Dr. Ormond Inspiring Teens to Create a Better World
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As a chiropractor Dr. Brian Ormond works to heal the body and improve the health of his patients; as a facilitator of peace leadership and alternatives to violence he inspires teens to create a better world for themselves and others.
A trained facilitator through the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), Dr. Ormond works with students (7th grade – high school) facilitating discussions on a variety of issues: bullying, cyber bullying, sexual harassment, drug and alcohol use, as well as issues regarding race and sexual orientation. Participating students are members of Youth Alive!, a program whose goals are to reduce violence, create opportunities for teens to engage with their community and find inspiration.
“As a veteran I’ve seen a lot of conflict and have seen what death is like. While serving as a reactor operator on a nuclear submarine, I eventually saw the insanity of organized conflict. After that, there was a lot I went through. NET has helped me gain a sense of calm that allows me work more efficiently and get things done one step at a time. So this work with Youth Alive! and AVP is part of my way to help change society one step at a time.”
“It is so wonderful that AVP is out there because their training allows me to gain entry into the schools. I would sure like to see NET gain that kind of world-wide acceptance and entry into fortresses that have strong doors.” Dr. Ormond is confident that ONE’s research will help NET gain acceptance and break down those doors. “I do all I can to support ONE and encourage others to do so as well.”
Background Information
In 2008 the residents of Humboldt County were presented with disturbing news – the death rate among youth in the County was higher than the national average (for a variety of reasons). To address the problem residents came together at a community forum to discuss the issues and work towards solutions. From this Youth Alive! came into fruition.
“Youth Alive!” is a coalition of diverse community members forming a support system and networking tool to connect interested people, organize events that are tailored to youth interests and otherwise advocate for healthy inspiring activities for local youth. “Youth Alive!” provides engaging activities and opportunities to build relationships with positive adult role models.
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a nationwide and worldwide association of volunteer groups offering experiential workshops in conflict resolution, responses to violence and personal growth. AVP began in 1975 as a collaboration between inmates in Green Haven Prison and Quakers interested in working with youth gangs and teens at risk. This successful, ongoing program quickly spread throughout New York State prisons and then to other states as a prison program and as a community program for people from all walks of life. AVP is active internationally in countries on all inhabited continents. AVP encourages every person’s innate power to positively transform themselves and the world.
