For the past five years, Linda Leary has volunteered for Teaching Peace and has left an invaluable impact on her community.

"It trips my heart when I see some difference was made and I was a part of that. Volunteering takes you outside of yourself."

Teaching Peace is an alternative to the justice system. With a 95 percent success rate, the conflict resolution conferences offer healing for victims and offenders a second chance, she said. "There is something magic about a circle. From when the process starts to when it ends, you can see and feel the emotion. It's amazing."

Leary's duties have varied for the organization. From writing the monthly newsletter to being a community volunteer, she devotes as many hours as possible to the organization.

Teaching Peace offers volunteers numerous training opportunities ranging from cultural experiences to dispute and conflict resolution training.

"Volunteering is self-satisfying. I can feel my being shift when I make a difference."
Leary's contributions gained her the Teaching Peace Volunteer of the Year Award for 2008.

For information about volunteering with Teaching Peace or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.