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A Book Talk with John Atlas

November 10, 2011 thru Nov 10

John Atlas, NHI board president, will discuss his book, Seeds of Change: The Story of ACORN, America’s Most Controversial Antipoverty Community Organizing Group and then lead a panel discussion with speakers from local community-based organizations.

From the author:

ACORN was founded in 1970. By 2008, ACORN had 400,000 members, chapters in 38 states and six foreign countries, with a budget of 100 million dollars. ACORN was a pioneer in fighting poverty, shaping community organizing, and progressive activism. Just two years after the election of President Obama, an ACORN ally, the group ceases to exist.

How did this happen? Who is responsible for ACORNs demise? ACORNs self-inflicted wounds, the right wing, the mainstream media, Obama, the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the left? What can we learn from its downfall? How will this effect what you do? What are old ACORN leaders doing to regroup and help build the Occupy Wall Street movement in the U.S.?

ACORN also was involved in a controversial Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with a major developer in New York City. Mr. Atlas talk will be followed by a discussion with representatives from LA-based organizations who have helped win landmark CBA campaigns locally.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information on this event or on the UCLA Planners Network chapter, contact Ginny Browne at ginnyhbrowne@gmail.com or Madeline Wander at madeline.wander@gmail.com. See also www.plannersnetwork.org.