How to be a better ally: answers to those questions you’ve always wanted to ask
We’re publishing a series of four follow-up recordings to our North of England and Midlands networks’ June 2020 “Allies” event, where representatives from all five of the IP Inclusive communities provided insights into the issues faced by those they represent and thoughts on how we can all be better allies to those groups. (You can read a report of the event here, and access a podcast version – written and recorded by North of England committee member Joanna Thurston – here.)
One thing which was highlighted at that event was the need for greater awareness and understanding of the issues faced by those in the five communities. As we all know, we get better understanding on a topic or subject through asking questions and reflecting on the answers we receive.
The follow up “Ask Me Anything” survey prompted a number of those questions which many of us have wanted to ask a colleague or someone else but were reluctant to for fear of causing offence. There has been a wide range of topics to explore, some specific to particular communities and others seeking more general advice on how to be a better ally.
During this series of recordings, answers to the submitted questions are given by the relevant community or communities with some discussion between them. Each recording provides valuable insight as well as practical tips to help us all support each other more confidently and effectively and to be better allies. The first was aired during our 21 October 2020 event “How to be a better ally: answers to those questions you’ve always wanted to ask”.
So far you can access parts 1, 2 and 3 in the series, using the links below. We’ll be posting part 4 shortly, so keep an eye on our Resources page or contact our North of England network for updates.
Here are the links to the recordings:
You may also be interested in our mini-series of interviews on “Allies & intersectionality”, recorded with IP sector diversity champions during the summer of 2020.