Allyship

🎉 Introducing the First Cohort of the Allyship Ambassador Programme! 🎉 We are thrilled to launch the inaugural Allyship Ambassador Programme, designed to empower individuals in promoting allyship, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) across their organisations and communities. Through comprehensive training, development, and hands-on action, the Allyship Ambassador Programme equips participants with the tools and knowledge to advocate for meaningful change in the workplace and beyond. Meet the First Cohort: We’re excited to introduce the incredible professionals joining us as our first Allyship Ambassadors: ·      Daniel Palmer– Civic Partnership Manager   ·      Darren Bates-Hirst – Fractional, Head of People & HR Consultant ·      Francisca Beloso – EMEA Sr Project Manager ·      Tais De Queiroz – Head of HR   ·      Ellie Thompson – Head of Customer Success   ·      Katherine Longhi – DEI Consultant and Trainer   ·      Manpreet Sohal – Chief People Officer  This talented group of individuals, led by Chikere Igbokwe, will collaborate to create impactful initiatives that drive DEIB in their communities and workplaces. We are excited to see the incredible work this cohort will accomplish as they champion allyship and foster lasting, positive change. Stay tuned for updates as our ambassadors embark on this transformative journey! 💡 Change starts with showing up! #AllyshipAmbassadors #DEIB #Inclusivity #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Community #Allyship

The holidays are here and as we shutdown Allyship HQ for 2 weeks to spend quality time with loved ones, our wishlist for 2025 looks a little something like this… 🖤 Learn and Educate Yourself Invest time in understanding the histories, experiences, and systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. Share this knowledge to challenge misinformation and harmful narratives. 🤎 Support Marginalised Voices Amplify the work of leaders, writers, and activists from underrepresented communities. Follow, share, and engage with their perspectives to ensure their stories are heard and valued. 🤍Acknowledge Histories Recognise the historical and cultural contributions of marginalised communities. Research the history of the spaces you inhabit and acknowledge those who have been historically overlooked. 🖤 Challenge Stereotypes Speak out against harmful stereotypes, biases, or inaccurate representations in conversations, media, and education. Promote narratives that reflect respect and accuracy. 🤎 Invest in Communities Support businesses, organisations, and initiatives led by underrepresented groups. Donate to causes that directly benefit marginalised communities and advance equity. 🤍 Advocate for Policy Change Back policies that address systemic inequities, uphold rights, and foster opportunities for marginalised groups to thrive. Engage with initiatives that promote long-term structural change. #Allyship #Belonging #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #InclusionMatters

For some, you may be writing your first #Diversity #Equity and #Inclusion strategy, while others may be reviewing theirs as a new year fast approaches. Wherever you find yourself, understand that systemic change does not happen on the fumes of good intentions. You NEED to have a strategy. And as an ally, are you: 🖤 Including DE&I as criteria for hiring and promotion, connecting with underrepresented communities 🤎 Creating clear DE&I goals and outcomes and inviting stakeholders to hold you accountable to these 🤍 Relying on DE&I as a compass to guide important decision-making processes 🖤 Bringing on leaders that are able to champion DE&I as much as the company does, growing a culture of allyship You have your work cut out for you in 2025. Pic Credit: Hayley Bennett 🙏🏿 #Allyship #Belonging #InclusionMatters

The Afro comb is more than a tool—it is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and resistance with roots in ancient African civilizations. Historically, these intricately designed combs reflected a person’s age, marital status, ethnicity, and beliefs, showcasing the rich diversity of African cultures. In the 20th century, the Afro comb gained renewed significance during the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of Black pride. Particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, the Afro hairstyle became a bold statement of resistance against racial oppression and an embrace of African heritage. Using an Afro comb symbolised political defiance, affirming identity, rejecting dominant beauty standards, and celebrating natural hair textures with pride. Today, the Afro comb remains a potent emblem of pride, history, and self-expression. Pic Credit: Zanele Muholi (@muholizanele on IG) 🙏🏿 #Allyship #Learning #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #BlackHistory #BlackPride #InclusionMatters

🖤 Be kind 🤎 Be gracious 🤍 Pic Credit: Adam Grant 🙏🏿 #Allyship #Belonging #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion

Highlander Syndrome occurs when a member of a marginalised community, after attaining some level of privilege, acts as a gatekeeper, preventing others from accessing similar opportunities. We first came across this term when our Allyship Book Club read R.F. Kuang’s novel ‘Yellowface’ in which she describes it as… “…the way members of marginalised groups feel threatened if someone else like them starts finding success.” The reality is minoritised individuals can also uphold racist status quos and injustices. What has your experience been like? Share with us your perspectives in the comments ⬇️ #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Allyship #Belonging #InclusionMatters

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a celebration but a day of mourning and protest. It marks the arrival of European settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression, displacement, and violence that followed. The dominant narratives often romanticise this history, portraying harmonious gatherings that gloss over the devastating impacts of colonization. This whitewashed version of Thanksgiving erases the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples and perpetuates a one-sided perspective centered on European colonialists. November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and tomorrow #NativeAmericanHeritageDay; yet these moments of recognition are often overshadowed or forgotten. By engaging with and amplifying Indigenous voices, we can challenge the dominant narrative and work toward greater understanding, respect, and accountability. Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to acknowledge the past and commit to building a more inclusive future together. #Allyship #Diversity #Inclusion #Belonging #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialJustice

Achieving equity in the workplace requires collective action, and white men hold a critical role in this process. As the demographic that disproportionately controls resources, decision-making power, and systemic privilege, they are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. 🚧 The challenge? 🚧 Men, across cultures, are often socialised to avoid vulnerability, which can hinder their engagement in conversations about privilege, bias, and systemic inequality. There is a pervasive fear particularly for white men that advancing equity means losing power. This fear can lead to resistance to #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion efforts, often fueled by the perception that addressing systemic inequality requires “giving away” privilege that has been “hard-won.” Efforts to level the playing field are not about taking away from one group but about creating an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. 🟢 How can allies help? 🟢 To move forward, it is essential we… 🖤 Invite white men into these conversations with empathy and a focus on shared goals. 🤎 Address the misconceptions around privilege and help them see that equity benefits everyone—not just marginalised groups. True workplace equity will remain out of reach unless those with the most systemic power actively engage in and champion the effort. #Allyship #Belonging #InclusionMatters #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion

🏳️⚧️ Trans stories are everyone’s stories 🏳️⚧️ They remind us of the power of authenticity, the importance of social justice, and the enduring fight for equality. Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender people have long been at the forefront of advancing human rights for all, and yet continue to face discrimination, hostility, and erasure. Let us take this time to remember all the trans lives that have been lost. Their stories are part of our shared history - a history that belongs to everyone. So how can you step up as an ally? 🩵 Educate Yourself: Avoid placing the burden of educating you on trans individuals. 🩷 Support Transgender Visibility and Well-being: Celebrate and amplify trans voices, stories, and achievements. 🤍 Volunteer with organisations supporting trans rights, and create safe, affirming spaces for trans colleagues and friends. #TDOR #Allyship #Inclusion #Belonging #SocialJustice #DiversityAndInclusion #Storytelling

It’s not #Inclusion if you’re unwilling to change the status quo. 🔊 Say it louder for the people at the back! Credit: Chiany D. from The Inclusion School 🙏🏿 #Diversity #Belonging #InclusionMatters #Equity #Allyship