2014 AVP/USA National Gathering
Philadelphia, PA
May 23-26, 2014
Detailed Program Description
Click here for a printable PDF version of the Program.
WEDNESDAY MAY 21
Registration for early arrivalsfor Pre-conference Event 1.
(3:00 pm on in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)
Wed. dinner and Thurs.breakfast on your own. List of nearbyeating places is located on the “Explore the Area” page.
THURSDAYMAY 22
Registration(8:00-9:00am in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)
Event 1: (9 am – 4 pm in Multipurpose Room 2nd floor)
Restorative justice practices and AVP
With Barbara Toews, restorative justicepractitioner and
Elizabeth Linehan, SCI-Graterford AVPfacilitator
Lunch for Pre-Conference Event 1 (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Early Registration for Pre-Conference Event2 on Friday and C of C Meetings
(3:00 pm on in 1940 Residence Hall)
Committee of Committees meeting (6:00-9:00 pm in Multipurpose Room 2ndfloor)
Thurs. Dinner and Fri. Breakfast on your own. List ofnearby eating places is located on the “Explore the Area” page.
FRIDAYMAY 23
Registration(8:00-9:00am in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)
Event2: (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. )
AVPgoes to school
Morningsession: Panel from American Paradigm Middle School and High School
Afternoon session: AVP Facilitators NadineHoover, Martha Baer and Nancy Vimla
Lunch for Pre-Conference Event 2 (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Registration re-opens for Annual Gathering (1:00 pm on in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)
AVPStore and T-shirt sale available in First Floor W-115
Dinner (5:30 - 6:30 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Hall)
Plenary: Welcome, Community Building, Visioning Session
(7:00 - 9:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Lower Level)
SATURDAY MAY 24
Breakfast (7:30 - 8:30 am in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Plenary: (9:00 - 10:15 am in in Gittis Student Center, Underground)
The New UndergroundRailroad and the struggle against mass incarceration.
With J. Jondhi Harrell. A returning citizen after20 years of incarceration, Harrell is CEO of The Center for Returning Citizensin Philadelphia. He is an outspoken advocate in Decarcerate PA, a MSW studentat Temple University, and an AVP facilitator.
Coffee break (10:15 - 10:30 am)
SessionA breakouts: (10:30am - 12 pm – see chart for locations)
A1: The role of the Centerfor Returning Citizens in the Underground Railroad. The breakout from theplenary session will continue the theme of the Underground Railroad,highlighting the personal journey of Jondhi Harrell and the work of TCRC in thestruggle against mass Incarceration. The session will feature excerpts from thenew short documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Matt Pillischer (Brokenon All Sides) that focuses on the work of TCRC and the Coalitions AgainstMass Incarceration in Philadelphia. Harrell will also discuss chapters of thebook he is writing titled, "The New Underground Railroad," coveringthe challenges faced by returning citizens and the ways concerned and consciousindividuals and groups can become a part of the New Underground Railroad. Thiswill be a discussion rich in history and structured to enlighten, encourage andinvolve the audience.
(Facilitated by J. Jondhi Harrell)
A2: AVPand the new research on the brain. New knowledge abouthow our brain processes social/emotional information and actions holds manyclues for why AVP is so successful in building trust, empathy and community.There is also information which can help us do even better. We will look atthis information and its relationship to AVP, try an exercise or two andhopefully brainstorm a list of ways to maximize this knowledge in ourworkshops. (Facilitated by Nancy Shippen. A special educator for 30 years andan AVP facilitator for over 20. I founded and directed Our Prison Neighbors. Iam currently working under the care of my Friends Meeting on prison programs,prison reform and the expansion of AVP internationally. With John Michaelis.)
A3: Engagingyouth and children in AVP. Join with others interested inengaging youth and children in AVP to share best practices and lend support forthis creative yet often challenging work. Participants who haveworked with youth will briefly highlight some of their successes andchallenges, followed by an interactive discussion. Bring your questions,curiosity and experiences for an engaging opportunity to learn from each other. Pillars of AVP for youth will also be shared. (Facilitated by MarthaBaer. Martha has worked with youth and young adults throughout her professionalcareer. She is lead outside facilitator at Maryland CorrectionalInstitution-Jessup in Maryland and was part of the facilitator team at theAmerican Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia last fall. With Nadine Hoover.)
A4:Fundraising Part 1: Getting ready to write a proposal. We’ll practiceprogram planning in a hands-on encounter with credibility, needs, objectives,outcomes and budgets. Bring your project ideas! (Facilitated by Thomas Boyd,Development Associate for AVP. He has 40 years work for nonprofits as boardchair, executive director, senior staff member, volunteer, consultant.Fundraising and development clients have included Boys Town, the American RedCross, ODN Productions, Central Park Conservancy, NYC Mission Society. Formersenior trainer for The Grantsmanship Center.)
