1. FILLS A CRITICAL NICHE FOR OUR PARTNERS
ECHO’s uniqueness and effectiveness is recognized
globally! We fill critical roles in reducing hunger,
improving lives and expanding the Kingdom of God!
ECHO empowers and equips our partners with creative
and contextualized responses to hunger, nutrition
and livelihoods. Our work is on the preventative end
of human trafficking, forced migration, conservation,
restoration, climate change, and more.
2. BIBLICALLY HOLISTIC
Holistic mission is central to ECHO’s work. ECHO accomplishes this through supporting the global Church, engaging in creation care and sustainable food systems.
3. SEEDS & SEED BANKS
We at ECHO believe seed banking is essential in addressing the needs of smallholder farmers tackling issues of cultural and cuisine preservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, agrobiodiversity conservation, and food security. The global demand for seed banking remains inadequately addressed.
4. "STANDS IN THE GAP" ON BEHALF OF THE POOR & MARGINALIZED
We seek not only to promote good agriculture practices and options, but also to take a strong position against injustice. We desire and pray to be worthy voices for the poor, the marginalized, and God's creation. We must safeguard and advocate on behalf of people who wish to provide for and protect their families, their culture, their land, and their future.
5. A DIVERSE GLOBAL NETWORK
ECHO’s network is incomparable! We have an incredibly diverse network: permaculturists, missionaries, grassroots NGOs, Church leaders, farmers, leaders of mosques, academics, researchers, and government extension agents... nearly 19,000 global partners and growing! This variety allows us to discover valuable “options” for farmers. Our job is to verify those options, disseminate them, and ask for feedback!
6. REGIONALLY CONTEXTUALIZED
Regional Impact Centers (RICs) contextualize ECHO’s work to the needs and context of specific network members and geographic locations. Staff work alongside partners, asking questions, learning, and sharing options that address localized challenges. Regional trainings, symposia, and consultations happen every month worldwide.
7. COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
ECHO provides innovative, hands-on learning opportunities through conferences, trainings, and field demonstrations at ECHO’s RICs. Agricultural options and strategies are disseminated through a variety of appropriate formats including publications, radio, on-site conversations, videos, and webinars through ECHOcommunity.org.