The Art of Allyship: A Guide for Everyday Situations

By Romaine Wright

Ever found yourself in a moment where you wish you knew just the right thing to say or do? Wish you were more prepared in the middle of a social event, an intense meeting, or a casual chat when the need for allyship emerged unexpectedly? Whether you're in the hallways of school, navigating the twists of work life, or hanging out with friends, being an ally is a game-changer. This guide isn't just a book; it's your back-pocket lifeline for those "I want to speak up but don't know what to say" moments.

 

The Art of Allyship: A Guide for Everyday Situations is your companion for those tough moments when you want to show your support but are unsure how to respond. This guide is crafted for the modern reader. Whether you have a digital copy on your phone or a printed copy in your pocket, it's here to help you show empathy and understanding in everyday settings and situations. Whether you are curious about "Turning Privilege to Power", navigating "In Professional Settings", standing up "When You Hear Offensive Language", or reflecting on allyship "For Yourself", each chapter offers concise wisdom tailored for on-the-go consumption.

 

Here's the best part – you don't have to read this guide cover-to-cover to act. Dive into the chapters that resonate with you and skip around to find what you need. From family events to boardroom debates, The Art of Allyship is packed with bite-sized insights and practical strategies written with you in mind.

 

Think of this guide as your toolkit for life's tricky situations, helping you bridge gaps and spark understanding. It's modern, relatable, and ready to go with the flow of your dynamic life; when you get stuck, help is just a few taps or page turns away. So, whether you're gearing up for college, diving into your first job, or just looking to become a better ally, keep this gem within arm's reach and put it to good use. Together, we can make a difference, one situation at a time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Just Wright Consulting, LLC
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223401452

Romaine Wright

Emerging from Philadelphia's vibrant life and tempered by the southeast's tranquility, the author masterfully combines psychology with Industrial-Organizational practices to optimize organizational culture and the employee experience. Her rich industry exposure provides a unique lens to address leadership development and workforce diversity. This rich tapestry of experiences solidifies her authority in driving meaningful change, making her an insightful guide on your journey towards effective allyship. As the Owner & Principal Consultant of Just Wright Consulting, LLC, she is a compelling force, reshaping the corporate world.

Book preview

Chapter 1: What it means to be an Ally

In this chapter, we unpack the meaning of allyship - not as a title, but as a verb, a practice. It is important that you understand what allyship is and why it is important before you begin to act. We’ll be highlighting privilege, empathy and self-awareness as fundamental concepts at the core of allyship that influence one’s ability to be an effective ally. Let's begin by discussing privilege.

Privilege

Privilege is when a person (or group) has a level of power, advantage, influence, access, or opportunity that others don't have. It goes beyond just race and gender. It can relate to many things such as physical ability, economic status, educational background, religion, sexual orientation, and even the country or region you were born in. We are born into some privilege; other types can be earned. Something as simple as going to the same school or being a fan of the same sports team could give you a level of power, advantage, influence, access, or opportunity that someone without that shared connection would miss. Regardless of how you identify, everyone, in one way or another, holds some form of privilege, even if they also identify with a marginalized group.

Consider this: you may identify as a person of color and have experienced racial discrimination. However, if you have a college degree, when applying for a job you may have a certain level of privilege (or advantage) that applicants without higher education might not. On the other hand, if another applicant does not have a degree but already works for the company, that existing relationship may offer a level of privilege that is a greater advantage than your degree.

Privilege comes in many forms and has many levels. Acknowledging these levels is not about feeling guilt but about recognizing the uneven playing field that exists and how it impacts us and others. Allyship, then, is the practice of recognizing your privilege and consciously utilizing it to support, advocate for, and uplift those who lack the same privileges. It involves standing up for others when they are unable, or it is unsafe for them, to do so themselves.

For example, imagine you're a manager in an office where meetings often take place in a room that can only be accessed by stairs. One of your colleagues uses a wheelchair, and though they have never complained, they're unable to attend these meetings in person and must join virtually. Recognizing your privilege as a manager and someone who can easily access these meetings, you first have a conversation with the colleague who uses a wheelchair to discuss any challenges or preferences the colleague may have and potential solutions that respect their comfort and needs. The best solution might be a combination of moving to a more accessible location and sometimes holding virtual meetings, ensuring a fair and inclusive approach for everyone.

Empathy

The example above highlights two important aspects of allyship – the first is always seeking input and centering on the experiences and preferences of the individuals you're seeking to support. Allyship isn't about assuming you know what's best for others; it's about listening, understanding, and then taking actions that respect and affirm their experiences and needs.  The second is empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is key to allyship. It's about listening, learning, and seeking to understand experiences and feelings that are not your own. Empathy fosters connection, and through connection, we gain the ability to stand up for each other