As one student shared with us, “We don’t want your sympathy, we want change”. Creating meaningful change in classrooms and workplaces starts with reflection and continues through committed action. This page offers reflection questions and practical resources to help educators take up the work of allyship in intentional ways.

Reflective Activities

Allyship begins with self-awareness. We all carry inherited biases, but by staying open, reflective, and willing to grow, we can begin to shift harmful patterns. That means:

• Checking our own assumptions and fears
• Seeking out diverse perspectives and voices
• Resisting defensiveness and choosing curiosity over avoidance
• Acknowledging when our biases may have caused harm—and working to repair that harm
• Speaking out and taking action, even when it’s uncomfortable

Being an ally is not a label—it’s a practice. It’s about showing up, again and again, in ways that build more just, inclusive, and courageous spaces for all. Ask yourself: What steps can I take today to be an agent for change?

Choose 1-2 of the written stories or videos in this chapter and consider asking yourself (or students) to reflect on the questions below.

Empathy and Allyship

• In what ways can we be better allies to people who may be marginalized or feel excluded due to language barriers, cultural differences, or other factors?
• Reflect on a time when someone made you feel valued or included in a way that had a lasting impact on you. How can you replicate that experience for someone else in the future?

Creating Inclusive Environments

• What are some concrete steps you can take as an instructor, manager, or colleague to ensure that everyone feels respected and included, especially those from marginalized backgrounds?
• How can team members contribute to a culture of inclusion where all voices are heard, and contributions are valued equally, even in fast-paced or hierarchical environments?

Addressing Unconscious Bias

• How can we become more aware of unconscious biases that may affect how we listen to or value ideas, especially from people with different accents or cultural backgrounds?
• What strategies can organizations implement to address biases and ensure that all ideas, regardless of who proposes them, are given fair consideration?

Resources

MacEwan University Let’s Talk About Allyship [PDF]

Becoming an Ally 

How to be an Ally for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students

Guide to Allyship

How to be an effective ally to Indigenous communities – Guidelines for Allyship

5 Tips for Effective Allyship in the Classroom