“We all have a unique set of privileges that affords us special access and immunity that others may not have. Through allyship, we can begin to close that gap by strategically using our privileges.”
-Allyship (& Accomplice): The What, Why, and How by Michelle MiJung Kim
What does it mean to be an ally? An ally seeks to understand what it feels like for another person or group to be oppressed, and despite knowing you will never fully understand how it feels, is committed to valuing and supporting people who are marginalized. Remember, being an ally is not an identity, it is a continual process – something that you have to work at, be intentional about, and commit 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 Do’s and Don’ts of Allyship that are important to know as you practice and evolve your role in fighting for racial equity. Explore the do’s and don’ts you have perpetuated as an ally (or experienced from an ally) in support of equity and inclusion. (15 minutes) 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
- By definition, an ally is someone who makes the commitment and effort to recognize their privilege (based on gender, class, race, sexual identity, etc.) and works in solidarity with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. Allies understand that it is in their own interest to end all forms of oppression, even those from which they may benefit in concrete ways. Where am I on my journey to living as an ally to members of marginalized communities?
- Where can I use my power to elevate the voices of members of these communities?
- Where do I hear and see bias in my own community?
- How can I disrupt these narratives or norms with the knowledge I have gained?
