"Allyship is an English-language neologism used in contemporary social justice activism to describe efforts by groups of people to advance the interests of marginalized groups both in society at large and in particular social contexts..."
This topic involves becoming an active ally in the fight against discrimination and promoting inclusion. It includes learning how to listen, support, and amplify the voices of marginalized groups and taking actions to create systemic change.
Privilege: Recognizing the advantages and opportunities that come with our social identities, and using this awareness to help those without the same privileges.
Intersectionality: Understanding the interconnected relationships between various identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status, and how they can create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Systemic oppression: Examining the ways in which society and its institutions perpetuate inequality and discrimination, such as through laws, policies, and cultural norms.
Microaggressions: Identifying and challenging subtle forms of discrimination, such as comments, assumptions, and behaviors that are unintentional but still harmful.
Cultural competence: Developing an understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and customs, and being able to effectively navigate cross-cultural interactions.
Allyship roles: Understanding the different levels of allyship, from basic support to active advocacy and solidarity, and how to move between them based on the needs of marginalized communities.
Communication skills: Building effective and respectful communication skills, including active listening, offering validation and empathy, and creating safe spaces for marginalized voices.
Emotional intelligence: Developing self-awareness and empathy, recognizing and managing one's own biases and emotions, and understanding how to support others in their emotional needs.
Self-reflection: Continuously evaluating one's own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and identifying areas of growth and improvement in allyship practices.
Action planning: Creating and implementing concrete strategies for supporting marginalized communities, such as advocating for policy changes, donating to social justice initiatives, and supporting community-led efforts.
Intersectional Allyship: The practice of recognizing and advocating for individuals who belong to different marginalized groups and experience unique forms of discrimination.
Accompaniment Allyship: The act of being visible and accountable in the fight against oppression and empowering marginalized groups by physically accompanying them.
Co-Conspirator Allyship: A term for an ally who is actively supporting and uplifting the voices of marginalized individuals, even at personal risk.
Advocacy Allyship: Utilizing privilege to amplify the voices of those oppressed or voices otherwise overlooked or ignored.
Amplification Allyship: The act of using one's platform to uplift and amplify the voices of those in a marginalized community.
Educational Allyship: Understanding the culture, challenges, and needs of a particular group to be an effective ally.
Emotionally Supportive Allyship: The act of providing emotional support to a member of a marginalized or oppressed community, including listening, empathizing, and affirming.
Financial Allyship: Involves the act of providing financial support or resources to marginalized groups or charities that support those groups.
Self-Educating Allyship: Taking the time to educate yourself and actively seek out information to understand experiences outside of your own.
Influential Allyship: Provides individuals with a more significant role in advocating for change by utilizing their status, power, or influence.
"The term and related behaviors are controversial, with critics alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion that may ignore prior concepts of tolerance and solidarity."
"The term entered widespread use during the 2010s and the presidency of Donald Trump."
"Its usage has grown especially common in political activism and organizational rhetoric since the murder of George Floyd and the beginning of the international George Floyd protests in May 2020."
"Proponents of the concept say that allyship can be a response to most forms of discrimination, such as racism, ableism, xenophobia, and sexism."
"Outcomes of allyship that are considered desirable by its advocates include greater inclusion in the workplace and empowerment of outgroups."
"Some advocates of allyship may define it in routes of activism, such as changing to more inclusive use of language, removing bias from hiring and promotion processes, and combating perceived forms of prejudice against disadvantaged groups."
"Other proponents of the term describe it as a 'lifelong process' that cannot be limited to individual behaviors or patterns of behavior."
"Conversely, Black workers have reported that performative and excessive demonstrations of allyship have negatively impacted their quality of life and comfort within their workplaces."
"The term and related behaviors are controversial..."
"...the presidency of Donald Trump" and "the murder of George Floyd."
"Its usage has grown especially common in political activism and organizational rhetoric..."
"Allyship can be a response to most forms of discrimination, such as racism, ableism, xenophobia, and sexism."
"Outcomes of allyship that are considered desirable by its advocates include greater inclusion in the workplace and empowerment of outgroups."
"Changing to more inclusive use of language, removing bias from hiring and promotion processes, and combating perceived forms of prejudice against disadvantaged groups."
"Other proponents of the term describe it as a 'lifelong process' that cannot be limited to individual behaviors or patterns of behavior."
"Performative and excessive demonstrations of allyship have negatively impacted their quality of life and comfort within their workplaces."
"Critics alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion..."
"...in 2021, it was announced as Dictionary.com's 'Word of the Year.'"
"...alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion that may ignore prior concepts of tolerance and solidarity."