The first Feminist Ambassador Brigade (FAB) meeting was a success! The group chose to make the first meeting a space to talk about being active in our allyship in light of the painful injustices that have happened recently. FAB read through various articles in smaller groups, then discussed in larger groups some thoughts and ideas inspired by the readings. Here are the notes we took for you to read and share, followed by the articles we read. FAB members made these awesome buttons too, so swing by the Women’s Center Study Lounge to grab one! What are your ideas for being active in anti-oppression work and allyship?
- Privilege check – waiting for direction from people of color if you are not a person of color. Speaking out vs. speaking up vs. speaking for – awareness of what is and is not your own experience.
- When you hear a critique of protest methods, think critically (what privileged identities might influence the perspective of the critics? What is their bias?). Watching the news – BE AWARE even when it’s uncomfortable – diversify your media sources.
- In-person allyship when you see racism, islamophobia, homophobia, sexism, etc: focus on victim experience and ignore the aggressor – use distraction tactic to support victim.
- Avoiding social justice burnout – taking care of yourself to KEEP GOING. Don’t rely on people of color to educate you individually – that’s not their job.
- Partnerships – being mindful when/if we should lead and when we should get behind – listen and take direction.
- Push ourselves – do the research – WHO ARE WE MISSING IN OUR PERSPECTIVE/SOURCES? Push ourselves to have civil discourse even when it’s hard.
An A-Z guide to being a Muslim ally By Zoha Qamar (December 15, 2015)
This is what white people can do to support #BlackLivesMatter by Sally Kohn (August 6, 2015)
Black-led Racial Justice Organizations (from Showing Up for Racial Justice website)
what it takes to look by adrienne maree brown (September 21, 2016)
Why intersectionality can’t wait by Kimberlé Crenshaw (September 24, 2015)
University of Minnesota Women's Center Blog 