Cassandra C. Mckee USAction Field Director Year attended Midwest Academy: 2002

What were some of your favorite memories and activities while attending Midwest Academy session or Internship?

The storytelling workshop. It was hard for me to talk about why I do the work I do, and knowing how is an important part of organizing. "Salt of the Earth" - Steve's movie pick. Graduation! The scenery; I highly recommend the California session.

How has the training at Midwest Academy prepared you for your current position?

I had been organizing professionally for five years before attending the training. It sharpened my instincts and put the work we do into context. Organizing is both an art and a science, and Midwest Academy teaches both.

The smart, logical approach to campaigning gives my work and USAction's campaigns a structure to begin conversations and end with victory.

Do you currently use the Midwest Academy Strategy chart in your current work?

Yes! I find myself walking through the strategy chart to shape most of my work. This year we were very intentional about writing campaign plans with our states that are based on the strategy chart. And, as the field director for USAction, I love that the strategy chart asks us to think about our organizational considerations as part of the plan: how will we strengthen our organizations by winning the campaign? What are we leaving behind?

Do you have a success - that in part is due to your training at Midwest Academy?

I credit my success to the hard work of USAction affiliates who exceed our expectations; challenge us when we're wrong; and believe in the power of collective, national action. Together we've stopped the privatization of Social Security and are now gearing up to win quality, affordable health care for all.

I'm also lucky to work with a staff of Midwest Academy-trained national organizers and field managers who are not only fighting for wins on issues and civic engagement, but see the value in having strong, powerful, statewide organizations - and that part of their work is to help build them.

Please tell us about your professional achievements and community involvements?

I started my career in organizing as a canvasser and campus organizer for NJPIRG. I moved to Washington, DC to pursue organizing at the national level. I worked with community-based youth advocates and leaders of women's organizations before joining the staff of USAction and USAction Education Fund, where I have been lucky to work in a number of positions over the past six years.

I recently served on the board of Calvary Women's Services, a local organization providing housing and supportive services to homeless women. Currently, I'm active in my community's effort to establish a neighborhood dog park (we used the strategy chart to plan our campaign!).

Anything you'd like to say to future Midwest Academy students?

Yes, you can have a career in organizing!

Final Thoughts?

I am lucky to count Jackie, Heather, Steve, David and Judy as friends and mentors. Thank you, Midwest Academy!