Allyship

Allyship involves the continuous effort of unlearning and reassessing, where someone strives to support and stand with a specific group that may have less influence or opportunity. It is a dynamic process that demands regular self-examination and education.


Allyship is not static (a noun); rather, it is an ongoing action (verb). Allyship represents a range of behaviors or expressions that one can take on in the demonstration of allyship (Griffin & Harro, 2006).

  • Recognizing, Action
  • Educating Self
  • Educating Others
  • Supporting / Encouraging
  • Initiating / Preventing

Individual Actions for Allyship

  • Educate Yourself: Read books, attend online and in-person trainings, and webinars. Engage in critical self-reflection about your own biases (take the Harvard Implicit Associations Test).
  • Educate Others: Be courageous and address discrimination. Share insights and invite others to participate in conversations, trainings, and webinars.
  • Support & Encourage: Explore ways to support your colleagues and peers who face barriers to access and opportunities. Support businesses and artists engaged in empowerment.
  • Initiative & Preventing: Act and organize in partnership with communities, remembering to center the voices and needs of its members.