Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCWe are delighted to announce that Joyful Belly's founder and director has been elected President of the newly formed National Association of Ayurvedic Schools and Colleges (NAASC). John Immel, the new president of NAASC, relates, "Until now there has never been an association where Ayurveda Schools and Colleges could speak in one voice, share best practices, and promote Ayurveda education in the United States." NAASC provides much needed representation on behalf of Ayurvedic educators. The development of NAASC last spring was a collaboration between numerous Ayurveda schools.

For years, schools simply reacted to changes within the industry. Many of these changes represented the agenda of a small groups of individuals, without regard to the opinions of clinicians or schools in the industry. "For a long time no one asked or surveyed schools for their point of view" states John, "Yet, the reality is that school owners represent a large portion of the clinical and teaching experience in the Ayurveda community," This vacuum made NAASC all the more necessary as Ayurveda education continues to grow.

Finally, last year the issue came to a tipping point. In late November of last year, one association attempted to pass legislation in Colorado without consensus from school leadership. Schools were blindsided by this and flocked to the nascent NAASC for relief and protection.

NAASC provides schools with a vehicle to respond to regulation and attempts at regulation from governmental and private agencies. "With NAASC, schools can participate in the formation Ayurveda education policy in the United States."

NAASC is founded on inclusivity. In most organizations, members vote for the board of directors, and the board forms policy. This unfortunately concentrates representation in the hands of a few individuals, and creates risks of conflict of interest. At NAASC, each member school votes on policy decisions, so there is minimal risk of under representation. NAASC's board is administrative only. Although the board does much of the organization and legwork, it cannot exert any extra influence in the decisions of the collective.

NAASC recognizes that schools have a mission to educate students. Schools are in the trenches dealing with administration, support, and fostering the clinical success of their graduates. Schools are deeply invested in the success of their students and the promotion of Ayurveda at the highest levels. So schools are essential to forming Ayurveda educational policy in the United States.

"I am truly grateful to participate in this unprecedented coalition among schools," notes John, "What a great privilege it is to meet with treasured colleagues for the purpose of advancing Ayurveda in the United States." Also serving on the board of directors is Lina Thakar, treasurer and secretary.

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