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.
#5: Be a Champion and Encourage Diverse Panels
Commit to reducing the frequency of all-male panels at conferences and events. For example, if you are a male champion you might pledge not to be on a panellist where there are no women on the panel.
Speak up and advocate for more members of under-represented groups to be on panels and to speak at events. If you are invited to attend a panel event you should check the make-up of the panel to ensure that it is diverse.
Allies and Champions can also help to make panels more diverse by recommending colleagues and contacts from underrepresented groups who would be an equally good fit (or better) to speak on panels, in meetings and pitches and at industry-wide events and conferences.
Finally, if you are putting together or hosting a panel event or conference – make sure that you are considering a diverse list of speakers (and if you don’t know any – ask for recommendations or use speaker databases).
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
