The Allyship Has Sailed: 5 Ways to Move into Accomplice-ness During the 2024 Election Campaign and Beyond

As the 2024 election campaign intensifies, the call to move beyond allyship and take proactive action has never been more urgent. Although I am more of a centralist, I am rooting for Kamala and democracy during this election. As a Black woman, I feel fear and hope when I think about Kamala Harris as she continues her trajectory towards the President of the United States. On the one hand, her position as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President was a monumental achievement that fills me with pride and optimism as she continues her political career journey. On the other hand, I am acutely aware of the unique challenges and heightened scrutiny she faces due to her race and gender, especially during this campaign and while in office. The pervasive racism and sexism in our society means that her path is fraught with unjust criticism and threats. Yet, despite these fears, I remain solid in faith because we need more than hope in our world. Harris’s resilience and dedication inspire me to believe that her success can pave the way for future generations, fostering a more inclusive and equitable political landscape. Her journey reinforces the importance of representation and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. This blog will explore various ways to sit in accompliceness during this pivotal election season.

The allyship has sailed; it is not enough! We need more than friendly faces and friendly spaces; we need action! It is time for your entry into the world as an accomplice in the name of justice. In a political climate charged with critical issues such as racial justice/ injustice, sexism, equity and equality, climate change, and economic disparity, supporters of these causes must elevate their involvement from mere allies to active participants in the democratic process.

Being an accomplice — a step beyond being an ally — means standing in solidarity and taking tangible steps to influence change. That is ok if you are in this space, but here are five ways to become an accomplice:

1. Practice correcting and correction: Be prepared to correct yourself and others on their bigotry. Whether that is verbally or through other actions, especially in the workplace. More importantly, know when to walk away from the mentally unwilling humans who sit in idiocracy and hate. In fostering a more respectful and understanding environment, correction involves a nuanced approach of “calling in” versus “calling out.” Calling in is a compassionate method that addresses problematic behavior privately and constructively, focusing on education and growth. This contrasts with calling out, which publicly highlights the behavior, often leading to shame and defensiveness. Both strategies have their place, especially if harm is taking place at the moment. Calling out can be more effective in harmful situations. Be ready to get someone all the way together, including yourself! Self-correction is equally essential, involving ongoing self-reflection and a willingness to acknowledge and amend one’s mistakes. When dealing with irrational or disrespectful individuals, it is crucial to shut down harmful behavior decisively yet respectfully. Correcting disrespect involves setting clear boundaries and reinforcing the importance of mutual respect, ensuring that interactions remain constructive and grounded in empathy. These practices collectively contribute to a more inclusive and respectful community, fostering open dialogue and continuous personal and collective improvement.
2. Check-In/Pull-Up — Check-ins, or pulling up, are essential in various relationships, including friendships, managerial roles, and with loved ones, whether extended or inherited. During this election, remember your friends and family who have marginalized identities and may be struggling with the bigotry we are all witnessing! Regular check-ins help friends maintain solid and supportive bonds, offering opportunities to share concerns, celebrate successes, and provide mutual emotional support. And, checking doesn’t always have to be a “how are things, etc.? It could be as simple as “Do you need a safe space right now?” “How can I be/create a safe space for you?”

Managers conducting check-ins with their team members foster an environment of open communication where feedback is shared constructively, progress is monitored, and personal and professional development is encouraged. This approach helps address issues promptly and maintain a motivated, engaged workforce. Regular check-ins demonstrate care and commitment in familial or intimate relationships, ensuring each member feels heard and valued. Remember not to ask questions like “How can I help?” or “What do you need at this time?” to people who may not have an answer. Also, be mindful of asking, “How are you doing?” It is better to acknowledge what is happening and let people know you are there if they need anything. Don’t constantly remind them of what’s happening; trust me, WE KNOW!”This practice helps navigate conflicts, reinforce positive behaviors, and strengthen the emotional connection. Overall, check-ins are a proactive way to nurture relationships, ensure mutual understanding, and foster a culture of accountability and support.

