AVPQ workshops
The AVPQ calendar of Workshops and Events for 2008 is available for you to download as a PDF document.
Community workshops are held at central locations around Brisbane.
If you would like to reserve a place in an introductory level workshop, please download the Basic Workshop Information form, fill it in and return it to us. It refers to another document, How AVP Workshops Work. We hope that after having read about AVPQ workshops, your decision to participate is made easier. To reserve a place and for more information, download the workshop flyer, fill it in and return it to the postal address, or email the Workshop Coordinator. A workshop registration form needs to be completed, when you are ready to confirm your attendance. Please email the Secretary for more information. Or you can ring the Workshop Co-ordinator, either Heather or Kathy on 0435 007 405.
Why do an AVPQ workshop?
The world can be a very violent place. In many cases, people resort to violence as a way of overcoming conflict or fear. AVPQ tries to show, in a practical way, that nonviolent methods of conflict resolution can be a powerful alternative in times of stress. There is no guarantee that nonviolence will always work, but using violence guarantees that someone will get hurt. Using violence to deal with conflict results in winners and losers. The AVP model aims to find the "Win-Win" solution to conflict situations.
AVPQ offers workshops, at low cost, for anyone interested in CREATIVE RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT. Acquire a better understanding of the nature of violence; share, grow and have fun in a challenging, but safe, environment.
In AVP workshops participants are encouraged to participate in various exercises and activities, in which they can explore feelings and ideas at their own level of comfort. The aim of the workshops is to give participants the tools they need to defuse violent situations.
The Facilitators present a framework within which participants can share personal experiences. Strict observance of confidentiality is required of everyone taking part. Within this safe environment, real, everyday conflicts are examined, discussed and role-played. Communication skills are developed through a series of exercises, and nonviolent means of resolving conflict are explored. The whole weekend can be one of exciting self-discovery, skills-development and growth.
The AVPQ workshop exercises and activities are varied, and include games ("light and livelies") to lighten some of the heavier moments. Exercises include individual, paired and group activities, role plays, and can involve sharing of experiences by all participants. Those who participate gain personally, socially and often professionally. They also make new friends and have fun in the process!
The cost of participating in a community workshop is currently $125.00, but don’t let lack of money keep you from enquiring about a workshop! We can offer a reduced rate if you are on a limited income.
AVPQ runs three levels of workshop, both in the community and in prisons:
The Basic Workshop (Level 1)
Everyone starts by taking the Level 1 course, which provides a structured introduction to the ideas of AVP. In the Basic Workshop, participants consider what is violence and the nonviolence tools that they can use to transform violence. The workshop encourages self esteem and a sense of community through affirmation, respect for all, community-building, cooperation and trust.
Advanced Workshop (Level 2)
At Level 2, the group moves forward from the Basic Workshop with a theme being identified by the group for deeper exploration. This workshop looks at consensus and how it can be used to assist nonviolence. Within this workshop the participants focus on an issue that can pre-empt a violent situation. (e.g. Fear, Stereotyping, Anger, Forgiveness, Gender Issues. )
A Level 1 or Level 2 workshop consists of between 8 and 15 people and is led by 3 or 4 facilitators who do this work on a voluntary basis. Community Workshops consist of 5 x 3 hour sessions and usually take place across a weekend (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon). Prison workshops take place over 3 full days (i.e. normally 9 x 3 hour sessions). AVPQ can also organise workshops during the week, for groups attending as part of their employment. See Workshops for Groups and Organisations below.
Training Towards Facilitation Workshop (Level 3)
Although this workshop is aimed at training potential workshop facilitators, it also has wider applications, in that the participants work in teams. Within the team structure the participants can try out their newly found nonviolence tools and see how they can help resolve the problems the team has to overcome.
Workshops for Groups and Organisations
For those of you who are involved in groups or organisations, attending our workshops is a way to gain valuable insight and experience, whilst also having a great deal of fun.
Staff at ZigZag and Brisbane Youth Service, staff from Positive Learning Centre: POWER Program and members of the Matthew Stanley Foundation have recently experienced AVPQ workshops.
AVPQ workshops promote team-building, facilitate effective communication and develop cooperative attitudes that build trust and avoid competitive conflict. We would be happy to organise a workshop for members of your organisation. For more information, CONTACT US to discuss your needs and find out how AVPQ might help.
Youth Workshops
AVPQ is linked to a youth workshop programme entitled HIPP (Help Increase the Peace Project) and AVPQ would like to expand its work with young people in Queensland. AVPQ ran an inaugural HIPP workshop in 1998, which was very popular with the youths who attended. The HIPP programme is targeted at young people aged between 12 and 18 years, and is very similar to the AVPQ workshop programme. However the language used is more "youth-friendly", the activities are kept shorter and the "light and livelies" (called Hip Lifts) are livelier!!
For information about the dates of forthcoming workshops see our Events page or Contact us to make a booking or a general enquiry.
Venue locations with public transport options are here.
