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What is AVP?

Click here for "Two Lifers Tell It Like It is" in an AVP workshop

Taking a workshop is the first step toward being involved in, and understanding of, the work
of AVP/California. Click here to be notified of future workshops.

AVP WORKSHOP LOCATIONS
If a workshop is not scheduled, click the "contact" person listed to find future dates. If a workshop date is listed,
click the "contact" person to register.

**Southern California
**Central Coast
**San Joaquin Valley
**Northern California

INFORMATION ABOUT AVP WORKSHOPS
**About AVP workshops
**Workshop levels
**How to become a Facilitator
**What it is like to "run" a workshop

CALENDAR
**Community workshops

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Antelope Valley
http://www.avpav.org
Contact-Diana or 661/942-3025
Basic: September 24-26

Blythe
Contact-Stacey

Indio
Contact-Gina

El Centro
Contact-Pat

Los Angeles/Claremont
Contact-Gerald

Los Angeles/Fairfax Avenue
Contact-Joan or 800/905-6765

Los Angeles/Santa Monica
Contact-Joan

San Diego/Hands of Peace
Contact-John

Tehachapi
Contact-Diana or Doug Couch 661/942-3025

CENTRAL COAST:

Los Osos
Contact-Gay or George

Ventura County
Contact-Percy

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY:

Jamestown/Gold Country
Contact-Margaret

Fresno
Contact-Pat

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Bay Bridge Council: East Bay/Berkeley-Oakland/San Francisco
Contact-Toby
Basic: September 4 and September 11 (Saturdays) in Oakland; 9am-7pm
Advanced: October 2 and 9 (Saturdays) in Oakland; 9am-6pm
Training for Facilitators: December 4 and 11 (Saturdays) in Oakland; 9am-6pm

Nevada City, California
Contact-Guari

North Bay-Santa Rosa
Contact-Ann or call 707/220-8269

Grass Valley
Contact-Joyce

Chico
Contact-Judy

Stockton
Contact-Joyce or Martina

Susanville
Contact-Toby

Sacramento
Contact-Barb

See also Local Groups and Supporting AVP

ABOUT AVP WORKSHOPS
Workshops are open to whoever wishes to attend - the only requirement is that the participant attends voluntarily. Fees are modest and scholarships are available.

Each of the three levels of AVP workshops runs 18-21 hours and is facilitated by a team of volunteers. Common workshop configurations are a three-day block or a series of two-day chunks. Mini-workshops for demonstration purposes are also available.

WORKSHOP LEVELS

Level One: Basic Workshop

Every Basic Workshop involves:

Establishing a base of self-esteem, affirmation, trust and co-operation
Exploring methods of communication
Learning about creative ways of resolving conflicts.

Each workshop is unique because the individuals who attend have different personalities and experiences. AVP workshops
seek to assist individuals in personal growth and change. AVP is not psychotherapy. To read what participants have said about
Basic Workshops click here.

Level Two: Advanced Workshop

After you have attended a Level One workshop, you might be interested in taking part in this more advanced level.

Advanced Workshops focus on:

The underlying causes of conflict such as fear, anger, stereotyping, power and powerlessness, and “old history” and behavior.
Taking a deeper look at ways of resolving conflicts, including communication and forgiveness.
Experiencing consensus as a decision-making process.

Usually the participants choose the focus of the work.

How To Become a Facilitator

Begin by participating in the Basic and Advanced AVP Workshops
If you find you would like to become a volunteer facilitator of the AVP process, take the Training-for-Facilitators/Trainers (T4T) Workshop. This workshop is designed for those who expect to be active in community and/or prison workshops.
- A T4T teaches the skills needed to help run workshops:
- Group process skills
- Working as a cooperative team
- Hands-on experience
- Specific AVP methods: Agenda Building, Exercises, Transforming Power, Light and Livelies, Role Plays.
As a last step in the training, you will apprentice with one or more facilitation teams in workshops and work with a local group to develop your skills and confidence until you are a full-fledged facilitator.

Click here for Upcoming Workshops

Articles on what it is like to "run" a workshop:
- An AVP Facilitator’s Point of View
- Learning Alternatives to Violence in Prison