Being an Effective Ally

Supporting vulnerable community members means listening, showing up, and using whatever advantages you have to help — not to lead.

Allyship Is Action

Being an ally isn't an identity you claim — it's something you do. It means consistent action, not just good intentions. And it means following the lead of those most affected.

Core Principles

Listen First

Ask what's needed rather than assuming. The people most affected understand their situation better than you do. Your role is to support, not direct.

Show Up Consistently

One-time help is better than nothing, but sustained relationships matter more. Be reliable. Follow through on commitments. Don't disappear when it gets hard.

Use Your Privilege

If you have advantages — citizenship, language skills, financial resources, social connections — use them in service of those who don't. That's the point.

Protect Privacy

Never share information about someone's immigration status, location, or situation without explicit permission. Safety depends on discretion.

Concrete Actions You Can Take

Direct Support

  • • Accompany someone to appointments (immigration, legal, medical)
  • • Provide rides when public transit isn't safe
  • • Offer childcare during appointments or emergencies
  • • Help navigate bureaucracy and paperwork
  • • Translate or interpret (if qualified)
  • • Be an emergency contact

Using Your Position

  • • If you're an employer: know workers' rights, don't cooperate with unauthorized raids
  • • If you're a landlord: understand tenant protections
  • • If you're a teacher: know family rights, be a trusted adult
  • • If you're a healthcare provider: understand confidentiality rules
  • • If you have resources: donate to legal defense funds

Witnessing and Documentation

  • • Be a witness if you see concerning enforcement activity
  • • Record from a safe distance (know your rights)
  • • Report incidents to rapid response networks
  • • Provide testimony if needed for legal cases

Advocacy

  • • Contact elected officials about policies
  • • Support sanctuary policies in your community
  • • Speak up against hateful rhetoric
  • • Educate others in your community
  • • Amplify voices of those directly affected

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't speak for others. Amplify their voices; don't replace them.
  • Don't share sensitive information. Even well-meaning posts can endanger people.
  • Don't make it about you. This isn't about your feelings or your image.
  • Don't give legal advice. Connect people with actual attorneys.
  • Don't promise what you can't deliver. Be honest about your capacity.
  • Don't expect gratitude. You're doing what's right, not earning credit.

Supporting Specific Communities

Immigrants and Refugees

  • • Learn about rights that apply regardless of status
  • • Connect families with legal resources (not legal advice)
  • • Help with family emergency plans
  • • Be prepared to help with childcare if a parent is detained
  • • Know your local rapid response network

LGBTQ+ Community

  • • Respect names, pronouns, and privacy
  • • Don't out anyone without permission
  • • Know resources for LGBTQ+ youth
  • • Speak up against discrimination you witness

Religious Minorities

  • • Accompany community members who feel unsafe
  • • Report hate incidents
  • • Attend solidarity events at houses of worship
  • • Learn about the communities, not just the threats they face

Resources