An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group to help make their workplace more diverse and inclusive for all.
For workplaces to become truly inclusive it is up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful.
Allies at all levels can take action with simple, everyday efforts that make a real difference and in this series, we highlight some things that you can do to be an ally and to support your colleagues from underrepresented groups.
#28: Keep the conversation going
The widespread protests at the killing of George Floyd in the early summer of 2020 cast the glare of attention on racism across the world and started the conversation. It is important for allies to keep the conversation going to support Black and Ethnic Minority Colleagues:
- Have conversations with and listen to what Black and Ethnic Minority Colleagues are saying. Check in on them and ask what you can do to support them.
- Have conversations with other like-minded allies. Talk about how you can do better and discuss what you can do to help and pool your efforts.
- If you have colleagues who take a different stance on these issues, have a hard conversation with them to understand their perspective and help educate them if they are misinformed etc to help them rethink their views.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
