A Brief Explanation

The Community of AVP can be thought of as concentric circles, formed around the core of AVP, which is Transforming Power (see diagram).

Circles 1, 2, and 3 form the traditional Core of AVP.

Circle 1: AVP methodology: This is experiential learning, our belief in Transforming Power and how we get there. It is the heart, the center of what we do. These are the AVP core values, philosophy, principles, processes and practices that distinguish AVP from other experiential training.

Circle 2: AVP standard workshops: Basic, Advanced and T4F – the full 18-22 hour AVP workshops, delivered by a team of AVP trained facilitators, within an AVP recognized group. These represent the standard workshops which have been proven over time. They define the unique value that AVP can offer its partners and clients.

Circle 3: AVP Variations: Delivered by AVP trained facilitators in an AVP recognized group, using AVP methodology. They may have different content. They may  have fewer hours.

There are two categories of Variations:

  • Sessions that support the delivery of standard workshops, for example Continuing Learning (facilitator training after a T4F workshop), AVP “taster” or introductory session, AVP training nights or support groups.
  • Stand-alone workshops/sessions, for example workshops on empathy or trauma resilience.

Circle 4 are the Adaptations that are addressed by this Committee.

Circle 4: Adaptations of AVP: These are programs offered outside of AVP. To be considered an Adaptation, they must be designed by an experienced AVP facilitator but delivered outside of AVP group. These include individuals or organizations that have adapted aspects of AVP to meet the specific needs of particular target groups, communities or contexts. The Adaptations Committee was formed to connect with and explore ways for AVP USA to support those who have created Adaptations, as well as ways for those who have created Adaptations to ‘give back’ to AVP USA in ways that will continue to grow and promote AVP in the US and beyond.

There is a 5th circle, which also exists but is largely beyond the scope of this group.

Circle 5: Influenced by AVP: These are programs created by people who were influenced by AVP (people who have taken a workshop or seen the AVP manuals) but have not been trained as AVP facilitators. AVP has long encouraged people to take what they learn and apply it in different settings. There is a large sphere of programs that may have incorporated a light ‘n lively as an “icebreaker” or used an AVP experiential exercise to encourage conversation around a particular topic. The Adaptations Committee was established for AVP trained facilitators but encourages the sharing of transforming practices in whatever form they might take.

A Brief History of Adaptations

  • Established as the “Spin-Offs” team following the National Gathering in Tacoma in 2015, it was an Education sub-committee it has met since then, monthly.
  • Started to define the criteria for adaptations and variations of AVP and started a list of programs and creative works that fit the criteria.
  • Recruited members at the National Gathering in Denver in 2016.
  • Renamed from “Spin-Offs” to “Adaptations,” and recognized as a full (ad hoc) Committee at the National Gathering in Boston in 2017.
  • Held World Café and Breakout sessions in 2017 at the National Gathering to share mutual benefits and hear concerns by the AVP USA community.
  • Refined the criteria for “Adaptations of AVP” as works developed by AVP trained facilitators but delivered outside of AVP groups, with the potential (depending on the program funding) for facilitators to be paid for their service; such as formerly incarcerated AVP facilitators holding paid or freelance facilitator positions.
  • Created recommendations for mutual benefit or ways for those who have adapted works from AVP to give back through donations or in-kind services, promotion, collaborating with AVP USA and local groups to continue to spread AVP workshops and adapted works.