Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world[1] and Be the change that you wish to see in the world[2] were two of Margaret Lunam’s favourite quotes. Much like KYH’s marketing committee, Margaret Lunam, our benefactor had a vision and a passion to share Iyengar yoga with the community.
This week meet Carola Jaspers, KYH’s information technology volunteer. As our MindBody master and technology consultant many of you have spoken with Carola on the phone or through an e-mail when you had questions about your MindBody account, registration or joining Zoom when we first started on-line classes. Carola is appreciated for her patience, promptness, humour, helpfulness and resourcefulness.
Carola has been a member of the marketing committee since 2014. She serves on the KYH society board and from time to time on small sub committees. She is self-employed as she and her husband own and operate an Information Technology business. Carola is originally from The Netherlands. She and her husband moved to Canada in 2009. Carola was initially persuaded to help out with the KYH website and newsletter. Once she joined the marketing committee her duties and tasks kept on growing and she manages everything to do with the MindBody software, liability waivers, class rosters, website updates and changes as well as helping with the KYH Facebook account. Carola’s greatest joy of being on the marketing committee is working with a great group of people, continual learning and enjoyment in managing a software application. Carola’s biggest challenge as a member of the marketing committee is not saying yes to everything and sometimes a language barrier. Since English is not her first language not knowing certain expressions can cause confusion and funny moments.
Although Carola considers social media an important marketing format she agrees that word of mouth is still the most effective way to promote KYH. Carola knows firsthand that Iyengar yoga has to be experienced to see the benefits. Iyengar yoga has benefitted her for a variety of physical conditions with her back, shoulder, wrists, knee and chronic fatigue. She explains that you need to want to be taught and remain open to experience what is good for your body given its particular physical and emotional limitations. Carola’s vision for KYH is for it to continue to exist and thrive in the coming years perhaps in a hybrid form both in studio and online. She wishes for more people in the Kelowna community and beyond to continue to reap the benefits of the highly trained and wonderful teachers at Kelowna Yoga House for many more years!
Are you an enthusiastic person, passionate about Iyengar yoga or want to work with a group of like-minded individuals to participate in the next stage of development at KYH? As life priorities shift for current committee members, the Kelowna Yoga House society is open to members wanting to volunteer their skills and time. You do not need to be a board member to be a part of a committee. If you are interested, please talk to your teacher or contact KYH’s president, Dianne Kapty through info@kelownayogahouse.org.
[1] Margaret Mead, American anthropologist & writer, recipient of the Planetary Citizen of the Year Award in 1978
[2] Mahatma Gandhi, Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, writer