The League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region
congratulates Patricia Ezell-Meier, winner of the third annual
"Making Democracy Work" Award.

Patricia Ezell-Meier,
Retired Executive Director, Colorado Springs Teen Court

Dedication, commitment and a passion to improving our community represent values that the League stands for. On Thursday, February 19, the League honored nominees who share those values in their lives. The Making Democracy Work Award was given to Patricia Ezell-Meier, an inspirational leader who has engaged in outstanding work to make our community a strong, safe, and vibrant place to live.

In giving her the Award, the League recognized Ezell-Meier’s vision for justice and her efforts to design and develop the Colorado Springs Teen Court.

In 1993, the traditional court system could only devote limited time to young, first time offenders, resulting in many youth receiving suspended sentences. Recidivism was high. That year, Ezell-Meier and Barby Schlabs organized a new approach to address the impact of juvenile crime in Colorado Springs. Their goal was to help teens learn from their mistakes, to take responsibility for themselves and the community they create.

The resulting Teen Court provides an alternative to the regular Municipal Court sentencing for first-time misdemeanor offenses committed by young people. Teen Court promotes restorative justice, a philosophy that seeks to repair harm and relationships, teach accountability and improve community safety. The program offers a second chance to defendants to become productive members of the community.

Ezell-Meier helped found the Colorado Springs Teen Court, mentored teen participants, and served as the organization’s Executive Director.

The League was pleased to honor all Nominees for the Making Democracy Work Award.

'Making Democracy Work' Award Finalists, left to right:
Annie Oatman-Gardner, Peggy Shivers, Patricia Ezell-Meier (winner), Judy Noyes and Michelle Blessing (back row)

Photo provided by: Jerry Langin-Hooper

Award Finalists

Michelle Blessing - Real Estate Broker and Community Activist

Patricia Ezell-Meier - Exec. Director (retired), Colorado Springs Teen Court

Judy Noyes - Independent Book Store Owner and Community Activist

Annie Oatman-Gardner - Legislative Aide and Community Activist

Peggy Shivers - Co-founder of "The Shivers Fund at the Pikes Peak Library District" and Community Activist

Honored Nominees

Sallie Clark

Barbara Drake

B J Scott

Nancy Gail Vogel

The League welcomed The Colorado Springs Independent as a cosponsor of the 2009 Making Democracy Work Award.

Nominee qualifications: A woman, age 40 and older, who is, or has been, part of the work force and has contributed to our community in a meaningful way. Nominees may apply themselves, or they may be nominated by a friend or colleague. Members of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR) are not eligible to receive this award.

For more information about future nominations, call Charles Merritt, 576-7432, or email him at echarlesmerritt@aol.com.