Announcing Ally Lab
We are excited to announce the launch of idealect’s new platform for online allyship learning, Ally Lab.
Why Allyship?
Allyship is a critical element of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program portfolio. Activating and empowering allies in the workplace is vitally important to achieving DEI goals and outcomes. More importantly, in companies that actively promote allyship, workers who come from marginalized backgrounds report feeling safer, happier, and a greater likelihood to stay in their jobs, according to recent research from Change Catalyst. Teaching and promoting allyship yields benefits to individuals and companies alike.
What is an ally?
While the term ally is often used in relation to members of dominant groups who possess power and privilege, anyone can be an ally. We define an ally as someone who is not a member of the marginalized group(s) they support, but makes a concerted effort to understand the realities of another’s circumstances. They use their privilege and power to end systems of oppression.
“Ally” is not just a noun, it is a verb. It’s not a state of being, it’s a state of doing. Allyship is action. The goal of this work is to learn, develop and practice the skills required to be an active and effective ally.
DEI Meets Design Thinking
The approach we’re taking with Ally Lab blends evidence-based DEI training with methods that come from human-centered design, or Design Thinking. Because allyship is a never-ending journey, the innovation-centered spirit of on-going experimentation, iteration, and collaboration is a natural complement to the work. This approach provides not only information and motivation, but also gives participants a framework and tools for creating meaningful change in themselves and the spaces where they have influence.
“What do I do?”
This question comes up for almost everyone on an allyship journey. The sheer abundance of inequities that need and deserve to be addressed is overwhelming. The number of ways to be an ally, along with the number of ways to mess up as an ally, leave many people hesitant to act or struggling to be effective.
Many organizations and allies have been through DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) workshops that establish vocabulary and encourage conversations. This is good and necessary work, but it is not sufficient. The goals of our workshops, experiences, and online courses are to help allies develop a strategic and executable framework that allows them to build skills for effective action. They offer a unique mix of informational content, creative exercises, and strategic planning work.
We are excited that you are here. Join us at the Ally Lab to begin your journey or contact us to learn more.
