Being an Ocean Ally is for everyone! From taking small action to show your solidarity and support for underrepresented groups to aligning yourself to support and uplift those whose voices often go unheard are all ways to be an Ocean Ally!
What is Allyship? Allyship is the lifelong practice of actively recognizing your privileges and working to build equitable relationships based on trust and accountability among individuals or groups of underrepresented individuals. Your efforts must be recognized by equity-seeking groups and individuals.
Why is being an ally so important?
1. You create a safe and inclusive space for all
2. By being an ally, you become a champion for diversity and inclusion
3. By playing an active role in allyship, you will help advance inclusivity personally and professionally by creating a safe, trusting, and positive space for equity-seeking groups and individuals
4. Your active commitment to allyship will help improve the state of DEI&A in our ocean community
What can you do as an individual to be an ally?
1. Listen – ensure that you are open-minded and actively listening to the opinions and needs of others
2. Be willing to speak up, educate and be an ally for marginalized individuals or groups in the face of discrimination (if you feel safe to do so)
3. Be inclusive and ensure that you actively work to avoid judgment or making comments that may be hurtful to others
4. Educate yourself and understand that it is your role to educate yourself
5. Ensure that your vocabulary is inclusive and does not convey prejudice
6. Be willing to ask questions rather than make assumptions
7. Confront your privileges, prejudices and biases, even if it is uncomfortable.
8. Be mindful that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, should be treated with kindness and respect
What can you do as an organization to foster allyship?
1. Listen – ensure that you are open-minded and actively listening to the opinions and needs of your members and/or employees
2. Provide educational and training resources to your members and/or employees about how to be an ally and how to be inclusive
3. Work to actively create a culture within your organization that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, should be treated with kindness and respect
4. Provide a safe space for employees and/or members to share their concerns and work to address these concerns as they arise.
5. Supporting diverse workers through programs and supports to make them feel welcome, safe, and trusting of your organization
Resources to help you get started as an ally!
Glossary of equitable terms – Improving your language and being mindful of the meaning of language is one of the easiest ways to get started as an ally!
The Guide to Allyship – This guide will help you understand the steps required to be an ally and help you through all the challenges that may come with allyship.
‘That’s Not How That Works’ Podcast – This podcast explores diversity, inclusion, and equity and how these things show up, (or don’t) in our personal and professional communities.
7 Examples of What Being an Ally at Work Really Looks Like – This resource provides excellent examples of a few of the ways you can be an ally in your workplace
Call out & call in racism – Strategies for approaching tough conversations and fostering accountability in an effort to make positive change
