Three Guides on Allyship by Amnesty International
- Authors: Amnesty International Australia
- Keywords: allyship, anti-racism, inclusive language, educating children and adolescents
On the website of Amnesty International, it reads: “Allyship is a commitment to a way of living, something we always have to strive for. A lifelong process of learning, listening and self-reflection. And no one is going to be perfect at it. As allies, we advocate within our community, challenging ignorance and mobilising more allies. As allies, we understand we are there in a support role. We turn up when needed and know when to step back – never taking the spotlight, respecting boundaries, and supporting the community to be empowered in their need to act alone.”
Amnesty published this statement together with three different guides to allyship that are great tools for learning about allyship – individually or in a team.
The first guide is about inclusive language and events – an important topic to ensure that we don’t leave people out of our conversations or work. It provides information about how to use inclusive language and ensure that events are accessible and inclusive for everyone. The guide consists of examples and advice on gender, sex and sexuality, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cultural and linguistic diversity, disability and accessibility, and how to deliver inclusive events.
The second guide is about anti-racism work, offering simple and practical advice on how to recognise, address and actively work against racism in order to defend equality and celebrate diversity. It is a very vivid guide with stories, advice and tips written by people with lived experience of racism. The main three parts of the guide are: “What is an ally?”, “Why is action important?” and “6 steps to being a good ally.”
The third guide about raising an anti-racism ally is a collection of activities, talking points, check-ins and exercises to get the conversation started with children and adolescents.