The Autonomy Project is built on the belief that liberation is collective, not selective. We are a volunteer-powered organization dedicated to creating radically inclusive, affirming, and safe spaces for all people—especially those who have been historically marginalized and harmed by systemic oppression.
This means our work must be rooted in active resistance to all forms of oppression, including but not limited to: racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, classism, fatphobia, xenophobia, ageism, whorephobia, and anti-Indigenous violence. We center those most impacted by injustice—not as a gesture, but as a principle of operation.
What Anti-Oppression Means in Practice
Volunteering with us is more than showing up—it’s participating in the world we’re trying to build. That means:
- Active Awareness: Learn to recognize systems of oppression and how they show up in daily interactions, power dynamics, and organizational structures—even in progressive spaces.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your own biases, privileges, and patterns. We’re all unlearning things, and discomfort is part of growth.
- Accountability Culture: We hold ourselves and each other accountable without replicating shame-based punishment. If harm happens, we address it with care, honesty, and a commitment to repair.
- Consent and Communication: Respecting boundaries, asking for clarity, and not assuming intent are key to our safety culture. That includes emotional labor—don’t expect marginalized people to educate you unless they’ve opted into that role.
- Redistribution of Power: We aim to flatten hierarchies where possible. Leadership is earned through responsibility, not authority. Your lived experience matters here.
What We Expect From Volunteers
All volunteers are expected to:
- Uphold our values of equity, autonomy, and collective care.
- Intervene (safely and appropriately) when witnessing oppressive behavior.
- Accept feedback gracefully, and commit to growth.
- Avoid tone policing, gaslighting, or minimizing others' experiences.
- Practice inclusive language and avoid assumptions about others’ identities.
- Support accessibility and prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable community members.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about responsibility. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open to learning and committed to doing better.
If Harm Happens
We acknowledge that harm is inevitable in any group, especially one made of real, complex humans. What matters is how we respond.
If you witness or experience harm:
- You can report it to any Command Team member or use our anonymous reporting tools.
- We will investigate with care and confidentiality.
- We use a transformative justice lens—centering the needs of those harmed while also offering pathways for repair when possible.
Serious violations of our anti-oppression policy (including racism, transphobia, or harassment) may result in removal from volunteer roles or community spaces.