Rama Jyoti Vernon (January 4, 1941 – November 23, 2020)[1] was a yoga teacher and peace activist.
[11][12] The founders of The International Association of Yoga Therapists, Richard Miller and Larry Payne, acknowledged Vernon's contribution to the creation of the association though the connections she fostered at the Unity in Yoga conferences.
[13] Vernon established the Center for Soviet-American Dialogue in 1984[14] to help connect the citizens of the United States with those of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
[15] She served as a citizen diplomat, bringing groups of ordinary people to dialogue across borders, and even appeared on a Soviet morning show.
[16] She later simplified the name of her organization to the Center for International Dialogue and expanded its reach into the Middle East, visiting Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza with American citizens.