ACORN

ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) was an international collection of autonomous community-based organizations that advocated for low- and moderate-income families by working on neighborhood safety, voter registration, health care, affordable housing, and other social issues. It played a significant role in community organizing in the United States from its founding in 1970 until its dissolution in 2010.

History

ACORN was established in 1970 in Little Rock, Arkansas by Wade Rathke and Gary Delgado as a spin-off from the National Welfare Rights Organization. Its initial focus was on welfare and housing issues. Over the years, ACORN expanded its operations to include cities across the United States and later to other countries, including Canada and Peru, becoming one of the largest community organizations in the U.S. by the early 21st century.

Activities

ACORN's activities were diverse and aimed at promoting social justice and economic equity. These included:

• Voter Registration: ACORN ran campaigns to register low-income and minority voters, significantly impacting election turnouts in several states.
• Affordable Housing: The organization fought against foreclosures and for affordable housing through negotiation with banks and lobbying for policy changes.
• Health Care: ACORN advocated for accessible and affordable health care for all, particularly focusing on the needs of low-income families.
• Minimum Wage: It campaigned for increases in the minimum wage, successfully influencing legislation in some states.
• Education: ACORN worked to improve public education and ensure that children from low-income families had access to quality schooling.

Controversies and Closure

Despite its achievements, ACORN became embroiled in controversies, including allegations of voter registration fraud and the release of undercover videos in 2009 that purported to show staff offering inappropriate advice on how to break the law. These incidents led to a significant loss of funding and political support. In 2010, ACORN announced it was closing its doors due to bankruptcy.

Legacy

ACORN's legacy is mixed. It is credited with bringing attention to social issues affecting low-income families and achieving significant victories in areas such as housing, voter registration, and minimum wage laws. However, the controversies that led to its closure have also left a lasting impact on community organizing and the public's perception of such organizations.