When a student looks for a teacher, they want reassurance. They want to know the person they are trusting to guide them has met a professional standard, operates under a code of ethics, and is part of a recognised body.
IMMA membership gives you that standing.
Display our logo on your website and your marketing. It tells prospective students you have completed training and that there is a professional body they can contact if they have concerns.
Members are listed on our international directory, and students can find you and connect with you directly from our site.
What membership gives you
The practical benefits
Membership includes:
A listing on the IMMA international directory, with a link to your own website
Use of the IMMA member logo on your website and promotional materials
Recognition of your training by an international association
The ability to submit articles to our blog
A professional body to contact if you need support, information, or guidance
In the UK and EEA: a discounted rate on professional insurance through BGI Foyht Insurance
Eligibility
Who can apply
Membership is open to anyone who has completed recognised training in mindfulness, meditation, forest bathing, or nature connection. You do not need to have trained with an IMMA-approved course to apply.
If you trained with an IMMA-approved course and passed your assessments, your application is straightforward. If your training was elsewhere, we assess applications individually. As a general guide, you will need:
A minimum of 30 hours of assessed training with a recognised organisation
Proof of training, in the form of a certificate (submitted by email)
If you are a forest bathing or nature connection guide, we recognise that this is a newer field. We assess each application on its own merits. Please include details of your experience, training, and time in practice.
Not sure whether your training qualifies? Write to us at enquiries@internationalmindfulness.org before applying.
Pricing and process
Annual membership is $99 AUD.
Submit your application and pay the fee. We review your documentation. If your application is accepted, your membership begins straight away. If it is not accepted, we refund the fee in full.
You take no financial risk in applying.
Insurance (UK and EEA members)
Professional insurance — UK and EEA
Members based in the UK and the European Economic Area can access discounted professional insurance through BGI Foyht Insurance.
You will receive details on how to obtain this discount upon confirmation of your membership.
The IMMA Members Code of Ethics
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01 Respect
All members are required to treat everyone with equal respect regardless of age, sexual orientation, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion or disability. That includes respecting the values of each person and the differences between us.
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02 Confidentiality
To protect clients privacy members are required to not share their client's personal details with anyone without their written consent. To treat all information about, or shared with you by students, as confidential. This includes not using their photo or testimonial or showing them in a video without their express written permission.
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03 Integrity
Members are required to act with integrity in all areas of their lives. This applies to their businesses where they are expected to maintain the correct records, pay taxes and abide by the laws of the land. Acting with integrity also applies to relationships with students where teachers are required to not take advantage of a student in any way for personal gain. Teachers need to be honest when assessing a student who is not yet competent.
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04 Standards and boundaries
Maintain professional standards and boundaries. Communicate those standards and boundaries clearly to your students. Work only within your area of expertise. Refer students to other professionals when their needs fall outside your scope.
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05 Compassion
Members are encouraged to exercise compassion and empathy in their business dealings whether that be with students or people they have business dealings with. We are all role models for what we teach.
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06 Communication
An important aspect of communicating effectively is that people feel heard. All communication needs to be based on honesty, compassion and respect. Protect student privacy in all communications, including the choice of setting for conversations. Ensure all feedback is constructive.
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07 Grievances
Students have a right to make complaints and teachers are advised to have a grievance policy in place which outlines what steps will be taken to resolve the grievance. Members can obtain a copy of a grievance policy from us.
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08 Walk your talk
Members are required to embody the values they teach as well as utilising mindfulness and meditation practises in their daily life.
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09 Acceptance
Acceptance is central to mindfulness. Demonstrate this in your dealings with the public, with clients, and with other schools and teachers. IMMA is an inclusive organisation. Public criticism of competitors or other schools is inconsistent with our values.
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10 Respect for copyright
Know and observe copyright law. Acknowledge the work of others. Do not reproduce anyone else's material without permission and attribution.
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11 Remain up-to-date
Members are required to remain up-to-date in their training and skills and to commit to ongoing professional development.