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.
Ways to support your ESEA employees and colleagues
For ESEA Heritage Month, we decided to take a closer look at what we can do to specifically support smaller minority groups such as ESEA colleagues who may get overlooked and feel underrepresented. Here are some ways you can help support your employees and colleagues of ESEA heritage (not just in September but all year round):
01. Educate
- ESEA is a term that encompasses a number of countries and peoples. Learn more about East and South East Asian Culture and Heritage.
- Educate yourself on the  “model minority” myth. This is important to help understand the nuances of racism that affects not only the ESEA community but other ethnic minority groups as well.
- Educate yourself on issues that affect ESEA people, in particular those about Sinophobia and anti-Asian hate.
02. Use inclusive language
- Avoid using the term “oriental” to describe ESEA people, which is deemed dated and has connotations of colonisation and foreignness and as above, educate others on why this is unacceptable.
- ESEA is now widely used to talk collectively about the East and Southeast Asian communities, though where appropriate for your organisation and employees, specific ethnicities and nationalities should be used. Avoid using “Asian – other” or “other Asian” when collecting data as this is still a broader and ambiguous term.
- Dates such as “Lunar New Year” should be called this rather than “Chinese New Year”, as other ESEA communities and countries also celebrate this festivity.
03. Signpost Support
It is important to have dedicated support in place for your employees and signpost and provide access to support for ESEA employees and colleagues. Here are some examples of organisations and support you might like to signpost to:
- Besea.n
- Campaign Against Racism Group (CARG)
- End Violence and Racism Against East and Southeast Asian Communities
- ESA Scotland
- Mental Health Support
- On Your Side
- The UK Federation of Chinese ProfessionalsÂ
04. Celebrate ESEA Heritage Month
Along with other awareness dates and months that help spotlight minority groups such as Pride Month, South Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month, Disability History Month etc include ESEA Heritage Month in your calendar as part of your commitment to supporting everyone. Use the month to educate and celebrate ESEA heritage. Invite employees to share their experiences – anonymously if they wish – to spread awareness of issues or to help show your organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a great way to further empower them.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
