PROGRAM

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 arrivals for Pre-conference Event 1.

(3:00 pm on in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)

Wed. dinner and Thurs. breakfast on your own. List of nearby eating places is located on the “Explore the Area” page.

THURSDAY MAY 22

Registration (8:00-9:00 am 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 justice practitioner and

Elizabeth Linehan, SCI-Graterford AVP facilitator

Lunch for Pre-Conference Event 1 (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)

Early Registration for Pre-Conference Event 2 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 2nd floor)

Thurs. Dinner and Fri. Breakfast on your own. List of nearby eating places is located on the “Explore the Area” page.

FRIDAY MAY 23

Registration (8:00-9:00 am in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)

Event 2:  (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. )

AVP goes to school

Morning session: Panel from American Paradigm Middle School and High School

Afternoon session: AVP Facilitators Nadine Hoover, 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)

AVP Store 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 Underground Railroad and the struggle against mass incarceration.

With J. Jondhi Harrell. A returning citizen after 20 years of incarceration, Harrell is CEO of The Center for Returning Citizens in Philadelphia. He is an outspoken advocate in Decarcerate PA, a MSW student at Temple University, and an AVP facilitator.

Coffee break (10:15 - 10:30 am)

Session A breakouts: (10:30 am - 12 pm – see chart for locations)

A1: The role of the Center for Returning Citizens in the Underground Railroad. The breakout from the plenary session will continue the theme of the Underground Railroad, highlighting the personal journey of Jondhi Harrell and the work of TCRC in the struggle against mass Incarceration. The session will feature excerpts from the new short documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Matt Pillischer (Broken on All Sides) that focuses on the work of TCRC and the Coalitions Against Mass Incarceration in Philadelphia. Harrell will also discuss chapters of the book he is writing titled, "The New Underground Railroad," covering the challenges faced by returning citizens and the ways concerned and conscious individuals and groups can become a part of the New Underground Railroad. This will be a discussion rich in history and structured to enlighten, encourage and involve the audience.

(Facilitated by J. Jondhi Harrell)

A2: AVP and the new research on the brain. New knowledge about how our brain processes social/emotional information and actions holds many clues 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 at this information and its relationship to AVP, try an exercise or two and hopefully brainstorm a list of ways to maximize this knowledge in our workshops. (Facilitated by Nancy Shippen. A special educator for 30 years and an AVP facilitator for over 20. I founded and directed Our Prison Neighbors. I am currently working under the care of my Friends Meeting on prison programs, prison reform and the expansion of AVP internationally. With John Michaelis.)

A3: Engaging youth and children in AVP. Join with others interested in engaging youth and children in AVP to share best practices and lend support for this creative yet often challenging work.  Participants who have worked with youth will briefly highlight some of their successes and challenges, 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 Martha Baer. Martha has worked with youth and young adults throughout her professional career. She is lead outside facilitator at Maryland Correctional Institution-Jessup in Maryland and was part of the facilitator team at the American Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia last fall. With Nadine Hoover.)

A4: Fundraising Part 1: Getting ready to write a proposal. We’ll practice program 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 board chair, executive director, senior staff member, volunteer, consultant. Fundraising and development clients have included Boys Town, the American Red Cross, ODN Productions, Central Park Conservancy, NYC Mission Society. Former senior trainer for The Grantsmanship Center.)

A5:  Brainstorming a better Basic. Everyone starts AVP with the Basic workshop, and for many, that is the only one they participate in. So it is especially important that these workshops be excellent. We will exchange new ideas each of us has learned and incorporate in our workshops. (Facilitated by Marge Schlitt. In the 25 years I have been doing AVP workshops, I have changed how I lead exercises, organize the agenda, and other things. Change is good!)

A6: AVP experiences in Israel – Palestine. Densely complex competing interests and convictions in Israel and Palestine amidst uneven distribution of decision making and ongoing violence compels an examination of how AVP may best serve in a region that is erupting with instability and urgent for solutions. Anne Wallace-DiGarbo will relate stories from her time with Israeli and with Palestinian AVP participants, posing themes for discussion, using an advanced level AVP exercise. (Facilitated by Anne Wallace-DiGarbo, a clinical psychologist who trained with Steve Angell and has co-facilitated AVP in prisons, 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)

Session B breakouts: (1:15 – 2:45 pm – see chart for locations)

B1: Breathing Space. Breathing space is a community project by formally incarcerated AVPers in the New York Catskills mountains. Learn more about our entrepreneurial projects, ways which you can assist, and the beauty of AVP at work in the Catskills. Short video, Q & A and fun!!! (Facilitated by Ray Rios, who has over 25 years of working, developing and organizing various groups. With Samantha Lawler.)

