The Conflict Center has been teaching alternatives to violence for 20 years, reaching as many as 10,000 children, teenagers and adults each year throughout the metro area.
“Violence is preventable,” said Sue Mitchell, a volunteer and chairwoman of the center’s board of directors. “We believe you can change the culture of violence by changing behaviors and giving people the skills of how to avoid violence. Education and prevention are the keys.”
Marking the non-profit organization’s 20th anniversary this year, the Conflict Center will give its “Ambassador of Peace” award to the Rev. Leon Kelley for dedicating his working life to giving kids alternatives to joining gangs.
“Our theme this year is violence prevention through education, exactly what Rev. Kelley practices,” Mitchell said.
The award will be presented by Gov. Bill Ritter, who was honored with the same award while serving as Denver’s District Attorney.
Kelley, a former gang member and an intimidating physical presence, founded his Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives 20 years ago, concentrating on giving school children alternatives to joining gangs and living lives of violence.
He provides after-school activities for elementary school-aged children to find better ways of channeling their energy and their social needs away from destructive groups. Kelley works with an average of 900 school children each year. He also educates schools, civic groups and law enforcement agencies about Denver’s gangs and their behavior.
Kelley has received a long list of awards from the community, including honors from the Denver Bar Association, the El Palmar Foundation, Manual High School and KUSA Channel 9.
The award celebration will be held from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, in the Doubletree Hotel at Stapleton, 3203 Quebec Street. The public is invited.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
