Ally D

Discussion: Ally Development

If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But, if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.

— Lila Watson, Aboriginal activist

The above quote captures one aspect of ally development. The Edwards article provides important information about becoming an ally and developing advocacy skills, focusing on effective identity development, consistency, and sustainability. As a starting point, consider these questions regarding the article:

· How does the Watson quote mirror those ideas?

· How can you identify, remain consistent, and practice sustainability in your ally development?

In this Discussion, review the article and explore the topic of social justice ally development.

By Day 3

Post:

· Identify a population with which you could become an ally.

· Identify a quote or create a motto to capture the intent of your ally-ship.

· Identify potential obstacles to ally-ship and explain how to address them.

· Include any references in your post.

This is the sample

Identify a population with which you could become an ally.

Fortunately, during my first field placement, I worked with an advocacy and resource center for refugees in my community.  The organization was ethnic based and run by the refugees themselves with the support of native-born American allies.  After my experience at EMBARC, I consider myself an ally of the refugee and immigrant community. 

Identify a quote or create a motto to capture the intent of your ally-ship.

The mission statement at EMBARC (2019) is “Connecting Refugees with Resources for Life.”  These resources do not only include things like health insurance, housing and food, but advocacy resources to help the community create lasting systematic changes. 

Identify potential obstacles to ally-ship and explain how to address them.

Sawyer (2019), a writer for Building Allies, a nonprofit focused on turning privilege into change, talks about some of the challenges involved with ally-ship.  First, it may be difficult for individuals to notice and acknowledge one’s own privilege.  Further, it can be difficult to identify what he calls systemic-awareness, and understand the ways systems can be racist and oppressive.  Sawyer (2019) explains how action and awareness can work together in an integrated partnership to dismantle systems of oppression and power comes when allies join forces with the oppressed.