B2: Paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is restating what someone else has said in your own words. It is a new, advanced exercise. It will be an exciting opportunity to use your listening skills, your empathy and understanding of another's opposing view on some emotional or controversial topic, as well as an opportunity to promote your own view - perhaps even change your view! (Facilitated by Barbara Anderson, a volunteer Parent Educator in a substance abuse treatment center for parenting and pregnant women in recovery. She has also co-facilitated AVP workshops in Donovan State Prison for men and Los Colinas Reentry program for women in San Diego County, CA. As a social worker for 35 years, Barb provided individual and group counseling for "high risk" families referred by the courts and child protective services. With Fran Howard.)

B3: Looking back, moving forward - Examining our power, our race and our privilege as AVP facilitators. As an AVP Facilitator our role automatically comes with a certain amount of power and privilege. What does it mean to turn the spotlight on our selves and have an honest dialogue on love, racism, privilege and Transforming Power? In the spirit of AVP we will reference two exercises – 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 we intentionally create space to discuss our concerns, triumphs and realities. (Facilitated by Silly Sheila Gaskins, AVP Facilitator, MCIW Women's Prison People's institute on Race and Beyond Maryland, with: Amazing Andre Craig - AVP Facilitator, 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 into individuals, foundations, corporations, and we’ll build one-page starter proposals for each. Bring a pad and pen! (Facilitated by Tom Boyd.)

B5: How can AVP prevent youth violence? the Public Health Approach is the wave of the future in violence prevention. Part 1. The workshop will compare the Criminal Justice Model, the Restorative Justice Model and the Public Health Model. It will explore the normal adolescent development problems that can lead to violence.  It will look at the appeal of gangs and the types of gangs. The workshop will discuss the successful teen violence prevention programs initiated by public health facilitators in Boston and Chicago. It will explore how AVP can learn from the public health community and connect with their expanding violence prevention programs. This workshop will involve two sessions, and participants are requested to attend both sessions. (Facilitated by Fred Feucht. After being the coordinator of the AVP Program at Sing Sing Prison in Westchester County, NY for 29 years, Fred is focusing on community workshops, taking AVP to the streets, and training a new generation of facilitators.

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 sexual assault from a spiritual perspective. Through discussion, brainstorming, guided imagery and participatory exercises we will explore our beliefs and experiences around both sexuality and sexual assault and the steps involved in deepening and shortening the healing process. This program will involve two sessions and participants are requested to attend both sessions. (Facilitated by Teresa Tyson.)

Session C breakouts: (3:00 - 4:30 pm - – see chart for locations)

C1: Establishing sustainable new AVP groups. AVP workshops are desired in many locations.  Facilitators are needed for small groups. In some locations, these small groups have started and seem fragile.  In this workshop we will discuss ways to be open TP to guide in creating sustainable local programs even with small numbers of facilitators.  The intention is to create a framework that may be offered to new locations. (Facilitated by Rubye Braye, retired officer and university professor, an AVP facilitator for 10 years who has facilitated in communities, prisons, and schools. With Dot Dobbins.)

C2: Engendering AVP and AVP practices. This discussion will focus on conducting AVP workshop in all-female prisons. It will consider questions such as: What are the challenges in conducting AVP workshops in 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 in conducting certain aspects of the workshop? This will be an interactive discussion with participants. Team members: Charley Flint, Sharon Brown, possibly additional members. (Facilitated by Charley Flint with Sharon Brown.)

C3: Higher Education collaboration roundtable. This roundtable session will allow participants to: share strategies we have used in higher education to incorporate AVP into the curricula; share ways we have integrated student participation in AVP; explore opportunities for research; develop new strategies for collaboration with AVP and among institutions of higher education. (Facilitated by Dawn Addy.)

C4: Fundraising Part 3: Fundraising Q&A.  A chance to review the basics, talk about other approaches (e.g. crowd-source funding, social media), and take a close look at individual projects and problems. Bring your best-practice examples! (Facilitated by Tom Boyd.)

C5: How can AVP prevent youth violence? Part 2. (Facilitated by Fred Feucht)

C6: It's S.A.S.S.Y! Time Part 2. (Facilitated by Teresa Tyson)

Session D breakouts: Committees (4:45 - 6 pm – see chart for locations)

D1: Community organizations Committee (Pat Hardy). Successful recruitment ideas; PSA video; local groups’ greatest challenges; how can this committee help your group.

D2: Education Committee (Katherine Smith)

D3: Finance Committee (Chad Dell). Treasurers report; conference budget; 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)

Evening Entertainment (8:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Gittis Student Center Underground)

Dancing with the Stars, Philadelphia Style. Hosted by Andre Craig and Sheila Gaskins.

An evening of music and dancing, with DJ selections of Philadelphia sounds.

