Advocating for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Who We Are
Preamble and Core Values
Preamble
From its beginning, a major strength of The Arc movement has been that parents family members and volunteers have governed the organization. In recent years, self-advocates and other volunteers are the driving force in The Arc. From the grassroots of The Arc come the dreams, the philosophy that drives the core values, the ability to shape public policy and the mutual support that parents and self-advocates provide for one another. Core values of The Arc are those values that are subscribed to and pursued at all three levels of The Arc national, state chapters and local chapters by volunteers and staff leaders.
Democracy
A Democratic process involving Members, through affiliated chapters, is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by promoting the mission core values and position statement. We lead with integrity, accountability, and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a value partnership with volunteers and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provide mutual support and respective roles.
Community Participation
The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc has responsibilities to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.
The Core Values are:
People First
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities, and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc Believes in self-determination by empowering people with supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
People First
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities, and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc Believes in self-determination by empowering people with supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
Democracy
A Democratic process involving Members, through affiliated chapters, is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by promoting the mission core values and position statement. We lead with integrity, accountability, and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a value partnership with volunteers and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provide mutual support and respective roles.
Community Participation
The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc has responsibilities to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.