In this article, we explained allies in activism, the characteristics, the examples, what does it mean to be an ally in activism, the benefits, the role of allies in activism, and the challenges.
Definition
Allies in activism refers to members of a main social group who actively support the goals of a marginalized group, using their privileged position to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for social change. Unlike passive allies, these individuals go beyond simple concern to engage in active, transformative work, understanding their role in upholding injustice and taking concrete actions to dismantle it. This often involves increasing the voices of those directly affected and working to advance social justice through various forms of participation.
Characteristics of an Ally in Activism
Supportive Stance:
An ally actively expresses concern and support for a social justice cause, even when it doesn’t directly affect them.
Self-Education:
Allies dedicate themselves to understanding the historical and present-day realities of oppression and the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.
Active Participation:
This involves more than just attending an event; it means showing up, taking action, and using one’s privilege to support the cause and amplify the voices of those affected.
Consistent Engagement:
Allyship is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time act. It requires sustained effort to challenge injustices and promote positive change.
Understanding Privilege:
Allies recognize their position within dominant social groups and understand how that privilege can be leveraged to dismantle oppressive systems.
Moving Beyond Allyship
From Ally to Accomplice:
The journey from allyship can involve becoming an “accomplice” or “co-conspirator”.
Active Role in Dismantling Systems:
While an ally may support, an accomplice actively works to break down the very structures of oppression.
The Examples of Allies in Activism:
Civil Rights Movement
Stanley Levison: A white ally and close advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., Levison was instrumental in expanding the influence of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) beyond the American South. He provided strategic and financial support that was critical to the movement, including helping to organize the March on Washington.
White allies in the struggle: In her book Refusing Racism: White Allies and the Struggle for Civil Rights, Cynthia Stokes Brown documented how some white individuals chose to unequivocally join the fight for Black liberation.
Women’s suffrage and gender equality
Male allies: During the women’s suffrage movement, male allies fought for women’s voting rights, demonstrating a historical form of allyship.
Men in the fight for gender equality: Today, men who actively work to dismantle sexism, challenge misogynistic behavior, and mentor women in the workplace are examples of allies in activism.
Disability rights movement
Promoting accessibility: Allies support the disability rights movement by advocating for policies and programs that create awareness of challenges faced by people with disabilities and improve accessibility.
Mentorship and support: On an interpersonal level, allies can provide support to individuals with disabilities, help reduce stigma around their needs, and amplify their voices.
Contemporary workplace and social justice
Supporting women of color at work: Effective allyship in a workplace setting can include creating interpersonal relationships that center the experiences of women of color. This involves behaviors that support and amplify their voices, rather than dominating the conversation.
Addressing systemic racism: Allyship can manifest as working toward organizational and systemic changes. A social worker could research how systemic racism causes issues and then propose legislation to correct the root causes of that oppression.
Responding to mega-threats: In the wake of major social events, like the police killings of unarmed Black people in 2020, people from diverse backgrounds, including other BIPOC individuals and white people, participated as allies in widespread protests to provoke discourse and advance racial justice.
Environmental justice
Nurses as allies: Health professionals can serve as allies for environmental justice by applying their expertise to address systemic issues. This can include advocating for environmental policies and addressing resource inequities in communities.
What does it mean to be an Ally in Activism:
Uses privilege:
Allies are members of a majority or dominant group who have a societal advantage. They leverage this position to help end oppression.
Supports marginalized groups:
The primary function of an ally is to champion and stand with individuals and communities who face systemic disadvantages.
Advocates:
Allies actively speak out, support, and promote the goals of marginalized groups.
Listens and learns:
A crucial part of allyship is being open to feedback, doing research to understand the history of a struggle, and doing the “inner work” to recognize one’s own biases and complicity in oppressive systems.
Amplifies voices:
Allies use their platform to amplify the voices of those who lack privilege, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.
Differentiates from accomplice:
While allies support from the side, an accomplice takes the support a step further, often actively participating in the dismantling of systems of oppression and potentially risking their own social or physical well-being, according to INclusion INcorporated.
In practice, allyship means:
Taking action:
It moves beyond passive support to active engagement, like donating, protesting, or educating others.
Putting others first:
An ally prioritizes the goals and vision of the marginalized community, rather than focusing on their own ideas or ego.
Recognizing limitations:
Allies understand that they do not experience the same systemic oppression as the groups they support, and therefore rely on the leadership and direction of those most affected.
Benefits for the Movement
Increased Reach and Public Opinion:
Allies can attract the attention of broader audiences, including those who might otherwise be indifferent, and positively influence public perception of the movement’s goals.
Resource and Information Sharing:
Allies can share resources and information, which helps to achieve the common goal and accomplish more for the movement.
Mobilization of Support:
The visible participation of allies, particularly from dominant groups, can signal a shift in societal norms and increase public support for the cause.
