To begin with, I am not a member of the Reno Friends. However, I have known several members of the Reno Friends over many years, and I have been associated with groups that this small Society has helped financially and in other ways over many years. I am the Coordinator for the Alternatives to Violence Project Nevada (AVP NV). For around 17or 18 years, the Reno Friends helped AVP NV expand from presenting AVP workshops in one local prison to working in four Nevada prisons (until one was closed) and working in one federal prison. The Friends paid for motel rooms in rural communities too far from Reno to travel to daily, plus paid for other costs of supplies and gas for travel. The Reno Friends kept AVP NV afloat for all that time. In addition, another small group I have been associated with for many years, Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace, at one time lost its office space. The Reno Friends generously allowed SIAP to meet monthly at their worship site. They also promoted the work of SIAP, such as our weekly Peace Presence Vigil in downtown Reno, which still meets today after 23 years. When I think of the Reno Friends, I think of selflessness, generosity, and compassion for humanity. The Reno Friends have been a blessing in my life, but also a blessing to the greater community.
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The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) came into my life 10 years ago, and has increased in priority in my life since then. This outstanding program impacts prison inmates and outside volunteers in amazing ways, and I personally can testify to my own increased awareness of how we all -- myself included-- contribute to the world's violence in many subtle ways (e.g. language, attitude, dismissive behavior). AVP consists of 3-day workshops primarily in prisons and youth facilities. The workshops are called "experiential," and often we hear, "When I came in here the first day, I did not think I could get through a 3-day workshop; now that it is coming to a close, I don't want it to end." The program originated in Greenhaven Prison in New York, a project of inmates and the local Quakers, in the 1970s. Today, the program is in over 40 states and over 40 countries.
Testimonies abound. Some of the comments we have heard more than once include: "Thank you for making me feel human again." "This program really made me think! ('I like that!' or 'I'm not sure I like that!')." "I never knew people who were so good!" "I have a long way to go to forgive (myself and others)." "I have never shared so personally with others; in here, it was easy!" "I don't want to live my life with hate anymore."
We are AVP Nevada. Each local group is responsible for its own funding, and all who participate and facilitate are volunteers. In Reno, the small congregation of the Reno Friends Meeting has been funding us, but as we continue to grow (waiting lists for workshops in all those prisons where we work), we realize that the local Friends (Quakers) cannot keep up with our expenses such as motel accommodations for the prisons located at far distances. Many of us do not ask for reimbursements for all our expenses, but again, as we grow, it becomes more expensive. This year, we did a record number of workshops, and we have decided we need to supplement the Friends' allotted budget for AVP.
We often say in AVP, "Trust the process!" Truly, there is something magical about the combination of exercises (whole large group of 20-25 persons, small group tasks and discussions, one-to-one tasks and discussions), which include deep and serious moments and also a great deal of fun and laughter. I always come away from a workshop feeling hopeful for this broken world. Individuals can and do change; I have witnessed this is myself and in others.