what is an ally?
“an ally is a member of the ‘majority’ group who works to end oppression in his or her personal life through support of and as an advocate for the oppressed population.
the following quotes about what it means to be an ally were taken from discussions conducted by student alies for equality at western washington university:
- an ally validates and supports people who are different from themselves.
- an ally realizes and questions personal privilege and uses it to benefit people who are oppressed.
- an ally examines their own prejudices and is not afraid to look at themselves.
- an ally supports the oppressed group’s voice and sense of autonomy.”
- a n ally works with the oppressed group, offering support by being accountable to, but not being responsible for, the oppressed group.
- an ally emphasizes action.
- an ally is an advocate when the oppressed group is absent by challenging (mis)conceptions.
being an ally means: sharing the power, taking a risk, taking responsibility, opening yourself up to the unknown, realizing that you are part of the solution, leveling the playing field, accepting differences, making allowances, and leading by action.”
isn’t that beautiful?
