A New Generation of Service: How Echelon Connects People to Purpose

Jul 7, 2026

Since 2012, Echelon has bridged the gap between service and meaningful connection among the next generation of The Salvation Army.  

Echelon has forged a path for young professionals to grow through volunteering, networking, and supporting meaningful causes.  

Its impact goes beyond advancing The Salvation Army’s mission; it also makes a difference for those involved. 

A challenge that sparked change 

When the idea hatched to form a place where young adults could feel comfortable and connect with peers within The Salvation Army, it marked an opportunity for the organization to seize and grow. Recognizing that many of its U.S. donors tend to be older, The Salvation Army saw an opportunity to also engage a new generation. They invited younger audiences to help shape that effort. 

How young voices took the lead 

Echelon didn’t begin with a formal launch or a strategic plan. The idea arose around tables set for a Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary luncheon in Dallas, Texas. This familiar gathering space was filled with conversation, connection, and a growing sense that something needed to change. 

Looking around the room, it became clear that the solution for appealing to younger audiences was right in front of them. They realized the very people The Salvation Army needed to reach were also the ones who could help sustain it. In that moment, the young women at the luncheon stepped up, without fully realizing they were laying the foundation for a movement bigger than themselves. 

What followed was the beginning of the Junior Women’s Auxiliary. It wasn’t rigid or prescribed, but rather natural and genuine. With each event and new connection, momentum grew, and what started as a grassroots effort became a movement. But soon they realized that without one key puzzle piece, this initiative could not reflect all young adults. Subsequently came the next step: making the community co-ed. Together, the group continued to grow, expanding the organization in both size and purpose. 

Eventually, in March 2012, The Salvation Army rebranded the group and unveiled the new “Echelon” name and slogan: “Mobilizing the Next Generation.” Inspired by military tradition, the name means a new generation rising behind longtime supporters, ready to step into leadership and service.  

Networks built through service 

What sets Echelon apart is that the stronger the bonds, the more impactful the work. In 2025, over 3,000 hours were dedicated to volunteer service, ranging from assisting in food pantries to bell ringing to meal packaging, and much more. At the same time, participants engage in networking mixers and social activities where they form connections and exchange ideas that support their career endeavors.   

Members also organize and execute fundraising events and efforts, such as auctions and the annual Red Kettle Challenge, positively impacting those in need while generating support for ongoing efforts. By the end of 2025, Echelon had helped raise $353,319 in that year alone, changing the lives of countless disadvantaged individuals.   

Planting seeds for the future 

Not only is Echelon focused on doing good in the community, it also strengthens and shapes its members from within. Because of The Salvation Army’s trust in young professionals, it is able to make an investment for its own future.  

Elizabeth Harlock Phillips emerged as an early leader in the original Dallas Echelon group before stepping away to oversee her husband’s family foundation in Greensboro, NC. When that foundation began to see an increase in its funding, the first action she put into motion was granting $1 million to The Salvation Army. Phillips is just one of many examples demonstrating how Echelon is fostering organizational longevity. 

By connecting business professionals and community advocates, Echelon helps strengthen the corporate partnerships that support The Salvation Army's work. In some cases, rising Echelon leaders have introduced their companies to The Army, which has led to gift-in-kind donations valued at as much as seven figures in support of disaster response efforts and community services. 

From darkness came growth 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Echelon’s future looked in doubt. Several chapters lost momentum and became inactive, leaving communities without the support of the passion and drive of young professionals. 

Since then, however, Echelon has been rebuilding chapters by embracing change, without losing sight of its foundation in serving communities and building relationships within. With support from Salvation Army leadership and oversight, Echelon is bringing together like-minded individuals to strengthen chapters and their longevity. 

That effort has paid off. Echelon continues to grow steadily, now totaling 44 chapters, with 16 in development, and 1,146 members and counting. 

Serving together 

Demonstrating their commitment to forward change, Echelon is actively making intentional strides to engage young adults in giving back and finding belonging within their communities. Together, the new generation of leaders that make up Echelon prove that purposeful service is strongest when it's shared.