A5: Brainstorming a better Basic. Everyonestarts AVP with the Basic workshop, and for many, that is the only one theyparticipate in. So it is especially important that these workshops beexcellent. We will exchange new ideas each of us has learned and incorporate inour workshops. (Facilitated by Marge Schlitt. In the 25 years I have been doingAVP workshops, I have changed how I lead exercises, organize the agenda, andother things. Change is good!)
A6: AVPexperiences in Israel – Palestine. Densely complex competing interests andconvictions in Israel and Palestine amidst uneven distribution of decisionmaking and ongoing violence compels an examination of how AVP may best serve ina region that is erupting with instability and urgent for solutions. AnneWallace-DiGarbo will relate stories from her time with Israeli and withPalestinian AVP participants, posing themes for discussion, using an advanced level AVP exercise. (Facilitated by Anne Wallace-DiGarbo, a clinicalpsychologist who trained with Steve Angell and has co-facilitated AVP inprisons, youth facilities, and local community settings, as well as in Bosnia,Israel and Palestine. Personal learning in trauma healing.)
Lunch (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
SessionB breakouts: (1:15– 2:45 pm – see chart for locations)
B1:Breathing Space. Breathing space is a community projectby formally incarcerated AVPers in the New York Catskills mountains. Learn moreabout our entrepreneurial projects, ways which you can assist, and the beautyof AVP at work in the Catskills. Short video, Q & A and fun!!! (Facilitatedby Ray Rios, who has over 25 years of working, developing and organizingvarious groups. With Samantha Lawler.)
B2:Paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is restating what someone elsehas said in your own words. It is a new, advanced exercise. It will be anexciting opportunity to use your listening skills, your empathy andunderstanding of another's opposing view on some emotional or controversialtopic, as well as an opportunity to promote your own view - perhaps even changeyour view! (Facilitated by Barbara Anderson, a volunteer Parent Educator in asubstance abuse treatment center for parenting and pregnant women in recovery. Shehas also co-facilitated AVP workshops in Donovan State Prison for men and LosColinas Reentry program for women in San Diego County, CA. As a social workerfor 35 years, Barb provided individual and group counseling for "highrisk" families referred by the courts and child protective services. WithFran Howard.)
B3: Lookingback, moving forward - Examining our power, our race and our privilege as AVPfacilitators. As an AVP Facilitator our role automaticallycomes with a certain amount of power and privilege. What does it mean to turnthe spotlight on our selves and have an honest dialogue on love, racism,privilege and Transforming Power? In the spirit of AVP we will reference twoexercises – In the Bag and What is Love? – because we all want the same things- to create a better world and expand our definitions of those complex terms.We are lifelong learners, so let's grow together. Join us as weintentionally create space to discuss our concerns, triumphs and realities. (Facilitatedby Silly Sheila Gaskins, AVP Facilitator, MCIW Women's Prison People'sinstitute on Race and Beyond Maryland, with: Amazing Andre Craig - AVPFacilitator, Social Worker, and Jubilant Judy Meikle - AVP Facilitator- Youth/Adults People's Institute on Race and Beyond.)
B4:Fundraising Part 2: Approaching funders. We’ll slice the charitable pie intoindividuals, foundations, corporations, and we’ll build one-page starterproposals for each. Bring a pad and pen! (Facilitated by Tom Boyd.)
B5: Howcan AVP prevent youth violence? the Public Health Approach is the wave of thefuture in violence prevention. Part 1. The workshop will compare the CriminalJustice Model, the Restorative Justice Model and the Public Health Model. Itwill explore the normal adolescent development problems that can lead toviolence. It will look at the appeal of gangs and the types of gangs. Theworkshop will discuss the successful teen violence prevention programsinitiated by public health facilitators in Boston and Chicago. It will explorehow AVP can learn from the public health community and connect with theirexpanding violence prevention programs. This workshop will involve twosessions, and participants are requested to attend both sessions. (Facilitatedby Fred Feucht. After being the coordinator of the AVP Program at Sing SingPrison in Westchester County, NY for 29 years, Fred is focusing on communityworkshops, taking AVP to the streets, and training a new generation offacilitators.
