ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE PROJECT - Nebraska

AVP workshops are primarily offered to people in prison or coming out of prison with the goal of helping them make better decisions; deal more effectively with risk and danger; manage strong feelings such as anger and fear; build trust, empathy and good relationships; communicate well in difficult situations; and make a good transition to society by becoming responsible citizens.

Recently, this very successful program is being offered in the Lincoln community. Typically, participants are from prison work release, recovery programs, and other groups who have very few resources to assist in covering the costs. Expenses for prison workshops are much lower since space and meals are provided. In contrast, community workshops rely on the AVP group to provide both of these which greatly increases expenses. We rely entirely on personal donations to fund our program. Community workshops cost us an average of $200 each. Every contribution makes a big difference! Remember, donations are tax deductible.

Monthly workshops, led by 3-6 volunteer facilitators, are 18 hours long and involve 12-20 participants, who receive a certificate to recognize completion of the workshop. Participants express the success of their learning experiences in various ways. Here are several of those:

"I am highly impressed by AVP. I have read many self-help books and been involved in many self-betterment groups, but I have not seen a program that gets the participants as involved or gets the point across as well as AVP."

"The workshop wasn't like what I expected. It was informal, interactive, and we felt included in the group. They didn't lecture to us. Instead, we practiced how to resolve conflicts."

"AVP is a tool to help me on the bumpy road of life. Even though I've come a long way, I still have a long way to go. AVP is one of the most helpful classes I've ever had."

"This workshop has been a life saving experience for me!"