Our Mission
Colorado’s Alternatives to Violence Project helps people empower themselves to transform their lives by affirming their positive qualities, respecting themselves and others, and learning and practicing nonviolent approaches to resolve conflicts.
Our Vision
Our vision is of a society where people can live together nonviolently.
Our Racial Justice Statement
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) was established by civil rights leaders, those who faced incarceration, and members of the Religious Society of Friends. AVP is underpinned by the understanding that every human being is intrinsically valuable and worthy.
Increasing the visibility of ongoing injustices and tragedies are leading previously unaware people in our country to recognize systemic violence. As a country, it is incumbent on us to end the systemic violence that exists in our policing, courts, and correctional institutions; as individuals, it is our responsibility to recognize and cease the violence we may perpetrate by action as well as by our inaction.
“I believe that Alternatives to Violence has guided our abused offender participants in a positive direction. The offenders have told me the materials learned during the sessions gave them options they never realized they had. Many offenders have also stated they will find the courage to walk away from abusive relationships.
— Captain Bowers, Denver Women’s Correctional Facility
The AVP Program
The AVP program is an experiential program for everyone, facilitating the development of new skills and attitudes that lead to fulfilling lives for communities, agencies, youth and the incarcerated. AVP draws its participants and its facilitators from all religions, races, cultures and walks of life. It is an intensive learning experience, offering three-day workshops on three levels:
The Basic Workshop
The Advanced Workshop
The Training for Facilitators Workshop
