How to Be an Ally: 6 Tips

The definition of an ally is a person who recognizes their privilege and chooses to share that privilege by being outspoken in support of a cause, using their position, status, or resources to empower those who are underprivileged or marginalized. Allyship is a critical strategy for dismantling systems of oppression in the workplace, in higher education, in politics, and in society at large.

“Allyship” is a term that activists commonly use in many initiatives and communities, such as BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and the Black Lives Matter movement, and it can mean different things to different individuals. An example of an ally might include a white person who uses their privilege in the workplace to advocate for a team member who faces discrimination.

Allies can shpow meaningful support and take action against inequality; they can also use their own privilege to empower marginalized groups of people who seek social justice. Allyship is a critical step in bringing groups of people together for a common purpose regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Allyship can also allow allies to develop more of understanding of and empathy for the needs of marginalized groups, as well as help people learn about their own privilege. For example, being engaged with the history of disenfranchised groups can make room for serious talks about race and the systemic racism that affects the Black community and other people of color. It can result in the understanding of what issues these communities need help to address as they fight for racial justice.

There are many steps you can take as you try to become an effective ally for oppressed groups and marginalized people. Remember that being an ally is not about “saving” a community, but rather joining their initiative, collaborating with them, elevating their voices, and taking mutual action based on the community’s goals. It’s also important to remember that you are just one person, and you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself as you work to dismantle your own biases. Do your best, even if you make mistakes on your way to becoming a good ally. Here are six tips to help you get started:

1. 1. Be forthcoming about your privileges. Privileges include any advantages you have that are greater than others within a community. Sometimes allies have privileges based on their abilities or talents, and sometimes based on gender, wealth status, education, or race. Allyship means doing your part to level the playing field by spreading your opportunity and resources to those who don’t have the same privileges as you. Consider how others may be at a disadvantage, and use your advantage to open doors and elevate the voices of those who are less privileged.
2. 2. Champion diversity. Historically, society has excluded and overlooked many marginalized groups in positions of power in the workplace, in politics, and in many other areas of society in favor of white men or white women. An ally will recognize this disadvantage and racial inequality and use their privilege to provide opportunities for their less-privileged peers and coworkers.
3. 3. Do your research. Before you take any action, learn about a community, initiative, or movement so that you don’t just assume their interests. You can find plenty of information online about activism through resources like podcasts or documentaries. There are also many anti-racism resources and books, which you can put in your toolkit for becoming an anti-racist ally. Resist the urge to request help and information from your friends or colleagues within the marginalized group, and instead do your own research online to learn about their history, struggles, and current needs. If you don’t fully understand the needs of a group, you could end up doing more harm than good.
4. 4. Listen. The best way to learn how to support a marginalized group is to listen to what that group is saying. Be available for them when they need to talk, be their confidant when they are struggling, and be in the mindset of learning, rather than teaching them what they should do. As part of being a good listener, remember that this isn’t about you and you should never promote your own allyship or compare your struggle to theirs. Play a supporting role with your friends and colleagues rather than commiserating with them, and choose to amplify their voice over your own.
5. 5. Take action and speak out. Part of being ally means you take action and speak up when you see discrimination, racism, sexism, or ableism in your communitiy. Being an active and outspoken ally is especially important if you have privilege or if you are in a position of power. The work of allyship may look different for every group, so you should consider what kind of activism or advocacy is most beneficial to who you are trying to help. Consider how your privilege gives you a unique opportunity to advocate for those who are less privileged, and don’t be a bystander in their time of need.
6. 6. Watch for microaggressions. Microaggressions are actions or language that may seem innocuous to you, but actually perpetuate negative stereotypes or further marginalize groups who are underrepresented. One example of a microaggression is not making an effort to learn or use the correct pronouns for a person who is trangender or in the LGBTQ+ community.

Practicing empathy can help you lead more effectively while building stronger relationships across the personal and professional facets of your life. Challenge your perceptions with the MasterClass Annual Membership and take lessons on emotional intelligence from Pharrell Williams, Roxane Gay, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Cornel West, Walter Mosley, Robert Reffkin, and Robin Arzón.