We often hear the word “Ally” thrown around in social justice circles. What does this word mean in action? I would like to offer a few definitions to take you on a journey. Though I should include the disclaimer that it is not wrong to be an ally, the trouble lies in staying an Ally and not choosing to level up your allyship.

Ally - An Ally supports equal justice in theory and actively educates themselves about oppression and privilege. Allies may also share their knowledge in small group settings and take part in low-risk actions such as asking for pronouns or putting a land acknowledgement in their bio. Allyship is the first step in solidarity and the focus of this role is largely based on the self - doing internal reflection and advancing their personal education around issues that relate to the cause. An Ally works to understand their own privilege and to expand their emotional resilience. They are building the muscles and gathering the tools they will need to step into the role of an accomplice.

Accomplice - An Accomplice has done the initial work of educating themselves and disrupts institutional biases using their own privilege and awareness of power dynamics. They actively work to dismantle systems of oppression using the knowledge and tools they have gathered as an Ally. Accomplices also have a nuanced understanding of their own privilege that allows them to weaponize it. Accomplices have the knowledge and skills to take calculated risks; and have skin in the game in the way an ally does not.

Co-Conspirator - A co-conspirator has transcended the awareness that comes with allyship, and has grown through the experience of working as an accomplice. They consistently weaponize their privilege as a non-BIPOC person, as a minimum standard for conducting themselves within the community and without. The relationship of co-conspirator is not imposed, it is consented upon. Co-conspirators are active, engaged extensions of the BIPOC community.

What ways do you show up for your community members? What motivates your desire to do anti-oppression work? Who benefits from your support of your Indigenous community members? When we begin to ask ourselves these questions we are taking steps to decenter ourselves and throw a wrench in the works so that we do not replicate the systems of oppression that our movements are fighting to eradicate.