Welcome to the Santa Barbara Alternatives to Violence Project.
The Santa Barbara Alternatives to Violence Project (SBAVP) is a multi-cultural volunteer organization that is dedicated to reducing interpersonal violence in our society.
To Reduce interpersonal violence in our society, SBAVP offers workshops in conflict management skills that can enable individuals to build successful interpersonal interactions, gain insights into themselves and find new and positive approaches to their lives. These experimental workshops empower individuals to liberate themselves from the burden of violence.
This experiment is part of a 50-year-old international global movement.
The Guiding Philosophy of AVP
The fundamental belief of AVP is that there is a power for peace and good in everyone, and that this power has the ability to transform violence. AVP builds on a spiritual base of caring for self and others working both in prisons and in the community.
Santa Barbara AVP is…
- An experimental workshop: laughter-filled, interactive, thoughtful experience. Participants look at their lives and their relationships with others through a series of tested, structured exercises.
- A program that supports families of youth participants through the introduction of need resources as well as meetings of families, facilitators, and youth.
- A community program offering a chance to discover fresh approaches for community groups, social service agencies, youth organizations, sharing resources with one another.
- A program that introduces leadership skills to teens to make positive decisions and access ways to prevent violence. It’s a program for everyone regardless of race, religion, sexual-orientation, political view, or national origin. It draws participants from all walks of life and ages.
We invite you to learn about Santa Barbara AVP, take a workshop, and even become a volunteer facilitator.