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What is the Alternatives to Violence Project?

What is the Alternatives to Violence Project?

Alternatives to Violence Project New York is a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to reducing
interpersonal violence in our society.

We offer experiential workshops that present conflict transformation skills that empower people to lead
non-violent lives through affirmation, respect for all, cooperation, communication, community building,
and trust.

AVP is dedicated to reducing violence in our lives, in our homes, in our schools, in our prisons, in our streets and in our society.

AVP seeks to create brave spaces for people to discover the joy of seeking to live nonviolently.

In working together, we must be aware of our biases (unintended or not) that can lead to microaggressions or worse.

Language is a reflection of our inner-selves.  The Underground Scholars Language Guide can help us live into our intention of treating ourselves and others with dignity.  Please let go of outdated terms and adopt this humanizing language.

Jazzy John Scardina and Secure Shirley Way on WUSB's Natural Alternatives Radio Show, December 2, 2022!

Jumpin' Jill McLellan and Funny Valentine and Jazzy John Scardina on WUSB's Natural Alternatives Radio Show, March 10, 2023

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What are the AVP Workshops?

We offer three-day experiential workshops at three levels: the Basic, the Advanced and the Training for Facilitators. Special Topic Advanced Workshops include: Parenting, Trauma Resilience, Anger Management, Forgiveness and Manly Awareness.

The AVP workshops provide brave spaces that allow us to discover the transforming power that each of us has within.

AVP workshops can empower participants to:

  • identify and manage strong feelings such as anger and fear,
  • deal more effectively with risk and danger,
  • build trust, empathy and good relationships with self and others,
  • communicate well in difficult situations and
  • understand why conflict happens and practice responding nonviolently.

This has been a life-changing experience for many past participants. We all have conflict of some type in our lives – professional or personal – public or private.  Discover creative ways to transform it.

MINI WORKSHOPS

NONE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

BASIC WORKSHOPS

JANUARY 24-26, 2-25 at SCARSDALE FRIENDS (QUAKER) MEETINGHOUSE, SCARSDALE, NY

YOUTH WORKSHOPS

All workshops may be open to youth ages 14 and up.

ADVANCED WORKSHOPS

NONE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

SPECIAL TOPIC WORKSHOPS

NONE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

TRAINING for FACILITATORS WORKSHOPS

JANUARY 10, 11 and 12, 2025 at the MK GANDHI INSTITUTE, ROCHESTER, NY

FACILITATORS DAY

NONE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

AVP-NY ANNUAL GATHERING

SEPTEMBER, 2025 (DATE TO BE DETERMINED) at POWELL HOUSE RETREAT CENTER, OLD CHATHAM, NY

AVP-INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NONE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED. see avp.international

How can I Become an AVP Facilitator?

More facilitators are needed to meet the requests for workshops in our communities and prisons.

There are no special requirements to become an AVP facilitator except an interest to reduce violence and completing the AVP facilitator training. The training involves taking three weekend workshops, a Basic Conflict Resolution Workshop, and Advanced Conflict Resolution Workshop and a Facilitator Training Workshop.

The first step in becoming a facilitator is to attend an AVP Basic Workshop.

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AVP NY 2014 Annual Gathering

How can I Support the AVP Program?

The need to find alternatives to violence becomes greater every day.

We need your financial support to keep the prison programs going, to reach the youth before they go to prison and to expand the program in inner cities in urban areas.

Although AVP is a volunteer program, we spend thousands of dollars each year on training manuals, workshop supplies, travel expenses, newsletters and scholarships for workshop participants.

$25.00 – One Training Manual

$40.00 – One Workshop Scholarship

$200.00 – One Prison Workshop