lawyer how to be an ally program toolkit

by Estel Mosciski 6 min read

What do’s and Don’ts should I consider when becoming an ally?

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to consider as you learn, grow, and step into the role of an ally. Do your research to learn more about the history of the struggle in which you are participating Do the inner work to figure out a way to acknowledge how you participate in oppressive systems

What does it take to be an ally in education?

Being an effective ally requires significant self-reflection and a strong sense of self-identity. Any educator can become an ally, but the journey might look different depending on one’s identity, experience and familiarity with issues of power and privilege. To start, create your own identity map.

How can we promote allyship?

Educate others on the importance of allyship by modelling allyship strategies and encouraging others to do the same. 7 Listen. Trust in people’s lived experiences and listen.

Why is it important to be an effective ally?

practised well. This is important because if not done well, allies or want-to-be allies can do more harm than good or even act as a barrier for marginalized groups. For this reason, we need to be well-versed in strategies on how to be an effective ally.

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What is an ally for social justice?

An individual acting as an Ally for Social Justice works with those who experience oppression in collaboration and partnership to end the system of oppression. By working toward social justice, the allies are seeking not only to free the oppressed but also to be liberated and reconnected to their own full humanity and authenticity.

What is an aspiring ally?

The Aspiring Ally for Altruism seeks to empower members of the oppressed group, which maintains credit and some control in the person doing the empowering, rather than encouraging and supporting members of the oppressed group to empower themselves. An individual acting as an Ally for Social Justice works with those who experience oppression in ...

Who developed the ally identity model?

Speaker and educator Keith E. Edwards, Ph.D, developed a conceptual model of ally identity development. Key to this model is thinking critically about our motivations. Why do we speak up? What makes us want to be an ally? Edwards distinguishes among three ally types:

How can an educator become an ally?

Any educator can become an ally, but the journey might look different depending on one’s identity, experience and familiarity with issues of power and privilege.

What does "ally" mean?

Ally ( noun) someone who stands with or advocates for individuals and groups other than their own. Privilege ( noun) a special benefit or advantage that may be earned or unearned. Note: A person may or may not be aware that they are benefiting from privilege!

What is social justice allies?

Social Justice Allies ( noun ) “Members of dominant social groups* who are working to end systems of oppression that give them greater privilege and power based on social group membership.”

How to adapt curriculum to reflect student interests and identities?

Try looking for ways to highlight and elevate diverse perspectives in the curriculum you are required to teach. Teach about a minor character, discuss the absence of certain voices in the text or bring in an analysis of the text from a different point of view. You might also give students opportunities to analyze texts from the perspectives of their own identity group memberships.

How to encourage more active and authentic student participation?

Rather, use these activities as complementary materials to your core programming and encourage students to reflect on the work that they do as they progress through the workshops.

What is a facilitator manual?

This toolkit has been designed with user-friendliness in mind. The facilitator manual outlines step-by-step instructions on how to facilitate each activity. Each activity outlines the objective, duration and corresponding PowerPoint slides. We also use this icon to flag activities that may generate a sensitive or controversial discussion amongst your students: We invite teachers to be extra mindful and attentive during these activities, as a skilled facilitator will be needed to maintain a safe space and generate critical discussion. Finally, the following colour-coded prompts are intended to express various components of the activity:

Do teachers review the preliminary resources of each toolkit before delivering the workshop?

We highly recommend that teachers review the preliminary resources of each toolkit before delivering the workshop. A knowledgeable facilitator is needed to guide rich discussions with students.

What is the Be the Ally campaign?

The Be the Ally campaign is an internal campaign you can use to educate people about D&I-related terminology and spread knowledge about diversity, equity and inclusion across your company. It’s also a chance for you to promote your existing resources such as social resource groups, D&I training, cultural events and more.

Is Workplace Core free?

We make Workplace Core available for free to eligible non-profit charitable organizations

What do you need to be an ally?

As an ally, you need to own your mistakes and be proactive in your education, every day.

What is an ally?

In fact, I personally no longer use the word. However, I do think it’s a good starting place for those learning to be better allies. I also believe there’s an opportunity to explore a better definition of the word. The best definition of “ally” (that I’ve found) comes from author Roxane Gay in her article for Marie Claire, “On Making Black Lives Matter.” In it, she notes:

Why are ally voices powerful?

Because an ally might have more privilege and recognizes said privilege, they are powerful voices alongside oppressed ones.

What is an apology?

Before you can apologize, you need to know what an apology is. Apologies are social contracts that hold you accountable. They tell others that you are taking responsiblity, are open to the consequences of your actions, and plan to do better in the future. Bad apologies are performances meant to protect pride and ego.

When was someone I considered an ally stood by and watched as I, a Black person, was berated by?

In the summer of 2016, someone I considered an ally stood by and watched as I, a Black person, was berated by a racist. To make matters worse, I had a conversation with this person earlier in the day about the power allies can wield in situations of discrimination. But when the time came for them to take action, they were more interested in protecting their comfort.

Can an ally be an ally?

Anyone has the potential to be an ally. Allies recognize that though they’re not a member of the underinvested and oppressed communities they support, they make a concerted effort to better understand the struggle, every single day.

Is it easier to say "allies" or "allies"?

Saying you’re an ally is much easier than actually being an ally. Saying you’re an ally looks good on paper, especially if you’re never questioned about your inaction. Many self-defined “allies” wear the phrase and ideology like an article of clothing, easily discarded when it’s no longer fashionable to wear.

What is a gratitude toolkit?

Practicing gratitude is a valuable recovery skill, and it promotes serenity and contentment.

How to contact a lawyer in Missouri?

For confidential assistance with concerns affecting your personal or professional life, please contact the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program at 1-800-688-7859. This article originally appeared on The Missouri Bar website.

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