The Importance of Self-Education in Allyship
It is crucial to recognize that allyship is not just a one-time commitment but a continuous process of learning, growth, and action. Embracing self-education equips all of us with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in informed conversations and advocate for meaningful change.
First and foremost, seeking out educational resources is a proactive way to bridge gaps in understanding. Books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, and online courses offer insights into the historical context, struggles, and achievements of marginalized groups. These resources shed light on systemic inequalities, discrimination, and social dynamics that have shaped all of our experiences. By delving into these materials, allies can develop a well-rounded perspective that goes beyond surface-level awareness and begin to formulate appropriate questions and strategic action planning.
However, the abundance of information can be overwhelming. Prioritizing credible sources and diverse voices is paramount. Learning from various perspectives within a community prevents the perpetuation of a single narrative and helps to build a more comprehensive understanding. Engaging with authors, educators, and activists from different backgrounds offers a nuanced view of the issues at hand. No one is a monolith and nuance within context matters more than we might realize.
We provided a few resources to get you started. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but rather a place to begin or further your learning:
- Guide to Allyship
- What Makes an Effective Ally
- 8 Ways to be a (Better) Ally
- The Waymakers — by Tara Jaye Franke
- I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black — by Sharon Hurley Hall
- I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace — by Elizabeth Leiba
- The Inclusive Organization — by Netta Jenkins
Self-education empowers allies to challenge their own biases and assumptions. Reflecting on personal beliefs and engaging in uncomfortable conversations aids in uncovering subconscious prejudices. It is important to approach this process with humility and openness to growth as well as curiosity and the understanding that you will get it wrong, a lot. Acknowledging our privilege and access to power or influence and understanding the ways they intersect with marginalized identities is an essential step toward genuine allyship.
Putting knowledge into action is the ultimate goal of self-education in allyship. Learning about a particular issue is meaningless if it does not translate into tangible efforts. Allies should actively seek out opportunities to support and uplift marginalized communities, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or financial contributions — understanding which action to take, when, how, and most of all, why leads to smarter, more effective allyship.
Allyship is not about overshadowing but about providing support and using your voice and resources to help shift the systems of oppressive policy, practice, and positioning. By committing to ongoing learning, we can all engage in productive action and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.