The Sustainability Writers Network (TSWN)

ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities



ACORN's accomplishments include successful campaigns for better housing, schools, neighborhood safety, health care, job conditions, and more.



ACORN members participate in local meetings and actively work on campaigns, elect leadership from the neighborhood level up, and pay the organization's core expenses through membership dues and grassroots fundraisers.



ACORN has constantly challenged the traditional notions of what a community organization is, and its family of organizations includes two radio stations, a voter registration network, a housing corporation, and several publications.

Some people say, “What does ACORN want?” The answer is simple: We want sufficient power in our cities and states to speak- and be heard-and be heeded-for the interest of the majority of citizens. We want to participate in community and  civil affairs, not as second class citizens because we don’t drive fancy cars, but as men and women committed to a better future where concerns are met with justice and dignity; where wealth, race and religion are insufficient excuses to prevent equal participation and impact the government; where any person can protect his or her family and join with others in community and strength; and where, as ACORN’s slogan goes, “The people shall rule.” That is what America is.

That is what ACORN wants, nothing more and nothing less.

-Steve McDonald, ACORN’s first national President