Bridging Divides: Transformative Allyship from Uprising to Collective Renewal
THE RISING AWARENESS JOURNEY: "Healing the Human Race from racism and related social constructs one person and conversation at a time."
In this article, we continue exploring the second of The Rising Awareness Journey's Five “A’s”: Allyship. We define Allyship as the ongoing public supportive association with another person or group, particularly with members of a marginalized or mistreated group.
History keeps repeating itself. Why? Is it because we didn’t learn correctly the first time, or is it because of something else?
Throughout the existence of the earth, there have been rebellions, then resilience, then change. Over and over and over again, the world has entered a cultural disruption to our everyday lives, along with an awareness of the possibility that cultural, social, and racial issues would be a constant in our lives as citizens of Earth. No matter your background, location, socioeconomic position, or culture, you will be made to care about the wave after wave of the culture war.
Granted, I am sure there has always been a clash of cultures from the start of time. Historical literature points to many conflicts across human progression through time. In the last 150 years, though, the speed of information, increased populations, and the improvement of technology have yet to make it any easier for us to communicate with one another and work through challenges. Some existing communities only want us to pick A or B—seemingly forcing us to pick a side and follow the movement no matter how culture shifts and changes or who it hurts. Not allowing us as individuals to make up our minds for ourselves and finally find ways to have different opinions yet still work, live, grow, and prosper together. The world stage casts anyone not in a current narrative as the "others" who only want to tear down and destroy. Never finding a middle ground, never seeing the spot to clear off a small space, stand together, and face the future with empathy, care, understanding, and compassion for the community around us. Forces seem only to push us further apart and lead us ultimately to apathy as we give up hope and decide that we can do nothing.
But hold up! It’s time to stop the madness.
As we continue our journey on the Allyship train, we find ourselves on a new route - the Rising Awareness Journey (RAJ). This train ride is a transformational journey designed to break down barriers and “healing The Human Race from racism and related social constructs one person and conversation at a time.” Imagine various stops along this allyship train as we move from the initial “bridging divides” stage, where the status quo is questioned, to the “collective renewal” stage, where there is meaningful change and support for marginalized communities.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
Are you ready to check out the stops?
TERMINAL 1:
Stop #1: Awareness and Insurrection: This stop involves recognizing systemic oppression, the injustices faced by marginalized groups, and one’s own privilege.
Stop #2. Recognition of Inequity: Understanding how societal structures impact different groups, causing you to gain a deeper understanding of issues by possibly engaging in critical thinking and conversations about race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of oppression.
Stop #3. Questioning the Status Quo: Do you feel compelled to speak out against injustice, participate in protests, or advocate for policy changes? This is your stop! You may also feel compelled to voice your discontent via organized protests, social media, or public displays of strategic nonviolent defiance.
Stop #4. Listening to Marginalized Voices: Actively seeking out and listening to the experiences of those from marginalized communities is crucial to building empathy and understanding.
TERMINAL 2: Education and Reflection
Stop #1. Ongoing Learning: Commit to continuous education. This includes reading books, attending workshops, and engaging with various media that highlight different perspectives.
Stop #2. Self-Reflection: Reflect on your biases and the impact of your actions. This introspection fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of your role in social justice.
Stop #3. Building Knowledge: Make an effort to understand the history and context of the struggles faced by marginalized groups.
TERMINAL 3: Engagement and Advocacy
Stop #1. Action: Move beyond awareness to engage in active support. This might involve volunteering, joining advocacy groups, or participating in campaigns.
Stop #2. Speaking Up: Use your privilege to amplify marginalized voices, especially in spaces where those voices are often silenced.
Stop #3. Challenging Injustice: Confront discriminatory practices and policies within institutions, workplaces, and communities.
TERMINAL 4: Solidarity and Support
Stop #1. Building Relationships: Forming genuine connections with marginalized communities strengthens the allyship bond. Trust and mutual respect are foundational.
Stop #2. Being Present: Show up for marginalized individuals, whether during crises or in everyday situations. This presence reinforces the message of solidarity.
Stop #3. Offering Resources: Provide access to resources, networks, and opportunities.
TERMINAL 5: Resurrection and Transformation
Stop #1. Creating Lasting Change: Help cultivate an environment where systemic change is possible. This may involve advocating for policy reforms or supporting initiatives that empower marginalized communities. After the initial upheaval, this stage focuses on introspection. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and how to continue seeking more education and evolving.
Stop #2. Encouraging Collective Action: Inspire others to join the movement, fostering a growing community of support and activism.
Stop #3. Celebrating Progress: Recognizing and celebrating milestones in the journey toward equity reinforces the importance of allyship and motivates continued efforts.
Key agreements are reached.
Community rebuilding efforts are the focus.
Alliances are formed.
Dialogue and negotiation occur.
Implementation of change takes place.
Achievements are celebrated.
As your train ride continues, keep in mind that the journey from “uprising to collective renewal” in allyship is a continuous process; it is not linear. It’s a cycle of learning that requires commitment, reflection, action, and accountability. By progressing through these terminal stops, individuals can transform their awareness into meaningful support, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society.
Ride this Rising Awareness Journey train in pursuit of lasting change. As you ride, take time to reflect by asking yourself these questions:
1. How can I go about educating people about issues negatively impacting marginalized individuals and communities?
2. What culturally diverse groups can I ally myself with?
3. What steps can I take to help guide my community to make changes that would help everyone live better lives and be okay with the differences that individuals have?
4. What type of support am I willing to affect?
Volunteering
Donating time/money
Providing emotional support
Other???
Punch your ticket for The Rising Awareness Journey, and let the journey begin.
Join The Rising Awareness Journey Allyship Train and invite others to travel with you. It’s not a short ride, but it’s a meaningful one.
This article continues a series advocating that in all of our interactions, we pause and intentionally “co-create relationships to connect first - Human to Human.” We invite you to join The Rising Awareness Journey, engage in critical thinking, and participate in meaningful conversations that will align you with an international multiethnic community of like-minded, like-spirited individuals who are critical thinkers and genuinely care about actively making our world a better place for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
Please click here to learn more about The Rising Awareness Journey.
The views, thoughts, and opinions found in this article are those belonging to the authors and are provided for informational and educational thought-provoking value.
“Co-creating relationships to connect first, Human to Human.”
About the Authors:
Perry Rhue – The Rising Awareness Journey Founder, Executive Coach-sultant & Professional Thought Partner
Lauren Davis – Clinical Psychologist, Executive Coach-sultant, Mental Health Activist & Professional Thought Partner
Ken Sawyer – Advertising Executive, Media Planner, Consultant & Professional Thought Partner
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