DeepSummary
Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Surrett discuss the concept of allyship and the important role that each person can play as an ally to underrepresented and marginalized communities. They emphasize the need to start by acknowledging one's own privilege and biases, and continuously learning about the lived experiences of others through study, listening, and gathering information from diverse networks.
They highlight that allyship is a proactive and ongoing process that requires moving from awareness to taking concrete actions, intervening, and speaking up. However, they caution against centering oneself or unintentionally silencing the voices of those one aims to support. Instead, allies should aim to amplify marginalized voices and be guided by the needs and perspectives of the impacted communities.
The discussion also touches on the importance of resilience and humility in the journey of allyship, recognizing that mistakes will happen, and being open to feedback and personal growth. They encourage finding supportive communities to process feelings and avoid burdening marginalized groups unnecessarily. Ultimately, effective allyship is about consistently showing up, building trust, and being willing to be uncomfortable in order to create meaningful change.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Allyship requires ongoing self-reflection, learning, and action to support marginalized communities.
- Allies should acknowledge their privileges and biases, and strive to amplify marginalized voices rather than centering themselves.
- Mistakes are inevitable in the journey of allyship, but resilience, humility, and a willingness to learn from feedback are essential.
- Finding supportive communities can help process feelings and avoid burdening marginalized groups unnecessarily.
- Effective allyship involves consistently showing up, building trust, and being willing to take risks and be uncomfortable.
- Allies should be guided by the needs and perspectives of impacted communities, rather than imposing their own agendas.
- Sharing pronouns and inviting conversations around diversity and inclusion can signal allyship and create safer spaces.
- The journey of allyship is ongoing and requires continuous growth, self-awareness, and a commitment to creating meaningful change.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So, you know, there's none. None among us that hasn't been in the receiving feedback position. And I think that's what we have to keep in mind when we are the giving of the feedback position.“ by Jennifer Brown
- “Fear that when people first are given kind of criticism or feedback about a mistake they made, it might shut people down and stop them from being an ally and put them back into that world of being a bystander.“ by Jennifer Surrett
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Episode Information
The Will To Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity & Inclusion
Jennifer Brown
9/21/22
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Senior Consultant Dr. Jennifer Sarrett as they discuss allyship and the important role that each of us can play as allies to underrepresented and marginalized communities. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about allyship and how to be an effective ally. You’ll hear about the danger of allies centering themselves over marginalized community members and what to do instead. Â