Wade Rathke
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Wade Rathke founded ACORN in 1970 and led it through 2008. He continues to lead ACORN International, Social Policy, and Local 100. In this interview, Wade talks about the organizing model, influences on the model, the organization’s expansion, particularly into areas like radio. He also reflects on the ACORN organizing culture, race in the organization, the role of ideology in ACORN’s organizing. He talks about the embezzlement scandal and his decision to step down from ACORN, as well as the attacks on ACORN from the right and the collapse of the organization domestically. At the end of the interview he talks about his work with ACORN International, ACORN’s most significant accomplishments, and lessons for organizers today.