First up in our values refresh series, we clarify how our work is grounded in our commitment to autonomy and self-determination and hold ourselves accountable to embodying this value in practice.

ARC-Southeast’s mission has always been rooted in Reproductive Justice: grounded in the core belief that every person has the fundamental human right to have a child, to not have a child, and to parent children in safe, sustainable, and compassionate communities. As we’ve continued to grow as an organization and respond to the evolving needs of the communities we belong to and serve, we recognized a need to revisit and renew the core values that guide our work.

These refreshed values are more than just a statement of principles: they are a recommitment to be bolder, more intentional, and more accountable in the work we do to help build a world where all Southerners have access to care and support around their reproductive health decisions without bias or barriers.

At the center of our work is a firm belief in autonomy and self-determination: your right to make decisions about your body, your care, and your future without interference from external influences. We act out of radical love, meaning we are intentional about everything we do and work without judgment.

How ARC-SE Defines Autonomy and Self-determination

We believe that the people closest to a decision deserve the information and power to make it, no questions asked. With accurate information, compassionate support, and resources to act, we trust Southerners to make the best decisions for themselves to thrive in every area of their lives, including parenting, abortion, or other reproductive health decisions.

Across the South, legislators continue to tighten restrictions around our bodies, resources, and futures. The systems in power continue a colonial and racist legacy of disenfranchisement and dehumanization. This systemic and legislative oppression results in an ever-shifting patchwork of bans and restrictions that push care farther away, target already marginalized communities, and place stigma on people seeking care.

Centering autonomy and self-determination is how we cut through that noise to prioritize people.

When callers reach out, we listen first – then share tailored resources and guidance so they can decide what feels right, on their timeline and on their terms.

In addition to coordinating with callers to ensure access to abortion care, we provide ongoing support through our monthly peer-to-peer support space, Sow.Now.What (SNW). As our Caller Engagement Coordinator Sierra R. says, “It’s important people continue to feel empowered and supported after their procedures because the stigma around abortion, especially in the South, can fuel so much internal shame. Sow.Now.What. is shaped for our callers and our peer-to-peer model helps each person feel like the expert of their own lives.”

What Autonomy and Self-determination Look Like in Practice for ARC-SE Staff

Side-by-side Support

– Our staff and board track state laws, clinic openings or closures, community feedback, mutual aid funds, and travel logistics day by day. This constant vigilance ensures that we are able to provide our callers with resources for their reproductive healthcare that are current, actionable, and rooted in the caller’s specific needs, concerns, and lived experiences.

Relentless Learning

– Staff and board members walk alongside our callers and community by investing in continuous political education, clinic visits, and community engagement. We remain constant students so we can serve as informed companions who belong to the communities we support.

Equitable Compensation

– ARC Southeast pays wages that allow every team member to live with the same autonomy we champion for our callers.

Liberation begins when information, support, and trust meet to build a future where everyone has the resources and ability to make autonomous decisions to thrive.

If you are working to advance liberation through supporting autonomy and self-determination, we’re always open to connecting, collaboration, and building together. Make a donation to ARC-Southeast today if you would like to support our mission of helping people exercise their fundamental human right to autonomy and self-determination.