The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Ireland
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Workshops empowering
people to lead non-violent lives

AVP is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system.

AVP is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system. It began with the support of the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) but the programme is non-denominational and is not affiliated to any particular faith or group. The programme has spread to over 50 countries around the world including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Israel, Russia and South Africa.
The Alternatives to Violence Project came to Ireland in the mid-1990s. Helen Haughton and a group of Quakers from Dublin started the programme in Mountjoy prison. From there, it spread to other prisons and AVP Ireland was founded. Helen herself was an active volunteer for more than 25 years and inspired many people in and out of prisons.

AVP Ireland is a voluntary organisation made up of a community of trained volunteers inside and outside prisons. We work in teams to run workshops in Irish prisons for anyone who would like to find ways of building better relationships and resolving conflict in a non-violent way. We believe in shared power and leadership, valuing everyone in the group for their experience and wisdom.
AVP recognises that conflict is a normal part of life – but that it is possible to learn new ways of responding. By discovering their inner strength and value, participants are empowered to make different choices when faced with challenge and conflict. We believe there is a power for good in everyone which has the potential to transform lives and communities.

The Underlying Core Values of Our AVP Organisation and Workshops

Core values are the fundamental principles that guide our actions and behaviours. The following core values, appearing in no particular order, are present throughout AVP, from our workshops to our organisations, to our daily lives. They influence our behaviour and our way of thinking. They set AVP apart.
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AVP International

Since its beginnings in the 1970s, AVP has spread worldwide. Over 50 national chapters are now active. They are supported by AVP International, which fosters the exchange of best practices and provides opportunities for joint reflection and mutual support.
Learn more about AVP International.

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Our Vision

We are a community of volunteers from all walks of life committed to creating a society based on honesty and respect that can resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.

Our Mission

AVP’s mission is to empower people to live their lives without violence. Transforming conflict, transforming lives, together.

Our Values

The five pillars of AVP are Affirmation, Communication, Cooperation, Community and Trust.
Our workshops explore the underlying causes of anger and violence with empathy. Through discussion, games, activities and role play participants explore their own feelings and develop greater self-awareness. There is a focus on building self-esteem and valuing ourselves and each other. Developing listening and communication skills and assertiveness supports healthy relationships. The cooperation and trust that is built opens the potential for community building both inside the workshop and beyond. Conflict response skills and problem-solving skills help us to deal with the situations we face in the future. We are increasing the respect we have for ourselves and others.

A community of AVP-trained facilitators working in teams. We practise and model the attitudes, skills, processes and knowledge of AVP. This is present in workshops and throughout the organisation.
AVP-Trained Teams
Enabling everyone to participate in leadership roles. Acknowledging that none of us has all of the answers, we share responsibility and draw on the strengths and wisdom of everyone in the group.
Shared Power and Leadership
The belief that we always have options and choices in any given situation. We choose how we respond.
Alternatives
The conscious effort to acknowledge and consider, without prejudice, all natural and social differences, perceived or otherwise, in the AVP Community. We seek common ground by identifying and embracing differences.
Inclusiveness
The belief that there is something of value in all of us. We seek to affirm and connect with that capacity for good. We accept each person on their life journey.
Good Within Everyone
The understanding that each person’s path is different. We each empower our own path, and begin by being open to change.
Journey of Personal Exploration
Doing, listening, interacting with others, and reflecting on present and past experiences leading to reframing perspectives. Re-experiencing the self with peers.
Experiential Learning
Building, rebuilding and maintaining a sense of belonging, connectedness and safety with others. Respecting and caring for oneself while respecting and being present for others.
Community
Taking personal responsibility for not harming oneself or others. When we recognise there are alternatives, violence is no longer an answer to conflict.
Personal Nonviolence
We are all part of this decision-making process seeking to reach an agreement that everyone can accept, work with, and apply.
Consensus
Creating an environment that is conducive to collaboration, personal growth and taking risks to change ourselves and our relationships.
Safety
Staying true to AVP best practices and ensuring our processes, learnings and organisational operations are open, clear and easily understood. This is how we can recognise AVP anywhere in the world.
Accessibility and Consistency
Building strength and confidence in oneself while honouring and connecting with others.
Mutual Respect
We are guided by our optimism that when we are open to Transforming Power, every situation has the potential to have a hopeful, positive outcome.
Transforming Power

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Our Mission

AVP’s mission is to empower people to live their lives without violence. Transforming conflict, transforming lives, together.

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Registered Charity Number (RCN)

20045609

Copyrights © 2025 | AVP IRELAND

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    AVP Ireland
    111 Not A Real St.
    Anytown, CA 12345

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€ 0
Select Payment Method

To make an offline donation toward this cause, follow these steps:

  1. Write a check payable to "AVP Ireland"
  2. On the memo line of the check, indicate that the donation is for "AVP Ireland"
  3. Mail your check to:

    AVP Ireland
    111 Not A Real St.
    Anytown, CA 12345

Your tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated!