations and to stand against regulation.  Jennifer considers herself to be an activist for the sanctity of yoga.

What is the Tour exactly?

The Tour consists of one or two day conferences to be held around the USA to raise awareness and promote unity. There are roughly 11 yogis and yoginis who were chosen by YAMA and Yoga Reps to represent the state of Texas and its spirit on the Tour.  Sponsors and vendors are welcome in each city.  Go to texasyogatour.com and oneyogausa.com for more information.

Can I promote my own events through TYA?

Of course! Become a member of TYA and list your events and workshops, special causes and programs. Once you receive your member userid and password, log in via the 'TYA Member Login' box in the right column of the website and you will see a 'Member Menu'. One of the items on that menu is 'Submit an Event'. Once you have submitted your event information about it will be available under the 'Events' tab! All are invited to share in the spirit of Texas Yoga! The Charter Membership drive ends on May 1, 2010.

How do I become a member?

You can become a member of the TYA at any time. Membership is currently being offered at the introductory annual membership rate of $75 until May 1, 2010. The membership rate is subject to change in the future and there will be various levels of membership to choose from that includes senior discounts, student discounts and varying levels of involvement. Membership will remain open at all times.

Are there insurance benefits available to members?

Yes. More information about insurance benefits can be addressed by Jon Denning at 713-876-2610 and will be launched in detail at the end of March 2010 at our first fundraiser.

What has happened with the Texas Workforce Commission?

Please read our background on the issue with the Texas Workforce Commission and how the TYA has responded. Please also visit the Yoga for New York FAQ page to learn more about the burdens of licensing http://www.yogaforny.org/faq.

I have heard that changing the law is very expensive and can cost between $30K-$50K. Is this true? How will these costs be paid for?

Yes, the political solution is very expensive. It is also very expensive to become a licensed vocational school. The fees, audits and administrative burden incurred in the first year by the 25 yoga teachers served by the Texas Workforce Commission in January 2010 would greatly surpass the costs of changing the law. Legislative change is the only solution for avocational programs to be permanently exempt from licensing.

What if I disagree with the position taken by the TYA on the Texas Workforce Commission issue?

The TYA presents an opportunity for the community to engage in an open dialogue for all viewpoints. The TYA is aware of at least one other interest by yoga studio owners that relates to this matter and hopes to have a committee established soon to explore this further.