How to be an Ally - Look for Opportunities

With a general understanding of allyship, it is key to look for opportunities to be a better ally. Following are some ideas:

• Make room at the table. Ask yourself, who is not part of the part of the conversation who should be? What facts/data/representation are you missing to make an informed decision?

• Go outside of your safety net. Expand your network of mentors, associations and events to include identities and perspectives that you are not familiar with.

• Create safe spaces: Seek to find commonalities between one another. This includes using thoughtful language and not allowing discriminatory behavior go unchallenged.

Putting allyship into action: Review your associations with others and identify any areas in which you can expand your network. Where is there opportunity for growth?

Ready to start your DEI journey? Reach out to AOE today.

Resource:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dg86g-QlM0

• https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/elevate-diversity-equity-inclusion-work-organization/

• https://www.youtube.com/embed/2g88Ju6nkcg

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/2018/11/30/allyship-the-key-to-unlocking-the-power-of-diversity/?sh=4f00df9e49c6

• https://www.pbs.org/video/pov-implicit-bias-peanut-butter-jelly-and-racism/