Becoming a Better Ally
Understanding privilege is essential to becoming a better ally in creating a more inclusive workplace. Privilege encompasses unearned benefits based on social groups like race, gender, and class. Instead of feeling guilty, individuals in positions of privilege should empathetically leverage their advantages to uplift others. Workplace privileges, such as feeling safe at work and not experiencing career gaps, highlight inequalities that need addressing for a truly inclusive environment.
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Becoming a Better Ally Creating a more inclusive workplace Brian Potvin Region 1 Lead 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 1
5 Tips for Being an Ally 5 Tips for Being an Ally 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 2
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Privilege Understanding privilege is key to becoming a better ally. Privilege- a set of unearned benefits given to people who fit in a specific social group. Each of us have greater or lesser access to resources and social power based on race, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, geographical location, ability, religion, and more. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 7
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Privilege Privilege If you are in a position of privilege, it is counterproductive to feel guilty or ashamed of it. Be aware of your advantages and leverage them empathetically Use your voice to uplift others. Sometimes you re the snail, and sometimes you re the caterpillar. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 9
Workplace privileges Workplace privileges You are white. You are male. You are straight. You are cisgender. You are not the primary caregiver for anyone else. You have a college degree. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 10
Workplace privileges Workplace privileges People never touch you or your hair without consent. You feel physically safe at work. You don t have a long career gap in your resume. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 11
Workplace privileges in meetings Workplace privileges in meetings You feel comfortable actively and effectively contributing to meetings you attend. You don t receive comments about your accent or the way you pronounce words. You re rarely interrupted or ignored in meetings. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 12
Workplace privileges in a Workplace privileges in a pandemic pandemic There are enough computers in your home for everyone who needs one. You have a home with reliable, high speed internet access. You have a job that can be done remotely. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 13
Workplace privileges in a Workplace privileges in a pandemic pandemic You live in a house where you are not at a risk of violence- physical, psychological, or emotional. You have a desk, decent chair, or your company will pay for you to have an ergonomic workspace. Your household income is sufficient to pay the bills. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 14
Privilege at work Privilege at work Which one of these privileges surprised you? 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 15
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Sponsor Vocally supports the work of colleagues from underrepresented groups in all contexts, but specifically in situations that will help boost those colleagues standing and reputations. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 16
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Champion Willingly defers to colleagues from underrepresented groups in meetings and visible events, ensuring that person has access to a large audience. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 17
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Amplifier Ensures that marginalized voices are both heard and respected. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 18
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Advocate Uses their power and influence to bring peers from underrepresented groups into highly exclusive circles 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 19
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Scholar A role of listening and learning about the challenges and prejudices faced by colleagues from marginalized groups. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 20
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Upstander Someone who sees wrongdoing and acts to combat it. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 21
Roles that Allies can Play Roles that Allies can Play The Confidant Creates a safe space for members of underrepresented groups to express their fears, frustrations, and needs. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 22
Implicit Bias Implicit Bias None of us are bias-free. As an ally, it is important to be aware of our biases and understand problematic language Be aware of microaggressions or red flag phrases in the workplace, and be ready to speak out against them. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 23
Red Flag Phrases Red Flag Phrases The candidate would not be a good culture fit. I know you re busy so I ll take the lead on this. I m sure they didn t mean to offend anyone. I m not racist, sexist, homophobic, but 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 24
Red Flag Phrases Red Flag Phrases They wouldn t want this role because of the travel. Annie, can you take notes? I don t want to lower the bar. I ve never seen it so I don t think it happens here. 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 25
Red Flag Phrases Red Flag Phrases What can an ally do if they hear one of the red flag phrases? 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 26
Reflect Reflect What is one thing you can do today to be a better ally? 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 27
Resources Resources Book: Better Allies, Karen Catlin Subscribe to the Better Allies newsletter: https://betterallies.com/more-content/ Upcoming DEI virtual workshops. Sign up on workforcetransfomation.org 3/23/2024 www.workforcetransformation.org 28
