Allyship and Equity Community

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Growing up in a black family, I was taught to gain my voice. I saw my parents experience discrimination, especially my father. I then experienced it as well. I have always spoken up and used my words wisely as a source of power. I am blessed to say that speaking up for those whose voices have been diminished is my passion. It does not always make me popular and has labeled me in some situations. However, I have to stand up for what I know to be right, fair, and just. I help people to gain their voices through mentorship and through sharing my own experiences. If you have your ducks in order, your documentation, etc., then you speak with a voice of authority that is much harder for people to brush off and silence.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Thank you for your perspective.  Having my voice doesn't seem to be an issue, it is using it in a system that was built to ignore that voice and provide me no support when I need it.

Growing up in a black family, I was taught to gain my voice. I saw my parents experience discrimination, especially my father. I then experienced it as well. I have always spoken up and used my words wisely as a source of power. I am blessed to say that speaking up for those whose voices have been diminished is my passion. It does not always make me popular and has labeled me in some situations. However, I have to stand up for what I know to be right, fair, and just. I help people to gain their voices through mentorship and through sharing my own experiences. If you have your ducks in order, your documentation, etc., then you speak with a voice of authority that is much harder for people to brush off and silence.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Faye, what you brought up about an unsupportive system is saddening and unfortunately unsurprising. This is a topic that is in itself a rabbit hole, understanding why there is such dismissiveness en masse in the first place and how to navigate the path to change it. The onus shouldn't rest on you alone. The excuses for dismissiveness can come from a lot of places: apathy, discomfort, fear, how they feel they should respond politically or socially…or simply not knowing how to make a difference. All I can say is that I look up to your strength in continuing to speak up despite the uphill battle you face. 

Thank you for your perspective.  Having my voice doesn't seem to be an issue, it is using it in a system that was built to ignore that voice and provide me no support when I need it.

Growing up in a black family, I was taught to gain my voice. I saw my parents experience discrimination, especially my father. I then experienced it as well. I have always spoken up and used my words wisely as a source of power. I am blessed to say that speaking up for those whose voices have been diminished is my passion. It does not always make me popular and has labeled me in some situations. However, I have to stand up for what I know to be right, fair, and just. I help people to gain their voices through mentorship and through sharing my own experiences. If you have your ducks in order, your documentation, etc., then you speak with a voice of authority that is much harder for people to brush off and silence.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Julia

Thank you for the kind words, what I see sometimes is, parking is an unpopular cash cow, no one likes getting ticketed, but we are pressured to bring in that money.  Which I can easily do with the resources to do the work, without it we are just treading water and keeping our noses inches from going under.

  It's good that the industry is just starting to think about mental health and the long-term effects of being treated horribly as a course of doing business.  Add misogyny, racism, and political agendas and it's just a meltdown recipe, but you're not allowed to do that, or you get called all the predictable names, my favorite is the angry black woman syndrome.  It negates the fact that sometimes there is a reason to be angry, just another way to silence.

Even when you communicate without raising your voice.  Sigh.

Faye, what you brought up about an unsupportive system is saddening and unfortunately unsurprising. This is a topic that is in itself a rabbit hole, understanding why there is such dismissiveness en masse in the first place and how to navigate the path to change it. The onus shouldn't rest on you alone. The excuses for dismissiveness can come from a lot of places: apathy, discomfort, fear, how they feel they should respond politically or socially…or simply not knowing how to make a difference. All I can say is that I look up to your strength in continuing to speak up despite the uphill battle you face. 

Thank you for your perspective.  Having my voice doesn't seem to be an issue, it is using it in a system that was built to ignore that voice and provide me no support when I need it.

Growing up in a black family, I was taught to gain my voice. I saw my parents experience discrimination, especially my father. I then experienced it as well. I have always spoken up and used my words wisely as a source of power. I am blessed to say that speaking up for those whose voices have been diminished is my passion. It does not always make me popular and has labeled me in some situations. However, I have to stand up for what I know to be right, fair, and just. I help people to gain their voices through mentorship and through sharing my own experiences. If you have your ducks in order, your documentation, etc., then you speak with a voice of authority that is much harder for people to brush off and silence.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Growing up in a black family, I was taught to gain my voice. I saw my parents experience discrimination, especially my father. I then experienced it as well. I have always spoken up and used my words wisely as a source of power. I am blessed to say that speaking up for those whose voices have been diminished is my passion. It does not always make me popular and has labeled me in some situations. However, I have to stand up for what I know to be right, fair, and just. I help people to gain their voices through mentorship and through sharing my own experiences. If you have your ducks in order, your documentation, etc., then you speak with a voice of authority that is much harder for people to brush off and silence.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Finding your voice:  I believe many have a fear of getting it wrong.  We worry about saying something and then unintentionally offending someone.  We need to remember that we are not perfect, and we are going to make mistakes, but this is part of us growing. Starting a hard conversation with something like " I might not be expressing this correctly, but it is important" show humbleness.  It is also important to seek feedback instead of approval, this helps in our growth process. 

