Yoga Alliance Bylaws

Adopted, as amended, September 28, 2024

ARTICLE I
NAME, LOCATION AND PURPOSES

Name. The name of the corporation is Yoga Alliance (“Corporation”), a nonstock corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Location. The principal office of the Corporation shall be within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia, as determined by the Board of Directors (“Board”).
Purpose. The purposes for which the Corporation is organized and operated shall be to operate as a trade association under Section 501(c)(6) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Corporation is affiliated with Yoga Alliance Foundation, a Washington nonprofit corporation tax- exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code The Corporation shall not engage in any activity to influence or attempt to influence the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of any individual to any federal, state, or local public office or to office in a political organization.

ARTICLE II
MEMBERS

The Corporation shall not have voting members, but may have such classes of nonvoting members as established by the Board. Members shall pay dues and such other fees or assessments as prescribed by the Board. Members may participate in standing or special committees of the membership, as appointed or selected according to the policies of the Corporation.

ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

General Powers and Duties. The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors. The Board shall establish the strategic direction for, ensure the necessary resources for, and provide oversight of the Corporation, and may, from time to time, hire or designate staff, paid or volunteer, to carry out the Board’s direction under the oversight of the Board.
Number. There shall at all times be at least seven (7) and no more than fifteen (15) Directors.
Election. Each Director shall be elected by the Directors of the Corporation then in office. The terms of office of the Directors shall be staggered so that approximately one-third (1/3) of the Directors are elected each year.
Tenure. The term for a Director shall be three (3) years. A Director may be elected to serve up to two consecutive terms, however, after completion of any two consecutive terms, a Director must not serve as a member of the Board for a period of at least three (3) years.
Ex Officio Members. The President of the Corporation will attend and participate in Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings as an ex officio, non-voting member, except the President shall not attend those meetings or portions thereof that address the President’s performance, compensation, or employment agreement.
Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in a Director or Officer position or on any committee by death, resignation, refusal to serve, or otherwise, may be filled for the unexpired term by the Board of Directors.
Resignations. A Director may resign at any time by filing his or her written resignation with the President or with the Board Chair. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance as determined by the Board.
Removal. Any Officer or Director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the vote of at least two- thirds (2/3) of the full Board of Directors. Any Director who fails to attend two (2) regular Board meetings per calendar year will automatically be removed as a Director effective seven (7) days after the conclusion of the second missed Board meeting; provided, however, that the Board may, by a two-thirds vote or unanimous written consent before seven (7) days after the second absence, excuse absences. Absences due medical incapacity or other unusual circumstances beyond the control of the absent Director should generally be considered an extenuating circumstance meriting treatment of the absence as an excused absence.
Fiduciary Duties. Directors have fiduciary duties and obligations to serve on the Board and act in the best interests of the Corporation and to avoid potential, actual, and the appearance of, conflicts of interest as provided in these Bylaws, the General Policies of the Corporation, and applicable law.
Conflicts of Interest.
1. Whenever a Director or Officer has a potential, actual, or appearance of conflict of interest in any matter coming before the Board, the affected person shall a) fully disclose the nature of the interest, and b) withdraw from discussion, lobbying, and voting on the matter.
2. Any person who has served as a Director of the Corporation shall, during their tenure and for a period of two (2) years after the date of the termination of their tenure as a Director, be ineligible to provide goods or services of any kind to the Corporation.

ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

Place of Meetings. The meetings of the Board shall be held at a place determined by the Board.
Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held approximately twice each calendar year at such times and places as the Board shall determine, with no less than two (2) such regular meetings annually. Directors are expected to attend all regular Board meetings in full unless extenuating circumstances beyond the Director’s control prevent them from attending.
Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time by the Chair or by three (3) or more Directors. The agenda of any special meeting will be announced forty-eight (48) hours before of the special meeting. The business of the special meeting shall be limited to that on the agenda.
Notice of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be called on at least thirty (30) days’ notice and special meetings on at least five (5) days’ notice. Notice of regular or special meetings may be provided by electronic transmission in accordance with applicable law.
Waiver of Notice. Attendance of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except when a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Quorum. At all meetings of the Board, a majority of the total Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Voting of Directors. The voting of the majority of the Directors at a meeting at which a quorum has been established shall be the act of the Board, unless a vote of a greater number is required by these Bylaws or by law.
Meetings by Communications Equipment. Members of the Board or any committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

ARTICLE V
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Compensation. Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services as Directors, but the Board may, by resolution, authorize the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Such authorization shall prescribe the procedure for approval of payment for such expenses by designated Officers of the Corporation. Directors shall not be reimbursed for unnecessary expenses including first-class or business-class travel or luxury accommodations; however, Directors may receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and supplement such travel with personal funds.

