Allyship

When have you wished someone had stood up for you? Or said something when you felt you couldn’t?

We all have times when we wish we had an ally or friend who would be supportive by speaking up and standing against something that is not right.

We call that allyship.

What words come to mind when you think of someone being that ally?

You might think of things like:

Support

Understanding

Commitment

Solidarity

Listening

Action

Respect

What other words would you add?

Examples of Allyship:

• Speaking up when it is safe to do so, in response to someone being treated unfairly.
• Learning about other people’s experiences who are different from you, taking time to understand what difficulties they face.

• Actively listen to and validate the experiences of others, without dismissing or invalidating their perspectives.
• Using inclusive language and actively challenging discriminatory language or behaviour when observed.
• Reflect on your own identities, biases, and privileges, and how they intersect with those of others.
• Engage in ongoing education and self-reflection to deepen your understanding of systemic oppression and ways to challenge it.

Becoming an ally is a continual journey that requires self-reflection, education, and action. By committing to allyship across various dimensions of identity, you can contribute to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.

What does allyship mean to you, in the context of your school and community?

What could you do this week, to continue your journey as an ally?