Ally work

Ally work is an activist approach for members of privileged classes in working with members of underprivileged or oppressed classes in order to bring about reforms to or an end to a system of privilege and oppression.

The term comes from antiracist activism. "Ally work" is a position-conscious term, which suggests that people of privilege who wish to do antiracist work, feminist work, etc., must first recognize their privilege, and then position themselves as allies rather than leaders. For instance, white people in the US must recognize white privilege as a first step in becoming an ally to people of color in antiracist work. Similarly, men must recognize male privilege in order to be an ally to women in feminist work.

See also:

• Male allies in feminist activism
• White allies in antiracist activism
• Western allies in anticolonialist activism