Our experience of violence limits our self-esteem, our capacity for joy, and our sense of community. Stress is our body's response to violence. There is an alternative to violence that is accessible to each of us, at any time, in any situation. It is a force that allows a joining together of adversaries to obtain a solution where everyone wins. Building upon the participants' personal experiences, workshop exercises develop skills for enhancing self-esteem, increasing communication, and promoting a sense of commonality.
Participants have an opportunity to role play the real life conflicts they encounter.
Each workshop is as unique as the individuals who compose it. All participants begin with a basic workshop. Advanced workshops are attended by all members of the A.V.P. community. They allow a deeper look at aspects of violence such as stereotyping, power, fear, and anger. They may also focus on related topics such as AIDS, gender issues, media, political, and societal violence, systemic discrimination, work issues, and forgiveness.