Reduced Risk and Increased Mobilization:
The presence of allies from advantaged groups can raise expectations of success and lower the anticipated risks for members of disadvantaged groups, thereby encouraging broader participation in protests.
Countering Negative Stereotypes:
Allies can help to mitigate negative stereotypes and threat perceptions among the public, fostering a more positive environment for the movement.
Benefits for the Ally
Enhanced Empathy and Compassion:
Engaging in allyship can deepen an individual’s empathy and compassion for the struggles of others, fostering a greater sense of understanding and shared humanity.
Personal Growth and Self-Awareness:
Allies often develop increased self-awareness regarding their own privileges, biases, and blind spots, promoting continuous self-reflection and education.
Sense of Purpose:
Allyship provides a powerful sense of purpose and a way to contribute meaningfully to social justice and positive change.
Strengthened Social Cohesion:
Allyship helps to create more inclusive and supportive communities by breaking down barriers and fostering stronger social bonds.
Reduced Stigma:
By actively supporting marginalized groups, allies help to reduce social stigma and create a more inclusive environment.
Roles and Actions of Allies
Educate and Amplify:
Allies actively learn about the experiences and challenges of marginalized groups to understand and support their rights. They amplify these voices, helping to bring attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
Leverage Privileged Positions:
Allies from dominant social groups can use their influence to create positive change within their spheres of influence. This could be through personal interactions, work, or public platforms.
Influence Public Opinion and Policy:
Research shows that allies can positively impact public perception and support for a movement, potentially reducing heavy policing at protests. They can also advocate for systemic changes through petitions and campaigns.
Speak Out Against Injustice:
A valuable action an ally can take is to challenge oppression and discrimination when they witness it. This could involve pushing back against offensive jokes or broaching contentious topics to raise awareness.
Participate in Activism and Advocacy:
Allies can join protests and demonstrations to show solidarity and support for a cause. They can also dedicate their efforts to advocacy, working towards policy changes at a systemic level.
Challenges and Considerations in Allyship
Navigating Power Dynamics:
Allies from dominant groups may inadvertently bring their sense of dominance into the movement, which can create tension or distrust with members of the marginalized group.
Building Trust:
For allyship to be effective, allies must establish trustworthiness with the marginalized group they are supporting. This involves demonstrating humility and elevating the power of others.
Avoiding Ineffective or Harmful Allyship:
Some attempts at allyship can fail to advance equity or may even amplify inequity. It is crucial for allies to be mindful of their actions and focus on supporting the goals of the marginalized group.
Respecting the Leadership of Marginalized Groups:
While allies play a vital role, it’s important to acknowledge that the movement itself is led by the marginalized group. Allies should ensure their actions and strategies are aligned with the group’s goals and priorities.
The Challenges of Allies in Activism:
Unacknowledged Privilege:
Allies, especially those from dominant groups, may struggle to recognize their own privilege and how it contributes to others’ marginalization. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, hindering effective support.
Undermining Efforts:
The very presence of allies, despite good intentions, can sometimes undermine campaigns for social change by fostering positive feelings towards the majority rather than the critical anger needed to challenge systemic oppression.
“Move to Innocence”:
Some allies may engage in allyship as a way to avoid responsibility for their own complicity, leading to actions that appear supportive but do not challenge the oppressive systems.
Internal Movement Dynamics
Ideological and Goal Incompatibility:
Allies and the marginalized group may have different ideas or goals, which can create friction and undermine the movement’s effectiveness.
Power Dynamics and Mistrust:
Allies’ dominant social positions can lead to the introduction of new power dynamics and a sense of dominance within the movement. Mistrust between different groups can also impede collaboration and solidarity.
Lack of Accountability:
Allies may not be held accountable in the same way as members of the marginalized group, which can lead to actions that are counterproductive or harmful to the movement’s goals.
The Nature of Allyship
Opting In and Out:
Allies often have the luxury of choosing when to engage or disengage from the struggle, a choice that is not available to those directly affected by the oppression.
Focus on Individualism:
Allies can inadvertently focus on individual actions rather than addressing the systemic roots of oppression, which can dilute the movement’s overall impact.
Strategies for Effective Allyship
Self-Reflection and Education:
Allies must engage in continuous self-reflection and education to understand their own privilege and its role in perpetuating inequality.
Centering Marginalized Voices:
True allyship involves creating space for, and being guided by, the leadership and experiences of the affected communities.
Building Trust and Solidarity:
Fostering mutual trust, strong partnerships, and solidarity is essential for any successful alliance or coalition.
Strategic Engagement:
Allies should focus on supporting and amplifying the efforts of marginalized groups, rather than trying to take over or lead the movement.
Conclusion
Allies in activism refers to members of a leading social group who actively support the goals of a marginalized group, using their privileged position to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for social change. Unlike passive allies, these individuals go beyond simple concern to engage in active, transformative work, understanding their role in upholding injustice and taking concrete actions to dismantle it. This often involves amplifying the voices of those directly affected and working to advance social justice through various forms of participation.