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Molly Daniels

Current Organization: 
American Cancer Society - Cancer Action Network
Current Position: 
Vice President - Field Advocacy
Year attended Midwest Academy: 
1988

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

The first time I ever went to a training I was a fledgling field organizer for the Older Women's League. I really didn't have a clue so I just listened (and listened and listened). I will never forget doing a role-play on recruiting volunteers, finishing up and looking at Steve Max for his affirmation. Instead, he gave me that Steve Max "look" we've all come to know and love, where he moves his head slowly from side to side - he then proceeded to train me on how to do it right. That's what I love about the Midwest Academy training - you can expect them to be direct and honest.
How has the training at Midwest Academy prepared you for your current position?
After years of training staff and volunteers at AARP on Direct Action Organizing, the VERY FIRST DAY I came on board at the American Cancer Society, I talked about bringing the training to ACS. And that's because I knew it would help our national and field staff be more effective at running campaigns.
Do you currently use the Midwest Academy Strategy chart in your current work?
We not only use it on state and local campaigns, but we use it on our federal campaigns. Everyone on the national advocacy staff is expected to learn DAO.
Do you have a success - that in part is due to your training at Midwest Academy?
We are having amazing successes in the field on smokefree legislation. And many of those campaigns have used the strategy charts for both internal discussions as well as meetings with partners.
Please tell us about your professional achievements and community involvements?
I am thrilled at the grassroots army we are building at ACS CAN. We are empowering volunteers, giving them job descriptions, asking them to manage each other and providing them training (including DAO). They are then totally making it happen - they're incredible. And the stories they have to share about their experiences with cancer are incredibly moving.
Anything you'd like to say to future Midwest Academy students?
Take full advantage of the training and all the strategic insights you will pick up from Jackie and Steve. To me, they are the best political organizers in the country, and you will pick up a lot just from hanging around them.