What is ECHO?

ECHO is a nonprofit organization that is efficient and effective at helping government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations reach diverse communities with important health, safety, emergency, and civic engagement messaging.

What makes ECHO different?

ECHO is the only organization with the ability to efficiently and effectively write, translate, check for cultural context, develop, distribute, and promote educational materials for 13 of the largest diverse cultures in Minnesota.

Who are the diverse communities ECHO reaches?

ECHO reaches immigrants and refugees who do not speak English or who have limited English proficiency (LEP). According to the last census, there are over 550,000 Minnesotans who speak a language than English at home. ECHO also serves the 250,000 native born Minnesotans who are illiterate. ECHO programs and services are available statewide.

How does ECHO work?

ECHO works with a team of subject matter experts to create original health, safety, emergency, and civic engagement content that is easy to understand and use immediately. The content is reviewed for cultural context and translated by ECHO’s multilingual Spokespersons. It is then produced with native speaking subject matter experts which increases the likeliness it will resonate and thus motivate the viewer to change behavior.

What programs and services does ECHO offer?

ECHO develops programming and services in five areas including: Health and Safety Education, Civic Engagement and Self-Sufficiency, Community Engagement and Outreach, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Training and Research. Program topics selected are based on community and provider feedback and funding availability. ECHO has over 100 multilingual, multimedia programs available to date. ECHO distributes its programming through a variety of channels including: Broadcast, DVD, Partner, Outreach, ELL, and Online.

Why Use ECHO?

With nearly a decade of experience reaching diverse communities, ECHO has built a successful infrastructure to deliver projects quickly and effectively while maintaining cultural relevance and accuracy. We have an established brand, credibility within the communities we serve, and over 145 official partnerships that ensure ECHO produced materials are distributed to critical service providers. You can also be sure your message will be effective because ECHO follows best practices in communication by including cultures throughout the entire project process.

What if I need my message out NOW? THERE’S AN EMERGENCY!

ECHO began as an emergency response organization and remains the best way to reach LEP residents who are likely to be missed by mainstream English-only messages today. Our staff, board, Spokespeople, and volunteers are trained and ready to provide emergency response communications in 13 languages 24/7. Our Emergency Operations Guide (EOP) and Field Operations Plan (FOP) explains how to incorporate us into your emergency response planning so we will be there when you need us most.

How Does ECHO Deliver Results?

ECHO determines the work on a program successful when every program is out the door and in the hands of the communities we serve. We meticulously track all program metrics including viewership, online hits, DVD distribution and usage, and generate a scorecard report at the end of each project so you know exactly who you reached. We also offer survey measurement, focus group studies, and other assessment work to further measure impact.