Ally Action Project Week 29: How To Be An Ally

For this new year, we wanted to take a fresh look at being an ally and how to get started. The US has had a civil rights wakeup call in 2020 unlike any time since the 1960s, and we have an opportunity to support equality as an ally. Allies are individuals who act as collaborators, accomplices, and coconspirators to fight systemic racism and create equality. The first step to becoming an ally is to learn about injustices and listen to the different perspective of women and people of color. The Ally Action Project is centered in a desire to take these learning and to inspire action that accelerates bringing equality to our society.

Inequality has always been around, and it is worthwhile to learn world history to understand how it impacts us today. Our boundary is on the impacts of inequality on the population of the US today. Visit the Ally Action Project resources page as a starting point on what groups to follow and sites to explore. There are groups who are seen as the norm, mainly whites, males, and heterosexuals. White privilege means there are inherent advantages in society for a white person based on race. An example is the amount of times people of color are pulled over vs white drivers due to distrust of non-white races. Recognize privilege, in yourself and others, so that you can extend that privilege to everyone.

To take action, be aware of inequality in the conversations, meetings, and social circles that you take part in. Be aware of discrimination around you and be willing to stand up for minority groups in the moment, not privately afterwards. Be clear when offering correction on what the behavior being corrected. Take action when discrimination happens to explain how the behavior offends you as an ally and that it is not acceptable. Diversity has been proven to increase productivity across teams in the workplace. President Biden has insisted on a cabinet and government that look like the diversity in America. Insisting on diverse teams, job candidates, and committees provides views and opinions that make better group decisions.