Allyship Basics
This is the practice of standing up for others and promoting equity.
What is allyship?
Just because you didn’t mean harm doesn’t mean you didn’t do this.
What is cause harm?
This category of allyship starts with your own beliefs, learning, and reflection.
What is individual allyship?
This category of allyship focuses on how you show up in your relationships and conversations.
What is interpersonal allyship?
This category of allyship focuses on changing systems, not just behaviors.
What is structural allyship?
True allies don’t just say they care—they do this.
What is active allyship? or What is take action?
This phrase reminds allies that what matters most is the result of your actions.
What is impact over intention?
One action an individual ally can take is to challenge this—especially in themselves.
What are unintended assumptions?
This ally action might include stepping in when a colleague is interrupted or overlooked.
What is advocacy or speaking up?
Structural allies push for changes to these written and unwritten organizational rules.
What are policies and procedures?
This term describes someone who supports equity but avoids taking action.
What is a passive ally?
You should do this if someone tells you your words or actions caused harm.
What is listen and apologize?
This kind of practice helps individual allies better understand others' lived experiences.
What is active listening?
A key element of interpersonal allyship is not just support but this.
What is mutual respect or shared dialogue?
One way to show structural allyship is by removing this from recruitment and promotion processes.
What is bias or barriers to equity?
Many people avoid allyship because they fear this.
What is saying the wrong thing?
Allies avoid saying this phrase, as it centers their feelings.
What is “I didn’t mean to”?
Name one way an individual can hold themselves accountable as an ally.
What is setting personal growth goals, apologizing when wrong, or self-auditing behavior?
This type of bias can show up between people and must be confronted interpersonally.
What is microaggression or affinity bias?
Structural allyship may involve pushing for better representation in this.
What is leadership or decision-making bodies?
This group of people can be allies, regardless of their background or identity.
Who is everyone?
Explain the difference between being a “performative ally” and an “active ally.”
What is performative allies talk about support, while active allies take consistent action and responsibility?
Individual allyship starts with intention and leads to this.
What is consistent personal action or self-driven change?
Give one example of how interpersonal allyship can influence a team dynamic.
What is improving trust, inclusion, or creating psychological safety?
This is a long-term effect of practicing structural allyship across an organization.
What is culture change or systemic equity?