How To Be an Ally

Over at Bilerico, “Guest blogger Rev. Ann Fontaine, of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, keeps the blogs Green Lent and what the tide brings in and writes for Episcopal Cafe. She is the author of Streams of Mercy: a meditative commentary on the Bible.”

Here’s her “Code for Allies”:

• We listen to those with whom we work without judging the perspectives, experiences, and feelings of the members of the marginalized group, even when the words feel accusatory towards us. These perspectives, experiences and feelings reveal what we do not know about those with whom we seek to become allies.
• We seek to learn from those with whom we ally in order to educate ourselves and others about the culture and concerns of those with whom we are allied. We examine our fears of “the other. We recognize the interconnectedness of “isms” and other examples of individual and societal prejudice.
• We understand the commonalities and the differences among the various expressions of prejudice and isolation of groups.
• We identify and work to change our prejudicial beliefs and actions as well as to change the beliefs and actions of others, both individual and institutional.
• We build relationships with other discredited, marginalized, oppressed, non-privileged groups.
• We work for the equalizing and responsible use of power and authority.
• We advocate for policies and activities that support those affected by injustice.
• We use appropriate language.
• We confront inappropriate language.
• We ask questions rather than assume we know the answer.
• We take risks.
• We appreciate the efforts by members of our ally group to point out our mistakes.
• We combat the harassment, discrimination, and physical assault that marginalized groups experience in our society by speaking out, by our presence and by working to change the systems that continue oppression and give one group privilege over another.
• We appreciate the risks taken by our allies for their own freedom.
• We recognize that groups need to work on their own and with others – even when that means we may be left out of the discussion and work.
• We support other allies.
• We act as allies with no conditions attached.

Now that’s a plateful, but do go read the whole post.

(via Lena, via Bilerico)