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AVP seeks to curb violence by offering training program

Date: 2/12/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Finding ways to curb violence is the goal of the upcoming training from the Alternatives to Violence project (AVP).

The AVP program is designed to train facilitators who can then bring the program into their own neighborhoods, Jean M. Canosa Albano, M.L.I.S., manager of Public Services and the Mason Square Branch Library, explained to Reminder Publications.

The Mason Square Branch Library, at 765 State St., is the site of the training session. The training will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. March 5, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 and from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7.

Canosa Albano said the goal of the techniques taught is to “change how people can relate with one another.”

According to the AVP website (http://avpusa.org), the training is designed to “manage strong feelings such as anger and fear; deal more effectively with risk and danger; build good relationships with other people; communicate well in difficult situations; recognize the skills you already have and learn a new one; be true to yourself while respecting other people; understand why conflict happens; and uncover your innate ‘transforming power’ to transform a situation from aggression to cooperation.”

Started in 1975, AVP operates in 35 states and 40 counties.

Canosa Albano said the program is open to anyone and participants who successfully complete the training can go on to more advanced training.

She called the basic training program as “pretty intensive.”

Canosa Albano explained the training addresses a wide variety of violence and participant will see the issues addressed apply to both the home and the streets. She said some of the trained facilitators take the messages to inmates in jail.   

There is no charge for the training.

If interested contact Luz Lopez at Luz.Lopez@aol.com.