There is always a fear of professional repercussions if we are unsure of ourselves or the topic, we need to discuss with others is something perhaps our co-workers are not supportive of but needs to be discussed for say a team project. At work there could be fear of alienation or retaliation because we have different beliefs or perhaps you are in support of a different view.  This sometimes forces me personally to hesitate in bringing it to the table in fear of someone going on the attack.  In some conversations I have seen others hesitate to step in because you can see they are unsure if they will receive the same reaction or response. 

Understanding that allyship is not about taking over, but is more about supporting, elevating and using influence responsibly is crucial to the process.  We need to work on avoiding assumptions and lean more towards offing support to others when we see or hear something we know is not right. We need to start with small actions and support others in meetings, lift them up, or ask clarifying questions. It took me years to find my voice when I started my career in a male dominated industry.  Always waiting for someone else to speak up first and watching as this person in charge who was supposed to be our leader picked apart another female counter part as we all sat and thought, "wow, better her than me today, so glad I did not say anything". I regret those actions every day and wish I had worked up the courage to step up and speak out and say enough!  I can say honestly, today I am able to do this. It is a work in progress every day, and I am not exactly where I should or need to be, but I am making progress. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. It is good to know we are not alone. 

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!

Julie,
Something most people would never believe is that i grew up a quiet kid in the back corner of class. I often wanted to be overlooked, unquestioned, unseen and unheard. It wasn't until I was on the wrong end of bullying and not fitting in that i decided to lift my own voice and sing. I decided that not only every would-be bully would know my voice, so would every teacher, custodian, librarian, administrator and student.  At Owen Brown Middle School (Columbia MD), I found a crafty way to do the morning announcements and pledge of allegiance. I literally was in the principal's office EVERY DAYUM DAY. No one would be foolish enough to mess with me when i have the ears of the entire school.  (Melissa still gets nervous when i say im going off script) But the very fact that I had the trust of administration let me share the stage with select classmates who also would join in the daily ritual of exercising our voices.

If you attended the Keynote in Louisville, you'll remember picking up a ping pong ball on the way in. You'll also remember throwing them at a fearless bold volunteer. 
YEAH... that was ME! Dr Rebecca Heiss set the stage for you to take fearless action, and you've done that here by lending your voice to forum. I absolutely appreciate that. Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to leverage your access to this stage and begin building the voices you support as well as those inner voices of your own in a manner that builds fearlessness within.

The very action of taking bold steps forward is what changed how I decided to grow into my voice. As a member of this committee, sharing the articles in the IPMI Magazine that resonate with you is an easy way to amplify the message while honoring your introversion. If you ever need a sounding board, someone to help shape a bold message, another voice to deliver or even an outlet for said message let us know. I feel as though our true and authentic selves have a save space here. Even if you need a savage save space, this just may be the right time to define what that looks like and how to advance your voice among the others.

Hello Allyship and Equity Community!

I think this forum is a great outlet for people of all communication styles and comfort levels to share their experiences.

With that, I'm going to put myself out there for a little vulnerable honesty…

As part of this community, I sometimes feel like I don't quite measure up to the strength of the voices and contributions I see demonstrated by many of you. As an introvert and shy gal (those who know, know that these are two different things!), I've always been someone who tries to lead by actions and example before my words.

But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that while the "actions speak louder than words" rule applies so well in many areas, allyship is one space where we must have a voice as a driver of our actions. Our words motivate, support, and amplify our message, and they reinforce and put power behind the actions we take. In a world that is very sensitive to our choice of words, let's face it, this can get uncomfortable real fast, especially when none of us want to be made to feel like caring about allyship makes us "too soft." But really, showing up for others and using your voice is one of the strongest things you can do.

Which brings me to my question. I would love to learn how you find your voice in allyship, or how you support the voices of others in the communities you belong to?

For those who find it challenging, what makes it hard to speak up as an ally, and what has helped you push through?

And for those who have a fearless fire in them and have long found their voice, what words of wisdom do you have for others, and how do you support emerging voices?

I recognize this is pretty broad, but it's something that affects everyone in this community in one way or another. Welcoming all perspectives here!