B6:It's S.A.S.S.Y! (Sexual Assault Survivors Say Yes!) Time Part 1. S.A.S.S.Y!is about healing and empowerment - with attitude. It involves looking at sexualassault from a spiritual perspective. Through discussion, brainstorming, guidedimagery and participatory exercises we will explore our beliefs and experiencesaround both sexuality and sexual assault and the steps involved in deepeningand shortening the healing process. This program will involve two sessions andparticipants are requested to attend both sessions. (Facilitated by TeresaTyson.)
SessionC breakouts: (3:00- 4:30 pm - – see chart for locations)
C1: Establishingsustainable new AVP groups. AVP workshops are desired in many locations. Facilitators are needed for small groups. In some locations, these small groupshave started and seem fragile. In this workshop we will discuss ways tobe open TP to guide in creating sustainable local programs even with smallnumbers of facilitators. The intention is to create a framework that maybe offered to new locations. (Facilitated by Rubye Braye, retired officer anduniversity professor, an AVP facilitator for 10 years who has facilitated incommunities, prisons, and schools. With Dot Dobbins.)
C2: Engendering AVP and AVPpractices. Thisdiscussion will focus on conducting AVP workshop in all-female prisons. It willconsider questions such as: What are the challenges in conducting AVP workshopsin female institutions? Should some of the activities, discussions,language, etc. be modified to be more gender specific as they relate to women?If so, how? How to deal with trauma and the issues that may arise inconducting certain aspects of the workshop? This will be an interactivediscussion with participants. Team members: Charley Flint, Sharon Brown,possibly additional members. (Facilitated by Charley Flint with Sharon Brown.)
C3: Higher Educationcollaboration roundtable. This roundtable session will allow participants to: share strategies wehave used in higher education to incorporate AVP into the curricula; share wayswe have integrated student participation in AVP; explore opportunities forresearch; develop new strategies for collaboration with AVP and amonginstitutions of higher education. (Facilitated by Dawn Addy.)
C4: Fundraising Part 3:Fundraising Q&A. A chance to review thebasics, talk about other approaches (e.g. crowd-source funding, social media),and take a close look at individual projects and problems. Bring yourbest-practice examples! (Facilitated by Tom Boyd.)
C5: Howcan AVP prevent youth violence? Part 2. (Facilitated by FredFeucht)
C6: It's S.A.S.S.Y! Time Part 2. (Facilitated by Teresa Tyson)
SessionD breakouts: Committees (4:45 - 6 pm – see chart for locations)
D1:Community organizations Committee (Pat Hardy). Successful recruitment ideas; PSA video; localgroups’ greatest challenges; how can this committee help your group.
D2:Education Committee (Katherine Smith)
D3:Finance Committee (Chad Dell). Treasurers report; conferencebudget; setting up a financial review; review of committee's responsibilities.
D4:Communication Committee (Rick Krouskop)
D5:Public Relations Committee
Dinner (6:00 - 7:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
EveningEntertainment (8:00 – 10:00 p.m. in GittisStudent Center Underground)
Dancing withthe Stars, Philadelphia Style. Hosted by AndreCraig and Sheila Gaskins.
An evening of music and dancing, with DJ selections ofPhiladelphia sounds.
SUNDAYMAY 25
Meeting forWorship (7:00 - 7:30 am, locationTBA)
Breakfast (7:30- 8:30 am in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Plenary: AVP/USA Annual Meeting (9 a.m. – 12 noon in GittisStudent Center Underground )
Lunch (12:00 – 1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
SessionE breakouts (1:00- 2:30 pm see chart for locations)
E1: Examiningprivilege - An honest dialogue on race, class, gender and privilege the AVPway. DiligentDawn is a seasoned AVP facilitator and conflict resolution expert. During thissession she will co-facilitate with a diverse team of AVP facilitators whoposses varying levels of experience, education and perspectives relative to thetopic. (Facilitated by Dawn Addy, Director, Center for Labor Research &Studies, Florida International University, with Chaundra Whitehead and DustinMuller.)
E2: Expanding and strengthening facilitation techniques. This interactiveworkshop will focus on creatively improving our facilitation in practice.Topics to be considered: Facilitators are neither teachers nor therapists;giving air time to participants and curbing our egos and needs; using someone’sstory for group insights; moving from one-on-one to large group discussion;maximizing the opportunity for everyone present; exercise processing /debriefing is where it really happens! (Facilitated by KitHanley.)
