![]() ![]() In order to work in close partnerships with other groups, we all have to learn how to be effective allies to each other. ![]() Unfortunately however, our first-hand experience of oppression doesn't automatically teach us how to be allies to members of other groups. On the other hand, if you are a person who is already aware of your own oppression, some of the information in this section may be familiar. If you are aware of how your own heritage and history has influenced you, you will be better equipped to be an ally to others. The history of your own cultural group, often generations back, can influence the way you see other groups. Why? Because in order to be an ally to people in groups that have been targeted, it is important to understand how you have been targeted in your life or how your family has been targeted in the past. People who are targeted need support from those people who are not targeted in the same ways. Why? Because people from targeted or oppressed groups are systematically bombarded by society with unfair treatment, hostility, violence, or other forms of discrimination. In this section we are going to focus on how to be allies to people from diverse backgrounds and oppressed groups. When you were a young person, did you ever have an adult blame you for something you didn't do? Did you ever have so much bad luck that you needed a lot of help from others to turn your situation around? Did you ever get targeted because you were different? Whatever your life story, there are probably dozens of times, when you could have used a person or group to help you when you were in a jam or when you were unfairly blamed, targeted, or left without resources. What is an ally? An ally is any person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people.Įverybody has had the experience of needing an ally. If we want to make changes in society so that oppression is not acceptable, we need to learn how to work together as each other's allies. If we want people to stand up for our concerns and interests, we need to understand and stand up for theirs. If we want to develop effective partnerships and coalitions, we need to learn how to be active allies to each other's groups. That's a lot of what allies do-get involved and support people, instead of staying on the sidelines. We need to get to know people, find out what they're up against, and support them in their struggles. Learn how to be an ally to people in a diverse community.ĭoes that phrase sound familiar? Many of us heard that phrase in our families growing up.Īs community builders, there may be many times when we really need to mind our own business, but often our work requires us to be involved with other people and make their business ours. ![]()
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