What is an Ally?
“An ally is any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.” (Sheree Atcheson for Forbes, 2018.
How can I be an Ally?
Being an ally is not an identity. You must challenge yourself in this lifelong process to build and establish trust with individuals who are marginalized. Being an ally includes showing your support and commitment to a movement which will amplify voices of individuals who are oppressed or marginalized.
Why are Allies Necessary?
Anyone can be an ally as long as they make the commitment to support those who are marginalized. Although you may not be a member of a marginalized group, you have a powerful voice to stand up to a system of oppression not only in the US, but in other countries as well.
Where can I start?
As mentioned, being an ally is a lifelong journey which requires continuous education and recognizing the privileges oneself may have. We would encourage you to explore the resources below as a starting point on this lifelong journey.
Resources for Allies
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Resources for White Allies
UW-Madison is a predominately white institution. These resources help white allies at UW-Madison learn about the systems of oppression and how they can make a change.
Learning about Allyship from Marie Beecham's Social Media
Our ISS Social Media team has learned a lot about allyship and social justice through connecting to Marie Beecham’s Social Media. We also love her Dos and Don’t Guide to Allyship.
Guide to Allyship
An open source guide created by Amelie Lamont.