ALLYSHIP

Firm that no members of marginalized groups must be expected ‘to pull themselves up’ nor shoulder the burden of having to educate others about the harms they know, we are deepening our dedication to occupy what we call allyship – with a specific meaning in our hearts.

Allyship, when we use the term, means the responsibility of every member of a privileged group to learn about harms suffered by members of a parallel marginalized group (and believe them); to engage with others to bridge-build; and to maintain active, radical action to effect change.

Allyship is an orientation to our work – and lifestyle. It requires us to recognize each area of our privilege. Humility is an essential component of allyship: the humility to turn the mirror on ourselves.

Are we active allies, passive allies, neutral allies, passive opponents, or active opponents? (Footnotes to Service Never Sleeps and Katrina Shields "In the Tiger's Mouth: An Empowerment Guide for Social Action." p 54.