A weekend-long workshop called Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) was held on Feb. 27 through March 1. This event was led by Kathy Adams and other trained facilitators. The event took place across the street from the soccer field at Guilford College. This event brought Guilford College students and community members together to learn practical strategies for promoting peace and resolving conflict in a troubled world. 

AVP was originally created to educate imprisoned convicts. Kathy Adams, a senior facilitator of the workshops, mentioned that it was important to include communities outside of prison.

“In today’s climate, both political, social and community, the division is creating chaos,” she said. “AVP provides an opportunity to build community and connect with others.”

Adams started working on the first form of AVP while with the North Carolina Peace Resource Center. The North Carolina Peace Resource Center helps willing people who have been convicted of a crime face their conflicts in a non-violent manner. To Adams, the project has been an accomplishment whenever people attended. She said that it has taught her much as a facilitator.

“[AVP has given] me the personal skill and attitude to improve my approach to relationships,” Adams said.

Among the attendees of the workshop were many Guilford College students, both within and outside of academic organizations such as the Quaker Leadership Scholars Program (QLSP) and the Bonner Program. Among them was Martin Eller-Fitze. 

Eller-Fitze said while the workshop was a lot of fun due to games and community, he also learned something. 

“If you’re putting yourself out there and interacting with all the questions … other people would interact with you and will give you more information and help that you could need,” he said.

Adams’ closing remarks pertained to the promise she holds for the future and for the students at Guilford. “My work with QLSP and Bonner students has been very enriching and gives me hope for the future of our society.”