It has become painfully apparent to me in recent years, as I am sure it has for you, that the system of living we currently employ is not working for the majority of us. What may not be so obvious is that there are organizations that advocate social justice all over this great country, by fighting everyday for the rights of the “little people.”
I know this because I was working with one of the most infamous of these organizations known as ACORN I say “was” simply because I am no longer employed by ACORN To be honest, I didn’t have what it takes to be out there everyday getting doors slammed in my face, getting yelled at by angry, ill-educated people, and in some cases, having the police called on us by folks that (for some reason) didn’t like the fact that we were making sure the voices of the quieted were heard loud and clear.
As for the voter registration fraud that the Detroit News and CNN have been talking about, it is important to look at the big picture. The organization is full of good people doing great things, and as with any group of people, there is always some element that has to ruin it for the rest. Keep in mind, one bad acorn doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.
We had the ability to register people to vote and did so, but our canvass’s focus was on social reform issues. All branches of the organization have different projects based on grants they acquire through various organizations. Not only is ACORN responsible for raising the minimum wage in the U.S., it also worked hard to get legislation passed to stop predatory lending. You heard about those big banks that now require $850 billion of tax payer money? ACORN is working to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore. Whether the legislation actually passes is up to Congress.
As I sit in the back booth of my favorite bar on campus, the Circa Saloon, I take a look around and notice a few things that mirror the status of our economy: two waitresses with no one to wait on, a bar with regulars drinking the cheapest beer available and the display of pumpkins for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that is much smaller this year than last. It is a vicious cycle.
Those of us that are still employed work in industries that don’t provide us with enough to keep up with the cost of living, no matter how low it gets. There isn’t enough money to be cycled back into the economy. Paying bills is a necessity. That isn’t anything new. But as we have seen recently, the money that goes to the corporations that are responsible for our well-being does not come around full circle.
Charitable organizations are suffering because we have to choose between groceries and prescriptions. These things are to be expected when our country owes more money than it earns. Does that make it acceptable? Not at all.
The doors that I knocked on while canvassing with ACORN helped me learn so much about the world outside of my own. One night in Rochester Hills, of all places, I approached this beautiful home with great hesitation. Answering the door was an attractive middle-aged man. His two-year-old daughter was so happy to see an outsider. She was brilliant. Her mother quizzed her on the letters of the alphabet and colors while the little girl just wanted to see who was at their front door. The couple made it clear from the start that they were both staunch Republicans and then let me into their home, the only people to do so in the three weeks I worked for ACORN.
We talked about their jobs, both of them are urgent care nurses. Then we talked about mine. They threw around spooky terms and phrases like “redistribution of the wealth” and “socialism.” I assured them that I wasn’t out to force them to share with their neighbors, and once we got past the idea of a Canadian healthcare system, they were in. We exchanged his $20 for a receipt, and once again, I was out canvassing door-to-door, hoping to gain support to establish legislation for health care reform.
ACORN encourages all of its supporters to call their representatives in Congress and tell them they want to see a change. Congressional voicemail in-boxes are flooded with calls. Furthermore, the people are not only heard but also listened to. Calls work.
The best way to ensure our futures is to take an active role in society. The next time a little ACORN knocks on your door, listen closely to what he or she has to say, chances are, you will agree.
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