North Seattle Community College
Rememberings: The Roots of Our Voices
Basic Allyship Skills
Being an ally to people who have less power and privilege than you do is one of the most important things you can do as a privileged person. There is no direct way to be any alley. Every situation is different and calls for critical thinking about how to make a difference. Take the statement above into account, here are some general guidelines:
1.
Assume power and privilege differences are everywhere, everyday.
We have to learn to see the effect that power and privilege have. Notice who speaks, who doesn’t. What is said, and what isn’t. How things are done and described. Notice who isn’t at the table. Notice code words for target groups, and the implication of the policies, patterns and comments that are being expressed.
2.
Notice who is the center of attention and who is the center of power.
Power and privilege work by directing blame and violence toward those who are marginalized thus consolidating power and privilege for those with agency.
3.
Notice how power and privilege are denied, minimized and justified.
4.
Understand and learn from the history of privilege, colonization, and oppression.
Notice how things have changed over time and what hasn’t. Study the tactics that have worked.
5.
Understand the connections between privilege, power, economic issues, education and other ways in which injustice plays out in this country.
6.
Take a stand against injustice.
Take risks. It is scary, difficult, risky, and may bring up many feelings, but ultimately it is the only healthy and more human thing to do. Intervene in situations where power and privilege are being passed on.
7.
Be strategic.
Decide what is important to challenge and what is not. Think strategically in particular situations. Directly address the source of power.
8.
Don’t confuse a battle with the war.
Behind particular incidents and interactions are larger patterns. Social injustice is flexible and adaptable.
There will be gains and losses in the struggle for equality and justice.
9.
Don’t call names or be verbally abusive.
Since power is often defined as power over others (rather than empowerment – power from within and with others), the ability to abuse or attempt to control others leads to becoming the abuser ourselves.
The systemic nature of injustice will not be changed in this way.
10.
Support the leadership and empowerment of others who have normally been viewed as “less than.”
Do this consistently.
11.
Don’t do it alone.
You will not end injustice by yourself. We can do it if we work together. Build support, establish networks, work with already established groups. We are only as strong as our weakest link.
12.
Talk with your children and young people about injustice. Don’t tolerate it in your family or in other social gatherings of which you are a part and have some say about how things can be.
Adapted from Paul Kivel’s article, “How White People Can Serve as Allies to People of Color in the Struggle to End Racism.”