How to Be an Active Ally

Allyship in Action: Practical Tips to Spark Change

Written by Certified Diversity Executives Susie Silver & Kaela Sosa

In our work with clients across industries and locations, we hear from many people who want to act as active allies to improve equity and increase opportunities for others. They’re looking for ways to support communities of color as well as LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, women, religious groups, and all other people who may stand to benefit from active allyship by people with privilege. Their desire to help is strong, but they aren’t sure how to translate those feelings into concrete actions.

An ally is “any person [who] actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive, and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.” In other words, active allyship isn’t one single action; it is an ongoing process.