Skip to main content

Novel Coronavirus — May 19, 2022 Update: Explore Scouts Canada’s actions as we continue to follow the direction of government and health agencies in maintaining public health. View recommendations and stay informed here. Learn more about Scouts Canada's new vaccination mandate.

Being an Ally

Have you ever heard the term “ally” before? What is an ally? Learn how you can become an ally and what actions you can do to support people from every background.

Back to Activity Finder

Plan

  • What materials do you need to complete this activity?
  • What do you know about being an ally?
  • How much time do you need to complete this activity?

Do

  • Discuss what an ally is, and what it means to be an ally
  • Talk about ways that you have been an ally in the past and ways that you could be an ally in the future
  • Consider following these steps to help navigate how to be an ally:
    • Take on issues of injustice as your own (stand with those you are being an ally too)
    • Speak up
    • Listen and learn
    • Keep learning
    • Identify and call out stereotypes
    • Acknowledge your own biases
    • Believe people when they say that something is offensive to them
    • Honour and respect spaces that people find sacred
    • Take up less space (don’t make it about you!)
    • Understand what microaggressions are and how to avoid them
    • Get comfortable being uncomfortable
    • Look for examples of solidarity
    • Acknowledge that you will make mistakes
    • Reflect and ask questions
    • Be open to feedback
    • Support the work of those you support
    • Know the difference between equity and equality
    • Commit to doing the work (reach out in your community)

Review

  • What do you know now that you didn’t know before?
  • What are some ways you can be an ally?
  • How can you help others to be allies?
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map to the Review section.

Keep it Simple

  • Start by choosing an issue of equality and learning more about it. What can you do to help combat this issue? Are there any actions that you can take in your everyday life?

Take it Further

  • Learn about what it means to be an ally by working towards a cause. What groups in your community are helping marginalized groups. Do your research and see if there are any groups you can help support. Determine what you will do to show your support and then take action!

Get in Touch

1-888-855-3336

Submit a Request

Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028

Navigation

Learn More about Scouts Canada