1. Educate, Educate, Educate the Willing: Educating yourself and others involves actively seeking out and understanding facts, especially when irrational perspectives dominate. Begin by delving into the roots of inequality and the histories of various minority and marginalized groups. Reading their stories, studying their cultures, and learning about their unique struggles and obstacles are essential for becoming a vital ally. Familiarize yourself with both preferred and taboo terminology to communicate respectfully and accurately. This knowledge enables you to recognize institutional inequalities and understand how marginalization impacts individuals, particularly in their professional lives. This comprehensive approach to education fosters empathy and informed advocacy. Again, remember to use your energy on those willing to listen. To those who are irrational, it’s okay to walk away or use your education to shut them down and shut them up!
2. Handout Tools of Empowerment: Handing out empowerment tools is crucial for fostering a productive and engaged workplace. The Cultivate Model of Organizational Empowerment, encapsulated by the acronym SPACE, includes five key dimensions: Skill, Purpose, Autonomy, Community, and Engagement.
3. Skill: Share information and knowledge generously. Building a sense of trust and responsibility among employees starts with transparency and communication.
4. Purpose: Foster a sense of purpose by aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, ensuring everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
5. Autonomy: Create autonomy through well-defined boundaries, allowing individuals the freedom to make decisions within those limits. Replace traditional hierarchies with self-directed teams and individuals empowered to take the initiative.
6. Community: Build a strong community within the organization where individuals feel connected and supported. Encourage collaboration and mutual respect.
7. Engagement: Actively engage employees by involving them in decision-making processes and recognizing their contributions. Empowerment is not just about giving power but also about valuing abilities, goals, and continuous learning.
8. Empowerment comprises three interrelated dimensions: Self-empowerment, mutual empowerment, and social empowerment. Self-empowerment focuses on individuals recognizing their potential and capabilities. Mutual empowerment emphasizes collaborative relationships where power is shared, and collective growth is prioritized. Social empowerment involves creating societal structures that enable all individuals to thrive. By embracing these dimensions and the SPACE model, organizations can cultivate an environment where empowerment is ingrained in the culture, leading to more significant innovation, satisfaction, and success.
9. Use Your Privilege to Minimize Oppression — Using your privilege to minimize oppression involves taking intentional actions that leverage your advantages to support marginalized groups. For instance, in the workplace, you can advocate for equitable hiring practices and mentorship programs that uplift underrepresented employees. When you notice biased behaviors or discriminatory practices, use your voice to address and correct them, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Educating yourself and others about systemic inequalities and actively promoting inclusive policies can foster a more supportive environment.

In social settings, you can use your privilege by amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, sharing their stories, and ensuring they have platforms to express their perspectives. Financially, you can support organizations and initiatives that fight oppression and provide resources for disadvantaged communities. By consistently examining and challenging your biases and encouraging others to do the same, you contribute to a culture of awareness and change.

Another practical example is using your social media presence to highlight issues affecting marginalized groups, giving them broader visibility and drawing attention to their causes. When conversing about oppression, use your knowledge to educate others and dispel myths or stereotypes. Through these actions, you can help create a more just and equitable society by actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and support those who face oppression. Also, donate money to campaigns and worthy causes that are working to increase awareness and justice for the marginalized! Money matters, so make your donations and contributions matter! Also, support small marginalized-owned businesses closing down left and right in this current economy.

Using your privilege to minimize oppression involves several interconnected strategies, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

One essential aspect is the practice of correction, which includes “calling in” to address problematic behavior privately and constructively and “calling out” when necessary to publicly highlight issues. This also involves self-correction and setting boundaries to handle disrespect and irrational behavior. Regular check-ins with friends, colleagues, and loved ones promote open communication and accountability, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Educating oneself and others about marginalized groups’ histories, cultures, and struggles is crucial, as it helps recognize and challenge systemic inequalities. Furthermore, empowering others through models like SPACE — Skill, Purpose, Autonomy, Community, and Engagement — fosters a sense of responsibility and collaboration. By leveraging your privilege to advocate for equitable practices, amplify marginalized voices, and support social justice initiatives, you actively contribute to dismantling oppression and promoting a more just and inclusive world.

Also, be willing to take action with these tools. It is time to vote, march in the streets, march into offices, and call your local politicians to let your voices be heard as we fight to save our democracy. Is the US a difficult place to live in? Absolutely, but we will all be in trouble if Project 2025 moves into power! So get up, pull up, get active, and most importantly, don’t forget to stay educated and vote!

If you’d like to learn more ways to support creating inclusive spaces and a more inclusive world, check out the book DEI-ing: A Guide to Navigating the Gotdamn Mess They’ve Made of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion written by Dr. CI, the author of this blog.