Day 18: Being an Ally
“The Circle of Human Concern should include everyone, including those with whom we disagree,” he said. “We are all a part of each other. We don't like it, but we're connected.” - John A. Powell 

In a time when it feels like the world is becoming increasingly polarizing, john a. powell asks, “How can we build bridges?” In his keynote at the Othering & Belonging Conference, he says “We must hear other people's suffering and stories. Compassion means to suffer with others."

What does it mean to be an ally? An ally seeks to understand what it feels like for another person or group to be oppressed, and despite knowing you will never fully understand how it feels, is committed to valuing and supporting people who are marginalized. Remember, being an ally is not an identity, it is a continual process – something that you have to work at, be intentional about, and commit to day in and day out. Explore what active support looks like as an ally in Race Equity Tools’ Guidelines for Being a Strong White Ally. 
Article(s)
Read the Do’s and Don’ts of Allyship that are important to know as you practice and evolve your role in supporting equity and inclusion. Explore the do’s and don'ts you’ve perpetuated as an ally (or experienced from an ally) in support of equity and inclusion. What may change for you moving forward?

Read about how to be a better ally in the workplace. Looking for a place to start? Take time to really listen to the experiences of those around you.

Go further and learn more about the important difference between an Ally vs. Accomplice in this piece published by Medium.
Video(s)
Sorry, no video offerings today.
Podcast(s)
Listen to NPR’s Code Switch explore the complexities of allyship on this 30-minute podcast. Explore how you feel after listening to the podcast. How can you improve your allyship or support allies?

Listen to this podcast discussing the Allyship Continuum and how you can go from unaware to accomplice. Explore where you are along the continuum in contrast to where you want to be.
Community Town Hall Discussions
United Way of the Lakeshore is partnering with the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance to hold a town hall discussion to reflect with other participants taking the challenge. These town hall meeting will happen on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM via Zoom throughout the challenge. We'd like to thank Gloria Lara for being our facilitator for these discussions.

This week's town hall will be Wednesday, September 30th at 12:00 PM. RSVP below to be sent the Zoom Link!
Click the button below to join the conversation today!
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