ARTICLE VI
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Members. The Board shall establish a standing Executive Committee, which shall have the following members: the Chair of the Board, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Chair of the Board shall chair the Executive Committee. The President will attend and participate in Executive Committee meetings as an ex officio, non-voting member, except those meetings or portions thereof that address the President’s performance, compensation, or employment agreement.
Powers. The Executive Committee may exercise the powers of the Board between regular meetings of the Board, in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Board to govern the actions of the Committee. The Executive Committee may not elect or remove Officers or Directors; fill vacancies on the Board or on any committee; amend the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws; or dissolve the Corporation.
The Executive Committee is charged with periodic evaluation and determining the compensation of the President. The Executive Committee shall conduct a review of the policies of the Corporation, including these Bylaws and the strategic plan, and make recommendation to the Board for any revision thereto, on an annual basis or according to such other schedule as determined by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall keep a record of its proceedings and shall report the same to the Board at the next following meeting of the Board.
Quorum and Voting. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and action of the Committee may be taken by a majority vote at a meeting where a quorum is present.

ARTICLE VII
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Members. The Board shall establish a Governance Committee as a standing committee, which shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members from the Board of Directors. The Board shall elect the members of the Governance Committee and shall designate the Chair. All members of the Governance Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The Board may remove any member of the Governance Committee by a two-thirds vote.
Powers. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to provide ongoing review and recommendation to enhance the quality and future viability of the board, including the following five major areas: Board Role and Responsibilities; Board Composition; Board Knowledge; Board Effectiveness, and: Board Leadership.
Quorum and Voting. A majority of the members of the Governance Committee shall constitute a quorum, and action may be taken by a majority vote of the Committee members where a quorum is present.

ARTICLE VIII
FINANCE COMMITTEE

Members. The Board shall establish a Finance Committee as a standing committee, which shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members from the Board of Directors. The Board shall elect the members of the Finance Committee and shall designate the Chair. All members of the Finance Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The Board may remove any member of the Finance Committee by a two-thirds vote.
Powers. The purpose of the Finance committee is to assist the Board to oversee the Corporation’s financial statements and budget; and to ensure that financial reporting requirements are fulfilled.
Quorum and Voting. A majority of the members of the Finance Committee shall constitute a quorum, and action of the Committee may be taken by a majority vote at a meeting where a quorum is present.

ARTICLE IX
AUDIT COMMITTEE

Members. The Board shall establish an Audit Committee, which shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members from the Board of Directors. The Board shall elect the members of the Audit Committee and shall designate the Chair. The Chair may not be a member of the Finance Committee; at least two- thirds of the members of the Audit Committee must not be presently serving as members of the Finance Committee. No member of the Audit Committee may have a material financial interest in any entity doing business with the Corporation. All members of the audit Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The Board may remove any member of the Audit Committee by a two-thirds vote.
Powers. The purpose of the Audit committee is to select the independent auditor and review the performance of the annual audit.
Quorum and Voting. A majority of the members of the Audit Committee shall constitute a quorum, and action of the Committee may be taken by a majority vote at a meeting where a quorum is present.

ARTICLE X
OTHER COMMITTEES

The Board may designate, elect, appoint, hire or dismiss any such committees, task forces, working groups, panels, or advisory bodies of any sort (each a “Committee”) as it shall deem necessary to carry out the purpose, mission, and function of the Corporation in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, and the General Policies of the Corporation, or as may be required by law. The Board Chair shall appoint a chair of the Committee from among the Directors serving on the Committee. A majority of members of any Committee shall constitute a quorum, and action by a Committee shall be taken by a majority vote of the members where a quorum is present. Each Committee shall report to the Board on any actions taken by the Committee since the preceding Board meeting.

ARTICLE XI
ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Board may create an Advisory Council to the Corporation for such period as the Board may designate. The Board may remove any member of the Advisory Council from the Advisory Council at any time, at its discretion. At the request of the Chair of the Board, members of the Advisory Council may participate in an advisory capacity in Board meetings or Committee meetings. At the request of the Chair of the Board or the President of Corporation, members of the Advisory Council may serve as representatives of the Corporation in advocacy efforts undertaken by the Corporation, in meetings with members, or as otherwise specifically requested. The Board may, by resolution, authorize the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by members of the Advisory Council in the performance of their requested services. Members of the Advisory Council shall not be reimbursed for unnecessary expenses including first-class or business-class travel or luxury accommodations; however, members of the Advisory Council may receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and supplement such travel with personal funds. Members of the Advisory Council shall not receive any compensation for their services except for a modest stipend authorized by the Board for requested service by the member, which shall be commensurate to the time expended by the member and shall not exceed $500 per day or $15,000 per annum.

