We
reach out to individuals and families who have significant
financial barriers and might have a hard time covering the
full cost of ECHO's admission. In 2005,
ECHO's Open Door
was launched with a myriad of "access points" whereby
individuals and groups could come to ECHO at a greatly
reduced price. Discount day pass vouchers, reduced-price
school field trips, $4 library passes and ECHO's annual
"You Give, We Give"
campaign have all provided significant ways of reducing
financial barriers for those in need.
Reducing the
financial barrier for our guests is just the first step.
Many individuals for a variety of reasons do not make their
way to ECHO on their own. Transportation and mobility may be
an issue for some, while cultural differences and lack of
awareness may bar others from enjoying ECHO. We are actively
working to create a more inclusive atmosphere at ECHO. ECHO
recently joined a cohort of other organizations in the
Burlington area participating in the
CEDO “We All Belong” initiative. Our hope is that we
will become a relevant organization to the entire local
community, which will be a step closer to a clean and
healthy Lake Champlain Basin.
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The Open Door Program is closely linked to
Americorps. ECHO has hosted an Americorps member
for four years, allowing us to increase the capacity
and strengthen the Open Door program. Under the
umbrella of Open Door falls the
E-Team teen environmental science program for
emerging leaders, which includes job training,
scientific literacy and education interpretation for
area youth. The E-team is responsible for hosting
Community Science Nights; an evening when specific
neighborhoods are invited to come to ECHO for a
special event including transportation, food, and
special programs.
Essentially, if ECHO hopes to involved everyone
in the health of our Watershed, then we need to do
all that we can to remove barriers. Creating a
welcoming atmosphere and true inclusion through our
Staff and Volunteer workforce to reflect the
community at large
engages us all in the
stewardship actions to protect this natural
environment we call home. |
1.802.864.1848
