Alternatives to Violence Empowerment

ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE PROJECT
BASIC WORKSHOP ON
A CULTURE OF JUSTICE & PEACE
with Tim Dzurilla, Ashley Overstrom
&Minga Claggett-Borne
June 10-12, 2024
(Monday to Wednesday)


Program Description
Schedule
Registration information


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This workshop will teach interpersonal conflict resolution skills through a series of step-by-step processes. These experiences in small groups and one-to-one interactions build a sense of community and trust through exercises focusing on affirmation, resiliency, communication, cooperation and transforming power.

You can expect:
– A respectful, constructive and empowering community to explore new tools and experiences
– A beautiful campus with indoor and outdoor spaces to be your home throughout the gathering
– Monday afternoon arrival, check-in and 2pm opening session
– Sessions Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning and afternoon, Wednesday morning and afternoon
– Lunches will be provided; please bring a potluck dish for Monday dinner if you’d like
For those staying overnight, accommodations and breakfasts will be provided

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Monday
1pm arrival
2pm-4pm Session 1
4pm-6pm Session 2
Potluck dinner

Tuesday
9am-12pm Session 3
12pm Lunch
1pm-4pm Session 4
Evening – Site visits in Greenfield

Wednesday
9am Session 5
11:30am Lunch & Cleanup
1:30 Session 6
3pm Departures


REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

See below for more information about registration, cost, meals, accommodations, and other logistics. Or you can proceed directly to REGISTER HERE.


COST & REGISTRATION
We are suggesting participants pay on a scale of $25 to $125 for this event. You are welcome at whatever amount, including if you cannot afford any payment at all. The fee includes program, lunches, as well as lodging (with breakfasts) if desired. Please pay what fits in your personal budget, encourage your recovery or faith community to financially support your participation if that is appropriate, and come whatever amount you can afford (including if that is 0). The costs of this program are being covered by participating organizations, volunteers and Woolman Hill’s “Welcome Fund,” as well as participant fees. The Welcome Fund enables Woolman Hill to try experimental programming and to offer reduced rates in order to make programs and events accessible to all.  

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Plan to arrive after 1pm on Monday, in time to check in before the opening session at 2:00pm. The workshop will end at 3pm on Wednesday. We are centrally located in western Massachusetts, close to both I-91 and Route 2. For those  arriving by car, we will send directions prior to the event. Please let us know if you’d be interested in car-pooling. The nearest Amtrak train station is in Greenfield (MA), ten minutes’ drive away. Vermont Transit and Peter Pan bus lines also stop in Greenfield. Please contact us in advance to see if we can arrange a ride from these stations.

ROOM & BOARD
Our 19th-century farmhouse has hand-hewn beams and wide pine floors, with simple lodging (typically double occupancy) and shared bathrooms. The meetinghouse and the first floor of the main building are wheelchair accessible. Our rustic cabins have electricity, woodstoves and outhouses. We serve nourishing, home-cooked meals and always offer vegetarian options. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. Part of the community building at each retreat includes the joyful sharing of meal chores and final clean-up.

WHAT TO BRING
Be sure to bring seasonally appropriate clothes and comfortable indoor and outdoor footwear. You might also like to bring a flashlight, journal, art supplies, a book… If you are staying overnight, please bring your own toiletries, towels, and bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and blankets or comforter).  Pillows are provided. 
Please do NOT bring pets or candles.
We have limited internet access and cell phone reception. We encourage guests to consider how cell phone or computer use may detract from their experience of being fully present, here and now.

COVID PROTOCOLS
You can read Woolman Hill’s general Covid guidelines here. Please contact us if you have questions.

We look forward to welcoming you to the hill!

Click here to REGISTER ON-LINE for this program.