Step 1
Take Good Notes
Being a real ally takes research, research and yes MORE research!
Your MUST know your stuff - especially when you are young and ageism is working against you. People may try to discredit your words based solely on your lived experience. Allyship can be difficult if those around you are not taking your seriously.
So know your stuff
Step 2
Listen Carefully
Often a good ally has to listen for the words that ARE NOT being said aloud.
Talking about trauma, difficult interactions with others (especially those closest to us), or just going through a hard time can be really tough to talk about.
A good ally knows that the most important thing to start with is listening carefully to shoe who want to support.
Step 3
Be genuine with people
We all witnessed the dangers and disrespect of “Performative Allyship” during summer of 2020 when many people pumped on the Black Lives Matter bandwagon - just to make themselves LOOK like they care…if you want to be an ally - be real with people.