Standing Up for Groups that Make Democracy Work

Former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger issued a report today on his independent inquiry into ACORN’s organizational systems and processes. ACORN sought this investigation after the release of the infamous hidden camera videos – since revealed to be a hoax – taped in several ACORN offices. Following news coverage of the videos, Congress voted to cut off federal funding to ACORN programs.

The Harshbarger report made several recommendations for how ACORN can improve its management, oversight, and governance, and found that ACORN employees had not taken any action, illegal or otherwise, on behalf of the couple shown in the videos.

“Congress should now turn its attention to its real responsibilities – including supporting America’s nonprofit organizations that speak for the voiceless, make democracy work, and provide essential services in our communities’ time of crisis," said Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron.

Read the statements by leaders of major progressive organizations about the important work ACORN does, the rush to judgment by the media and members of Congress, and the need for members of the progressive community to stand up for each other, the people we all serve, and our democracy.

Coalition of Progressive Organizations Stands Up for ACORN

ACORN has announced that former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger was appointed to lead an independent inquiry into the “organizational systems and processes” of the embattled group’s social services and will make public the results of that inquiry.

Alliance for Justice in coalition with several other organizations has released a statement in support of ACORN and its efforts to get this important organization back on track. You can read the full release here.

The Washington Post picked up the story yesterday, highlighting the message that ACORN’s work, in helping low-income families get health care, stave off foreclosure, and find jobs, is particularly critical in this recession.