Breakout Sessions

The AVP-USA National Gathering will offer over 25 breakout sessions and mini workshops. Some of the topics may include:

• Workshops and minis for preteens
• Youth Workshop facilitated by young people
• Reentry Support Programs
• Prison Coordination Forum
• Presenting Transforming Power
• Presenting I Messages
• Working with Gangs
• Using the new organizing guide
• Outreach and Recruitment
• Community Workshops
• Grassroots Fundraising
• Implicit Bias
• LGBTQ Inclusivity

Friday Open Board Retreat

What does AVP-USA do anyhow? 
What more could AVP-USA be doing? 
This afternoon retreat from 1pm-4:30pm will focus on identifying for local groups some of the key tangibles that AVP-USA can offer for local groups. 

Then, using the Creative by Design model, small groups will envision innovative ideas for how AVP-USA can more effectively support local groups.  Small groups will have time to work on compelling projects in order to develop a strong plan for making these visions a reality for AVP-USA.

Goal: To strengthen AVP-USA and make it a strong resource for local groups.

Program Schedule

12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM   AVP USA Open Board Meeting
12:00 Noon - 5:30 PM   Registration
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM       Dinner
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM       Opening Community
                                    Building Session
9:00 PM                             Youth Meetup

Saturday, May 23

7:30 AM –  9:00 AM      Breakfast
8:00 AM –  9:00 AM      Registration reopens
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM     Criminal Justice Reform 2020: 
                                   Two Visions
10:30 AM - 2:00 Noon   Breakout Session 1
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM   Registration reopens
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM   Lunch
1: 00 PM – 2:30 PM      Breakout Session 2
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM       World  Café    
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM       Committee Meetings
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM       Dinner
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM       Ritual4Return - Crossing the                                                   Threshold from Incarceration 
                                    to Freedom

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM       Interfaith Service
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM       Breakfast

Saturday Evening Performance

Ritual4Return (R4R) is a 12-week rite of passage program for formerly incarcerated men and women in New York City. Inspired by a half century of sociological literature suggesting the potential for rites of passage to ease the transition from prison back into community, R4R utilizes theater, improvisation, mindfulness exercises, chant, mask making, and storytelling to help returnees address and overcome the shame, stigma, and trauma of incarceration.  

The R4R journey culminates in a one-time-only threshold crossing before witnesses – family, loved ones, and other community members. During this crossing, the initiands undergo a symbolic death and resurrection, casting aside identities and patterns that no longer serve them, and making a public commitment to living the next chapter of their lives as leaders, healers, and prosocial members of the community.

In the AVP conference presentation, members of the R4R team will perform pieces from their respective rites of passage, screen video clips from the events, and then engage the audience in a discussion about the theory and practice grounding the work. For information go to https://ritual4return.org/about2/