When you visit you agree to...

• Honor Each Voice: Every member brings unique perspectives and experiences. Listen actively and respond with kindness and openness.
  
  
• Respect Boundaries: Understand and respect personal and physical boundaries. Consent is paramount in all interactions.
  
  
• Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and celebrate the differences that each member brings to our community, whether they pertain to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or ability. We have zero tolerance for small-mindedness or bigotry.
  
  
• Accessibility: We strive to make our space accessible to all. Please communicate your needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.
  
  
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment, discrimination, or any form of abuse will not be tolerated. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
  
  
• Confidentiality: Share responsibly. What is shared here stays here, unless permission to share further is explicitly granted.
  
  
• Support Each Other: We're not just a space; we're a community. Offer help when you can, and don't hesitate to ask for it when you need it.
  
  
• Volunteerism and Participation: Engage with our community through volunteerism and participation. Everyone participates in the community through time, effort, energy, monetary contributions, etc. Your contributions help us grow and thrive and enforces that this community is built by us, for us.
  
  
• Continuous Learning: Embrace the opportunity to learn from one another. No one stops learning here. We are all looking to improve, grow, and encourage one another to be our best selves.
  
  
• Feedback and Dialogue: Constructive feedback is vital. Engage in respectful dialogue to foster understanding and growth.
  
  
• Sustainability: Respect our shared space and the environment. Recycle, reuse, and reduce waste where possible.
  
  
• Community Care: Look after the physical and emotional well-being of the space and its members. Leave the space better than you found it.

By engaging with our community, whether as a visitor, a member, or a volunteer, you agree to abide by these community agreements.

CHALLENGING THE SYSTEMS

In alignment with our anticapitalist and anti-colonial values, we actively challenge the structures and narratives that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. We strive to create an environment that questions traditional hierarchies and power dynamics. Our space encourages discussions and initiatives that seek to dismantle these oppressive systems, recognizing that they are interconnected with the ongoing struggles for social justice, equity, and liberation. 

This is why our Board is elected from our leadership team after serving as a team lead for a minimum of 6 months. This ensures that those steering the ship have a first-hand pulse on the community itself and are actively doing the work to build it. Anyone may join the leadership team and anyone can be part of co-creating with us. We aim to break down systemic barriers.

Our commitment to anti-colonialism involves decolonizing our minds, our relationships, and our practices. We strive to honor and integrate the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of marginalized peoples into our events and everyday interactions. We engage in this process not just in theory but in practical actions that contribute to the healing and restoration of these communities.

EMPOWERMENT

Empowerment is at the core of all we do. Here at the Autonomy Project, we believe in equipping our community members with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate and reshape the world around them. By fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to take leadership roles and initiate projects, we facilitate personal and collective empowerment. Our programs and workshops are designed not only to educate but also to inspire action and reflection on how each of us can contribute to building a more just and equitable society.

EMPOWERED CONSENT

"Empowered consent" is a principle where everyone involved in any activity or interaction participates willingly, with enthusiasm, feeling fully autonomous and in control of their decisions. This concept is critical whether in relationships, intimate encounters, or everyday interactions, ensuring that every individual freely and consciously agrees to engage without coercion, pressure, or manipulation.

Going beyond simply avoiding a "no," empowered consent involves actively seeking a confident "yes." It champions clear communication, open dialogue, and a deep understanding of each individual's boundaries and desires. This approach ensures that everyone has the freedom to express their preferences, set their limits, and withdraw consent at any moment without judgment or repercussions.

Practically, empowered consent is about continuous check-ins, honoring personal agency, and nurturing a culture of mutual respect and understanding. It recognizes that consent is not a static agreement but a dynamic, ongoing process that necessitates active communication, empathy, and attentiveness to the needs and emotions of all parties involved.

At the Autonomy Project, embracing empowered consent is foundational to creating a safe, respectful space where individuals can confidently explore their desires. By prioritizing empowered consent, we aim to cultivate a community that upholds individuality, fosters open communication, and deepens meaningful connections among all members, ensuring a truly inclusive and supportive environment.