Transforming Power Story - The Enraged Panhandler

Marvelous Mark, an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) facilitator, describes how he resolved a potentially violent situation on the streets of San Francisco when he confronted an enraged panhandler who was harassing an elderly woman. AVP facilitators — all trained volunteers — offer workshops in prisons as well as in the community for all who would like to reduce the level of unresolved conflict in their lives and the lives of those around them. If you would like more info about AVP go to http://www.avpusa.org/. I've began a project which involves collecting Transforming Power stories on video. Transforming Power stories are about conflicted, harmful, and/or potentially violent situations that have been resolved nonviolently. Transforming Power (TP) is the central principle used in Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops, and is the power that can transform and de-escalate harmful conflict situations. If you know of a YouTube video, or a movie or other video that includes a TP story, please let me know.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Transforming
• Power
• Story
• AVP
• Alternatives
• to
• Violence
• Project
• Conflict
• Resolution

[mrp92a]

What does that have anything to do with my original reply?

[gabriel5005]

I mean you'll end up a crack head if you start becoming a panhandler!

[mrp92a]

um, what? That didn't make any sense...

[gabriel5005]

They make more money then you do! So if you want to be one go right ahead. You'll only find shame in life and become addicted to something you can't live with out!

[mrp92a]

well, aren't you mister bum handler. oh wait...

[gabriel5005]

sometimes I watch a Beggar to see if he'll hurt someone. Then I'll step in and get involved if It's needed. Always look out for people that might be around him. They might be his back up in a fight. I've heard those excuses about phone calls or something like that. Don't show your wallet or purse in front of them. Cary coins to give them or a $1 bill and even a knife just in case. But try to get away from them and try to make it out safe. Call the cops on them after you see them.