If you see another woman struggling, help her the way you would your own sister. Women should empower each other. We, as women, have been socialized to compete against one another and the cycle needs to end. I am privileged to say that I belong to an organization that promises to do just that.

Eloquent Commitment to Helping Our Sisters, the acronym was spelled out for me and I did not need any other information. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something so influential and potentially life changing? Founded in 2010, by K. Lynn Trice originally a Murray, KY native; ECHOS, INC. was created for a special purpose and continues on a journey of spreading its influence in different university communities. Its mission statement reads “The purpose of this organization is to help young women succeed in all their endeavors and prepare them for womanhood, by providing positive role models, helping to boost self-esteem, improve self-image, and promote self-respect; with hopes of building sisterhood and unity among young women.”

I want to share with you the relevance of ECHOS, INC. at Murray State University. ECHOS, INC began at Savannah State University, a historically black institution and continued to spread to other historically black institutions. But it didn't stop there. Ms.Trice had a desire to bring her vision back to her hometown. Murray State became the home of the first ECHOS, INC. chapter on a predominately white campus. This opened up so many doors for the organization to carry out its mission statement, allowing to spread the sisterhood to several different ethnic groups.

This organization is different, that is what makes it so unique. It's not a club, or sorority, no hazing takes place, there are no outrageous membership fees. ECHOS is a sisterhood that doesn't end after you receive your diploma, but lasts a lifetime. It boasts a plethora of mandatory programs meant to empower young women in the community. Don't worry fellas, you aren't left out. ECHOS shows its appreciation for the men in the university community as well, but the general focus is on women helping other women.

In conclusion, I hope I have conveyed my passion to you all effectively. I hope you read this and want to know a little bit more about ECHOS, INC. While you are exploring the bounds of your curiosity, consider joining the cause, and if you cannot join, show your support. Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, and may we empower them!