“We all have a sphere of influence. Each of us needs to find our own sources of courage so that we can begin to speak. There are many problems to address, and we cannot avoid them indefinitely. We cannot continue to be silent. We must begin to speak, knowing that words alone are insufficient. But I have seen that meaningful dialogue can lead to effective action. Change is possible.” – Beverly Daniel Tatum, Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
What does it mean to act as an ally? An ally recognizes that their humanity is bound up with others’ and despite knowing they will never fully understand how it feels, is committed to valuing and supporting people who are othered, marginalized, or oppressed. Being an ally is not an identity, it is a continual process – something that you have to practice doing, being intentional about, and committing to, day in and day out.
In a starter guide, Amélie Lamont summarizes what it means to be an ally:
- Take on the struggle as your own.
- Transfer the benefits of your privilege to those who lack it.
- Amplify the voices of the oppressed before your own.
- Acknowledge that even though you feel pain, the conversation is not about you.
- Stand up, even when you feel scared.
- Own your mistakes and de-center yourself.
- Understand that your education is up to you and no one else.
Today’s Challenge
Read
- Read the Boots & Sandals: How to handle mistakes section of the starter guide by Amélie Lamont. Few of us are practiced at making mistakes and probably even fewer enjoy the practice of making mistakes and recovering from them. Lamont offers us some considerations on how to consider those we’ve hurt, attending to impact over intent, and learning from these moments. (5minutes) https://guidetoallyship.com/#the-work-of-allyship
- Read about how to be a better ally in the workplace. Looking for a place to start? Take time to really listen to the experiences of those around you. (10 minutes) https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/2018/11/30/allyship-the-key-to-unlocking-the-power-of-diversity/#f11a43649c6f
Watch
- Four Ways To Be A Real Ally (The Representation Project). A webinar describing true allyship. https://therepproject.org/four-ways-to-be-a-real-ally/
Listen
- Listen to NPR’s Code Switch explore the complexities of allyship on this 30-minute podcast. (30 minutes) https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=516907017:519086653
- Listen to this podcast discussing the Ally Continuum and how you can go from being unaware to accomplice. Explore where you are along the continuum in contrast to where you want to be. (30 minutes) https://jenniferbrownconsulting.com/blog/from-unaware-to-accomplice-the-ally-continuum/
Discuss
- What does allyship mean to you? Consider times in your life when someone supported you, even when they didn’t share your experience. What specifically did you appreciate about that interaction?
- What skills and strengths do you bring to being an ally? What tools or skills do you still hope to gain?
- What does sustainable allyship look like in your life a year from now?
- Who holds you accountable in your allyship journey, and how do you invite that accountability?