CELL FAQ printer friendly version

• What is the CELL’s mission?

  The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL) is dedicated to preventing terrorism through education, empowerment and engagement. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution, its one-of-a-kind exhibit, renowned speaker series and training initiatives provide a comprehensive look at the threat of terrorism and how individuals can play a role in preventing and counter terrorism, ultimately enhancing public safety.

• How does the CELL achieve its mission?

  The CELL uses a number of avenues to teach communities to be safer, individuals to be more aware and public servants to be more efficient in dealing with emergencies. Along with its state-of-the-art exhibit, the CELL organizes public events focused on timely and important security issues. The CELL also provides critical resources for first responders and teachers, ultimately imparting the knowledge and awareness needed to help prevent terrorism.

• Why an exhibit about terrorism?

  From its origins to its presence in today’s world, terrorism is a subject that is difficult to understand. Working with terrorism experts and world-class producers and designers to develop the exhibit, the CELL makes available to the public, tools capable of teaching citizens about the true nature of terrorism and how it affects each and every one of us in our daily lives. The result is a more engaged public, focused on the need for community involvement and preparedness in response to the ongoing global terrorism threat.

• Why is the CELL headquartered in Denver?

  Terrorism knows no boundaries. It is not relegated to the coastal cities of the United States, nor a specific country or region in the world. Anyone can become a victim of terrorism, anytime, anywhere. As an international travel destination and central location in the United States, Denver is an ideal home for the CELL.

• How does the CELL define terrorism?

  There is no definition of terrorism that has worldwide acceptance. A universal definition is met with controversy and resistance for various political, social and cultural reasons. The CELL, however, believes it is important to define what terrorism is in order to develop effective strategies to prevent it. The CELL has thus adopted the following definition:

  Terrorism is the pre-meditated use of violence or the threat of violence targeting civilians or their property for political, religious or ideological gain. It is a tactic used to create an environment of fear, chaos and intimidation in order to further the terrorists’ objectives.

• Does the CELL focus on international or domestic terrorism?

  Both. Terrorism is an increasingly grave threat to domestic and international societies – it knows no boundaries. It spans all religious, political and ideological causes, and targets a wide variety of victims both here at home and around the world. Terrorism is difficult to prevent, but with education and engagement, citizens and communities can be empowered to help shape a better, safer world.

• What is the CELL’s exhibit like?

  The only one if its kind, the exhibit is a dynamic, interactive experience with content developed by world-renowned experts that provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the history of terrorism, the methods terrorists employ and the extent to which terrorism impacts societies around the world. The exhibit addresses the most current issues facing U.S. national security and empowers citizens to help enhance community safety.

• Is it appropriate to take children through the exhibit?

  The CELL recommends visitors to the exhibit be age 14 and older.

• Is the purpose of the CELL to frighten people with the prospect of terrorism?

  No, the purpose of the CELL is to translate this complex subject matter so that visitors can build a better understanding of terrorism and how to prevent it.

• How does the CELL empower citizens to help prevent terrorism?

  One of the cornerstones of the CELL’s training initiatives is the Community Awareness Program (CAP). The CAP is a free, interactive course taught by members of the public safety community, that provides citizens with the basic tools needed to recognize and help prevent terrorist and criminal activity in their hometowns, while preserving civil liberties. Developed by the CELL and the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), and presented in partnership with the Colorado Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Denver Urban Area, the CAP was created in line with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign. It is a compliment to the CELL’s successful “Recognizing the 8 Signs of Terrorism™” video released in 2009.

• Does the CELL have programming other than the exhibit?

  Yes. The CELL hosts a speaker series with renowned experts, senior government officials and foreign dignitaries, among others, to address the most salient issues surrounding terrorism and global security today. It also works with universities, first responders, and law enforcement officials on training and outreach that promote greater awareness and more effective means of preventing terrorism and keeping our communities safe.

• When was the CELL established?

  The CELL opened its doors in 2008 and has been a center for terrorism prevention education ever since. In addition to maintaining its award-winning training initiatives and speaker series, the CELL updates its exhibit regularly to reflect today’s evolving threats and the most effective policies to counter them.

• How is the CELL funded?

  The CELL, a nonprofit organization, is an entity of the Mizel Institute. The CELL receives funding through private contributions, corporate sponsors, grants and visitor admission fees to its exhibit.

• Visit the CELL

  Address 99 W. 12th Avenue, Denver, CO (Directly across from the Denver Art Museum)

  Hours

  • Tuesday, 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
  • Monday, Closed

  Admission

  • Adults, $8
  • Seniors (65+), $5
  • Government with ID, $5
  • Students with ID, $5
  • Group Rates Available – Please Ask for Details