The Five Qualities of an Ally
- An ally listens. Pay attention to, believe in, and respect what the person who needs help says.
- An ally is present. Back the person up—by being a friend, by keeping your word, and by letting the person know when you can't be there.
- An ally opens doors. Help the person explore the available options, resources, and support. Provide useful information and share your resources and connections.
- An ally takes chances. Sometimes we don't reach out because we fear we will make a mistake or say the wrong thing. An ally is bold. When they mess up, they fix it and try again. It's always important to take a chance and reach out.
- An ally gets support. When you are helping someone, remember to take care of yourself. Don't do it all alone. Above all, an ally is a peacemaker.
THE ALLY PLEDGE
I promise not to be violent to my friends, my family, my lover, or to anyone else.
I promise to be an ally to myself, my sisters, my brothers, and to anyone under attack.
I promise to stand up for people and build my community.
From Young Men’s Work by Alan Creighton and Paul Kivel ©1995 by the Oakland Men’s Project. All rights reserved. Reproduction for personal, group or class use is permissible.
Resource Information
Paul
Kivel
- Resource Type:
- Reading
- Toolkit Sections:
- Get to Work
- Toolkit Sub-Sections:
- Get to Work - What Men & Boys Can Do
