Alternative To Violence Advance
Workshop: July 11-13, 2014

I really enjoyed another AVP workshop. Once again, thank you Reading Rita and Merry Mary for bringing AVP into the prison.

Something that I learned from the three day AVP advanced workshop is....

Sometimes I need to be ready to revise my position if it is wrong (AVP Guide To Transforming Power #5). A lot of times I get to a point where I want to stand my ground and not listen to the other person, even if I am wrong! AVP has taught me that if I continue to do this, I will miss out on so much beneficial information and also miss the opportunity of meeting so many wonderful people.

I also need to work on Guides To Transforming power guide #2(Reach for that something good in others). Sometimes I judge people on their looks, background, etc., instead looking for the good in them.

Of course I probably need to use all 12 guides to transforming power-but these are the ones that stick out to me.

At the end of the workshop, I have to admit that I am a little sad because I know it will be another long three months before I see these outside volunteers again for another AVP workshop.

Thank you again Reading Rita and Merry Mary for taking time out your busy lives to bring AVP inside the prisons.

I remember my very first basic AVP workshop-I wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to do-until Reading Rita and Merry Mary told me that I would make a great facilitator. That was in 2012. I am now a facilitator and I find myself telling other inmates about AVP and that it is a wonderful workshop to attend. You see, Reading Rita and Merry Mary NEVER judged me from day one. By telling me I would make a great facilitator-they were actually using the Transforming Power Guide #2 which says: Reach for that something good in others. It has also inspired me. To learn more about AVP go to www.avpusa.org