So many great topics are brought up here, and I feel compelled to keep touching on some basics from time to time. So with that, here's our Allyship Tip Tuesday! :)
Since posting a few months ago about the topic of "amplifying your voice," I've given a lot more thought on how to do this in practical or everyday ways. Ways that feel natural, life in practice, human, and doable every day.
One thing I recognize is that there exists an easy-to-cross line between supporting voices and unintentionally speaking for others. Allyship needs courage and boldness. We can't deny that (especially in times of undeniably strong division). But sometimes allyship should be about creating space, offering runway, and stepping back. And this is something anyone can do to create real and personal impact.
Being an expert listener also means being a detective-level room reader. It's easy to say "I listen" but taking in and recognizing who hasn't been heard and helping guide the conversation so others have space to speak is easy to miss, and even easier to not backtrack once the moment has passed.
It has been my experience as both the giver and recipient of such grace that the simple acknowledgment of "I see you" can mean a lot to someone who feels overlooked, unheard, or pushed aside (whether it was unintentional or not), particularly when they don't have the same access, privilege, or platform as others.
Sometimes one sentence is all it takes.
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"I think it would be valuable to hear from ___ on this."
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"I'd love to hear ___'s perspective."
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"Circling back to what ___ said earlier…"
It's not perfect. It doesn't always work. But it is low-risk and probably the easiest way to score a few points for allyship. What are some other subtle ways to help that you feel anyone can do?
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Julia Scholl
Marketing Manager
Park Loyalty, Inc.
Baraboo WI
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