ACORN Canada

Background

ACORN Canada (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) was created in June 2004 and is based on a US model. ACORN has a simple premise: harnessing the involvement and developing the leadership capacities of low-income people improves the effectiveness of efforts to improve their communities.

Members pay a small monthly fee and elect local chapter leaders. ACORN canvasses for members door to door, and provides chapters with support in communications, meeting facilitation, education and awareness programs, leadership training and project management.

About

This grant will enable ACORN to advance towards its goal of becoming a national organization. Building on successful pilots in Toronto and Vancouver, ACORN plans to add new chapters in those cities, and expand to Ottawa in 2006 and, possibly, in one more city in 2007.

Funds will be used to set up and support neighborhood-based chapters, conduct membership campaigns, and offer staff and member training. Public meetings and awareness campaigns will also be conducted.