What does AVP stand for?

The Alternatives to Violence Project.

What does AVP do?

The Alternatives to Violence Project is an all volunteer organization that exists solely for the purpose of conducting conflict resolution workshops.

How did AVP start? 

The Alternatives to Violence Project began in Greenhaven State Prison in New York  in 1975 as a collaboration between Quakers, many of whom had been involved in the non-violent civil rights and social action protests of the ’60s and ’70s, and a group of inmates needing help to mentor under-age juvenile offenders.  The program was so successful that the workshops spread throughout the New York state prison system and training manuals were developed.  Since then, AVP workshops have been conducted in many state prisons, as well as communities, schools, and countries around the world, wherever people encounter violence.

Where is AVP located?

AVP is located all over the world and has the potential to exist anywhere that conflict is present. There are chapters in New York, Kenya, Rwanda, South America, Indiana, and many,  many more places.  To learn more, check out avpusa.org or avpinternational.org.

Where is AVP located in Indiana?

We have trained facilitators primarily in Richmond and the Indianapolis area. We also have trained AVP facilitators inside at Plainfield Correctional Facility; at Correctional Industrial Facility; and at Pendleton Correctional Facility. We also have a for credit AVP class at Richmond High School which is cofacilitated by our high school facilitators.

How do I join?

Anyone can join by taking a Basic AVP workshop, which lasts between 18-22 hours, usually over a weekend (either Friday, Saturday, and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday). Check out our Registration tab for available workshops.

For further questions, please contact us at avpindiana@gmail.com!