Grassroots fundraising and mutual aid have always been at the heart of how we show solidarity and take care of each other in the face of systemic oppression, particularly in the South.
When we talk about grassroots fundraising, we don’t just mean the dollar amount raised. Grassroots fundraising is one of many ways to contribute to mutual aid: a broader form of community-based support where people share and redistribute resources to meet each other’s survival needs based on solidarity rather than a hierarchy of wealth.
Grassroots community fundraising is about building collective power, showing solidarity, and spreading joy, and anybody can contribute – including you! To help you get started we’re releasing our newest zine on how to host a DIY fundraiser event for ARC-Southeast.
Our zine offers a guide to everything you need to know to host your own DIY fundraiser event, whether it’s a house party, virtual teach-in, cookout, open mic night, or anything else you might dream of. In our zine, you’ll find ideas on types of events to host, how to access ARC-Southeast’s communication and branding materials to help with your promotion, tips to ensure safety, and more.
Why are DIY fundraisers so important?
For the past ten years, ARC-Southeast has worked to ensure that Southerners have access to safe and compassionate care in defiance of oppressive systems and mounting restrictions on reproductive healthcare. DIY fundraiser events have always been a powerful tool for movement building and resistance. In the face of state neglect, DIY fundraisers can redistribute money to support people directly, raise awareness about community issues, and build collective power through gathering. One recent powerful example that resulted in material impact was in response to the AIDS crisis with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a group that raised awareness and direct support through fundraiser campaigns including fashion shows, art auctions, and letter writing.
As we once again enter a moment of deeper state abandonment, we see people all over the country host DIY fundraisers for people, organizations, and causes they support. Here are some examples of recent fundraisers for abortion access in the South:
— Costume contest, pumpkin carving, bingo, and book drive in support of Mountain Access Brigade
— House party, abortion trivia, and raffle in support of Blue Ridge Abortion Fund
— Benefit concert in support of abortion funds in the Carolinas
Some events, like the Atlanta Roller Derby and the band Catfight!’s recent benefit concert already exist and choose to share proceeds with us, whereas others like the events listed above pop up to meet the moment.
As the local officials across the Southeast continue to find new ways to attack or restrict our communities our work has never been more urgent. Call volumes to our healthline are skyrocketing, and our callers, neighbors, and friends are having a harder time making ends meet.
In this particular moment, mutual aid is not just optional; it is essential.
Every dollar raised through community fundraising efforts helps ensure that our callers can get to their appointments, have a safe place to stay, and find connection in resistance to systems that spread stigma and isolation.
In honor of ARC-Southeast’s decade of defiance and commitment to continuing to show up for our communities, we invite you to build solidarity and power with us.
Download the DIY fundraiser zine, and let us know at [email protected] what you’re planning – we can’t wait to see what you do!
If you are unable to host a fundraiser but would still like to support ARC-Southeast, you can show solidarity by donating directly here and support our rapid response campaign to ensure that Southerners can still access food and shelter in the face of the government shutdown.