Preamble

A Code of Conduct is a difficult document to write.

In theory, it sets out your responsibilities as members in good standing, and what we, as a community, expect of each other.

In practice, it’s easy for a Code of Conduct to be so generic it is of little use, or despite good intentions there are next-to-no consequences for violating it.

So we’re taking a different approach, with a few specific aims in mind:

• We want the Code of Conduct to be more adaptable to your own ethics as a teacher or school in good standing.
• We want the public to easily be able to see a School's code in order to hold them accountable to it.
• We want our Code of Conduct to reflect our values as an organization.
• And, We want this Code of Conduct to be a key tool in holding ourselves to account as a community.

We expect this document to evolve, with your help, and we’re excited to figure out together what real accountability might look like in yoga teaching. 

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The American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

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1. Follow the Law

This sounds obvious, but it's also the most enforceable clause to have in a Code of Conduct. We expect AYC members to teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in your jurisdiction when teaching yoga. We’re not going to police your practice, but if your behaviour towards your students and colleagues violates civil or criminal law, we will recommend and support legal action. Unethical behaviour of a legal nature could result in expulsion from AYC.

Agreement:  "I will teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in my jurisdiction."

2. Uphold AYC Core Values

Secondly, to be a member in good standing, we expect you to teach in accordance with the following values, which reflect the core values of AYC as an organization.

Agreement:

• "Following the core value of Generosity, I will share my teachings in the spirit of collaboration rather than competition, and conduct my financial dealings fairly with others."
• "Following the core value of Transparency, I will represent my yoga education, background, and the content of my teaching honestly and accurately."
• "Following the core value of Right Livelihood, I will teach to the scope of practice of my training and experience."
• "Following the core value of Embodied Relationships, I will teach with respect for the value of ethical human to human connections."

3. Creating a Personal Code

Lastly, to be an effective and ethical yoga teacher, we believe it is vital to have considered your own personal code of conduct. You might reflect on Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas, on the five Buddhist Precepts for right living, on the lay Jain code, or on any other philosophical sources. We would like you to describe that code of conduct in your own words. *(This feature is being built into the app and will be required of all schools, and encouraged for all teachers) A paragraph or so would be perfect. The words you write will be displayed on your profile. This represents your public commitment to holding yourself accountable for your actions, witnessed by your peers.

Agreement:

• "In accordance with my own practice and understanding of yogic philosophy, I commit to teach and live by the personal code of conduct written below."