The first book I read about becoming an Ally said that I would be changed by this experience and that I would probably be given more than I could give.
This thought stayed with me. In my professional work as a nurse, I had been with persons from every economic group, from rich to poor. How could this be different? But it is.
Eric Boyle of Homeboy Industries says, "We need to stand at the margins of society and discover, not our superiority but our own brokenness ... if we don't welcome our own wounds, we will despise the wounded." Instead of judging the poor, we need to stand in awe of how they carry it.
This is some of what being an Ally taught me.
So I challenge you to just do it. Thrive needs eight new Allies by December.
Take the Ally training, and then two nights a month, put your personal worries aside and come to Thrive! Listen to a Leader's stories, his trials, her triumphs, and laugh and learn with our Thrive! community. It is worth it!
— Debbie Evangelidis, former Ally and Thrive! board member.
