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Seven Steps to Becoming a Better Ally

Have you ever noticed that, even in our work for social justice, we often end up working alongside people who are largely similar to ourselves? Similar in terms of class, race, education level, culture, religion, etc.? Although we usually agree that diverse coalitions are more just and more effective, getting there can be hard.

This series will explore what it means to be an ally--to work in solidarity with others from different backgrounds than ourselves to reach social justice goals. We will explore the internal work of understanding our own biases and privileges, and the external work of finding ally partners and building fair and responsible relationships. Participants will receive a copy of my forthcoming self-published book: The Education of a Novice Ally: Learning to be a Middle Class Ally in the Work to End Poverty. (Reading the book is not required to participate.) My ideas about allyship come from my experience working across class lines on economic justice and anti-poverty issues, but allyship is relevant to any social justice issue and any barriers of social division.

photo of Annaka Sikkink smiling at camera
Annaka Sikkink
Please join with me in discerning how to bring an ethic of allyship/solidarity to the social justice efforts we undertake as individuals, members of organizations, and a people of faith.

September 17 thru November 5, 9:30-10:15AM, Fellowship Hall
Sponsored by: Economic Justice Task Force, Social Justice Ministry and the White Privilege Study Group
Facilitated by: Annaka Sikkink

If you would like to request a complimentary copy of Annaka's book, please email her NOW at asikkink@gmail.com or sign up in the fellowship hall after worship.   The book will be available Sept. 17.