Nia's Commitment
Over 35 years ago, Nia was founded to bring greater health and well-being of Body, Mind, Emotions and Spirit to all people. Our focus and intent has always been for Nia to be a rich, diverse and inclusive community for every age, size, shape, gender, ability, race and ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, faith, belief system and all of the other beautiful qualities that make each individual body and spirit unique.
We recognize this is a long journey that will never be complete. Below we have outlined our commitments to long-term initiatives supporting the ongoing evolution of Nia as a brand, practice, and community.
Celebrate Diversity
Nia includes and celebrates people of all races, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, family structures, body shapes/sizes, religions, cultures, castes, tribes, socio-economic statuses, and physical and cognitive abilities.
We believe that celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of all our varied identities makes us stronger and better able to serve each other and the world.
We commit to continually strive to ensure that Nia classes, workshops and trainings are spaces that value, uplift and nurture the diversity, uniqueness and contributions of all people. We commit to continually strive to reflect and celebrate this diversity in Nia materials, websites, routines, music, NiaWear, and Nia On Demand.
BOOST EQUITY
We believe in creating a more equitable world. We acknowledge that historical advantages and barriers exist, and, as a result, we don’t all start from the same place. Equity seeks to redress these imbalances. Equity thrives in an environment built on respect and dignity by balancing access to information, resources and opportunities.
We commit to creating a Nia community that seeks to remove the cultural, economic, historical, physical and attitudinal barriers that have denied access to wellness, healing, and communal support for ALL BODIES. We will proactively create opportunities and assistance for Nia students, teachers and trainers to foster a level playing field.
INCREASE AWARENESS
We believe Nia teachers, trainers and leadership hold a sacred responsibility of co-creating and holding the space for the healing and well-being of all students.
We commit to providing education and resources to Nia teachers, trainers and leadership to increase awareness and ensure that each facilitator is equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to provide a warm, welcoming, and transformative environment that supports every student to feel embraced, respected, and valued in their uniqueness.
CO-CREATE COMMUNITY
We believe that the highest potential for Nia to manifest our purpose as a practice and organization is realized through the collective contributions and collaboration of the community as a whole.
We commit to fostering a culture of community and co-creation that honors a diversity of beliefs, identities and cultures, and invites the collaboration, contribution and participation of all.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
-Arthur Ashe
These are the first steps on our path. Creating change will require sustained commitment. Nia’s purpose is to help people reach their greatest potential and heal the world one body at a time. We know this can only happen in an environment where everybody has an equal opportunity to heal. We are committed to doing our part.