E3: Dynamic Duo: NonviolentCommunication (NVC) and AVP. Nonviolent communicationpowerfully empowers AVP with “I messages,” picture sharing, empathy exercises,“buttons” and many other exercises. NVC offers a practical framework ofreceiving and sending messages based on clear observations, feelings, needs,and requests that supports everyone’s needs being met. Through recognizing theuniversality and common ground of needs such as mutual respect, to belong, tomatter, and to be understood, we can develop strategies that can meeteveryone’s needs. The NVC approach can add clarity, simplicity, andTransforming Presence to our communications as AVP facilitators. (Facilitated by Michael J. Murphy, founder of the Center For CompassionateCommunication in Nyack, NY and AVP outside coordinator for Otisville PrisonPeace Academy in NY, where his team Builds Beloved Community through trainingPeace Ambassadors. Most recently he offered two AVP/NVC workshops in Kenya forfacilitators that were very enthusiastically received. With Noelle Polletand Dwight Dominick.)
E4: FundraisingPt. 3. Fundraising Q&A. A chance to review thebasics, talk about other approaches (e.g. crowd-source funding, social media),and take a close look at individual projects and problems. Bring yourbest-practice examples! (Facilitated by TomBoyd.)
E5: PrisonCoordinators get together (and trade great ideas). Thoseof us who coordinate a prison program have a particular assignment. Bringyour best ideas and learn everybody else's! (Facilitated by Valentine Doyle.)
E6: Saying “no”positively – to get to a better “yes”. Based on the work of Peter Ury (“ThePower of a Positive No”), this workshop asks participants to explore the basicreasons why it can be important to say “no” (e.g. maintaining appropriate boundaries, honesty, etc) and appreciatethe results of the positive no, such as respectful relationships, energy andresources for other activities, etc. (Facilitated by Margaret Lechner.)
SessionF breakouts and committees: (2:45 - 4:15 pm - see chart for locations)
F1: Knowledgemanagement (Facilitated by Katherine Smith.)
F2: Creating topical workshops using your AVP experience.
For more than 2 years I havebeen designing and facilitating various topical workshops using AVP philosophy,structure, methodology and exercises (i.e. parenting, soft skills, goalplanning and attainment, empowerment, communication, team cohesiveness). I’dlike to open up the mindset of how there are win-wins for facilitators andparticipants as trained facilitators learn they can use AVP to creativelyexpand its foundations beyond the standard Basic and Advanced content andformat. Topic might include: Know your targeted outcomes: creating agendas by workingbackwards; know your participants: developing rapport and creating a relevantagenda; establishing yourself as a program facilitator: networking and thinkingcreatively for varied program venues. (Facilitated by Kit Hanley.)
F3: “Recovery to Practice” and AVP: Offering healing to a wounded mentalhealth system. Recovery to Practice (RTP) is a federally funded traininginitiative intended to infuse more practices that support recovery into a numberof professional disciplines. “Peer Supporters” received a portion of the RTPgrant and created a week-long training to isolate peer values and skills andcreate standards of peer practice. These values and skills are in harmony withAVP and the “peer portion” of the RTP training is being delivered in an AVPformat. The workshop intends to offer an experiential taste of Recovery toPractice (RTP) as well as an opportunity to share wisdom on possible AVPinvolvement. (Facilitated by Noelle Pollet, director of Heart Circle Consulting,which integrates AVP-based methods of skill development & communitybuilding into the mental health system. 22 years facilitating AVP in prisons,schools, communities, families and within the mental health system; 17 yearsworking within the “recovery movement” as advocate, peer support worker, andconsultant for peer-run mental health organizations.
F4: ConferenceCommittee (Nancy Hutchins)
SessionG committees: (4:45- 6:00 p.m. - see chart for locations)
G1: CLARGCommittee (Valentine Doyle)
G2: ResearchCommittee (Don Nason)
G3: YouthCommittee
G4:Committee
G5:Committee
G6:Committee
Dinner (6:00 - 7:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
EveningEntertainment (8:00 - 10:00 pm in Gittis StudentCenter Underground)
My Racial Ignorance,” a reflective art galleryexperience by Bonnie Mettler, followed by "Growing up Black and White inAmerica,” an autobiographical performance by Charlotte Blake Allston and TheQuiet Riot/Bill and Dave Mettler.
MONDAYMAY 26
Conference check-out and key return. (7:00-9:00 am in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)
Luggagemay be checked in Johnson and Hardwick lower level luggage room near ClosingPlenary.
Breakfast (7:45 - 8:45 am in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Plenary: (9:30 - 11:30 am in The Rathskellar, Johnson and Hardwick Building, Lower Level)
Stacey L. Cruise, AVP’s report card;
AVP International: What the Third World can teachAVP/USA;
Closing ceremony
Lunch (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)
Committeeof Committees: (1:00- 4:00 pm in 1940 Residence Hall)
THANK YOU FOR COMING!
MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION.
PLEASE RESPOND TO EMAIL REQUEST FOR EVALUATION
WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT.
See you next year!