Community Organizers

"I will kick ass and take names" is not exactly a direct quote.

We're longtime members of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, a group which helps people organize on a variety of political issues - often when facing large, well-funded, corporate lobbyists.  I got the chance recently to volunteer some video editing skill during a meeting here in Des Moines with Attorney General Tom Miller and an action at Bank of America, both in response to the misdeeds of big banks regarding home loans and foreclosures.

CCI worked with organizers from groups across the country on the event.  We relayed photos and video to the Showdown in America website, where they were online in less than an hour.  By the end of the day, Mother Jones, the Huffington Post and dozens of other news organizations were running with the story.  The next night, video from the event aired on this segment of Countdown With Keith Olbermann (without Keith Olbermann).

Coming from the world of film, where it takes forever to get something from idea to screen, it was a real thrill to see something go from raw footage to national media story in a matter of hours.  It was also a thrill to work even briefly with so many dedicated community organizers from across the country.  If you live in Iowa, I encourage you to donate and become a member of CCI.  If you live elsewhere, plug into a local group working to give you a stronger voice.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy