SBAVP Workshops
The Santa Barbara Alternatives to Violence Project (SBAVP) workshops are open to anyone who wishes to attend; the only requirement is that the participant attends voluntarily. Scholarships and low fees are available.
Each of the three workshop levels is trauma-informed, lasts 18-21 hours, and is led by a group of professional volunteers. A three-day block or a series of two-day chunks are standard workshop formats. Mini workshops are also provided for demonstration reasons.
Each workshop is unique because the individuals who attend have different personalities and experiences. SBAVP workshops seek to assist individuals in personal growth and change.
* SBAVP is not psychotherapyLevel One: Basic Workshop
We all begin somewhere!
The Basic Workshop focuses on:- Establishing a base of self-esteem, affirmation, trust, and cooperation
- Exploring methods of communication
- Learning about creative ways of resolving conflicts
Level Two: Advanced Workshop
After completing a Level One workshop, you will be able to participate in this more advanced workshop.
The Advanced Workshop focuses on:
The underlying causes of conflict such as fear, anger, stereotyping, power and powerlessness, and “old history” and behavior
Taking a deeper look at ways of resolving conflicts, including communication and forgiveness
Experiencing consensus as a decision-making process
*Usually the participants will choose the focus of the work
Level Three: Facilitator Training
Must have completed the Beginning and Advanced Workshops.
This is the workshop for you if you want to become a volunteer facilitator of the AVP process. This workshop is intended for those who intend to participate in community and/or prison workshops.
The Facilitator Training focuses on:
- Group process skills
- Working as a cooperative team
- Hands-on experience
- Specific AVP methods: Agenda Building, Exercises, Transforming Power, Light and Livelies, Role Plays
* As a final step in the training, you will work in workshops with three or more facilitation teams and with a local group to develop your skills and confidence until you are officially a facilitator.