ARTICLE XII
EMERITUS DIRECTORS

Election. At the Board’s discretion, the Board may confer Emeritus Director status to a past Director in good standing with the organization, who continues to make meaningful contributions to Yoga Alliance. Any current Board Member may nominate an individual meeting the requirements for Emeritus Director status by submitting the nomination to the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee will make recommendations to the full Board for Emeritus Director nominations and renewals. Emeritus Director positions are reviewed annually by the Board Chair and the President and CEO, in consultation with the Governance Committee. An individual who is invited to be an Emeritus Director is not required to accept the position.
Tenure. Emeritus Directors may serve for two-year terms, which may be renewed. Emeritus Directors serve at the pleasure of the Board, and the Board retains the right to remove an Emeritus Director any time by majority vote of the Board. Emeritus Directors may resign at any time by using the same procedures that apply to Directors as provided in these Bylaws.
Duties. The position of Emeritus Director is an honorary status. Emeritus Directors shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board and shall not otherwise have the power or authority of a Director of the Board, and shall not have the power or authority to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of the Board, nor shall the presence of any such Emeritus Director at a meeting of the Board be counted for quorum or other attendance purposes. Duties of an Emeritus Director may include advising on matters, and Emeritus Directors may be invited to participate in certain Board or committee meetings, formal Board and organizational functions, recommend to the Governance Committee individuals to serve on the board, and participate in the organization’s strategic planning process and provide insight. Emeritus Directors shall be subject to the same policies as all other Directors, including conflicts of interest policies, confidentiality obligations, and expectations regarding attorney-client privilege.

ARTICLE XIII
OFFICERS

Election, Title and Term. The Officers of the Corporation shall be a Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and President. The President shall be the chief staff officer of the Corporation. Each elective Officer shall be elected by the Board of Directors, from a slate of candidates submitted by the Governance Committee at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which Officers are selected, in accordance with any policies, procedures and guidelines established by the Board. Each elective Officer shall serve for a term of two (2) years. Any two (2) offices may be filled by the same Director, except for the offices of Chair and Secretary.
Duties. The duties of the Officers of the Corporation shall be such as usually appertain to such offices of corporations generally, except as may be otherwise prescribed by these Bylaws or by the Board, and include but are not limited to the following:
1. Chair. The Chair shall be the principal Officer of the Corporation, and shall preside at all meetings of the Board. The Chair may be a member of any committee and shall be an advisory non-voting ex officio member of all committees on which the Chair is not a member; if serving as an advisory member of a Committee, the Chair shall be advised of all committee meetings and may choose to attend any committee meeting. If the Chair position becomes vacant: the Immediate Past Chair shall serve as the interim Chair; and in the absence of the Immediate Past Chair, the Secretary shall serve as the interim Chair.
2. Immediate Past Chair. The Immediate Past Chair remains an officer and director for one year following their term as Chair. The Immediate Past Chair shall serve on the Executive Committee, provide continuity of leadership support to the board chair, provide advice and counsel to the board chair, and attend board meetings.
3. Secretary. The Secretary shall give or cause to be given proper notice of all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also record or cause to be recorded minutes of all meetings, to be kept as official records of the Corporation.
4. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept proper books of account and other books showing the amount of the funds and other property belonging to the Corporation, all of which books shall be open at all times to the inspection of the Board. The Treasurer shall also submit or cause to be submitted, a report of the accounts and financial condition of the Corporation at each meeting of the Board.
5. President. The President shall serve as the chief employed executive of the Corporation, shall have full operational authority for the management of the Corporation’s affairs. The President shall also provide strategic and policy leadership to the Corporation, with a focus on understanding the needs of the Corporation’s members, communicating effectively with them, and guiding the Corporation to serve the interests of its members. The President will also have authority over the engagement and discharge of all employees of the Corporation. The President shall have the authority to enter into contracts, execute and deliver instruments, and sign checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, and may delegate such authority to any officer or other employee of the Corporation. The President’s authority is subject to the provisions in the President’s employment agreement, the duties specified in these Bylaws or other governing documents, and to the direction of the Board, the Executive Committee, or the Chair. The Corporation may provide the services of the President to Yoga Alliance Foundation, and the Board may opt to donate those services or to enter into a reimbursement agreement with Yoga Alliance Foundation for the value of the President’s services.
All Officers shall perform such other duties as the Board may direct. At the expiration of each elective Officer’s term, he or she shall deliver to the Board all property and records of the Corporation that may have come into his or her possession or control.

ARTICLE XIV
FINANCES

Authorization. The Board may authorize any Officer, agent, or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Audits. The accounts of the Corporation will be audited by a reputable certified public accountant annually, whose report shall be submitted to the Board. The audit firm shall prepare a letter of recommendation, including any comments on deficiencies observed in internal controls and recommendations.
Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE XV
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

Indemnification. Directors, Officers, and other authorized employees or agents of the Corporation shall be indemnified against claims for liability arising in connection with their positions or activities on behalf of the Corporation to the full extent permitted by law.
Insurance. The Corporation shall maintain liability insurance, including Directors and Officers Liability insurance, in such amounts and under such terms as the Board may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENT

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all Directors at any regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose; provided, however, that notice of the proposed amendment, alteration or repeal shall be given to each Director at least five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting at which the Bylaws are to be altered, amended or repealed.