SUNDAY MAY 25

Meeting for Worship (7:00 - 7:30 am, location TBA)

Breakfast  (7:30 - 8:30 am in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)

Plenary:  AVP/USA Annual Meeting (9 a.m. – 12 noon in Gittis Student Center Underground )

Lunch (12:00 – 1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)

Session E breakouts (1:00 - 2:30 pm see chart for locations)

E1: Examining privilege - An honest dialogue on race, class, gender and privilege the AVP way. Diligent Dawn is a seasoned AVP facilitator and conflict resolution expert. During this session she will co-facilitate with a diverse team of AVP facilitators who posses varying levels of experience, education and perspectives relative to the topic. (Facilitated by Dawn Addy, Director, Center for Labor Research & Studies, Florida International University, with Chaundra Whitehead and Dustin Muller.)

E2: Expanding and strengthening facilitation techniques. This interactive workshop 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’s story 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 Kit Hanley.)

E3: Dynamic Duo: Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and AVP. Nonviolent communication powerfully empowers AVP with “I messages,” picture sharing, empathy exercises, “buttons” and many other exercises. NVC offers a practical framework of receiving and sending messages based on clear observations, feelings, needs, and requests that supports everyone’s needs being met. Through recognizing the universality and common ground of needs such as mutual respect, to belong, to matter, and to be understood, we can develop strategies that can meet everyone’s needs. The NVC approach can add clarity, simplicity, and Transforming Presence to our communications as AVP facilitators. (Facilitated by Michael J. Murphy, founder of the Center For Compassionate Communication in Nyack, NY and AVP outside coordinator for Otisville Prison Peace Academy in NY, where his team Builds Beloved Community through training Peace Ambassadors. Most recently he offered two AVP/NVC workshops in Kenya for facilitators that were very enthusiastically received.  With Noelle Pollet and Dwight Dominick.)

E4: Fundraising Pt. 3. Fundraising Q&A. A chance to review the basics, talk about other approaches (e.g. crowd-source funding, social media), and take a close look at individual projects and problems. Bring your best-practice examples! (Facilitated by Tom Boyd.)

E5: Prison Coordinators get together (and trade great ideas). Those of us who coordinate a prison program have a particular assignment.  Bring your 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 (“The Power of a Positive No”), this workshop asks participants to explore the basic reasons why it can be important to say “no”  (e.g. maintaining appropriate boundaries, honesty, etc) and appreciate the results of the positive no, such as respectful relationships, energy and resources for other activities, etc. (Facilitated by Margaret Lechner.)

Session F breakouts and committees: (2:45 - 4:15 pm - see chart for locations)

F1: Knowledge management  (Facilitated by Katherine Smith.)

F2: Creating topical workshops using your AVP experience.

For more than 2 years I have been designing and facilitating various topical workshops using AVP philosophy, structure, methodology and exercises (i.e. parenting, soft skills, goal planning and attainment, empowerment, communication, team cohesiveness). I’d like to open up the mindset of how there are win-wins for facilitators and participants as trained facilitators learn they can use AVP to creatively expand its foundations beyond the standard Basic and Advanced content and format. Topic might include: Know your targeted outcomes: creating agendas by working backwards; know your participants: developing rapport and creating a relevant agenda; establishing yourself as a program facilitator: networking and thinking creatively for varied program venues. (Facilitated by Kit Hanley.)

F3: “Recovery to Practice” and AVP:  Offering healing to a wounded mental health system. Recovery to Practice (RTP) is a federally funded training initiative intended to infuse more practices that support recovery into a number of professional disciplines. “Peer Supporters” received a portion of the RTP grant and created a week-long training to isolate peer values and skills and create standards of peer practice. These values and skills are in harmony with AVP and the “peer portion” of the RTP training is being delivered in an AVP format. The workshop intends to offer an experiential taste of Recovery to Practice (RTP) as well as an opportunity to share wisdom on possible AVP involvement. (Facilitated by Noelle Pollet, director of Heart Circle Consulting, which integrates AVP-based methods of skill development & community building into the mental health system. 22 years facilitating AVP in prisons, schools, communities, families and within the mental health system; 17 years working within the “recovery movement” as advocate, peer support worker, and consultant for peer-run mental health organizations.

F4: Conference Committee (Nancy Hutchins)

Session G committees: (4:45 - 6:00 p.m. - see chart for locations)

G1: CLARG Committee (Valentine Doyle)

G2: Research Committee (Don Nason)

G3: Youth Committee

G4: Committee

G5: Committee

G6: Committee

Dinner (6:00 - 7:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)

Evening Entertainment (8:00 - 10:00 pm in Gittis Student Center Underground)

My Racial Ignorance,” a reflective art gallery experience by Bonnie Mettler, followed by "Growing up Black and White in America,” an autobiographical performance by Charlotte Blake Allston and The Quiet Riot/Bill and Dave Mettler.

MONDAY MAY 26

Conference check-out and key return. (7:00-9:00 am in 1940 Residence Hall Lobby)

Luggage may be checked in Johnson and Hardwick lower level luggage room near Closing Plenary.

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 teach AVP/USA;

Closing ceremony

Lunch (12:00-1:00 pm in Johnson and Hardwick Dining Hall)

Committee of 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!

Copyright 2014 AVP/USA