How to be an Ally

This decade we have been exposed to ma many fights against inju injustice around the wor world and engaged in difficult conversati sations about once unt untouched issues. It ranged from questioning the actions of our politicians, injustice to the poor, climate change, government policies, racism, and oppression against minorities. Often times it seems that our input simply does not matter; the world will continue to be the way it and to change it requires the energy and actions of the initiated. This has been proved to be wrong with most issues where the voices of the regular citizen have removed people from positions of power, initiated policies to tackle injustice, racism, and climate change, and more importantly put pressure to create changes on a global scale.

With the power of social media, the internet to research and form our own opinions, to using our voice in the real world world, we can create change. What if this commitment still seems overwhelming? What can you do to start being a part of the conversation? If you can’t be the leader, be an ally.

To be an ally, you take the struggle as your own and use your privilege and benefits to those who lack it. It involves amplifying the voices that are being silenced. You engage in conversations that are uncomfortable and stand up to against the wrong. It might include acknowledging your own misconceptions and educating yourself as it is solely your responsibility to be a voice of reason and support. Beyond the grand ideas, there are smaller steps that can be taken to be a supportive ally.

1. Research before you jump headfirst into social movements. Use the internet, talk to people of that community, research the history, look at what has been done before and what has worked, watch movies and read books that have put valuable time into conceptualizing these diffic difficult and intricate issues.

2. Listen to the people who have experienced this and speak up for the values you now embody. With our income and community, we have privilege that allows us to use our voice to spread awareness in communities. Address racist or derogative language used in your family and social circles to challenge beliefs and change the narrative.

3. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. These actions will bring looks, comments, and pressure to not stir peaceful waters. But the waters are not peaceful, it’s been unsteadied for marginalized groups for years and now is the time to be comfortable with disrupting the status quo.

4. Amplify the voices of the experts and show up fully for your case. Many people in these groups have the knowledge, background, and personal experience to speak on the issues but are often silences. Be an ally and support their causes without making it about yourself. yourself Use your power through social media and communities to allow these people to speak their truth without indulging in the conversation simply to make yourself feel better.