Allyship is an active and consistent effort to use your privilege and power to support and advocate for people with less privilege. Allyship is about being conscious and intentional, and that means learning to truly listen to others. Though another’s experience may be different from your own, listening is a pathway to greater empathy.
Privilege is all of the invisible benefits you have as you move throughout the world. You can think of it like headwinds and tailwinds: The more privileges you have, the more tailwinds you have to push you forward and make things easier for you to navigate the world. Having less privileges is like heavy headwinds coming at you—everything is just harder and takes more effort. By better understanding the struggle and oppression that others face, you are learning yourself and actively attempting to make a change, so this doesn’t happen.
There are different ways to be an ally, which are sometimes broken down into different names. Take a look below to learn a bit more about some allyship terminology.
Performative allyship
The main way people get allyship wrong, and possibly do more harm to a group of people, is called ‘performative allyship’. This is when a person takes steps to profess support for a marginalized group when there is something in it for them. An example of performative allyship might look like a club president sending a club wide email saying they are ’sponsoring’ or ‘championing’ a group but being less than welcoming or supportive to members of that same group joining the club. Performative allyship
The main way people get allyship wrong, and possibly do more harm to a group of people, is called ‘performative allyship’. This is when a person takes steps to profess support for a marginalized group when there is something in it for them. An example of performative allyship might look like a club president sending a club wide email saying they are ’sponsoring’ or ‘championing’ a group but being less than welcoming or supportive to members of that same group joining the club. Performative allyship
erodes trust and can lead to further exclusion and feelings of being repeatedly let down.
Intersectional allyship
Intersectionality is how social categorizations, such as race, class and gender, apply to an individual or group. This means there will be overlapping and interdependent
systems of discrimination or disadvantage. In simple terms, intersectionality is acknowledging that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression. To be an intersectional ally, you should be constantly aware and recognize the individual experiences that people can face, all of which may be different. Recognize and honor identities, as well as work to rectify interlocking systems of oppression.
Upstander
Being an upstander refers to being the opposite of a bystander. When an ally becomes an upstander, they see things that are wrong and act on them. For example, this could be pushing back on offensive jokes or comments – even if nobody has directly been hurt by the remarks. You can be an upstander by speaking up if you witness unfair behavior and supporting those who may have been victims of comments.
Being an upstander refers to being the opposite of a bystander. When an ally becomes an upstander, they see things that are wrong and act on them. For example, this could be pushing back on offensive jokes or comments – even if nobody has directly been hurt by the remarks. You can be an upstander by speaking up if you witness unfair behavior and supporting those who may have been victims of comments.
Confidant
Being a confidant means you are an ally that creates a safe space for people to express their fears, frustrations and needs. By listening to stories and experiences, whilst fully believing their individual experience, you can make them feel supported and safe.
Allyship means using your personal privilege to support people from historically marginalized communities. Allies wield their influence to amplify the voices and elevate the experience of their underrepresented colleagues. These efforts promote greater diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) throughout the club. Whether formally or informally, an ally builds partnerships that raise awareness, offer mentoring, and advocate on behalf of marginalized
individuals. These actions help those groups feel heard, valued, and respected.
individuals. These actions help those groups feel heard, valued, and respected.
Building an inclusive club culture takes more than just good policies. It’s critical that members become part of the cause. By supporting people in your community and club through allyship, you can work towards creating a safer space. Allyship is crucial to fostering an inclusive club culture. Research shows allies don’t just influence one person at a time. They inspire others to act as change agents, too, creating a culture of acceptance and support. Simply stated, allyship is a powerful force for good.