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
- 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.