Early start
The AVP program began in 1975 when a group of people inside the walls at Green Haven Prison, NY, calling themselves the “Think Tank,” felt the need for nonviolence training in preparation for their roles as counselors in an experimental program with young people. Invited in the Quaker Project on Community Conflict who helped them develop a prison workshop. The success of this workshop quickly generated requests for more, and AVP was born. The program quickly spread to many other prisons.
Outside the walls
As the program spread, it became obvious that violence and the need for this training exists just as much outside prison walls as within, and that everyone in all walks of life and circumstances is exposed to and participates in some way in violence—be it physical or "intangible". Workshops are now offered extensively in communities and schools. Workshops have been held for businesses, churches, community associations, street gangs, halfway houses, women's shelters, and many others. A special program called Help Increase the Peace (HIP) was started as a program for teenagers.
This program has now spread to over 40 countries around the world, including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Israel, Russia and South Africa.
AVP began with guidance from the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) but the program is non-denominational, and works in many social and religious contexts.
This program has now spread to over 40 countries around the world, including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Israel, Russia and South Africa.
AVP began with guidance from the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) but the program is non-denominational, and works in many social and religious contexts.