This little nut should have had an agent and an aggressive intellectual property lawyer to protect its mark--because it seems to be an over-used identity. Well, at least until our right-wing motor-mouths designated the " Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now" as its punching bag of the month. Going forward, we will probably see fewer uses in the future.
Whoever wrote "from little acorns do mighty oaks grow forth " was probably first. It is a striking image. A recent Google search revealed a remarkable range of commercial uses -- from slipper socks (?) to web- editing tools.
While the name is still in mind, let me highlight two very successful organizations that share it:
At the ACORN Theater (along 42nd St's "theater row"), we witnessed a powerful performance last evening. A group of teenagers in the city's foster care system staged a musical drama ("Next Stop and Last Stop is...") they wrote telling their stories of difficult lives, challenges, setbacks and successes. They are guided by the New York affiliate of City at Peace, an international non-profit with a 15-year history of helping foster children deal with very tough circumstances.
These kids can act, sing, dance and -- as was so evident last night, have garnered enormous personal satisfaction through the months of preparation. Three more performances are scheduled (9/25-27) and tix are available at 212 279-4200. Get there.
In peaceful rustic Morris County, NJ, a band of good citizens chose Project ACORN as the name for their excellent program to support early childhood education . They provide scholarships to lower income families -- to assure diversity in area preschool facilities and hold the programs accepting their support to meet high standards. And it has worked successfully for more than fifteen years. For more information, call 973 455-7815.
So, while Limbaugh and Co. can't defame one Acorn enough, it is good to know that there are many more out there- doing good for society and sprouting mighty oaks.