"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this county." 

 

                                                                                        - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States                                                                                                    

As Charlotte plans for the Democratic National Convention this September, The Echo Foundation presents our 2012 Election Year Series: We the People. The Voices and Vision of Democracy. A three-part series that builds on past Echo successes and includes our 15th Annual Echo Award Dinner, a Photojournalism Project, and the 2012 Footsteps Global Initiative: Youth Engage!, We The People. The Voices and Vision of Democracy. brings together political and business leaders from across the country in celebration of renowned humanitarians whose work responds to the question, “What can one person do?” With a series of events and programs designed to engage the leaders of tomorrow, we leverage this historic opportunity presented by the Convention to teach and celebrate the best that America stands for:  freedom, opportunity, and self-determination.  

 

 

15th Annual Award Dinner

September 2, 2012

The Charlotte Observer

 

Highlighting national and international luminaries from all sectors, the 15th Annual Echo Award Dinner celebrates our shared commitment to democracy and the urgent need to invest in tomorrow’s leaders! With an expected attendance of more than 600 guests, the stage is set for a riveting night of inspired dialogue and exquisite entertainment.  A night that answers the question, “What can ONE person do?” will echo throughout this election year as we work together to create a more just and humane world for all people.

 

 

Photojournalism Project

 

To celebrate the ideals of freedom of speech and free expression, The Echo Foundation presents, in collaboration with The Charlotte Observer, this remarkable exhibit One America, One American: Robert F. Kennedy Through the Lens of Bill Eppridge.  As we ask the question, “What can ONE person do?” we witness the example of one man who gave his life for democracy. Uniquely curated for this election year, the exhibit includes intimate RFK photographs by renowned photographer Bill Eppridge, accompanied by news articles of the time. The exhibit Gala Opening features Charlotte City officials, and a who’s-who of international, national, and regional leaders in the media, politics, faith and business.  

The student dimension of our belief in free expression invites young people from around the world to participate in our digital photo competition.  Students 16 to 28 may submit their photographs and vie for the opportunity to win a trip to Charlotte for the DNC and to shoot alongside renown photographer Eppridge. The winner wil be chosen by New York Times photographer Tyler Hicks. The top 250 student entries will become a digital show displayed on The Echo Foundation and The Charlotte Observer websites.

 

 

Footsteps Global Initiative: Youth Engage!

 

Focused on our unique election-year curriculum, Democracy, Responsibility & Civic Engagement, Echo brings together competitively chosen national high school students from Charlotte and Tampa to explore the intricacies of American politics and the many opportunities for civic engagement. 

 

Accepting student applications through May 24th! Apply now!

 

 

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Coming soon!

 

 

Media

 Youth Engage! Applications Now Being Accepted

 

 

Democracy, Responsibility, & Civic Engagement

Curriculum Guide