Actions For Allies – Ideas Wall

One of the most important things I think we can do as allies is to physically and personally speak up for people who are commonly discriminated against. For example, if you are with a group of work colleagues and someone makes a racist comment, say something. If you are in the shops and you see a staff person treating a person poorly and you think it’s because of their race, consider interrupting; ask the staff person a question to distract them, etc. There is every day racism that happens that many would like to pretend doesn’t exist, but it does. It’s our job as allies, and as being part of the group that have hurt and oppressed the indigenous/native populations (and other minority groups) to stand up to our own on their behalf.

It is essential that non-Indigenous Australians support the Uluru Statement from the Heart recommendations and expect our government to enshrine a First Nations voice to Parliament in the Constitution and the establish a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truty-telling.

I will continue to work towards my golf club adopting a Reconciliation Action Plan(RAP). To my knowledge, no golf club in the country has a RAP. I think there is a great opportunity for clubs to recognise the privilege and stewardship of the the land that golf clubs occupy.

We’ve promoted in our staff newsletter and placed posters up at work for National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. This week we had a morning tea ‘cuppa & yarn’ with our Acknowledgement of Country, discussion about some key dates; a chat about our RAP and steps to Reconciliation; making opportunities for ‘truth-telling’; cultural awareness training to support cultural safety; and enjoyed some home-baked goodies featuring native bush-food ingredients. We’re encouraging everyone to participate in upcoming NAIDOC Week events.

I will listen and hear what my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bothers and sisters say. I will think about the ways in which my privilege affects how I see the world and interact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I will join in Close the Gap Day, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events to learn more and to show my support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I have been looking at Deadly Connections Racism Interrupter on Instagram. I haven’t (thankfully!) had to use it yet, but I need to practice it and try interrupting things in other ways.

I find it hard at thinking of the right things on my feet. However, a couple of years ago I was in a situation in an old workplace when people were being racist. I was so unprepared for it, and I promised I would never be unprepared again. I did report the incident (and several others), and I did check in on my First Nations colleague, but I did not interrupt the racism. I want to be prepared for next time. Be ready to interrupt and make it clear it is not ok.

Action I will take:
* Learn methods for disrupting racism and use them
* Start an ideas board at work for practical reconciliation, and implement them
* Continue to work for and collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
* Create and hand over (and walk away unless otherwise asked) opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in my field of work
* Continue to advocate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders knowledge and opinions should be included in all of our work
* Listen to what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders want and need, and help them with self-determination and how they want to care for Country where they want us too

I do the Acknowledgement of Country for an Executive Committee I am a member of. Each time, I share a little bit more about cultural aspects of Wiradjuri Country, which is where I work and live. For example, tell them about the local totem, which is a Magpie or talk about the landscape etc.

I have an Instagram page dedicated to allyship and advocacy for Aboriginal causes. As I continue my learning I will share the pathway to active allyship for others to contribute too with community news and engagement, Aboriginal businesses to support, dates to remember, petitions to sign and any other tips and information for others to be inspired by. I’m inspired by other ally’s to be as supportive as possible and show actions of L.O.V.E (acronym for: Listen / Learn, Observe, Voice (calling out racism) Educate / Evolve) always. Thank you Evolve for this opportunity to further my learning. I look forward to deepening my participation in this space 🙂

I will commit to discuss with my managers at work to consider cultural training as part of our compulsory professional development for next year.
Personally I am committed to continue to learn more in particular about spirituality and the concept of looking after all sentient beings ,animals and plants included. I think that the approach that First Nation People have concerning the interconnection of all living beings is something we all should stop and reflect on.

I participated in a yarning circle yesterday – thank you was excellent. I will take the privilege walk and encourage my workplace to do some cultural awareness training for staff who are multi-national but none are Indigenous. I have been reading and will be continuing to read books on Aboriginality to better understand this country and the amazing Aboriginal culture . I have in the past, am this year and will continue to gift my nephews and nieces Aboriginal story books (this way parents and children gain awareness).

Self reflection on internalised racism, internalised ‘white privilege’ – though I do not identify as ‘white’; continue seeking out opportunities to yarn up & listen up with Indigenous community members with lived experience of – SO MUCH!!! – & Indigenous mentors, cultural guides & Elders. Active membership (as an Associate) of outstanding Indigenous led organisations @Indigenous Allied Health Australia; continuing to improve access, cultural responsiveness, cultural safety & meaningful outcomes in collaborations with Indigenous organisations, where feasible.

I will commit to actively and continually growing my knowledge, understanding, and awareness. I will recognise my privileges, and invite the conversations at home, with friends, and through work.

I will seek to understand what Country I’m on, wherever I am. And, through facilitation and engagement activities I’m involved in, I will encourage others to do the same.

My aspiration is that every Australian knows the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Country they live on, as a small step toward walking together.

#WoiwurrungCounty, Kulin Nation ( Wurundjeri Willam Clan)

I will be more active in my RAP group in the workplace

I will share the privilege walk with my colleagues. I will promote discussion on bias and privilege so I can learn more and raise awareness. When we are aware and learn more, we can change more,
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Speak out when racist comments are made. Encourage my children to do the same.

I’ll educate myself more and contribute financially to services that are run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help redress some of the inequity of privilege in Australia.

I am working with First Nation Australians on a little booklet to be read and discussed in bookclubs on “things I didn’t know and didn’t dare to ask”, because we believe that many people just don’t know and would support if they did.

I’ll invite my colleagues to take the Privilege Walk, and I’ll notice, be aware of and recognise my 29 privileges as that and not as a birthright that I simply take for granted.

Practice speaking your truth by yourself, then bit by bit open to the broader community. Gather allies round you if necessary. Move closer and closer to self compassion. If you don’t know…ask

Courageously examine my own privilege. Spend at least 10 minutes every night reading from the massive pile of wonderful Indigenous Authors!!

Encourage open discussion around cultural awareness, creating a safe space for all questions and topics.

Speak up when we hear people making blanket statements or stereotypes.