When I was a volunteer in Salford (outside Manchester) in England in 2004, I attended a training by
Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Britain. It was in May of that year and the training was actually held in
Ashton under Lyne, which required a long multiple buses ride for me, but it was worth it. This training was 14 years ago, but I do remember some things. One of the activities done was to show how much body language matters in interactions. People set up scenes to show body language that shows violence. My "favorite" is the last one, because although it doesn't show physical violence, the small stature of the boy and the overpowering figure of the man show that it is violent in nature.
One of the ways we "clapped" was to shake our hands in the air.
We spent at least two days together, possibly two and a half, I'm not sure now. But they were full 8 hour days, so we got to know each other well. Here are some pics from hanging out during breaks and lunch.
After the course, we went to the pub (of course)
The main thing I learned in the course was to think the best of people and their intentions. Don't assume they're being deceitful, assume they are telling the truth. Don't assume they want to hurt you, assume they don't. More great life lessons from my time in the United Kingdom.
