White Ally - Coaching for Everyone

White Allies

What is a White Ally?

In the journey toward urban equity and justice, the inclusion of White allies in Urban Ascend is invaluable. Their participation not only signifies a broader collective commitment to addressing systemic inequalities but also enriches the movement with diverse perspectives and resources. Allies play a crucial role in bridging gaps, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging the status quo, making our collective efforts more robust, inclusive, and impactful.

White Allyship refers to the active and consistent practice by individuals who identify as white to support, advocate for, and align themselves with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This support often entails:

Education: Allies take the responsibility of educating themselves about the history, experiences, and challenges faced by BIPOC communities, rather than expecting BIPOC individuals to teach them.
Listening: Allies prioritize listening to the voices, experiences, and needs of BIPOC communities, understanding that their own perspective on issues related to race might be limited.
Amplification: White allies use their privileges to amplify BIPOC voices, perspectives, and concerns, especially in spaces where these voices might be marginalized or silenced.

Acknowledgment of Privilege: White allies recognize and confront their own privileges, understanding that their experiences with systemic institutions and everyday situations might be fundamentally different from those of BIPOC individuals.
Action: Allyship goes beyond passive support. Allies actively engage in actions that challenge systemic racism and support the rights of BIPOC communities. This can include attending protests, supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, advocating for policy changes, or confronting racist behavior in personal and professional settings.
Accountability: True allyship acknowledges mistakes and is open to feedback from BIPOC communities. Allies are committed to continuous growth and improvement in their journey.

Allowing non-BIPOC members to join an Urban Ascend is a positive step towards inclusivity, as long as their role is to support, uplift, and be in solidarity with BIPOC individuals rather than to lead or dominate the conversation. It’s essential to provide guidance on what effective and respectful allyship looks like, so these members can meaningfully contribute to the initiative’s goals.